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Reposted by Libraries Connected

The Border Readers @theborderreaders.bsky.social · 11h

We had a fab time last night reading 'Shore Lines' before a lovely all ears full house at #Wooler Library #Northumberland @librariesconnected.bsky.social #Reading #Libraries @anncleeves.bsky.social @joscottheritage.bsky.social

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 17h

The photos are starting to arrive for our 'Libraries 175: A Snapshot of Library Life' project. The image below comes from Sutton Bonington Library.

If you want to join in the fun and preserve your #Library images for posterity, find out more:

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/lib...

Older people are seen in discussion at Sutton Bonington Library.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 1d

'We owe it to the citizens of today and in the future to renew our library system', says @richove.bsky.social in @theobserveruk.bsky.social. Public libraries are 'palaces for the people' whose 'ramparts need defending'.

observer.co.uk/news/opinion...

Libraries are palaces for the people. Their ramparts need...

The spirit of public improvement that led to the legislation that created free public libraries 175 years go needs to be rekindled

observer.co.uk

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 2d

Godalming library, part of Surrey Libraries, recently hosted an event for local Beavers based on the #BBC500Words competition.

The values of public libraries, 500 Words and the Scouting movement are closely intertwined as the piece below explains.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/surrey-...

Scouts and Beavers smile and raise thumbs ups for the camera. They are dressed in blue Scout and Beaver uniforms.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 2d

Our guest contribution this week comes from @davidbarclay.bsky.social, Director of @warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social.

#Libraries have grown faster than any other Warm Welcome Space because they 'open their doors with warmth in every sense of the word.'

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/public-...

A pair of hands grasp a mug containing a brown liquid.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 2d

Over the next six days we want you #Librarians to take a photo - or several - showing what your library service looks like today.

This snapshot of library life in 2025 is part of our celebrations of the 175th anniversary of the Public Libraries Act.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/lib...

A smartphone showing the inside of a theatre on its screen.

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Reposted by Libraries Connected

Ed Jewell @edjewell.bsky.social · 5d

It was a privilege to speak at last month’s London Libraries Conference. For me, the future of libraries depends on being clear about our purpose; to provide safe civic spaces, protect access to ideas in all their diversity and give people the skills and confidence to shape their own lives.

Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 5d

The public #Librarian's role is more challenging than ever, @edjewell.bsky.social notes. Librarians deal with cultural foment, amidst a reading for pleasure crisis.

Yet #Libraries' power to grant safe spaces for challenging ideas remains undimmed.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/what-do...

A man is seen reading through a porthole in a library.

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Reposted by Libraries Connected

Index on Censorship @indexoncensorship.org · 5d

Banned Books Week UK begins this Sunday! Whether you're a reader, a bookseller, a librarian or a writer, there are lots of ways to get involved, big and small. Find out more and don’t forget to spread the word: #BannedBooksWeekUK www.indexoncensorship.org/bannedbooksw...

Banned Books Week UK - Index on Censorship

Banned Books Week UK returns from 5–11 October 2025. It’s a week to celebrate the books that have been challenged, removed or silenced

www.indexoncensorship.org

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 5d

The public #Librarian's role is more challenging than ever, @edjewell.bsky.social notes. Librarians deal with cultural foment, amidst a reading for pleasure crisis.

Yet #Libraries' power to grant safe spaces for challenging ideas remains undimmed.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/what-do...

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 5d

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...

A smartphone takes a picture of a busy theatre.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 6d

An exhibition featuring poetry and artwork from people in prison arrives at Warrington #Library this month, launching this Saturday 4 October.

A terrific celebration of the universal appeal of poetry to follow #NationalPoetryDay!

#CultureAndCreativity

www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/2550333...

The outside of Warrington Central Library.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 6d

The Libraries Connected Awards 2026 are now open for nominations!

We want to hear about, and celebrate, the individuals and teams working in public #Libraries who change the lives of their communities.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/libraries-co...

Children sit enjoying a Rhymetime session in Manchester Libraries.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 7d

The 2025 ‘State of the Nation’ report from @readingagency.bsky.social finds 47% of adults reject the ‘reader’ label, though many are reading by consuming text in other forms.

Public #Libraries are places where reading is celebrated in its great diversity.

readingagency.org.uk/the-state-of...

A woman in glasses looks up at library shelves. She is carrying a book.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 12d

Creative writing and Black British ballet dancing will be celebrated on 9 October at Redcar #Library.

Places for this event are limited so book now!

Black British Ballet is funded by the @nationallottery.bsky.social Heritage Fund.

www.ticketsource.co.uk/redcar-cleve...

#CultureAndCreativity

Christina Johnson and Ronald Perry of The Dance Theatre of Harlem ©Angela Taylor.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 12d

Hi both, sorry for my slow reply. This is for library staff, and yes volunteer run community libraries are absolutely welcome to take part.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 12d

Today is Macmillan Coffee Morning. Many #Libraries are taking part - in Amersham there are cakes and raffles!

Pop into your local #Library to see how they are supporting those living with cancer.

allevents.in/amersham/macmillan-coffee-morning-at-amersham-library/200028944481823#google_vignette

Two women sit talking in a library. They are drinking something from orange cups.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 13d

BBC 500 Words, the UK’s biggest children’s story-writing competition is back and open for submissions.

Entries close at 9pm on Friday 7 November 2025. For more details and to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notices go to bbc.co.uk/500words.

500 Words

BBC's 500 Words, the UK's largest children's writing competition for children aged 5-11, opens for entries Tuesday 23 September - Friday 7 November at 9pm.

bbc.co.uk

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 14d

We welcome today's government announcement on the future of youth hubs.

We are particularly pleased that public #Libraries have been chosen as a key partner for this planned expansion of youth services.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...

A woman smiles as she looks at books with a child in a library.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 15d

We have... but good to hear other people and organisations say it out loud too!

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 15d

Public #Libraries are 'essential for more equitable access to books, texts and digital resources', a new report from Literacy Lab @edinburghuni.bsky.social on the future of books and reading notes.

blogs.ed.ac.uk/literacylab/...

#Reading

A woman and child read a picture book in a library.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 16d

Public #Libraries like Essex are working to become 'dementia friendly' spaces. Those living with dementia can get a special library card that incurs no charges for late returns.

See what support your local #Library offers this
#WorldAlzheimersMonth.

libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-cont...

An older woman's face is seen next to a blurred clock.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 16d

Train Dreams, Tree of Smoke, Jesus' Son, Rescuscitation of a Hanged Man, Fiskadoro - all astonishing works. Congratulations Stu.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 16d

In this week's blog Sarah Davis, Reader Development Librarian for Greenwich Libraries (part of GLL) tells us about the importance of reader development work in public #Libraries.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/champio...

#Reading

The inside of Greenwich Library. Credit: Better Libraries.

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Reposted by Libraries Connected

Iain Moore @iainmoore.bsky.social · 19d

At London libraries conference - hearing from @lewisham.gov.uk libraries about the impact of one of @librariesconnected.bsky.social and @artscouncilengland.bsky.social microgrants.
Great initiative to develop reading for pleasure through screen free audio readers - really child first approach.

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Libraries Connected @librariesconnected.bsky.social · 20d

Our CEO @ih1968.bsky.social will take part in the Lviv International Library Forum this week, joining #Library organisations from across Europe in a show of solidarity.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/isobel-...

A Ukrainian mobile library; in front of it is a table with books on it. Credit: Library Country Charitable Foundation.

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