Tabitha Witherick
@tabisw.bsky.social
Chief Executive at ASCEL- amplifying young voices, inspiring inclusive and innovative library services for children and young people. Secondary School Trustee. Championing inclusion. 🏳️🌈 She/her. Views mine.
https://linktr.ee/tabisw
https://linktr.ee/tabisw
Reposted by Tabitha Witherick
Pretty much impossible to pick just four photos from an incredible familymoon with @tabisw.bsky.social that visited five(ish) countries in two weeks.
Exploration, culture, history, language and memories made.
Exploration, culture, history, language and memories made.
August 29, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Pretty much impossible to pick just four photos from an incredible familymoon with @tabisw.bsky.social that visited five(ish) countries in two weeks.
Exploration, culture, history, language and memories made.
Exploration, culture, history, language and memories made.
Reposted by Tabitha Witherick
A wonderful 24 hours in London for @tabisw.bsky.social birthday celebration. Alanis Morissette rocked, lunch at Kitchen W8 was sublime and strolling through parks (Holland Park pictured) was spacious.
July 28, 2025 at 3:12 PM
A wonderful 24 hours in London for @tabisw.bsky.social birthday celebration. Alanis Morissette rocked, lunch at Kitchen W8 was sublime and strolling through parks (Holland Park pictured) was spacious.
Reposted by Tabitha Witherick
A fun day in Bristol hunting Gromits to celebrate @tabisw.bsky.social’s birthday.
We managed 20 (out of 53) and covered 9 miles.
We managed 20 (out of 53) and covered 9 miles.
July 26, 2025 at 6:44 PM
A fun day in Bristol hunting Gromits to celebrate @tabisw.bsky.social’s birthday.
We managed 20 (out of 53) and covered 9 miles.
We managed 20 (out of 53) and covered 9 miles.
What a joy to be at Number 10 this morning to celebrate the news that 2026 will be the #NationalYearOfReading!
Announced by Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson and National Literacy Trust. Such an important opportunity for libraries and our partners!
Spot Larry the cat
Announced by Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson and National Literacy Trust. Such an important opportunity for libraries and our partners!
Spot Larry the cat
July 7, 2025 at 3:34 PM
What a joy to be at Number 10 this morning to celebrate the news that 2026 will be the #NationalYearOfReading!
Announced by Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson and National Literacy Trust. Such an important opportunity for libraries and our partners!
Spot Larry the cat
Announced by Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson and National Literacy Trust. Such an important opportunity for libraries and our partners!
Spot Larry the cat
Reposted by Tabitha Witherick
Our CEO @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social was at 10 Downing street, earlier, for the launch of the National Year of Reading - a great initiative for libraries to engage with new and existing readers. Larry the cat was especially eager to get in and get started! www.nationalyearofreading.org.uk
July 7, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Our CEO @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social was at 10 Downing street, earlier, for the launch of the National Year of Reading - a great initiative for libraries to engage with new and existing readers. Larry the cat was especially eager to get in and get started! www.nationalyearofreading.org.uk
Reposted by Tabitha Witherick
Some brilliant outcomes of the youth engagement network here - the approach definitely does work:
Particularly 100% felt listened to - something that’s typically a huge issue for government and gov services
@lucybanks.bsky.social
#LCSeminar2025
Particularly 100% felt listened to - something that’s typically a huge issue for government and gov services
@lucybanks.bsky.social
#LCSeminar2025
June 11, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Some brilliant outcomes of the youth engagement network here - the approach definitely does work:
Particularly 100% felt listened to - something that’s typically a huge issue for government and gov services
@lucybanks.bsky.social
#LCSeminar2025
Particularly 100% felt listened to - something that’s typically a huge issue for government and gov services
@lucybanks.bsky.social
#LCSeminar2025
Reposted by Tabitha Witherick
I loved speaking at this years’ Libraries Connected Seminar about our work with libraries across the country, focusing on our collective role in the equitable redistribution of power to children and young people. When we work with communities and bring people together, we achieve great things!
June 11, 2025 at 7:42 PM
I loved speaking at this years’ Libraries Connected Seminar about our work with libraries across the country, focusing on our collective role in the equitable redistribution of power to children and young people. When we work with communities and bring people together, we achieve great things!
Valuable meeting with Baroness Twycross, Libraries Minister, today.
Great to be alongside Isobel ( @ih1968.bsky.social ), @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social and sector partners to talk all things libraries - including the magic for children and young people and the opportunities ahead.
Great to be alongside Isobel ( @ih1968.bsky.social ), @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social and sector partners to talk all things libraries - including the magic for children and young people and the opportunities ahead.
