Starting out as a Saturday assistant in Birmingham libraries, Ayub spent his early career in education and children’s services and was later Project Officer for the award-winning new Library of Birmingham.
Libraries Connected today presents the findings of its March 2022 survey around library fines and publishes its library fine survey summary report.
Libraries Connected calls for increased support for library services amid cost-of-living crisis
A recent survey of 32 heads of library services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland conducted by Libraries Connected revealed that over 80% expect an increase in people using libraries to keep warm next winter.
Libraries Connected is excited to announce the launch of its Peer Mentoring Scheme.
Making the Most of National Events: A Toolkit for Public Libraries
Our new toolkit gives an overview of how to successfully engage with cultural events, full of ideas, top tips and templates for developing strategies and planning event activity.
Libraries Connected publishes draft accreditation scheme for public libraries
What is a good public library, and how can this be reflected in a self-improvement framework?
Opportunity to Tender: Impact and Evaluation of Public Library Services in East of England
Public libraries are a core part of the UK’s social infrastructure, connecting communities with p
During the ongoing war in Ukraine, significant numbers of Ukrainians will be arriving in the UK as part of the government's 'Homes for Ukraine' and 'Ukraine Family Scheme' projects.
Why should libraries partner with higher education for public engagement?
We all know that public libraries change lives, but did you know that public engagement projects with higher education institutions (HEIs) can support this mission?
Libraries Connected is excited to announce that they will be offering two bursaries to the AMA Inclusivity and Audiences Day 2022.
We are delighted to be able to offer six bursaries to our 2022 Annual Seminar titled, ‘Redesigning the Future’.
The CIPFA library data released in February tells us more about the data systems and structures for libraries than libraries themselves.
Libraries Connected is delighted to see public libraries being recognised once again in the New Year Honours list.
Libraries Connected has appointed Shared Intelligence to support the development of its new four year strategy (2023-2027).
Every public library service in England will receive £1000 from Arts Council England to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next June.
Libraries Connected is working closely with DCMS to clarify how the government's new measures will affect public library services.
Libraries Connected seeks contractor for Heads of Service mentor scheme
Libraries Connected is seeking an expert contractor to facilitate the development of a peer mentor scheme for library Heads of Service.
Libraries Connected seeks contractor for new strategic plan and NPO bid
Libraries Connected is seeking an organisation to develop a new strategic plan for the period from 2023 to 2027.
Libraries Connected is delighted to announce the winners of its first ever awards to recognise and celebrate the achievements of library staff over the past year.
Library users and staff around the country have been choosing the novel that had meant the most to them during the pandemic.
Invitation to Tender: Information and Digital Learning Module for library staff
Libraries Connected are looking for a subject specialist to develop the content for two 30-minute online learning tutorials and liaise with our online learning provider on its production.
This week we will announce the shortlists for the inaugural Libraries Connected Awards 2021, celebrating the achievements of people working in libraries, acknowledging excellence and showcasing good practice.
Libraries Connected and CILIP seek Board Chair for new Workforce and Skills Strategy
We are seeking a Board Chair from the public library sector to Chair approximately four to eight meetings over the span of the Public Library Workforce and Skills Strategy project.
Libraries Connected and CILIP partner for new Workforce and Skills Strategy
Libraries Connected and CILIP are delighted to announce the commissioning of Evidence Base at Birmingham City University to create a new Workforce and Skills Strategy for Public Libraries.
Exploring Leadership is a new short course drawing upon some of the core concepts of the current Leading Libraries programme developed and led by the Birmingham Leadership Institute.
Dr Claire Nally and Dr Stacey Pitsillides share some thoughts on the Death Positive Libraries project and their research.
Libraries Connected launch new awards scheme for library staff
We're launching our new awards to recognise all the amazing achievements of library staff over the past year.
Library services selected for Family Arts/Age Friendly Standards development support
Libraries Connected, in partnership with The Family Arts Campaign, are inviting library authorities in England to apply for a small grant to support them in reviewing and improving their practice to apply for the Family Arts or Age Friendly Standards for their authority.
We are running two pilots over the next few months for our project to develop a form of accreditation for English public libraries.
Death positive libraries aim to remove the barriers to talking about death and dying through a range of innovative activities that appeal to diverse communities.
As part of the legacy of BBC Novels That Shaped Our World programme, Libraries Connected are creating a new list of the 100 novels that readers have found escape, solace and comfort from during the pandemic.
