South Western Regional Library Services
@swrls.bsky.social
Uniting, inspiring, collaborating across libraries, information services and cultural organisations in the South West
www.swrls.org.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/swrls
Chair of Trustees: Donna Gundry
Coordinator: Shelley Trower
www.swrls.org.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/swrls
Chair of Trustees: Donna Gundry
Coordinator: Shelley Trower
Next SWRLS event coming up in Exeter on Thursday 13 November - join us for lively library conversations & archive visits... Free to staff at SWRLS member libraries - sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/swrls-agm-...
SWRLS AGM Conference
Join us for the SWRLS AGM Conference for lively library conversations, to catch up with colleagues & take an exciting archives tour!
www.eventbrite.co.uk
October 29, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Next SWRLS event coming up in Exeter on Thursday 13 November - join us for lively library conversations & archive visits... Free to staff at SWRLS member libraries - sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/swrls-agm-...
In Bath on Friday evening - to explore how people of colour can take up their rightful and permanent space within heritage institutions at a time when much history continues to be hidden.
Permanently Temporary – Taking up Space in Cultural History
A timely panel discussion, hosted at Museum of Architecture in Bath
www.eventbrite.co.uk
September 10, 2025 at 1:30 PM
In Bath on Friday evening - to explore how people of colour can take up their rightful and permanent space within heritage institutions at a time when much history continues to be hidden.
We're excited to be working with @literatureworks.bsky.social on this new author tour in SW libraries, to kick off in Jan 2026, to include writing & reading workshops... thank you to @artscouncilengland.bsky.social National Lottery Projects funding #NationalYearOfReading
We're pleased to share some news of a forthcoming project, once again partnering with @swrls.bsky.social.
September 3, 2025 at 3:31 PM
We're excited to be working with @literatureworks.bsky.social on this new author tour in SW libraries, to kick off in Jan 2026, to include writing & reading workshops... thank you to @artscouncilengland.bsky.social National Lottery Projects funding #NationalYearOfReading
New job: Stock Librarian, Bristol Central Library, 18.5 hours per week, permanent - more information via jobs page www.swrls.org.uk/jobs
Jobs (All) | Swrls
www.swrls.org.uk
September 3, 2025 at 7:03 AM
New job: Stock Librarian, Bristol Central Library, 18.5 hours per week, permanent - more information via jobs page www.swrls.org.uk/jobs
Our new area on Basecamp contains resources for libraries on advocacy, AI, & bid support, plus a full training course primarily for frontline workers to help manage difficult customer situations. Free to SWRLS member library staff. More info. on today's blog post #librarytraining
new online training - free for staff at SWRLS member libraries
SWRLS has a long-established reputation for creating training opportunities across library sectors, and in 2025 we are excited to make some of this training and related resources even more accessible ...
www.swrls.org.uk
August 13, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Our new area on Basecamp contains resources for libraries on advocacy, AI, & bid support, plus a full training course primarily for frontline workers to help manage difficult customer situations. Free to SWRLS member library staff. More info. on today's blog post #librarytraining
Reposted by South Western Regional Library Services
In case you missed the news last week...we are looking for a new Programme Officer, who will support us in making exciting literature activities and events happen all across the South West.
📅 Apply by Monday 25th August
📅 Apply by Monday 25th August
Interested in joining our small, friendly team? Literature Works are looking to recruit a new Programme Officer, to support us in delivering exciting literature activity across the South West.
Details here 🔗 literatureworks.org.uk/we-are-hirin...
Details here 🔗 literatureworks.org.uk/we-are-hirin...
We are hiring a Programme Officer - Literature Works
Interested in joining a small, friendly team? We are looking to recruit a new Programme Officer.
literatureworks.org.uk
July 29, 2025 at 10:27 AM
In case you missed the news last week...we are looking for a new Programme Officer, who will support us in making exciting literature activities and events happen all across the South West.
