Louisa Steel
@lhsteel.bsky.social
Relationship Manager, Libraries SE, Arts Council England. Adviser, Essex Book Festival. Cats and cocktails. Views expressed here are personal and not that of Arts Council England.
Reposted by Louisa Steel
Congratulations to the 20 library services joining Arts Council England Libraries Development Framework. A fantastic opportunity to highlight and evidence the library service's commitment to ongoing development, innovation, sustainability and best practice. https://ow.ly/Lcfw50XFzFN
Supporting libraries
We are the development agency for libraries in England. Our focus is on public libraries which operate within a wider framework of library provision and local and national government services.
ow.ly
December 8, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Congratulations to the 20 library services joining Arts Council England Libraries Development Framework. A fantastic opportunity to highlight and evidence the library service's commitment to ongoing development, innovation, sustainability and best practice. https://ow.ly/Lcfw50XFzFN
October 18, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Reposted by Louisa Steel
Watch #TheLibrarians documentary on BBC Four's Storyville www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Four - Storyville, The Librarians
Documentary about the US librarians who are risking their safety to defend free speech.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 8, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Watch #TheLibrarians documentary on BBC Four's Storyville www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Reposted by Louisa Steel
As part of our celebrations of the 175th anniversary of the Public Libraries Act, between October 6 and 12 we want #Librarians to take a photo - or several - that shows what your library service looks like today.
Information on how to submit is below.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/lib...
Information on how to submit is below.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/lib...
October 3, 2025 at 9:26 AM
As part of our celebrations of the 175th anniversary of the Public Libraries Act, between October 6 and 12 we want #Librarians to take a photo - or several - that shows what your library service looks like today.
Information on how to submit is below.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/lib...
Information on how to submit is below.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/lib...
Saw #Evita in London last night. I've been lucky enough to see a lot of great productions over the years, but this was probably the best yet. Rachel Zegler is just incredible 🌟
August 16, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Saw #Evita in London last night. I've been lucky enough to see a lot of great productions over the years, but this was probably the best yet. Rachel Zegler is just incredible 🌟
Reposted by Louisa Steel
I am one of the 14 authors who chose to leave the Polari Prize, and I find myself frustrated and saddened at the way this entire story has been represented. 1/
John Boyne says LGBTQ+ fiction prize backlash brought him ‘close to the edge’
John Boyne says LGBTQ+ fiction prize backlash brought him ‘close to the edge’
Gender critical novelist urges writers to reenter prize they boycotted and may ask judges not to shortlist his novella
The gender critical Irish novelist John Boyne has said he has been brought “very close to the edge” by the backlash to his inclusion on the longlist for a literary prize for LGBTQ+ authors.
Ten authors and two judges withdrew from the Polari prize and more than 800 writers and publishing industry workers signed a petition calling on Polari to remove Boyne’s novella Earth from its longlist. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
August 15, 2025 at 9:58 AM
I am one of the 14 authors who chose to leave the Polari Prize, and I find myself frustrated and saddened at the way this entire story has been represented. 1/
Another fabulous History Books day at Layer Marney Tower to round off this year's @essexbookfest.bsky.social big congratulations to all those involved 👏
June 29, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Another fabulous History Books day at Layer Marney Tower to round off this year's @essexbookfest.bsky.social big congratulations to all those involved 👏
Brilliant news - thoroughly deserved. I've been visiting every few years since the 1980s, and it's been wonderful to see it grow. Just wish I didn't live 300 miles away!
BBC News - Open-air 'living museum' scoops prestigious £120k prize
www.bbc.com/news/article...
BBC News - Open-air 'living museum' scoops prestigious £120k prize
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Beamish: Open-air attraction in County Durham wins Museum of the Year
Beamish in Country Durham, which recreates life from bygone eras, is named the UK's museum of the year.
www.bbc.com
June 26, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Brilliant news - thoroughly deserved. I've been visiting every few years since the 1980s, and it's been wonderful to see it grow. Just wish I didn't live 300 miles away!
BBC News - Open-air 'living museum' scoops prestigious £120k prize
www.bbc.com/news/article...
