Levenshulme Old Library is managed by a dedicated team of staff and trustees who are passionate about providing a shared community space that enriches the lives of those who use it.
Our Board of Trustees are a group of local residents. They work in diverse careers, bringing a range of skills to LOL, but all of them share a desire to provide a shared community space for Levenshulme that aims to help improve the lives of those who use it.
Richard Hirst – General Manager
Richard has lived in Levenshulme since 2010 and has worked with several local community organisations and arts charities.
richard@levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk
Laura Deane – Programming Manager
A Levenshulme resident since 2006, Laura has a background in teaching arts to 16-19-year-olds, community art organisations, and freelance art/photography. She manages the organisation’s programming, aiming to build a stronger creative community.
laura@levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk
Jason Cooke – Facilities Manager
Jason coordinates building management and user coordination. He also has extensive experience in arts and performance since 1986.
jason@levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk
Jen Wilkinson – Outreach Co-ordinator
Jen leads on outreach and engagement across our programmes, building relationships with local schools, partners and communities. She helps shape activities that reflect the needs and interests of our neighbourhood and supports volunteers, members and participants to get involved in our work.
jen@levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk
Neil Barton – Caretaker
Neil is our dedicated caretaker, responsible for cleaning and maintaining the building. He is also a maths teacher and committed to keeping our community building open.
Laura Carroll – Chair
Laura is a voice coach with over 15 years of experience teaching in acting schools in London and the North West. She is passionate about the continued development of Levenshulme Old Library.
chair@levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk
Jen Taylor – Vice Chair
Jen is the Continuous and Service Improvement Manager at the University of Manchester. With a background in Fine Art and Arts Management, she believes in the transformative power of the arts and is dedicated to assisting the team toward the next exciting chapter in the building’s legacy.
Gaby Harrison – Secretary
Gaby is an early-career heritage professional with an MA in Heritage Studies. She believes that old buildings should be responsive to their communities and admires LOL’s work in Levenshulme.
Noel Connolly – Trustee
Noel has lived in the area for over 40 years and has worked in Railway Programme Management throughout the UK. He is keen to preserve the building and ensure it serves the community.
Ali Fletcher – Trustee
Ali has lived in Levenshulme since 2015 and has over 20 years of experience working in arts organisations around the country. She is excited to support LOL’s ambition to be a vibrant arts space for the whole community.
Beth Harper – Trustee
Beth works in business development for a Greater Manchester charity supporting people on probation. With a lifelong passion for the arts, she is eager to contribute to the success of LOL.
Or Tshuva – Trustee
Or is a curator, researcher, and cultural organiser with over 12 years of experience in the non-profit visual arts sector. She is passionate about developing inclusive, thought-provoking projects that support local communities.
We encourage the community to get involved in running the space as a volunteer, member, or trustee, supporting our small staff team to develop the building and grounds. Becoming a member allows you to have more involvement as users helping to shape the space. Find out more about becoming a member here.
If you are able to support us in these difficult times you can now donate using Paypal