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

Libraries Connected President Ed Jewell smiles into the camera. He is wearing a pair of glasses.

Reflecting on the Presidency: Confidence, community, and our libraries

Opinion

Ed Jewell

In his final blog as our President, Ed Jewell writes of a 'growing confidence in what our libraries can achieve'.
A cake celebrating 120 years of Westhoughton Library.

A reassuring presence in a changing world: 120 years of Westhoughton Library

Opinion

Friends of Westhoughton Library

Westhoughton does what libraries do best, making people feel that knowledge, stories, and community belong to everyone.
A view of a room in the Klementinum Library in central Prague.

What I learnt at EBLIDA Conference 2026

Opinion

Isobel Hunter

Attending the EBLIDA Conference in Prague last month provided a timely reminder of the value of international library cooperation. Across Europe, libraries are grappling with many of the same challenges including sustainability, public trust, digital access, and their role in democratic society. Sharing ideas and practical approaches across borders helps us see both what we take for granted and where we might push further.

Libraries Connected's new Chair Ben Holden and Chief Executive Isobel Hunter.

Public libraries are transformational – as Chair-elect I want this to be recognised

Opinion

Ben Holden

Ben Holden was recently elected Chair of Libraries Connected. Here he tells us more about his background and the aims of his Chairmanship.
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.