Libraries Connected joined CILIP and Research Libraries UK at the House of Lords on Wednesday for a reception showcasing the critical role libraries play in driving economic growth. 

The reception brought together library leaders, sector partners, entrepreneurs and parliamentarians to discuss how libraries help communities benefit from new economic opportunities. 

The keynote speaker was Baroness Hilary Armstrong, chair of the Digital Inclusion Action Committee and the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods. Baroness Armstrong highlighted how libraries have been vital in helping communities - especially those hit by industrial decline - rebuild confidence, access opportunities and navigate public services. She stressed that libraries are key to digital inclusion nationwide, giving people the tools and support to participate fully in the modern economy.

Other speakers included Libraries Connected Chief Executive Isobel Hunter and President Ed Jewell, Bodley’s Librarian Richard Ovenden and entrepreneur Martha Keith. They highlighted how libraries drive economic opportunity at every level: supporting new businesses, boosting employability, revitalising high streets, and underpinning the research and innovation ecosystem that generates billions for the UK economy. 

The Business and IP Centre network, a cornerstone of business support in public libraries, was particularly highlighted for its role in driving local economic growth. Attendees heard that the service creates 24 new businesses every working day, with its free advice, workshops and resources supporting over 200,000 aspiring entrepreneurs to develop viable business ideas. 

Sector leaders urged government to ensure the forthcoming public library strategy positions libraries as essential economic partners - backed by sustained investment, stronger national coordination and clear recognition of their contribution to growth, skills and innovation. The strategy, which will be published this year, was confirmed by libraries minister Baroness Twycross earlier this month. 

Speaking after the reception, Isobel Hunter said:

“From high street libraries supporting new entrepreneurs to research libraries powering world-leading innovation, this event showed just how vital libraries are to the UK’s economic success. We were proud to join partners and parliamentarians in calling for a strategy that properly recognises libraries’ contribution and secures the investment they need to continue driving growth.”