Category archive: Libraries

Vision Libraries celebrated as finalists in Edge Awards for innovative approach to end-of life conversations

Vision Libraries proudly announces its recognition as finalists and runners-up in the Digital Category at the prestigious Edge Awards held in Edinburgh. This accolade celebrates the service’s ground-breaking initiative, Tickets for the Afterlife’, which addresses the often-taboo subjects of death, dying, and grief through a creative and sensitive lens. The Edge Awards honour libraries that

Tech Ilford 2025: Libraries Leading the Way in Creativity and Technology

Redbridge Libraries Secures Over £18,000 from Arts Council England project grants for Pioneering Festival celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure has successfully secured £18,560 in funding from Arts Council England to deliver Tech Ilford 2025, an exciting festival led by Redbridge Libraries which will celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts,

Celebrating Women’s History Month with Redbridge Libraries

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honour the remarkable contributions women have made throughout history and celebrate their achievements in every sphere of life. Why Women’s History Month Matters Women’s History Month is an important moment for us to reflect on the progress made toward gender equality, celebrate the women who have shaped

Fantastic February Half Term fun!

This February half-term, there’s no shortage of exciting activities for kids across Redbridge – from theatrical performances to hands-on workshops and outdoor adventures, whether you’re a young creative, performer or adventurer, there’s something for everyone! Take to the stage at Redbridge Drama Centre Redbridge Drama centre is hosting must-see shows this February half-term, perfect for

Redbridge Libraries secure funding to deliver spectacular Day of the Dead Festival in Wanstead and Ilford

Vision’s library service has secured nearly £30,000 of grant funding from Arts Council to support the delivery of its annual Day of the Dead inspired family arts festival. The festival has been running for 5 years as part of the library service’s Death Positive Library project, where they are using creative activities and festivals to

Temporary Closure of South Woodford Library

Updated on Wednesday 30 October 2024 The Gym at Redbridge Drama Centre Following the recent closure of South Woodford Library and Gym, we have been working in the background to ensure we can continue to provide a safe, welcoming space in South Woodford for our customers. We are now excited to announce that we’ll be

Ilford Business Awards Nominations 2024

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure is excited to announce that our services have been nominated in three categories for the Ilford Business Awards 2024: Ilford Business of the Year, Redbridge Art & Culture Award (with two nominations), and Redbridge Social Value Award. We invite all who value our services – customers, partners, supporters, colleagues, and

Fullwell Cross Library (Lab FX)

Fullwell Cross Library Re-opens after £380K makeover

Fullwell Cross Library has re-opened today (Thursday 1 August) following the successful completion of phase one of its refurbishment programme, just in time for the summer holidays. Phase one of the renovations, delivered by Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure, included: Further improvements and features are still to come in phase two, including: The project was

Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month with Vision RCL: A Tribute to Culture, History, and Diversity

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure (Vision RCL) is thrilled to announce a vibrant and enriching celebration of South Asian Heritage Month, taking place from July 18 to 17 August 2024. This month-long event honours the rich cultural heritage, history, and contributions of South Asian communities in the UK. Discover the beauty and depth of South

Redbridge libraries back new app dubbed “Couch to 5k for reading”

Redbridge libraries have teamed up with librarians across the capital to launch a new app that takes inspiration from the Couch to 5k fitness plan to get people reading more. Developed by London Libraries – the London network of national library charity Libraries Connected – Read On uses curated recommendations, reading challenges, interactive quizzes and

Celebrating 21st Anniversary of the Redbridge Children’s Book Award

On Thursday 11 July 2024, Redbridge Town Hall was abuzz with excitement as students, teachers, and school librarians gathered for the 21st annual Redbridge Children’s Book Award ceremony. Redbridge Schools’ Library Service, managed by Vision RCL on behalf of Redbridge Council, organised the Awards where all schools are invited to take part, giving young people

Celebrating Vision Volunteering: A Heartfelt Thank You

In honour of Volunteers Week, we are thrilled to recognise the incredible dedication and hard work of our volunteers at Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure (Vision RCL). Each year, we host a special event to express our gratitude, inviting all our volunteers to come together with key Vision volunteer organisers for an evening filled with

