Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 11 December 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 December 2001. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 December 2001 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To 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.

Answer: Nick Harvey: To 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. Howells: The 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.

Secondary information