Community organisations, charities, town and parish councils, and local partners are being invited to apply for funding to help transform libraries into more accessible, welcoming and inclusive community spaces.
Devon County Council is launching two new grant programmes as part of its wider investment in the future of libraries, creating opportunities for communities to develop local activities, improve library spaces and strengthen libraries as community hubs.
The grants are available through the new Re-imagined Library Spaces Fund and Enhanced Library Offers Fund, which together provide £300,000 of investment for projects that improve access, strengthen community connections and create new opportunities for people to use and benefit from their local library. The first funding opportunities will open on Thursday 1 October 2026.
The Re-imagined Library Spaces Fund has a total value of £200,000 and will provide grants of up to £20,000 for projects that improve library buildings and related community spaces. Funding can support improvements that make spaces more welcoming and inclusive, enable stronger partnership working, improve accessibility, create more flexible community facilities and help libraries become sustainable community hubs.
Alongside this, the Enhanced Library Offers Fund will make £100,000 available for smaller-scale projects, activities and events. Grants of up to £1,000 will support community organisations and partners to deliver activities that bring more people into libraries, encourage participation, improve inclusion and add value to existing library services.
The application process differs between the two funds. Expressions of Interest for the first round of the Re-imagined Library Spaces Fund will open on Thursday 1 October 2026 and close on Tuesday 15 December 2026, with a second round opening in January 2027. Applications for the Enhanced Library Offers Fund will open on Thursday 1 October 2026. There is no Expression of Interest stage or closing date for this fund. However, all grant funding awarded through the two programmes must be spent by Christmas 2027.
The funding is open to a wide range of organisations, including Friends of Library groups, community and voluntary organisations, charities, Community Interest Companies, social enterprises and town and parish councils. Partnership applications are particularly encouraged.
We welcome ideas from organisations of all sizes. If you are unsure whether your project is suitable, please get in touch before applying. We are happy to discuss proposals, answer questions and help you decide whether the fund is the right fit. Email LibrariesGrants-Mailbox@devon.gov.uk, phone Kathryn Blake 01392 380261 or Vanessa Davies on 01392 383379.
Successful projects will be expected to demonstrate clear community benefit and support Devon County Council’s vision for libraries as trusted, welcoming and inclusive spaces at the heart of local communities.
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Equality, said:
“Libraries are about much more than books. They are trusted community spaces where people can access services, learn new skills, connect with others and take part in activities that improve health and wellbeing.
“These new funds will give communities and local organisations the opportunity to help shape the future of their local library, whether through larger projects that re-imagine how library spaces are used or smaller initiatives that bring people together and encourage more residents to make use of these valuable community assets.
“We want to support innovative ideas that improve access, strengthen community connections and help libraries continue to thrive at the heart of our towns and villages.”
Applications will be assessed on their potential community impact, deliverability, value for money and contribution to the wider objectives of the programme. Projects that demonstrate strong partnership working, inclusion and lasting benefits for local people are likely to be prioritised.
For further information about eligibility, guidance for applicants and how to apply, visit:
Re-imagined Library Spaces Fund
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