Residents will be able to borrow books while working up a sweat at six libraries across Barking and Dagenham
Fitness classes and “activity zones” will be launched at local libraries in Barking and Dagenham thanks to a £300,000 grant to the council.
The funding, awarded through Arts Council England’s Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF), will support the creation of “digital physical activity hubs” in six libraries across the borough.
These “innovative spaces” will feature “sports simulators and dedicated activity zones”, offering group exercise sessions, individual workouts and virtual fitness classes – creating new opportunities for people to “get active, improve their wellbeing and connect with their community”.
The initiative aims to inspire residents, particularly young people, to become more physically active, while “transforming libraries into vibrant, multipurpose spaces that support both learning and healthy lifestyles,” according to Barking and Dagenham Council.
Fiona Russell, the council’s director of care, community and health integration, said: “This £300,000 investment is a fantastic boost for Barking and Dagenham and will help us transform our libraries into dynamic spaces that support both learning and healthy living.
“By introducing digital physical activity hubs, we are creating new opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active, improve their wellbeing and connect with others in their community. This project reflects our commitment to making our libraries welcoming, innovative and relevant spaces at the heart of local life.”
The council says the new hubs will help ensure Barking and Dagenham’s libraries remain “sustainable, well-used and responsive to community needs”.
This investment forms part of a wider £127.8million national funding package supporting 130 cultural venues, museums and libraries, delivered through the government’s £1.5billion Arts Everywhere Fund.
Announcing the latest round of funding from the government, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “I want everyone, everywhere to feel a sense of pride about where they come from. Cultural organisations across London are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation.
“Our Arts Everywhere Fund is delivering on our commitment to support cultural assets across the country, increasing access and preserving them for future generations. This is demonstrated by grants announced today that will benefit twenty-four culture venues, museums, and library services across London.
“Arts and culture are the beating hearts of our communities; they have the power to unite us in the face of division and break down barriers to opportunity. We want to harness the power to help us build a brighter future for the people of London.”
Michelle Walker, a director at Arts Council England, added: “This significant investment is a vital step in safeguarding the future of cultural venues, museums and libraries at a time when many are facing real challenges. Across London these spaces are the backbone of our city, where communities come together.
“By supporting these essential improvements this funding will help ensure that these venues remain open, sustainable and accessible for years to come, protecting the creative spaces that London’s artists and audiences rely on.”
The digital physical activity hubs are expected to launch in the autumn. For more information:
Visit ourhubsbd.london