We are now halfway through our pilot training development programme for the Future Funding project, which seeks to help public libraries to develop the skills, abilities and knowledge they need to develop and diversify their income strategies.
Helen Tremaine from City of London Libraries explains their project which promotes the value of libraries in overcoming barriers within communities.
The Universal Library Offer workplan reflects some of the challenges libraries face as we emerge from lockdown as well as responding to ongoing societal issues around race and equality.
The Mozilla Festival is hosted by the Mozilla Foundation and harnesses the collective power of unexpected partnerships to creatively disrupt the status quo and reframe and reimagine our online world. This year Libraries Connected was able to offer a number of bursaries for public librarians to attend.
Mozfest will be held virtually from the 8 – 19 March and we are delighted to announce that we are offering a number of bursaries to public library staff who would like to attend.
Heads of library services want a system that will help them to improve and advocate for their services with a strong focus on demonstrating how they meet community need.
Applying for Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants
In December, we hosted a webinar on the National Lottery Project Fund with Claire Robe, Libraries Relationship Manager with Arts Council England.
The new Vision and Print Impaired People's Promise more direct and literally reflects the purpose and people at its heart.
Libraries Connected statement on English libraries in lockdown
Throughout this pandemic, Libraries Connected has kept the safety and wellbeing of staff, volunteers and library users at the centre of its decision making.
We know the challenges ahead are increasing and we know that our Future Funding programme will enable public libraries to actively develop effective and sustainable income generation strategies so they can maintain their services, writes Iain Moore
Mark Freeman, Past President of Libraries Connected has received an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list.
by Rachel Heydecker, Carnegie UK Trust
One thing we are keen to do at the Carnegie UK Trust is to share our learnings and talk to others about how they have been working during the pandemic.
Safety processes in libraries are working to keep people safe from COVID-19
Safety processes in libraries are working effectively to keep people safe from COVID-19 infections, reveals a survey for Libraries Connected released today
Libraries Connected statement on CIPFA library survey 2019/20
We know that even before the current crisis, many local authorities were struggling financially and this is reflected in the cuts to library spending.
Caroline Dinenage, Libraries Minister's speech at the Libraries Connected Day Seminar
DCMS has been promoting the importance of libraries actively across government in such areas as literacy, digital inclusion, business support and health and wellbeing. I’d like everyone to see public libraries as an investment, rather than a cost.
Ayub Khan, MBE elected as President Elect of Libraries Connected
Libraries Connected is delighted to announce the election of their new President Elect, Ayub Khan
We asked our members what they were expecting next year. Many are facing a triple whammy of budget reductions, loss of earned income and the increased costs of running COVID secure services.
Libraries Connected welcomes the new Great Digital Catch up campaign by The Good Things Foundation.
Over 75% of library services delivered online events during lockdown
Over 75% of libraries delivered online events during lockdown and library teams made over 130,000 calls to local people who were shielding or vulnerable, reveals our new report.
We are delighted to announce that our Chief Executive Isobel Hunter had been awarded an MBE services to public libraries in this year's Queen's Honours list.
I took a call from my Library Supervisor and found myself asking if there was anything I could do for our customers while libraries were closed.
We are looking for members to stand for the post of President Elect and Trustee of Libraries Connected.
We're seeking a training and skills development agency to deliver a commercial skills programme for libraries.
We’re back! How public libraries have been reopening their doors
As high streets, businesses and the wider economy starts to open, we’ve been collecting data about how public library services have been reopening.
As we all work our way through Covid-19, the issue of digital literacy has never been more important.
Today Libraries Connected publishes its toolkit to help libraries to reopen in July and to reintroduce their services gradually, in line with the latest public health advice.
Libraries Connected believes that Black Lives Matter.
We condemn racism and discrimination in all its forms.
We want to look back at this moment as the time when racial injustice is finally eradicated.
Carol Stump, from Kirklees Libraries, has become the new President of Libraries Connected.
Libraries as part of the solution to recovery: Reflections from our new President Carol Stump
It seems a long time ago now since I became President Elect of Libraries Connected. So much has happened both in the library world and the world at large.
A world turned on its head: Reflections from our Past President, Mark Freeman
It seems impossible to believe that two years have passed by since I stood up in front of my peers at the seminar which marked the passing from SCL to Libraries Connected.
In the current climate, we have all been prompted to think more about loss: the loss of normality, loss of work or income, and the loss of loved ones.
