We’re all just searching for community

Notes from hosting a writing summer school

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Last week I had the privilege of designing and hosting the British Library’s summer school for writers, which I titled ‘Revitalise Your Writing’. The idea was to offer a week where writers could spend focused time on their writing projects, learn about the BL’s services, and, for many, take their first nervous (but supported) steps into the Reading Rooms.

Over the week they did exactly that. They wrote, they learned, they crossed the threshold.

What struck me the most this week wasn’t the incredible depth and diversity of projects the participants were working on, it wasn’t the worries they had about how to research, it wasn’t the moments of wonder and revelation. It was the building of a community of people.

I’ve worked in adult learning and participatory programming in museums and libraries for my whole career, and I’m seeing more than ever that people are in desperate search of community. Of finding a way to meet people - and not necessarily like minded ones - to connect with over a shared love or challenge.

What struck me this week was how, day-by-day, close bonds were formed between the participants. How they listened, how they called back to things others had said earlier in the week, how they shared knowledge, shared empathy and ‘held space’ for each other. And that was without much effort on mine or the tutor’s part. No awkward ice-breakers, no speed dating style conversations. Just organic social interaction and mutual care.

I had a really fascinating conversation with one participant, who was lamenting the lack of similar opportunities at their local library. I responded with my usual spiel about austerity, the defunding of critical services (which libraries are), the eventual decline and dearth of third spaces. Places where you can go to spend time, not money; learn, connect, feel safe, feel welcome.

What all this has shown me (and it’s something I knew already and have seen time-and-again over many years working in adult learning) is that people are desperate to find community and human connection.

This summer school was designed for the individual: developing writing process, understanding the services and support available to them, dedicating time to write. Yet, the collective shared experience and the creation of a community is what became its focus in the end.

As a learning practitioner, that works for me. I’m thrilled to be able to create spaces where communities and connections can grow and thrive.

From strangers to a community in 5 days - that’s a welcome sign of hope in our increasingly hyper-individualistic world.

This article was originally posted on Substack. Follow and subscribe here.