Public libraries play a crucial role in supporting and widening access to the creative industries, our new briefing reveals.

The briefing brings together seven case studies from across the library network with commentary and policy recommendations. It argues that libraries strengthen the whole creative economy by brokering local cultural partnerships, supporting artists and creative businesses, and providing free access to industry-standard software and technology.

This role has gone largely unrecognised by creative leaders and policy-makers. We call on the government to include public libraries within its Creating Growth strategy and for councils to make library services integral to local cultural strategies.

The case studies include:

• Studio 12, a multi award winning digital media initiative run by Leeds Library Service
• Merton Arts Space, a professionally equipped performance and exhibition space, housed within Wimbledon Library
• summer s’cool, a creative learning programme for young people delivered by Wakefield Libraries in partnership with the Creative Industries team at Wakefield Council

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said:

Our briefing demonstrates that the public library network is the backbone of the creative economy. Across the country library services deliver an incredible range of work that supports and grows the creative industries, often in partnership with industry professionals and the local cultural sector. That could be helping artists to develop their audiences, giving young people free access to industry standard software or supporting creative businesses to get off the ground. This contribution must be recognised and resourced properly, by government and creative leaders.

Luke Burton, Director, Libraries at Arts Council England, said:

As the development agency for libraries, we know it’s essential to highlight that libraries are creative and cultural institutions in and of themselves. As libraries are managed differently by councils across the country, it can be more challenging for some to highlight their cultural role and this resource will be a great help to them. It’s important to acknowledge that libraries are not simply venues for such activity but that they also co-create content, lower barriers to access and allow communities to engage with creativity that reflects them and their life experiences right on their doorstep.