iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Do you work with children and young people in a library? We want to hear from you! Our Skills Survey takes around 10 minutes and will help shape future training, resources and support. 📅 Closes 15 Oct 2026 🤩£40 voucher prize draw www.surveymonkey.com/r/KLJWFLK

surveymonkey.com

Skills Survey

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

We’ve been awarded funding from Arts Council England to refresh our Children and Young People’s Promise and Journey! Created 10 years ago, they help libraries create welcoming and inspiring spaces for children and families. Now it’s time for a refresh and children and young people will shape it!

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Interested in growing your work with Family Hubs? We’re pleased to have supported the @LGA in creating the Connecting Communities: Family Hubs and Libraries Toolkit, with resources and case studies contributed by our members.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

How to make the case for co-creation in your library service? Use the evidence: Our Youth Engagement Network evaluation shows the impact on 236 young people and 20 library services working co-creatively

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Want to build your library teams confidence in engaging children and young people? One of the most useful frameworks for doing that is Lundy's Model of Participation, which helps turn children's right to be heard into meaningful action through four key elements: Space Voice Audience Influence

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

At West Northamptonshire Libraries, what began as a project inviting young people who identify as LGBTQIA+ to work with the library changed when staff listened to feedback.

quote reads: Since the
introduction of the sessions two of the participants
have returned at
other times to the library with peers who do not attend the sessions in order to access the board games: this form of advocacy is invaluable to the service particularly with the demographic that we struggle most to interact with.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Our Youth Engagement Network report has launched! Bringing together 236 young people and 20 library services, the report shares what happens when young people are genuinely involved in shaping library services. Find out more: librariesrising.org.uk/youth-engage...

bright coloured infographic sharing key figures and highlights from the youth engagement network report.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

We've been working with Arts Council England, Libraries Connected and CILIP to develop a shared strategy for the future public library workforce. From attracting new talent to identifying skills, we can make sure libraries meet the future needs of communities, including young people. bit.ly/4vsOJdv

bit.ly

Library bodies launch strategy to strengthen workforce | Libraries Connected

Four national organisations have come together to set out a shared vision for the future of the public library workforce, with a new strategy to guide services, leaders and partners across England.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

This #VolunteersWeek, we’re celebrating all the incredible volunteers who support libraries across the UK. And this includes our trustees! Without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, so thank you to each and every one of you 🧡 Discover our trustees: librariesrising.org.uk/about-us/who...

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Our final speaker of the day is Dr Shaddai Tembo discussing anti-racism in the early years. Exploring... What it is? Why we need it? What does it mean? #librariesrisingconference

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Children and babies experience a range of emotions in response to what happens in their lives- Next session of the day is exploring mental health in early childhood with Alice Haynes from Anna Freud.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Second session of the day is Amy Gibson from Starcatchers. There's pompoms and fabric on the tables- It's going to be a great workshop!

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Do animals make the same noise in every language? This isn't a riddle, this is how Alison and Louise from Early Years Alliance opened our first workshop of the morning at our #LibrariesRisingconference. A great way to show how children communicate in many more ways than we often make space for!

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Our 2026 #librariesrisingconference has started! Tabitha set the scene for why early years work is so important, especially in the National Year of Reading. She encouraged everyone to immerse themselves in the day, guaranteeing you'll leave 'buzzing and fizzing' with ideas and knowledge.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

With our conference less than 1 week away we wanted to share one of our sponsors, Peters. If you haven't come across Peters, they work with public libraries, School Library Services, prison libraries and museums around the UK to promote reading and support you in developing readers of all ages.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

We were proud to be part of last week’s launch of the Libraries Alliance. The event brought together voices from across the sector; library staff and the communities they support, as well as politicians, academics and writers, highlighting how libraries support people at every stage of life.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Tackling social issues starts in early childhood. This is the starting point for Dr Shaddai Tembo’s session at our upcoming conference, Belonging from the Beginning. He’ll explore how anti-racist thinking shapes everyday practice and share practical ideas you can apply in your own library setting.

Man smiling wearing glasses with dark curly hair. Text reads, featuring Dr Shaddai Tembo, anti-racist practice in the early years

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

We're really pleased to share that BookingsPlus is our headline sponsor for our 2026 conference! They provide venue hire software and virtual tour services to Library Services, Local Authorities and schools, helping people find, book and explore spaces more easily before they visit.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

As part of our weekly 'the role libraries play in supporting Family Hubs', we’re looking at how Reading libraries work with Family Hubs to strengthen early years support for children and families, particularly in socially disadvantaged areas. Read more: librariesrising.org.uk/wp-content/u...

