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
Latest news
Libraries Connected Awards 2025 winners revealed
Our Awards celebrate the achievements of library workers who have had an exceptional impact on their library service.
This year's seminar theme was Libraries: A place for us all. Here are a some of the speeches and presentations from this year's seminar.
Over 150 people from the library sector joined us to explore the role of libraries in placemaking at the heart of communities. These included representatives from CILIP, British Library, DCMS, ACE, ASCEL, Carnegie UK Trust and The Reading Agency. Libraries Connected and Carnegie UK Trust also awarded bursaries to two aspiring leaders to cover the costs of their attendance.
Two Libraries Connected trustees named in Queen’s Honours list
Lesley Sim and Martin Burton have today been named on the Queen’s Honours list. Both Lesley and Martin are trustees of Libraries Connected and will receive a BEM for their committed and inspiring work in libraries.
Statement on Digital Transformations for UK Public Libraries report
Libraries Connected welcomes the new report on digital transformation in libraries from the British Library, which is based on extensive research over the past year.
Statement on Tim Coates survey on reading in libraries
Libraries Connected believes that reading is and should be at the forefront of library activity and 182,895,337 books were issued in 2017/18. However, reading is not only a solitary activity and libraries have had huge success engaging communities around reading.
New BBC tour of British libraries to showcase its VR videos
The BBC will bring the BBC VR Hub to more than 40 local libraries across the UK from May to July in partnership with Libraries Connected and Scottish Library and Information Council.
Somerset Libraries nominated for Digital Leaders 100 award
Somerset Libraries have been nominated as finalists in the Digital Leaders 100 Awards for the delivery of the Somerset Digital Skills Academy where they have worked with school students to encourage them to consider a career in the digital industry.
Libraries Connected awarded funding for regional development
Libraries Connected has been awarded £75,000 from the Arts Council to explore the support required by our regional networks.
Statement on CIPFA's annual library survey
The latest CIPFA figures are extremely worrying for anyone who cares about libraries.
Carol Stump announced as President Elect of Libraries Connected
Libraries Connected are delighted to announce the election of Carol Stump as our new President Elect.
New roadmap for public libraries to be investigated
A new initiative has been launched to establish a stronger future for public libraries across England.
