Libraries Connected
@librariesconnected.bsky.social
We are an independent charity that supports, promotes and represents public libraries. Our work is driven and led by our membership, which includes almost every library service in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies.
Pinned
'I believe that libraries can play a powerful, convening role for the National Year of Reading'.
Our President @edjewell.bsky.social has been looking ahead to a challenging and exciting year for public #Libraries in 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/look-yo...
Our President @edjewell.bsky.social has been looking ahead to a challenging and exciting year for public #Libraries in 2026.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/look-yo...
'Achieving the Best Start in Life', a new report from @local.gov.uk, illustrates how public #Libraries make significant contributions as part of a multi‑agency support network for families with young children.
www.local.gov.uk/publications...
www.local.gov.uk/publications...
Achieving the best start in life: Research to support a plan for partners
The LGA commissioned research with councils, stakeholders, and parents and carers across 60 English local authorities. It identified effective approaches to meeting the national GLD target, alongside ...
www.local.gov.uk
February 10, 2026 at 12:31 PM
'Achieving the Best Start in Life', a new report from @local.gov.uk, illustrates how public #Libraries make significant contributions as part of a multi‑agency support network for families with young children.
www.local.gov.uk/publications...
www.local.gov.uk/publications...
'Blind Date with a Book' at Lowestoft #Library encourages bookworms to buy a surprise work of fiction for 50p.
How is your library marking #ValentinesDay?
www.edp24.co.uk/news/2084793...
How is your library marking #ValentinesDay?
www.edp24.co.uk/news/2084793...
Valentine’s Day themed fun at Lowestoft Library
Visitors to Lowestoft Library are being encouraged to not judge a book by its cover as part of a Valentine's Day themed activity.
www.edp24.co.uk
February 10, 2026 at 11:56 AM
'Blind Date with a Book' at Lowestoft #Library encourages bookworms to buy a surprise work of fiction for 50p.
How is your library marking #ValentinesDay?
www.edp24.co.uk/news/2084793...
How is your library marking #ValentinesDay?
www.edp24.co.uk/news/2084793...
Amongst the recommendations made by the @local.gov.uk Children's Mental Health Task and Finish Group is 'Immediate investment into early intervention and prevention that can have a positive impact on improving and preventing poor mental health.'
www.local.gov.uk/publications...
#CMHW26
www.local.gov.uk/publications...
#CMHW26
Children's Mental Health task and finish group: Key findings and recommendations
The task and finish group has developed a number of recommendations for both central and local government, setting out what more can be done to support children and young people’s mental health.
www.local.gov.uk
February 10, 2026 at 11:11 AM
Amongst the recommendations made by the @local.gov.uk Children's Mental Health Task and Finish Group is 'Immediate investment into early intervention and prevention that can have a positive impact on improving and preventing poor mental health.'
www.local.gov.uk/publications...
#CMHW26
www.local.gov.uk/publications...
#CMHW26
A new report reveals around two million young people in the UK have unmet mental health needs.
The NHS supports the most urgent cases. #Libraries, through schemes like Reading Well for Children, make crucial early interventions.
www.youngminds.org.uk/media/tnsdys...
#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek
The NHS supports the most urgent cases. #Libraries, through schemes like Reading Well for Children, make crucial early interventions.
www.youngminds.org.uk/media/tnsdys...
#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek
February 10, 2026 at 10:37 AM
A new report reveals around two million young people in the UK have unmet mental health needs.
The NHS supports the most urgent cases. #Libraries, through schemes like Reading Well for Children, make crucial early interventions.
www.youngminds.org.uk/media/tnsdys...
#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek
The NHS supports the most urgent cases. #Libraries, through schemes like Reading Well for Children, make crucial early interventions.
www.youngminds.org.uk/media/tnsdys...
#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek
Public #Libraries across the country are getting involved enthusiastically in Children's Mental Health Week. On Wednesday Walthamstow Library have a 'Create your own Jellybuddy' session!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/childrens-...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/childrens-...
Children's Mental Health Week Craft at Walthamstow Library
Come join us at Walthamstow Library to create your own Jellybuddy!
www.eventbrite.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 12:26 PM
Public #Libraries across the country are getting involved enthusiastically in Children's Mental Health Week. On Wednesday Walthamstow Library have a 'Create your own Jellybuddy' session!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/childrens-...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/childrens-...
LGBT+ History Month highlights LGBT+ people’s achievements throughout history.
Public #Libraries are enthusiastic supporters of the celebrations. In Richmond Libraries this month you can find the annual 'Pink Proms'.
www.richmond.gov.uk/news/news_fe...
