Shropshire Council awarded £299,000 to help improve county libraries
Shropshire Council’s library service has been awarded £299,000 following a successful bid for Arts Council England Library Improvement funding.
The funding will be used to support the refurbishment of 12 children’s library spaces, plus the development of library spaces for young people within six of the council’s larger libraries.
The improvement work will be ongoing until December 2027.
James Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for housing and leisure, said:
“It is brilliant news to hear that the hard work of our libraries team has once again paid off to bring in grant funding to improve our library spaces for younger people, despite our current financial situation here in Shropshire.
“This money will allow us to build on the success of previous grants which have enabled us to ensure our libraries are flexible and creative spaces able to meet the needs of our communities now and for the future. My thanks goes to all staff involved in this amazing achievement.”
Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England said:
“We want everyone, in every part of the West Midlands to have access to excellent art and culture.
“Our arts organisations, museums and libraries are the beating heart of our communities, so we’re thrilled that £19.7 million is being invested in cultural buildings and equipment across the area.
“This vital investment will ensure our cherished venues are fit for purpose and continue be enjoyed by people for many years to come.”
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:
“I want everyone, everywhere to feel a sense of pride about where they come from. Cultural organisations across the West Midlands are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation.
“Our Arts Everywhere Fund is delivering on our commitment to support cultural assets across the country, increasing access and preserving them for future generations. This is demonstrated by grants announced today that will benefit thirteen culture venues, museums, and library services across the West Midlands.
“Arts and culture are the beating hearts of our communities, they have the power to unite us in the face of division and break down barriers to opportunity. We want to harness the power to help us build a brighter future for the people of the West Midlands.”
Further information
Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. Between 2023 and 2026 we will have invested over £467 million of public money from Government, alongside an estimated £250 million each year from The National Lottery, to support individual practitioners, arts organisations, museums and libraries, and to help ensure that people in every part of the country have access to culture and creativity in the places where they live. Visit their website to learn more about their work.
