One of the nation’s leading experts on poverty and its causes is to give a talk at Worcester’s Hive Library, after praising the landmark building in her latest book.
In Impoverished: How to Fix Britain’s Poverty Problem, renowned author and film-maker Joanna Mack highlights The Hive as an example of how shared public facilities can make a real difference to people’s lives.
Opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, The Hive is the UK’s first fully integrated public and university library, shared between the University of Worcester and Worcestershire County Council.
At the free-to-attend event on 15 July (6.30-8pm), Joanna will be interviewed by former BBC journalist Justyn Surrall, where she’ll discuss the relationship between the University and the city, and how strong community ties can help address different forms of poverty.
Speaking ahead of the event, Joanna said: “What makes the Hive so extraordinary is its openness, it’s not just for students, it’s a shared space for the whole community. Too many university libraries are closed off, but The Hive reaches out instead, and that’s what makes it so powerful.”
She added: “It creates a genuinely inclusive environment, and that kind of space can play an important role in tackling poverty.”
Speaking about her upcoming visit to the city and the event, Joanna said: “It’s very exciting to have the opportunity to engage with such a successful community. The more people who engage with services like The Hive, the more opportunities there are to find ways to do things differently, and the bigger the flow of ideas.”
Professor David Green CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, who co-chairs the Hive Board and will introduce Joanna, said: “Everyone associated with the Hive was delighted to read the glowing praise for The Hive in Impoverished. The library, archive and youth hub serve so many people and it is very good and very timely that the Hive has gained such national recognition in a book so influential as this.”
“We are all truly delighted to be able to bring Joanna Mack to The Hive,” he continued. “It’s a vital opportunity to hear from one of the country’s leading thinkers on how to eliminate poverty in a setting that works every day to promote social inclusion. I hope that many local people will come to be part of the conversation on an issue that really matters.”
Professor Green added: “Anyone not yet familiar with Joanna’s work will be struck by her ability to tackle the huge problems of poverty and deep-seated inequality with such positivity and forward-thinking, combined with a true sense of both the possible and the practical.”
Tickets are free, but booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Book your place by visiting The Hive Library website.