@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.
Emma Daniel, Projects and Finance Administrator at Libraries Connected looks back on a day of learning and celebration at the Know Your Neighbourhood Conference 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/kno...
Libraries can help tackle some of the biggest challenges facing local authorities through reading.
Our webinar with @librariesconnected.bsky.social shows how to use the Why Reading Matters toolkit to clearly evidence that impact during the #NationalYearOfReading 👉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Tic...
Pleased to be speaking at the House of Lords yesterday on the theme of Libraries and the growth economy- organised by @librariesconnected.bsky.social @rluk.ac.uk @ebscouk.bsky.social @cilip.bsky.social and to catch up with old friend Valerie Vaz MP
Join us for the second webinar in our 2026 series, hosted by @librariesconnected.bsky.social, looking at the practical issues you may need to address as you prepare for Local Government Reorganisation: members.librariesconnected.org.uk/events/69b14...
📅Wednesday 18 March 2026 (14:00 – 15:00)
Led by Marmalade Trust, Loneliness Awareness Week 2026 aims to 'give loneliness a voice' by creating space for people to explain what loneliness means for them.
Libraries are encouraged to get involved - here are lots of practical suggestions!
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/build-c...
Last Friday Alex Jones and Roman Kemp of The One Show hosted the 2026 final of the BBC 500 Words writing competition from Windsor Castle.
Congratulations to all six winners! You can listen to their stories read aloud below.
www.bbc.co.uk/teach/500-wo...
The government’s Pride in Place Strategy helps build stronger communities, create thriving places and empower local people.
Libraries are encouraged to participate! Our webinar explains how they can get involved.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgWy...
Sunday 8 March was COVID-19 Day of Reflection.
We thought about how public libraries supported the most vulnerable. Kirklees made around 12,000 phone calls to vulnerable library users.
Our 2020 report, 'Libraries in the Pandemic' explains more.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/resources/li...
@pammckinney.bsky.social, @woodsiegirl.bsky.social & I will be sharing the findings from our Leeds based research on creativity, arts & culture for #digitalinclusion in older adults in a @librariesconnected.bsky.social webinar on 10th March 12-1pm www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events/webin...
In yesterday’s #WorldBookDay debate, MPs stressed the vital role of public and school libraries in building a love of reading. The debate was called by Education Committee chair @helenhayes.bsky.social, who raised her concerns about cuts to library spending
Valentine's Day 2026 was a memorable date for Horbury Library in West Yorkshire. It marked the 120th anniversary of the opening of the Carnegie Library!
Carole Knowles reflects on the importance of the public library to community celebrations.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
#WorldBookDay2026 is an opportunity to spotlight and celebrate all that public libraries do to encourage reading for pleasure.
From rhymetimes introducing babies to the joys of storytelling to book clubs that keep older minds active, libraries are reading for pleasure hubs!
www.worldbookday.com
Today we are in York to celebrate Know Your Neighbourhood.
We say thank you to those who have worked so hard to show how arts and culture can bring people together and build pride in place.
@dcmsgovuk.bsky.social @artscouncilengland.bsky.social @creativelivescl.bsky.social @aimuseums.bsky.social
We are very pleased to reveal the shortlists for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026, sponsored by OverDrive.
All nominees stand out for their commitment to going above and beyond their daily roles, delivering exceptional services for communities.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/shortli...
This week's webinar looks at Social Value in action. It showcases the work undertaken last year to identify the Social Value of Revoe Library, a small branch library in Blackpool.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqTe...
Revoe Library, one of Blackpool's smallest branch libraries, delivers an estimated £9.5 million in social value annually.
Read more from us and Blackpool Libraries below.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/new-rep...
More than 50% of libraries rely on additional funding for digital on top of what is routinely provided by councils, the latest Netloan customer survey reveals.
However, bids for this funding take time and resources which are often limited.
Read more: www.lorensbergs.co.uk/research/pub...
As the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, we are reflecting on the extraordinary courage and resilience shown by librarians in the country.
Our partnership with the Library Country Ukraine Charitable Foundation allows the UK library community to provide practical support to libraries in Ukraine.
Super video. How @somersetcouncil.bsky.social Libraries support health & wellbeing - health checks, loanable blood pressure monitors, reliable books & resources. Geat example of public librar7 activity across the UK. www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbDL...
@cilip.bsky.social @librariesconnected.bsky.social
Lewisham #Libraries have lots going on towards the end of #LGBTHM26, including an event highlighting the rich history of music hall and the significant queer presence that has shaped it.
lewisham.gov.uk/inmyarea/eve...
The case studies in this report show the wide range of volunteer roles available in our public libraries. Wonderful to see how they are being shaped by our communities.
The report comes out of the DCMS-funded Know Your Neighbourhood programme, administered by @artscouncilengland.bsky.social
Volunteers strengthen and enhance library services, and gain skills, confidence and connection in the process.
But the report also finds pressure on staff time and coordination. It calls for investment in staff, training and volunteer management, and more flexible volunteer roles.
Key findings from Volunteering in Public Libraries:
📈 Over a third of services manage 100+ volunteers, some 750+
⏱️ Half have volunteered for 2+ years, most give time weekly
🏘️ 6 in 10 say volunteering makes them feel more positive about their local area
📊 Today we publish Volunteering in Public Libraries, a new report that shows a thriving culture of volunteering across England's libraries: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/growing...
This week The One Show visited Stockroom, part of Stockport #Libraries to see how it has benefited from £14.5 million from the Future High Streets Fund.
Since reopening last May, 500,000 visitors have passed through the doors!
Go to 1 min 50s for the segment.
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Reading Well, developed by us, #Libraries and @readingagency.bsky.social, provides a cost-effective, preventative programme embedded in public #Libraries.
Reading Well for Children books are available to borrow for free from your local #Library.
www.local.gov.uk/case-studies...
#CMHW26
Libraries aren’t a panacea for early years, but they form a core part of an integrated approach - and one that greatly extends the reach of support.
Great to see this from @local.gov.uk
The longlists for the @carnegiemedals.bsky.social 2026 have been revealed!
New faces abound, with the Medal for Illustration featuring 17 artists listed for the first time.
Have a look at the 37 titles across two categories, then pick one up from your #Library!
carnegies.co.uk/medals/
'Achieving the Best Start in Life', a new report from @local.gov.uk, illustrates how public #Libraries make significant contributions as part of a multi‑agency support network for families with young children.
www.local.gov.uk/publications...