Library Stock
Framework Description
Library Stock (reference 376F_26) is an ESPO framework for shelf-ready adult and children's books, serviced to each library's specifications. Its term is 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028, extendable to 31 March 2030. Lot 1 covers adult stock and Lot 2 children's stock. It was procured under the Procurement Act 2023 and is closed to new applications.
Context & Use Case
Local authority and school library services use it to buy new books delivered ready for the shelf, with processing such as jacketing and labelling done to their specifications. Contracts are awarded by further competitive selection, so library services compare suppliers on discounts, servicing and selection support. Separate adult and children's lots let buyers use specialists for each part of their collection.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Adult Stock Lot 2: Children's Stock Shelf-ready stock serviced to individual specifications
Lots
Lot 1 Adult Stock; Lot 2 Children's Stock
Who Can Apply
Suits library book suppliers and wholesalers that offer servicing and selection support. New suppliers can only win a place when ESPO re-tenders, around 31 March 2028 or 2030 if the extension is used.
Buyer Benefits
Library services get books ready to lend without in-house processing, saving staff time. Further competition keeps discounts sharp. Buyers value range, discounts, servicing quality, delivery times and support with stock selection. Children's stock buyers also look for diverse, age-appropriate titles and strong supplier knowledge.
Next Steps
Read the 376F_26 page on ESPO's website for appointed suppliers. If appointed, prepare for further competitive selection with clear discount and servicing offers. Suppliers outside it should get ready for the re-tender with servicing capability, delivery data, stock selection support and library service references, ahead of 31 March 2028.
How Athena Can Help
Library stock competitions are won on discount and service. If you are on 376F_26, Athena's discount pricing advice can build discount structures that win and still pay. If you are not, our library framework planning can plan for ESPO's re-tender and other library supply routes. When the re-tender comes, bid management at Athena would plan and write your response, including servicing quality and social value, and check it for compliance.
