Today is the pilot session of our new #pupillibrarian training, developed with Springhill English Hub as part of the Southampton Reading Charter Silver Award, focusing on pupil engagement in school reading culture. We'll be sharing lots of ideas to help build reading communities #uksla

Festive Reading Recommendations from the SLA Immerse yourself in Christmas spirit and indulge in a festive read - from Ho Ho Ho to horror!

Immerse yourself in Christmas spirit and indulge in a festive read this weekend! Our recommended reads span heart-warming picture books, old favourites and spine-tingling winter horror: bit.ly/4oPykfK #festivebooks #christmasreads #readingrecommendations #uksla #schoollibraryassociation #bookskyuk

Tom Palmer in Conversation with SLA CEO, Victoria Dilly Award-winning children’s author Tom Palmer has joined the SLA as Patron to help champion school libraries and reading for pleasure. With nearly 20 years of experience writing children’s books and visiting schools, Tom Palmer is a passionate advocate for school libraries. One of the UK’s best-loved authors, Tom has sold over a million books, won 33 book awards, and has recently been nominated for the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Tom Palmer’s books focus on war and sport, with many of his bestselling historical novels exploring events from the First and Second World Wars from sometimes unexpected perspectives. A former reluctant reader himself, Tom's work is designed to encourage children to feel more positive about reading and many of his books are published by Barrington Stoke, specialists in super-readable, accessible and dyslexia-friendly children's books. Recent titles include Second World War adventure story, Angel of Grasmere and The Fear, the first in a new collection of sporting stories for 9+ readers. Tom recently spoke to Victoria Dilly, SLA CEO about his journey as an author and his passion for making books accessible to reluctant readers, particularly working with publisher Barrington Stoke, as well as the importance of school libraries in connecting children with stories.

SLA members were treated to an inspiring conversation with award-winning author and newly announced Patron, Tom Palmer at our recent AGM. Tom spoke about his passion for making books accessible. Watch back online: bit.ly/4q8TN4p #authorevent #uksla #schoollibrary #BookSkyUK

The 2025 #InformationBookAward ceremony was a wonderful celebration of the creativity, ingenuity and imagination on display in #childrenspublishing. Read more about the ceremony and this year's winners on our website, where you can find all our recent updates! bit.ly/4oDwwq3 #bookawards #uksla

School Library Association welcomes Tom Palmer as Patron Award-winning children’s author Tom Palmer has joined the SLA to help champion school libraries and reading for pleasure.

Children’s author Tom Palmer has joined the SLA as a new patron, to help champion school libraries and reading for pleasure. We are thrilled to have Tom by our side going into the #NationalYearOfReading. Find out more, including details of Tom's Live Lesson in January: bit.ly/3XfqMYq #uksla

Information Book Award: The History of Information Q and A Read more from Chris Haughton and Loonie Park, creators of The History of Information

The ability to interpret information across different media is an essential life skill for young people. Find out what Chris Haughton and Loonie Park, creators of the #InformationBookAward shortlisted #TheHistoryOfInformation have to say about 'source sense' 👉 bit.ly/48igxYu #uksla #EduSkyUK

Don't forget to nominate your pupil library assistants in the #PLAA2026! Voting closes on Monday 17th November. We want to hear about the pupils who make a difference to your whole school reading culture: buff.ly/X6fYB0c #awards #uksla #pupillibrarians #libraryassistants

It is our pleasure to introduce the 2025 SLA Award winners, after an inspiring award ceremony this evening 🥰 We will be sharing lots more content soon but for now: CONGRATULATIONS to the brilliant Julie Broadbent, Mangotsfield C of E Primary School, and Thomas A'Becket Infant School. #uksla #EduSKy

TSL EDI Special Edition Explore equality, diversity and inclusivity in the children's publishing landscape with this special edition of The School Librarian, journal of the School Library Association.

