NEWS FEATURE ‘‘
The sector is now united in calling on government for a cross-departmental national strategy that outlines a clear vision for libraries, provides a sustainable funding model, and enables collaboration across government departments, communities, and different types of library service. – CILIP
Aligned missions And the public library sector has already started to align its ‘asks’ with government missions. CILIP and other sector bod- ies have been calling for a strategy for a while. This peaked with a Westminster Hall debate in May 2025 in which Labour MP Jonathan Davies said libraries “are already contributing so much to this government’s missions, but that contribution is not fully understood or acknowledged. I called this debate to make the case for a national data hub to help us under- stand the enormous contributions that libraries make, and for a joined-up, long-term strategy that gives public libraries the recognition and investment they deserve.” In response to the debate CILIP said: “The sector is now united in calling on government for a cross-departmental national strategy that outlines a clear vision for libraries, provides a sustainable funding model, and enables collab- oration across government departments, communities, and different types of library service.”
It said also said the proposed national strategy should include:
l Sustained investment in digital infrastructure and skills with DSIT;
l expansion of early literacy and education programmes with DfE;
l support for library-based business and innovation hubs with DBT;
l formal partnerships between the NHS and public health services with DHSC;
l funding to enable cross-sector collaboration between different types of libraries;
l a sustainable, place-based investment model;
l stronger ministerial leadership and cross-government coordination;
l clearer accountability for government’s statutory superin- tendence and improvement duties;
l public consultation to shape the future of public library services.
Challenge outdated perceptions
In response to Baroness Twycross’s announcement in March, Isobel Hunter, CEO of Libraries Connected said: “An ambi- tious, government-wide plan is urgently needed – one that goes beyond DCMS’s statutory duties and recognises libraries as a national network supporting priorities across departments.” She said: “To be successful the new strategy must challenge outdated perceptions of libraries, include other council-run library services such as those in schools and prisons, and focus not only on what libraries deliver but on the condi-
April-May 2026
tions that make this possible. Above all, it must set out how government will ensure modern, accessible library build- ings, a properly supported and fairly rewarded workforce, and sustainable long-term funding so libraries can adapt to their communities’ changing needs. Full consultation with library leaders, frontline staff and the public is essential.”
Workforce pressure
Responding to the announcement, CILIP’s Public and Mobile Libraries Group (PMLG) set out some of the new areas where library work forces are active. “We welcome a new libraries strategy that will hopefully recognise and shine a spotlight on the vital role that all libraries and librarians play in our present-day society. As well as supporting learn- ing, literacy, enjoyment of reading and social inclusion our libraries are at the forefront of combatting the strong chal- lenges our society is facing particularly from various factors which are accelerating social exclusion, misinformation, disinformation and censorship.” PMLG also highlighted how these new challenges are being
faced at a time when resources are scarce. “Our staff and services have the much-needed skills and experience to deal with these challenges and can continue to support and promote intellectual freedom through the many and varied types of library provision in the UK if there is a halt to the closure of library buildings and loss of staff. Instead we need sufficient investment in those buildings and their workforces.” It said: “In the case of public libraries their funding is locked and tied into their local council’s financial situation and with many local councils facing bankruptcy, due to the high cost of social care, public libraries have taken funding hits and haven’t been protected. We look forward to thor- ough consultation, a clear way forward with commitment to investment as an urgent priority and an opportunity to shape the strategy. “
Just another one? The sector has seen so many reports and reviews that librarians may see this as just another one. However, Diana Edmonds, former National Libraries Director with GLL and now an independent consultant, said: “No, we don’t want another report. It’s time to put something strategic and sub- stantial in place.” She acknowledged that the separation of the sector’s fund- ing, policy and development responsibilities, as well as the diversity of library services, meant that implementation of any national strategy would be difficult. But she said: “There is a feeling that the politicians and decisions-makers are now interested in the potential of public libraries, which does increase the chances of something happening.” IP
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