The Community Libraries Programme  The Big Lottery Fund announced in October 2007 that fifty eight public library services in England would be receiving a total of £80million from the Community Libraries Programme to improve library buildings and strengthen connections with local communities. A complete list of the recipients is available here.
MLA is working closely with the Big Lottery Fund to help deliver the Community Libraries Programme by supporting those library authorities who are involved. Part of that support is to provide advice, information and resources for library authorities to help them deliver their projects. The central theme of the Community Libraries Programme is community engagement. All projects will demonstrate how involving local people in decision making processes strengthen the bonds between libraries and local communities. A range of Community Engagement resources from many different sectors is available here. Community Engagement Plan Guide
The Big Lottery Fund and MLA have produced a step-by-step guide to completing all sections of the Community Engagement Plan template.
 Step by Step Community Engagement Plan Guide (Word 29KB) LISTSERV
An email discussion list specifically for library authorities involved in the Community Libraries Programme has been created. Details on how to join are now available. Please note that this is a list only for those library authorities who are delivering Community Libraries Programme projects. Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Community Libraries Programme If you have need further information on the Community Libraries Programme, please get in touch by email: communitylibraries@mla.gov.uk or by telephone: Sarah Wilkie 0207 273 8292
| 
