The Library offers a wide range of spaces that have been a catalyst for collaboration, engagement and creativity. We've worked in partnership with creatives from a range of communities to bring diverse experiences and exhibitions to the heart of the University.
We will be creative in our approach and won't be afraid to challenge orthodoxies or established thinking
The Library has hosted a range of art exhibitions and installations, with some artworks becoming a permanent fixture in the Library space.
Traces was a unique art installation created by the University Library cleaners with artist, José Garcia Oliva. It was created in February 2022 after several months of conversations between the cleaning staff and the artist, who had been working with Lancaster Arts intermittently over the course of the pandemic. Oliva is a Venezuelan multidisciplinary artist whose practice explores identity, labour and cultural heritage. Artwork from this project is exhibited in the main Library stairwell.
We held an Open Call exhibition for the Library Festival 2024 to mark the 60th anniversary of the opening of Lancaster University. Members of our communities were asked to create art works based on the theme: ‘How does the library inspire you?’ Submissions were open to artists of any age, who have a connection, past or present, to Lancaster University Library to help celebrate the Library's 60th anniversary.
Margaret Lloyd is an artist and art teacher based in South Manchester. Her submission won first prize in the Library open call exhibition and we hosted a solo exhibition of her work in October 2024.
As part of our Library Festival 2024 we hosted three creative installations which revealed how the distinctive British jukebox was created on the seaside coast of Lytham, Blackpool and Morecambe and how this led to the boom in youth culture during the 1950s. This community project with partners Mirador Arts was funded by the Heritage lottery fund and Arts Council.
You can find more examples in our archive of Exhibitions and Displays. Interested in holding an event or exhibition in the Library? We host a wide variety of activities, in partnership with others, and in support of our vision to connect, innovate, and include. Find out more
We've hosted workshops on writing graphic stories in collaboration with Dr Inés Gregori Labarta, author and lecturer in English Literature and Creative Writing. Workshop attendees have learned about the history and traditions of graphic storytelling, before having the opportunity to develop their own comic narratives and art.
This collaboration between Ines and Faculty Librarians Gem Sosnowsky and Ciara Murray has led to the development of a new Graphic Novel collection launching later in 2025.
You can hear more from Inés in conversation with Gem and Ciara in our recent podcast episode: Graphic Novels - Talking around the library tree.
The Library's Digital Studio is a technology-enabled space for digital creativity, featuring equipment including high-spec PCs for VR development and CAD work, scanners, cameras, recording equipment and even a sewing machine!
The Studio has been used for a range of creative purposes:
Look out for more news about the Digital Studio coming soon - including new processes for booking the space and a loanable equipment collection.
A collaboration with Creative Writing lecturer Oliver Langmead led to the Library hosting regular Board Game Nights. We've acquired a collection of board games and RPG materials to be used by the University community.
Explore the games on offer on our Board Games guide, and look out for upcoming Board Games Nights during term times.
Stitch Club began in February 2025 with an aim to bring together crafters who work with needles of all kinds, in a safe, supportive and creative space. It is aimed at everyone at the University, students and staff alike, and runs once a week in the Library Events Space.
We have a sewing machine, notions, yarn, fabric, spinning wheel, spindles and needles and welcome beginners as well as more experienced crafters.
Look for upcoming Stitch Club sessions on our Events Page.
The Library used external funding in 2024 to create a dedicated studio in our offices for podcast production.
The studio has enabled the production of the Library's podcast, which has featured episodes on the work of our team, careers in the library and information sector, LGBTQ+ resources, sustainability, AI and more.
'Talking Around the Library Tree' is currently available via Spotify and the Lancaster University Library YouTube channel.
The studio has also been used by a range of staff across the institution, including the Pentland Centre for Business for their podcast Transforming Tomorrow.
University staff wishing to make use of the Library's podcasting studio can Contact Us.
