From one great idea to another

A revolutionary library service in Tower Hamlets was awarded for its innovation and community focus by the Academy for Sustainable Communities last week (Thursday 6 June).

Out of more than 200 entries the borough’s Idea Stores won the Best Local Authority Award at the glitzy gala night held at The Artillery Gardens, London. The award highlights the contribution that Idea Stores have made in achieving a sustainable community, by strengthening local communities, bringing different people together and creating new places that are distinctive and well used.

Introduced in 2002, Idea Stores have completely changed the way that the borough’s libraries look and feel, providing an information hub for the whole community to enjoy. As well as providing books and internet access, Idea Stores offer a whole host of learning opportunities with courses ranging from Italian and yoga to web design.

On a recent visit to Idea Store Whitechapel, Ed Vaizey, Shadow Minister for the Arts said: “I thought the Idea Store was fantastic.  There was a real buzz about the place, it is in the heart of the community, and it is serving people of all ages.”

Councillor Shiria Khatun, Lead Member for Culture, Tower Hamlets Council, praised the Idea Stores for receiving such an accolade. She said: “Idea Stores have made a real difference to the local community. In the past year we’ve seen nearly two million people visit our libraries, with Idea Store Whitechapel welcoming more than 12,500 per week, making it central London’s most popular library.

“As well as boasting one of the capitals most popular libraries they’re also among the best loved, and that’s what counts. We’ve even had young people describe our Idea Stores as ‘wicked’, which isn’t the usual reaction that local authority services receive.”

Alex Cosgrave, Tower Hamlets Council Director of Culture, said: “For Idea Store Whitechapel to be short listed in the cultural contribution category of these national sustainability awards was a very substantial achievement.  For Tower Hamlets Council to win the Local Authority Award for the entire Idea Store project is simply outstanding. 

“The award, sponsored by I&DEA, is one of the 'big four' awarded by the Academy.  This is not an award about buildings, although we have had our fair share of those, but about the service we provide.  This is a tremendous tribute to every member of staff whose hard work and imagination makes our libraries and lifelong learning venues real people places and community hubs.”

Over 200 public, private and third sector organisations submitted entries highlighting contributions from projects and individuals that help create and maintain great places. Tower Hamlets Idea Stores were short listed for the category of cultural contribution, they won the award for best local authority. Alex Cosgrave and Sergio Dogliani, Idea Store Manager received the award on the council's behalf.

The Local Authority Award was sponsored by the Improvement and Development Agency for local government (I&DEA). Other nominations in the category included Five Links Estate in Basildon, The Glasshouse Project in Cheshire and Developing People with English Partnerships.

For more information about Idea Stores visit www.ideastore.co.uk or call 020 7364 4332.

Ends

Press release issued: June 11 2007