The cover of 'Cell One', a 2026 Quick Reads title.
It is terrific to see the launch of the 2026 #QuickReads.
These accessible books are ideal for new readers or those getting back into reading after a break.
You can find these new Quick Reads, as well as the extensive back catalogue, in your local library!
readingagency.org.uk/get-reading/...
To celebrate libraries and literacy in the National Year of Reading, we would love to hear from our wonderful members about how our library has changed your life 🌏
Follow the instructions in this post and let us know how we have made a difference 📚
#librarieschangelives
The inside of the Reading Room of Gateshead Central Library in 1926.
The centenary of the opening of Gateshead Central Library gave staff a chance to celebrate the history of the library service, as well as promoting the 21st century library offer to new audiences.
Service Manager Rachel Ridley explains more.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/gateshe...
A 'Loved and Wanted' graphic from the Mayor of London and National Lottery Community Fund.
All 33 London Libraries will be taking part in the Greater London Authority’s Loved and Wanted campaign.
Loved and Wanted funding will support London Libraries' work in diverse communities, enhancing the reach and impact of their 291 branches.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/lov...
A quote from Libraries Connected President Ed Jewell.
Our President @edjewell.bsky.social reflects on the importance of public libraries in a culture experiencing profound technological change.
Libraries, Ed argues, are ever more vital as we risk losing the power of compassion amidst the AI revolution.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/how-lib...
In last week's webinar, now available in full on YouTube, @artscouncilengland.bsky.social shines a light on the impactful work being undertaken by the first libraries to join the Libraries Development Framework.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQmT...
The Women's Prize for Non-Fiction titles.
Have you seen the shortlisted titles for the 2026 @womensprize.bsky.social for Non-Fiction?
The winner will be revealed on 11 June - before then, why not borrow them all from your local library and pick your own favourite?
womensprize.com/prizes/women...
It is exciting to see the booklist unveiled for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge.
The Summer Reading Challenge is delivered in partnership with libraries and is a tried and tested way of getting children reading for pleasure.
'Read to the Beat!' titles can be borrowed from the library now!
The inside of Austin Public Library in Texas.
A recent visit to @sxsw.com confirmed to librarian Dave Lloyd that the tech world needs the human touch and the empathy that public libraries provide.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/how-lib...
An ai generated image of a frog is seen next to a real image of the same animal.
Librarians in Blythe have been training older people on how to spot the differences between real and AI generated images.
This is part of Innovating in Trusted Spaces delivered by us
@goodthingsfdn.bsky.social and @wsacommunity.bsky.social with DSIT funding.
bit.ly/47UTuUf
Great to see this guide for public libraries published and all the resources accessible for library staff to explore.
I have loved working with our four partner libraries and Good Things on this project!
Collaborators on the new AI and digital literacy guide are seen in front of a Libraries Connected banner.
Our new good practice guide gives library workers tools to help communities build confidence with AI.
The guide was developed from Innovating in Trusted Spaces delivered by us @goodthingsfdn.bsky.social and @wsacommunity.bsky.social with DSIT funding.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/new-gui...
Last week the inaugural recipients of the Queen's Reading Room medal were revealed.
Selina Brown was named national winner and Liz Waterland local winner - congratulations to both!
Our Programmes Director Sarah Mears was on the judging panel.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Children make a den in a library in Bradford.
Our blog this week is from Andrea Hardaker, Development Officer: Information and Digital for Bradford Libraries.
Andrea explores the achievements and legacy of SENDiVERSE, a festival for those with special educational needs and their carers.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/creatin...
A man is seen reading in a library.
Today is the final opportunity to apply to become our next President!
As @edjewell.bsky.social's successor, you will inspire, represent, and connect members while contributing to a high-performing Board.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/opportunitie...
A person places a ballot paper into a cardboard voting box marked with a bold arrow, with two election officials seated at a table in the background.
Polling suggests significant political shifts across English councils in May. Join our webinar on April 21 for practical tips on engaging new administrations and helping incoming councillors understand the role and value of a modern library service: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events/webin...
In this webinar researchers from the University of Sheffield present research highlighting the powerful role that arts, culture and creativity can play in supporting digital inclusion for older people.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmJ1...
Two women sit in a library behind laptop computers.
We are seeking new Trustees to help champion the value of public libraries by shaping our strategic direction and overseeing our governance.
If you want to support our work in strengthening the library sector, apply by 30 March.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/opportunitie...
Libraries Connected Sector Development Project Manager Tessa Blades reflects on the importance of the @dcmsgovuk.bsky.social funded Know Your Neighbourhood programme for libraries.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/know-yo...
The National Year of Reading is a great opportunity to promote the public library offer to key stakeholders.
This toolkit from @readingagency.bsky.social brings together tools to help libraries and their partners make the case for reading this year and beyond.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Tic...
A woman smiles as she stands next to an alpaca.
Culture Nature Now is the next phase of the Culture Nature partnership with @naturalengland.bsky.social, focused on the bond between libraries and Protected Site Strategies teams.
Here is a photo from a recent Bradford Libraries Alpaca Walk!
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/cul...
A quote from Ed Jewell explaining the two perspectives of Libraries Connected President.
The Libraries Connected Presidency is a demanding but highly rewarding role, says @edjewell.bsky.social.
It gives you the chance to see the entirety of the public library system from above, whilst maintaining the perspective of a librarian.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
The inside of Tyldesley Library.
Once a quiet Carnegie building steeped in history, Tyldesley Library has been refurbished and restored.
The transformation serves as a model for how libraries can maintain the charm of their architecture whilst embracing their contemporary functions.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/tyldesl...
A woman speaks to another in a library as a young man sits working in the background.
Amit Bhagat, Head of Libraries at Brent Council was a mentor in our 2025 Peer Mentoring Programme.
He spoke to us about how the scheme has made him a 'more empathetic, collaborative and strategic leader'.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/peer-mentori...
A woman helps another with books at a library information desk.
Mentees from our 2025 Peer Mentoring Programme report increased confidence in their roles as leaders and greater ability to trust their own abilities.
Explore more findings in our Peer Mentoring evaluation report.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/wor...
A video camera is show inside the venue for the Know Your Neighbourhood Conference 2026.
Emma Daniel, Projects and Finance Administrator at Libraries Connected looks back on a day of learning and celebration at the Know Your Neighbourhood Conference 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/kno...
Libraries can help tackle some of the biggest challenges facing local authorities through reading.
Our webinar with @librariesconnected.bsky.social shows how to use the Why Reading Matters toolkit to clearly evidence that impact during the #NationalYearOfReading 👉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Tic...
Pleased to be speaking at the House of Lords yesterday on the theme of Libraries and the growth economy- organised by @librariesconnected.bsky.social @rluk.ac.uk @ebscouk.bsky.social @cilip.bsky.social and to catch up with old friend Valerie Vaz MP
A woman removes a cardboard box from a long set of shelves in a strong room
Join us for the second webinar in our 2026 series, hosted by @librariesconnected.bsky.social, looking at the practical issues you may need to address as you prepare for Local Government Reorganisation: members.librariesconnected.org.uk/events/69b14...
📅Wednesday 18 March 2026 (14:00 – 15:00)
A quote from Hannah Beatrice of Loneliness Awareness Week explaining why libraries are central to the campaign.
Led by Marmalade Trust, Loneliness Awareness Week 2026 aims to 'give loneliness a voice' by creating space for people to explain what loneliness means for them.
Libraries are encouraged to get involved - here are lots of practical suggestions!
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/build-c...