THE MINISTER for Heritage and Libraries has praised Rugby’s cultural spaces during a visit to the town.
Baroness Twycross paid a visit to Rugby Library and the adjoining Rugby Art Gallery and Museum during Libraries Week.
Accompanied by Rugby MP John Slinger, the minister visited the library’s Makerspace and received briefings from Ayub Khan, Head of Libraries, and Chris Ashton, Area Manager at Warwickshire County Council Libraries.
They toured the library, met staff, and spoke with library users before continuing on to the Art Gallery and Museum, where they were shown around by Senior Exhibitions and Programming Officer Katie Boyce.
They also met representatives from the Percival Guildhouse and viewed students’ artwork and the heritage the Guildhouse preserves – both on display as part of the centre’s Centenary Art and Archive Exhibition.
Mr Slinger highlighted how these welcoming public spaces offer people a reason to get out of the house, connect with others, and engage with local culture.
Baroness Twycross said: “Rugby is rightly proud of its library and gallery. Its cultural spaces are a remarkable resource for the local community.
“It’s particularly important to highlight that these institutions are more than buildings – they’re places where children’s imaginations are sparked, where people of all ages connect, learn and are part of something bigger.”
Mr Slinger added: “It’s a pleasure to showcase our outstanding Library, Art Gallery and Museum, and I’m proud to support the venue, its dedicated staff, and the incredible artists and makers in our area. I visit regularly and have consistently worked to bring its work to the attention of government.
“Libraries, galleries and museums are vital public spaces that offer opportunities for education, inspiration, and enjoyment to people of all ages.”