May 22, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Valuable meeting with Baroness Twycross, Libraries Minister, today.
Great to be alongside Isobel ( @ih1968.bsky.social ), @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social and sector partners to talk all things libraries - including the magic for children and young people and the opportunities ahead.
Great to be alongside Isobel ( @ih1968.bsky.social ), @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social and sector partners to talk all things libraries - including the magic for children and young people and the opportunities ahead.
Lifting up the words of this incredible inspiring librarian.
“Opportunities to engage and inspire people are equally important in a time when people are seeking to limit society and spread misinformation.”
Dr Carla Hayden deserves our recognition, love and respect.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p...
“Opportunities to engage and inspire people are equally important in a time when people are seeking to limit society and spread misinformation.”
Dr Carla Hayden deserves our recognition, love and respect.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p...
BBC World Service - The Conversation, Women Inspiring a Love of Books, My ancestors were forbidden to read
Carla Hayden is the first woman and first African American to run the Library of Congress
www.bbc.co.uk
May 9, 2025 at 7:34 AM
Lifting up the words of this incredible inspiring librarian.
“Opportunities to engage and inspire people are equally important in a time when people are seeking to limit society and spread misinformation.”
Dr Carla Hayden deserves our recognition, love and respect.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p...
“Opportunities to engage and inspire people are equally important in a time when people are seeking to limit society and spread misinformation.”
Dr Carla Hayden deserves our recognition, love and respect.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p...
Reposted by Tabitha Witherick
A wonderful day in Plymouth watching Mary Poppins the stage show.
An incredible spectacle with some great performances (a different story to the Disney film, apparently is more true to the book).
Always a joy to see live theatre.
An incredible spectacle with some great performances (a different story to the Disney film, apparently is more true to the book).
Always a joy to see live theatre.
March 29, 2025 at 6:02 PM
A wonderful day in Plymouth watching Mary Poppins the stage show.
An incredible spectacle with some great performances (a different story to the Disney film, apparently is more true to the book).
Always a joy to see live theatre.
An incredible spectacle with some great performances (a different story to the Disney film, apparently is more true to the book).
Always a joy to see live theatre.
Reposted by Tabitha Witherick
Happy #WorldBookDay! Here's a shout-out to all the libraries who are running fun events and activities today - we hope all the children taking part are having fun and enjoying reading!
March 6, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Happy #WorldBookDay! Here's a shout-out to all the libraries who are running fun events and activities today - we hope all the children taking part are having fun and enjoying reading!
Here are some brilliant books for your children’s #libraries - and it’s worth adding all of the shortlisted titles too.
It was hugely uplifting to be at #IBCawards2025 this evening, celebrating representation in children’s books. Powerful words from the host, founder, judges and winners! ❤️
It was hugely uplifting to be at #IBCawards2025 this evening, celebrating representation in children’s books. Powerful words from the host, founder, judges and winners! ❤️
Presenting the #IBCawards2025 WINNERS! ✨📚
🏆 Democratic Republic of the Congo | Mel Nyoko & Joelle Avelino | Barefoot Books
🏆 Two People Can | Blessing Musariri & Maisie Paradise Shearring | Kumusha Books, Harper Collins
🏆 Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise | Adeola Sokunbi | Nosy Crow
🏆 Democratic Republic of the Congo | Mel Nyoko & Joelle Avelino | Barefoot Books
🏆 Two People Can | Blessing Musariri & Maisie Paradise Shearring | Kumusha Books, Harper Collins
🏆 Destiny Ink: Sleepover Surprise | Adeola Sokunbi | Nosy Crow
February 26, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Here are some brilliant books for your children’s #libraries - and it’s worth adding all of the shortlisted titles too.
It was hugely uplifting to be at #IBCawards2025 this evening, celebrating representation in children’s books. Powerful words from the host, founder, judges and winners! ❤️
It was hugely uplifting to be at #IBCawards2025 this evening, celebrating representation in children’s books. Powerful words from the host, founder, judges and winners! ❤️
Our quarterly team meet up is going to be a bit different today.
@ascelnetwork.bsky.social are having a joint team day with the @librariesconnected.bsky.social crew!
I can’t wait to have lots of brilliant conversations and shared learning.
#lovelibraries
@ascelnetwork.bsky.social are having a joint team day with the @librariesconnected.bsky.social crew!
I can’t wait to have lots of brilliant conversations and shared learning.
#lovelibraries
February 26, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Our quarterly team meet up is going to be a bit different today.
@ascelnetwork.bsky.social are having a joint team day with the @librariesconnected.bsky.social crew!
