iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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Designing Libraries @designinglibraries.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Our latest newsletter features standout case studies libraries, incl Haydock Library, the Seoul Outdoor Library, the spaceship inspired Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Research Library & the transformation of Cliftonville Library on our newly updated website: designinglibraries.org.uk/news/newslet...

designinglibraries.org.uk

October 2026 Newsletter - Designing Libraries

Read the Designing Libraries Autumn Announcements Newsletter here

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CILIP @cilip.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

"Design matters—our spaces can be as powerful as our services." At the Designing Libraries Conference today, our CDO Sonia Ramdhian spoke on how intentional physical design transforms libraries into safe sanctuaries that build confidence, autonomy, and connection.

Speaker presenting on the importance of design in library spaces at a professional event with an attentive audience.

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Have you booked yet ? Only a few places left - come and learn from both UK and international speakers sharing experiences on library design. www.trybooking.com/uk/events/la...

trybooking.com

Designing Libraries National Conference

We’re thrilled to announce the inaugural Designing Libraries Conference, taking place on Wednesday, 17th June 2026, at the iconic Swiss Cottage...

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Fantastic night out the Birmingham Rep enjoying the new A Midsummer Night’s Dream adaptation. Made in Brum! This is what the audience thought!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” — Thomas Merton. #StratfordCreates

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

I had a fantastic time over the weekend being part of the celebrations for Shakespeare’s 462nd birthday 🎭 There’s something truly special about experiencing it in Stratford-upon-Avon, his hometown, where the streets come alive with history and creativity.

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Happy Basisakhi friends and colleagues

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

Wishing all friends and colleagues who are celebrating a very Happy #Easter! 🐣

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

Happy Passover to everyone.... Here’s a page from the 1430 Darmstadt Haggadah, one of my favourite editions: the illuminations are so gorgeous. The book of the Exodus story is usually read tonight around the table of the Seder dinner.

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

A fantastic celebration of reading in Warwickshire! 📚 Over 500 young people joined the Secondary Book Awards—full of energy and love for books. Congrats to winner Jenny Pearson (Shrapnel Boys) and all shortlisted authors. A brilliant showcase of young voices and creativity. #NationalYearOfReading

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Street Art Utopia @streetartutopia.com · 24/03/2026

Stairs of Knowledge at the University of Balamand, Lebanon. Walking up these stairs is literally a step toward higher education. A Tribute To Modern Day Thinkers (10 Photos): streetartutopia.com/2026/01/09/a...

Outdoor staircase designed as a stack of oversized book spines at the University of Balamand in Lebanon, each step painted to resemble classic literary works including The Republic by Plato, The Divine Comedy by Dante, The Prince by Machiavelli, Faust by Goethe, and Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant. The colorful stairway is set in a landscaped garden with greenery and flowers on both sides, creating the illusion of walking up a tower of world literature.

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Museums + Heritage @museumsandheritage.com · 24/03/2026

Last April, The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust announced its interim chief executive would serve in the role permanently. Rachael North reflects on the first year in the role. 🔗https://museumsandheritage.com/advisor/posts/rachael-north-my-first-year-as-ceo-of-the-shakespeare-birthplace-trust/

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

Spent part of my Saturday back at Shire Hall exploring the “Portraits of the Shire Hall” tour. What looks like decoration is actually a collection full of stories—from local figures to monarchs. A great reminder that history is often hiding in plain sight—and worth pausing for#Heritage #LocalHistory

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Eid Mubarak to those celebrating 🌙✨ This beautiful occasion brings warmth, happiness and blessings to your home, filling it with peace and grace.💫 #Eid #EidMubarak #Eid2026 #Eid al-Fitr

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting some remarkable libraries and meeting dedicated library staff across the Middle East — including Iraq, Oman, Jordan, Qatar, Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia. The passion for knowledge, community, and learning is truly inspiring.

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Fantastic few days in Paris 🇫🇷 reconnecting with colleagues from across the global library community. Great discussions on library design & collaboration at @IFLA Library Design Section mid-year meeting, plus visits to some amazing libraries.

