Libraries Connected
@librariesconnected.bsky.social
We are an independent charity that supports, promotes and represents public libraries. Our work is driven and led by our membership, which includes almost every library service in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies.
Pinned
'I believe that libraries can play a powerful, convening role for the National Year of Reading'.
Our President @edjewell.bsky.social has been looking ahead to a challenging and exciting year for public #Libraries in 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/look-yo...
Our President @edjewell.bsky.social has been looking ahead to a challenging and exciting year for public #Libraries in 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/look-yo...
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-...
Our Regional Development Administrator Chad Bentley explains...
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/social-...
January 9, 2026 at 11:20 AM
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-...
Our Regional Development Administrator Chad Bentley explains...
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/social-...
As part of their National Year of Reading activities, Suffolk #Libraries are offering an amnesty on fines due on 15,000 overdue items.
This is part of a drive to encourage people back to the library.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#Reading
This is part of a drive to encourage people back to the library.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#Reading
Suffolk libraries offer amnesty on overdue book fines
The service in Suffolk says there are 15,000 items waiting to be returned.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 8, 2026 at 12:22 PM
As part of their National Year of Reading activities, Suffolk #Libraries are offering an amnesty on fines due on 15,000 overdue items.
This is part of a drive to encourage people back to the library.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#Reading
This is part of a drive to encourage people back to the library.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
#Reading
With snow forecast, a reminder that public #Libraries are spaces where you can keep warm and find company in the winter months.
Libraries, @warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social Director @davidbarclay.bsky.social explains are at the 'forefront' of Warm Welcome.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/public-...
Libraries, @warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social Director @davidbarclay.bsky.social explains are at the 'forefront' of Warm Welcome.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/public-...
January 8, 2026 at 11:28 AM
With snow forecast, a reminder that public #Libraries are spaces where you can keep warm and find company in the winter months.
Libraries, @warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social Director @davidbarclay.bsky.social explains are at the 'forefront' of Warm Welcome.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/public-...
Libraries, @warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social Director @davidbarclay.bsky.social explains are at the 'forefront' of Warm Welcome.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/public-...
'I have, solemnly, never encountered an iota of disinterest or hostility from a member of library staff'.
@the-independent.com has a piece on why joining your local #Library is the best thing you can do in 2026.
www.independent.co.uk/life-style/l...
@the-independent.com has a piece on why joining your local #Library is the best thing you can do in 2026.
www.independent.co.uk/life-style/l...
The one thing everyone should do in 2026
Library use is dwindling, with less than a third of the UK population using the service in the last year. But with community (and the latest hardbacks) on offer, Lydia Spencer-Elliott argues that memb...
www.independent.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 11:35 AM
'I have, solemnly, never encountered an iota of disinterest or hostility from a member of library staff'.
@the-independent.com has a piece on why joining your local #Library is the best thing you can do in 2026.
www.independent.co.uk/life-style/l...
@the-independent.com has a piece on why joining your local #Library is the best thing you can do in 2026.
www.independent.co.uk/life-style/l...
#Librarians can now download a National Year
of Reading Public Libraries Toolkit from @readingagency.bsky.social.
This contains lots of useful ideas on how to make the most of the year.
readingagency.org.uk/resources/17...
of Reading Public Libraries Toolkit from @readingagency.bsky.social.
This contains lots of useful ideas on how to make the most of the year.
readingagency.org.uk/resources/17...
January 6, 2026 at 12:18 PM
#Librarians can now download a National Year
of Reading Public Libraries Toolkit from @readingagency.bsky.social.
This contains lots of useful ideas on how to make the most of the year.
readingagency.org.uk/resources/17...
of Reading Public Libraries Toolkit from @readingagency.bsky.social.
This contains lots of useful ideas on how to make the most of the year.
readingagency.org.uk/resources/17...
We want to publish guest articles that will inspire others working in #Libraries.
We are particularly interested in exploring the role of libraries in:
👨⚕️Preventative health
🌐Digital inclusion
🏘️Neighbourhoods
👥Community cohesion
🌱Economic growth
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/do-you-...
We are particularly interested in exploring the role of libraries in:
👨⚕️Preventative health
🌐Digital inclusion
🏘️Neighbourhoods
👥Community cohesion
🌱Economic growth
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/do-you-...
January 6, 2026 at 11:40 AM
We want to publish guest articles that will inspire others working in #Libraries.
We are particularly interested in exploring the role of libraries in:
👨⚕️Preventative health
🌐Digital inclusion
🏘️Neighbourhoods
👥Community cohesion
🌱Economic growth
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/do-you-...
