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librariesconnected.bsky.social
Libraries Connected
@librariesconnected.bsky.social
8.2K followers 660 following 530 posts
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.
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librariesconnected.bsky.social
We were delighted to join @literacy-trust.bsky.social today at Emirates Stadium to celebrate the start of the #NationalYearOfReading - 12 months full of possibility and opportunity to share the power of reading.

It is time to #GoAllIn2026.

literacytrust.org.uk/about-us/nat...
The orange 'Go All In' logo. 'Go All In' is written in black capital letters.
January 13, 2026 at 4:18 PM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
Upgrades to Leigh #Library thanks to the @artscouncilengland.bsky.social Libraries Improvement Fund mean it can shift 'effortlessly' from quiet study space to a vibrant performance venue.

Service Manager for Wigan Libraries Craig Jones tells us more.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/year-tr...
A wrestling ring is seen in Leigh Library.
January 13, 2026 at 12:17 PM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
The @readingagency.bsky.social Winter Mini Challenge is a fun way for children to kick off this National Year of Reading.

Children can collect rewards for logging and reviewing books borrowed from their local #Library.

summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
A cartoon image advertising the Winter Mini Challenge.
January 12, 2026 at 12:38 PM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
Investment from the @artscouncilengland.bsky.social Libraries Improvement Fund has turned Leigh #Library into a flexible space that is 'full of possibilities', Craig Jones from Wigan Council tells us.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/year-tr...

#CultureAndCreativity
An indoor ice rink at Leigh Library.
January 12, 2026 at 11:02 AM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
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-...
Two women discuss something in a library. They are sat behind two laptops.
January 9, 2026 at 11:20 AM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
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-...
Two women discuss something whilst holding orange cups in a library.
January 8, 2026 at 11:28 AM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
#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...
A female librarian looks inside a Star Wars comic book.
January 6, 2026 at 12:18 PM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
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-...
A woman reads a picture book with a young girl in a library.
January 6, 2026 at 11:40 AM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
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...
Two women are seen speaking to each other in a library. A young man is in the background working on a laptop.
January 6, 2026 at 11:03 AM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
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...
A librarian sits on her knees clapping inside a library.
January 5, 2026 at 10:46 AM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
Warm Welcome Week run by @warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social begins on 19 January.

www.warmwelcome.uk/warm-welcome...
Two women sit behind mugs in a library.
January 2, 2026 at 11:54 AM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
#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-...
Two women smile as they sit behind mugs in a library.
January 2, 2026 at 11:52 AM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
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...
A woman works at a desk in a library in front of several shelves of books.
January 2, 2026 at 10:32 AM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
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...
Ed Jewell and Muhammad Haque at the Libraries Connected Awards 2025.
December 31, 2025 at 12:05 PM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
'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...
Ed Jewell delivers a speech at Manchester Central Library. Credit: Mark Waugh.
December 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
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...
Young people are seen working on laptops and tablets at a library table.
December 30, 2025 at 9:56 AM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
'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...
Libraries Connected President Ed Jewell at the Libraries Connected Awards.
December 29, 2025 at 12:25 PM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
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...
A photographg showing the Oxfordshire Libraries Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub in Kidlington Library.
December 29, 2025 at 11:10 AM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
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...
Two young women are seen working at a table in a library.
December 24, 2025 at 12:20 PM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
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...
A blood pressure monitor.
December 24, 2025 at 12:12 PM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
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...
A young man smiles as he watches something on a laptop.
December 23, 2025 at 12:27 PM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
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...
Christina Johnson and Ronald Perry of The Dance Theatre of Harlem ©Angela Taylor
December 23, 2025 at 12:08 PM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
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...
A drawing of Marley's Ghost by John Leech.
December 22, 2025 at 12:40 PM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
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...
December 22, 2025 at 12:15 PM
librariesconnected.bsky.social
Our blog this week is from Kathryn Harrison.

Kathryn is retiring following 38 years in a variety of public #Library roles.

'The success of the library service depends on all the players involved', she says.

Read more of Kathryn's reflections below.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/kathryn...
The inside of a public library showing wooden desks and chairs.
December 22, 2025 at 11:42 AM