Bringing libraries to the people: pop-ups and outreach

What connects book bikes, beach huts and community pop-ups? These are just some examples of libraries adapting a creative approach and going to the people, especially to reach those who may not be using libraries.

Join us to hear examples of best practice from three different library services across England that all work to change the concept of a library as a place that belongs to everyone:

• Charlie Miles from Bristol Libraries and his work with Bristol’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities to build trust over time, recognising the multiple systemic barriers to access. Charlie will also talk about Bristol’s Words on Wheels outreach programme and their popular book bikes.
• The Outreach team from Croydon Libraries was recently established as part of a new library service model following a major restructure which saw the closure of a number of branches. They will look at why the new model was adopted and what the team has achieved so far, including a library pop-up in the Council. Highlighting the opportunities that new partnerships have developed and discovered.
• Sally Garwood from Suffolk Community Libraries will talk about their popular Lowestoft beach hut pop-up library. The aim is to spread awareness and give people a flavour of what they can access in their libraries. There are book give-aways, library card sign-ups and a range of events including tai chi, storytime, baby bounce, spoken word and even exhibitions! Watch more here.

This webinar is for anyone interested in raising awareness of library services in engaging ways and in new places - and reaching people who may not feel that libraries are for them.

About our speakers

Charlie Miles is Library Development Officer at Bristol Libraries, working as part of the Reader Engagement Team, to find new ways of interacting with service users – both in and out of Library buildings. Charlie has worked in Library services for over ten years and has specialised in outreach for much of that time.

Sally Garwood is Senior Creative Producer for Suffolk Community Libraries. With experience working on programmes for BBC Radio 4 and the World Service, her passion and skills belong to sound design and storytelling through immersive auditory experiences. Sally’s community work began in libraries, where she has developed a wide range of people focussed creative projects, inside and taking them outside of the library!

Croydon Libraries –

Lucy Lawrence is the Library Development and Marketing Manager and has been part of Croydon Libraries over 20 years of specialism in children’s literature and services, over a decade in service development for all ages, and now with a renewed focus on community engagement as team manager of Croydon’s new library outreach team.

Jess Pascal joined the Croydon Libraries team in June 2025 as a Senior Library Assistant. Prior to this, Jess was part of the Bodleian Libraries Graduate Trainee Scheme, working in New College, Oxford and was awarded with the Alice Lock Award for Local Studies Volunteer in 2023.