iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

It’s great to be at #LCSeminar2026 This new research from about children and young people’s reading enjoyment is timely! #libraries

020

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

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.

001

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

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

111

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Great to be at #FairEducationSummit2025! New #NeighbourhoodToNational Strategy - systems change will only happen with flow between local practice, regional structures and national policy. A healthy reminder that our own mental models hold inequity in place. Change starts with us!

021

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

Emily Macaulay @emilyjmacaulay.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

Pretty much impossible to pick just four photos from an incredible familymoon with @tabisw.bsky.social that visited five(ish) countries in two weeks. Exploration, culture, history, language and memories made.

Family photo with Barcelona in the background

Sunrise from the ship coming into Naples

Photo of Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius in the background

Photo of Emily and Tabitha standing under the Eiffel Tower

001

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

Emily Macaulay @emilyjmacaulay.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

A wonderful 24 hours in London for @tabisw.bsky.social birthday celebration. Alanis Morissette rocked, lunch at Kitchen W8 was sublime and strolling through parks (Holland Park pictured) was spacious.

Photo of Alanis Morrisette singing. Behind her is a screen that reads “81% of women reported some form of sexual harassment in their lifetime”.

Photo of a main course of Iberico pork chop with an apricot jus and dark grain mustard.

Selfie of Emily and Tabitha standing in front of an old building in Holland Park.

011

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

Emily Macaulay @emilyjmacaulay.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

A fun day in Bristol hunting Gromits to celebrate @tabisw.bsky.social’s birthday. We managed 20 (out of 53) and covered 9 miles.

Selfie of Emily and Tabitha with a teenage girl standing next to a model of a penguin wearing a rubber glove on his head and painted themed “Wednesdays Child is full of woe”.

Photo of Tabitha and a teenage girl standing next to a Gromit model like a mirror ball.

Photo of Tabitha and a teenage girl standing next to a Gromit model painted with hieroglyphics.

Selfie of Emily, Tabitha and a teenage girl sitting on a bench next to a model of Wallace painted like Robin Hood.

021

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

What a joy to be at Number 10 this morning to celebrate the news that 2026 will be the #NationalYearOfReading! Announced by Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson and National Literacy Trust. Such an important opportunity for libraries and our partners! Spot Larry the cat

1130

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

CILIP @cilip.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

Our CEO @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social was at 10 Downing street, earlier, for the launch of the National Year of Reading - a great initiative for libraries to engage with new and existing readers. Larry the cat was especially eager to get in and get started! www.nationalyearofreading.org.uk

Larry the cat and 3 people outside 10 Downing Street

1216

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

Iain Moore @iainmoore.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Some brilliant outcomes of the youth engagement network here - the approach definitely does work: Particularly 100% felt listened to - something that’s typically a huge issue for government and gov services @lucybanks.bsky.social #LCSeminar2025

Outcomes for young people
• 90% of young people felt more welcome in the library
• 100% felt that their opinions, ideas and feelings were listened to
• 76% said that the co-created activities helped to improve their communication
• 71% gained new knowledge and skills, in digital marketing, creative skills, writing, and library-related knowledge

032

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

Lucy Banks @lucybanks.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

I loved speaking at this years’ Libraries Connected Seminar about our work with libraries across the country, focusing on our collective role in the equitable redistribution of power to children and young people. When we work with communities and bring people together, we achieve great things!

262

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Valuable meeting with Baroness Twycross, Libraries Minister, today. Great to be alongside Isobel ( @ih1968.bsky.social ), @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social and sector partners to talk all things libraries - including the magic for children and young people and the opportunities ahead.

Three people smiling in the street in London

0127

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

Lifting up the words of this incredible inspiring librarian. “Opportunities to engage and inspire people are equally important in a time when people are seeking to limit society and spread misinformation.” Dr Carla Hayden deserves our recognition, love and respect. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p...

bbc.co.uk

BBC World Service - The Conversation, Women Inspiring a Love of Books, My ancestors were forbidden to read

Carla Hayden is the first woman and first African American to run the Library of Congress

011

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

Emily Macaulay @emilyjmacaulay.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

A wonderful day in Plymouth watching Mary Poppins the stage show. An incredible spectacle with some great performances (a different story to the Disney film, apparently is more true to the book). Always a joy to see live theatre.

