Make the Space

The aim of this project is to pilot a number of different ideas that will generate income, help towards sustaining new services / assets within the communities, offer new services and attract new users to the libraries between now and the end of October 2017. The project will also keep the volunteers engaged during this interim period and hopefully encourage current users to engage in innovative activities. All 8 communities (Amlwch, Beaumaris, Benllech, Cemaes, Menai Bridge, Moelfre, Newborough, Rhosneigr) will have the opportunity to participate. The project will consist of a menu of different activities to be piloted in different locations whereby we will assist the communities to.

• Host a number of different 2-3 hour sessions covering a range of different topics that will attract new users to libraries. This will allow the volunteers to monitor and collect data as part of their market research. This data will be used to feed into their Business Plan that will be presented to the Council. 
• Placing healthy foods, tea, coffee vending machines on some of the sites, fully maintained by the volunteers with all the income generated going back into maintaining the services and buildings (mainly aimed at the smaller sites that havent got the capacity of volunteers or space to pilot workshops mentioned above) 
• Introducing new services such as the library of things or repair cafe models that can be piloted over a period of 6 to 10 weeks. These models have worked well in areas across the border, and contribute towards creating community hubs, have health and wellbeing benefits for all ages, and learning opportunities and identifying skills available locally. 
• Finally, a group session will be arranged for all 8 communities focusing on governance, legalities, leases, negotiation, HOTS, roles and responsibilities of individuals etc. In preparation for take over. Conwy Council Borough Council are the leading case study on outsourcing libraries Pan-Wales and they have agreed to run a session here for the Anglesey group. The list as it stands helps the communities identify the types of pilots that are possible within the LEADER remit, and Arloesi Mn will assist the communities to coordinate the above at the different locations. The communities can choose to participate in more than one activity, however they will need to work closely with Arloesi Mn to ensure that they choose the right activity for their community. The communities will also be encouraged to think of activities not listed on the menu, the menu is just a starting point. Communities will be expected to undertake a market research as part of the pilot to gather data about the following (an agreement is being developed to ensure the commitment of the community to the work): - numbers who will attend or use the service - reasonable fees to be charged for the service - is the venue suitable etc. The aim of the research would be to identify whether the piloted services are an option for attracting additional income in the medium/ long term. It will also form part of their future Business Plans when approaching the council for Asset transfer. All activities will be filmed, and all the films as well as the market research will be available to other communities within the County, and beyond, in order to consider additional/ different and innovative income streams. Finally, an information dissemination event will be held at the end of the project to share information, successes and lessons learned with communities and other relevant stakeholders within the County.