Public #Libraries are enthusiastic supporters of the celebrations. In Richmond Libraries this month you can find the annual 'Pink Proms'.
www.richmond.gov.uk/news/news_fe...
February 9, 2026 at 12:18 PM
LGBT+ History Month highlights LGBT+ people’s achievements throughout history.
Public #Libraries are enthusiastic supporters of the celebrations. In Richmond Libraries this month you can find the annual 'Pink Proms'.
www.richmond.gov.uk/news/news_fe...
Public #Libraries are enthusiastic supporters of the celebrations. In Richmond Libraries this month you can find the annual 'Pink Proms'.
www.richmond.gov.uk/news/news_fe...
Today marks the start of Children's Mental Health Week.
Parents and carers can find terrific resources in #Libraries designed to help children through difficult times in the form of @readingagency.bsky.social Reading Well for Children books.
readingagency.org.uk/get-reading/...
Parents and carers can find terrific resources in #Libraries designed to help children through difficult times in the form of @readingagency.bsky.social Reading Well for Children books.
readingagency.org.uk/get-reading/...
February 9, 2026 at 11:01 AM
Today marks the start of Children's Mental Health Week.
Parents and carers can find terrific resources in #Libraries designed to help children through difficult times in the form of @readingagency.bsky.social Reading Well for Children books.
readingagency.org.uk/get-reading/...
Parents and carers can find terrific resources in #Libraries designed to help children through difficult times in the form of @readingagency.bsky.social Reading Well for Children books.
readingagency.org.uk/get-reading/...
We have enjoyed seeing how #Libraries have embraced this year's National Storytelling Week with great enthusiasm and creativity.
There is still time to join Wigan Libraries for their Storytelling Marathon!
www.facebook.com/615721361222...
There is still time to join Wigan Libraries for their Storytelling Marathon!
www.facebook.com/615721361222...
Family Hub at Leigh
🎉📚Wigan Borough Libraries are celebrating National Storytelling Week 2026 with a Storytelling Marathon — and you’re invited! 📚🎉
See the post below for all the deatils.
www.facebook.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:41 AM
We have enjoyed seeing how #Libraries have embraced this year's National Storytelling Week with great enthusiasm and creativity.
There is still time to join Wigan Libraries for their Storytelling Marathon!
www.facebook.com/615721361222...
There is still time to join Wigan Libraries for their Storytelling Marathon!
www.facebook.com/615721361222...
Bradford Libraries have a packed programme for National Storytelling Week, 'Soundtrack Your Story'.
They are blending storytelling with poetry, songwriting, music and more.
www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/2581116...
They are blending storytelling with poetry, songwriting, music and more.
www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/2581116...
Bradford district libraries bringing stories to life with week of creative events
Bradford Libraries mark National Storytelling Week and the National Year of Reading 2026 with creative workshops, poetry, music and family events…
www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Bradford Libraries have a packed programme for National Storytelling Week, 'Soundtrack Your Story'.
They are blending storytelling with poetry, songwriting, music and more.
www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/2581116...
They are blending storytelling with poetry, songwriting, music and more.
www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/2581116...
#Libraries - @creativelivescl.bsky.social want to hear how creative groups across the UK are faring.
Everyone who completes this survey can enter a random draw to win a £250 grant to support their creative group.
www.creative-lives.org/creative-liv...
Everyone who completes this survey can enter a random draw to win a £250 grant to support their creative group.
www.creative-lives.org/creative-liv...
Creative Lives Monitor 2026
Tell us about your creative group - and you could win a £250/€290 grant.
www.creative-lives.org
February 4, 2026 at 12:30 PM
#Libraries - @creativelivescl.bsky.social want to hear how creative groups across the UK are faring.
Everyone who completes this survey can enter a random draw to win a £250 grant to support their creative group.
www.creative-lives.org/creative-liv...
Everyone who completes this survey can enter a random draw to win a £250 grant to support their creative group.
www.creative-lives.org/creative-liv...
Lambeth #Libraries have curated a fascinating series of events for #LGBTHM26, including a discussion with Grace Flahive about her novel Palm Meridian, a love story set in a lesbian retirement resort in Florida in the year 2067.
www.brixtonbuzz.com/2026/01/lamb...
www.brixtonbuzz.com/2026/01/lamb...