We are particularly interested in exploring the role of libraries in:
👨⚕️Preventative health
🌐Digital inclusion
🏘️Neighbourhoods
👥Community cohesion
🌱Economic growth
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/do-you-...
Nominations for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026 have now closed and we have received a record number of submissions!
Thank you to everyone who sent in a nomination. We are very much looking forward to shortlisting.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
Thank you to everyone who sent in a nomination. We are very much looking forward to shortlisting.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
January 6, 2026 at 11:03 AM
Nominations for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026 have now closed and we have received a record number of submissions!
Thank you to everyone who sent in a nomination. We are very much looking forward to shortlisting.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
Thank you to everyone who sent in a nomination. We are very much looking forward to shortlisting.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
Terrific to see local coverage from Hexham of our new digital inclusion programme.
'Innovating in Trusted Spaces...' is delivered in partnership with @goodthingsfdn.bsky.social and @wsacommunity.bsky.social and funded by @ukgovernment.bsky.social.
www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/2572961...
'Innovating in Trusted Spaces...' is delivered in partnership with @goodthingsfdn.bsky.social and @wsacommunity.bsky.social and funded by @ukgovernment.bsky.social.
www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/2572961...
Boost for Northumberland Libraries to help tackle digital skills gap
Northumberland Libraries are leading a new programme to boost digital and AI skills, delivered in partnership with Libraries Connected, the Good…
www.hexham-courant.co.uk
January 5, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Terrific to see local coverage from Hexham of our new digital inclusion programme.
'Innovating in Trusted Spaces...' is delivered in partnership with @goodthingsfdn.bsky.social and @wsacommunity.bsky.social and funded by @ukgovernment.bsky.social.
www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/2572961...
'Innovating in Trusted Spaces...' is delivered in partnership with @goodthingsfdn.bsky.social and @wsacommunity.bsky.social and funded by @ukgovernment.bsky.social.
www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/2572961...
Today is the final opportunity to nominate a #Library staff member or team for our 2026 Awards.
The Awards give library staff the recognition they deserve.
If you know anyone who deserves acknowledgement, please let us know posthaste!
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
The Awards give library staff the recognition they deserve.
If you know anyone who deserves acknowledgement, please let us know posthaste!
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
January 5, 2026 at 10:46 AM
Today is the final opportunity to nominate a #Library staff member or team for our 2026 Awards.
The Awards give library staff the recognition they deserve.
If you know anyone who deserves acknowledgement, please let us know posthaste!
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
The Awards give library staff the recognition they deserve.
If you know anyone who deserves acknowledgement, please let us know posthaste!
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
Warm Welcome Week run by @warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social begins on 19 January.
www.warmwelcome.uk/warm-welcome...
www.warmwelcome.uk/warm-welcome...
January 2, 2026 at 11:54 AM
Warm Welcome Week run by @warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social begins on 19 January.
www.warmwelcome.uk/warm-welcome...
www.warmwelcome.uk/warm-welcome...
#Libraries act as 'warm spaces' throughout the winter. These refuges are particularly crucial now given the freeze.
@warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social Director @davidbarclay.bsky.social says libraries 'open their doors with warmth in every sense of the word'.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/public-...
@warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social Director @davidbarclay.bsky.social says libraries 'open their doors with warmth in every sense of the word'.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/public-...
January 2, 2026 at 11:52 AM
#Libraries act as 'warm spaces' throughout the winter. These refuges are particularly crucial now given the freeze.
@warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social Director @davidbarclay.bsky.social says libraries 'open their doors with warmth in every sense of the word'.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/public-...
@warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social Director @davidbarclay.bsky.social says libraries 'open their doors with warmth in every sense of the word'.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/public-...
Happy New Year to #Librarians and friends of libraries!
We know you will already be deep in planning for the rest of 2026 but if you need added inspiration take a look at our Universal #Library Offers calendar.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/universal-li...
We know you will already be deep in planning for the rest of 2026 but if you need added inspiration take a look at our Universal #Library Offers calendar.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/universal-li...
January 2, 2026 at 10:32 AM
Happy New Year to #Librarians and friends of libraries!
We know you will already be deep in planning for the rest of 2026 but if you need added inspiration take a look at our Universal #Library Offers calendar.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/universal-li...
We know you will already be deep in planning for the rest of 2026 but if you need added inspiration take a look at our Universal #Library Offers calendar.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/universal-li...
We have now passed 100 submissions for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026!
If you know a library worker or a team doing incredible work, like one of our 2025 winners Muhammad Haque pictured below, nominate them before the deadline of 5 January.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/lib...
