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

Christina Johnson and Ronald Perry of The Dance Theatre of Harlem ©Angela Taylor.

Black British Ballet delivers significant impact for libraries

Black British Ballet was a collaboration between Libraries Connected and Oxygen Arts.
Emma Hoddinott is seen with others holding up a new guide helping library workers support communities with digital literacy.

New guide helps library workers support communities with AI

The guide sets out four ways that libraries can engage people with AI and digital media literacy.
Parliament

Libraries Connected comments on government response to ACE review

Libraries Connected has commented on the Government's response to the Hodge review of Arts Council England.
Parliament

Government announces Media Literacy Action Plan

Libraries Connected has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a Media Literacy Action Plan.
People sitting at a table in a library engaged in a craft activity with yarn and knitted items, including colourful stuffed toys. The table has cups, craft supplies and a folder. A dog is lying on the floor underneath.

Growing volunteer community strengthens libraries but requires fresh support, study finds

Our new report shows a thriving culture of volunteering within England’s libraries.
Two women are seen working at laptops in a library.

Libraries spearhead government drive to boost digital inclusion and AI confidence

A new programme will develop a new practical digital inclusion guide for public libraries.
Illustration from 1843 edition of A Christmas Carol

Librarians reveal ultimate festive reading list for Christmas 2025

From Dickens to Discworld, these are the books librarians read at Christmas.
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.
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 mobile library in Ukraine

Isobel Hunter to join Ukraine library conference in solidarity

Hunter will contribute virtually to a panel discussion exploring international collaboration between library services.
A Know Your Neighbourhood group meets indoors at Barnsley for a garden party.

‘Better than a bag of gold’: Know Your Neighbourhood Fund extended for a year

This extension is recognition of the success the Fund has had in creating new opportunities to build social connections.
A man studies a document in a library.

Lords media literacy report recognises crucial role of libraries

Lords Communications and Digital Committee warns that "failure to prioritise media literacy in the UK presents a "risk to social cohesion and democracy".