The UK government has announced a £33 million funding package for 43 library services and 26 museums as part of its latest cultural investment round. The funding aims to upgrade buildings, improve digital infrastructure, and enhance community services.
Of the total, £10.5 million will be distributed through the Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF), with local authorities bidding on behalf of their services. London councils received the largest LIF awards, including £499,999 for Camden and £499,700 for Hackney. Other significant grants went to Reading, Chester, Wakefield, and Medway, each receiving over £400,000.
Newcastle libraries secured £382,159 to transform a disused area of the Walker Activity Dome into a new reading facility, increase opening hours, and create a community space. Christine Herriot of Newcastle City Council called the funding “fantastic news,” noting it will expand the library, improve digital services, and provide employment support.
Hackney’s grant will redesign Stoke Newington Library’s interior into “creative, inclusive and innovative new spaces,” according to the council. Petra Roberts, assistant director for culture, libraries and heritage at Hackney Council, emphasised that libraries have evolved beyond book lending, and the investment will ensure they continue serving communities with improved amenities and technology.
The funding comes amid financial pressures on councils, with a February survey by the Local Government Association finding that 48% of councils may cut library services. Isobel Hunter, chief executive of Libraries Connected, welcomed the grants but warned that “much wider and longer-term investment” is needed to prevent a crisis, urging the next government to secure a more stable financial settlement for local authorities.