National Children’s Day: Highlights the Importance of Child Wellbeing and Development

National Children’s Day UK (NCDUK) is all about the importance of a healthy childhood, and how we need to protect the rights and freedom of children in order to ensure that they can grow into happy, healthy adults. Vision RCL’s core aim is to provide places where people and communities can thrive, we understand the

Temporary Closure of Fullwell Cross Library

Fullwell Cross Library will temporarily close for refurbishment from Sunday 5 May until Summer 2024. This is to enable refurbishment works to take place throughout the children’s and adults lending libraries. The library has been awarded £380,000 from the Library Improvement Fund for an ambitious transformation programme for Fullwell Cross library, the borough’s second largest

Fullwell Cross Library to receive grant funding of nearly £400,000 to help modernise and refurbish much-loved facility

One of Redbridge’s most popular libraries will benefit from a significant modernisation programme after being awarded nearly £400,000 in grant funding. Following the council’s successful bid, Fullwell Cross Library in Barkingside will receive £380,000 of capital investment from the Libraries Development Fund. The £20.5 million Libraries Improvement Fund transforms public library services in England by

Exciting Easter Programme for the Young People of Redbridge

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure is thrilled to announce the return of the Redbridge Holiday Mega Mix this Easter, presenting an array of engaging and affordable activities tailored for children aged 5 to 16. All thanks to funding from Redbridge Council. Affordable Fun: For just £1, children can dive into an hour of swimming at

Celebrating Women’s History Month: A Tribute to Remarkable Women Through the Ages

As Women’s History Month unfolds, Redbridge is gearing up to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women throughout history right up to the present day. This March, join Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure in paying tribute to the remarkable women who have shaped our world and continue to inspire generations to come. The Redbridge

Top 5 Half Term Holiday ideas this February

February half term is just around the corner, and we have a variety of activities and events to keep the little ones busy, from educational and informative workshops to arts and crafts and even sports activities. Vision RCL has you covered no matter what you’re after. If you need a little help deciding, take a

Celebrating Diversity: LGBT+ History Month

This February, residents of Redbridge are gearing up to celebrate LGBT+ History Month with an array of events and activities aimed at fostering inclusivity, understanding, and recognition of the rich history of the LGBT+ community. Organised by Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure in partnership with Redbridge Council, Redbridge Rainbow Community, Positive East and Eastside Community

Vision RCL presents Tate Modern Display “One Planet, One Chance” Exhibition at Redbridge Central Library

Vision RCL is thrilled to announce, “One Planet, One Chance” Exhibition is now available for viewing at Redbridge Central Library. The climate action artworks were created for Tate Modern in July 2023 for One Planet One Chance, a pan disability event for adults with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, and older adults. “One Planet, One

Go green at the library this week for Green Libraries Week

Libraries Week takes place this year between Monday, 2 October and Sunday, 8 October, and we will be celebrating with a jampacked schedule full of activities for children and young people. Libraries Week is an annual showcase and celebration of the best libraries offer. Each year there’s a different theme to explore the innovative and

Celebrating Black History Month

Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure are celebrating Black History Month this October with a variety of events across the borough. The events are organised in partnership with Redbridge Council and local community organisations. Redbridge Libraries have put together a wide selection of events for people of all ages. There are events that aim to highlight

MegaMix is Back for the Summer Holidays

Megamix is back this summer with lots of free and low cost activities for children living in Redbridge. Children aged 5-16 have a large selection of activities to choose from during the summer holidays from sports to drama, dance to digital workshops, roller skating to arts and crafts. We’ve put a selection of some of

Redbridge Children’s Book Awards 2023

Each year Redbridge runs the Children’s Book Awards, with the processing starting in September but ending in June. This year we were back in a packed Redbridge Town Hall for our 20th annual Redbridge Children’s Book Award ceremony. All schools across the borough are invited to take part in the awards and vote for their