We are proud to release a special digital edition of #TSL, exploring Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in #schoollibraries & children's books. Sponsored by @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social, the release coincides with the 2025 #LitInColour (Incomplete) Book Lists 👉 bit.ly/47gFILA 📚 #kidlituk #uksla

Top Picks from the Autumn Term Publisher Roadshows Read our pick of the brilliant titles presented at the SLA Autumn Term Publisher Roadshows

Our Publisher Roadshow events showcase upcoming books from some of the very best #childrenspublishers. From picture books that will help build empathy to gripping YA thrillers, perfect for curling up with this #Halloween - find some reading inspiration: bit.ly/47toedD 📚 #BookSky #KidLitUK #uksla

Celebrating 20 Years of School Library Excellence Catch up with our fantastic free webinar celebrating 20 years of the School Librarian of the Year Award

Last week we hosted a webinar celebrating 20 years of the School Librarian of the Year Award, bringing together past winners, current nominees and industry experts to reflect on the evolution of #schoollibraries and share best practice. Watch back on our website: bit.ly/477TJKa #uksla #cpd #booksky

We're celebrating our 2025 School Librarian of the Year Award nominees in an event tomorrow afternoon! Join us for an inspiring webinar looking at excellence in librarianship and the past, present and future of #schoollibraries. Book your free place: bit.ly/4o3EEjE 📚 #uksla #EduSkyUK #BookSky

SLA Announces Partnership with AccessIt Library Announcing a flagship partnership that will focus on celebrating reading, supporting school libraries, and advancing literacy outcomes

We are really pleased to announce a partnership with @accessit.bsky.social for 2026, coinciding with the #NationalYearOfReading. The partnership will focus on celebrating reading and supporting #schoollibraries. 🌟 Read more: buff.ly/hpP4Frr #uksla #schoollibrarians #slamembers

Pupil Library Assistant Awards 2026 Nominations are open for the 2026 Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Awards - enter before 17th November!

Nominations for The Pupil Library Assistant of the Year Award (PLAA) are now open for 2026! The Award aims to celebrate the wonderful contribution of pupil librarians across the UK. Find out more 👉 bit.ly/4nro5ON #PLAA2026 #pupillibrarians #schoollibraries #uksla @cilipslg.bsky.social

Our new #SocialReadingSpaces Toolkit is now available to download! The toolkit will enable you to use the evidence from the Social Reading Spaces study to run similar book groups in your school. Find out more and get your copy: buff.ly/JMU7MoI #uksla #readingforpleasure #BookSky #EduSkyUK #bookclub

ICYMI: our monthly newsletters are available to read online as well as in your inbox. Catch up on everything from the beginning of term in our September bulletin, incl. the #SLAConference, #TheSchoolLibrarian, events, giveaways and more 👉 bit.ly/4mFqaW5 Your next newsletter arrives 7th Oct! #UKSLA

A Recent Children's Book Award Round-up There's been lots of Children's Book Award news recently! Catch up with our round-up

There have been some brilliant book award announcements recently. If you're feeling out the loop then let our round-up of prize winners refresh your memory - and your #TBR! 👉 bit.ly/4mulBhm @uklitassociation.bsky.social
@wainwrightprize.bsky.social #BookSky #EduSkyUK #uksla

Summer Round-Up: Updates, Awards & Research Read our round-up of the awards, events and research projects that you might have missed this summer

Welcome back to school! We've rounded up some of the most important bits of #education and children's #book news from the summer months, feat. @literacy-trust.bsky.social, The Audio Agency, @littlerebsprize.bsky.social, @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social and more 👉 bit.ly/47VGvSL #uksla #EduSkyUK #BookSky

What's on our bookshelves? Find out what SLA Community Engagement Officer, Hazel Murrell has been reading this summer.

