Guest Speakers

Ida Blixt Teige is in charge of two libraries in Oslo, Norway. One of these libraries is the world’s first Biblo – a library only open to 10- to 15-year-olds. Teige is educated in History of Ideas and Theatre Directing. Before she got engaged in the library field she worked on an Artistic Research Program at the Theatre department of Oslo National Academy of the Arts, exploring postdramatic theatre methods both in theatre institutions and the free theatre field. Teige has eight years experience working in public library and is especially interested in how literature and art can build community, creativity, and compassion.
Deichman Biblo Tøyen opened in 2016 in the Tøyen neighborhood in central Oslo. Before Biblo the children from Tøyen lacked a place to hang out after school, something that resulted in children hanging out on street corners. Tøyen had, and still has, a considerable percentage of child poverty. Biblo was built as a response to this. Together with local children we built a library on their premises. Biblo uses interesting interior, a wide range of activities, literature and relationship building to evoke compassion and open mindedness in each child visiting us. Now, ten years later, Biblo is a haven for children where they can put away their phone and everyday distractions, and step into a magical world filled with creativity and wonder.

Sofia Akel is Director of Free Books [more information to follow]

 

Library Speed Talks

“To Be…” at Southwark Libraries

Presented by Praveen Manghani, Libraries and Heritage Manager and Elaine Walters Library Development Manager

Southwark Library Service has been through a period of change and innovation in recent years, opening new libraries, renovating several sites and expanding the range of services on offer to include new and creative initiatives. Despite this, visitor numbers, whilst increasing, have been slow to reach pre-Covid levels. We felt that we needed a big push on our marketing and publicity to ensure that our residents and visitors were aware of the services we offer – both existing and new services - and embarked on a forward-thinking marketing project to achieve this. Launched in 2025 and anchored by a flagship “Books and Beyond” Open Day at our flagship Canada Water Library, the campaign aimed to transform how people see their local library and to reach residents who hadn’t engaged with us before. In this presentation we will cover the main elements of the campaign – from inception to launch and beyond -  a truly community and staff focused initiative designed to welcome new and lapsed users  - shining a light on our libraries as vibrant hubs for reading, learning, creativity, and connection.

The Outdoor Explorer Club - meaningful co-production - Libraries Unlimited

Presented by Beth Harris Health and Wellbeing Development Manager

The Outdoor Explorer Club is a project designed to make nature and the outdoors feel more accessible to children and families with special educational needs, disabilities, and neurodivergence. Working with a group of SEND children, young people and schools, alongside local organisations caring for outdoor sites, we created a leaflet, set of online resources, PDF downloads and audio stories. It has grown into a reading challenge for nature visits, offered work experience opportunities for young people, strengthened our partnerships and most importantly, enabled meaningful co-production with SEND children and young people.

Explore Tech, Expand Worlds – linking technology and storytelling - Blackpool Libraries

Presented by Alan Woods, Operations Manager Blackpool Libraries

Blackpool Libraries have been running the Explore Tech, Expand Worlds programme, which is a creative technology initiative aimed at young people allowing them to explore digital skills and immersive tech through fun, free, hands-on workshops. 

The project also aimed to connect young people in Blackpool with technology companies and creative professionals, opening up awareness of careers in digital and creative tech industries. 

It focused on introducing young people (typically ages 12–17) to technology, digital art, game design, VR and related skills. The programme helped participants learn basic skills in immersive storytelling, such as working with 3D assets, creating game worlds, stop-motion animation, and integrating those assets into interactive experiences. 

This project reflected Blackpool Libraries’ wider efforts to use libraries as hubs for digital skills development and creative learning, especially for youth audiences. 

From funding need to library alchemy - how the possibility of a new digital resource was a catalyst for community cohesion with resettled Afghan families in libraries - Cornwall Libraries

Presented by Nastassia Player, Library Resource Co-ordinator and Paul Evered, Library Service Delivery Manager

Find out about the series of conversations, partnerships and events which Cornwall Libraries explored to take a funding need for a dual language digital resource to true library alchemy between resettled Afghan families and the community in Torpoint as case studied in the MHCLG Pride in Place Strategy.

Much Ado About Data: evidencing the impact of libraries - Warwickshire Libraries

Presented by Lucy Carlton-Walker, Creative Director and Dr Anjna Chouhan, Creative Producer

This short presentation will chart the journey of Warwickshire Libraries' creation of a data dashboard, sharing the highs and lows of gathering and showcasing data from a public library service. The dashboard's creation is a testament to the strength of collaboration, determination, and problem-solving within Warwickshire County Council, and represents best practice in the demonstration of cultural impact in the sector.

Learning through Play: LEGO Build the Change in Idea Stores- Tower Hamlets/Idea Stores

Presented by Alison Harland, Children’s Library Development Manager 

In 2024, Idea Stores partnered with Aarhus Library in Denmark and the LEGO Foundation in an international project exploring how LEGO® Build the Change sessions work in libraries. Focused on children aged 12 and under, the project used learning through play to help children express ideas for a better future and tackle real‑world challenges. Since summer 2024, Idea Stores have delivered sessions on biodiversity and local sustainability issues, reaching over 2,300 children.

EverySpace for Everyone - Cambridgeshire Libraries

Presented by Luke Oakes, Library Development Manager

Find out about how Cambridgeshire Libraries created EverySpace, a new, innovative, flexible community resource supporting people and small businesses to develop their digital skills, providing access to new facilities, including green screen technology and sound recording rooms. Created at two locations, Cambridge Central Library and March Library in Fenland, EverySpace empowers local groups to host varied events and activities to create, connect, share and discover at the library.

Uncovering AI for library customers: Innovating in Trusted Spaces - Inspire: Culture, Learning & Libraries (Nottinghamshire)

Presented by Ruth Telford-Brown, Libraries & Culture Officer

Four library services have taken the challenge to embrace the topics of Artificial Intelligence and Misinformation with their service users, testing agile approaches and recording the learning. This talk will present the activities and experience of the Innovating in Trusted Spaces project (funded by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology). We will reflect upon both service offer and staff development when it comes to libraries stepping up as trusted voices for the public in our rapidly-changing online world.

The Storynook: Bringing Stories to Life Through Play – Salford Libraries

Presented by Simon Donn, Library Development Officer: Early Years Engagment

Our Salford Libraries Storynooks are packed full of fun, yet meaningful, resources to help families explore and enjoy stories through play. Storynooks are libraries at their most accessible and are perfect for families searching for an alternative to traditional storytelling. Learn more about these unique resources, and about the important role they play in speech and language development, encouraging communication and helping to strengthen the bond between parent and child.
 

From Conversations to Collaborations: Building a Festival together – Leeds Libraries

Presented by Rachel Ingle-Teare, Senior Librarian (Children and Young People)

This talk takes a behind-the-scenes look at how partnerships have helped shape and grow the Leeds Storytelling Festival into the vibrant celebration it is today. From working with brilliant artists and authors to teaming up with libraries, schools, and community groups, collaboration has been the magic ingredient. I’ll share stories of how these relationships have sparked new ideas, reached new audiences, and created joyful, meaningful experiences across the city. It’s an honest and inspiring look at what can happen when people come together with a shared love of stories, books and inspiring children and young people to read —  how partnerships can turn big ideas into something truly special.