Liz Broekmann is the Principal Children's Librarian at Slough Library. Since 2004 the Library has developed innovative art projects to engage children of every level with the Library and its services.
'Teenagers in particular are hard to encourage ideas from and I wanted to use the arts to engage them. I wanted to make contacts and get an understanding of the arts in Slough.'
In 2005, Liz took part in the Community Arts TrainingScheme (CATS), the course covers all of the stages of planning and running a project, including a practical session, which Liz particularly enjoyed.
'I realised how much I enjoy working with my hands. I've used ideas for my work and I can use bits of stuff to engage, from joint displays to just doing things differently.'
The course has had a big impact on both Liz's work and her personal life:
'Holiday activities once consisted of a story and colouring; with my team we've changed that. We organise substantial craft projects such as the Graphix projects looking at graphic novels and an adventurous photography project. In fact the only thing that can stop us now is funding. I've moved on in my personal life too. Seeing people from such diverse backgrounds shows that there is nothing to lose. I enjoy embroidery and I've done several courses at the Royal School of Needlework and these have helped me to be more creative. Taking time to understand the elements of arts has given me a better idea of colours, shapes and feel. I find I am looking at things more analytically, at the elements of art that an artist would use. I'm taking risks, building up my confidence and looking at things differently. That confidence is definitely helped by the ongoing support from the team. The course made me more prepared to throw caution to the wind, knowing the Arts Development team were there to help as they have.'
The course also emphasises the value of working with artists, something Liz found changed her perspective.
'The advice to artists on pricing was a real eye opener. It changed my perceptions of employing artists, I appreciate what storytellers are charging now, and I'm a lot more appreciative of others time.'
Incorporating the arts into the Libray has met with huge success and is something that Liz would like to do more of.
'It gets rid of the stereotype of a library, showing it is a creative, cultural, relaxed environment. In the future I'd like to see a lot more project work We can make the case for such a wonderfully rich experience because people are clamouring for activities. We want them to see the Library as a vibrant, living environment, but it's a once a year struggle to get money.'
The ever-present question of money is a real issue for Liz, however she feels her past experience has taught her a lot and that she has a unique perspective on coping with tight budgets:
'Funding is a major obstacle but coming from Africa where there isn't money, you make do, you have to and it can be done. I feel positive it can be done here too. CATS teaches you flexibility in thinking how can we change an idea and with us it's always working around funding issues. I enjoy working with children; seeing their faces when they take this dripping mucky thing away with such pride, it's brilliant. I love working in Slough, there is so much variety of people and cultural scope and so much work to do. I'm lucky to work in such a great community.'
Interview: Louise O'Dwyer Barnard
Photograph: Malcolm Glover