Clover

Well done! 👏👏

A woman works at a computer inside a library.

We are very pleased to reveal the shortlists for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026, sponsored by OverDrive.

All nominees stand out for their commitment to going above and beyond their daily roles, delivering exceptional services for communities.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/shortli...

One of my favourite libraries! (Shhh, don't tell the others!)

Proud of my colleagues for their work on this project 👏

A children's activity tray with materials such as pinecones, owl masks, woodland creatures and leaves.

A hand holding up a wooden disk with some cream coloured play-doh with googly eyes and feathers stuck on, in front of some library shelves.

An activity tray with wooden blocks and shapes and pictures of three baby owls in the background.

Wooden discs depicting woodland creatures with a copy of Owl Babies propped up in the background.

A pleasure to host @better-start.bsky.social and children's services colleagues at Palatine Library today for #NationalYearOfReading fun 😊

(Not me just excited to get a quick play with some googly eyes! 👀👀)

#GoAllIn #Blackpool
@readingagency.bsky.social
@literacy-trust.bsky.social

@knittymcsprag.bsky.social @libraryfiend.bsky.social

A whiteboard in a library covered in song lyrics written by young people.

A white table with an orange tote bag featuring the Get It Loud In Libraries logo, and some leaflets.

An absolute privilege to host another @loudinlibraries.bsky.social academy at #Blackpool Central Library 🧡

Never ceases to amaze me how talented and creative our young people are.

A graphic introducing SparkSpace by Libraries Rising.

SparkSpace from @librariesrising.bsky.social recognises that the feeling of welcome that libraries generate 'cannot be assumed' but 'needs to be actively built, through listening, trust and shared ownership.'

www.londondaily.news/libraries-ar...

Such a great day!

pale pink background with libraries rising logo in top right hand corner. Text reads, communicate more confidently with children and young people and encourage their involvement. Green lightening bolt in bottom left corner and honeycomb hexagonal shapes opposite.

pale pink background with libraries rising logo in top right hand corner. Text reads, create more inclusive spaces, including for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Blue lightening bolt in bottom left corner and honeycomb hexagonal shapes opposite.

pale pink background with libraries rising logo in top right hand corner. Text reads, build confidence in working with children and young people. Pink lightening bolt in bottom left corner and honeycomb hexagonal shapes opposite.

pale pink background with libraries rising logo in top right hand corner. Text reads, use outreach and social media in relevant and creative ways that directly engage children and young people. Yellow lightening bolt in bottom left corner and honeycomb hexagonal shapes opposite.

SparkSpace is coming.

27.01.2026

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

We created a #ReadingWell for dementia booklist to support people living with dementia, their loved ones and carers.
⁠
The expert-endorsed list features titles recommended by people affected by dementia, health professionals and library staff.
⁠
Find out more: www.reading-well.org.uk/dementia⁠

Looking forward to reading this.

😱

We got a great question recently asking for books about different family set ups.

Our Book Doctors are here to help with all your book-related queries, including recommendations on particular topics or for different kinds of readers.

Got a question for them? Drop it in the comments 👇

Prisoners face obstacles to library access despite 'life-saving' benefits, ACE report warns A new report published by ACE – Raising the Profile of Prison Libraries – has highlighted the barriers to a library access facing UK prisoners, despite evidence of myriad benefits.

Despite prison libraries being a statutory right, 68% of prisoners don't feel that people in their prison get enough access to the library and 25% are not able to access it at all www.thebookseller.com/news/most-pr...

Childhood trauma activated.

Two women discuss something in a library. They are sat behind two laptops.

We hear and read much about 'social value' in conjunction with public #Libraries, but what does the term really mean?

Our Regional Development Administrator Chad Bentley explains...

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/social-...

The BookTrust Storytime logo, an illustration of an owl, the words "Which is your favourite?" and the front covers of Suki Cat Astronaut, Tiger It's Snowing, Superwolf, Five Enormous Dinosaurs, and The Jellyfish Jiggle

📢 Calling all libraries!

#BookTrustStorytime voting is now open - this is your chance to share families' views and help us pick the next BookTrust Storytime winner.

👉 Check your email for all the details you need!

@librariesconnected.bsky.social @librariesrising.bsky.social @cilip.bsky.social

🎉🎉🎉🎉

Recent audiobooks.

#BookSky

Christmas books.

#BookSky

Two librarians discuss something at an information desk.

As we approach the end of a year of opportunities and challenges for public #Libraries, we cast our minds back to reflect on our work.

Here are some of the highlights from the projects, programmes, events and advocacy we have delivered in 2025.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/our-hig...

🎉 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

Our all ages @loudinlibraries.bsky.social matinee show at Lancaster Library with Get Down Services is already half sold out after going on sale at 10am - great fun band and a wizard way to spend a Sunday afternoon #libraries Psst.. @eddierobson.bsky.social

Tix www.seetickets.com/event/get-do...

MPs launch inquiry into how the joy of reading can be kept alive

ICYMI: Ahead of the National Year of Reading, the Education Committee has launched a new inquiry to understand how reading can be nurtured following the decline in the number of children reading for pleasure 👇 #BookSky

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

An inspiring day at the first @librariesrising.bsky.social online conference. A new name and a new brand - exciting times ahead! 😍

PS. I LOVED hearing @mychal3ts.bsky.social speak!

#LibraryJoy

Muhammad Haque receives his award at the 2025 Libraries Connecteds Awards ceremony.

The Libraries Connected Awards are a reminder of the importance of #Libraries and the people who work in them, celebrating the variety of support they deliver on a daily basis.

Our 2026 Awards are open for nominations now.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...

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...

Female singer holding mic stand

Male guitarist in front of book shelves

Male bassist with library window behind

Shot of the whole band from above looking into the library

Half Happy at Blackpool Central Library for a Get It Loud In Libraries gig. Great band and a nice crowd too

Female singer with pressing her hand to her chest in front of a window, some bird mobiles and a bookcase

Male guitarist in front of an amp with arches in the background

Three members of the band, singer with a big smile on her face

Drummer and singer

Better Joy, Get It Loud in Libraries, Blackpool 🤩