If you know a library worker or a team doing incredible work, like one of our 2025 winners Muhammad Haque pictured below, nominate them before the deadline of 5 January.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/lib...
December 31, 2025 at 12:05 PM
We have now passed 100 submissions for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026!
If you know a library worker or a team doing incredible work, like one of our 2025 winners Muhammad Haque pictured below, nominate them before the deadline of 5 January.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/lib...
If you know a library worker or a team doing incredible work, like one of our 2025 winners Muhammad Haque pictured below, nominate them before the deadline of 5 January.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/lib...
'I believe that libraries can play a powerful, convening role for the National Year of Reading'.
Our President @edjewell.bsky.social has been looking ahead to a challenging and exciting year for public #Libraries in 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/look-yo...
Our President @edjewell.bsky.social has been looking ahead to a challenging and exciting year for public #Libraries in 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/look-yo...
December 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM
'I believe that libraries can play a powerful, convening role for the National Year of Reading'.
Our President @edjewell.bsky.social has been looking ahead to a challenging and exciting year for public #Libraries in 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/look-yo...
Our President @edjewell.bsky.social has been looking ahead to a challenging and exciting year for public #Libraries in 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/look-yo...
A segment beginning around 1hr 51 mins from the Today programme has Amol Rajan discussing the limits of AI with Tom Holland and @katemossewriter.bsky.social.
AI can give us knowledge, they argue, but public #Libraries serve human interest by providing us with wisdom.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
AI can give us knowledge, they argue, but public #Libraries serve human interest by providing us with wisdom.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Today - Tom Holland Guest Edits Today - BBC Sounds
Historian Tom Holland is the fifth Today guest editor this festive period.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 30, 2025 at 10:41 AM
A segment beginning around 1hr 51 mins from the Today programme has Amol Rajan discussing the limits of AI with Tom Holland and @katemossewriter.bsky.social.
AI can give us knowledge, they argue, but public #Libraries serve human interest by providing us with wisdom.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
AI can give us knowledge, they argue, but public #Libraries serve human interest by providing us with wisdom.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Congratulations to all those involved in #Libraries named in the New Year Honours.
They include Valerie Birchall, Assistant Director for Culture, Tourism, and Sport, Hammersmith and Fulham Council and Annabel Gittins and Anna Simmons of @librariesrising.bsky.social.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
They include Valerie Birchall, Assistant Director for Culture, Tourism, and Sport, Hammersmith and Fulham Council and Annabel Gittins and Anna Simmons of @librariesrising.bsky.social.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
December 30, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Congratulations to all those involved in #Libraries named in the New Year Honours.
They include Valerie Birchall, Assistant Director for Culture, Tourism, and Sport, Hammersmith and Fulham Council and Annabel Gittins and Anna Simmons of @librariesrising.bsky.social.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
They include Valerie Birchall, Assistant Director for Culture, Tourism, and Sport, Hammersmith and Fulham Council and Annabel Gittins and Anna Simmons of @librariesrising.bsky.social.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
'Meaningful change is only ever achieved through the efforts of the many.'
In this week's blog, our President @edjewell.bsky.social reflects on public #Libraries in 2025 and looks forward to 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/look-yo...
In this week's blog, our President @edjewell.bsky.social reflects on public #Libraries in 2025 and looks forward to 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/look-yo...
December 29, 2025 at 12:25 PM
'Meaningful change is only ever achieved through the efforts of the many.'
In this week's blog, our President @edjewell.bsky.social reflects on public #Libraries in 2025 and looks forward to 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/look-yo...
In this week's blog, our President @edjewell.bsky.social reflects on public #Libraries in 2025 and looks forward to 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/look-yo...
'One of the busiest days in libraries tends to be 7 January', Martha Gill writes in @theobserveruk.bsky.social.
Why? People come to public #Libraries after Christmas looking for, and finding, digital help of many kinds.
observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
Why? People come to public #Libraries after Christmas looking for, and finding, digital help of many kinds.
observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
Far from being past their shelf life, libraries are essen...
These vital institutions can launch businesses and reduce the need for social care
observer.co.uk
December 29, 2025 at 12:09 PM
'One of the busiest days in libraries tends to be 7 January', Martha Gill writes in @theobserveruk.bsky.social.
Why? People come to public #Libraries after Christmas looking for, and finding, digital help of many kinds.
observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
Why? People come to public #Libraries after Christmas looking for, and finding, digital help of many kinds.
observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
We hope all our followers had an excellent Christmas.