The immediate task of reopening the doors will only be the first step in gradually restoring library services and refocusing and repositioning them to meet the new challenges and opportunities of the post-Covid world.
New training module for Culture and Creativity Offer commissioned
Libraries Connected have appointed Creative Arts East to develop a new culture and creativity online learning module for library staff across England.
It seems counter-intuitive to shut down library services in a crisis - but that’s exactly what we’ve all had to do.
#LibrariesFromHome: New website highlighting digital and remote library services
Libraries Connected today launches #LibrariesFromHome, an online resource to showcase the fantastic remote services that libraries are delivering to people across the country
Request for government to advise the closure of public libraries
Libraries Connected has today written to government ministers to request that public libraries be added to the list of public venues that the government has asked to close.
Given the central role of libraries in their communities and their support to the most vulnerable, any decision taken to close buildings should not be taken lightly. We are calling on government to make a clear decision about closing libraries.
Two new member trustees appointed to Libraries Connected board
Libraries Connected is pleased to announce the appointment of two new trustees to the board, Anthony Hopkins, BEM from Merton and Kathryn Harrison from Wakefield.
Applications for bursary places at our 2020 annual seminar are now open
As part of our commitment to supporting the development of future library leaders, we are offering two sponsored places at our 2020 seminar.
Libraries Connected is closely monitoring this situation and its implications for library service
Invitation to tender: Independent evaluator for Leading Libraries
We are looking for an independent evaluator to evaluate our Leading Libraries programme and make recommendations about potential future activity.
We're looking for two new Trustees from our membership who are interested in helping to shape, grow and lead the future for Libraries Connected.
Sue Williamson, Director Libraries, Arts Council England looks at what the organisation’s 2020-2030 strategy means for libraries.
We're delighted to announce the appointment of three new roles within the Libraries Connected team to help us to deliver our key projects.
Birmingham Leadership Institute to deliver library leadership diversity programme
Libraries Connected has appointed Birmingham Leadership Institute to deliver their programme to drive diversity in library leadership.
Attracting young adults to the library: Inspiring new generations
Sue Ball writes about her time at the Eurolis Seminar, Italian Cultural Institute, Dec 2019
Invitation to tender: Culture and Creativity training module
We are looking for an arts or cultural organisation who can create an online learning module on libraries and culture to be hosted on our e-learning site.
Libraries Connected is planning a programme of training and mentoring to help library services to develop strategic approaches to income generation.
We are encouraged to see that local authority spending on libraries rose slightly this year even though levels have fallen significantly over the past decade.
Find out more about all we've achieved in our first year.
The Mozilla Festival (also known as MozFest) covers a range of topics focusing on creating a better internet. The theme for this year’s Mozilla Festival was healthy AI.
Statement on the government's Social Prescribing Academy launch
There are over 3000 public libraries in the UK and many of these are already working closely with local social prescribers.
We are looking for an expert contractor to help develop an accreditation scheme for English public libraries.
Invitation to tender: Independent evaluator for BBC Novels library campaign
We're looking for someone to evaluate our year-long reader engagement project for public libraries.
Libraries Connected are seeking an innovative and experienced development organisation to deliver a major leadership programme for public libraries.
Libraries Connected to consult on new accreditation framework for libraries
Libraries Connected today announce a vital new initiative to clearly define what a high-quality library service looks like.
Libraries Connected announces major new programme for The Novels That Shaped Our World festival
An exciting new programme of library activities, events and partnerships designed to celebrate the novel and promote the joy of reading, particularly to new and diverse audiences, is unveiled today.
This year, Libraries Week allows all of us who cherish libraries to celebrate their growing role
Libraries Connected and CILIP publish new roadmap for future library development
A new blueprint for an integrated and improved framework for supporting public libraries in England is published today.
A new support model for public libraries has been announced today that will be a game changer in how they face future challenges.
New project to tackle lack of diversity in library leadership announced
Libraries Connected today announce a new initiative to drive diversity in library leadership.
Libraries Connected met with JISC to discuss the future of the Digital Library Framework. The fra
For the past 10 months Libraries Connected have been working with Shared Intelligence to review our Universal Offers.
Libraries Connected today launches their refreshed Universal Library Offers, which demonstrate wo
First impressions: Catherine and Liz at the Libraries Connected Seminar
For the first time Libraries Connected, in partnership with Carnegie UK Trust, offered two sponsored places at the 2019 annual seminar to Liz Leyshon and Catherine Barlow.
