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
Today we publish groundbreaking new research showing that public #Libraries in the South East deliver millions in value by supporting mental health and wellbeing, particularly among older people.
Find out more:
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/south-e...
Find out more:
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/south-e...
These are just a few of our Awards winners and runners up from 2025, celebrating at our annual ceremony.
Do you know someone working in or with public #Libraries who deserves to be recognised like them?
If so, make sure you nominate them for 2026!
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
Do you know someone working in or with public #Libraries who deserves to be recognised like them?
If so, make sure you nominate them for 2026!
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
November 25, 2025 at 12:59 PM
These are just a few of our Awards winners and runners up from 2025, celebrating at our annual ceremony.
Do you know someone working in or with public #Libraries who deserves to be recognised like them?
If so, make sure you nominate them for 2026!
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
Do you know someone working in or with public #Libraries who deserves to be recognised like them?
If so, make sure you nominate them for 2026!
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
We welcome this inquiry into reading for pleasure among children and young people.
Public libraries play a vital role in promoting a love of reading.
What measures do you think should be taken to increase the numbers of children reading for pleasure?
committees.parliament.uk/committee/20...
Public libraries play a vital role in promoting a love of reading.
What measures do you think should be taken to increase the numbers of children reading for pleasure?
committees.parliament.uk/committee/20...
Reading for pleasure – MPs launch new inquiry to explore how to keep joy of reading alive - Committees - UK Parliament
Amid a worrying decline in the number of children reading for pleasure, the Education Committee has launched a new inquiry to understand how reading can be nurtured, and what its benefits are.
committees.parliament.uk
November 25, 2025 at 12:28 PM
We welcome this inquiry into reading for pleasure among children and young people.
Public libraries play a vital role in promoting a love of reading.
What measures do you think should be taken to increase the numbers of children reading for pleasure?
committees.parliament.uk/committee/20...
Public libraries play a vital role in promoting a love of reading.
What measures do you think should be taken to increase the numbers of children reading for pleasure?
committees.parliament.uk/committee/20...
Reposted by Libraries Connected
This year's #GetTheNationLearning ‘Net Zero Hero’ Award, sponsored by NOCN, went to Lendlease. 🏆
Partnering with Our Newham Learning and Skills, Lendlease creates routes to employment for learners while supporting Newham’s net zero goals at the same time. ⬇️
getthenationlearning.org.uk/lendlease/
Partnering with Our Newham Learning and Skills, Lendlease creates routes to employment for learners while supporting Newham’s net zero goals at the same time. ⬇️
getthenationlearning.org.uk/lendlease/
November 25, 2025 at 10:11 AM
This year's #GetTheNationLearning ‘Net Zero Hero’ Award, sponsored by NOCN, went to Lendlease. 🏆
Partnering with Our Newham Learning and Skills, Lendlease creates routes to employment for learners while supporting Newham’s net zero goals at the same time. ⬇️
getthenationlearning.org.uk/lendlease/
Partnering with Our Newham Learning and Skills, Lendlease creates routes to employment for learners while supporting Newham’s net zero goals at the same time. ⬇️
getthenationlearning.org.uk/lendlease/
Reposted by Libraries Connected
Are you a community group with a passion for heritage? Or a museum, library, gallery or archive with a bold idea for community-led research?
The Spaces, Places and Belonging Community Hub is accepting applications for seed corn grants: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/community-hu... (1/2)
The Spaces, Places and Belonging Community Hub is accepting applications for seed corn grants: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/community-hu... (1/2)
November 20, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Are you a community group with a passion for heritage? Or a museum, library, gallery or archive with a bold idea for community-led research?
The Spaces, Places and Belonging Community Hub is accepting applications for seed corn grants: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/community-hu... (1/2)
The Spaces, Places and Belonging Community Hub is accepting applications for seed corn grants: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/community-hu... (1/2)
Loneliness reduction activities generate £913k in health, productivity and wellbeing value each year across six South East #Library services, according to our new report.
Explore more findings from The Power of Prevention:
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/south-e...
Explore more findings from The Power of Prevention:
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/south-e...
November 24, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Loneliness reduction activities generate £913k in health, productivity and wellbeing value each year across six South East #Library services, according to our new report.
Explore more findings from The Power of Prevention:
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/south-e...
Explore more findings from The Power of Prevention:
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/south-e...
Our report reveals the value delivered by public #Libraries through health and wellbeing support.
Weekly arts and craft sessions for older people generate at least £491k of benefits each year across eight South East services.
Explore more findings:
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/south-e...
Weekly arts and craft sessions for older people generate at least £491k of benefits each year across eight South East services.
Explore more findings:
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/south-e...
