News

The latest news, updates and opinion from Libraries Connected.
If you’re a journalist please contact the Libraries Connected press team: media@librariesconnected.org.uk

The Reading Room of Gateshead Central Library in 1926.

Gateshead Central Library: Celebrating a centenary with cultural events

Opinion

Rachel Ridley

The centenary was a chance to celebrate the library service as a whole.
An older woman uses a self-service library checkout machine.

How librarians can innovate with compassion in a changing world

Opinion

Ed Jewell

'We need innovation if we are to adapt to challenges and deliver on our potential.'
The inside of Austin Public Library in Texas showing a set of stairs.

How libraries can bring empathy to tech: My experience of SXSW

Opinion

Dave Lloyd

A recent visit to SXSW festival in Texas showed Dave Lloyd that libraries have much to offer the tech world.
A child is seen practising a craft activity.

Creating a SEND legacy: Bradford Libraries’ SENDiVERSE Festival

Opinion

Andrea Hardaker

SENDiVERSE is aimed at those with special educational needs and their carers.
A photograph showing two women talking as they hold cups of tea. In the foreground are pastries.

Know Your Neighbourhood: A project about people and belonging

Opinion

Tessa Blades

Our Sector Development Project Manager reflects as the programme comes towards a close.
The inside of the refurbished Tyldesley Library.

Tyldesley Library: A new identity for a historic building

Opinion

Sarah Speakman

Once a quiet Carnegie building steeped in history, Tyldesley has been refurbished and restored.
A group of people sit talking at a table in a library.

Build connections in your library this Loneliness Awareness Week

Opinion

Hannah Beatrice

Libraries are invited to create gentle, welcoming spaces for reflection and connection.
A man pushes a pushchair in a library.

The Libraries Connected Presidency: Stepping forward with confidence

Opinion

Ed Jewell

As nominations open for the next President of Libraries Connected, the incumbent considers the demands and rewards of the role.
The outside of Horbury Library and Town Hall.

Libraries at the heart of community celebrations: The case of Horbury Library

Opinion

Carole Knowles

Horbury Library celebrated its 120th birthday this year.
Anna Brader is seen holding a children's book.

Libraries on a SEND mission in North East Lincolnshire

Opinion

Anna Brader

Lincs Inspire libraries are committed to ensuring inclusive, welcoming spaces for SEND children and adults.
An ice rink in a library.

A year of transformation and creativity in Wigan Libraries

Opinion

Craig Jones

Funding has enabled Leigh Library to act as both quiet space and performance venue.
Children dressed in orange listen to a storytime in a library.

Social value: Measuring the true impact of libraries

Opinion

Chad Bentley

Social value is a way to measure value that goes beyond the monetary and the financial.