BGU hosts showcase at the Ermine Library

The Ermine Library and Community Hub hosted a two day showcase to reflect on their journey since first opening in July 2022.

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Held from Wednesday 26^th March to Thursday 27^th March, BGU students, colleagues and members of the local community were invited to attend the open days at The Ermine Library and Community Hub (ELCH).

Run by BGU with the support of volunteers, the Hub provides library services and community focused activities. Regarded as an inclusive and accessible space in the community, it plays a vital role in empowering the local community, providing a place where people can come together, take ownership, and actively participate in shaping and delivering activities.

Open day attendees were given the opportunity to see the work and activities funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the City of Lincoln Council. The funding was provided to support BGU to strengthen the community space and enabled the creation of an outdoor learning area, the installation of ten PCs and the provision of clearer signage.

The team also shared their plans for the future, with a focus on adult skills and family learning, and the promotion of the Lincolnshire Library Service.

The Hub’s regular activities continued across the two days, including knit and natter, arty tots, neurodiverse-friendly Dungeons & Dragons, a male-orientated book club and more.

Over 300 visitors, including 135 newcomers, joined us across the two days, including BGU’s Executive Dean of Faculty, Nick Gee, and newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Andrew Gower.

Members of the local community said:

“This is the Hub of our community!”

“What a stunning day, everybody felt welcome.”

“I was blown away by how much the community space both indoor and outside have been transformed since BGU took over. It is more than a library.”

“Thank you for bringing the library back to life for the ermine community.”

Sarah Moseley, Head of Social Purpose at BGU, said: “Thank you to everyone who visited across the 2 days. The ELCH is a special place, providing a bridge between our academic institution and the community. The team there are amazing and the feedback from the community and the impact it has demonstrates BGU’s commitment to civic duty.”

Click here to view Ermine Library Report Sept 2023 – Feb 2025.

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