New library service launched at Bilford Court in partnership with The Hive

We have teamed up with The Hive Worcester to pilot an exciting new mobile library service at Bilford Court, one of our retirement living schemes in Worcester.  

The library service, launched this summer, sees a local resident volunteer take on the role of community  librarian, offering fellow residents access to a rotating collection of books supplied by The Hive.  New titles will be delivered every two months, allowing residents to borrow, return and enjoy a variety of books without having to travel.  

If successful, the pilot could be rolled out to our other retirement living schemes across the region.  

Katie Mace, Team Leader at The Hive said: “This partnership is a wonderful way to bring the joy of reading to people’s doorsteps.  It’s all about improving accessibility and keeping the love of books alive, especially for those who may find it harder to visit a library in person.”  

As well as providing residents with easy access to new reading material, the trial also brings added social value.  Bilford Court residents are already planning to set up a book club, offering a welcoming space for connection, conversation and shared enjoyment.  

Paul Edwards, our Community Engagement Officer said: “This is such a brilliant example of partnership working.  Not only does it give residents something fresh and engaging to take part in, but it also helps us make improvements by replacing dusty, unused books with curated collections people actually want to read.  It’s about enhancing wellbeing, offering volunteering opportunities and bringing people together through stories.”   

The Hive will also be joining several of our summer events this year, helping to promote reading to families and young people across Worcester.  

To find out more about The Hive, visit www.thehiveworcester.org.  

For more on our community partnerships, visit www.platformhg.com.   

Photo caption : Residents at Bilford Court are piloting a new library service delivered in partnership with The Hive Worcester