Sefton Library Services will be creating an exhibition highlighting the history and development of gaming in Merseyside, thanks to a successful application for an Arts Council-funded microgrant.

Sharing skills and interests

Young volunteers will help create the exhibition and there will be supporting workshops where people can share their skills and interests. Volunteer exhibition hosts will be sought to support the exhibition and lead workshops.

The exhibition will take place at Crosby Library in April 2025.

Freedom and space to test ideas

Coordinated by Libraries Connected, the membership body for public libraries, the grants can range from £1 to £5,000 and aim to give libraries "freedom and space to test ideas". Sefton Libraries services is one of the first 15 successful applicants announced nationally as receiving a grant of £4,950 for its inter-generational creative programme.

The new gaming programme will build on the success of last year’s Make Mine Manga exhibition at Crosby Library, which saw visitors take part in film screenings, drawing workshops and reading group sessions.

Delighted

Cllr Liz Dowd, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnership Engagement, said: “I’m delighted that Sefton Council’s Libraries service is among the first recipients of these new grants. Well-done to everyone who was involved in putting together the application.

“Some of the world’s best-known games have come from our City Region and as last year’s Make Mine Manga programme showed there is a high level of interest from the public. “I’m looking forward to seeing the exhibition.”

Innovative and creative ideas

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said: "Congratulations to all the successful recipients of our first round of microgrants. As always, I’m incredibly impressed by the innovative and creative ideas that libraries come up with, all based on the needs and priorities of their communities.

Community focused projects

Luke Burton, Director Libraries, Arts Council England said: "We are delighted to be able to provide funding to support libraries to deliver such a wide range of interesting and potentially impactful community focused projects."

You can find out more about Sefton’s Libraries and what’s going on at them here.