The University of Bristol is commissioning a New University Library and want to hear from our communities of alumni, students and staff and neighbours to understand what libraries mean to you.
This project is kindly funded by University of Bristol Development & Alumni Relations Office.
This project is about the role libraries have played, and play, in people’s lives: Life with books, but also the wider role libraries have played in terms of encounters with books, people, ideas.
As well as researching into memories and encounters within University of Bristol libraries, we will explore more deeply the intangibility of libraries and the wider role libraries play within people’s lives: past present and in the future: How have encounters with ideas hidden in the pages of books and archives stimulated imagination? What connections with others happen amongst the labyrinth of shelves and ideas that change the course of lives? Why are libraries special? Is there something about holding a world of intangible thoughts in your hands? Is it the connection to a history of learning or maybe the hushed and focused environment of busy minds? How would your perfect library look and feel? What would it offer you?
The project will generate a creative output that highlights the importance of libraries and inspires a sense of wonder, and captures the imagination of alumni, staff, students and supporters of the New University Library.
We would love for you, the University of Bristol Alumni, Staff, Students and the community, to share your stories with us!