November 21, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Our report reveals the value delivered by public #Libraries through health and wellbeing support.
Weekly arts and craft sessions for older people generate at least £491k of benefits each year across eight South East services.
Explore more findings:
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/south-e...
Weekly arts and craft sessions for older people generate at least £491k of benefits each year across eight South East services.
Explore more findings:
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/south-e...
Reposted by Libraries Connected
This year's #GetTheNationLearning Awards recognised Manchester City Council with the ‘Regional Growth Award’ for its success in embedding lifelong learning at the heart of its economic and social development strategy.
Read coverage from the British Bulletin: britishbulletin.com/manchester-n...
Read coverage from the British Bulletin: britishbulletin.com/manchester-n...
November 21, 2025 at 11:11 AM
This year's #GetTheNationLearning Awards recognised Manchester City Council with the ‘Regional Growth Award’ for its success in embedding lifelong learning at the heart of its economic and social development strategy.
Read coverage from the British Bulletin: britishbulletin.com/manchester-n...
Read coverage from the British Bulletin: britishbulletin.com/manchester-n...
Today we publish groundbreaking new research showing that public #Libraries in the South East deliver millions in value by supporting mental health and wellbeing, particularly among older people.
Find out more:
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/south-e...
Find out more:
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/south-e...
November 20, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Today we publish groundbreaking new research showing that public #Libraries in the South East deliver millions in value by supporting mental health and wellbeing, particularly among older people.
Find out more:
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/south-e...
Find out more:
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/south-e...
The second of our four-part webinar series with @sharethevision.bsky.social on using the accessibility features on library reading apps can now be rewatched in full.
This bitesize session focuses on the PressReader app.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD9O...
This bitesize session focuses on the PressReader app.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD9O...
Accessibility Features in Libby in Partnership with RNIB | Libraries Connected Webinars | 2025
YouTube video by Libraries Connected
www.youtube.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:38 AM
The second of our four-part webinar series with @sharethevision.bsky.social on using the accessibility features on library reading apps can now be rewatched in full.
This bitesize session focuses on the PressReader app.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD9O...
This bitesize session focuses on the PressReader app.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD9O...
Kent's Home #Library Service provides a crucial link between the isolated and access to support.
Lindsay Prestage from Kent tells us of the service's importance.
As one user says, 'It's just nice to know that someone cares.'
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/kents-h...
#MobileLibrariesDay
Lindsay Prestage from Kent tells us of the service's importance.
As one user says, 'It's just nice to know that someone cares.'
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/kents-h...
#MobileLibrariesDay
November 19, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Kent's Home #Library Service provides a crucial link between the isolated and access to support.
Lindsay Prestage from Kent tells us of the service's importance.
As one user says, 'It's just nice to know that someone cares.'
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/kents-h...
#MobileLibrariesDay
Lindsay Prestage from Kent tells us of the service's importance.
As one user says, 'It's just nice to know that someone cares.'
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/kents-h...
#MobileLibrariesDay
As smatterings of snow fall, #Libraries across the country are once again acting as @warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social spaces.
As campaign director @davidbarclay.bsky.social reminds us, libraries 'open their doors with warmth in every sense of the word'.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/public-...
As campaign director @davidbarclay.bsky.social reminds us, libraries 'open their doors with warmth in every sense of the word'.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/public-...
November 19, 2025 at 9:32 AM
As smatterings of snow fall, #Libraries across the country are once again acting as @warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social spaces.
As campaign director @davidbarclay.bsky.social reminds us, libraries 'open their doors with warmth in every sense of the word'.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/public-...
As campaign director @davidbarclay.bsky.social reminds us, libraries 'open their doors with warmth in every sense of the word'.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/public-...
Manchester Libraries Trust, Read Manchester and Manchester #Libraries have launched a Christmas book appeal.
The appeal will help public libraries in the city gift books to children who need them most.
A terrific example of libraries' work in the community.
www.justgiving.com/campaign/boo...
The appeal will help public libraries in the city gift books to children who need them most.
A terrific example of libraries' work in the community.
www.justgiving.com/campaign/boo...
November 18, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Manchester Libraries Trust, Read Manchester and Manchester #Libraries have launched a Christmas book appeal.
The appeal will help public libraries in the city gift books to children who need them most.
A terrific example of libraries' work in the community.
www.justgiving.com/campaign/boo...
The appeal will help public libraries in the city gift books to children who need them most.
A terrific example of libraries' work in the community.
www.justgiving.com/campaign/boo...
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...
Our 2026 Awards are open for nominations now.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
November 17, 2025 at 11:59 AM
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...