Local events as Lambeth Libraries celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month, February 2026
February is LGBTQ+ History Month, and Lambeth Libraries are proud to present a packed programme of events celebrating LGBTQ+ history, culture, and community.
www.brixtonbuzz.com
February 4, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Lambeth #Libraries have curated a fascinating series of events for #LGBTHM26, including a discussion with Grace Flahive about her novel Palm Meridian, a love story set in a lesbian retirement resort in Florida in the year 2067.
www.brixtonbuzz.com/2026/01/lamb...
www.brixtonbuzz.com/2026/01/lamb...
Did you know that Redbridge #Libraries offer access to more than half a million items including books in physical, audio and digital forms, DVDs and magazines?
There are so many ways to immerse yourself in the joy of storytelling this #NationalStorytellingWeek!
www.redbridge.gov.uk/news/februar...
There are so many ways to immerse yourself in the joy of storytelling this #NationalStorytellingWeek!
www.redbridge.gov.uk/news/februar...
February 4, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Did you know that Redbridge #Libraries offer access to more than half a million items including books in physical, audio and digital forms, DVDs and magazines?
There are so many ways to immerse yourself in the joy of storytelling this #NationalStorytellingWeek!
www.redbridge.gov.uk/news/februar...
There are so many ways to immerse yourself in the joy of storytelling this #NationalStorytellingWeek!
www.redbridge.gov.uk/news/februar...
Gloucestershire #Libraries know that National Storytelling Week is not just for those who enjoy reading.
This February they are hosting play-along storytelling experiences for children.
Acting out adventures can lead to enjoying books in the future.
gloslibraries.uk/news/nationa...
This February they are hosting play-along storytelling experiences for children.
Acting out adventures can lead to enjoying books in the future.
gloslibraries.uk/news/nationa...
National Storytelling Week | Gloucestershire Libraries
That’s why we’re bringing play-along storytelling experiences to families during February half-term. Listening to and acting out adventures can be a bridge to enjoying books in the future. It has othe...
gloslibraries.uk
February 3, 2026 at 11:15 AM
Gloucestershire #Libraries know that National Storytelling Week is not just for those who enjoy reading.
This February they are hosting play-along storytelling experiences for children.
Acting out adventures can lead to enjoying books in the future.
gloslibraries.uk/news/nationa...
This February they are hosting play-along storytelling experiences for children.
Acting out adventures can lead to enjoying books in the future.
gloslibraries.uk/news/nationa...
Public #Libraries across the country will be busy this #LGBTHM26 with packed programmes of events.
In Wandsworth there are themed craft sessions and a LGBTQ+ Poetry Evening where you can share your poetry in an open mic session!
www.wandsworth.gov.uk/news/news-ja...
In Wandsworth there are themed craft sessions and a LGBTQ+ Poetry Evening where you can share your poetry in an open mic session!
www.wandsworth.gov.uk/news/news-ja...
Celebrating LGBT+ History Month in Wandsworth - Wandsworth Borough Council
www.wandsworth.gov.uk
February 3, 2026 at 11:07 AM
Public #Libraries across the country will be busy this #LGBTHM26 with packed programmes of events.
In Wandsworth there are themed craft sessions and a LGBTQ+ Poetry Evening where you can share your poetry in an open mic session!
www.wandsworth.gov.uk/news/news-ja...
In Wandsworth there are themed craft sessions and a LGBTQ+ Poetry Evening where you can share your poetry in an open mic session!
www.wandsworth.gov.uk/news/news-ja...
National Storytelling Week 2026 begins today with the theme of 'Soundtrack Your Story'.
Public #Libraries do so much to promote the joy of storytelling, providing books to inspire for all ages and rhyme and song sessions for the young.
literacytrust.org.uk/resources/na...
Public #Libraries do so much to promote the joy of storytelling, providing books to inspire for all ages and rhyme and song sessions for the young.
literacytrust.org.uk/resources/na...
February 2, 2026 at 11:33 AM
National Storytelling Week 2026 begins today with the theme of 'Soundtrack Your Story'.
Public #Libraries do so much to promote the joy of storytelling, providing books to inspire for all ages and rhyme and song sessions for the young.
literacytrust.org.uk/resources/na...
Public #Libraries do so much to promote the joy of storytelling, providing books to inspire for all ages and rhyme and song sessions for the young.
literacytrust.org.uk/resources/na...
'The Role of Sport, Arts and Culture in Supporting Community Cohesion' is a new report from @local.gov.uk and @belongnetwork.bsky.social.
It considers the role of sport, arts and culture in supporting community cohesion, in the context of the summer of 2024.
www.local.gov.uk/topics/cultu...
