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.https://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.ukhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mluugzhpli2oFor those who work for and use it, the 120th anniversary of Westhoughton Library in Bolton drew attention to 'just how much a library holds that never makes it onto the shelves.' https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/reassuring-presence-changing-world-120-years-westhoughton-library15 May 2026 08:00 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mluugzhpli2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mlur4bi3dv2mThe Empathy Day Festival runs from 4-11 June 2026 with a line up of the nation’s favourite children’s authors. This webinar explains how libraries can get involved and the resources available to them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpbmVQD6uQo15 May 2026 07:00 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlur4bi3dv2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mltfpgep432rIn today's Laureate Lecture, @frankcottrellboyce.bsky.social set out the challenges facing children and called for national action on the reading crisis. Libraries are central to tackling the reading for pleasure crisis via children's librarians, activities including storytimes and community work.14 May 2026 18:03 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mltfpgep432rhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mlsuf46wdk2mThese are powerful words from Victoria Dilly. We also recognise the gravity of the reading for pleasure crisis. We know public libraries and librarians, alongside school librarians and those in many other sectors, are the keys to reversing the troubling decline in children reading for pleasure. [contains quote post or other embedded content]14 May 2026 12:53 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlsuf46wdk2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mlsoxztw4s2hIn April our Chief Executive @ih1968.bsky.social attended the EBLIDA Conference in Prague. Isobel has now shared the most important things she took away from the Conference including the importance of pan-European library collaboration. https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/what-i-learnt-eblida-conference-202614 May 2026 11:16 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlsoxztw4s2hhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mlpwxkxp4u2hNew research from @ucl-sbb.bsky.social shows that participating in arts activities and attending cultural events can lead to people staying biologically younger. These findings are significant for libraries, which host and produce a wide range of culture. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/may/12/arts-cultural-engagement-linked-slower-pace-biological-ageing-ucl-research13 May 2026 09:01 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlpwxkxp4u2hhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mlnirq6vf223Colleagues from public libraries, Schools Library Services, education and early years settings are coming together today for learning, reflection and conversation about inclusive early years practice in libraries. We are represented by Sarah Mears MBE. [contains quote post or other embedded content]12 May 2026 09:42 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlnirq6vf223https://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mlnhz4p5cm2mWe are pleased to share that James Pearson is the next President of Libraries Connected. As President James wants to focus on priorities that include building the evidence case for libraries, including prevention, wellbeing and social value. https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/libraries-connected-names-james-pearson-next-president12 May 2026 09:28 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlnhz4p5cm2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mllhasmlkr2rThe fifth round of the https://bsky.app/profile/artscouncilengland.bsky.social Libraries Improvement Fund is now open. This will enable library services to invest in upgrades to buildings and technology so they are better placed to respond to the changing ways people are using them. https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/libraries-improvement-fund-lif-round-511 May 2026 14:10 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mllhasmlkr2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mll4xfmbd32wMental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to focus on the vital work public libraries do in supporting mental health and wellbeing. 'The Power of Prevention' showed that public libraries deliver millions in value in this area. https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/south-east-libraries-deliver-millions-value-through-support-mental-health-and-wellbeing-report11 May 2026 11:05 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mll4xfmbd32whttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mlkspwvoew2tCongratulations to those who have been elected as new councillors! We have put together a video and page that gives you the essentials about the public library – a statutory service that plays a vital role in your community. https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/public-libraries-what-new-councillors-need-know11 May 2026 08:02 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlkspwvoew2thttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mldelt726i2kThis week we submitted our members' views to the government on what we think should be in the government's forthcoming library strategy. Our members are clear that for the strategy to succeed it will need a long-term vision setting direction and priorities for libraries over the next 10 years.08 May 2026 09:01 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mldelt726i2khttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mlb2ro4yaa2rThis week is Deaf Awareness Week. Public libraries play a significant role in helping those with D/deafness. They offer books for children and adults in which D/deafness is represented alongside BSL lessons and braille books and much else besides. Find out more: https://www.ndcs.org.uk/deaf-awareness-week07 May 2026 11:00 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mlb2ro4yaa2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3ml6lzabdd22uAn interesting segment on The One Show shows the influence of platforms like TikTok in encouraging young people to read. Public