In Bath on Friday evening - to explore how people of colour can take up their rightful and permanent space within heritage institutions at a time when much history continues to be hidden.

We're excited to be working with @literatureworks.bsky.social on this new author tour in SW libraries, to kick off in Jan 2026, to include writing & reading workshops... thank you to @artscouncilengland.bsky.social National Lottery Projects funding #NationalYearOfReading

New job: Stock Librarian, Bristol Central Library, 18.5 hours per week, permanent - more information via jobs page www.swrls.org.uk/jobs

Our new area on Basecamp contains resources for libraries on advocacy, AI, & bid support, plus a full training course primarily for frontline workers to help manage difficult customer situations. Free to SWRLS member library staff. More info. on today's blog post #librarytraining

In case you missed the news last week...we are looking for a new Programme Officer, who will support us in making exciting literature activities and events happen all across the South West.

📅 Apply by Monday 25th August

Three new job posts in SW libraries - from Plymouth and Torbay to North Somerset, in NHS & public libraries www.swrls.org.uk/jobs

a write-up of SWRLS's Members' Day last week, including insights & advice on #libraryadvocacy

Brilliant to have you there - thank you - and so glad it was inspiring :-)

Our camera-shy library team opted out of a selfie but had an inspiring time at the @swrls.bsky.social Members' day yesterday. We're already planning how we can bring some of the ideas that were shared to our users in the @thembauk.bsky.social library

Thank you so much - yes thankfully I clocked this yesterday morning and sorted it out - the domain was already renewed but some auto process hadn't happened as it should have - all seemed v. complex but fine now! Thanks again - really appreciate you flagging up.

Our life writing course led by @susannacrossman.bsky.social begins very soon, and now's your last chance to book if you want to take part in the three online sessions that start this Thursday.

Don't delay, booking closes soon: quaywords.org.uk/take-part/qu...

getting excited about our next Members' Day in just over 3 weeks! Free to SWRLS member library staff - sign up below.

This talk is part of a mini-series of lectures on topics related to gardening, alongside our current exhibition UNEARTHED: The Power of Gardening 🌻🌍

bristol.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=211...

#LivingKnowledgeNetwork #Unearthed #Gardening #Bristol #BristolLibraries #BritishLibrary

With this funding we aim to make a real difference in Devon - watch this space! www.librariesunlimited.org.uk/libraries-un...

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek this year focuses on the power of community. Public #Libraries help fight loneliness and encourage connections by bringing people of all different ages and backgrounds together in a free, non-judgmental space.

www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/pub...

Culture Nature England, our partnership with @naturalengland.bsky.social that helps #Libraries deliver work to build connections with nature, has ended.

Public libraries used their grants for truly innovative projects, which you can explore here.

www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/cul...

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week 💚

📚 Reading Well supports you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing

✅ Reading Well books are all recommended by health experts, as well as people with lived experience of the conditions and topics covered, and their relatives and carers 👩‍⚕️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

5 roles currently advertised in SW libraries, from team leader to customer service to climate action...

📢 Speaker Announcement! Lisa McLaren, Deputy Director at SCONUL, joins #CILIPConf25 for the AI’s Carbon Footprint panel discussion! With expertise across universities, the NHS and public libraries, Lisa brings valuable insights into AI’s climate impact. cilipconference.org.uk

Our next talk is on Wed 14th May at 2pm -

"Making a Grand Exit: The Elaborate Funeral of Maud Courtenay (d.1467)" by Dr Lynda Pidgeon.

£4 for members. £8 for non-members.

To guarantee a seat, contact the library at least 24 hours before the event. Otherwise, simply turn up on the day.

What a fantastic end to April - we couldn't resist taking a snap of the view across #PlymouthSound from the library's reading room @thembauk.bsky.social. Have a great day everyone 🌞

🌷 Our spring events keep growing!

Special mention: Exeter MP Steve Race will be dropping by for an IT drop-in session on Fri 16 May, 11.30-12.30. He’s keen to hear how library digital services—eg free PC use, Tech Buddies, WiFi—have helped you, & what more we could offer. Come share your thoughts!

Have you attended a creative writing group, workshop or programme in the community or online?

If so, make sure to complete this quick survey before the end of June for the chance to win prizes, including a @writerscentre.bsky.social self-paced course worth £75.

👉🏻 bit.ly/4gdiXdu