A NEW £150,000 programme has been launched to support innovative public library projects across the UK which place creative and imaginative public engagement ideas and health and wellbeing at their heart.

The Engaging Libraries programme is led by Carnegie UK Trust, working in partnership with Wellcome, the world’s largest medical research charity. It will help public libraries bring people together with the aim of inspiring curiosity, sparking debate, and creating conversations on health and well-being.

Libraries are encouraged to think broadly about potential themes and activities which may be suitable for funding – projects might seek to engage people on issues such as understanding how the brain works, exploring how to cope with a long-term illness, or sharing experiences of IVF treatment through engagement.

Activities might include exhibitions, film screenings, performances or the development of digital tools.

The one-year Engaging Libraries project will start in October and the £150,000 programme will support up to 10 projects.

Applications will be open from May 2 to August 23.

Library staff interested in applying are invited to a workshop where they can receive further information and support to develop ideas. These will be held in London on May 9-10 and in Dunfermline, Scotland, on May 18. For more details, visit carnegieuktrust.org.uk.