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

An older man walks between library shelves.

Get the Nation Learning Week

Public libraries are places that have a profoundly positive impact on lifelong learning.
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.'
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.
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. 
An older man rea

Do you have an inspirational library story? Then write for us!

We are now accepting guest articles for the News section of the Libraries Connected website.
A female librarian sits at a desk working on a computer.

Libraries Connected welcomes English public library dataset publication

This is the first time Arts Council England and library services have undertaken this type of data collection.
A blood red sunset

Public libraries as 'cool spaces'

Libraries are again offering vital respite from the sun this summer.
An older man reads a book to a smiling child.

Libraries celebrate success of regional funding

The funding has supported new strategic projects in the nine English regions.
This image shows a man wearing a bright yellow T-shirt with "LOVE YOUR LIBRARY" printed in bold pink text on the back. He is standing in an outdoor setting with a crowd of people, including children and adults, around him. Some individuals are browsing books displayed in an open suitcase

Statement on Suffolk Libraries

Our response to the news that Suffolk’s library service will be taken in-house.
Young man with headphones on using a laptop with library bookshelves behind

Libraries Connected issues guidance to councils considering major changes to library services

Libraries Connected has published new guidance for local authorities that are considering major changes, including closures, to their library services.
Helen Milner and Isobel Hunter signing the Memorandum of Understanding between Good Things Foundation and Libraries Connected

Leading library and digital inclusion charities forge new partnership

Libraries Connected and Good Things Foundation, the UK's leading digital inclusion charity, have announced a new agreement that will see us work together more closely on fixing the digital divide.