How can public libraries attract more people to the sector and help staff develop their careers? Join our upcoming Shared Ambitions webinars to discover practical approaches that could work in your service: buff.ly/BNRkMMC
Libraries Connected
@librariesconnected.org.uk
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.
Great visit to the newly refurbished Carlisle Library for the @librariesconnected.org.uk North West meeting today. So great to see such a large space dedicated to children and families. ❤️ ( @librariesrising.bsky.social )
We welcome Arts Council England’s new libraries activities data, offering valuable insights into how public libraries reach people and support communities. Our research team is analysing the figures, and we’ll share more insights soon. Explore the new data: buff.ly/7J4IJ7c
Supporting libraries
We are the development agency for libraries in England. Our focus is on public libraries which operate within a wider framework of library provision and local and national government services.
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Is your library service considering applying to Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Investment Programme 2028–33? Applications open on 20 October and close on 15 December 2026. You can explore the guidance and start preparing your application here: buff.ly/UG2FXL7
Community spaces are essential, but access is unequal. New @jrf-uk.bsky.social research identifies 686 neighbourhoods facing high deprivation and a shortage of shared spaces: buff.ly/OI6K0Wl Public libraries are part of the solution: connecting people with information, opportunities and each other.
Libraries Connected warmly welcomes the new Minister for Libraries Baroness Ruth Mackenzie CBE. We look forward to working with her to explore how public libraries can support the government in delivering its priorities. www.gov.uk/government/p...
Baroness Ruth Mackenzie CBE
Ruth Mackenzie CBE was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on 22 July 2026.
gov.uk
Reading for pleasure can support brain health, cognition and wellbeing. New research commissioned by The Queen’s Reading Room brings together evidence and strengthens the case for free, welcoming public libraries that help everyone find something they love to read: www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Want to make a stronger case for your library service? Join our Advocacy and Influencing webinar for practical ideas to help you communicate the value of libraries, build support and influence decision-makers. 🔗 Find out more and book your place: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events/advoc...
Young people want to connect in person, but often have nowhere to go. A new report from @ippr.org highlights the need for free, welcoming “third spaces”. Libraries can be part of the answer — giving young people somewhere to meet and take part in local life. www.ippr.org/articles/the...
After a hugely successful nationwide tour, Into the Light: Pioneers of Black British Ballet comes to libraries in London this autumn. Find out more: www.blackbritishballet.com/articles/bra... Image: Chantelle Gotobed, Taniec, choreography by Raymond Chai ©2007 Arena Pal, photographer Bill Cooper
Delighted to see our new @artscouncilengland.bsky.social uncilengland.bsky.social -funded research into comics and graphic novels featured in @thebookseller.com today www.thebookseller.com/features/mak...
Making a splash: how graphic novels conquered libraries
Children’s publishing and manga are driving a boom, but issues around budgets and age-ranging may stymie growth, The Bookseller hears.
thebookseller.com
Later 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.uk
We 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.
📈 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: www.gov.uk/government/s...
Community and Engagement Survey 2025/26 - libraries: report
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gov.uk
Public libraries are uniquely placed to help communities navigate misinformation and disinformation. This new Arts Council England report highlights both the opportunity and the challenge: www.artscouncil.org.uk/research-and...
Our '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: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/index.php/pr...
Our 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
Libraries Connected Awards 2026: Meet The Winners | Libraries Connected Webinars
Hear directly from some of this year's Libraries Connected Award winners and runners-up. From improving children's reading and wellbeing, to helping young people develop digital skills, tackling…
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Summer 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?
How 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: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events/webin...
Last 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: www.youtube.com/@librariesco...
We 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. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
New walk-in mental health centres to open in banks and libraries across England
Government plans network of nearly 200 specialist services to help those facing mental health crises.
bbc.co.uk
At 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 🔗 www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events/webin...
Following her appearance on Woman's Hour yesterday, our CEO Isobel Hunter reflects on the question: are library closures misogynistic? 🔗 Read Isobel's blog: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/not-mis...
Are 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: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/... (starts at 16:41)
Woman's Hour - Listener Week: Marriage & friends, Library cuts, NICU babies, Intergenerational friendships - BBC Sounds
As Listener Week kicks off, how honest are you with your friends about your marriage?
bbc.co.uk
📢 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: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
Today 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: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
Updated 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. 🔗 www.local.gov.uk/our-support/...
Great to see public libraries highlighted by the BBC as a low-cost way for families to make the most of the summer holidays. 🔗 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Five ways to make the most of the summer holidays with kids
The best tips and tricks to have a fun - yet affordable - summer break with the family.
bbc.co.uk
📍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: www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula...
🏆 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: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events/webin...
