Universal Library Offers

Small children listen to a woman read a story aloud in a children's library.

Our Universal Library Offers are the essential things that libraries do.

Developed with library leaders, frontline workers and users, they provide a framework for a high quality library service and demonstrate the power of libraries to enrich lives. The Universal Library Offers help to build a consistent library service across the country but are flexible enough that local libraries can respond to the needs of their communities.

There are currently four Universal Library Offers:

Culture and Creativity	Enabling local communities to enjoy high-quality arts and cultural experiences through libraries.
Health and Wellbeing	Supporting the health and wellbeing of communities through services that inform, engage and connect.
Information and Digital	Ensuring communities can access quality information and digital services, learn new digital skills and feel safe online.
Reading	Building a literate and confident society by developing, delivering and promoting creative reading activities in libraries.

Library leaders use the Universal Library Offers to explain the power of libraries to local decision-makers, plan events and activities, identify local partnerships and set the strategic direction of their service.

Each Universal Library Offer is overseen by a working group with a national chair, usually a head of service, supported by representatives from each regional network. Together they drive excellence and innovation within their Universal Library Offer – this might be by seeking funding, leading projects or gathering evidence.

Each offer is underpinned by the Vision and Print Impaired People's Promise, developed by Share the Vision, and The Children’s Promise, developed by The Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (ASCEL).