1. ASCEL Conference Brian Ashley, Director, Libraries
8 November 2013
The Hive Library, University of Worcester – opened July Photo: Michael Cameron Photography

2. The Arts Council, libraries and children & young people
A whistle-stop tour in 15 mins
Arts Council and libraries – our particular role
Arts Council and children & young people – a refreshed strategy
Envisioning the library of the future – our approach to development and partnership
Opportunities and shared interests

3. Arts Council England and public libraries
ACE is asked by Government to act as the designated development agency for public libraries in England. It is one of several organisations who share the responsibility for the well-being of libraries in England. ACE has four particular contributions: • The power to convene • Brokering partnership and funding opportunities • Stimulate the cultural and creative role of libraries in contributing great art for everyone • The ‘single cultural conversation’ nationally and locally

4. Arts Council England and children + young people
Arts Council England’s new refreshed strategy: Goal 5
Every child + young person has the opportunity to experience the richness of the arts, museums and libraries”
Success will look like:
• more children + young people receive a high quality cultural education in and out of school
arts organisations, museums and libraries are delivering high quality arts + cultural experiences for children + young people

5. Arts Council England and children + young people
What will we do:
Advocate - a coherent, national approach
Develop - local partnerships; in + out of school
Invest - ‘by, with, for’
Making progress…..
• Cultural Education toolkit to measure opportunities
Artsmark to measure breadth/quality of cultural education
Track links between arts/cultural organisations + schools
Develop national quality measures

6. Envisioning the library of the future
Paignton Library, Devon
Photo: Michael Cameron Photography

7. Envisioning – why do it and what was it?
Libraries development role moves from MLA to ACE
• Need for strong evidence base at a time of change
• Focus for future development
What was it?
• In-depth research over 12 months
• Literature review, trends analysis + professional practice
• Dialogue with sector, partners, public & wider stakeholders
• Nearly 5,000 separate contributions

8. Envisioning – what did it say?
A clear, compelling + continuing need for a publicly funded library service
Libraries are trusted spaces, free to enter and open to all. In them people can explore and share reading, information, knowledge and culture
Three ingredients define the public library
Safe creative community space; enjoyable/easy to use; physical + virtual
Excellent range of quality books, digital resources etc
Well-trained, friendly people

9. Envisioning – what did it say?
Libraries contribution to wider outcomes:
Literacy + learning skills
Business + economic growth
Understanding ourselves and our place in the world
Explore our own culture and creativity
Health + well-being
Democracy + citizenship

10. Envisioning – priorities and partners
Development priorities:
• Place the library at the heart of the community
• Make the most of digital technology and creative media
• Ensure that libraries are resilient and sustainable
• Deliver the right skills for those who work in libraries and lead them
Partners:
DCMS; Local Government Association; Society of Chief Librarians; CILIP; British Library; Arts Council England

11. The work of the Arts Council
Working for Children and young people

12. The work of the Arts Council: children and young people
• Envisioning is relevant
• ACE Quality Principles & the ASCEL Children’s Promise
• Arts Award + Arts Mark
• ‘Bridge’ organisations
Cultural education agenda
Libraries development initiative
• Libraries: Grants for the arts
• Working with partners
ASCEL Children’s Promise - Vision:
Every child and young person visiting a public library should be inspired by an exciting environment which makes reading for pleasure irresistible.
They should be able to find a range of books and information resources to support growing confidence in literacy and formal and informal learning.
There should be opportunities for participation in a range of fun reading and book-based activities.
They should be consulted on the service developments that affect them
The public library should be accessible and welcoming to all children
This offer focuses on children and young people from birth to sixteen

13. Thank you www.artscouncil.org.uk
Staircase at Dalston CLR James Library, London. Photo: Michael Cameron Photography