MLA East of England works with the Society for Chief Librarians East to deliver Framework For the Future http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/publications/4505.aspx, the long-term national vision for public libraries, in the region. We have developed an annual action plan each year, and significant areas of activity for 2007-8 include:

• initiating an action learning programme for SCL to support future collaboration and strategic development    
  planning for an event to be held in Spring 2008 to build capacity for senior library staff to advocate effectively for the sector 
• rolling out the BIG Lottery Community Libraries programme in the region·        
• chairing BLEEP, the regional BBC and libraries partnership 
• developing NVQs and  the Cultural Foundation Degree 
• briefings on reform of Local Government and regional structures, the Regional Economic Strategy and MLA’s prospectus for 2012 
• consultation with SCL and the sector on “Blueprint for Excellence”, MLA Council’s initiative to shape action planning for the next phase of public library development

To view the current annual plan, click here. 

Planning is already underway for activity in 2008-9. This will include supporting and advocating the role of public libraries through collaboration on National Year of Reading activity with Read East, the region’s reader development network. We will also be working with colleagues in the MLA partnership to further develop the national strategic plan for 2008-2011 and to share this with regional partners.

Year of Reading - article from April 2008 Inside MLA