Tilehurst Library Gets £62k Funding Boost

TILEHURST Library has been awarded a grant of £62,000 which it will use to invest in a range of improvements for local users.

Work will include upgrading the building and library technology so they are better placed to respond to the changing ways people are using their local library.

Key improvements planned include:

• The purchase of a tablet-lending kit for use within library
• Setting up a digital device, such as a lap tops, ‘takeaway’ lending scheme
• Invest in the library building to allow easier easier control of building (card access, CCTV, intelligent systems)
• Making the building an easier space to hire for better support and use by the community and community groups in Tilehurst

Tilehurst Library is one of more than 60 galleries, museums, libraries and cultural venues across the country  to benefit from a funding pot of almost £50 million which aims to improve people’s access to the arts and help to safeguard cultural assets for future generations and power economic growth through culture. The money has been awarded by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports, delivered by Arts Council England.

Karen Rowland, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, said:

 “We are grateful for the generous funding from the Arts Council that has been announced for Reading’s Tilehurst Library, which will mean so much for the local community, library members and our staff.

 “The challenges we’ve faced over the past two years have shone a light on just how much people value their local library as a real community gathering space and a place to provide learning, guidance and valuable information for our residents. We can now look forward to improving the environment for our customers, expanding digital lending and assistance for our communities and further strengthen our offerings becoming an even more vital “go-to-hub” supporting the people of Tilehurst.”

 Darren Henley, Chief Executive Officer, Arts Council England, said:

“Our artists, arts organisations, museums and libraries are experts in making villages, towns and cities better places to live, work, visit or play. This investment means they’ll be able to help more people across England to lead happier, more creative lives”.

Arts Minister Lord Parkinson, said:

“Culture is the bedrock of society. It brings people together, entertains and informs us, and helps us to understand our common past and shared future.

“Today we are announcing a raft of new funding for treasured cultural institutions up and down the country.

“This will help them to continue their great work, advance our work to level up access to arts and culture so they can be enjoyed by people no matter where they live, and protect these cherished institutions for future generations to enjoy.”

The Cultural Investment Fund will see £48 million distributed to 63 organisations. It is allocated through three streams: £24 million through the Cultural Development Fund, £18.8 million through the Museums Estate and Development Fund, and £5 million through the Libraries Improvement Fund. The announcement follows a concerted effort by the government to support the country’s vital cultural organisations. The Libraries Improvement Fund is helping transform library services in England by helping them upgrade their buildings and digital infrastructure so they can respond to the changing ways people use them.