Exeter Library’s Chris White Recognised in National Awards for Cultural Innovation

Chris White, Senior Supervisor for Development & Innovation at Exeter Library, has been named Runner-Up in the Culture & Creativity category at the Libraries Connected Awards 2024.

Chris has played a transformative role in reimagining what a public library can be, helping to turn Exeter Library into a vibrant cultural hub and shining a spotlight on the power of libraries to inspire, engage, and connect communities through art, creativity and culture. His varied and inclusive programming has had an amazing impact on visitor numbers and event attendance, from 19,000 in 2022–23 to over 32,000 the following year.

From children’s opera and accessible cabaret to Pride workshops, author talks, and Library Lates, Chris’s events are imaginative, diverse, and community-driven. Many are free or low-cost, removing financial barriers and opening the doors to creativity for all.

Accessibility is central to Chris’s vision. In collaboration with disability organisations, he led a full accessibility audit of the library and introduced relaxed, neurodiverse-friendly event formats to ensure that everyone feels welcome and included.

This national recognition reflects Chris’s outstanding contribution to innovation and creativity in libraries. His work has helped position Exeter Library as not just a place to read, but cultural destination and a vital community space.

Congratulations, Chris!