Bolton Library and Museum Services has been announced as one of the first public library services in England to join the newly launched Libraries Development Framework.
Bolton Library and Museum Services has been announced as one of the first public library services in England to join the newly launched Libraries Development Framework, achieving the highest rating of ‘Met Strong’.
The Libraries Development Framework, introduced in April 2025 by Arts Council England, sets a nationally recognised benchmark for what constitutes a high-quality library service.
It supports libraries in demonstrating their commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and alignment with local and national priorities.
Each year, only 30 library services are accepted into the programme following a rigorous assessment process.
What does ‘Met Strong’ mean?
This top rating reflects the service’s strong evidence of sophisticated understanding and delivery across four key areas:
- People – meeting community needs and engaging those with the greatest need
- Place – aligning with local priorities and creating local impact
- Purpose – demonstrating vision, leadership, and effective resource use
- Policy and Practice – embedding library values and workforce development
A ‘Met Strong’ result means the service goes beyond suggested examples, offering innovative and highly impactful approaches that respond to community needs.
Acceptance into the Framework demonstrates a commitment to excellence and an ability to meet the evolving needs of residents, and reinforces the service’s role in supporting literacy, learning, and cultural engagement for all, particularly those with the greatest need.
Luke Burton, Director, Libraries at Arts Council England, said:
"Congratulations to the first library services joining the Libraries Development Framework.
“This milestone reflects the sector's commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring libraries meet the changing needs of their communities.
“The Framework provides a clear, nationally recognised definition of a high-quality library service, and it’s fantastic to see these libraries leading the way."
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, said:
"We are proud that Bolton Library has achieved the highest rating in the Libraries Development Framework.
“This recognition reflects the hard work of our teams and their dedication to providing inclusive, innovative, and high-quality services for our residents.
“Libraries are at the heart of our communities, and this achievement shows how we are meeting local needs while embracing national best practice."
Bolton Library already has ambitious goals that align with local priorities, and it warmly welcomes the community to get more involved, particularly through the National Year of Reading 2026 – a major government-backed initiative delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust to boost children’s literacy and life chances.
To mark this exciting year ahead, Bolton Library has a vibrant programme of events and activities planned, starting with the Get into Reading Marketplace on Friday 16 January, 11am–2pm at Bolton Central Library.
About Bolton Library and Museum Services
A cultural hotspot of Bolton, the Bolton Central Library and Museum hosts eclectic events, galleries, and collections, one of which is its Egyptology collection – the largest of its kind in a local authority museum in the UK. You will also find Greater Manchester’s only public aquarium sits inside this architecturally impressive, Grade II listed building. With venues across the whole town, including the historic Smithills Hall, the Bolton Library and Museum teams organise special events, exhibitions, workshops, and social groups across the town’s libraries and halls; helping to engage, educate, and support communities.
To find out more about Bolton’s libraries and museums and what’s on, visit www.boltonlams.co.uk
About Arts Council England
Arts Council England is the national development agency for creativity and culture. Our vision, set out in our strategy Let’s Create, is that by 2030, we want England to be a country in which the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish, and where every one of us has access to a remarkable range of high-quality cultural experiences. Between 2023 and 2026, we will have invested over £467 million of public money from Government, alongside an estimated £250 million each year from The National Lottery, to help ensure that people in every part of the country have access to culture and creativity in the places where they live.
Visit www.artscouncil.org.uk to learn more about our work.