Libraries Minister Baroness Twycross has today pledged her support for public libraries, describing them as the "purest expression of democracy in action".

Baroness Twycross was delivering the keynote address at an event at Manchester Central Library to mark 175 years of the Public Libraries Act. Organised by Libraries Connected, the event was attended by over 100 library leaders, authors and library users.

The Minister described public libraries as strong partners to deliver the Government's plan for change, highlighting initiatives such as the Year of Reading in 2026 and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy's efforts to improve access to music through libraries. She also drew attention to the transformative impact of the Libraries Improvement Fund.

In a rare public appearance, the original visitor book from Manchester Free Library, which opened in 1852, was on display at the event. Baroness Twycross added her signature to the book, alongside those of Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill and many more prominent figures.

The Minister welcomed the creation of the Libraries Alliance - a new coalition of public, academic and independent libraries - which was formally launched at the event. The Alliance aims to strengthen collaboration across the library sector and influence government policy on libraries. It will promote the enduring values of free access, inclusivity and democratic knowledge exchange, ensuring libraries remain vital public assets throughout life.

Baroness Twycross told attendees:

"In an age of mis- and dis-information, the principle of free access to information enshrined in the Public Libraries Act 1850 remains a core principle now. We are witnessing a moment in history where the ability to distinguish truth from lie is critically essential.

The public library is arguably the purest expression of democracy in action—the idea that knowledge should be freely available to all citizens, regardless of their background or ability to pay."

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, responded:

“We warmly welcome the Minister’s commitment to the sector and look forward to working with her to shape an ambitious vision for libraries. As we celebrate 175 years of public libraries, our focus must be on ensuring their resilience for generations to come. While libraries face many challenges, they continue to enrich and improve lives at every stage - with leadership, investment and partnership, we have a unique opportunity to harness their power."