Funding available to enable library services across England to invest in a range of projects to upgrade buildings and technology.

The Libraries Improvement Fund will enable library services across England to invest in a range of projects to upgrade buildings and technology so they are better placed to respond to the changing ways people are using them.  

Funding has been provided by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and will be administered by Arts Council England.

The aims of this fund are to: 

• Enable libraries to develop more flexible, more commercial spaces 
• Increase and improve digital access within communities 
• Connect libraries to their communities 
• Increase potential for transformation 
• Increase library use  
• Increase sustainability of libraries.

A local authority making an application on behalf of a library service in England is eligible to apply.

A total of £5 million is available for 2022/23. Capital expenditure between £50,000 to £499,999 will be awarded.

Expressions of Interest will be accepted online from 23 May 2022 (9am). The deadline for submitting Expression of Interest forms is 27 June 2022 (12pm midday).

How To Apply

The online Expression of Interest form will open on Grantium at 23 May 2022 (9am). The deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest is 27 June 2022 (12pm midday).

The full online application form will open on Grantium at 13 July 2022 (9am). The deadline for submitting full applications is 13 September 2022 (12pm midday).

Decisions will be announced in February 2023.

For more information, visit the Arts Council England website.