Salford residents set for a new kind of library service

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-13 14:37 3 min read

People reading and studying together at a wooden table in a British public library.

Salford’s 16 libraries are set to take on a wider role over the next decade, with more support for digital access, learning, children’s literacy, wellbeing and employment alongside book lending.

Salford City Council has published its first ten-year Salford Library Strategy, setting out how its network will develop as community spaces for residents of all ages. The service recorded more than 870,000 visits last year, showing that libraries remain a heavily used part of everyday life across the city.

The strategy does not set out a timetable for each individual site, but it identifies the services the council wants libraries to strengthen over the coming years. Salford Community Leisure delivers the library service on the council’s behalf.

Digital access across all 16 library sites

For residents without reliable technology or internet access at home, the strategy places digital inclusion at the centre of the library network’s future role.

Public computers were upgraded at all 16 Salford libraries last year, according to the council. Every library also offers free WiFi, giving visitors a place to access online services, study, work or stay connected.

That investment reflects changing patterns of use. While borrowing remains part of the service, the council says demand is growing for digital services, technology access, community activities and learning opportunities. The new strategy frames libraries as places where residents can use those services in person, in welcoming public spaces.

Reading and storytelling spaces for families

The plan also focuses on reading, literacy and communication skills, particularly for children and families.

Salford libraries are expected to offer more activities intended to build a lifelong habit of reading. The strategy also points to further development of storynooks, immersive spaces where children can explore books through imaginative play.

Existing storynooks include dress-up areas and quieter reading spaces inspired by familiar children’s stories including The Gruffalo, The Tiger Who Came to Tea and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. The council’s aim is to give families more ways to use libraries together while supporting children’s early learning.

Skills, jobs and community activity

Over the next ten years, libraries are also intended to provide greater access to resources, information and support for people developing skills, considering career options or looking for work.

The strategy describes libraries as places for events and activities that reflect local talent and Salford’s diverse communities. Stronger partnerships are another stated priority, with the council seeking to reach more residents and widen the services available through library sites.

Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Salford’s Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Sports & Leisure, said the vision was for “welcoming, inclusive community spaces” that support learning, creativity, wellbeing and opportunity.

A network with a citywide role

Salford has the second-largest library network in Greater Manchester, behind Manchester, and five sites operate within Gateway centres in Walkden, Swinton, Pendleton, Eccles and Broughton Hub.

The council says the strategy is intended to keep those services accessible as residents’ needs change. The full Salford Library Strategy is available through Salford City Council, while library information is provided by Salford Community Leisure.

Source: Salford City Council News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source and checks

This report uses Salford City Council’s published account of its first ten-year library strategy and separates confirmed measures from longer-term aims.

Checks

Confirmed that Salford has 16 library sites, including five within Gateway centres.
Confirmed the council’s figure of more than 870,000 library visits in the previous year.
Confirmed that public computers were upgraded across all 16 libraries and that free WiFi i...
Confirmed that Salford Community Leisure delivers the service on behalf of Salford City Co...

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