Redbridge Libraries awarded LibraryOn grant to improve access and digital innovation

Published: 21 January 2026 Three self-service checkout kiosks and two book carts are positioned in a library area with bookshelves and magazines visible in the background.

Redbridge Libraries has been awarded £24,500 to boost public library visits by making services easier to discover and use. This will be achieved through a voice‑activated AI agent that will showcase library content and activities in multiple languages. The project is one of 15 public library initiatives to receive funding from the LibraryOn grants programme.

Supported by Arts Council England and facilitated by the British Library, the LibraryOn fund enables library services to strengthen their digital presence and enhance their digital offer for both new and existing users. Launched in November 2025, the grants programme invited library authorities and consortia to apply for between £10k and £30k of capital expenditure.

Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said: “Libraries sit at the heart of our communities, and we continue to invest in them because we know how much they matter to local people. This funding will help us strengthen digital inclusivity across Redbridge, ensuring that everyone—regardless of language, background or confidence with technology—can access and benefit from our library services. By building on the fantastic work already happening in our libraries, we’re making it even easier for residents to discover everything they offer. Whether it’s accessing information, learning new skills, or simply finding a welcoming space, our libraries play a vital role in improving lives, and we’re committed to keeping them modern, accessible and inclusive for all. I’d encourage everyone to visit their local library, explore what’s on offer, and make the most of these fantastic community spaces.”

Chair of Vision Trustees, Martin Solder, said: “We’re delighted to see Redbridge Libraries recognised through the LibraryOn programme. This investment will help us strengthen digital access for our communities and ensure that residents can engage with library services in more flexible and inclusive ways. In 2024/25 we had 1.2 million visits and issued 1.5 million items across Redbridge Libraries. We are always looking to improve our number of visits and book loans, and to make it easy to discover everything that libraries offer; we are hopeful that this project will increase these numbers further.”

Grants have been awarded to library services across England to support projects ranging from improved online joining processes and digital reading challenges, to virtual library tours and the use of artificial intelligence to support reading initiatives. All funded projects use digital tools in innovative ways to improve the library experience and engage new audiences.

Liz White, Director of Library Partnerships at the British Library, said: “We’re thrilled to have awarded this year’s LibraryOn grants to library services across England. These grants will help support libraries in balancing investment in core offers with a wide variety of opportunities for digital innovation, user research, and for sharing learning and insights across the library sector. This reflects the British Library’s commitment to helping increase the number of people using public libraries and raising awareness about their enduring value and importance.”

Luke Burton, Director of Libraries at Arts Council England, said: “We’re proud to continue to support the British Library in its delivery and development of LibraryOn. It is a transformational approach giving greater visibility and reach to library services across England. It is inspiring to hear about another range of innovative projects being funded by LibraryOn, and I look forward to seeing them come to life and potentially be replicated across other libraries.”

LibraryOn is a not‑for‑profit initiative aiming to increase the number of people who use libraries, both in person and online. The LibraryOn website will continue to provide a national ‘shop window’ for public libraries, while the grants programme supports digital development and improvement at the local level.