It considers the role of sport, arts and culture in supporting community cohesion, in the context of the summer of 2024.
www.local.gov.uk/topics/cultu...
January 29, 2026 at 12:40 PM
'The Role of Sport, Arts and Culture in Supporting Community Cohesion' is a new report from @local.gov.uk and @belongnetwork.bsky.social.
It considers the role of sport, arts and culture in supporting community cohesion, in the context of the summer of 2024.
www.local.gov.uk/topics/cultu...
It considers the role of sport, arts and culture in supporting community cohesion, in the context of the summer of 2024.
www.local.gov.uk/topics/cultu...
Lincs Inspire #Libraries are on a mission to develop their offer for SEND adults and children.
Operational Manager Anna Brader tells us about the addition of Sound Clouds to the Sensory Room at Cleethorpes Library, amongst other exciting work.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
Operational Manager Anna Brader tells us about the addition of Sound Clouds to the Sensory Room at Cleethorpes Library, amongst other exciting work.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
January 28, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Lincs Inspire #Libraries are on a mission to develop their offer for SEND adults and children.
Operational Manager Anna Brader tells us about the addition of Sound Clouds to the Sensory Room at Cleethorpes Library, amongst other exciting work.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
Operational Manager Anna Brader tells us about the addition of Sound Clouds to the Sensory Room at Cleethorpes Library, amongst other exciting work.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
Next week is #NationalStorytellingWeek, part of the National Year of Reading 2026.
The theme is 'Soundtrack your story' because music connects us to words, helping us express ourselves.
#Libraries can access resources from @literacy-trust.bsky.social.
literacytrust.org.uk/resources/na...
The theme is 'Soundtrack your story' because music connects us to words, helping us express ourselves.
#Libraries can access resources from @literacy-trust.bsky.social.
literacytrust.org.uk/resources/na...
National Storytelling Week 2026 Activities, Events And Resources | National Literacy Trust
Storytelling ideas and activities for teachers in primary and secondary schools, and professionals in early years settings to celebrate National Storytelling Week 2026.
literacytrust.org.uk
January 28, 2026 at 11:01 AM
Next week is #NationalStorytellingWeek, part of the National Year of Reading 2026.
The theme is 'Soundtrack your story' because music connects us to words, helping us express ourselves.
#Libraries can access resources from @literacy-trust.bsky.social.
literacytrust.org.uk/resources/na...
The theme is 'Soundtrack your story' because music connects us to words, helping us express ourselves.
#Libraries can access resources from @literacy-trust.bsky.social.
literacytrust.org.uk/resources/na...
SparkSpace from @librariesrising.bsky.social recognises that the feeling of welcome that libraries generate 'cannot be assumed' but 'needs to be actively built, through listening, trust and shared ownership.'
www.londondaily.news/libraries-ar...
www.londondaily.news/libraries-ar...
January 27, 2026 at 11:46 AM
SparkSpace from @librariesrising.bsky.social recognises that the feeling of welcome that libraries generate 'cannot be assumed' but 'needs to be actively built, through listening, trust and shared ownership.'
www.londondaily.news/libraries-ar...
www.londondaily.news/libraries-ar...
@librariesrising.bsky.social has launched SparkSpace, a training platform designed to help #Library teams engage and empower young people in meaningful ways.
#Librarians can access the training now.
librariesrising.org.uk/sparkspace-c...
#Librarians can access the training now.
librariesrising.org.uk/sparkspace-c...
January 27, 2026 at 11:31 AM
@librariesrising.bsky.social has launched SparkSpace, a training platform designed to help #Library teams engage and empower young people in meaningful ways.
#Librarians can access the training now.
librariesrising.org.uk/sparkspace-c...
#Librarians can access the training now.
librariesrising.org.uk/sparkspace-c...
This #HolocaustMemorialDay, 'Bridging Generations', the Holocaust Educational Trust has put together a selection of readings that invite us to consider our own obligations.
You can read them here. Then, why not look for more information in your local #Library?
www.het.org.uk/news-and-eve...
You can read them here. Then, why not look for more information in your local #Library?
www.het.org.uk/news-and-eve...
January 27, 2026 at 11:03 AM
This #HolocaustMemorialDay, 'Bridging Generations', the Holocaust Educational Trust has put together a selection of readings that invite us to consider our own obligations.
You can read them here. Then, why not look for more information in your local #Library?
www.het.org.uk/news-and-eve...
You can read them here. Then, why not look for more information in your local #Library?
www.het.org.uk/news-and-eve...
