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<p>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. DCMS works across central and local government to encourage investment
in libraries to ensure they can continue to support the delivery of local and national
priorities and needs.</p><p> </p><p>The DCMS funded Libraries Taskforce was established,
by DCMS and the Local Government Association, to devise and implement the “Libraries
Deliver” strategy which helps support and reinvigorate the public library service
in England. It works with sector partners to advocate for libraries and to share and
promote good practice to help libraries better serve their communities.</p><p> </p><p>Arts
Council England, the development agency for libraries, funded by DCMS, is providing
total financial support of £1.6 million per annum to seven libraries’ organisations
through its National Portfolio 2018 to 2022. DCMS has also provided direct funding
support to library services in England, including a £2.6 million programme to support
the installation or upgrade of wifi in public libraries in England, as well as £3.9m
for the Libraries: Opportunities for Everyone fund, to support innovative library
service activity to benefit disadvantaged people and places in England.</p>
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