The Society of Chief Librarians has a partnership with Opening the Book to deliver Branching Out.  Since the end of the Lottery funded project for 33 authorities, the Arts Council of England has continued support through the Literature Department.  SCL, Opening the Book and the Arts Council are committed to extending the benefits of Branching Out to all 149 authorities in England.

Branching Out in 2002-2003 has three main elements: