The Democratic Library
Addressing low election turnout and growing divisions in British society by encouraging inclusion, imagination and storytelling from marginalised voices in south-east London.
The Local Challenge
Britain is entering a new era of democratic engagement, requiring voters to show ID to vote. This change has hit hard in Woolwich in south-east London, an area that is rich in diversity but struggling with deprivation and high immigration. Community groups have reported low levels of literacy and digital literacy among residents experiencing socio-economic hardship. To combat already low voter turnout in Woolwich and neighbouring areas, the Democratic Library was launched to help promote positive civic engagement amidst growing societal divisions.
The Initiative
Combining the expertise of library staff with volunteers and trustees from Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP) – a grassroots initiative that provides practical and emotional support for people seeking help in the community, Woolwich Library is transforming itself into a hub for voter registration and community masterclasses. These sessions cover registering for voter ID, voting without a fixed address, understanding political manifestos and spotting misinformation. The trained Democratic Library team offers flexible schedules to accommodate the community, while digital support using Samsung tablets allows participants to attend sessions either remotely or in person.
What’s Next?
To complement the Democratic Library initiative, an evolving Living Exhibition will showcase local people’s stories and art – highlighting the low-income earners and low-literacy residents, the initiative hopes to inspire broader community participation and boost voter turnout. As well as helping to remove barriers to participation and promote harmony among a diverse community of nationalities and faiths, community’s creativity and unique perspectives. Targeting the project also hopes to demonstrate the pivotal role libraries can play when it comes to promoting democracy, offering IT skills and community engagement – setting a precedent for collaborative partnerships in libraries across Europe.
Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.
