§ Nick HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what efforts she has made to increase the use of book-lending facilities in public libraries; and if she will make a statement. [23197]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Government have encouraged better planning, accountability and performance in public library services through the introduction of Annual Library Plans (ALPs) in 1998 and Public Library Standards on 1 April this year. In addition the Government, in partnership with the Wolfson Foundation, have helped to support the reader development work of organisations like Launchpad and the Library Association through the DCMS/Wolfson Public Libraries Challenge Fund, which is administered by Resource. Reader development programmes, for both children and adults, help foster a love of reading and assist in broadening individuals' reading horizons.