£750k funding boost for Libraries project in which University is key partner

University of Gloucestershire is a key partner in a Gloucestershire Libraries project to improve services for the community that has been awarded £750,000 over three years by Arts Council England.

The funding announcement was made today as part of the Arts Council’s 2023-26 Investment Programme, called Let’s Create, which aims to develop the offer of accessible culture around the UK.

Following its successful application to be recognised as a National Portfolio Organisation by Arts Council England, Gloucestershire Libraries will receive £250,000 a year over the three-year period to help continue its development to provide an ambitious and forward-thinking service.

The application was awarded on the basis that resources will be put into customer development, data and work with hard-to-reach groups.

As well as the University, key partners involved with the project will include Gloucestershire NHS and Gloucestershire Archives.

The funding will begin in April 2023 and Gloucestershire Libraries will use the time over the next four months to develop project plans and set up a governance board to oversee the developments planned over the three-year funding period.

In September, Gloucestershire County Council gave the go-ahead for Gloucester Library in Brunswick Road to be relocated to a modern environment at the University’s new City Campus development, greatly improving the library space and increasing access to services in partnership with the University.

Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member for libraries, said: “I’m delighted that Gloucestershire Libraries have been awarded this funding to continue the ambitious work that has been recognised through this investment from the Arts Council.

“There are exciting new initiatives planned that will help the service continue to evolve and meet the needs of everyone in our communities in Gloucestershire.”