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.
What freedom means to you
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we invite residents of all ages to reflect on what freedom means to them today and in the future.
Share your thoughts by completing our short online form, with questions designed for both adults and children.
Your reflections will be used to help decorate the Reading Freedom Trees to be displayed in libraries across Bracknell Forest.
Tell us what freedom means to you
Celebration day
Join us Saturday 29 November 2025 for our celebration day as we unveil:
- tree art installations
- a live performance of a Bracknell Fairy Tale newly commissioned for the project
- Printmaking crafts
Find out how to share in the celebration with us.
Freedom tree art installations
‘Freedom reading trees’ are coming soon to all our libraries. These feature paper leaves decorated by local residents of all ages with drawings and reflections on what freedom means to them. There’s still time to contribute. Templates are available at all library branches for those who wish to contribute. If you’d like to take a leaf away to decorate, return it to any Bracknell Forest Library by Friday 22 November.
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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