Houses of Learning

MPs heard more about the work of musumes, libraries and archives at a reception at the House of Commons (29 June 2009). The members were able to meet with the MLA's new regional field team and other key staff and heard speeches from culture minister Barbara Follett, MLA Chairman Sir Andrew Motion and Chief Executive Roy Clare. They also heard about the partnership work of York Library Service from the new president of the Society of Chief Librarians, Fiona Williams and volunteer Gillian Holmes.

The event Our Museums, Libraries and Archives – enriching lives through learning, also explained how the MLA has committed to getting 3,000 local museums, libraries and archives to pledge to open up their spaces and resources for informal adult learning.

MPs from all over England showed their support for the sector locally, by signing a certificate of commitment to discover one museum, library or archive in their constituency that they have not visited before and to encourage their constituents to do the same.

Andrew Gwynne MP, Celia Barlow MP, Natasha Innocent, Sir Andrew Motion