A LIBRARY has been opened by Carlisle Youth Zone (CYZ) following donations from across the region.

During the pandemic, a book group was set up by youth workers at Carlisle Youth Zone to help connect young people during the lockdowns.

Since its foundation, the group has continued to meet week after week, new friendships have been formed, and the book group proved so popular it has since warranted its own space - which has now been opened.

At a special opening ceremony, special guests which included funders, a local author, Bookends Carlisle, and CYZ board members were invited to hear directly from members on what the library means to them as a new facility for children and young people in the city.

News and Star: The transformation of the room was made possible by a number of funders including £10,000 from Cumbria Community Foundation, £10,000 from St James’s Place Charitable Foundation and money from the Youth Investment Fund.

“We know the importance of reading and even the youngest children benefit from hearing stories read to them,” said Kevin Walsh, trustee of the Cumbria Community Foundation.

“We were pleased to be able to provide a grant from the Cumbria Educational Trust to enable the Youth Zone to expand its offer to young people in Carlisle.

"I’m sure that the library and quiet space will benefit many young people.”

The group regularly welcome visits from multiple authors, some local and some national and bi-weekly debate clubs and creative writing workshops also take place.

Favourite author Katherine Livesey is a regular visitor to senior book club after the young people attended a trip to Bookends bookshop for a signing of her book.

News and Star: Katherine Livesey signing books at the eventKatherine Livesey signing books at the event (Image: Carlisle Youth Zone)“The celebratory event was such a delight, seeing young people come together with funders and special guests to acknowledge and thank them for the support was just lovely,” Emma Rogerson, development coordinator at CYZ said.

“The book group meet weekly at CYZ and its fantastic to see how many young people are involved, I really am excited to watch the group thrive.”

Since opening in 2011 the Youth Zone have helped 15,000 young people along the way to realising their full potential.

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