Darlington, 'On Track for Storytime' (£4,000)

‘On Track for Storytime’ supports young readers in Darlington affected by the pandemic, promoting literacy through book gifting and a shared storytelling film. By providing a railway-themed book to all 7-8-year-olds, the project fosters reading for pleasure, bridges educational gaps and connects children with Darlington’s railway heritage - ensuring inclusivity and inspiring future aspirations.

Oldham, 'Ali's Big Day' (£4,989)

Oldham Library is developing an interactive theatre project to support Early Years learning, targeting families in deprived areas. Co-created with local families and Oldham Theatre Workshop, the sensory performance will enhance literacy, communication, and creative skills in 0-5s. Partnering with Family Hubs and Early Years specialists, the project ensures inclusivity and sustainable engagement. Building on past successes, it fosters repeat library visits and boosts confidence in cultural experiences, strengthening Oldham’s creative economy.

Leicestershire, 'Accessibility Films Project' (£5,000)

Culture Leicestershire is creating accessibility films for five library sites to help disabled and neurodivergent visitors plan their visits. Co-created with people with lived experience, the films will provide clear, site-specific information, improving accessibility and inclusivity. Built on successful heritage site projects, the films will be professionally produced and tailored to each library's environment.

Bath and North East Somerset, 'Accessible Libraries: Empowering All with Visual and Audio Guides (£4,000)

Bath and North East Somerset Libraries aim to create audio-visual guides to improve accessibility for neurodiverse and physically disabled customers. In partnership with Sight Support Southwest, they will produce videos showcasing library spaces with captions, transcripts, and descriptive scripts. These guides will be available online and used for promotion, ensuring greater accessibility and engagement for all users.

Wiltshire, 'Amesbury Refugee Sewing Group' (£5,000)

Amesbury Library, in partnership with Wiltshire Council’s Refugee Resettlement and Migration Team, will offer a free weekly sewing group for Afghan women to reduce isolation and build skills. The group will provide a supportive space for socialising, sewing and learning English informally. A volunteer coordinator will assist, and an interpreter will be available initially. The project will be promoted through local caseworkers.

Northumberland, 'Stories Connected' (£5,000)

Northumberland County Council aims to address reading inequalities in remote areas by bringing Story Catchers to six schools. With poor transport links making access to resources like Seven Stories difficult, this project will deliver inspiring storytimes to children and families, fostering a love for reading. By offering these experiences in rural schools, the project aims to nurture reading for pleasure and create life-long benefits for children.

Newcastle Upon Tyne, 'Autism Friendly Offer' (£5,000)

Newcastle City Council aims to expand its autism-friendly library services by providing Sensory Boxes at all branches and Sensory Bags for loan, which will include items like ear defenders and fidget toys. Sensory dens and quiet spaces will be set up in larger libraries. The initiative, developed with input from neurodivergent young people and local organisations, will also feature a dedicated collection of autism-friendly books, making libraries more inclusive for families with autistic children.

Dorset, 'Investing in Community Inclusion and Wellbeing' (£4,720)

Dorset Libraries will enhance inclusivity with an OMI Budii interactive system, creating engaging sessions for SEND children, older adults with dementia, and diverse community groups. This project supports Dorset’s "Communities for All" strategy, tackling loneliness and social isolation while strengthening libraries as hubs for wellbeing and connection.

Redbridge, 'Think Outside the Box' (£4,960)

Redbridge Libraries will launch a family-friendly STEAM escape experience, addressing local demand for educational and cultural activities. Using book-like puzzle kits, families will collaborate, compete, and strengthen bonds in a fun, inclusive setting. Sessions will rotate across libraries, maximising accessibility. This project fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and community engagement, reinforcing libraries as cultural hubs.

Brent, 'Becoming Brent Dementia Project' (£5,000)

Brent Libraries will pilot a six-month culturally relevant dementia programme, co-designed with African and Caribbean communities. Featuring reggae, dub music, poetry, and heritage storytelling, workshops and "Dementia in Dub" events will foster cultural identity and emotional well-being. Staff training by Arts for Dementia will ensure long-term impact, embedding inclusive, heritage-based support in Brent’s libraries and gardens.

Wirral, 'Wild About...' (£5,000)

The "Wild About..." project at Birkenhead Central Library engages families with nature and supports environmental action. It includes loanable nature-themed book bags, a dedicated reading zone, staff training, and nature-focused workshops. The project also offers sensory storytelling for young children and outdoor learning training. These initiatives will connect families to nature, promote sustainability, and integrate biodiversity education into library services, supporting long-term community involvement.

Warwickshire, 'Enhancing resources for children with SEND in Warwickshire schools' (£5,000)

This project aims to enhance SEND resources for primary-aged pupils in Warwickshire, addressing gaps in sensory resources, adaptive texts, and inclusive reading materials. Targeting special schools and SRP units, it will create a bespoke collection tailored to SEND needs, promoting reading engagement and improving learning outcomes. Schools will receive free consultations to develop customised resource packages, with ongoing feedback sessions and termly ‘taster boxes.’ The goal is to increase specialist school subscriptions by 20-40% and build sustainable partnerships to support long-term development.

