Swindon Libraries Partners for Change

As part of the Partners for Change programme Swindon Library Service has been involving young parents and looked after young people in the development of its services. Young people wanted more space for the proposed young people's section of the library and young parents felt that the library offered nothing for them. The children_s section of the library has been redesigned. Young parents from two local housing associations are able to use the library as a neutral base for their Getting Connected courses. A young people_s section of the library has been developed, and the youth forum continues to strengthen its links with the library service.

Download What's Changed Case Study: Developing Swindon Library Services

Young mums as part of the 'U-Too' programme were asked what discouraged them from reading to their babies. Young people said that they didn't know what to read and so library staff developed a programme around story sacks. The young mums now are members of the library and have set up a young parents group to support each other at the library.

Download the What's Changed Case Study: Support for young mums reading to their babies