Your Library On The High Street | Community Projects

Your Library on the High Street is an innovative project designed to bring the library experience to the community in an exciting and accessible way.

This initiative emerged from an artist-in-residence programme featuring sculptor James Lake, which brought a pop-up library to Exeter High Street.

Originally launched in the old GAP shop on Exeter High Street, the space transformed into a dynamic public venue, offering an interactive and welcoming environment for the public.

The space featured an events programme including workshops with local artists, storytelling sessions, virtual reality (VR) workshops, and exhibitions from partner organisations, including Princesshay’s sustainability campaign We Can Do More.

In addition to the pop-up library in Exeter, the initiative has expanded to Princesshay, where a Children’s Pop-up Library has taken root.

This pop-up library has brought free books to the heart of the shopping district, offering young readers the opportunity to explore new stories, while promoting literacy and learning in an informal, community-focused environment.

By offering a library experience in places people already visit, these pop-up spaces are helping to break down barriers to access and introduce libraries to new audiences.

This initiative demonstrates how libraries can go beyond traditional spaces to become part of the fabric of everyday life.

Bringing library services to unexpected places, like shopping centres, parks, or community spaces, helps expand the reach and impact of libraries, making them more accessible, inclusive, and relevant to diverse audiences.

The pop-up library in Princesshay is just one of many ways this project is reimagining the role of libraries in the community.

Keep an eye on our Events page for details of upcoming workshops, exhibitions, and pop-up library locations.