📅 Apply by Monday 25th August
📅 Apply by Monday 25th August
Three new job posts in SW libraries - from Plymouth and Torbay to North Somerset, in NHS & public libraries www.swrls.org.uk/jobs
Jobs (All) | Swrls
www.swrls.org.uk
July 7, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Three new job posts in SW libraries - from Plymouth and Torbay to North Somerset, in NHS & public libraries www.swrls.org.uk/jobs
a write-up of SWRLS's Members' Day last week, including insights & advice on #libraryadvocacy
Members' Day 2025
We gathered this year on 25 June at Exeter Community Centre, and it was wonderful to welcome members from across the region spanning Wiltshire to Cornwall and more… After last year’s event at Plymouth...
www.swrls.org.uk
July 1, 2025 at 1:46 PM
a write-up of SWRLS's Members' Day last week, including insights & advice on #libraryadvocacy
Reposted by South Western Regional Library Services
Our camera-shy library team opted out of a selfie but had an inspiring time at the @swrls.bsky.social Members' day yesterday. We're already planning how we can bring some of the ideas that were shared to our users in the @thembauk.bsky.social library
June 26, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Our camera-shy library team opted out of a selfie but had an inspiring time at the @swrls.bsky.social Members' day yesterday. We're already planning how we can bring some of the ideas that were shared to our users in the @thembauk.bsky.social library
Reposted by South Western Regional Library Services
Our life writing course led by @susannacrossman.bsky.social begins very soon, and now's your last chance to book if you want to take part in the three online sessions that start this Thursday.
Don't delay, booking closes soon: quaywords.org.uk/take-part/qu...
Don't delay, booking closes soon: quaywords.org.uk/take-part/qu...
June 2, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Our life writing course led by @susannacrossman.bsky.social begins very soon, and now's your last chance to book if you want to take part in the three online sessions that start this Thursday.
Don't delay, booking closes soon: quaywords.org.uk/take-part/qu...
Don't delay, booking closes soon: quaywords.org.uk/take-part/qu...
getting excited about our next Members' Day in just over 3 weeks! Free to SWRLS member library staff - sign up below.
Our next Members' Day is looking good! Free to staff at all member orgs, where we'll talk about library advocacy, bibliotherapy & more. Guest speakers include Luke Burton (@biblioluke.bsky.social), Rebecca Bolton (Chair of Libraries Connected SW), & Tabitha Witherick (@tabisw.bsky.social) (1/2)
Members' Day
SWRLS members are invited to register for free to join our event on Friday 25th June 2025, 10:30 - 15:00
www.eventbrite.co.uk
June 2, 2025 at 9:46 AM
getting excited about our next Members' Day in just over 3 weeks! Free to SWRLS member library staff - sign up below.
Reposted by South Western Regional Library Services
This talk is part of a mini-series of lectures on topics related to gardening, alongside our current exhibition UNEARTHED: The Power of Gardening 🌻🌍
bristol.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=211...
#LivingKnowledgeNetwork #Unearthed #Gardening #Bristol #BristolLibraries #BritishLibrary
bristol.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=211...
#LivingKnowledgeNetwork #Unearthed #Gardening #Bristol #BristolLibraries #BritishLibrary
Exhibition: Unearthed: The Power of Gardening
2 May - 1st September 2025Unearthed: The Power of Gardening explores the transformative, enriching and sometimes radical power of gardening in Britain and how it impacts people, communities and the en...
bristol.events.mylibrary.digital
May 20, 2025 at 10:42 AM
This talk is part of a mini-series of lectures on topics related to gardening, alongside our current exhibition UNEARTHED: The Power of Gardening 🌻🌍
bristol.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=211...
#LivingKnowledgeNetwork #Unearthed #Gardening #Bristol #BristolLibraries #BritishLibrary
bristol.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=211...
#LivingKnowledgeNetwork #Unearthed #Gardening #Bristol #BristolLibraries #BritishLibrary
Reposted by South Western Regional Library Services
With this funding we aim to make a real difference in Devon - watch this space! www.librariesunlimited.org.uk/libraries-un...
Libraries Unlimited and grassroots groups join forces for region-wide programme backed by the National Lottery - Libraries Unlimited
Communities across Devon are set to benefit from a major new climate action initiative thanks to £1.5 million in National Lottery funding.
The five-year project – Together for Tomorrow – will be led b...
www.librariesunlimited.org.uk
May 20, 2025 at 11:06 AM
With this funding we aim to make a real difference in Devon - watch this space! www.librariesunlimited.org.uk/libraries-un...
Reposted by South Western Regional Library Services
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek this year focuses on the power of community. Public #Libraries help fight loneliness and encourage connections by bringing people of all different ages and backgrounds together in a free, non-judgmental space.
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/pub...
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/pub...
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 is taking place 12 to 18 May, and the theme is Community.
www.mentalhealth.org.uk
May 12, 2025 at 10:07 AM
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek this year focuses on the power of community. Public #Libraries help fight loneliness and encourage connections by bringing people of all different ages and backgrounds together in a free, non-judgmental space.
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/pub...
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/pub...
Reposted by South Western Regional Library Services
Culture Nature England, our partnership with @naturalengland.bsky.social that helps #Libraries deliver work to build connections with nature, has ended.
Public libraries used their grants for truly innovative projects, which you can explore here.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/cul...
Public libraries used their grants for truly innovative projects, which you can explore here.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/cul...
May 12, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Culture Nature England, our partnership with @naturalengland.bsky.social that helps #Libraries deliver work to build connections with nature, has ended.
Public libraries used their grants for truly innovative projects, which you can explore here.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/cul...
Public libraries used their grants for truly innovative projects, which you can explore here.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/projects/cul...
Reposted by South Western Regional Library Services
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week 💚
📚 Reading Well supports you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing
✅ Reading Well books are all recommended by health experts, as well as people with lived experience of the conditions and topics covered, and their relatives and carers 👩⚕️👨👩👧👦
📚 Reading Well supports you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing
✅ Reading Well books are all recommended by health experts, as well as people with lived experience of the conditions and topics covered, and their relatives and carers 👩⚕️👨👩👧👦
May 12, 2025 at 8:39 AM
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week 💚
📚 Reading Well supports you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing
✅ Reading Well books are all recommended by health experts, as well as people with lived experience of the conditions and topics covered, and their relatives and carers 👩⚕️👨👩👧👦
📚 Reading Well supports you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing
✅ Reading Well books are all recommended by health experts, as well as people with lived experience of the conditions and topics covered, and their relatives and carers 👩⚕️👨👩👧👦
5 roles currently advertised in SW libraries, from team leader to customer service to climate action...
Jobs (All) | Swrls
www.swrls.org.uk
May 1, 2025 at 3:43 PM
5 roles currently advertised in SW libraries, from team leader to customer service to climate action...
Reposted by South Western Regional Library Services
📢 Speaker Announcement! Lisa McLaren, Deputy Director at SCONUL, joins #CILIPConf25 for the AI’s Carbon Footprint panel discussion! With expertise across universities, the NHS and public libraries, Lisa brings valuable insights into AI’s climate impact. cilipconference.org.uk
April 30, 2025 at 9:59 AM
📢 Speaker Announcement! Lisa McLaren, Deputy Director at SCONUL, joins #CILIPConf25 for the AI’s Carbon Footprint panel discussion! With expertise across universities, the NHS and public libraries, Lisa brings valuable insights into AI’s climate impact. cilipconference.org.uk
Reposted by South Western Regional Library Services
Our next talk is on Wed 14th May at 2pm -
"Making a Grand Exit: The Elaborate Funeral of Maud Courtenay (d.1467)" by Dr Lynda Pidgeon.
£4 for members. £8 for non-members.
To guarantee a seat, contact the library at least 24 hours before the event. Otherwise, simply turn up on the day.
"Making a Grand Exit: The Elaborate Funeral of Maud Courtenay (d.1467)" by Dr Lynda Pidgeon.
£4 for members. £8 for non-members.
To guarantee a seat, contact the library at least 24 hours before the event. Otherwise, simply turn up on the day.
