Young people are being sought to take part in a song writing workshop for Derbyshire libraries.
The project ‘Derbyshire Sings’ is funded by Arts Council England as part of its Lottery Grants programme.
Our library service successfully bid for just over £7,500 so that it could provide an opportunity for existing library customers to be involved in the creation of a song about libraries, and what the library means to them.
The library service is seeking input from young people, aged 14 to 25, to participate in the song writing workshop led by Carole Copeland, freelance director and actor and director of the Pomegranate Youth Theatre in Chesterfield. The sessions will explore opinions and use of the library, which will be used in the creation of a unique advocacy song to encourage use of libraries.
Councillor Barry Lewis, Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for young library users to take part in an exciting and unique project.
“Libraries are about a lot more than books. They’re a valuable and versatile community resource, promoting creativity in lots of different ways, that’s why we’re committed to the service.
“I look forward to hearing the results.”
Interested parties must have experience of using the library service and be able to attend one of the workshops via Zoom, about 60 minutes in length. These sessions have a limited number of places available and will run on the following days/times:
Monday 26 July 2021 from 10.30am to 11.30am
Monday 26 July 2021 from 2pm to 3pm
Tuesday 27 July 2021 from 10.30am to 11.30am
Derbyshire libraries have already recruited older adults and adults with learning disabilities to take part in the project and hope to recruit parents to join in later this summer.
Jonathan Francis, artistic director at Chesterfield Studios, will create a musical soundtrack and participants will be invited to rehearse, perform, and record the song alongside the Chesterfield-based Rose Choir, however this is entirely optional.
It is hoped the song will be made available for download for Derbyshire Libraries’ customers and will be performed live in libraries when possible.
People wanting to have their say about what libraries mean to them can book a place on Eventbrite.
For further information email: ask.library@derbyshire.gov.uk
