About the project
This initiative is part of a nationwide programme commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
It involves over 80 libraries, museums and arts centres across the country, all reflecting on the significance of freedom through a variety of community events and artistic projects.
About the project in Bracknell
Bracknell Forest Libraries, in partnership with Libraries Connected, has been awarded funding from the Arts Council through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for the ‘Our Freedom: Then and Now’ project.
Our project is exploring the theme of freedom, inspired by Bracknell Forest’s iconic trees – symbols of shelter, strength and growth. Freedom is also a key part of Bracknell’s history, from the new town beginnings to the opportunities it still offers today.
Celebration Day
Thank you for coming to our Celebration Day. We had a wonderful time celebrating the project, which included displaying our freedom reading trees.
We also enjoyed the first performance of the fairy tale 'The Freedom Tree of Bracknell Forest' by Catherine Emmett. Printed copies of the story will be available in our libraries in the new year.
The celebration brought people of all ages and backgrounds together to celebrate everything that makes Bracknell Forest such a special place to live and be proud of.
Freedom reading trees in your local library
During our celebration day, visitors to Bracknell Library could see our stunning freedom reading trees designed by local artist Areej Abdi. The trees have leaves decorated by local people with pictures and words that capture what freedom means to them.
Some of these trees will soon be moving to their home libraries in:
- Binfield
- Crowthorne
- Sandhurst
- Whitegrove
Some of our libraries already have the trees on display. These are:
- Ascot Heath Library
- Birch Hill Library
- Great Hollands Library
- Harmans Water Library
Please visit and see how stunning these trees are!
There’s still time to contribute. Templates are available at all library branches for those who want to decorate a leaf. Please return your leaf to any Bracknell Forest Library and tell us which tree you would like it to be displayed on.
New self-guided history walk along Bracknell High Street
Pick up a leaflet from your nearest Bracknell Forest Library, or download a copy, to follow a walk along Bracknell’s High Street.
Discover how the town centre has evolved in the years following the end of the Second World War and Bracknell being designated a New Town in 1949. You might be surprised by the listed buildings found along the High Street!
This self-guided history walk leaflet has been produced with the support of The Bracknell Forest Society.
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