Selfie of Emily, Tabitha and teenage girl outside a theatre. There is a large banner above them that reads “Mary Poppins”.

Emily is standing next to a large image of Mary Poppins measuring tape. She measures between “the holy terror” and “practically perfect in every way”.

A photo of the holding screen before the show starts. It is a scene of London rooftops by night.

The cast list of the performance. Mary Poppins was Stefanie Jones, Bert was Jack Chambers, Bird Woman was Patti Boulaye and Winifred Banks was Lucie-Mae Sumner.

031

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

Libraries Rising @librariesrising.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

Happy #WorldBookDay! Here's a shout-out to all the libraries who are running fun events and activities today - we hope all the children taking part are having fun and enjoying reading!

043

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

Here are some brilliant books for your children’s #libraries - and it’s worth adding all of the shortlisted titles too. It was hugely uplifting to be at #IBCawards2025 this evening, celebrating representation in children’s books. Powerful words from the host, founder, judges and winners! ❤️

044

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

Our quarterly team meet up is going to be a bit different today. @ascelnetwork.bsky.social are having a joint team day with the @librariesconnected.bsky.social crew! I can’t wait to have lots of brilliant conversations and shared learning. #lovelibraries

Image at a train station. There is a train on a platform. There is lots of rain.

021

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

Much needed investment to libraries incoming…

010

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

So pleased that ASCEL has joined BlueSky - it’s great to be part of the #library and #education community! ❤️ #libraries

010

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Opportunity for #libraries to collaborate & connect. Pitch a scalable idea & build a global community around it! ❤️ #NextLibrary Pilot Projects is a funded opportunity for library changemakers - related to sustainability, democracy & play #NextLibrary2025 www.nextlibrary.net/next-library...

nextlibrary.net

Next Library Pilot Projects - The Changemaker Award 2025 - Next Library

We are very excited to announce the first ever Next Library Pilot Projects: a funded opportunity for library changemakers to advance initiatives related to Next Library’s themes of sustainability, dem...

023

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

Loved being at the Arts Council & LGA New & Emerging Lead #Library Officers programme Being asked to speak about my leadership journey was a special opportunity to reflect on my career so far & what I’ve learned along the way. I was pretty chuffed that what I shared resonated with many in the room

Image of a woman in a stripy T-shirt, black trousers and a Covid mask, stands facing a llama outside of Sidmouth library

070

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

We’re very proud of our Youth Engagement Network and we’re delighted that more library services will be involved in 2025! #libraries #youthvoice #ACEsupported @librariesconnected.bsky.social @biblioluke.bsky.social @lucybanks.bsky.social @artscouncilengland.bsky.social

0143

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

Emily Macaulay @emilyjmacaulay.bsky.social · 29/11/2024

A wonderful honeymoon week with @tabisw.bsky.social in Porthleven, Cornwall. A cliff top bolthole overlooking the sea (hearing the waves 24/7), gentle strolls, good food and relaxation, rounded off with an afternoon tea.

Photo of Tabitha sitting in a rocking chair in the glow of a sunset.

Photo of Emily eating breakfast in bed looking out over the sea.

Photo of Emily standing by the waves crashing on the shore.

Selfie of Emily and Tabitha on the beach, with waves behind them.

1111

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

Emily Macaulay @emilyjmacaulay.bsky.social · 24/11/2024

Yesterday I married my love, my one, @tabisw.bsky.social It was a day of love and laughter (and a few tears too … but only happy ones). There are direct thank yous (public and quiet ones) and official photos, to come. But for now, thank you everyone for your love, for our love. ❤️

A family photo. The bridesmaid has a huge Cinderella style dress, I am in a three piece black suit and our teenage boy is also in a suit. Tabitha is in a stunning white dress, lace topped and sleeveless. She is holding a bouquet of rainbow inspired flowers.

