News article

The new fund was announced as part of our 2026/27 budget.

Essex Libraries play a central role in improving literacy outcomes for children.

The £120,000 investment will allow Essex Libraries to refresh and expand:

• book stock
• library resources
• literacy focused events.

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Transformation and Economic Growth, said: “We have invested considerably in literacy over the last few years, with outcomes for children improving across all targeted areas in Essex. “Essex Libraries have been instrumental in achieving this and in helping children and young people develop a love of reading and improve their literacy skills. “This investment will build on that and will help us continue to improve reading skills for children, particularly in the parts of Essex where support is needed most."