When Charles Dickens gave a rousing speech at the opening of Manchester Free Library in September 1852, he expressed his ‘earnest hope that the books thus made available will prove a source of pleasure and improvement in the cottages, the garrets, and the cellars of the poorest of our people'.
Dickens's words encapsulated the unique power of libraries. These free, shared spaces in the heart of communities bring together the joy of discovering great stories, art and culture with the liberating potential of knowledge, skills and information.
Despite being a statutory service, spending on libraries by local authorities in England reduced by half in the 10 years up to 2022/23. England has lost almost 200 council-run libraries since 2016, along with over 2,000 FTE library posts. Particularly worrying is the evidence that poorer areas are disproportionately affected by library cuts and closures.
And while libraries may look very different today, their mission remains the same: to open up opportunities, expand horizons and help people realise their potential.
This year marks the 175th anniversary of the Public Libraries Act, the legislation under which Manchester Free Library opened and which paved the way for today's network of 4,000 public libraries. Today I will be celebrating in the beautiful Manchester Central Library – the successor to Manchester Free Library – alongside the libraries minister, Baroness Twycross, and those whose lives have been transformed by public libraries.
The event will also mark the launch of the Libraries Alliance - a new coalition of public, academic, national and independent libraries. Recognising that libraries play a ‘cradle to grave' role in all our lives, the Alliance will develop ideas and policy proposals that harness the power of the whole library sector to address societal priorities.
Not only does Manchester play an important role in the history of libraries – it is shaping their future. It is living proof that investment in libraries brings huge returns for local communities. Last year the 10 library services across Greater Manchester welcomed 7.7 million visitors across their 133 libraries.
However, this milestone comes at a time of significant challenges for the library sector. Readers of The MJ will not need reminding of the financial pressures facing local government, to which public libraries have been particularly vulnerable.
Despite being a statutory service, spending on libraries by local authorities in England reduced by half in the 10 years up to 2022/23. England has lost almost 200 council-run libraries since 2016, along with over 2,000 FTE library posts. Particularly worrying is the evidence that poorer areas are disproportionately affected by library cuts and closures.
The library sector is under no illusion: we know that local government faces unprecedented financial challenges. But libraries are low-cost and high impact. They are trusted, easy-to-find and deeply rooted in their communities. All of which means libraries often the most cost-effective way to deliver information, services and support.
Thanks to the huge range of services now provided by libraries – from rhyme times and digital skills support to business advice and job clubs - the positive impact of libraries is felt across numerous outcomes: literacy and reading for pleasure; digital and financial inclusion; skills, employment and economic growth; preventative health and wellbeing. In fact, there's not a local government priority that libraries don't contribute to.
The figures are quite staggering: last year, across England alone, libraries delivered 130m book loans, hosted 725,000 events and provided 25,000 public PCs and devices, which were used for 14m hours. Each year, a third of the population use a public library service at least once.
And there's growing recognition that libraries are vital social infrastructure, alongside parks, museums, heritage sites and community centres - spaces that bring people together and strengthen communities. This framework of social connection is just as important in reinvigorating so-called 'left behind' neighbourhoods as it is in successfully establishing new ones. Communities value libraries as one of the last free spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together.
It's hugely encouraging to see libraries recognised as central to local delivery of national priorities. Their role is now embedded in the Local Government Outcomes Framework and the Digital Inclusion Action Plan. The Pride in Place initiative, meanwhile, brings exciting opportunities for libraries in creating thriving communities and empowering local people.
The public library sector has built up almost two centuries of expertise, experience and innovation – with local leadership and vision it will continue to adapt and evolve for another 175 years. As we celebrate the public libraries of the past, let's work together to secure their future.
Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected
