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/3mup6ihj63k2aDelighted to see our new @artscouncilengland.bsky.social uncilengland.bsky.social -funded research into comics and graphic novels featured in @thebookseller.com today https://www.thebookseller.com/features/making-a-splash-how-graphic-novels-conquered-libraries04 Sep 2026 14:30 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mup6ihj63k2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3muh7rkflfn27Later this month, libraries will be taking part in Heritage Open Days, England's largest festival of history and culture. This year's theme, Everyday Histories, explores daily life and work through the ages. 📅 11-20 September 2026. Find out more: www.heritageopendays.org.uk01 Sep 2026 10:32 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3muh7rkflfn27https://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mtxx5dslkt2lWe are deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton. Dolly understood the transformative power of books and through her Imagination Library shared that passion with millions of children around the world. She will be greatly missed across the library and literacy sectors.26 Aug 2026 08:47 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtxx5dslkt2lhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mtxv7bp3k22t📈 New government figures show a significant rise in library use across England - 36% of people aged 16+ engaged with a library service at least once in 2025/26. That's up from 31% the previous year and the highest level since the pandemic. Read the full findings: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/community-and-engagement-survey-202526-libraries/community-and-engagement-survey-202526-libraries-report26 Aug 2026 08:13 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtxv7bp3k22thttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mtvi2vagek2yPublic libraries are uniquely placed to help communities navigate misinformation and disinformation. This new Arts Council England report highlights both the opportunity and the challenge: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/research-and-data/our-research-library/role-public-library-combating-misinformation-and-disinformation-review-and-action-plan25 Aug 2026 09:12 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtvi2vagek2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mtlbccuiwh2dOur 'How libraries can support AI and digital media literacy' guide shares learning from the Innovating in Trusted Spaces project, which explored how libraries can support AI and media literacy in their communities. 📖 Read the guide and other resources: https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/index.php/projects/innovating-trusted-spaces-libraries-advancing-digital-inclusion-action-plan21 Aug 2026 07:45 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtlbccuiwh2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mtguibuv6l2yOur Meet the Winners webinar brought together winners and runners-up from the 2026 Libraries Connected Awards to share the ideas behind their work and the lessons they've learned along the way. Watch the recording on YouTube: ▶️ youtu.be/OPHK1gEJ3qw https://youtu.be/OPHK1gEJ3qw19 Aug 2026 13:45 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtguibuv6l2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mtb6lxdvq22ySummer holidays are a great opportunity for libraries to get out into their communities. One example comes from Essex, where the library service took over a Clacton beach hut to run activities for local families. We'd love to hear more examples - what outreach activities have you run this summer?17 Aug 2026 07:30 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mtb6lxdvq22yhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3msvensiulg2vHow can library staff create engaging storytelling experiences for a multilingual audience? Find out at our Multilingual Storytelling Workshop on 1 September, 2-3pm. Find out more and book your place: https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events/webinar-multilingual-storytelling-workshop12 Aug 2026 14:46 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3msvensiulg2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3msiqbyzh4c2xLast year, we delivered more than 50 webinars, with 3,000 live participants and a further 3,000 on-demand views. Missed one? Catch up on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@librariesconnected07 Aug 2026 14:10 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3msiqbyzh4c2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3msgegphtc226We welcome the Government's recognition of the role libraries play in supporting mental health. This must be matched by investment in staff, training and facilities, while protecting libraries as trusted, neutral spaces for everyone. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpd76e737ljo06 Aug 2026 15:32 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3msgegphtc226https://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3msdfjefjlw27At our Meet the Winners webinar, you'll hear practical insights from this year's Libraries Connected Awards winners and runners-up, with time to ask questions and explore how their approaches could work in your own service. 📅 Tues 11 Aug, 2pm 🔗 https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events/webinar-meet-winners-2026-libraries-connected-awards05 Aug 2026 11:14 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3msdfjefjlw27https://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3msao7eq6yi25Following her appearance on Woman's Hour yesterday, our CEO Isobel Hunter reflects on the question: are library closures misogynistic? 🔗 Read Isobel's blog: https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/not-misogyny-not-gender-neutral-why-library-closures-matter-women04 Aug 2026 09:11 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3msao7eq6yi25https://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3ms6nmyq3dr25Are library closures misogynistic? That was the question posed by Kirsten MacQuarrie on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, with Libraries Connected CEO Isobel Hunter joining the discussion. 