I can’t wait to have lots of brilliant conversations and shared learning.
#lovelibraries
@ascelnetwork.bsky.social are having a joint team day with the @librariesconnected.bsky.social crew!
I can’t wait to have lots of brilliant conversations and shared learning.
#lovelibraries
Much needed investment to libraries incoming…
📢📢Take a look libraries people in England. A fourth round of the Libraries Improvement Fund worth £5.5 million is heading your way. It will enable public library services across England to upgrade buildings and technology. 👇👇
Major investment to boost growth and cement Britain’s place as cultural powerhouse
Over £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund for arts venues, museums, libraries and the heritage sector in major boost for growth
www.gov.uk
February 20, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Much needed investment to libraries incoming…
So pleased that ASCEL has joined BlueSky - it’s great to be part of the #library and #education community!
❤️ #libraries
❤️ #libraries
Hello, we're excited to be here! We are the national network for senior leaders in children's, public and school library services. ASCEL provides training, peer support and best practice resources to enable our members to give children and young people dynamic and innovative library experiences.
February 13, 2025 at 4:03 PM
So pleased that ASCEL has joined BlueSky - it’s great to be part of the #library and #education community!
❤️ #libraries
❤️ #libraries
Reposted by Tabitha Witherick
Free in-person event on how to engage the public about data, digital and AI, in London 20 March https://connectedbydata.org/events/2025-03-20-unconference #libraries #infopros #data #ai #tech #digital #ethics
Engaging people on data and AI: An unconference on giving people and communities a powerful say on public sector technologies
Unconferences are participant-driven meetups that focus on sharing, learning and community building. This unconference is for people (particularly inside the public sector) who are interested in…
connectedbydata.org
February 13, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Free in-person event on how to engage the public about data, digital and AI, in London 20 March https://connectedbydata.org/events/2025-03-20-unconference #libraries #infopros #data #ai #tech #digital #ethics
Opportunity for #libraries to collaborate & connect.
Pitch a scalable idea & build a global community around it! ❤️
#NextLibrary Pilot Projects is a funded opportunity for library changemakers - related to sustainability, democracy & play
#NextLibrary2025
www.nextlibrary.net/next-library...
Pitch a scalable idea & build a global community around it! ❤️
#NextLibrary Pilot Projects is a funded opportunity for library changemakers - related to sustainability, democracy & play
#NextLibrary2025
www.nextlibrary.net/next-library...
Next Library Pilot Projects - The Changemaker Award 2025 - Next Library
We are very excited to announce the first ever Next Library Pilot Projects: a funded opportunity for library changemakers to advance initiatives related to Next Library’s themes of sustainability, dem...
www.nextlibrary.net
February 5, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Opportunity for #libraries to collaborate & connect.
Pitch a scalable idea & build a global community around it! ❤️
#NextLibrary Pilot Projects is a funded opportunity for library changemakers - related to sustainability, democracy & play
#NextLibrary2025
www.nextlibrary.net/next-library...
Pitch a scalable idea & build a global community around it! ❤️
#NextLibrary Pilot Projects is a funded opportunity for library changemakers - related to sustainability, democracy & play
#NextLibrary2025
www.nextlibrary.net/next-library...
Loved being at the Arts Council & LGA New & Emerging Lead #Library Officers programme
Being asked to speak about my leadership journey was a special opportunity to reflect on my career so far & what I’ve learned along the way. I was pretty chuffed that what I shared resonated with many in the room
Being asked to speak about my leadership journey was a special opportunity to reflect on my career so far & what I’ve learned along the way. I was pretty chuffed that what I shared resonated with many in the room
January 21, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Loved being at the Arts Council & LGA New & Emerging Lead #Library Officers programme
Being asked to speak about my leadership journey was a special opportunity to reflect on my career so far & what I’ve learned along the way. I was pretty chuffed that what I shared resonated with many in the room
Being asked to speak about my leadership journey was a special opportunity to reflect on my career so far & what I’ve learned along the way. I was pretty chuffed that what I shared resonated with many in the room
We’re very proud of our Youth Engagement Network and we’re delighted that more library services will be involved in 2025!
#libraries
#youthvoice
#ACEsupported
@librariesconnected.bsky.social
@biblioluke.bsky.social
@lucybanks.bsky.social
@artscouncilengland.bsky.social
#libraries
#youthvoice
#ACEsupported
@librariesconnected.bsky.social
@biblioluke.bsky.social
@lucybanks.bsky.social
@artscouncilengland.bsky.social
Almost 90% of young people from marginalised groups felt more welcome in libraries after co-creating projects with them, new research has found.
