Manchester Libraries join the Libraries Development Framework

Manchester City Council are among the first group of Local Authorities to have their library services join the Arts Council England’s Libraries Development Framework. This is a demonstration of a high quality library service.

To meet the criteria of the framework, the library service demonstrates innovative and creative work around data, local communities, partnerships, and strategy, and is committed to the ethics and values of public libraries. Manchester ‘Strongly Met’ each criteria, which is the highest possible assessment. This reflects the high level of use of our libraries – including Central Library, the most visited public library in the country.

Councillor John Hacking, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure stated “Being one of the first Local Authorities to be invited on the new Libraries Development Framework is recognition for the high quality library services delivered in Manchester. Manchester City Council value its libraries, and continue to invest in them. We are proud of the way libraries continue to improve the lives of Manchester residents.”

19 other Local Authorities join Manchester on the Framework including three others in Greater Manchester – Bolton, Oldham and Stockport.

Watch this video to learn more about the Libraries Development Framework, including some shots of Manchester Central Library and Manchester City Council’s Head of Libraries, Galleries and Culture Neil MacInnes OBE

Find out more about the Arts Council England Libraries Development Framework launched this year, here on the Arts Council England website