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<p>Local libraries<br>Local authorities in England have a statutory duty to provide
a comprehensive and efficient library service. It is for individual local authorities
to decide how best to provide a public library service that meets local needs within
their available resources. The net expenditure on the library service by local authorities
in England increased in 2018/19 from 2017/18.</p><p>In October 2019, DCMS announced
the £250 million Cultural Investment Fund, of which over £125 million will be invested
in regional museums and libraries over five years from 2020/21. The funds will be
used to upgrade buildings and technology so public libraries across England are better
placed to respond to the changing ways people are using them.</p><p>West Sussex Council
received £178,830 from Libraries: Opportunities for Everyone Innovation Fund in 2018
to ensure more people had access to digital technology by establishing a collection
of tablets and laptops that could be loaned out to the local community. The emphasis
of the project was on meeting the needs of disadvantaged groups within the council’s
communities – such as older people or adults with learning disabilities.</p><p>Arts
Council England, funded by DCMS, is the development agency for libraries, and also
provides support to public libraries in England. Arts Council England is providing
£1.6 million per annum to seven libraries’ organisations through its National Portfolio
2018 to 2022, including Libraries Connected, which is funded as the Sector Support
Organisation for public libraries.</p><p>Regional Museums <br>In 2018, Crawley Museum
reopened after an extensive, publicly funded renovation project. The project received
£1.15m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £763,000 from Crawley Borough Council.</p><p>This
independent local history museum puts community participation at its heart, including
through its current exhibition in partnership with members of the Crawley Kashmiri
community on the history, traditions and culture of Azad Kashmir.</p><p>Museums around
the country are supported by Arts Council England as the development agency for the
sector. Museums can contact area offices and Museum Development services to find out
what support is available, such as National Lottery Project Grants which fund a range
of activities such as developing collections, audiences, and skills. The South East
Museum Development Programme is managed by a consortia of museums led by the Royal
Pavilion & Museums, Brighton and Hove, and will receive £2m of funding from the
Arts Council 2018-22.</p>
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