[holding answer 27 October 2008]: In 2003 DCMS published Framework for the Future, the Government’s 10-year national public library strategy. This provided a broad vision to enable libraries to modernise through promoting reading and learning, enabling access to digital skills and services and encouraging community cohesion and civic values as well as looking for the scope for capacity building. Framework for the Future has been underpinned by work funded through the Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), including the training programme, Leading Modern Public Libraries, and library service peer reviews.
In the context of framework, on 9 October 2008 my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced that DCMS will undertake a Library Service Modernisation Review to define the Government’s vision for a modern, world-class public library service and set out some of the necessary steps to achieve this vision. This review, which is expected to report in the spring of 2009, aims to support local authorities in delivering modernised, responsive and appealing library services for their communities, and to improve performance and increase usage.
The BIG Lottery Fund £80 million Community Libraries Programme is an investment across England to improve community learning opportunities through libraries. Part of this is offering the types of opportunities that are essential to the delivery of modern library services. These include learning opportunities and activities to attract new library users such as reading groups, writing groups, language classes, family learning activities, art and museum exhibitions, cultural activities, drama, information seminars and health initiatives.
[holding answer 27 October 2008]: On 9 October 2008 my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced that DCMS will undertake a Library Service Modernisation Review to define the Government’s vision for a modern, world-class public library service and set out some of the necessary steps to achieve this vision. This review, which is expected to report in the spring of 2009, aims to support local authorities in delivering modernised, responsive and appealing library services for their communities, and to improve performance and increase usage.
Libraries have played a central role in the Department for Children, Schools and Families funded National Year of Reading, holding a broad range of themed events and activities, and as part of their membership drive signing up over 1 million new members since April 2008.
There are a significant number of programmes funded by Departments, sponsored organisations and third sector partners which promote the increased use of public libraries: these include Bookstart, Book Ahead, Boys into Books, the Summer Reading Challenge, Booked Up, Fulfilling their Potential and the Vital Link.
The BIG Lottery Fund’s £80 million Community Libraries Programme is an investment across England to improve community learning opportunities through libraries. Part of this is offering the types of opportunities essential to the delivery of modern library services, including, learning activities to attract new library users such as reading groups, writing groups, language classes, family learning activities, art and museum exhibitions, cultural activities, drama, information seminars and health initiatives.