Members of the highly successful One Pot Meal club at Bootle library had a hands on lesson in foraging recently.

The group, led by the Fairland Collective and Sefton Libraries, took a break from cooking up a homemade minestrone soup, to set about foraging for natural table decorations in and around Stanley Road.

Bootle Library assistant Louisa Harrison was on hand to lead a team of intrepid explorers around Bootle to find decorative flowers and plants that could easily be crafted into a bespoke table decoration. 

The initiative has already inspired a number of residents to join the Bootle Library’s Human Library scheme.

Thanks to a grant of almost £100,000 from Arts Council England – a brand new project will aim to support adults living in Bootle through the creation of a ‘human library’ where people can ‘gift’ their talents or experience to someone in need.

The concept is based around a place where real people are on loan instead of books. They provide gifts that might range from preparing and hosting a community meal or one to one sessions with someone living with a mental health condition.

A series of creative programmes will aim to uncover local talents which, in turn, will build a sustainable bank of volunteers who can pass their ‘gift’ or experiences on.