Edwinstowe Library

Inspire, who run culture, learning and libraries on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, is marking the week by showcasing the many ways it helps people stay well, get into work, grow skills, and start or develop businesses. The County Council recently consulted with residents to develop a new Library Strategy for 2025-35 to ensure libraries deliver against the Nottinghamshire plan’s four ambitions;

·       Improving health and wellbeing in all our communities

·       Growing our economy and improving living standards

·       Reducing the County's impact on the environment

·       Helping everyone access the best of Nottinghamshire

To contribute to the plan, Inspire libraries are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of its users. Reading is at the heart of the service and is itself is a wellbeing booster! Studies show that people who read for pleasure just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction, and 19% more likely to feel that they have higher self-esteem. Regular readers also report lower levels of stress, loneliness and depression. 

Reading Well collections feature titles recommended by health professionals and curated by The Reading Agency. These books support people with common mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as physical conditions such as stroke and heart disease. There are also collections focused on young adults, children, and those living with dementia. A new collection, Reading Well for Families, is also set to launch on 10 June and will feature books supporting parents’ mental health, emotional wellbeing, and topics like bereavement and loss. These collections are available in Inspire’s larger libraries and key titles are stocked in branches across the county.

The recently launched programme Happier, Healthier, Connected, Creative is also aiming to boost wellbeing across communities in Hucknall and Retford.

Inspire’s Adult Learning service delivers courses aimed at improving health in the community too, including Reducing the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Healthy Gut, Healthy Mind, both of which are currently open for enrolment. There are also creative courses starting soon like Bobbin Lace for Beginners and Book Folding, which are perfect for reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and developing new skills. Courses take place in libraries as well as other community settings, making them accessible and welcoming. Courses are often free (subject to eligibility criteria) or low cost, meaning that anyone can try what’s on offer. 

Libraries are also helping local economies thrive. Inspire regularly hosts markets in library spaces, giving local artists, crafters, and small business owners a low-cost opportunity to sell their work. These events create low-risk ways for creatives and entrepreneurs to try out their ideas, creating buzz in their local community and encouraging growth in the area.

Business owners can also access Inspire’s Business Information Points (BIPs) in libraries around the county. These offer books on key topics like marketing and finance, as well as digital access to COBRA, a comprehensive resource packed with practical guides and templates for those starting or running a business.

Schools can benefit too: The Education Library Service (ELS) helps schools save on the cost of curriculum resources. For example, purchasing 600 books new could cost up to £8,000 – but schools can borrow the same number of books through ELS for as little as £609 per year. That’s money that can be reinvested into teaching, student wellbeing, and providing opportunities that would otherwise be too costly.

Inspire offers bespoke training through Adult Learning where businesses can request tailored sessions – such as first aid training – for their teams, providing affordable upskilling. Individuals can gain skills for employment - from basic skills to preparing for university. Access to Higher Education is designed for adults who want to go to university but don’t have traditional qualifications and is available both online and in-person at Beeston Library with tailored routes for careers in nursing, social work, and health sciences. Functional Skills in English, maths and IT is also available to adults, and are perfect for boosting confidence, improving job prospects, and helping with everyday tasks like budgeting or helping children with homework.

For younger learners, Inspire College supports 16–24-year-olds who aren’t in education or employment. Students can take part in practical courses in hospitality, construction, joinery, health and social care, and more, gaining valuable workplace experience through community placements, qualifications in maths and English, and support from caring tutors and careers advisors. Class sizes are smaller than average, so those who might usually struggle with a typical classroom environment can thrive and succeed at gaining employment or further education.

Many Inspire libraries also host job clubs where staff, volunteers and tutors support people with job applications, CVs, and training options – all in a friendly, welcoming space.

Inspire’s work across Nottinghamshire shows the wide-ranging impact of libraries. Whether it’s helping you take the first step towards employment, supporting a new business, improving health and wellbeing, or saving a school thousands of pounds – libraries are changing lives, and helping build a stronger economy.