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

A fascinating visit to Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris 🇫🇷 Discovering the rich story of Paris and reflecting on the centuries of shared history between France and the UK 🇬🇧 — from rivalry to alliance, our past is deeply connected. #Paris #UKFrance #History

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Designing Libraries @designinglibraries.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

An inspiring day at Warwick Castle meeting in 17th century Italian Library with our amazing DL sponsors #bibliotheca @designconceptuk.bsky.social #fgl #openingthebook Discussions covered web enhancements,IFLA collaboration & planning for an upcoming national conference on #librarydesign

Designing Libraries Sponsors and Advisory Group members meeting in the amazing 17th Century Italian Library at Warwick Castle

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

Some “cheesy”chat up lines from Warwickshire Libraries for ❤️ Check out our instagram platform instagram.com/warwickshire_l… Don’t be left on the shelf this valentines…🥴

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Feeling lucky to live near so many brilliant theatres — nothing beats live performance. Growing up it wasn’t something we could afford, so I’m definitely making up for it now! Instead of books, I’m sharing the plays I’ve seen. Best so far: A Thousand Splendid Suns - simple staging, stunning impact.

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Designing Libraries @designinglibraries.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

Read our latest perspectives article where @ayubkhan786.bsky.social has an insightful talk with Sue Mckenzie about her work as a library consultant: designinglibraries.org.uk/perspectives...

designinglibraries.org.uk

Ayub Talks to Sue

Ayub Khan talks to Sue Mckenzie, libraries consultant, about the consultant’s perspective on library design projects

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Designing Libraries @designinglibraries.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

Information Professional Digital Winter 2025 features Designing Libraries Director @ayubkhan786.bsky.social discussing trends in library design and technology designinglibraries.org.uk/news/trends-...

designinglibraries.org.uk

Trends in Library Design and Technology

Information Professional Digital Winter 2025 features Designing Libraries Director Ayub Khan discussing trends in library design and technology

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

From local projects to big ideas, 2025 has been a rewarding year in Warwickshire. Here are some of my favourite moments

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

Curious about Artificial Intelligence but not sure where to start? In 2026, Warwickshire Libraries will launch friendly AI awareness workshops designed especially for older people. #AI #DigitalInclusion #Libraries Keep an eye of the Warwickshire Libraries website for further details

Atherstone Library AI promotional colourful promote

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

For some, the Christmas period can be lonely & cold. Everyone is given a Warm Welcome in Warwickshire Libraries providing safe friendly & comfortable spaces for residents to relax, connect and support throughout the colder months. We have a number of sessions: tinyurl.com/mrx4sfnd

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Feeling Christmassy after attending Shakespeare Birthplace Trust's carol service last night at the wonderful Guild Chapel. Wonderful readings from local colleagues, who make such a difference to the community. Thank you Paul Edmondson for putting on such a lovely event

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Great session at the RSC with key local stakeholders hearing about the new 2025-2030 strategic plan, work on skills development and update on the Towns Arts and Culture strategy. Also good to meet Paul Hayes the new commercial director outlining plans to increase income and visitor numbers.

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Warwickshire Libraries staff love a good celebration, especially when it involves literary legends! To mark 250 years since Jane Austen’s birth, our amazing library staff went all in with Regency Revels at Kenilworth & Southam Libraries youtube.com/shorts/a0_0h... #JaneAusten250 #Libraries

youtube.com

Celebrating Jane Austen's 250th Anniversary at the library!

YouTube video by Warwickshire Libraries

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

Massive thank you to Meet & Greet team at Warwickshire County Council for setting up such a gorgeous Christmas tree. Decorations elegant. I had honour of placing the fairy on top. It's a privilege to lead the Meet and Greet team as they are truly "Director of First Impressions" for the Council.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 14/11/2025

It is brilliant to see the success of 'Our Freedom: Then and Now' in public #Libraries across the country. Workshops at Atherstone Library in Warwickshire featuring poetry and stories from the anniversary of VE Day resulted in a specially created zine. www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article...

warwickshire.gov.uk

Warwickshire Libraries celebrate local stories of liberation inspired by 80th anniversary of VE Day – Warwickshire County Council

Warwickshire Libraries are celebrating the remarkable success of their ‘Our Freedom: Then and Now’, project, which has brought together communities across t

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

Fascinating talk at Old Shire Hall in Warwick regarding The Battle of Saragarhi which was a last-stand battle fought before the Tirah Campaign between the British Indian Empire and Afghan tribesmen. A collaboration between @Warwickshire_CC @LordLeycester #SHAWL

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

Hats off (excuse the witchy pun) to Warwickshire Libraries Team's social media reels on Warwickshire County Council Libraries Instagram (@warwickshire_libraries) account. Great engagement and fun. Here is one of my favourites, as our Mobile Libraries are magically turned into a Witch's Lair!