Redbridge Winners of Libraries Connected Awards 2023

Michael and Maria were nominated for their work with Lab Central, Redbridge’s digital makerspace programme which includes Tech Ilford, an annual festival celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM). It was developed in 2017 as part of the Lab Central digital arts programme to engage and inspire the tech innovators of the future. Maria and Michael created the festival

Changes to Group Exercise Classes

We have made some changes to our Group Exercise Programme booking system and how you can manage your classes. Our classes are a great way to make exercise enjoyable and help you reach your fitness goals. We want to make sure that everyone who can attend a class gets the chance to do so. Changes

A Guide of Activities This May Half Term

May Half Term is almost upon us and across Vision venues we have lots of activities to enjoy. You can see all children’s activities on our Do More page. But we’ve also recapped everything for you here too: Multiple Day Activities Single Day Activities Tuesday 30 May Wednesday 31 May Thursday 1 June Friday 2

Attending the Royal Coronation

Vision employee, Nina Simon, was invited to attend the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May 2023.

Redbridge Libraries helping you stay connected!

Are you struggling to pay your monthly mobile bills? Then Redbridge Libraries could help! We are participating in the National Databank Programme to provide free internet access to anyone struggling to afford to get online. If you are: then you may be eligible to receive a free SIM card through the scheme. The following data

Vision opening hours during Bank Holidays in May

During the Bank Holidays in May our leisure centres, libraries and other centres will have different opening hours. To find out more information on opening times, please see below or visit the individual centre pages. Please check the Vision App for further details on Group Exercise Classes. For more information on our Easter Holiday activities

Lots to do this February Half Term

Take a look at the many events we have across our venues in Redbridge. With a wide range of options, across all ages and all budgets

Celebrate all things LGBT+ with Vision RCL this February

This year Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure will mark the 18th year anniversary of LGBT+ History month celebrations in Redbridge. LGBT+ History Month, an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. Throughout February Vision RCL services dedicate time to celebrate

Local people support plans for new library opening hours

For more information on the consultation visit the Redbridge Council website.

Nominate Redbridge’s Unsung Heroes in the Redbridge Education Awards

Vision is honoured to be part of the Redbridge Education Awards 2022. A special celebration set up by Redbridge Council to recognise those who support young people on their journey to achieve extraordinary futures. Working with young people is a fulfilling and rewarding profession but can also come with its challenges. Especially over the last

Join us this October Half Term for holiday fun

Theatre If your child would prefer a more relaxing half term, then the Kenneth More Theatre and Redbridge Drama Centre have got plenty to do. Join the Kenneth More Theatre as they bring prehistoric animals to life with the Dinosaur Show, packed with fun, facts, and laughter, this is something your child will love! Get

Celebrate everything arts, culture and libraries with Redbridge Fabula Festival this October

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure invites everyone to join them in celebrating their annual Fabula Festival from 3to 8 October. A unique weeklong celebration of the art of storytelling and its power to transform lives. Taking place during National Libraries Week, Fabula Festival is a celebration of everything that happens in Redbridge Libraries. Aimed at

Redbridge’s Black History Month celebrations get underway with vibrant line-up of creative and cultural events

See here for full details of the Black History Month programme.

Hainault Library re-opens

Following an extensive refurbishment Hainault Library is reopening this week (Monday 8 August). The library, funded by Redbridge Council and run by Council Leisure partner Vision, closed for renovations in the spring and since then has undergone a complete makeover. The revamped library boasts a brand-new children’s library, new books, digital devices, a study area,

Hainault Library Refurbishment

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure are delighted to announce that Hainault Library will undergo major refurbishment this Spring/Summer to create a more modern and spacious library. Your new look library will boast a brand-new children’s library, new books, digital devices, study area and meeting tables for group activities. A new advice hub will also be

Dying Matters Awareness Week

Dying Matters Awareness Week is an annual programme, from 2-6 May, which aims to open up the conversation around death, dying and grief, remove the stigma that surrounds it and call for meaningful change so that everyone gets the quality end of life care they deserve. Redbridge Libraries started it’s journey to become the UK’s

Easter Opening Times

During the Easter period our leisure centres, libraries and other centres will have different opening hours. To find out more information on opening times, please see below or visit the individual centre pages. For more information on our Easter Holiday activities view the Children’s events page. Parks & Open Spaces All of our parks and

