UK Lottery backs a public winner with GBP80m for libraries

"A major GBP80m investment in public libraries has been welcomed today by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Partnership. The cash, from the Big Lottery Fund, has been awarded to projects throughout England. Capital sums up to GBP2m will be handed to 58 winning library authorities that have successfully devised plans to engage local people in developing new and refurbished spaces where a broad range of activities can be offered. The Community Libraries Programme, which was developed jointly between the Big Lottery Fund; Museums, Libraries and Archives Council; and the Society of Chief Librarians, aims to enhance public libraries as venues for a diverse range of community activities, such as reading groups, cultural events, exhibitions, courses, or parent-and-toddler groups"