On Friday we held our first event for the @literacy-trust.bsky.social National Year of Reading 2026.
The event at Lower Earley Library brought together MP Yuan Yang with book blogger @savidgereads.bsky.social to talk about reading, storytelling and libraries.
Photo credit: Iron and Glass
The event at Lower Earley Library brought together MP Yuan Yang with book blogger @savidgereads.bsky.social to talk about reading, storytelling and libraries.
Photo credit: Iron and Glass
January 26, 2026 at 12:02 PM
On Friday we held our first event for the @literacy-trust.bsky.social National Year of Reading 2026.
The event at Lower Earley Library brought together MP Yuan Yang with book blogger @savidgereads.bsky.social to talk about reading, storytelling and libraries.
Photo credit: Iron and Glass
The event at Lower Earley Library brought together MP Yuan Yang with book blogger @savidgereads.bsky.social to talk about reading, storytelling and libraries.
Photo credit: Iron and Glass
Tomorrow is Holocaust Memorial Day.
As guardians of truth and centres of their diverse communities, public #Libraries have a vital role to play in helping us continue to remember and learn from the atrocities of history.
Here is how libraries can get involved.
hmd.org.uk/resource/you...
As guardians of truth and centres of their diverse communities, public #Libraries have a vital role to play in helping us continue to remember and learn from the atrocities of history.
Here is how libraries can get involved.
hmd.org.uk/resource/you...
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust | Your library and Holocaust Memorial Day
Libraries play a key role in communities by providing a cultural hub for everyone to enjoy and a space to ask questions, learn and explore. They are unique in the variety of different people they brin...
hmd.org.uk
January 26, 2026 at 11:43 AM
Tomorrow is Holocaust Memorial Day.
As guardians of truth and centres of their diverse communities, public #Libraries have a vital role to play in helping us continue to remember and learn from the atrocities of history.
Here is how libraries can get involved.
hmd.org.uk/resource/you...
As guardians of truth and centres of their diverse communities, public #Libraries have a vital role to play in helping us continue to remember and learn from the atrocities of history.
Here is how libraries can get involved.
hmd.org.uk/resource/you...
New research by @local.gov.uk shows councils are working to improve digital inclusion, but progress is slowed by funding challenges.
We know public #Libraries are key drivers of digital inclusion, but they must receive the funding to carry out this vital work.
www.local.gov.uk/about/news/c...
We know public #Libraries are key drivers of digital inclusion, but they must receive the funding to carry out this vital work.
www.local.gov.uk/about/news/c...
Councils leading on digital inclusion but need extra funding and national coordination to unlock growth
Research by the LGA shows that councils are actively working to improve digital inclusion, but progress is being hampered by funding challenges and a lack of national coordination.
www.local.gov.uk
January 26, 2026 at 11:08 AM
New research by @local.gov.uk shows councils are working to improve digital inclusion, but progress is slowed by funding challenges.
We know public #Libraries are key drivers of digital inclusion, but they must receive the funding to carry out this vital work.
www.local.gov.uk/about/news/c...
We know public #Libraries are key drivers of digital inclusion, but they must receive the funding to carry out this vital work.
www.local.gov.uk/about/news/c...
Reposted by Libraries Connected
Thanks for our good friends @librariesconnected.bsky.social for shining a bright & colourful light on #WarmWelcomeSpaces this #WarmWelcomeWeek. Did you know that there are over 1,600 library spaces, like Warwickshire libraries, offering guests a wonderful Warm Welcome!
💗♥️🧡💜
💗♥️🧡💜
Warwickshire #Libraries have been embracing the @warmwelcomeuk.bsky.social campaign with relaxed social activities.
#WarmWelcomeWeek isn't just about spaces that are literally warm - it is about the communal warmth that places like libraries radiate.
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article...
#WarmWelcomeWeek isn't just about spaces that are literally warm - it is about the communal warmth that places like libraries radiate.
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article...
The warmest of welcomes on offer at Warwickshire’s libraries – Warwickshire County Council
Warwickshire County Council is celebrating Warm Welcome Week (19–25 January 2026) by highlighting the free and welcoming spaces available across Warwickshire
www.warwickshire.gov.uk
January 23, 2026 at 10:18 AM
Thanks for our good friends @librariesconnected.bsky.social for shining a bright & colourful light on #WarmWelcomeSpaces this #WarmWelcomeWeek. Did you know that there are over 1,600 library spaces, like Warwickshire libraries, offering guests a wonderful Warm Welcome!
💗♥️🧡💜
💗♥️🧡💜