Libraries appear in many forms: public libraries, school libraries, specialist libraries, health libraries, mobile libraries, etc. These are dedicated spaces designed to facilitate access to information, literature, support, culture, and they provide the ability to interact with a shared community space that is open to all without charge. Many people talk about these spaces as being crucial to their development as people, particularly as they provide a sense of safety and the ability to access new worlds.

This PhD project will look at these experiences: what role do libraries play in these transformational times, what ways do people describe libraries, and how are the benefits of libraries made real.