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 female librarian speaks with a man in a library.

Arts Council England launches Libraries Development Framework

The Framework will allow library services to advocate effectively at local and national levels.
Two women smile as they listen to a discussion.

Libraries Connected launches second round of Peer Mentoring Scheme

The scheme is open to Heads of Service and Emerging Leaders considering applying for a Head of Service role in the next year.
Two women speak in a library.

Revisions to England's library byelaws announced

Byelaws are intended to help libraries deliver their service within a safe and comfortable environment.
A woman laughts in a library.

Libraries Connected Awards 2025: Shortlists announced

The Awards celebrate the achievements of library workers who have had an exceptional impact on their library service, users or their local communities.
A person is relaxing outdoors, reclining on a chair with legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles, wearing denim shorts and pink floral slip-on shoes. They are holding an ereader in one hand, displaying text in French. The person has colorful bracelets and wristbands on both wrists, along with star tattoos. In the background, there is an ornate metal railing, stone structures, and greenery, suggesting a park or garden setting with blurred figures in the distance.

Report: cheaper ebooks for libraries could "revolutionise the promotion of reading"

Publishers could open up important new promotional and reader development opportunities by making ebooks cheaper and more accessible to public libraries, according to a new report funded by Arts Council England.
A female librarian welcomes a customer.

New appointments strengthen our library advocacy voice

We are pleased to announce the arrivals of three new staff members.
Libraries Connected Award winners with Nick Forster, Ayub Khan, Isobel Hunter and Ed Jewell.

OverDrive to sponsor Libraries Connected Awards for fourth year running

OverDrive is creator of the award-winning library reading app Libby.
Three people sit around a table in a library working.

Microgrants round three: prepare your applications

The Microgrants Programme offers grants of £1,000–£5,000 to support small-scale projects or the early stages of larger initiatives.
Schoolchildren jump in the air as they pass a monile library.

London's libraries were visited by almost 32 million people last year

The impressive figures are part of London Libraries' 2023-24 Annual Report.
The inside of a library. People are sitting down in the background.

Charities join forces to 'poverty proof' libraries

This project seeks to remove the barriers that prevent low-income families from accessing support at their library.
The inside of Barnsley Light Box library.

Yorkshire and Humber libraries reflect on a year of success

Yorkshire and Humber libraries welcomed almost 10 million people through their doors in 2023 to 2024.