@librariesconnected.bsky.social
We are an independent charity that supports, promotes and represents public libraries. Our work is driven and led by our membership, which includes almost every library service in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies.
Two photographs showing Bideford's 'Chatty Cafe'.
We are very pleased that the #KnowYourNeighbourhood Fund has been extended by a further year by @dcmsgovuk.bsky.social until March 2026.
This decision reflects the opportunities created so far in creating new opportunities to build social connections.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/better-...
A woman speaksn on a walkie talkie in a library whilst looking at a computer screen.
We are pleased to see our written evidence cited throughout the recent UK House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee report on Media Literacy.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/lords-m...
You can read our evidence in full here: committees.parliament.uk/writtenevide...
A librarian checks in a book at the counter.
'It is without doubt a fascinating and challenging time to be a #Librarian', @edjewell.bsky.social remarks looks forward to his second year as our President.
Read Ed's thoughts on the opportunities and challenges facing the public #Library sector here:
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/ed-jewe...
A woman smiles as she writes in a notepad in a library.
We have a webinar on 27 August exploring a @readingagency.bsky.social collaboration with local authorities to deliver library-led, Council-wide reading for pleasure strategies.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events/webin...
One year into my time as President of @librariesconnected.bsky.social, reflecting on the themes, priorities & partnerships shaping the future of public libraries. www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/ed-jewe...
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Libraries Connected President Ed Jewell photographed at the Libraries Connected Awards. He is wearing a black suit and orange bowtie.
Our President @edjewell.bsky.social has been reflecting on one year in the role and looking forward to the opportunities and challenges to come for public #Libraries.
You can read Ed's thoughts below.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/ed-jewe...
Come and work with us!
29.07.2025 12:56 β π 0 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
A new discussion paper from @ippr.org calls on government to 'create, facilitate and maintain spaces where solidarity might thrive.'
Public #Libraries are spaces that bring together diverse communities in dialogue. They must be adequately funded to perform this role.
www.ippr.org/articles/pla...
A woman speaks to a female librarian in a wood panelled library.
We are seeking a Business Development Manager to support the development of commercial skills and capacity across the #Library sector.
The closing date for applications is 26 August.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/opportunitie...
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...
Sandwell and Great Barr Knit and Natter group.
#Library services are offering peer support and volunteering pathways, turning isolation into inclusion as part of the @dcmsgovuk.bsky.social funded #KnowYourNeighbourhood project.
Read more in this blog written by our Project Manager Tessa Blades.
tacklinglonelinesshub.org/libraries-em...
We are pleased to read the Communications and Digital Committee's recognition of the crucial role of #Libraries in developing media literacy.
We support the recommendation that government should provide more support to libraries to deliver this aim.
committees.parliament.uk/committee/17...
The Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government committee has published its second report on the Funding and Sustainability of Local Government Finance.
It is pleasing to see recognition of the preventative role of #Libraries.
committees.parliament.uk/work/8703/th...
A young girl stands in front of a banner for Leeds Libraries' 'Walking Books' initiative.
Leeds #Librarians have created a reading list for people walking in the city's parks.
Visitors can listen to a story that is the length of a stroll around the park via the Borrowbox app, which is free with a #Library card!
news.leeds.gov.uk/news/reading...
#Reading #HealthAndWellbeing
People sit around a table in a library talking.
Join us for a webinar exploring the findings of the recent report from @britishfuture.bsky.social, 'State of us: Community strength and cohesion in the UK'.
The report explores social tensions and grievances in communities across the UK.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events/webin...
Three people sit around a table in a library.
We are seeking an expert contractor to work with focus groups of heads of #Library services and archives to develop a suite of guidance.
This will support them in navigating local government reorganisation.
The deadline for applications is 8 August.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/opportunitie...
Congratulations to our Universal Library Offers project manager @savidgereads.bsky.social, who is now an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature! @rsliterature.bsky.social
rsliterature.org/announcement...
Virtual Reality experiences are bringing increasing numbers of people interested in technology through public #Library doors.
Find out more about the 'Digital Spaces in Libraries' programme:
www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/fea...
#InformationAndDigital
Public #Libraries around Somerset will offer patients access to a new immersive exercise system to improve post-hospital recovery.
A terrific example of the brilliant work being done by library services around #HealthAndWellbeing!
www.wsfp.co.uk/news/public-...
We are pleased to read about Baroness Twycross's very positive experiences in visiting #Libraries as part of the annual @dcmsgovuk.bsky.social Libraries Report.
We agree that libraries make 'tireless efforts to support and empower local residents'.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
A lady ballerina dancing in a library
We are delighted to announce that Pontefract Library will be hosting an amazing exhibition about the history of Black British Ballet!
At the library on 1-27 August!
Our libraries are also hosting fun events as part of it!
For more information, visit: experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/black-...
A report from @britishfuture.bsky.social and @belongnetwork.bsky.social identifies a lack of contact between people from different backgrounds as a source of social tension.
Public #Libraries bring people of all identities together in a safe space.
www.britishfuture.org/state-of-us-...
A display in Hampshire Libraries for the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge.
The @readingagency.bsky.social Library Zone is a great way to find your nearest #Library authority and discover what they are offering for this year's #SummerReadingChallenge.
summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/library-zone
#Reading
Our webinar on making best use of the BBC Tiny Happy People website is now up.
#Librarians can use this recording to learn how to support both themselves and the families they work with.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTSA...
A woman uses a self service checkout in a library.
#Librarians - the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is holding a webinar on Tuesday 22 July to discuss the Governmentβs new Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund.
You can register via the link below.
events.teams.microsoft.com/event/05aaba...
A man walks through a library surrounded by books.
2026 will be the National Year of Reading!
This campaign delivered by @literacy-trust.bsky.social will engage new audiences in reading.
As public #Libraries are already involved in both these aims, they should be central to these exciting plans.
www.nationalyearofreading.org.uk
A woman helps a child with a book in a library.
The Department for Education has published its new strategy, 'Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life'.
We are pleased to see public #Libraries mentioned several times, including Lincolnshire Libraries' role in the 'Making it Real' programme.
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/686bd6...
Ballet dancers performing in a cream coloured room.
We are delighted to announce that Pontefract Library will be hosting an amazing exhibition about the history of Black British Ballet!
At the library on 1-27 August!
Our libraries are also hosting fun events as part of it!
For more information, visit: experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/black-...
A display from the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge in Ripon Library.
We are very pleased that 21 public #Library authorities have been selected for a Β£1.5 million grant that will expand the #SummerReadingChallenge.
This support will enable libraries to engage up to 50,000 more children in areas of high deprivation.
readingagency.org.uk/21-library-s...
British ballet dancer Darren Panton, photo credit Tony Butcher.
'Into the Light: Pioneers of Black British Ballet' is now showing at Burton Library until 30 July.
Find out more about this @heritagefunduk.bsky.social project, a collaboration between us and Oxygen Arts.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/bla...
#NationalLottery #HeritageFund
