Our impact
Our impact is built on collaboration, creativity and care. We’re empowering libraries to create spaces where young people feel they belong.
The difference we make
Each year we support a network of leaders in children’s, public and school library services to create inclusive spaces where young minds can discover stories and themselves.
Children and young people are at the heart of everything we do. By working in collaboration with them, we ensure our research, resources and impact reflect their voices and experiences.
There’s a whole generation of teachers and even senior leadership teams who haven’t experienced a good quality, working school library. There’s a memory gap to fill.”
Library staff member
Our key achievements in 2025
It was my first time co-creating, but it worked out really well and it has given me the confidence to do it again.
Youth Engagement Network participant
Evidence
Alongside commissioning our own research, we also collaborate with partners and academics to ensure we have the evidence to demonstrate the value and impact of libraries for children, young people and families.
The impact of our research enables us to shape how we support library services and build a strong case for what needs to be developed to ensure libraries are inclusive for all children today and in the future.
Highlights
After two decades without national evidence, we have published new research exploring the role and impact of Schools Library Services (SLSs) across England. The findings revealed a network of dedicated teams helping schools inspire a love of reading and bring diverse, contemporary stories into the classroom. They also show the challenges these teams face and what’s needed to make sure they are successful.
This research provides a key insight into how we can strengthen and support School Library Services, ensuring every child has access to the stories, space and support they deserve.
Amplifying
Highlights
Our Youth Engagement Network is a national programme bringing young people and libraries together across England to amplify their voices and inspire change across the library sector. Together local young people have co- created projects designed to make libraries welcoming, inclusive and inspiring for everyone. We are using what we learn to shape the support we provide library services with to engage young people in meaningful, lasting ways.
- 100% of participants felt we listened to their ideas
- 90% said they felt more welcome in the library
- 76% improved communication skills
- 71% gained new digital, creative and writing skills
The young people loved the idea of being involved in decision making, particularly around stock selection. They were interested in processes and the carbon reduction possibilities libraries offer.
Library staff member