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

Image shows the Makerspace at Hull Central Library.

Skills bootcamps in Hull Libraries: How to grow creative talent

Opinion

Sarah Shiels

Demand for digital confidence is increasing amongst library staff.
A library van from Kent.

Kent's Home Library Service: Connecting the vulnerable and isolated

Opinion

Lindsay Prestage

The service forms a crucial connection for people who find it difficult or impossible to get to a library.
A young man works at a laptop in a library.

Ian Anstice reflects on 15 years of Public Libraries News

Opinion

Ian Anstice BEM

Anstice says public libraries remain 'amazing places that give free space and knowledge to all'.
A female librarian reads with a child in a library.

Hull Schools Library Service: Creating lifelong readers for pleasure

Opinion

Amy Jeffrey

Children and young people need to see themselves and others in the texts they read, Amy writes.
Members of the Over 60s Community Choir in Gloucestershire Libraries.

Singing for connection: How library-based choirs can transform lives

Opinion

Sally Williams

Gloucestershire's Over 60s Community Choir initiative was designed to provide connection among older adults.
A pair of hands seen grasping a white mug of hot brown liquid.

Public libraries: 'Places of belonging' at the centre of the Warm Welcome Campaign

Opinion

David Barclay

Among all Warm Welcome Spaces, libraries have grown faster than any other group.
A woman sits in a library wearing a blue coat.

What does the future look like for our public libraries?

Opinion

Ed Jewell

'I think these are the most challenging of times and the most exhilarating of times to work in libraries', Jewell says.
The inside of Greenwich Libraries. Photo credit: Better Libraries.

Championing reader development in Greenwich

Opinion

Sarah Davis

Creativity is a vital element of Greenwich's library offer.
The inside of the redesigned Holborn Library.

Camden Libraries: Making library spaces flexible and attractive

Opinion

Fiona Tarn

Creating beautiful spaces is a key ingredient to a modern library service.
A Merton Health and Welbeing Zone in Wimbledon Library. Credit: Merton Libraries.

Merton Libraries: A shining example of Health and Wellbeing support

Opinion

Nick Partridge

Merton provides access to free health monitoring equipment in its seven libraries.
Libraries Connected President Ed Jewell smiles into the camera. He is wearing a suit and a pair of glasses.

Ed Jewell reflects on one year as Libraries Connected President

Opinion

Ed Jewell

'I passionately believe that public libraries must play a critical role in supporting literacy and reading.'
Two women discuss something at a library table.

Libraries: the essential service

Opinion

Ed Jewell

Libraries Connected President Ed Jewell outlines his vision for the future of the public library service.