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 demonstrate innovation and creativity, leading to tangible impacts in their communities. By reaching the finals, Vision Libraries showcases its commitment to fostering meaningful conversations and support around end-of-life planning.
About “Tickets for the Afterlife”
Originally conceived as a physical installation, Tickets for the Afterlife’ evolved into an interactive web app during the Covid-19 lockdowns, reinforcing the library’s role as a supportive space in difficult times. The app guides users through contemporary practices surrounding death and offers thoughtful book recommendations, empowering individuals to navigate choices related to their bodies, memories, and legacies after death.
This project, a collaboration between Vision Libraries, Kirklees Libraries, Newcastle Libraries, Dr Stacey Pitsillides, and Professor Claire Nally from Northumbria University, has continued to thrive three years after its launch and is still actively utilised across all three library services.
The work behind “Tickets for the Afterlife” emphasizes the invaluable role that public libraries play as compassionate and trusted spaces, encouraging necessary yet often delicate conversations about mortality.
Anita Luby, Head of Culture & Libraries, expressed her pride, stating: “We are delighted that the work of Vision Libraries and our partners has been recognised at these prestigious awards. Being named finalists is an incredible boost for all the teams involved. We’re thrilled that the judges acknowledged our creativity and ingenuity, coupled with our collaborative spirit and passion for supporting our communities through this magnificent resource. Since its launch three years ago, ‘Tickets for the Afterlife’ has continued to flourish, helping us connect wider audiences with new ideas and literature in our collections.”
Martin Solder, Chair of Trustees, added: “I am delighted to see the impactful work of Vision Libraries and our colleagues from Northumbria University, Kirklees, and Newcastle Libraries recognized in this way. I take great pride in the fact that this initiative began right here in Redbridge, driven by innovative thinking to connect with our community on a vital yet challenging topic that touches us all.”
The digital category was judged by Ned Potter from the University of York, who remarked: “I’ve been in librarianship for a long time, and I can’t remember seeing such an original idea as this. Libraries are at the heart of community, but that doesn’t happen automatically. Redbridge identified a unique way to provide support in an area that is universally relevant – dying, death, and grief -doing so in a friendly and accessible manner. ‘Tickets for the Afterlife’ is beautifully designed, completely unique, and immensely valuable – a brilliant piece of work.”
This initiative was generously funded by the Wellcome Trust, Carnegie UK, and The Wolfson Foundation, as part of the Engaging Libraries Phase 2 programme.
For more information about “Tickets for the Afterlife” and the ongoing work of Vision Libraries, please to The Death Positive Library page.
