Emma Hoddinott

Last month we asked public #Librarians to show us what their library service looks like today, as part of our celebrations of the 175th anniversary of the Public Libraries Act.

The photos will be put in a time capsule to be opened in another 175 years.

Here is a small sample of what we received...

YouTube video by Libraries Connected Libraries Connected Councillors Animation With Subtitles

We've launched a new page and video to help councillors understand how libraries contribute to local outcomes and why they matter more than ever.

Watch the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FupQ...

Explore the page: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/public-libra...

175 years after their creation, public libraries are still vital When Charles Dickens gave a rousing speech at the opening of Manchester Free Library in September 1852, he expressed his ‘earnest hope that the books thus made available...

📚 175 years after their creation, public libraries are still vital

Our CEO @ih1968.bsky.social reflects in The MJ on the enduring power of libraries, 175 years after the first Public Libraries Act was passed.

🔗 www.themj.co.uk/175-creation...

500 Words BBC's 500 Words, the UK's largest children's writing competition for children aged 5-11, opens for entries Tuesday 23 September - Friday 7 November at 9pm.

BBC 500 Words, the UK’s biggest children’s story-writing competition is back and open for submissions.

Entries close at 9pm on Friday 7 November 2025. For more details and to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notices go to bbc.co.uk/500words.

The inside of Greenwich Library. Credit: Better Libraries.

In this week's blog Sarah Davis, Reader Development Librarian for Greenwich Libraries (part of GLL) tells us about the importance of reader development work in public #Libraries.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/champio...

#Reading

A Ukrainian mobile library; in front of it is a table with books on it. Credit: Library Country Charitable Foundation.

Our CEO @ih1968.bsky.social will take part in the Lviv International Library Forum this week, joining #Library organisations from across Europe in a show of solidarity.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/isobel-...

12-year-old bookworm completes summer challenge to visit every library in county 12-year-old Kaitlin Clarkson, from near Masham, has completed her summer-long challenge of visiting every library in North Yorkshire.

A feel good story of how to spend your summer with libraries. Go Kaitlin! www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2543264...

A female librarian shows a book to a man.

We are pleased to welcome @emmahoddinott.bsky.social as our new Director of Policy, External Affairs and Research (PEAR).

Starting in September, Emma will lead political engagement for us, helping the public #Library sector strengthen its policy voice.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...

Apparently it's international cat day - so he's my boy waiting for his breakfast!

Have an amazing Yorkshire Day!

Oh my goodness. What a match, imagine the party!

There is only one Lucy Bronze, and you can find her at the party 👑

📸 X/weuro2025

Today we visited the UK’s only community-owned fish and chips with Co-operative Mayor Richard Parker.

This business proves community ownership isn’t just for cafes or retailers - it can power any business on the high street. 🐟

Listening to the inspiring @mayorofwy.bsky.social about how our co-op movement can offer hope, when it's desperately needed. 🐝

A first for me - our Co-operative Leaders Forum in Leeds this morning - great to hear how our values are informing local government.

"The ninth anniversary of Jo Cox’s murder today offers a moment for us to reflect, and to remember Jo’s life and the change she made.

It’s also an opportunity for us to recommit to working towards the kinder, fairer and more tolerant world that she believed in."

- @jocoxfoundation.bsky.social

And they have clarified - much higher for just Yorkshire! bsky.app/profile/youg...

I thought that - but I think there is a difference between the four regions of Yorkshire and the Humber area. There will be a difference in asking if you identify as Yorkshire or Yorkshire & Humber.

At least 10 hours left to go and make a difference...

Congratulations to our newest Labour & Co-operative Councillor Adele Cook, who won the by-election in Ipswich last night.

My bill will help co-operative housing play a bigger role in solving the affordability crisis Co-operative housing is housing done differently. Yet while it is commonplace abroad, and rightly so, it makes up a vanishingly small part of the U...

Co-operative housing is housing done differently. Yet while it is commonplace abroad, and rightly so, it makes up a vanishingly small part of the UK sector. Defining it in law will help change that, writes Labour MP @andrewpakes.bsky.social

Stuck on a train.....again!

We wish a happy and healthy Eid al-Fitr to all Muslims celebrating in the UK and around the world.

Great to speak to Sheffield Co-op Party this evening about all things community, co-operation and politics.

Great launch event for Ros Jones’s re-election campaign this morning. She’s been a brilliant leader for Doncaster - we need to keep her as part of Team South Yorkshire.

Great to be at the Doncaster Mayoral Launch - and a great bunch of @coopparty.party.coop MPs here alongside our Co-op council candidates.

A fantastic end to #coopretail conference today, with @coopparty.party.coop General Secretary @fortunejf.bsky.social - delivering for our movement over last 12 months.

At #coopretail conference this weekend, representing the political voice of the co-operative movement. Includes an important update on our work in government by our General Secretary @fortunejf.bsky.social.