On 1 October 2011 we took over responsibility for supporting and developing libraries as part of the functions we inherit from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA).
While are not responsible for providing or funding library services, we will play a significant role in supporting and developing the libraries sector. Continuing discussions with the libraries sector, in-house expertise and a national overview will enable us to draw an accurate picture of the challenges and opportunities for libraries, and be in a unique position to help drive national cultural policy.
The Arts Council's vision for libraries is that they inspire and empower people to lead active lives, enriched through cultural experience. The Arts Council is working with libraries to explore a vision for arts and culture working together.
Automatic library membership
We have announced 22 projects that will share approximately £55,000 to test automatic library membership for children and young people. It is hoped these projects will lead to an increase in children, young people and families using their local libraries and stimulate more reading for pleasure. These projects are supported by the Department for Education and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Grants for the arts - £6 million fund for libraries now open
An extra £6 million in Grants for the arts funding for libraries opened to applications on Thursday 27 September 2012 and will be available until March 2015. The funding will support projects that stimulate ambitious and innovative partnerships between libraries and artists and/or arts organisations, encouraging communities to participate in cultural activities.
Public libraries can apply for grants of between £1,000 and £100,000 covering activities lasting up to three years. Find out how to apply.
To read about examples of successful Grants for the arts projects visit our pages on funded project case studies. The latest libraries case study is on Circuit Live, a spoken word project inspired by London 2012 and involving children not in education, employment or training (NEET) in workshops held in libraries across London in Camden, Lambeth, Lewisham, Waltham Forest and Westminster.
Community managed and community supported libraries research
We are currently working on a piece of research with the Local Government Association to explore the different ways in which communities are involved in the delivery of library services.
The research will aim to provide a current picture of community managed or community supported library provision in England - mapping current community involvement, and examining existing evidence and practice. Through this research project we will be able to suggest guiding principles to support local authorities who are reviewing delivery of their library services or thinking about new ways of involving and working with their communities.
The work is being undertaken by Locality working with Sue Charteris, an independent national expert on library services, with other partners including Cabinet Office, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Communities and Local Government.
The findings from the research will be announced in early 2013.
Public Libraries Information Offer
The Public Libraries Information Offer was a pilot project developed in partnership by the Society of Chief Librarians and Arts Council England. The project set out to show how libraries, as trusted community spaces with frontline staff trained as digital champions, are one of the key partners in delivering government online services. This is demonstrated in their expertise in providing information and assisted digital support for people to build their digital skills to access services at a local level. The outcomes and findings from the project have been set out in a report, published in June 2012, which is available to read and download from the Society of Chief Librarians' website.
Libraries Development Initiative
On 1 November 2011 we launched the Libraries Development Initiative. The overarching aim of this initiative is to create vibrant, sustainable 21st century library services within the framework of Achieving great art for everyone and Culture, knowledge and understanding: great museums and libraries for everyone.
CMS Select Committee Inquiry into Library Closures
The Arts Council submitted evidence to the Culture Media and Sport Select Committee Inquiry into Library Closures. Download our submission. We have also responded to the final report published on 6 November 2012. Read our response.
CIPFA Public Library Statistics
This statistical statement provides an update of the key trends from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Public Library Statistics 2010/11 (Actuals).
