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What is Space to Create?
Space to Create is a Gloucestershire Libraries project that empowers young people (16-24) to build confidence, learn digital skills, and unlock their creative potential by working with industry experts.
Explore creative careers at our Digital Bootcamps
Digital Bootcamps are coming to a Lab near you, and they're packed with opportunities to get inspired by industry experts from the world of creative technology, from animation, web design, illustration and photography, to game design and music engineering.
Whether you're taking a break from school, job hunting, building confidence, or just want to explore your creativity, this program is for you. Running alongside the school term, you'll get hands-on experience, learn new skills, and make connections that could jumpstart your career.
You'll also get to showcase your work in exhibitions and see what others are creating. But that's not all—your finished projects will be entered into a competition where the top creators will win prizes and work experience opportunities.
And just for completing the program, you'll walk away with a £20 Amazon gift voucher and a certificate to recognise your hard work.
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to boost your skills and kick start your future!
Upcoming Bootcamps, & Tech Tasters
✨The Content Lab - strategy, story & style! How to become an influencer
When: Monday 23rd February – Monday 23 March | 10.30 – 12.30
Who: Young people aged 14-18, not in employment, education or training
Where: Coleford Library
Ready to build your personal brand and stand out online? This workshop will guide you through every step of becoming an authentic influencer.
What you’ll learn:
- Find Your Niche: Identify what makes your idea unique and why it will work.
- Define Your Voice: Discover what sets you apart and how to create content pillars that reflect your brand.
- Craft Your Story: Learn how to share your personality and backstory to build trust and authenticity.
- Plan Your Content: Generate 20 post ideas and create a posting plan that keeps your feed fresh and engaging.
To Book: Email [email protected]
✨Podcasting 101 – in partnership with FVAF, & DigiHubs
When: Tuesday 13 March – Tuesday 12 May | 11.00 - 13.00
Who: Young people aged 14-18, not in employment, education or training
Where: Coleford Library
Now’s your chance! Join us at Coleford Library for a hands-on Podcasting 101 Bootcamp, in partnership with Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF), and learn everything you need to create, record, and share your very own podcast.
Over five weeks, you’ll go from idea to episode, gaining the skills and confidence to make your voice heard. Whether you’re passionate about storytelling, music, interviews, or sharing your opinions, this bootcamp will give you the tools to bring your ideas to life.
To book a place email: [email protected]
✨Space to CreateTech Taster Series – podcasting!
When: Tuesday 10 March – Tuesday 7 April | 11.00 – 12.30
Who: 14-18 home-school and/or not in employment, education or training
Where: Gloucester Library
Curious about podcasting? Want to try out the tech without committing to a full course? Come along to our informal, drop‑in taster sessions perfect for home‑educated young people who want to explore creativity, sound, and digital storytelling.
Each session offers hands-on activities including:
🎧 Trying out podcasting hardware
📝Planning and shaping ideas
🎙️Recording your voice
✂️Editing with Adobe Audition
📢Sharing and publishing audio
You can stay for the whole session or pop in for a quick try totally flexible and beginner‑friendly.
We'll also chat about how podcasting skills connect to exciting creative digital careers, from audio production to content creation.
No need to book, just drop in and have fun exploring something new!
✨Space to CreateTech Taster Series – Digital illustration & branding
When: Friday 27 February – Friday 3 April (no session 27 March)| 10.30 – 12.00
Who: 14-18 home-school and/or not in employment, education or training
Where: Gloucester Library
Got a young person who loves being creative or just wants to try something new?
We’re running informal, drop‑in sessions where they can get to grips with digital illustration, logo design and branding in a relaxed, supportive space.
Each week they can jump in and explore:
🎨 Digital illustration tools and techniques
✨ Simple logo design
💡 Branding basics and creative identity
🖌️ Fun mini‑activities to spark ideas
It’s totally flexible- no booking needed - stay for the whole session or just pop in for a quick go. All equipment is provided, and no experience is needed.
A great chance to play, experiment and discover the world of digital design!
✨Tech Taster Programme for Home‑Educated Young People!
When: Thursday 5 March – Thursday 2 April | 2:00–4:00pm
Who: Home educated young people and/or not in employment, education & training
Where: Cheltenham Lab (behind Cheltenham Main Library, above the Children’s library)
Does your young person love telling stories, exploring ideas, or experimenting with technology?
Invite them to join our hands-on tech-taster Programme, where over 5 weeks they will learn skills and get a taster of future careers.
Over five interactive weekly sessions, we will explore:
🎧 Podcasting
📝 Video Editing
🎙️ Audio book recording
✂️ Green screen
📢 Illustration & logo creation
Along the way, we’ll also look at how these skills connect to creative digital career pathways, from audio production and journalism to content creation and digital storytelling.
This course is ideal for young people who enjoy creativity, tech, communication, or simply want to try something new in a friendly, supportive environment.
Places are limited so secure your spot by booking on our website.
Mix & Mash Music Sessions - in partnership with The Music Works
We’re excited to be partnering with The Music Works to bring Mix and Mash sessions to libraries across Gloucestershire from April 2025 —fun, creative music-making experiences designed especially for young people with additional needs, but open to all young people aged 7 to 25.
These inclusive sessions offer a welcoming space where everyone can explore music, no matter their ability or experience. Using specialist equipment and supported by highly trained staff, The Music Works ensures that every young person has the opportunity to take part, express themselves, and enjoy the power of sound.
Sessions will run on Wednesday afternoons, for 8 weeks in each library location, from 14.00 - 17.00 on a drop-in basis:
Newent Library
Wednesday 28 January - Wednesday 17 March
Charlton Kings Library
Wednesday 1 April - 20 May
More dates coming for 2026!
Come along, get creative, and discover what you can make happen with music.
For more information, email [email protected]
Digital Bootcamp Exhibition - celebrating creativity
This exhibition video celebrates the creations of the young people we have worked with so far, in stop-motion-animation, 3D modelling & product design, and Mix & Mash sessions delivered in partnership with The Music Works. Working with industry experts from the world of creative technology, we were blown away by the development of their skills, creativity & confidence.
Space to Create is a key project strand of Gloucestershire Libraries' National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status, supported by the Arts Council for four years.