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Libraries are playing an important role in Family Hubs. Squish! in Sefton Libraries is one way this is happening! Bringing weekly, artist-led sensory play sessions into library spaces for children aged 12 months to 3 years. 📖 Read the full case study here: librariesrising.org.uk/wp-content/u...

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Interested in joining our team as our new Development and Delivery Manager? We’re looking for someone who can help us secure and shape the work we want to deliver, bringing a values-led approach to funding and development. Closing date: 9:00am 8th April librariesrising.org.uk/resource/dev...

librariesrising.org.uk

Development and Delivery Manager - LibrariesRising

We're looking for a Development and Delivery Manager (Projects) to join our team. This is a new role for the charity.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Tickets are now live for our Libraries Rising annual conference Belonging from the Beginning – Supporting inclusive early years practice in libraries Date: 12 May Location: The Studio, Birmingham and streamed online

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Happy World Book Day Fancy a game of bingo? To celebrate, how our members, both public libraries and Schools Library Services, have 'gone all in' with World Book Day, we’ve turned their activities into a Library Bingo to showcase all the creative ways our members are celebrating.

World Book Day Library Bingo, see what are members are doing. 16 square bingo card with activities from libraries across the country or what they are doing for world book day. Including author visits, storytelling workshops, live theatre, book token exchange hub, £1 ticketed author events

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Looking to engage children and young people more meaningfully in your library? Here’s a snippet of our useful comms guide resource to help! This come from SparkSpace, our free online learning model co-created with young people and designed for all library staff and volunteers.

lnkd.in

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

How do you actually develop something co-creatively? Our Programme Manager, Lucy Banks, shares her insights on how we approached this question while creating SparkSpace. Read Lucy's reflections here: librariesrising.org.uk/developingsp...

librariesrising.org.uk

Developing SparkSpace: A collaborative, co-creative process - LibrariesRising

How SparkSpace was developed through co-creating with children, young people and library teams to create confident, inclusive practice.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Did you catch Tabitha Witherick on the radio last week? Tabitha was on BBC Kent talking about the launch of SparkSpace and the role of libraries as vital community hubs for young people!

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

SparkSpace is finally here! Co-created with children and young people with support from Participation People, SparkSpace is a free training platform for library staff and volunteers to help library teams meaningfully engage and empower young people. Funded by the Foyle Foundation.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

SparkSpace is coming. 27.01.2026 Here's what SparkSpace can do for your Library teams...

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

The National Year of Reading has officially launched! Yesterday, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson officially launched the ‘Go All In’ National Year of Reading campaign at Arsenal Football Club, alongside sector leaders and educators. Read more here: literacytrust.org.uk/news/nationa...

literacytrust.org.uk

National Year of Reading kicks off with star-studded event at home of Arsenal FC | National Literacy Trust

Beloved authors and football icons inspired local school children to ‘go all in’ on their passions through reading today, as the National Year of Reading officially launched at The Emirates.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

What a wonderful way to begin the New Year! We’re delighted to share that our Chair, Annabel Gittins and Treasurer, Anna Simmons have been recognised in The New Year Honours List 2026. 🏅 Annabel Gittins: For services to Young People 🏅 Anna Simmons: For services to Libraries

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

🎉 Congratulations to the 20 libraries that have joined the Libraries Development Framework 🎉 We're so pleased to celebrate every service selected and we look forward to seeing their impact for children, young people and their wider communities! Explore the full list: buff.ly/qE4jRj2

buff.ly

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

A Checklist for Engaging Young People in Library Spaces (from actual young people) At our recent conference we held a youth panel, to hear directly from young people about what actually engages them in library spaces. We’ve turned their thoughts and ideas into a simple checklist! 😊

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Need a reason to believe in the power of libraries? We had over 200 people from public and school library services join us for our conference last week. Check out this photo of our Chief Executive, Tabitha, with librarian and mental health advocate Mychal Threets. The library joy was real!

