Funding applications open to support community-led libraries in St Helens Borough
St Helens Borough Council has today (Tuesday 15 April) launched a grants scheme to support residents and community groups to provide library facilities in their area.
Article date: April 15 2025
With a community-led model forming a key part of St Helens Borough Council's Library Strategy 2023-28, one-off funding of up to £5,000 is available for interested parties such as community centres, place of worship or parish councils to purchase essentials including books, furniture or computer equipment to run a library in their area.
Councillor Kate Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Business, Leisure and Culture, launched the scheme at Derbyshire Hill Family Centre in Parr - one of several venues across the borough already benefiting from a partnership with St Helens Library Service through outreach provision which recently donated several boxes of books to the centre.
Speaking at the launch, Councillor Groucutt said:
"Volunteers are at the heart of communities right across St Helens Borough, which is why we're delighted to launch this grants programme to help support community organisations to establish a local library. Our library outreach team are on hand to help groups to complete applications, and provide advice and guidance on projects and resources.
"We believe that offering library services alongside other projects such as a community cafe, food pantry or other support services, is a valuable way to connect with local residents and support wider access to reading.
"We hope that a network of community-led libraries will make a real difference and support our thriving cultural scene and strong community networks, which help make St Helens Borough such a great place to live."
Applications for the grants can be submitted online before the Friday 23 May 2025 deadline.
To apply or to learn more about the grant scheme, please visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/CommunityLibraryGrant
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