April 30, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Our next talk is on Wed 14th May at 2pm -
"Making a Grand Exit: The Elaborate Funeral of Maud Courtenay (d.1467)" by Dr Lynda Pidgeon.
£4 for members. £8 for non-members.
To guarantee a seat, contact the library at least 24 hours before the event. Otherwise, simply turn up on the day.
"Making a Grand Exit: The Elaborate Funeral of Maud Courtenay (d.1467)" by Dr Lynda Pidgeon.
£4 for members. £8 for non-members.
To guarantee a seat, contact the library at least 24 hours before the event. Otherwise, simply turn up on the day.
Reposted by South Western Regional Library Services
What a fantastic end to April - we couldn't resist taking a snap of the view across #PlymouthSound from the library's reading room @thembauk.bsky.social. Have a great day everyone 🌞
April 30, 2025 at 8:25 AM
What a fantastic end to April - we couldn't resist taking a snap of the view across #PlymouthSound from the library's reading room @thembauk.bsky.social. Have a great day everyone 🌞
Reposted by South Western Regional Library Services
🌷 Our spring events keep growing!
Special mention: Exeter MP Steve Race will be dropping by for an IT drop-in session on Fri 16 May, 11.30-12.30. He’s keen to hear how library digital services—eg free PC use, Tech Buddies, WiFi—have helped you, & what more we could offer. Come share your thoughts!
Special mention: Exeter MP Steve Race will be dropping by for an IT drop-in session on Fri 16 May, 11.30-12.30. He’s keen to hear how library digital services—eg free PC use, Tech Buddies, WiFi—have helped you, & what more we could offer. Come share your thoughts!
April 30, 2025 at 11:13 AM
🌷 Our spring events keep growing!
Special mention: Exeter MP Steve Race will be dropping by for an IT drop-in session on Fri 16 May, 11.30-12.30. He’s keen to hear how library digital services—eg free PC use, Tech Buddies, WiFi—have helped you, & what more we could offer. Come share your thoughts!
Special mention: Exeter MP Steve Race will be dropping by for an IT drop-in session on Fri 16 May, 11.30-12.30. He’s keen to hear how library digital services—eg free PC use, Tech Buddies, WiFi—have helped you, & what more we could offer. Come share your thoughts!
Reposted by South Western Regional Library Services
Have you attended a creative writing group, workshop or programme in the community or online?
If so, make sure to complete this quick survey before the end of June for the chance to win prizes, including a @writerscentre.bsky.social self-paced course worth £75.
👉🏻 bit.ly/4gdiXdu
If so, make sure to complete this quick survey before the end of June for the chance to win prizes, including a @writerscentre.bsky.social self-paced course worth £75.
👉🏻 bit.ly/4gdiXdu
Creative Writing Group Research Survey
buff.ly
April 30, 2025 at 11:37 AM
Have you attended a creative writing group, workshop or programme in the community or online?
If so, make sure to complete this quick survey before the end of June for the chance to win prizes, including a @writerscentre.bsky.social self-paced course worth £75.
👉🏻 bit.ly/4gdiXdu
If so, make sure to complete this quick survey before the end of June for the chance to win prizes, including a @writerscentre.bsky.social self-paced course worth £75.
👉🏻 bit.ly/4gdiXdu
Reposted by South Western Regional Library Services
This is one of many projects we're pleased to support via Seed Bed, a fund for grassroots initiatives which explore the environment and ecology crises through creative words and stories.
Find out more about Seed Bed on our website here: literatureworks.org.uk/seed-bed/
Find out more about Seed Bed on our website here: literatureworks.org.uk/seed-bed/
Seed Bed - Literature Works
Projects we’ve funded
literatureworks.org.uk
April 28, 2025 at 1:45 PM
This is one of many projects we're pleased to support via Seed Bed, a fund for grassroots initiatives which explore the environment and ecology crises through creative words and stories.
Find out more about Seed Bed on our website here: literatureworks.org.uk/seed-bed/
Find out more about Seed Bed on our website here: literatureworks.org.uk/seed-bed/