Museums And Archives

Bideford - Retold

Bideford Retold will revitalise the Chope Collection, a regionally significant archive of around 500 books bequeathed to the people of Bideford by local historian Richard Pearse Chope. Chope’s passion for North Devon was summed up in his favourite line by Hilaire Belloc: “One’s native place is the shell of one’s soul.” Our project takes this sentiment forward for a new generation. We aim to: - Empower 12–21 year-olds to discover and reinterpret their heritage, building pride and belonging. - Breathe new life into the collection through new displays, interpretation panels, and an inclusive co-created digital experience. - Increase the number of young people engaging with Bideford Library, generating insights into how libraries can become more relevant to their lives. Its legacy will be a toolkit offering a replicable model for youth engagement across Libraries Unlimited, alongside a relaunched collection as a vibrant community asset.