The Museum in local libraries

The British Museum has been working with the Camden Libraries, Information and Learning Service to open up access to the Museum's collection.

Sessions have taken place in libraries across the London Borough of Camden in Holborn, Swiss Cottage and Queen's Crescent.

Activities included a series ICT workshops exploring the Museum's collection online (supported by MLA London), object-handling activities with older users and a range of
activities for families.

The family activities at Swiss Cottage Library during the half term and summer holidays have attracted more than 700 participants so far. The most recent activities took place during the half term holidays in October 2008 and February 2009. 

The response from participants has been extremely positive. Family visitors have enjoyed learning about the British Museum's collection in a local environment and have been encouraged to visit the Museum. Older users have enjoyed the opportunity to handle objects from the Museum's collection and to develop new skills such as ICT, using the Museum's collection as inspiration.

The relationships and findings from the pilot will be used to inform a structured Camden Libraries programme, including a possible exhibition at Swiss Cottage Library and programming around the Cultural Olympiad. We are also developing a wider London Libraries strategy in conjunction with the London Libraries Development Agency.

If you would like more information about sessions, please email communities@britishmuseum.org