Redbridge Libraries adds local publications to PressReader

Redbridge Libraries today announced that the Wanstead Village Directory and South Woodford Village Gazette will be available on PressReader, the digital platform which allows library card holders and leisure centre visitors to access thousands of newspapers and magazines from around the world. PressReader forms part of the Virtual Library offer within Redbridge Libraries, and adding

The TrUst in Us Model

Credit: Community Leisure UK Why Charitable Trusts are great! Here’s a quick summary! Charitable Trusts come in all shapes and sizes. But they all have two things in common. To do good and make things better. Your Local Leisure and Culture Trust is no different. They help make your community better because as a charitable organisation

Women’s History Month in Redbridge

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure are proud to host Women’s History Month. An opportunity to celebrate equality and diversity of women within the Redbridge community. We also dedicate this special time to look back and honour the many achievements of women throughout history right up to the present day. Throughout the month of March Vision

Vision mark 17th year anniversary of LGBT+ celebrations in the Redbridge community

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure are proud to host LGBT+ History Month, an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. Throughout February Vision RCL services dedicate time to celebrate and promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the Redbridge

Vison’s Schools Library Service Manager recognised in New Year Honours List

The 2022 New Year Honours list was announced last week, marking the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK. Amongst those recognised was one of Vision RCL’s very own staff members, Schools’ Library Service Manager, Nina Simon. Nina has worked for Vision for many years within the library service, working across Redbridge schools

Vision secures investment from Arts Council England to put culture at the heart of more local communities

Vision RCL has been awarded a grant of up to £998,936 from Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places Programme to deliver an ambitious programme of arts and cultural activity made by and with the people who live and work in Redbridge. Vision’s Library and Culture Team successfully led a consortium of local partners to

Vision Redbridge Libraries receives prestigious award for ‘The Death Positive Library’ project

The team at Redbridge Libraries add to their growing number of awards for their innovative, sensitive and creative approach to dealing with the difficult subject of death. Vision RCL’s Libraries team was delighted to win an award for ‘Health & Wellbeing’ at the first ever awards event hosted by Libraries Connected, a membership organisation for

Redbridge residents to come together at community fair in celebration of Black History Month

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure will begin a month-long celebration for Black History starting with a Black Brits African & Caribbean Community Fair this October. The national celebration aims to recognise Black contributions to society and to foster an understanding of Black history in general. Families are invited to attend the community fair taking place

Woodford Green Library & Gym re-opens

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure is thrilled to announce the re-opening of Woodford Green Library and Gym to the public following the completion of a major refurbishment. The new library and fitness facility is a partnership between Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure and the London Borough of Redbridge, with a joint investment of over £300,000

Redbridge Libraries to Receive HUGE Digital Upgrade

Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure today announced that Redbridge Libraries will receive its biggest Public PC upgrade ever. The latest step in a far-reaching plan to make access to the library service easier and more accessible than ever; and the upgrade is already under way. The new public devices boast a 53% larger screen size compared to their predecessors and offer a new

More Vision Facilities re-open from 17 May

As we now enter the third step in the Government’s road out of lockdown, more of our Vision facilities have reopened today Monday 17 May. While our leisure centres re-opened last month for gym use and swimming, we are excited to finally recommence indoor sports. Fitness classes such as spinning, body conditioning, zumba and lots

Stay local this summer and enjoy leisure and cultural facilities on your doorstep

It’s beginning to feel a lot like summer as Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure prepare their events programme. All events will be delivered in line with government guidance and will enable children and adults to mix again socially and enjoy the fantastic provision we have here in Redbridge. Our Walking for Health group was one

More Vision facilities re-open just in time for the final week of the Easter holidays

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure were delighted to be able to re-open some of their leisure and cultural facilities on Monday 12 April, one step closer to bringing the Redbridge community back together. Following the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown families can once again enjoy swimming sessions at their local leisure centre. Parents are keen

Vision Venues: Four Upgrades Coming in 2021

Vision Venues are planning an upgrade. Here are four upgrades coming to our Venues in 2021! We believe in providing places where people and communities can thrive, be it through exercise classes, art clubs, music concerts and events hosted by our very own teams across Vision RCL. From getting your business off the ground with

Introducing Vision Venues!