BBC News - Open-air 'living museum' scoops prestigious £120k prize
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Fun #librarian afternoon choosing titles for the #BBCRadio2BookClub plus great views from the #DK offices. Even spotted (just!) my old workplace at #LFB HQ
May 24, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Fun #librarian afternoon choosing titles for the #BBCRadio2BookClub plus great views from the #DK offices. Even spotted (just!) my old workplace at #LFB HQ
Reposted by Louisa Steel
Shared reading boosts brain development, bonding, wellbeing, school readiness & community connection 📖
We’re proud to support the #ReadingRights report from @booktrust.org.uk & Frank Cottrell-Boyce, exploring how we can ensure no child misses out on reading as a part of daily life👇
buff.ly/8DsRtOr
We’re proud to support the #ReadingRights report from @booktrust.org.uk & Frank Cottrell-Boyce, exploring how we can ensure no child misses out on reading as a part of daily life👇
buff.ly/8DsRtOr
May 21, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Shared reading boosts brain development, bonding, wellbeing, school readiness & community connection 📖
We’re proud to support the #ReadingRights report from @booktrust.org.uk & Frank Cottrell-Boyce, exploring how we can ensure no child misses out on reading as a part of daily life👇
buff.ly/8DsRtOr
We’re proud to support the #ReadingRights report from @booktrust.org.uk & Frank Cottrell-Boyce, exploring how we can ensure no child misses out on reading as a part of daily life👇
buff.ly/8DsRtOr
May 7, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Reposted by Louisa Steel
On Tuesday 27 May 1-2pm, I'm presenting a webinar on behalf of @ciliplgbtq.bsky.social, "How to be a good ally to trans*, non-binary and gender-conforming people"
I've spoken about this before but allies are more vital than ever now...
Register and share please!
www.cilip.org.uk/events/Event...
I've spoken about this before but allies are more vital than ever now...
Register and share please!
www.cilip.org.uk/events/Event...
May 2, 2025 at 8:51 PM
On Tuesday 27 May 1-2pm, I'm presenting a webinar on behalf of @ciliplgbtq.bsky.social, "How to be a good ally to trans*, non-binary and gender-conforming people"
I've spoken about this before but allies are more vital than ever now...
Register and share please!
www.cilip.org.uk/events/Event...
I've spoken about this before but allies are more vital than ever now...
Register and share please!
www.cilip.org.uk/events/Event...
Reposted by Louisa Steel
NEW: Over £2 million invested for first time tours 🎉
Developed closely with the touring ecology, the pilot Incentivising Touring scheme will bring amazing UK dance and theatre to communities across the UK and internationally 💃️🎭🗺️
Find out more 👇
buff.ly/mTBiCBJ
Developed closely with the touring ecology, the pilot Incentivising Touring scheme will bring amazing UK dance and theatre to communities across the UK and internationally 💃️🎭🗺️
Find out more 👇
buff.ly/mTBiCBJ
May 2, 2025 at 9:47 AM
NEW: Over £2 million invested for first time tours 🎉
Developed closely with the touring ecology, the pilot Incentivising Touring scheme will bring amazing UK dance and theatre to communities across the UK and internationally 💃️🎭🗺️
Find out more 👇
buff.ly/mTBiCBJ
Developed closely with the touring ecology, the pilot Incentivising Touring scheme will bring amazing UK dance and theatre to communities across the UK and internationally 💃️🎭🗺️
Find out more 👇
buff.ly/mTBiCBJ
Reposted by Louisa Steel
Quick Reads from @readingagency.bsky.social are short, powerful books by bestselling authors—perfect for ESOL learners, busy people, or those getting back into reading.
Find your next read this #WorldBookNight 📚
Find out more 👉 buff.ly/wmFK4DX.
#ACESupported
Find your next read this #WorldBookNight 📚
Find out more 👉 buff.ly/wmFK4DX.
#ACESupported
April 23, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Quick Reads from @readingagency.bsky.social are short, powerful books by bestselling authors—perfect for ESOL learners, busy people, or those getting back into reading.
Find your next read this #WorldBookNight 📚
Find out more 👉 buff.ly/wmFK4DX.
#ACESupported
Find your next read this #WorldBookNight 📚
Find out more 👉 buff.ly/wmFK4DX.
#ACESupported
Reposted by Louisa Steel
Maybe we should honor the women who were real astronauts.
From left to right are Shannon W. Lucid, Margaret Rhea Seddon, Kathryn D. Sullivan, Judith A. Resnik, Anna L. Fisher, and Sally K. Ride. NASA selected all six women as their first female astronaut candidates in January 1978.
From left to right are Shannon W. Lucid, Margaret Rhea Seddon, Kathryn D. Sullivan, Judith A. Resnik, Anna L. Fisher, and Sally K. Ride. NASA selected all six women as their first female astronaut candidates in January 1978.
April 19, 2025 at 3:54 AM
Maybe we should honor the women who were real astronauts.
From left to right are Shannon W. Lucid, Margaret Rhea Seddon, Kathryn D. Sullivan, Judith A. Resnik, Anna L. Fisher, and Sally K. Ride. NASA selected all six women as their first female astronaut candidates in January 1978.
From left to right are Shannon W. Lucid, Margaret Rhea Seddon, Kathryn D. Sullivan, Judith A. Resnik, Anna L. Fisher, and Sally K. Ride. NASA selected all six women as their first female astronaut candidates in January 1978.