St Helens, 'St Helens Library Service BASH (Book Awards St Helens) for Adults' (£4,610)

The 'Adult BASH' initiative will improve literacy and wellbeing in St Helens by offering library activities in low-income areas. Partnering with local services, the programme will feature high-interest books, discussions, and activities like board games, journaling, and crafts. These activities aim to build reading confidence, reduce stress, and foster social connections, improving literacy, health and wellbeing.

Norfolk, 'Libraries: A Haven for Survivors of Domestic Abuse' (£4,820)

This project aims to support women and families escaping domestic abuse, who often face social isolation. By partnering with the Pandora Project and a local refuge, the library will provide a safe space for social activities, volunteering, and access to health information. The project includes creating a book nook in the refuge, offering supported library visits, and developing a referral system. The library will consult with residents to tailor services and activities to their needs, with a focus on improved access for vulnerable groups. The project will also inform future library practices and partnerships across Norfolk.

Blackpool, 'A Warm Welcome' (£2,500)

Blackpool Central Library aims to support the New Arrivals (NA) community, including refugees from conflict areas, by building on their existing "Know Your Neighbourhood" initiatives. They will provide a 'Warm Welcome' initiative, using AI devices for communication, helping NAs with general enquiries. The project will include a soft launch with walks around the library, a launch event with families and VCFSE partners, and a weekly women’s drop-in to practice English through crafting. Storytelling performances and a dual language book giveaway will further foster language and cultural engagement, laying the foundation for Blackpool’s Libraries of Sanctuary initiative.

Southwark, 'Bringing Happiness to the Library with the Magic Table' (£5,000)

Southwark Libraries will use the Magic Table, an interactive light projector, to improve health and wellbeing for children and young people with neurodivergence and adults living with dementia. The table offers sensory games and activities that promote wellbeing and reduce isolation. Staff will be trained to engage with these groups, providing structured sessions across the borough to enhance communication, confidence, and self-esteem. This initiative aims to improve overall health outcomes and foster social connections.

Hillingdon, 'Create and Connect' (£3,500)

Hillingdon Library's Create & Connect project will engage the local community, including refugees, to create a large mural with contributions of photos, objects, and memories. A local artist will transform these into a 1m x 3m canvas, which the community will help complete using recycled materials. Smaller workshops will create jigsaw pieces to form a collaborative artwork displayed across 15 libraries, symbolising unity.

Salford, 'SEND support boxes for class reader sets' (£5,000)

Salford Schools' Library Service aims to support the increasing number of children with SEND by providing object-based story packs to primary schools. These packs enhance engagement, improve learning outcomes, and foster inclusion. Following positive feedback on initial samples, we propose creating 30 additional packs with instructional guides for a trial period, gathering feedback to refine the initiative.

East Riding of Yorkshire, 'Gym in a Box' (£2,112)

This project provides rural communities in East Riding of Yorkshire with exercise equipment and guidance through mobile libraries. Five "Gym in a Box" kits, including bikes, resistance bands, and yoga mats, will be available for loan. Participants will receive expert advice on using the equipment, aiming to improve physical activity, mental health, and confidence. The project encourages long-term healthy habits and reduces pressure on local health services, with wearable trackers to monitor progress.

Stoke-on-Trent, 'My First Library Card' (£3,925)

    
My First Library Card will boost early literacy by enrolling babies (0-12 months) in Stoke-on-Trent libraries at birth. Parents will receive a special library card, welcome pack, and milestone cards, making joining a celebration. Working with Registrars, the initiative will raise awareness of library services, encouraging families to engage in early learning and build lifelong reading habits.

Oxfordshire, 'HMP Bullingdon Library x GLAM Workshop' (£2,900)

In the Frame at HMP Bullingdon is a 5-week creative wellbeing programme designed to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and foster personal growth through cultural engagement and hands-on creativity. Participants will explore historical artefacts, create inspired crafts, and reflect on their work in a safe, inclusive environment. The programme promotes skill development, community building and connection to libraries, with the goal of supporting rehabilitation and reintegration.

Gloucestershire,  'Digital Discovery Festival' (£5,000)

Gloucestershire Library Service’s Digital Discovery Festival will boost digital skills and inclusion, especially in deprived areas. It will showcase Library Labs as accessible tech hubs, offering:
- 60 free one-to-one digital skills sessions via community partners.
- 30 free workshops on 3D modeling, coding, and animation.
- A trial six-week digital skills course with Adult Education.
By removing financial barriers, the festival will promote digital literacy and lay the groundwork for future learning opportunities.

Nottingham, 'Creators in Residence' (£5,000)
 

Nottingham Central Library will pilot a six-month adult education and entertainment programme to improve skills, access to culture and wellbeing. Partnering with local universities and cultural organisations, the programme will feature free tasters, workshops, and ‘pay what you feel’ events across Science, Music and Art. Insights from this pilot will inform a larger funding bid to expand the initiative.