If you want to give a late and, best of all, completely free gift to a #Librarian how about nominating someone for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026?
You have until Monday 5 January!
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
If you want to give a late and, best of all, completely free gift to a #Librarian how about nominating someone for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026?
You have until Monday 5 January!
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
December 29, 2025 at 11:10 AM
We hope all our followers had an excellent Christmas.
If you want to give a late and, best of all, completely free gift to a #Librarian how about nominating someone for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026?
You have until Monday 5 January!
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
If you want to give a late and, best of all, completely free gift to a #Librarian how about nominating someone for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026?
You have until Monday 5 January!
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year of innovation and partnership.
Whatever your connection with public #Libraries, thank you for everything you have done to champion them this year.
We look forward to working with you again in 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/our-hig...
Whatever your connection with public #Libraries, thank you for everything you have done to champion them this year.
We look forward to working with you again in 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/our-hig...
December 24, 2025 at 12:20 PM
As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year of innovation and partnership.
Whatever your connection with public #Libraries, thank you for everything you have done to champion them this year.
We look forward to working with you again in 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/our-hig...
Whatever your connection with public #Libraries, thank you for everything you have done to champion them this year.
We look forward to working with you again in 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/our-hig...
Our final blog of 2025 comes from Beth Harris @librariesunlimited.bsky.social.
Beth tells about 'One Devon', which has launched more than 300 blood pressure monitors in Devon #Libraries through a partnership with NHS Devon and Devon County Council.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
Beth tells about 'One Devon', which has launched more than 300 blood pressure monitors in Devon #Libraries through a partnership with NHS Devon and Devon County Council.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
December 24, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Our final blog of 2025 comes from Beth Harris @librariesunlimited.bsky.social.
Beth tells about 'One Devon', which has launched more than 300 blood pressure monitors in Devon #Libraries through a partnership with NHS Devon and Devon County Council.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
Beth tells about 'One Devon', which has launched more than 300 blood pressure monitors in Devon #Libraries through a partnership with NHS Devon and Devon County Council.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
We published 55 videos in 2025, including partnerships with @rnib.bsky.social, @empathylabuk.bsky.social and @warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social.
You can explore and rewatch this year's webinars on our YouTube channel.
www.youtube.com/@librariesco...
You can explore and rewatch this year's webinars on our YouTube channel.
www.youtube.com/@librariesco...
December 23, 2025 at 12:27 PM
We published 55 videos in 2025, including partnerships with @rnib.bsky.social, @empathylabuk.bsky.social and @warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social.
You can explore and rewatch this year's webinars on our YouTube channel.
www.youtube.com/@librariesco...
You can explore and rewatch this year's webinars on our YouTube channel.
www.youtube.com/@librariesco...
From highlighting #Libraries' role in building resilient communities to celebrating the history of Black British ballet and much more, we have been busy this year advocating for the value of public libraries.
Here is a small sample of our work.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/our-hig...
Here is a small sample of our work.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/our-hig...
December 23, 2025 at 12:08 PM
From highlighting #Libraries' role in building resilient communities to celebrating the history of Black British ballet and much more, we have been busy this year advocating for the value of public libraries.
Here is a small sample of our work.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/our-hig...
Here is a small sample of our work.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/our-hig...
Earlier this month we revealed #Librarians' favourite Christmas books.
The choices were pleasingly eclectic, ranging from James Joyce to Jenny Colgan.
How many of them have you read? And what would you add to the list?
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
The choices were pleasingly eclectic, ranging from James Joyce to Jenny Colgan.
How many of them have you read? And what would you add to the list?
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
December 22, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Earlier this month we revealed #Librarians' favourite Christmas books.
The choices were pleasingly eclectic, ranging from James Joyce to Jenny Colgan.
How many of them have you read? And what would you add to the list?
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
The choices were pleasingly eclectic, ranging from James Joyce to Jenny Colgan.
How many of them have you read? And what would you add to the list?
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
Applications are now coming in fast for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026.
Don't miss out! If you know of an individual or team working in public #Libraries going above and beyond to provide an excellent service, nominate them before 5 January.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
Don't miss out! If you know of an individual or team working in public #Libraries going above and beyond to provide an excellent service, nominate them before 5 January.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
December 22, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Applications are now coming in fast for the Libraries Connected Awards 2026.
Don't miss out! If you know of an individual or team working in public #Libraries going above and beyond to provide an excellent service, nominate them before 5 January.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
Don't miss out! If you know of an individual or team working in public #Libraries going above and beyond to provide an excellent service, nominate them before 5 January.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...