Who We Are
Welcome To Your Library Co-ordinator: Helen Carpenter
Until the end of November 2007, when the project formally came to a close, Helen was based at the London Libraries Development Agency. She has a degree in modern languages and is a qualified librarian. She has worked in public libraries and in the library of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
However, for the last 20 years her work has largely involved cultural regeneration and sustainable tourism. She has worked in the voluntary and the public sector and run her own company, always working closely with local authorities. She is interested in innovation and processes that are a catalyst for change.
Helen saw in the Welcome To Your Library project an opportunity to support public library staff leading on the work at local level so they could develop their role in a bigger picture and find new ways of working with partners in different sectors. The most satisfying aspect has been to watch highly creative and pioneering work happen as a result, with public libraries better able to demonstrate the positive impact they have on individuals and communities.
From December 2007, Helen is working with The Network to help share learning and findings from the Welcome To Your Library work to date.
From May 2008, she is working as an adviser and consultant to Paul Hamlyn Foundation, on advocacy and dissemination of findings from all the projects funded through their Reading and Libraries Challenge Fund. She plans also to broker new relationships and partnerships based on the work so far undertaken.
Contact details
Helen Carpenter
(from December 2007)
Email: helen dot carpenter at welcometoyourlibrary dot org dot uk
T 020 7609 5674
Networker for The Network: John Vincent
John has worked in the public sector, primarily in public libraries (for Hertfordshire, Lambeth, and, more recently, Enfield), since the 1960s.
He is now the Networker for The Network – tackling social exclusion in libraries, museums, archives and galleries. The Network links libraries, museums, archives and other organisations and individuals who are working to tackle social exclusion. It also provides a link for people working to meet other priorities, such as creating community cohesion, and developing community engagement. The Network produces a monthly newsletter, runs training courses, works as a partner on projects (including Welcome To Your Library; and with the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to promote the role that libraries can play in supporting looked-after children), as well as acting as an enquiry point for people wanting to find out about the role that museums, archives and libraries can play.
John is particularly interested in the development of work around equalities and diversity, and is excited by the idea of helping link public libraries (and museums and archives) with excluded communities.
Contact details
John Vincent
Email: john at nadder dot org dot uk
T/F 0845 128 4897