GB-London: Burns Owens Partnership Ltd

Research and development services and related consultancy services. Many library services are facing an unprecedented financial challenge in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although it has been widely acknowledged that library services have played a huge part in supporting their communities throughout the pandemic, there is a danger that the successes of digital library provision are perceived by decision makers as an opportunity to reduce the physical library offer and ease some of the financial pressures local authorities will be facing.

Public libraries have the potential to play a key role in the recovery and renewal of our communities. They deliver tangible benefits to the local economy, educational outcomes and the health and well being of all in our communities and especially the most vulnerable. The libraries team wish to commission an advocacy film to illustrate that a robust and appropriately invested library service is vital to community recovery and to support library Heads of Service's conversations with decision makers within local authorities.

The film will demonstrate that libraries promote access to reading, training, digital skills, trusted information and cultural experiences to people at every stage of their lives. Libraries Connected have identified five key areas where libraries can play a central role in meeting the needs of individuals and communities who may be struggling to overcome the effects of the Covid-19 crisis. These are:

•Economic recovery with help and training for job seekers and entrepreneurs, making links between how libraries can support high street renewal by driving footfall and forming part of an experiential offer in addition to retail. •Education support for children and SEND students who struggled to learn at home

•Isolation mitigation for vulnerable groups and to help people to reconnect locally

•Digital inclusion for residents who lack IT skills or have no access to the Internet

•Cultural partnership to help local artists and arts organisations to continue their work.