The Jersey Library has been accepted to join the British Library’s Living Knowledge Network which is a partnership of over 20 national and public libraries in the UK.
Islanders will now have access to events and exhibitions open only to libraries that are members of the Living Knowledge Network.
Exhibitions will now come to the Island as part of the British Library tours and will incorporate local elements. The exhibition planned for later this year is focused on New and Fake News. Previous Living Knowledge Network exhibitions have included Harry Potter and the History of Magic, and an Unfinished Exhibition: A Fight for Women’s Rights.
There will be opportunities for Jersey Library to stream live interviews and webinars with various business and cultural icons, previous guests include Sir Ian McKellen and Gloria Steinem.
Inclusion in the Living Knowledge Network also provides an opportunity for Jersey Library to showcase some of its unique resources to a national audience. The Library’s collections of Occupation newspapers provide an invaluable insight into life in the island during the Second World War, while its Legal Deposit collections give a comprehensive overview of local literature.
Chief Librarian Ed Jewell said: “I’m thrilled to see Jersey Library included in the British Library’s Living Knowledge Network. Participation in the network will give islanders direct access to national exhibitions, resources and events, whilst also helping to bring Jersey’s unique culture and heritage to a broader audience. Inclusion in the network is recognition of the growing contribution Jersey Library makes to local cultural activities, whether it be through supporting small groups or working with established organisations like the Jersey Festival of Words.”