We are introducing Vision Venues, a new way to make effortless bookings with Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure. We are a brand-new team here to help you book into our fabulous venues located across Redbridge! Our venues include: Valentines Mansion, Redbridge Town Hall, Sir James Hawkey Hall and many more! You will be delighted to

Redbridge Children’s Book Award 2020

Every year Redbridge Schools Library service (SLS) involves 14 secondary schools, 16 primary schools and over 200 students in the Redbridge Children’s Book Award. Despite the closure of schools due to COVID 19, Redbridge SLS was determined to keep these young readers and literary critics engaged. The SLS manager along with Redbridge teachers has have

The Community Leisure UK Award winners have been announced!

The National Community Leisure UK Awards are held annually and recognise, celebrate and share the achievements of leisure and culture trusts across the UK. Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure were delighted to have finalists in three of the categories for the 2020 awards and a winner in one! Huge congratulations go to Yashmin Harun, a

National Community Leisure UK Awards Finalists

The National Community Leisure UK Awards are held annually and recognise, celebrate and share the achievements of leisure and culture trusts across the UK. This year Vision is delighted to have finalists in three categories for the 2020 Awards as follows: Community Impact Award – Arts, Culture and Libraries – for Tech Ilford An annual

Fill a bag with kindness this winter

Redbridge Libraries are working with The Welcome Project to be able to supply the homeless community with some much needed support. On Thursday 12, Friday 13, Saturday 14 and Friday 20 December we will collect items and coats that are to be handed out to the homeless community in Redbridge. You can help us by

Redbridge Libraries secure funding to expand and continue project around death

Redbridge Libraries will partner with Kirklees and Newcastle Libraries to investigate if people’s attitude to death can change depending on where they live or their cultural backgrounds. The project is part a continuation of the successful Final Party project run by Redbridge Libraries from October 2017. The attitudes of people in Redbridge towards death are

Redbridge Libraries adds film streaming service, Kanopy

With Kanopy, Redbridge Libraries customers will have access to more than 30,000 films for free. The popular on-demand film streaming service Kanopy is now available for free using your Redbridge Library card. Library card holders can now access Kanopy and sign up to start streaming films instantly by visiting the Kanopy website – Redbridge. Films

Lab Central

Hub Central

We offer a range of resources including: ✓ Partnership working with local organisations helping residents learn new skills✓ A wide range of Online Resources✓ Employment Advisers with Work Redbridge who are based in Hub Central providing support with CVs, training and developing your career✓ Career Support with The National Career Service providing impartial and professional advice on skills and the

VR Playground comes to #TechIlford

Saturday 15 June 11am-4.30pm VR Playground is the latest ride experiment by SPACE artist and the world’s first Thrill Engineer, Professor Brendan Walker and his Thrill Laboratory. Scoot through the metropolis inside a mono-wheel; leap tall structures in a single bound; and undulate upwards to escape the deep abyss – don a virtual reality headset, jump

Ken Aston Square’s full summer programme announced

In March 2019 it was announced that Vision’s outdoor arts programme in Ken Aston Square had partnered with England’s biggest network of outdoor arts festivals, Without Walls. The outdoor arts programme will run once a month from Saturday 8 June to Saturday 21 September in Ken Aston Square, Barkingside High Street. All shows will be

The Smallest Library launches at Mayfield Leisure Centre

From our Home Library Service to our Virtual Library options, we have always been proud to be able to make our library service as accessible as possible. Over the last few months in partnership with 2cqr Limited, we have launched our Smallest Library service, one of the first of it’s kind in the UK! This

Redbridge Libraries project ‘The Final Party’ wins Edge Award

Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure were delighted to win an award for their innovative project, The Final Party, in the Social category at this year’s Edge Awards. The Edge Awards highlight and reward good practice in innovative library and information projects. The Social category recognises work involving communities or target groups, engagement and making a difference.

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