Nick Poole, CILIP CEO, was on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row on 28 Mar 2023 and talked to Samira Ahmed about library funding in the UK.

The government recently announced £60 million in funding to cultural venues with £4.9 million allocated to 27 projects.

The reality is that since 2010 libraries have seen real term cuts of over £250 million, and many need renovation and repairs to their core infrastructure.

Libraries are well-placed to make a little bit of money go a long way, but the continuous loss of professional staff means that libraries cannot provide the full range of services their communities need.

The funding will make a big difference to the beneficiaries to enhance their offer and improve their facilities.

Since the pandemic, the role of libraries has evolved rapidly to embrace a new place in the community where children and adults use technology for education and literacy more than ever.

First and foremost, a great library needs to be a safe and trusted place that is centred on books and reading, but there is so much to offer, and this is what keeps people coming back.

Libraries, after all, have been levelling up since the 1850s.

Although in many cases, the local authority is responsible for library funding decisions, they are often caught in the untenable position of choosing funding libraries or social services.

What we need is a practical recognition of what’s happening on the ground and libraries are a great ambition, but the problem is practical one around revenue funding, staff, and stock.

Listen to the full interview (fast forward to 17:45)

Interview expires 27th April 2023