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We run libraries that serve communities – as well as playing a vital role in shaping them.
As the UK’s largest charitable social enterprise, we run libraries, archives and cultural hubs that go beyond the conventional. Some of our libraries are among Britain’s best-performing. All are essential to the communities we’re a part of – representing exceptional social value for significantly less than they cost to run. Just one of our partnerships delivers a staggering £22 million annually.
We were the first UK public library service to use API-driven digital catalogues, making it easier to browse and borrow. We support accessibility with physical and digital services – our technology lending schemes offering VR headsets and assistive devices. Our health literacy programmes with the NHS guide people to reliable medical information. Interactive spaces like Eltham Library’s Enchanted Reading Garden open up new worlds for children.
We also operate prison libraries, where supporting education and rehabilitation helps reduce reoffending. All this, plus the 700,000 hours of community learning we provide each year through workshops, coding clubs, business training and dementia-friendly activities.
Much of our work depends on key partnerships. The GLL Literary Foundation, which enjoys the support of The Reading Agency, means we can mentor emerging authors. The business and IP centres we deliver for entrepreneurs is made possible through our collaboration with the British Library. We work with CILIP to give library staff accredited training, and with Arts Council England, DCMS and Libraries Connected to align with national cultural strategies.
We continue to invest in digital innovation, inclusive design and partnerships that push boundaries and widen access – from expanding our prison library network, to embedding libraries more deeply into local health and education systems.
We’re helping to close the digital divide through skills programmes, improving financial literacy by running community banking hubs and start-up support, and amplifying the voices of under-represented groups.