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

Happy Halloween from the newest member of the Khan family.

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Fantastic to see the work of the Warwickshire County Council Heritage and Culture Team transform St John’s House, a Jacobean old mansion with a 900 year history, into a spooky spectacular Halloween destination. Well done everyone involved.

Ayub on the spooky Halloween trail at St John’s house in Warwick

Amazing decorations and designs on the spooky Halloween trail at St John’s house in Warwick

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Designing Libraries @designinglibraries.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

We have curated a list of resources and links about National and international websites, online information sources and image galleries featuring library buildings and library design examples, all in one section as a one stop shop for anyone to access: designinglibraries.org.uk/resources/re...

designinglibraries.org.uk

National and international websites, online information sources and image galleries featuring library buildings and library design examples.

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

Fantastic news for the profession in the UK.

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

Lighting a candle for Katherine of Aragon who died on 7 January 1536, aged just 50 years old. She was the first wife of Henry VIII. Katherine is buried at Peterborough Cathedral.

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

Honoured to join Booktrust Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, for afternoon tea, at Clarence House to celebrate 100 years of BookTrust. Thrilled to be part of this journey piloting the Bookstart initiative in Birmingham 25 years ago!

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Designing Libraries @designinglibraries.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

Check out this Designing Libraries in the 21st Century conference, taking place between September 28th - 30th at the University of Rochester in New York. More details here: www.library.rochester.edu/designinglib...

library.rochester.edu

Designing Libraries XII | River Campus Libraries

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Designing Libraries @designinglibraries.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

@ifla.org @ayubkhan786.bsky.social The winner of the IFLA public library of the year award 2025 will be announced very soon, but in the meantime, find out about the shortlisted applicants designinglibraries.org.uk/news/shortli...

designinglibraries.org.uk

Shortlisted Applicants for IFLA Public Library of the Year Award 2025

The Public Library of the Year award is presented by the International Federation of Library Associations & Institutions, to honour new public libraries

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

Popped into Market Hall Museum, Warwick and great to see the Stone Age activities in action, particularly the clay making pots!

Market Hall Museum gazebo with clay pot making activity on show

Recreating the work of a Stone Age worker, who’s using and shaping flint

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

Themes still as relevant today then when it was published in the 60s.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 11/06/2025

Public #Libraries hold extraordinary loyalty in their local communities, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Executive Director of @mhlibrarysystem.bsky.social told us at #LCSeminar2025. These connections mean they are ideally situated to tackle many of the greatest problems we face. sustainablelibraries.org

sustainablelibraries.org

Sustainable Libraries | Rebekkah Smith Aldrich

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Thank you @fionatwycross @DcmsLibraries Minister for libraries for visiting Rugby @Warwickshire_CC @warkslibraries with local MP @JohnSlinger during Libraries Week to see first hand the wide range of activities on offer.

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ayubkhan786.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

One of the grandest entrances through an old foundry to a library I’ve ever seen and visited in the UK, at St Helen’s glass museum and library #theworldofglass @designinglibraries.bsky.social

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Designing Libraries @designinglibraries.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

@designconceptuk.bsky.social @lizmcgettigan.bsky.social @ayubkhan786.bsky.social Experience the grand reopening of Chorlton Library, a historic Grade II-listed landmark in Manchester, meticulously refurbished to blend heritage with innovation. designinglibraries.org.uk/case-studies...

designinglibraries.org.uk

Chorlton Library, Manchester

Chorlton Library, a historic Grade II-listed landmark in Manchester has been meticulously refurbished to blend heritage with innovation.

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