Grants
round three
Round three offered a further £400,000 for public libraries in England to improve their online presence and discoverability.
Overview
The third round of our grants programme closed at the beginning of November 2025. We had just over £400,000 available and applicants could apply for the following project types:
- Join your library
- Self-service
- Innovative engagement
Grants were available for between £10,000 and £30,000, with activity required to take place between November 2025 and March 2026.
We received 29 eligible applications. Following a robust decision-making process, we awarded funding to 15 projects.
Awards breakdown
Of the 15 awards, two are for join your library projects, eight for self-service and five for innovative engagement.
Geographically, the split was:
- Six awards in the North
- One award in the Midlands
- Five awards in London
- Two awards in the South East
- One award in the South West
Included in the northern awards was a consortium application on behalf of Greater Manchester Libraries.
Below you can explore the projects in detail as described by each applicant.
Awarded projects
London Borough of Barnet
This project will create an online room booking system and digital library tours for all libraries in the borough. This will help to raise the profile of libraries in Barnet, enhancing the discoverability of all community facilities they offer. The addition of online tours enables residents to view and understand the layout of each library in advance of a visit, which will help to reach neurodiverse residents. This will further the aim to be an accessible service, and to achieve Dementia Friendly Venue status for all Barnet libraries. The booking system and Library Tours will link to the LibraryOn website.
Nottingham City Libraries
This project will improve how people engage with Nottingham City Libraries, both online and in person. It will improve Nottingham City Libraries’ website accessibility and events section, making it easier for customers to browse, share, and plan visits. These updates will also help connect the full events programme to the LibraryOn platform. In the library, touchscreen devices running the Arena Library Companion app will be installed, allowing visitors to search the catalogue, join the library and access FAQs and events. This will reduce barriers to joining, support self-service during unstaffed hours, and make events easier to find.
Salford Libraries (on behalf of Greater Manchester Libraries consortium)
This project enhances the Greater Manchester Libraries consortium’s shared LMS by integrating UKSLC codes to improve online catalogue functionality and user experience. UKSLC enables intuitive browsing by genre and subject, supporting reader development and consistent cataloguing across authorities. The upgrade will be promoted through a coordinated outreach campaign across eleven library services, showcasing improved OPAC webpages and shared e-resources. The initiative aligns with LibraryOn’s goals by enhancing discoverability, creating smoother user journeys, making it easier for the public to access and engage with library services.
Sefton Library & Information Services
This project will create a bespoke bookable events platform accessible via the library catalogue and website. The system would streamline the customer journey; customers will be able to book onto events with minimum staff assistance. The development will make library events visible through the website, catalogue and link to LibraryOn encouraging new and existing customers to attend library events. Highlighting bookable events will promote use of Sefton Libraries and increase the scope of revenue-generating events. The new booking system will be shared with other library services using the same open-source platform at no additional cost.
Southampton City Libraries & Archives
The project will transform the library and archive web catalogue with a commissioned discovery layer and schedule of promotions throughout 2026. It will introduce a slimline online membership process primarily focused on new library members joining as part of National Year of Reading, as well as enhance the experience for users with a designed and curated APP experience. The project will integrate with the Library On website for containers through specified API integration, and train staff to maintain these resources as part of their daily roles to ensure longevity. The branding, resources and containers created will also be available for other Spydus 11 users.
Learn from previous grantees
These library authorities were awarded funding in previous LibraryOn grants rounds. They shared their experiences with the LibraryOn community.
Top tips for grants projects
Advice based on previous grantees with similar projects
Virtual tours
- Combine virtual tours with a marketing push or room booking system upgrade to maximise their impact
- Anticipate possible disruptions. Build a schedule to work around bad weather and branch opening times
- Scrutinise potential suppliers. There’s lots of potential virtual tour producers. Use this in your favour to negotiate lower quotes, but don’t skimp on quality!
- Build in opportunities for future iteration. It’s good to get contracts from producers which include future maintenance to account for branch refurbishments
- Accessibility should be at the heart of everything. Make sure the tours themselves are accessible, and work with partners from neurodiversity charities and organisations to make sure the tours work for everyone
Booking systems
- Consider complementing an upgrade with producing virtual tours of spaces
- Use a beta testing phase or limited initial release to identify and iron out unforeseen problems
- Articulate benefits of the upgrade to people who work in the library, bearing in mind that some benefits may not be apparent in the short term
- Inputting recurring events may be an intensive activity. Look for an automated option and, if not possible, make sure to spread the workload
Library Management Systems
- Use existing partnerships with providers and within the local authority
- Consider local authority branding requirements and how they might match up with the LMS provider’s platform
- Continue the transformation. Build space for future iteration into the project
Timeline
- Tuesday 23 September 2025Applications open
- Tuesday 4 November 2025Applications close
- Friday 14 November 2025Funding decisions confirmed
- November 2025 to March 2026 Project delivery
- Monday 9 March 2026Project delivery period ends
- Monday 23 March 2026Project monitoring information due