Chief Executive of Arts Council England (ACE) Darren Henley CBE visited Derbyshire’s flagship library and had the opportunity to see for himself the excellent work taking place and benefits of investment and community partnerships.
From left: Louise Wilson, Head of Employment & Skills (DCC); Jess Tickell, Senior Relationship Manager Midlands ACE; Liz Johnson, Area Director for the Midlands (ACE); Carla Nitti, Service Manager Libraries (DCC); Jane Marriott, Director (Chatsworth House Trust); Darren Henley, Chief Executive (ACE); Becca Horton, Assistant in Charge Chesterfield Library (DCC); Cllr Carol Wood, Cabinet Member for Environment (DCC); Trudy Lowen, Library Manager (DCC).
Mr Henley was given a tour of Chesterfield Library where he met staff and Cabinet member for Environment Councillor Carol Wood as part of a wider visit to the county organised by the Chatsworth House Trust.
While at the library, staff showcased the wide range of services and activities on offer and talked to Mr Henley and Director of Chatsworth House Trust Jane Marriott, who was behind the visit, about the success of the Chatsworth Community Member pass which was piloted in 10 county libraries over the summer.
The pass offered Derbyshire libraries members the chance to visit Chatsworth House for free for a week, giving free access for up to 2 adults and 6 children to Chatsworth House, its garden, farmyard and adventure playground. The pilot scheme ended at the beginning of October.
Mr Henley also visited the new hub for YES Derbyshire (Youth Employment Support), which is now based in the library. The YES hub is a joint initiative Derbyshire County Council has with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), providing a gateway for young people to access a range of support services to help move into employment or training.
Councillor Wood and staff also got the opportunity to speak to Mr Henley about the benefits which have resulted from the council securing significant investment from Arts Council England to support cultural opportunities and improve facilities for residents.
Recent successful funding awards include:
Derbyshire County Council is continuing to work with Arts Council England to explore more ways to continue to enhance the delivery of arts and cultural programmes in the county and develop new partnerships.
Councillor Carol Wood said:
“We were delighted to welcome Darren Henley to Chesterfield Library and to have the opportunity to showcase the excellent work taking place within Derbyshire's library service.
"His visit provided a valuable opportunity to highlight the positive impact our libraries have on local communities, as well as the strength of our partnerships with organisations such as Chatsworth House Trust.
"We are particularly pleased that Arts Council England has recognised the quality of our work through a number of successful funding awards. This investment is helping us improve facilities, expand opportunities for residents and ensure our libraries continue to thrive as vibrant community hubs for the future.
"The visit was extremely positive and provided a great platform to demonstrate Derbyshire's commitment to culture, learning and community engagement."