Strength based approaches work because they focus on what people and communities can do, rather than what they lack. By starting with strengths, relationships, skills and local assets, they build confidence, ownership and sustainable change. Community managed libraries across Leicestershire are a strong example of why we use this approach and how it works in practice.
Community Managed Libraries
For decades, libraries in Leicestershire have been more than just places to borrow books they have been hubs of learning, connection and community resilience. The traditional county run model faced pressure, due to budgets. Leicestershire County Council and its partners embraced a strength based approach. Focusing on existing local resources, skills and motivation of the communities. Starting in 2015, support was offered to communities interested in taking ownership of their local libraries. With guidance from organisations like Voluntary Action Leicestershire, and neighbourhood groups to explore how they could keep their libraries open and vibrant by running them themselves.
This approach worked as it was not about replacing a professional service but more about empowering communities to use their strengths, volunteers and local identity to sustain and grow their libraries. The county provided support through workshops, relationship managers and tailored help, while local volunteers stepped up to govern, organise and operate day to day activities.
Leicestershire's community managed libraries form a significant part of the broader library network. There are over 30 such sites, each led by local volunteers and independent organisations, embedded in parish councils or charitable organisations.
Ten years after the launch of Leicestershire's first community managed libraries, the model has grown into a network of thriving community hubs built on local strengths.
For more information about community managed libraries follow the link below