libraries already act as social hubs where children and young people can access recommendations from their peers and experts - librarians themselves! [contains quote post or other embedded content]06 May 2026 11:30 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml6lzabdd22uhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3ml6gxarzhp2bPublic library services including Newcastle, Redbridge and Exeter continue to do important work by encouraging conversations around death and dying. The Afterlives Arts Festival is the culmination of nearly a decade of pioneering work on 'death positive libraries'. https://afterlives.uk/06 May 2026 10:00 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml6gxarzhp2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3ml4dvnywb32fInternational Compost Awareness Week is a chance to learn about the work of libraries in promoting environmental awareness. Culture Nature Now, a partnership with Natural England, focuses on relationships between libraries and Protected Sites. https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/culture-nature-now05 May 2026 14:00 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml4dvnywb32fhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3ml44e4zsed2rThe theme of this year's Dying Matters Awareness Week is 'Let’s talk about Death and Dying'. Public library services like Redbridge and Newcastle have been central to promoting these conversations through the 'Death Positive Libraries' initiative. https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/death-positive-libraries05 May 2026 11:45 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml44e4zsed2rhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3ml42okhgtc2kThe inaugural Designing Libraries conference is for everyone in the library sector with an interest in planning new libraries, creating inclusive spaces, or delivering refurbishments. This is your opportunity to connect and shape the future of public libraries. https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/108819?05 May 2026 11:15 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3ml42okhgtc2khttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mksi6d57772yDid you know that being a member of Libraries Connected gives your staff access to a large number of benefits? Those who work for a member library service can attend training, webinars and in-person events and much more! www.librariesconnected.org.uk/membership01 May 2026 15:50 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mksi6d57772yhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mkrpdtvt5j2wKnow Your Neighbourhood was a project funded by DCMS created to reduce chronic loneliness in 27 disadvantaged areas of England. We worked with artscouncilengland.bsky.social to deliver the fund to libraries. Here are some things we learned. https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/know-your-neighbourhood-evaluation-key-findings-glance01 May 2026 08:25 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkrpdtvt5j2whttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mkpqotth7q2yThe #GetTheNationLearning Awards run by @learnworkuk.bsky.social shine a light on organisations - including public libraries - that support healthier futures, stronger communities, and richer lives. Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open! https://getthenationlearning.org.uk/get-the-nation-learning-awards/30 Apr 2026 13:44 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkpqotth7q2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mkpe5ylw5g2kDid you know that fraud is now the UK's most common crime? Take Five Week is an opportunity to learn how to spot the warning signs of fraud. Libraries, as trusted purveyors of high-quality information, are crucial to this awareness. https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/about/about-us/30 Apr 2026 10:00 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkpe5ylw5g2khttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mkp737c6mc2lWe are very much looking forward to seeing who wins the inaugural Children's Booker Prize. Prizes like these form a mutually beneficial relationship with public libraries. Libraries can organise displays and booklists around them, inviting children into the joy and benefit of reading for pleasure. [contains quote post or other embedded content]30 Apr 2026 08:29 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkp737c6mc2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mkmxaflddt2oEarlier this month we published the evaluation of Black British Ballet, a partnership with Oxygen Arts financed by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. 'Onisere and the Ballet Queen' was produced as part of the project; a clip from the film is below. https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/black-british-ballet-delivers-significant-impact-libraries29 Apr 2026 11:03 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkmxaflddt2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mkmu3ohjbh2tGood luck to all those who submitted entries for the @warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social Awards, as judging begins. David Barclay reminds us libraries are central to Warm Welcome as 'places where people come not just to read but to learn, connect and belong.' https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/public-libraries-places-belonging-centre-warm-welcome-campaign29 Apr 2026 10:07 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkmu3ohjbh2thttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mkkfkeyh2c2nA new evaluation of @artscouncilengland.bsky.social funded library grant programmes shows that relatively modest funding can have a disproportionate impact when it is well designed and well supported. 🔗 Read the full report here: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/research-and-data/our-research-library/evaluation-small-library-grants-programmes28 Apr 2026 10:41 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkkfkeyh2c2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mkhulo7yf22yToday is National Tell a Story Day, a celebration of the joys and benefits of storytelling. As @booktrust.org.uk research has shown, stories are crucial to children's ability to understand the world around them. Public libraries, through activities like rhymetimes, play a central role in this.27 Apr 2026 10:32 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkhulo7yf22y