This year's seminar theme was Libraries: A place for us all.
Two Libraries Connected trustees named in Queen’s Honours list
Lesley Sim and Martin Burton have today been named on the Queen’s Honours list. Both Lesley and Martin are trustees of Libraries Connected and will receive a BEM for their committed and inspiring work in libraries.
I believe that empathy is the quality that powers public libraries - offering reading that transports people to other places and other lives, providing shared spaces where different groups come together and feel they belong and delivering services that can make people’s lives better.
Statement on Digital Transformations for UK Public Libraries report
Libraries Connected welcomes the new report on digital transformation in libraries from the British Library, which is based on extensive research over the past year.
Libraries Connected believes that reading is and should be at the forefront of library activity and 182,895,337 books were issued in 2017/18. However, reading is not only a solitary activity and libraries have had huge success engaging communities around reading.
The luxury of being able to plan artistic programmes over four years, to take risks and immediately apply lessons from past activities, and new partnership opportunities were highlighted as some of the key benefits that National Portfolio status has brought to libraries.
The BBC will bring the BBC VR Hub to more than 40 local libraries across the UK from May to July in partnership with Libraries Connected and Scottish Library and Information Council.
I was the company archivist for Marks & Spencer back in 1999.
Somerset Libraries have been nominated as finalists in the Digital Leaders 100 Awards for the delivery of the Somerset Digital Skills Academy where they have worked with school students to encourage them to consider a career in the digital industry.
A librarian is a librarian but an OBE is an OBE by Ian Anstice
There’s a saying about librarians that no-one ever entered the profession for the money or the power. Too true, but I think another equally true statement is that no one ever goes in it expecting an award or an honour.
'The library was my portal to a new world' Bobby Seagull on libraries for World Book Day
The library was a place for us to discover everything around us. If we wanted to find out about South American rainforests, the engineering marvels of the Victorian era or read children’s fantasy literature, the library was my portal to a new world.
An invitation to talk about libraries and reading for pleasure is always exciting and when that invitation comes from Pakistan, it’s irresistible.
We are in the first stage of what we hope will be an extended three-part programme to improve the structure of the public library sector nationally.
I’m pleased to report that the Universal Offer review is gathering pace and that we will complete the evidence gathering phase of the project this month.
Libraries Connected awarded funding for regional development
Libraries Connected has been awarded £75,000 from the Arts Council to explore the support required by our regional networks.
The latest CIPFA figures are extremely worrying for anyone who cares about libraries.
Carol Stump announced as President Elect of Libraries Connected
Libraries Connected are delighted to announce the election of Carol Stump as our new President Elect.
A new initiative has been launched to establish a stronger future for public libraries across England.
Whenever I have a new person joining my team, I’m keen to hear their first impressions as their fresh eyes often spot things that us old-timers overlook.
Trafford Council became the first metropolitan borough to scrap all fines in its libraries in April 2018.
Libraries Connected new Universal Offers review will be carried out by Shared Intelligence.
Developing principles for working with young people in libraries
We are looking for an individual or organisation to work with representatives from ASCEL, Libraries Connected and The Reading Agency.
Libraries Week is our chance to celebrate libraries and to demonstrate just how much they deliver across a range of areas including health and wellbeing.
Launch of Growing Well, a Toolkit to Help Combat Childhood Obesity
In early 2017 ASCEL commissioned The Reading Agency to research recommendations for a possible children and young people’s strand of the Universal Health Offer.
I can't believe I'm already a month and half into the role of Programme Manager at Libraries Connected.
Libraries Connected is pleased to announce that Lesley Sim has been appointed to its Board of Trustees.
Our Universal Offers, launched in 2013, are a strategic programme and an articulation of the power of public libraries to enrich the lives of individuals and their communities.
Libraries Connected and CILIP welcomes the findings of the judicial review of Northamptonshire library service.
Programming arts and cultural events in libraries happens every day.
Listen to some of the main talks from our 2018 seminar.
The contribution of reading and libraries to mental health was centre stage at last Tuesday’s launch of the latest list.
I want briefly to reflect on where I came from and what public libraries did for me.
As I sit on the train heading to the SCL seminar I’m reflecting on the last two years and my term as President of SCL.
Libraries Connected launches today at a national seminar with the new Libraries Minister.
