Children and Young People’s Promise
Libraries are a gateway of opportunity for children and young people. Our Children and Young People’s Promise is a framework to enable public libraries to deliver great services, spaces and programmes to the youngest members of their community.
It’s a roadmap, devised by experts, for working with children and young people to create spaces that buzz with creativity, conversation, and connection, where they can discover reading for pleasure, possibilities and real-life connections.
The Children’s Promise is part of the Arts Council England’s Libraries Development Framework, which means your library service can demonstrate and evidence your commitment to ongoing best practice.
The cornerstones of our Promise are
Children and young people are inspired by welcoming, inclusive library spaces, with a range of books that mirror the diversity of our world and make reading irresistible.
Children and young people are enabled with imaginative digital opportunities, building their skills, literacy, knowledge and creativity.
Children and young people are encouraged to take part in formal and informal learning opportunities.
Children and young people are engaged by a wide range of creative and cultural experiences.
Children and young people are actively involved in decisions about library service developments and are offered opportunities to volunteer.
Children and young people are supported through library services and activities to improve their health and wellbeing.
Children’s Library Journey
Understanding a child’s development is crucial for creating spaces and programmes to support them and their family. That’s why we’ve mapped the key stages with how libraries can support children throughout their young lives, across a diverse range of lived experiences.