Our 2026 Awards are open for nominations now.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
Findings from @bigissue.com suggest that weekly, more than 40% of people have no real interactions with people they don't know.
The @dcmsgovuk.bsky.social funded Know Your Neighbourhood project is working to tackle loneliness through volunteering across England.
www.bigissue.com/opinion/lone...
The @dcmsgovuk.bsky.social funded Know Your Neighbourhood project is working to tackle loneliness through volunteering across England.
www.bigissue.com/opinion/lone...
Loneliness is a growing problem. It's time we started talking to each other
Loneliness is on the rise among all age groups, fuelled by our online lives. The most simple remedy is to start talking to each other
www.bigissue.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Findings from @bigissue.com suggest that weekly, more than 40% of people have no real interactions with people they don't know.
The @dcmsgovuk.bsky.social funded Know Your Neighbourhood project is working to tackle loneliness through volunteering across England.
www.bigissue.com/opinion/lone...
The @dcmsgovuk.bsky.social funded Know Your Neighbourhood project is working to tackle loneliness through volunteering across England.
www.bigissue.com/opinion/lone...
Today marks the start of National Self-Care Week, focusing on supporting self-care across communities.
Through the Reading Well collections from @readingagency.bsky.social, public #Libraries empower people to take control of their health and wellbeing.
readingagency.org.uk/get-reading/...
Through the Reading Well collections from @readingagency.bsky.social, public #Libraries empower people to take control of their health and wellbeing.
readingagency.org.uk/get-reading/...
November 17, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Today marks the start of National Self-Care Week, focusing on supporting self-care across communities.
Through the Reading Well collections from @readingagency.bsky.social, public #Libraries empower people to take control of their health and wellbeing.
readingagency.org.uk/get-reading/...
Through the Reading Well collections from @readingagency.bsky.social, public #Libraries empower people to take control of their health and wellbeing.
readingagency.org.uk/get-reading/...
It is brilliant to see the success of 'Our Freedom: Then and Now' in public #Libraries across the country.
Workshops at Atherstone Library in Warwickshire featuring poetry and stories from the anniversary of VE Day resulted in a specially created zine.
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article...
Workshops at Atherstone Library in Warwickshire featuring poetry and stories from the anniversary of VE Day resulted in a specially created zine.
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article...
Warwickshire Libraries celebrate local stories of liberation inspired by 80th anniversary of VE Day – Warwickshire County Council
Warwickshire Libraries are celebrating the remarkable success of their ‘Our Freedom: Then and Now’, project, which has brought together communities across t
www.warwickshire.gov.uk
November 14, 2025 at 12:33 PM
It is brilliant to see the success of 'Our Freedom: Then and Now' in public #Libraries across the country.
Workshops at Atherstone Library in Warwickshire featuring poetry and stories from the anniversary of VE Day resulted in a specially created zine.
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article...
Workshops at Atherstone Library in Warwickshire featuring poetry and stories from the anniversary of VE Day resulted in a specially created zine.
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Libraries Connected
🌱Did you take part in #GreenLibraries Week this year? We'd love to hear how your week went. Your feedback will support and influence our future planning.
📅Deadline Monday 17 November https://ow.ly/UJI750XrF99
📅Deadline Monday 17 November https://ow.ly/UJI750XrF99
November 14, 2025 at 12:25 PM
🌱Did you take part in #GreenLibraries Week this year? We'd love to hear how your week went. Your feedback will support and influence our future planning.
📅Deadline Monday 17 November https://ow.ly/UJI750XrF99
📅Deadline Monday 17 November https://ow.ly/UJI750XrF99
#WorldKindnessDay is a chance to focus on those empathetic acts that can lead to a more compassionate society.
By bringing people with shared values together regardless of their differences, public #Libraries act as spaces where kindness can flourish.
By bringing people with shared values together regardless of their differences, public #Libraries act as spaces where kindness can flourish.
November 13, 2025 at 10:31 AM
#WorldKindnessDay is a chance to focus on those empathetic acts that can lead to a more compassionate society.
By bringing people with shared values together regardless of their differences, public #Libraries act as spaces where kindness can flourish.
By bringing people with shared values together regardless of their differences, public #Libraries act as spaces where kindness can flourish.
Our webinar on learning from the inspiring @artscouncilengland.bsky.social funded #Microgrants projects is now available to watch back in full.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEUL...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEUL...
Microgrants: Learning from Each Round and Showcasing Projects | Libraries Connected Webinars | 2025
YouTube video by Libraries Connected
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Our webinar on learning from the inspiring @artscouncilengland.bsky.social funded #Microgrants projects is now available to watch back in full.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEUL...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEUL...