Emily and Tabitha are filling the photo and grinning hugely.

A photo taken in a mirror. In the reflection is Tabitha dressed in an inflatable unicorn and Emily in an inflatable t-Rex.

Emily and Tabitha are cutting a three tiered wedding cake, covered in sprinkles, that is sat on top of a barrel.

3291

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 16/11/2024

Heading home from the ASCEL conference knowing libraries have power to change the world & already do for so many #children & #youngpeople Joy & happiness Sadness & laughter Solidarity And a new theme tune! #Libraries are special places #Librarians are incredible people And our partners are epic

Four people in a hotel meeting room. They are packing conference goody bags.

A group of people at a conference. One person hold a microphone as they ask the panel a question.

An image of a presentation slide. It asks what are we up against? There are words around the question including inequality, A.I., climate change, sexism, ableism, White supremacy, prejudice, homophobia, poverty

An image of a postcard on a table. The postcard says DARE TO BEGIN

182

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

Luke Burton @biblioluke.bsky.social · 15/11/2024

Great start to what is shaping up to be a brilliant ASCEL conference. Darren Henley sharing his and Arts Council England’s commitment to and passion for #Libraries and how they can support children and young people. #LetsCreate

Conference room with an audience and two people sitting at a table speaking.

151

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 30/10/2024

Today I’ve been with post it notes and learning from new people - which makes me happyyyyyyy! ❤️ The #Facilitators #Unconference - a generous space - I now have a long list of things to try and books to read!

Image of an internal glass wall with a grid of post it notes

Image of a table full of stickers and labels

Image of a wall with the quote “The most important thing is to enjoy your life - to be happy - it’s all that matters.” Audrey Hepburn

111

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 23/10/2024

This was a lovely view on my way home from a special day visiting libraries in Kent. Lucky me!

031

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

Louis Coiffait-Gunn @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social · 22/10/2024

Fantastic afternoon in Parliament with dozens of politicians and hundreds of library service leaders & allies celebrating how #LibrariesChangeLives by creating opportunities for people at all stages of life www.cilip.org.uk/general/cust...

195

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

Lucy Banks @lucybanks.bsky.social · 21/10/2024

What a fantastic afternoon spent with colleagues, partners and MPs, advocating for the value of libraries i within their communities. An absolute joy and a privilege to be part of it. #librarieschangelives

081

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 21/10/2024

Excited face - on my way to our #LibrariesChangeLives Parliamentary Reception today! I’m being joined by trustees, schools library service managers and public library leaders to big up the importance of #libraries for #children and #youngpeople!

An image of a white woman with long brown hair. She is smiling at the camera whilst siting on a train.

2242

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 19/10/2024

Videos have arrived on BlueSky and this is a goodun! T-Rex assault course in the #library Good times!

110

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 24/09/2024

Absolutely loved our team day at the Millennium Library in Norwich today. We focussed our workshopping on partnerships. It was great to catch up with Norfolk Libraries colleagues AND we got to sing along at a super busy bounce and rhyme for babies. The joy of libraries! ❤️

Three women stand outside of a large glass forum building with windswept hair and smiles on their faces.

Image of a large public building. There is a library sign in the background.

A notice board with posters saying Norwich City and Sanctuary, Trans friendly space and Autism friendly libraries.

120

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 23/09/2024

Well I love travelling by train. When it goes well I get to work whilst the countryside spins by. When it doesn’t go so well it’s an adventure and that’s when you get to see humanity in all its glory! Today I got an unexpected gift to celebrate travelling by train! #SmallSwitch Big Difference

Image of a wood effect table top with a green labelled pot of jellybeans and a green packet and seed sticks. They say Small switch big difference and are part of a national rail campaign to encourage train travel.

100

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

Emily Macaulay @emilyjmacaulay.bsky.social · 21/09/2024

Today is Taunton Pride. My last Pride before I marry my love @tabisw.bsky.social. Grateful for all the activists that have gone before - that have loved, protested, and changed laws and life to allow me to do so ✊💍🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ #LoveIsLove #LWithTheT #TogetherAlways #EveryStoryMatters

Photo of Emily and Tabitha standing in a selfie stand of pride rainbows and comic style people showing visible diversity.

