Unlocking business potential through your library
How Warwickshire Libraries are quietly becoming an essential tool for SME success
Libraries have long shaken off the old stereotype of quiet places while remaining a haven of learning. And for Warwickshire’s small and medium-sized businesses, the local library is rapidly emerging as a hub of innovation, research, and practical support - offering far more than most realise.
From digital resources to cutting-edge technology, Warwickshire Libraries are providing tools that help local entrepreneurs develop their ideas, improve their knowledge, and even bring heritage projects back to life.
A case in point: bringing a forgotten plough back to life...
Take the example of a local farmer who set out on a mission to restore a Troth and Hillson plough, a once-common piece of agricultural equipment now virtually extinct since the move from horses to machines.
He faced a challenge: the project hinged on a rare socket piece, one of only two known to still exist. Luckily, Warwickshire Museums held this vital part in their collection. But replicating it posed another issue - traditional methods would damage the original.
Working in partnership with Warwickshire Museums and Libraries, the farmer was able to borrow the piece, which was then digitally scanned using the library’s 3D scanner. A perfect replica was created using one of the library’s 3D printers, allowing him to continue his restoration without compromising the original artefact.
The result? A proud farmer able to revive a historical tool - and a shining example of how Warwickshire Libraries are empowering local innovation.
What can your local library do for your business?
Whether you're starting out, scaling up, or simply looking for reliable, trustworthy information, Warwickshire Libraries offer a wealth of resources for business owners and the self-employed:
Digital books, magazines, and newspapers
Stay ahead with titles covering leadership, finance, entrepreneurship, and more:
- BorrowBox - eBooks & eAudiobooks such as The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People or The Mother of All Jobs
- Pressreader - eNewspapers like The Economist and Management Today
In-depth information and research tools
Ideal for business planning, market research, or gaining a deeper understanding of your sector:
Tip: Sign in to Oxford resources using your library card with the prefix ‘WARKS’ (e.g. WARKS123456789)
- Access to research - Free access to academic articles from leading journals in any Warwickshire public library.
Technology and workspaces
Need somewhere to work or test an idea? Libraries across the county offer:
- Public computers, printing, ‘hublets’, and free WiFi
- Tech spaces and innovation areas (including 3D printers and scanners used in the case study above) - explore more at Let’s Make Spaces
- Quiet, professional environments to focus, meet, or simply escape distractions.
Signposting and business support
If you're unsure where to start or need more tailored support, the library can help connect you to:
Your Next Step? Just visit
Whether you're running a farm, a freelance venture, or a fast-growing startup, Warwickshire Libraries are more than just bookshelves. They’re a place where ideas take root, where businesses find tools to grow, and where innovation meets tradition.
Check out what’s available at your local branch:
Find Your Nearest Library
Access Computers and Internet Services