iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 9h

Missed our webinar on how libraries can support BBC 500 Words? Hear practical ideas from the BBC, Oxford University Press and library judges on promoting the competition, supporting young writers and getting involved in judging. Watch: buff.ly/kvvrUII

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 25/09/2026

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

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 23/09/2026

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

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 18/09/2026

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.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 15/09/2026

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...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 12/09/2026

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...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 11/09/2026

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...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 09/09/2026

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

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 01/09/2026

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

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 26/08/2026

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.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 25/08/2026

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...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 21/08/2026

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...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 17/08/2026

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?

Two smiling library staff at a purple outreach hut promoting Essex County libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge, standing behind a table of brochures and activities while one holds a brown Gruffalo puppet.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 12/08/2026

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...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 07/08/2026

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...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 05/08/2026

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...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 04/08/2026

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...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 29/07/2026

📢 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...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 28/07/2026

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...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 27/07/2026

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/...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 24/07/2026

📍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...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 23/07/2026

🏆 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...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 21/07/2026

🏖️📚 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: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/looking...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 17/07/2026

📢 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 www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/librari...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 17/07/2026

The 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 publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5902/cm...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 15/07/2026

Another 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.uk

Lambeth Palace's historic red-brick facade with mullioned leaded windows, decorative diamond brickwork, a large arched black wooden gate, smaller arched doorway and a sign reading "LAMBETH PALACE."

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 15/07/2026

🎓 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.uk

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 13/07/2026

We 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!

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 06/07/2026

Our 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.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 02/07/2026

📢 We're hiring! We’re looking for a Digital Communications Officer. For full details and to apply visit CharityJob: www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/librari... 📅 Deadline for applications: July 16, 9am

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 02/07/2026

🚀 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 www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/library...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 30/06/2026

We're leading a new Arts Council England-funded project to strengthen how public libraries and independent publishers work together on ebooks - helping more readers discover and borrow a wider range of titles during the National Year of Reading www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 29/06/2026

The Quilt of Welcome, part of the #LovedAndWanted project, is on display at Redbridge Library until 24 July. Funded by london.gov.uk and tnlcommunityfund.org.uk Loved and Wanted is a campaign promoting social cohesion across London. www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/lov...

A photograph of the Quilt of Welcome at Redbridge Library.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 25/06/2026

Thriving in Complexity is our leadership programme for new and emerging heads of service. A new evaluation ahows clear impact: participants reported greater confidence, a clearer sense of their role and more effective support for their teams 👉 www.librariesconnected.org.uk/resources/le...

A woman is seen writing at a Know Your Neighbourhood Conference.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 23/06/2026

🪧There is still time to sign up for tomorrow’s webinar exploring two practical approaches to staff development in public libraries. www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events/webin...

A man replaces books on a library shelf.

Credit: Nicola Tree.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 22/06/2026

📢 Please complete our apprenticeship survey Apprenticeships are opening the door to library careers and attracting new talent into the sector. Help us shape how we support apprenticeships and make the case for more and better opportunities. 👉 forms.office.com/Pages/Respon... 📅 Deadline: 10 July

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 20/06/2026

Today marks the official start of the Summer Reading Challenge! Against a backdrop of concern about children's reading for pleasure, the Challenge highlights the essential role of libraries in building lasting reading habits summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 17/06/2026

We can’t believe it's already been a week since our Annual Seminar! Across a wide range of ideas, discussions and practical insights, one theme stood out: the vital role of professional values, expertise and judgment at the heart of public libraries. What were your highlights? 📸 Ryan Hurley

Speaker presenting at a Libraries Connected event, standing at a lectern with slides displayed behind.

Three attendees posing on stage at the Annual Seminar, with a large illustrated backdrop behind.

Small group discussion at a table during a workshop session, with participants sharing ideas and notes.

Attendees contributing to a workshop exercise, writing on a board during a collaborative session.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 16/06/2026

Libraries across England are coming together to expand the Read On app, bringing its "Couch to 5K for reading" approach to new regions as part of the National Year of Reading 2026. Find out more: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/nationa...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 15/06/2026

As part of the #NationalYearofReading, we're inviting library workers and volunteers to share their favourite books to read on holiday ☀️🌊 👉 Submit your recommendation: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/share-y...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 11/06/2026

It is terrific to see local coverage of our Awards begin to appear. James Fisher and Zachary Wells, winners of our Children and Young People's Award, brought reading into sporting environments through partnerships with youth football clubs in Thanet. theisleofthanetnews.com/2026/06/11/t...

The Libraries Connected Awards winners for 2026.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 10/06/2026

🎊 Last night at #LCSeminar2026 we revealed our Awards winners for 2026. 🫂 All entries drew out the great theme of our Seminar: they 'build belonging', in their communities, through work that extends far beyond the physical walls of the library. 🔗 www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...

Libraries Connected Awards winners for 2026 smile with their trophies.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 10/06/2026

@librarianjones.com delivered a powerful keynote at #LCSeminar2026, outlining the pressures facing libraries in parts of the US. UK and US contexts differ but the principle is shared: the free exchange of ideas is central to public library services. 🔗 www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/us-libr...

Amanda Jones and Isobel Hunter are seen smiling standing in front of a Libraries Connected banner.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 10/06/2026

Opening the second day of #LCSeminar2026, our Chief Executive Isobel Hunter called back to the Public Libraries Act of 1850. Trusted information was essential in 1850, Isobel noted, and is perhaps even more important now. In a time of polarisation, libraries remain places that build belonging.

Libraries Connected Chief Executive Isobel Hunter MBE.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 09/06/2026

💬 We are nearing the end of an informative opening day of talks at #LCSeminar2026. ⚛️ Tying these together was the theme of belonging. In an age of social atomisation, libraries bring communities together in ways innovative and traditional. 🔉 Conversations stimulated by today's talks continue!

Two men are seen in discussion in the foreground.

A woman and a man are seen in discussion.

A man and a woman are seen talking in the foreground; in the background two women speak.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 09/06/2026

All set up and ready to go – the Libraries Connected team are here to welcome you to our Annual Seminar. Looking forward to two days of insight, energy and new ideas! #LCSeminar2026 #publiclibraries #librarylife

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 08/06/2026

This week at our Annual Seminar, edjewell.bsky.social hands over the Presidency to James Pearson. In his final blog as President Ed reflects on the 'extraordinary resilience, creativity and humanity shown by library staff'. www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/reflect...

Libraries Connected President Ed Jewell smiles into the camera, dressed in a white shirt and blue blazer.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 08/06/2026

#ICYMI, last week we published our national strategy for library volunteer engagement. We aim to ensure that volunteering in libraries is well-supported and aligned with the library sector’s mission of learning, inclusion and community wellbeing. www.librariesconnected.org.uk/resources/st...

A female librarian replaces book stock on shelf.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 04/06/2026

💡In his final blog as our President, @edjewell.bsky.social reflects on a 'growing confidence in what our libraries can achieve.' 'Public libraries', Ed writes, 'are one of the few remaining genuinely universal public spaces left in civic life'. www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/reflect...

A woman shows a picture book to a young person in a library.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 03/06/2026

This #VolunteersWeek we reveal a new strategy for volunteer engagement in public libraries. We want a sustainable approach to volunteer engagement in libraries, one that values contributions of volunteers and recognises professional expertise. www.librariesconnected.org.uk/resources/st...

Two women sit talking to each other in a library. A man sits behind them working on a laptop.

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