The Europe Challenge

The Local Challenge

Located in an area with significant social challenges and high levels of economic deprivation and anti-social behaviour, Stockport Library aims to shift its identity away from a traditional haven for borrowing books to a lively community hub. With economic and social crises looming large, the library wants to boost local biodiversity accessibility and empower the community, build cohesion and encourage sustainable living. Serving neighbourhoods with high levels of deprivation, the library team wants to work with the local community to encourage unity through initiatives like a community garden.  

 The Initiative  

Residents are transforming a disused library space in Stockport – turning it into a buzzing community oasis complete with beehive. “Bookworms Gardeners” from the local community will lead the design, creation and on-going care of this new space. Visitors are actively encouraged to spend time in the garden, to get involved with growing or using the space to reflect and to connect with nature. Partnering with local schools, early years settings and seniors’ clubs, the initiative is bridging generations and building community cohesion by encouraging sustainable living and collective pride. From design workshops to mindfulness sessions, habitat building to litter picks and story-telling under the sky, there are plenty of opportunities for engagement. 

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, the initiative aims to expand Bookworm Garden clubs across Stockport and eventually Greater Manchester libraries, in collaboration with regional colleagues. The funding under this initiative is helping to establish it as a national exemplar under the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals’ Green Libraries Manifesto, driving climate action goals. This initiative will elevate the library’s profile nationally, showcasing transformative impacts and empowering Bookworm Gardeners as ambassadors. The goal is to share best practices and guidance with European counterparts, promoting biodiversity and community engagement across urban areas.  

Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.