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

A family stands in front of a Ukrainian mobile library.

Five things we have learnt from Ukraine library partnerships

Isobel Hunter attended the Lviv International Library Conference in September to express our ongoing support for Ukraine's libraries.
A person walks down a quiet, winding path surrounded by lush green trees, basking in the warm evening light.

Green Libraries Week: How libraries are helping communities connect with nature

Public libraries have emerged as champions of environmental engagement, thanks to a groundbreaking project led by Libraries Connected and Natural England.
Libraries Connected President Ed Jewell delivers a speech at Manchester Central Library.

Public libraries: A ‘People’s Network’ for the 21st century

The spirit of the Public Libraries Act is not a relic but alive in every child who discovers a love of reading.'
An image from a Black British Ballet event in Bristol shows two women dancing.

'Into the Light: Pioneers of Black British Ballet' reaches final venues

The initiative has toured 29 libraries and delivered over 170 activities nationwide since its launch in October last year.
A female librarian reads with a child in a library.

Hull Schools Library Service: Creating lifelong readers for pleasure

Opinion

Amy Jeffrey

Children and young people need to see themselves and others in the texts they read, Amy writes.
A woman rests her head on her hand as she sits with a black cup at a table.

Applications open for 'Leading Libraries: Thriving in Complexity'

This programme will empower twelve new and emerging Heads of Service to lead in local government.
Members of the Over 60s Community Choir in Gloucestershire Libraries.

Singing for connection: How library-based choirs can transform lives

Opinion

Sally Williams

Gloucestershire's Over 60s Community Choir initiative was designed to provide connection among older adults.
Baroness Fiona Twycross speaking at Manchester Central Library

Minister pledges support for libraries on 175th anniversary of Public Libraries Act

Baroness Twycross was delivering the keynote address at our event marking 175 years of the Public Libraries Act.
A pair of hands seen grasping a white mug of hot brown liquid.

Public libraries: 'Places of belonging' at the centre of the Warm Welcome Campaign

Opinion

David Barclay

Among all Warm Welcome Spaces, libraries have grown faster than any other group.
A woman sits in a library wearing a blue coat.

What does the future look like for our public libraries?

Opinion

Ed Jewell

'I think these are the most challenging of times and the most exhilarating of times to work in libraries', Jewell says.
Children enjoy a tour of Godalming library. They are dressed in Scouts and Beavers uniforms.

Surrey Libraries and Scouts partner up for BBC 500 Words

Godalming library, part of Surrey Libraries, recently hosted an event for local Beavers based on the BBC 500 Words competition.
A woman smiles as she shows a child books in a library.

Libraries Connected welcomes government announcement of youth hubs

Libraries Connected has been working locally and regionally across England and Wales to better link Department of Work and Pension services with libraries.