Hazel Murrell, the SLA's new Community & Engagement Officer, introduces herself through her summer reading highlights on our website today. Read on to find out more about Hazel, which books she's loved this summer and what she's got on her #TBR 👉 bit.ly/3JIWzNz #uksla #schoollibraries #booksky

We were proud to support BBC Radio 4's discussion about #schoollibraries this morning, following author Katherine Rundell's call for a library in every school. Hear #SLAmember Alice Leggatt (pic'd) contribute to today's conversation with passion & expertise: bit.ly/47fYB1y #uksla #eduskyuk #booksky

Thank You to Paul Register, Outgoing Chair of Trustees Paul Register has stepped down as Chair of Trustees of the SLA, but remains a valued member of our Board.

We would like to share that Paul Register has stepped down as our Chair of Trustees. We’re so thankful for his calm and steady leadership. Paul remains on our Board of Trustees, and we’re now looking for a new Chair to lead us into an exciting new chapter: bit.ly/4faXgLB #uksla #eduskyuk #trustees

We are so pleased and proud to announce the inspiring Honours lists for our annual Secondary #SchoolLibrarian of the Year, Peter Usborne Primary School Library of the Year, and Enterprise #Awards: bit.ly/3GFP0X0 Thank you to our sponsors Browns, Usborne and Reading Cloud! #uksla #eduskyuk #booksky

SLA is charity partner for National Schools Quiz Hundreds of schools take part in the What on Earth! Magazine Quiz each year

The 2025 @whatonearth.bsky.social Magazine National Schools Quiz is now open for registrations and the SLA is this year's charity partner. The #Quiz is a brilliant way to engage pupils, ignite their natural curiosity and develop a love of learning. Find out more on our website: bit.ly/3IGK9oY #uksla

Amazing to see this conversation unfold in the @houseoflords.parliament.uk today. It is great to see the recognition for the SLA and the work we do advising on #schoollibrary provision 👉 bit.ly/3Gqs5yL

Watch from 14:47:09 - Index on Censorship and School Libraries

#uksla #schoollibraryassociation

Did you get our bumper newsletter capturing all the incredible energy from this year's #SLAConference? Read the full newsletter: bit.ly/4l0nC53 and sign up now for news, reviews, research and #book giveaways each month: bit.ly/4evltfe #schoollibrarians #uksla

SLA Statement on Proposed School Librarian Cuts in Glasgow Read the SLA's response to the proposed removal of 16 school librarian posts in Glasgow

We are deeply concerned by reports of Glasgow City Council's proposal to remove #schoollibrarians from all 30 secondary schools in the city, particularly at a time when #readingenjoyment is in such steep decline. Read our statement, released today: bit.ly/4ei3x7x #uksla #schoollibraries #eduskyuk

🎉 The #InformationBookAward shortlist is here! Discover 12 brilliant books that represent just how engaging #informationbooks can be for children of all ages: bit.ly/3SQtMIu 📚 With thanks to our sponsors @peters-books.bsky.social, @hachettechildrens.bsky.social & @alcs.co.uk. #uksla #booksky #edusky

In the news this week: Updates, Awards & Research Our round-up of awards, events and research projects that you don't want to miss this week

What did we miss while we were thinking about the #SLAConference? Here's our round-up from the children's book world, #libraries and the #education sector, ft. @literacy-trust.bsky.social, @milalliance.bsky.social, UCL, #FCBG, The Week Junior & our own recent news: bit.ly/3ZRQST5 🗞️ #eduskyuk #uksla

Another exciting #jobopportunity is now up on our jobs board! Gillotts School in Henley is looking for an enthusiastic librarian to play a lead role in developing and managing their school library. Apply before 15 May: bit.ly/3Zazb0p #newjob #schoollibrarian #SLAmembers #uksla #EduSkyUk #schooljobs

Unfiltered thoughts of an ex-head teacher

Today's grumpy Friday blog post from me, titled 'If in doubt, write a kids' book.' exheadteacher.blogspot.com #GreatSchLibs #uksla #Literacy_Trust #LoveReading4Kids #MichaelRosenYes #HeadteacherChat