The Belsize Community Library (BCL) in Camden, London has faced new challenges serving their community after the withdrawal of government funding. This project identified opportunities for the BCL to obtain sustainable financial support and increase community engagement. We immersed ourselves in seven library activities, interviewed five community libraries and three staff members, surveyed 14 Camden residents, and conducted an analysis of BCL social media platforms. Based on our findings, we offered a series of recommendations for the BCL to generate revenue (e.g., paid events and advertising adult-oriented activities) and increase community engagement (e.g., social media presence, youth events for 11-16-year-olds, and student study space). 

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Huitema, Sjoerd
• Mani, Shivali
• Makabali, Isabella

Subject

• Sustainability
• Community

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-062923-142512
• 111611

Keyword

• engagement
• community libraries
• footfall
• financial sustainability
• youth
• funding

Advisor

• Davis, John-Michael
• Davis, Jason

Year

• 2023

Center

• London, England Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• The Winch

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth

Date created

• 2023-06-29

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Source

• E-project-062923-142512

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-08-22