191

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 12/09/2024

This is great news ❤️ All In aims to remove the barriers faced by D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people attending cultural events. They will develop sector-wide standards for #theatres, #galleries, #museums, #libraries that sign up for the scheme. attitudeiseverything.org.uk/all-in-appoi...

attitudeiseverything.org.uk

All In appoints Attitude is Everything to create UK’s first accessibility standards for creativity and culture - Attitude is Everything

Arts Council announce Attitude is Everything as the standards supplier for All In, the UK wide access scheme for creativity and culture.

153

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 06/09/2024

So much to take in, explore further and share from the brilliant #InclusiveLibraries conference today. For now I want to lift up this poem by #RakayaFetuga Thank you to the amazing speakers and National Literacy Trust! @britishlibrary.bsky.social m.youtube.com/watch?v=2a9F...

m.youtube.com

Prejudice - poem by Rakaya Fetuga

YouTube video by Rakaya Fetuga Poetry

179

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 06/09/2024

So brilliant to be at the British Library for the National Literacy Trust #InclusiveLibraries Conference There is such a buzz in the room already!

250

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

Iain Moore @iainmoore.bsky.social · 03/09/2024

“These figures lay bare the scale of the crisis facing public libraries & confirm what we have long suspected: libraries are hit hardest in the very areas that need them most” Devastating article showing most deprived areas 4x more likely to see their library close www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Public libraries in 'crisis' as councils cut services

Deprived communities lost more libraries since 2016 than richer areas did, the BBC finds

24832

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

CILIP LGBTQ+ Network @ciliplgbtq.bsky.social · 02/09/2024

Hello world! This is the Digital Champion team from the CILIP LGBTQ+Network signing on!

31515

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 26/08/2024

Volunteering at junior #parkrun is always good fun, especially in the sunshine! @emilyjmacaulay.bsky.social

A photo with a women smiling at the camera, she is wearing a parkrun lanyard and high vis waistcoat. Behind her is a lane with green leafy hedgerows and there is another parkrun volunteer in the distance.

160

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 22/08/2024

I’m loving Bluesky - thanks for the warm welcome and follows. I popped back onto the other place earlier this week to say I’d left - no one noticed, apart from the fabulous @hazelcheeseman.bsky.social cheering me on. ❤️ It’s holiday time for me and I’m looking forward to lots of family fun!

A photo of a cat sat on top of some shelving looking down towards the floor.

4131

Reposted by Tabitha Witherick

Debbie Ridpath Ohi @debbieohi.com · 02/07/2024

UPDATED: My Bluesky Starter Thread. Newest version can always be accessed via debbieohi.link/starter. More #BlueSkyTips, resources etc: debbieohi.link/bluesky-tips Note: These are just suggestions; there's no ONE right way to use Bluesky. Feel free to share with anyone who needs it! cont'd 👇🏼

Text reads "Bluesky Starter Thread" displayed in a bold font. Below the title, it states "by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (@debbieohi.com)" and provides a shortlink: debbieohi.link/starter. The last updated date is July 2, 2024. The background has a wavy blue pattern, suggesting a water or sky theme. At the bottom, it mentions "More #BlueSkyTips & resources: DebbieOhi.link/bluesky-tips" with a small heart icon.

50375174

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 19/08/2024

I’d very much like to expand my #education network - as a secondary school trustee and to support my work with Schools Library Services in the UK. Are there any starter packs? #edusky

110

Tabitha Witherick @tabisw.bsky.social · 19/08/2024

Glorious weekend including a stunning walk with friends in Brixham, featuring my first dolphins! Plus exciting wedding planning, tent repacking and time hanging out with the kids.

A coastal view of the sea, with rocks and cliffs and clouds in the sky. The sun is shining.

A dolphin leaps out of the sea. There is also a small boat in the background.

140