Co-creation boosts young people’s library engagement - Arts Professional
Almost 90% of young people from marginalised groups felt more welcome in libraries after co-creating projects with them, new research has found. In a pilot project funded by Arts Council England (ACE)...
buff.ly
December 20, 2024 at 2:38 PM
We’re very proud of our Youth Engagement Network and we’re delighted that more library services will be involved in 2025!
#libraries
#youthvoice
#ACEsupported
@librariesconnected.bsky.social
@biblioluke.bsky.social
@lucybanks.bsky.social
@artscouncilengland.bsky.social
#libraries
#youthvoice
#ACEsupported
@librariesconnected.bsky.social
@biblioluke.bsky.social
@lucybanks.bsky.social
@artscouncilengland.bsky.social
Reposted by Tabitha Witherick
A wonderful honeymoon week with @tabisw.bsky.social in Porthleven, Cornwall.
A cliff top bolthole overlooking the sea (hearing the waves 24/7), gentle strolls, good food and relaxation, rounded off with an afternoon tea.
A cliff top bolthole overlooking the sea (hearing the waves 24/7), gentle strolls, good food and relaxation, rounded off with an afternoon tea.
November 29, 2024 at 5:59 PM
A wonderful honeymoon week with @tabisw.bsky.social in Porthleven, Cornwall.
A cliff top bolthole overlooking the sea (hearing the waves 24/7), gentle strolls, good food and relaxation, rounded off with an afternoon tea.
A cliff top bolthole overlooking the sea (hearing the waves 24/7), gentle strolls, good food and relaxation, rounded off with an afternoon tea.
Reposted by Tabitha Witherick
Yesterday I married my love, my one, @tabisw.bsky.social
It was a day of love and laughter (and a few tears too … but only happy ones).
There are direct thank yous (public and quiet ones) and official photos, to come. But for now, thank you everyone for your love, for our love. ❤️
It was a day of love and laughter (and a few tears too … but only happy ones).
There are direct thank yous (public and quiet ones) and official photos, to come. But for now, thank you everyone for your love, for our love. ❤️
November 24, 2024 at 9:26 PM
Yesterday I married my love, my one, @tabisw.bsky.social
It was a day of love and laughter (and a few tears too … but only happy ones).
There are direct thank yous (public and quiet ones) and official photos, to come. But for now, thank you everyone for your love, for our love. ❤️
It was a day of love and laughter (and a few tears too … but only happy ones).
There are direct thank yous (public and quiet ones) and official photos, to come. But for now, thank you everyone for your love, for our love. ❤️
Heading home from the ASCEL conference knowing libraries have power to change the world & already do for so many #children & #youngpeople
Joy & happiness
Sadness & laughter
Solidarity
And a new theme tune!
#Libraries are special places
#Librarians are incredible people
And our partners are epic
Joy & happiness
Sadness & laughter
Solidarity
And a new theme tune!
#Libraries are special places
#Librarians are incredible people
And our partners are epic
November 16, 2024 at 7:10 PM
Heading home from the ASCEL conference knowing libraries have power to change the world & already do for so many #children & #youngpeople
Joy & happiness
Sadness & laughter
Solidarity
And a new theme tune!
#Libraries are special places
#Librarians are incredible people
And our partners are epic
Joy & happiness
Sadness & laughter
Solidarity
And a new theme tune!
#Libraries are special places
#Librarians are incredible people
And our partners are epic
Reposted by Tabitha Witherick
Great start to what is shaping up to be a brilliant ASCEL conference. Darren Henley sharing his and Arts Council England’s commitment to and passion for #Libraries and how they can support children and young people. #LetsCreate
November 15, 2024 at 10:30 AM
Great start to what is shaping up to be a brilliant ASCEL conference. Darren Henley sharing his and Arts Council England’s commitment to and passion for #Libraries and how they can support children and young people. #LetsCreate
Today I’ve been with post it notes and learning from new people - which makes me happyyyyyyy! ❤️
The #Facilitators #Unconference - a generous space - I now have a long list of things to try and books to read!
The #Facilitators #Unconference - a generous space - I now have a long list of things to try and books to read!
October 30, 2024 at 6:22 PM
Today I’ve been with post it notes and learning from new people - which makes me happyyyyyyy! ❤️
The #Facilitators #Unconference - a generous space - I now have a long list of things to try and books to read!
The #Facilitators #Unconference - a generous space - I now have a long list of things to try and books to read!
This was a lovely view on my way home from a special day visiting libraries in Kent. Lucky me!
October 23, 2024 at 7:38 PM
This was a lovely view on my way home from a special day visiting libraries in Kent. Lucky me!