Resources

This toolkit was developed by Kevin Bolton with Leicestershire Libraries as part of a Libraries Connected Regional Development Expert Bank project funded by Arts Council England. 

The objective of this project was “to support Leicestershire Libraries to strengthen their ability to evidence the contribution of the library service within the Council and with partners”. This toolkit brings together template questions and surveys which may be useful to other library services looking to achieve a similar goal.

This toolkit was developed by Heidi Bellamy, Culture First with Worcestershire Libraries as part of a Libraries Connected Regional Development Expert Bank project funded by Arts Council England. 

It can be used by any library service looking for guidance on developing a more strategic approach to communication and engagement. It provides an outline process, templates and tools for adaptation to the local context. 

This toolkit was developed by Katie Pekacar, Independent Mind and Haringey Libraries as part of a Libraries Connected Regional Development Expert Bank project funded by Arts Council England. 

This toolkit is designed to enable public libraries to develop and embed partnership development work following on from the expert bank support offered to Haringey Libraries.

It can also be used to develop a culture of strong partnerships throughout the library service by providing:

Glossary of terms and definitions related to arts and culture, focusing on education, performance, and engagement. It includes explanations of key concepts like participatory art, creative learning, artist development, and Arts Council England initiatives such as Arts Award, Artsmark, and the Quality Principles.

A template designed to help people write a library strategy (updated 2025).

This statement sets out the aims and principles of the Libraries Alliance. It calls for a new national vision to ensure libraries remain inclusive, innovative, and central to lifelong learning.

Ready to Learn highlights the crucial role libraries play in helping young children settle in and succeed at school.