Ministers have confirmed that a series of recommendations from an independent review of libraries will be taken forward in a new government strategy, due to be published this year.
The review, led by former journalist and government adviser Baroness Sanderson of Welton, was commissioned in September 2022 to seek views and develop innovative ideas on how to improve public libraries across England.
The Government response to her review welcomes recommendations for an expanded library membership, closer work with the British Library, improvements to the branding and visibility of libraries, and the establishment of a national data hub.
Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay has also committed to hosting a series of cross-government roundtable meetings every year, to help address the challenges facing libraries, and to consider the ways in which public libraries can be recognised and included in future government policy work.
Cllr Liz Green, Chair of the LGA Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: “Libraries are a key public asset that provide extra services in providing community spaces. This review includes thoughtful proposals, which – if implemented – will go some way to contributing to the smoother delivery of library services and collecting accurate reports of their impact on communities.”