Screenshot from Libraries Rising conference showing two speakers on a split screen one talking and one smiling

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

The wait is finally over… our new brand is here. Welcome to Libraries Rising! We’re creating libraries of tomorrow with children and young people today, and we’re so excited to share this next chapter with you. Watch Tabitha’s announcement and explore our new website: librariesrising.org.uk

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

Only a few tickets left for our Annual Conference on 19 Nov Creating libraries of tomorrow with children and young people today. Why come? 📢 Speakers: Mychal Threets, Prof Laura Lundy & Motaz Amer ✨ Practical, interactive sessions 📖 Explore the Expo Zone Don’t miss out!

events.ringcentral.com

ASCEL Annual Conference 2025

Get tickets to ASCEL Annual Conference 2025, taking place 19/11/2025. RingCentral Events is your source for engaging events and experiences.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

We believe in the future of libraries. We believe in amplifying the voices of children and young people. We believe change can be good. Be amongst the first to hear what’s changing for our charity at our conference, going live in 2 days. Book your place: events.ringcentral.com/events/ascel...

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

Something new is coming... Only 7 days until a new vision for our charity begins… curious? Find out first at our Virtual Conference on 19th November: events.ringcentral.com/events/ascel...

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Reposted by Libraries Rising

Peters @peters-books.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

We're delighted to be sponsoring @ascelnetwork.bsky.social's upcoming virtual conference on 19 November! We were also delighted to welcome the ASCEL team to our bookshop earlier this month, discussing ways we can work alongside one another to ensure readers stay at the heart of what we do.

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Reposted by Libraries Rising

Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 04/11/2025

The new virtual autumn conference from @ascelnetwork.bsky.social on 19 November is all about fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and creative sparks. Speakers will address the theme of creating the #Libraries of tomorrow, with children and young people today. ascel.org.uk/ascel-confer...

An older boy reads with a younger one in a library.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

We're delighted to announce @peters-books.bsky.social as sponsors of our conference in November For over 90 years Peters has worked with libraries and schools across the UK helping children discover a love of reading To celebrate our new partnership we went behind the scenes at the Peters bookshop

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

We welcome the news that the government have committed to 'providing a library in every primary school’. School Library Services provide a wide range of stock, expertise and resources. They're the most cost-effective model and need to be at the forefront of this important plan. tinyurl.com/yapr86vd

tinyurl.com

The overlooked service that could make plans for a library in every primary school in England a reality

Libraries should be an inclusive resource for communities of children with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and learning needs.

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

FEA has launched England's Report Card, which highlights widening gaps & shared goals that will ensure no child’s success is limited by their socioeconomic background 'A child’s early years present the greatest opportunity to impact their life trajectory.' Libraries have an important role to play

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

We welcome the commitment to ensuring every primary school in the country has a library by the end of this Parliament. We look forward to supporting the work of #LibrariesforPrimaries National Literacy Trust & Penguin Random House UK through this important phase of development tinyurl.com/34z6cyw7

A librarian reads to a group of young pupils in a school library. They are sitting on the floor and on colourful beanbags.

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Reposted by Libraries Rising

Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.org.uk · 30/06/2025

As temperatures rise again in the UK, remember that many public #Libraries are 'cool spaces' where people can go to escape the heat. Find out more about Manchester Libraries' role as 'Cool Spaces'. manclibraries.blog/cool-spaces/

manclibraries.blog

Cool Spaces

From 1st June until 30th September, most of our libraries will act as ‘cool spaces’ during times when Manchester is experiencing a heatwave – which is when the temperature hits or…

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Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

Congratulations to all the #Carnegies2025 winners and their love for libraries and librarians 🙌 "a library without a librarian is just a room full of books," thank you Nate Lessore! Now it's time to borrow a copy from your library, settle down in a cool shady place and dive into a new book 📖

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Reposted by Libraries Rising

BookTrust @booktrust.org.uk · 17/06/2025

✨ We are delighted to unveil the #BookTrustStorytime Prize 2026 shortlist! ✨ Here, this year's winner Lucy Rowland introduces the five brilliant titles that will be part of our BookTrust Storytime programme in libraries. Find out more: www.booktrust.org.uk/about-us/new...

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Reposted by Libraries Rising

EmpathyLabUK @empathylabuk.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

🎉Happy Empathy Day!🎉 Today, we're celebrating the power of reading to build real life empathy. Help us raise an empathy-educated generation. Whose story will you jump into today? How are you celebrating Empathy Day? Tag us in your photos and stories we’d love to see them!

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Reposted by Libraries Rising

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

At #LCSeminar2025, @lucybanks.bsky.social spoke about the @ascelnetwork.bsky.social Youth Engagement Network. ASCEL is working with #Libraries across the country to ensure young people's voices are heard within our sector. Find out more about the pilot phase results here: ascel.org.uk/node/357

A young woman is seen working in a library.

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