🎧 Listen here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002zrz6 (starts at 16:41)03 Aug 2026 13:55 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3ms6nmyq3dr25https://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mrs3czqfew2n📢 Today we're publishing our first impact report, showcasing how we're supporting our members to collaborate, innovate and respond to the changing needs of their communities. You can read and download the report here: https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/libraries-connected-publishes-first-annual-impact-report29 Jul 2026 13:56 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrs3czqfew2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mrppuwzhqr2dToday we wrote to Kanishka Narayan MP, the newly reappointed Minister for AI, calling for stronger national coordination and investment in community AI literacy through public libraries. Find out more and read the letter: https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/libraries-key-building-public-confidence-ai-libraries-connected-tells-minister28 Jul 2026 15:26 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrppuwzhqr2dhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mrnbmz75vg2yUpdated guidance for library and archive services navigating LGR is now available. Designed for heads of service, it explores the opportunities and challenges ahead, the questions to ask, and how to engage confidently as new authority structures take shape. 🔗 https://www.local.gov.uk/our-support/devolution-and-lgr-hub/devolution-and-lgr-lga-support/guidance-libraries-and-archives27 Jul 2026 16:05 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrnbmz75vg2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mrjucnqihr2zGreat to see public libraries highlighted by the BBC as a low-cost way for families to make the most of the summer holidays. 🔗 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y65z47xwzo26 Jul 2026 07:29 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrjucnqihr2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mrfl64hk5r24📍Around 78% of people in England and Wales can reach a public library within a 30-minute walk. Few public services have this level of local reach. Source: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/bulletins/accesstolocalamenitiesinenglandandwales/october2024#access-to-libraries24 Jul 2026 14:35 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrfl64hk5r24https://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mrcksn2zc62t🏆 Meet the Winners! Join us on 11 August at 2pm for our Meet the Winners webinar, where you'll hear directly from some of this year's Libraries Connected Award winners and runners-up. 👉 Book your place: https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events/webinar-meet-winners-2026-libraries-connected-awards23 Jul 2026 09:50 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mrcksn2zc62thttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mr5mvagmu72e🏖️📚 Looking for a summer read? A huge thank you to all the library staff who submitted their holiday reading recommendations! We narrowed them down to 20 books that made us want to add them straight to our own TBR pile. 📖 Browse the full list: https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/looking-summer-read-librarians-share-their-holiday-reading-recommendations21 Jul 2026 10:44 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mr5mvagmu72ehttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mqu5js3som2n📢 We're hiring! We're looking for a new Regional Development Manager to join the Libraries Connected team- a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to help libraries achieve even more by working together https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/libraries-connected/regional-development-manager/107676317 Jul 2026 16:16 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqu5js3som2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mqtqh42z5o26The Education Committee has today published its report on Reading for Pleasure - and many of our recommendations are included. This is a clear call to action: the Burnham government must make reading for pleasure part of its mission to expand opportunity https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5902/cmselect/cmeduc/150/report.html17 Jul 2026 12:21 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqtqh42z5o26https://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mqp65i3xnh2jAnother thoughtful and productive discussion today at the latest meeting of the Libraries Alliance, hosted by Lambeth Palace Library - a library that has welcomed the public since 1610. Watch this space for more Libraries Alliance news soon! librariesalliance.org.uk15 Jul 2026 16:43 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqp65i3xnh2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mqoj6ukkdi2b🎓 Our new learning portal is now live! To access the portal, you'll need a member account. Simply log in to the member platform and select Learning from the top menu. If you don't yet have an account, you can set one up at members.librariesconnected.org.uk15 Jul 2026 10:28 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqoj6ukkdi2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mqk2rteqf52xWe warmly welcome today's DCMS announcement of £12.5m for the Music in Libraries programme. We look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the next generation of musicians, producers and creative talent!13 Jul 2026 16:00 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mqk2rteqf52xhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mq4zbitteh2yCongratulations to Patrice Lawrence, the new @booktrust.org.uk Children's Laureate. Patrice's avowal to champion 'shared stories as a tool for bringing people together' is one shared by public libraries. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yzzz856m3o08 Jul 2026 11:28 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mq4zbitteh2yhttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mpxvbkk3ym2eOur Chief Executive Isobel Hunter MBE will speak tomorrow in Newcastle upon Tyne at the first Reading with Dementia symposium. The event explores supporting people living with dementia to keep reading for enjoyment. It is funded by @artscouncilengland.bsky.social.06 Jul 2026 10:33 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpxvbkk3ym2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mpog2572d72w📢 We're hiring! We’re looking for a Digital Communications Officer. For full details and to apply visit CharityJob: https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/libraries-connected/digital-communications-officer/1075006?tsId=8 📅 Deadline for applications: July 16, 9am02 Jul 2026 16:07 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpog2572d72whttps://bsky.app/profile/librariesconnected.org.uk/post/3mpnj5v7vg32x🚀 Today we’re launching Shared Ambitions! Created with @artscouncilengland.bsky.social, @cilip.bsky.social and @librariesrising.bsky.social, this new resource sets out a shared vision for a diverse, inclusive and future-ready library workforce https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/library-bodies-launch-strategy-strengthen-workforce02 Jul 2026 07:30 +0000at://did:plc:yd4iv27bl64o7xiey6xrcgzo/app.bsky.feed.post/3mpnj5v7vg32x