Following on from the success of ‘the heART of
libraries’ pilot project, I am working with Wandsworth Library Services and GLL to develop proposals for the next stage of the project which is seeking support from the Arts Council's 'Libraries Fund'. This would include a programme of community
art and new technology workshops based in Tooting and Balham libraries, working towards a
series of multi-media exhibitions and events, scheduled for Wandsworth Arts Festival and Fringe 2015.
The heART of libraries aims to build collaborative partnerships and cross community links, exploring and developing our
relationship to the library environment. It's innovative approach to creative engagement aims to celebrate libraries today, giving vision to the libraries of tomorrow.
Here are some comments from staff and participants who took part in the pilot project:
‘I enjoyed going to the library to see various books, especially
doing the embroidery afterwards, copying the fish. If my health allows me to I
would like to do more work of this kind in the future.’
Zubaidah Shah, Mantle Court Asian Women’s Group

‘When an artwork goes up on a wall anywhere there is always more to
it than simply what you can see.
The shared time, ideas, skills and even food with the ladies of Mantle
Court Asian Women’s Group will be enriching my life and work as a community
artist for years to come. The
fusion of technology and crafts has proven itself ideal for facilitating
connections between people, places and hearts. I look forward to developing
this concept and reaching out more to the community members and collaborative
working partners.’
Jeni Walker, Artist, Transition Town Tooting
‘This was a fantastic project which was brilliantly orchestrated by Sam Haynes, the students felt proud of their work and their teacher has expressed an interest to work with Sam again. I really enjoyed being involved in the project and it's great for the library to showcase such an exciting display!’
Sophie Brownell, Children's Librarian, Earlsfield Library
Hi Sam,
Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for today. I was really
impressed by the work you put in to this project and the lovely way you rounded
it all off for the students. You are a STAR!! I look forward to
future collaborations with you.
Kind regards, Antony Lipski, Manager, Autistic Resource Base, Garratt Park School
'This innovative arts project was a great success and all the ladies involved said how much they had enjoyed participating in the project. The finished product revealed many of their hidden skills like sewing, painting and applique work. When they saw their products displayed at the library they were delighted with the end result. Sam, Chris and Jenny were great to work with. They were very adept at working with people who have limited English. As project lead Sam Haynes was excellent and I hope we can work with her in the future.'
Therese Rajes Rajadurai, Librarian,
Tooting Library