Projects

A central part of our work is developing and leading national library projects with a wide range of cultural, academic and corporate partners. In some cases these are short-term projects that test ideas, pilot new approaches or gather evidence. Others are longer-term with the aim of developing capacity and leadership across the public library sector.

The 2025 award winners and runners up gathered on stage holding their trophies

Featured project

Libraries Connected Awards

Celebrating the achievements of library workers who have had an exceptional impact on their library service, users or local community.

A photograph of VE Day celebrations in London.

Our Freedom: Then and Now

Libraries across the country will have a central role in the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day.

Member of staff helping member of the public

Workforce Development and Skills

Our Workforce Development and Skills programme is dedicated to building the future skills of the public library workforce, contributing to stronger, more resilient library services.

A woman wearing a black and white zebra-patterned sweater and a long green skirt is browsing books on a shelf in a bookstore or library. Her hand is reaching out to select a book, while colorful books line the shelves around her.

Women's Prize Readers' Room

To coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Women's Prize, the Women’s Prize Trust are expanding their work with libraries.

A member of library staff is serving a customer and smiling.

Poverty Proofing© Libraries

Helping libraries understand the impact poverty may have on the accessibility of their services.

Support for Ukraine

This partnership with Library Country Ukraine Charitable Foundation allows the UK library community to provide practical support to libraries in Ukraine.

A person walks down a quiet, winding path surrounded by lush green trees, basking in the warm evening light.

Culture Nature England

Developed in partnership with Natural England, Culture Nature England funds libraries to deliver projects that build connection with nature.

A group of people gathered around a table in a library, enjoying a knitting and social gathering.

Know Your Neighbourhood

Widening participation in volunteering and tackling loneliness through libraries in 27 disadvantaged areas across England.

This black-and-white image shows a muscular man in a dynamic pose, with his head turned and arm raised. The lighting highlights his strong features and defined muscles against a dark background.

Black British Ballet

The untold stories of Britain’s black ballet dancers are put centre stage for the first time in this unique exhibition, touring 25 public libraries in 2024 and 2025.

Small children listen to a woman read a story aloud in a children's library.

Universal Library Offers

Our Universal Library Offers are the essential things that libraries do, developed with library leaders, frontline workers and users.

Libraries Connected Awards

Celebrating the achievements of library workers who have had an exceptional impact on their library service, users or local community.

An older man reads to a young boy in a children's library.

Regional Development

Tailored support for our nine regional networks in England, helping them increase their sustainability, resilience and capacity to deliver large scale projects.

Green Libraries

The Green Libraries partnership delivers resources to help libraries build resilience in the diverse communities they serve.