Published on 10 February 2003, Framework for the Future is the first ever national public library strategy, setting out a long-term strategic vision for the public library service in England.
 
The product of extensive consultation within the public library community and with key library stakeholders, Framework for the Future aims to give the public library service network a shared sense of purpose, concentrating on libraries' roles in promoting reading and learning, enabling access to digital skills and services and encouraging community cohesion and civic values as well as looking for the scope for capacity building.
 
The Framework for the Future document contained an 11 point vision that public libraries could aspire to by 2013. Shortly after the new strategy's publication, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) developed an action plan aimed at taking forward some of the actions set out in Framework for the Future. The action plan, whose implementation is being funded by DCMS, outlines a range of projects and developments based upon the main themes identified in the original document.  These include peer reviews for authorities facing particular challenges, leadership training and a marketing programme.
 
Further information on the progress and implementation of Framework for the Future can be found on the MLA website.