It's my favourite vegetable time of year! #Asparagus season has started, and this lovely bunch is fresh from the field #Thorogood #Southminster #DengiePeninsula
April 16, 2025 at 12:56 PM
It's my favourite vegetable time of year! #Asparagus season has started, and this lovely bunch is fresh from the field #Thorogood #Southminster #DengiePeninsula
If you're of a certain age (or even if you're not) this is a great exhibition at #TateBritain
April 11, 2025 at 7:33 PM
If you're of a certain age (or even if you're not) this is a great exhibition at #TateBritain
Reposted by Louisa Steel
We are pleased to announce the launch of the Libraries Development Framework. Administered by Arts Council England, the Framework will allow public #Library services to advocate more effectively at local and national levels.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/arts-co...
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/arts-co...
April 8, 2025 at 10:09 AM
We are pleased to announce the launch of the Libraries Development Framework. Administered by Arts Council England, the Framework will allow public #Library services to advocate more effectively at local and national levels.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/arts-co...
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/arts-co...
Reposted by Louisa Steel
New Minister for Libraries www.gov.uk/government/p...
Baroness Twycross
Baroness Twycross was appointed Baroness in Waiting (Government Whip) on 11 July 2024 and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 23 July 2024.
www.gov.uk
April 2, 2025 at 2:05 PM
New Minister for Libraries www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Louisa Steel
If you are not yet familiar with the shocking #IPPscandal, one of the most cruel & monumental injustices of the past half-century, please watch this jaw dropping film & follow campaign group @ungripp.bsky.social
Let’s not wait for an ITV drama to end this injustice
youtu.be/nkBs2D0Wz_g?...
Let’s not wait for an ITV drama to end this injustice
youtu.be/nkBs2D0Wz_g?...
🚨 No one should spend 12 yrs in jail for stealing a mobile phone! It’s unthinkable! #IPPscandal
YouTube video by Peter Stefanovic
youtu.be
March 24, 2025 at 8:05 PM
If you are not yet familiar with the shocking #IPPscandal, one of the most cruel & monumental injustices of the past half-century, please watch this jaw dropping film & follow campaign group @ungripp.bsky.social
Let’s not wait for an ITV drama to end this injustice
youtu.be/nkBs2D0Wz_g?...
Let’s not wait for an ITV drama to end this injustice
youtu.be/nkBs2D0Wz_g?...
Reposted by Louisa Steel
A huge thank you to @artscouncilengland.bsky.social for making the 2nd of these 5 free ghost story readings in Dudley Borough possible and the staff of Halesowen Library and Dudley Libraries for their help with the event & the amazing work they do every day.
www.weepingbank.com/events
#WeepingBank
www.weepingbank.com/events
#WeepingBank
March 20, 2025 at 7:44 PM
A huge thank you to @artscouncilengland.bsky.social for making the 2nd of these 5 free ghost story readings in Dudley Borough possible and the staff of Halesowen Library and Dudley Libraries for their help with the event & the amazing work they do every day.
www.weepingbank.com/events
#WeepingBank
www.weepingbank.com/events
#WeepingBank
Reposted by Louisa Steel
'The library officer is the first person to go if there is a staffing shortage in another area of the prison.' Listen to the tesimony of Victoria Barnett, Chair of the Prison Libraries Group at @cilip.bsky.social, at the Justice Committee inquiry into reoffending. parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...
Parliamentlive.tv
Justice Committee
parliamentlive.tv
March 12, 2025 at 12:23 PM
'The library officer is the first person to go if there is a staffing shortage in another area of the prison.' Listen to the tesimony of Victoria Barnett, Chair of the Prison Libraries Group at @cilip.bsky.social, at the Justice Committee inquiry into reoffending. parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...
Reposted by Louisa Steel
The Justice Committee is hearing evidence now on prison education. Amongst those speaking is Victoria Barnett, Chair of the Prison Libraries Group at @cilip.bsky.social. Prison #Libraries reduce reoffending but face an alarming funding shortfall. committees.parliament.uk/event/23609/...
11 March 2025 - Rehabilitation and resettlement: ending the cycle of reoffending - Oral evidence - Committees - UK Parliament
14:00 - The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
committees.parliament.uk
March 11, 2025 at 2:09 PM
The Justice Committee is hearing evidence now on prison education. Amongst those speaking is Victoria Barnett, Chair of the Prison Libraries Group at @cilip.bsky.social. Prison #Libraries reduce reoffending but face an alarming funding shortfall. committees.parliament.uk/event/23609/...
Bandit looking majestic, just before getting himself shut in the cupboard under the stairs, which was the very last place that I looked for him! 🐈⬛🔍🔍
March 7, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Bandit looking majestic, just before getting himself shut in the cupboard under the stairs, which was the very last place that I looked for him! 🐈⬛🔍🔍