To serve our members more effectively, our Board is proposing key updates to our governance structure:
✅ Clearer leadership roles
✅ More external expertise
✅ Streamlined structure
📅 Members: vote on these changes at our AGM on Dec 11
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/governance-c...
✅ Clearer leadership roles
✅ More external expertise
✅ Streamlined structure
📅 Members: vote on these changes at our AGM on Dec 11
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/governance-c...
November 12, 2025 at 9:49 AM
To serve our members more effectively, our Board is proposing key updates to our governance structure:
✅ Clearer leadership roles
✅ More external expertise
✅ Streamlined structure
📅 Members: vote on these changes at our AGM on Dec 11
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/governance-c...
✅ Clearer leadership roles
✅ More external expertise
✅ Streamlined structure
📅 Members: vote on these changes at our AGM on Dec 11
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/governance-c...
Terrific to see the Into the Light: Pioneers of Black British Ballet exhibition arriving in Scarborough #Libraries.
Into the Light, a partnership between us and Oxygen Arts, is funded by a grant from the @thenationallottery.bsky.social Heritage Fund.
www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/whats-on/art...
Into the Light, a partnership between us and Oxygen Arts, is funded by a grant from the @thenationallottery.bsky.social Heritage Fund.
www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/whats-on/art...
Scarborough exhibition puts ballet’s black trailblazers in the spotlight
The untold stories of Britain’s black ballet dancers are centre stage in a touring exhibition culminating in Scarborough.
www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Terrific to see the Into the Light: Pioneers of Black British Ballet exhibition arriving in Scarborough #Libraries.
Into the Light, a partnership between us and Oxygen Arts, is funded by a grant from the @thenationallottery.bsky.social Heritage Fund.
www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/whats-on/art...
Into the Light, a partnership between us and Oxygen Arts, is funded by a grant from the @thenationallottery.bsky.social Heritage Fund.
www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/whats-on/art...
Yesterday's webinar in partnership with @rnib.bsky.social on PressReader accessibility features is now available to watch back in full.
Thanks to @sharethevision.bsky.social for providing expert information.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHds...
Thanks to @sharethevision.bsky.social for providing expert information.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHds...
PressReader Accessibility Features with RNIB | Libraries Connected Webinars | 2025
YouTube video by Libraries Connected
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Yesterday's webinar in partnership with @rnib.bsky.social on PressReader accessibility features is now available to watch back in full.
Thanks to @sharethevision.bsky.social for providing expert information.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHds...
Thanks to @sharethevision.bsky.social for providing expert information.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHds...
The Libraries Connected Awards celebrate the achievements of people working in public #Libraries.
They offer the opportunity to uncover new #Library champions and encourage leaders of the future.
Our 2026 Awards are open for nominations.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
They offer the opportunity to uncover new #Library champions and encourage leaders of the future.
Our 2026 Awards are open for nominations.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
November 10, 2025 at 11:37 AM
The Libraries Connected Awards celebrate the achievements of people working in public #Libraries.
They offer the opportunity to uncover new #Library champions and encourage leaders of the future.
Our 2026 Awards are open for nominations.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
They offer the opportunity to uncover new #Library champions and encourage leaders of the future.
Our 2026 Awards are open for nominations.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...
We have a busy week of online events coming up, starting with today's PressReader accessibility features webinar in partnership with @rnib.bsky.social and continuing tomorrow with a webinar on the #ACEFunded Microgrants project.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events
November 10, 2025 at 11:07 AM
We have a busy week of online events coming up, starting with today's PressReader accessibility features webinar in partnership with @rnib.bsky.social and continuing tomorrow with a webinar on the #ACEFunded Microgrants project.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/events
Reposted by Libraries Connected
🕊️ As Remembrance Day nears, arts centres & libraries across the UK are exploring freedom through creativity. Our Freedom: Then and Now is bringing venues together through a programme of art, performance, and storytelling.
🖇️ Read about some of the highlights so far (events continue through November)
🖇️ Read about some of the highlights so far (events continue through November)
Our Freedom: Celebrating Community, Creativity, and the Meaning of Freedom - Future Arts Centres
Discover Our Freedom: Then and Now, a nationwide arts programme marking 80 years since WWII, uniting 60 UK arts centres to explore freedom through community-led creativity, exhibitions, and performanc...
futureartscentres.org.uk
November 7, 2025 at 5:06 PM
🕊️ As Remembrance Day nears, arts centres & libraries across the UK are exploring freedom through creativity. Our Freedom: Then and Now is bringing venues together through a programme of art, performance, and storytelling.
🖇️ Read about some of the highlights so far (events continue through November)
🖇️ Read about some of the highlights so far (events continue through November)