Threatened library joins new Arts Council scheme

A library service that saw many branches threatened with closure has now been one of the first chosen to join a national network set up by Arts Council England.

Essex Library Service will become a member of the new Libraries Development Framework, which aims to strengthen the country's public libraries services.

In 2019, Essex County Council made a U-turn on plans to shut 25 of its 74 libraries in a cost-cutting exercise after a community campaign, which was also backed by celebrities.

"It is an honour to be involved with the formative days of this new national framework," said Conservative county councillor Mark Durham, cabinet member for the arts, heritage and culture.

"[It] aims to help libraries across the country improve their services and make the sector more consistent.

"Many libraries across Essex have evolved into community hubs, offering a range of community services and support as well as the core purpose of reading and learning opportunities," he said.

Durham added there was "much need" among the country's libraries for the accreditation, which would allow members to work together to share ideas and ways to improve as well as on staff development.

The service applied to join the scheme in July and was assessed on how its libraries understood its communities and had an impact on them, among other factors.

Save Our Libraries Essex said in a statement it was pleased that the county's libraries had been accepted onto the "interesting new project".

"Since the withdrawal of plans to close or hive off libraries, Essex has made many positive moves," the campaign group said.

It cited the refurbishment of several libraries - including Colchester and Harwich - as welcome steps.

The group added: "The fact that Essex has been so strongly recognised is another factor in support of our argument that the service should not be split when local government is reorganised."

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