Luke Burton
@biblioluke.bsky.social
Director, Libraries at Arts Council England. Data, emerging tech, literacies, reading for pleasure and the joy of libraries. ‘Libraries gave us power.’ Personal views only.
This is such a brilliant project bringing VR content and content creation to nine library services in England. @thespacearts.bsky.social
Saving tech from the bros
What is the role of public libraries in developing technology? A new project aims to transform the way communities interact with digital creativity.
www.cilip.org.uk
April 28, 2025 at 1:59 PM
This is such a brilliant project bringing VR content and content creation to nine library services in England. @thespacearts.bsky.social
Well that's a new playlist sorted! Fun and interesting piece by @martinoconnor.bsky.social. And a nice shout out for Get It Loud in Libraries. getitloudinlibraries.com
Ten great Records about Libraries
I was recently asked to contribute to the Vinylthon Zine , part of Vinylthon 2025 — an annual celebration where radio stations around the wo...
www.libfocus.com
April 24, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Well that's a new playlist sorted! Fun and interesting piece by @martinoconnor.bsky.social. And a nice shout out for Get It Loud in Libraries. getitloudinlibraries.com
Reposted by Luke Burton
Our webinar on the new Libraries Development Framework is now available to watch back in full. @biblioluke.bsky.social from Arts Council England, which will administer the Framework, takes you through the key questions. www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTlQ...
Launch of the Libraries Development Framework | Libraries Connected Webinars | 2025
YouTube video by Libraries Connected
www.youtube.com
April 15, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Our webinar on the new Libraries Development Framework is now available to watch back in full. @biblioluke.bsky.social from Arts Council England, which will administer the Framework, takes you through the key questions. www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTlQ...
Interesting to read in this article that there still seems to be work to do in getting the message out about what a modern library service does/looks like and their offer to children and young people in the UK.
Why Don’t Young People Use Libraries Anymore? – Headliners
headliners.org
April 15, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Interesting to read in this article that there still seems to be work to do in getting the message out about what a modern library service does/looks like and their offer to children and young people in the UK.
Reposted by Luke Burton
Looking for activities during the school holidays? Find out what’s on offer at your local library and customise your search by event type, distance and facilities (inc cafés) via #LibraryOn. Funded by @artscouncilengland.bsky.social and powered by @britishlibrary.bsky.social
libraryon.org/events
libraryon.org/events
April 14, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Looking for activities during the school holidays? Find out what’s on offer at your local library and customise your search by event type, distance and facilities (inc cafés) via #LibraryOn. Funded by @artscouncilengland.bsky.social and powered by @britishlibrary.bsky.social
libraryon.org/events
libraryon.org/events
Reposted by Luke Burton
Register your interest for the Call for Discussion Papers: Global (Dis)Order. This is a paid commissioning opportunity allowing researchers to produce crucial evidence-based discussion papers on the topic of Global (Dis)Order. Find out more:
Call for Discussion Papers: Global (Dis)Order
www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk
March 27, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Register your interest for the Call for Discussion Papers: Global (Dis)Order. This is a paid commissioning opportunity allowing researchers to produce crucial evidence-based discussion papers on the topic of Global (Dis)Order. Find out more:
Interesting to read about @harvardlibrary.bsky.social's Collections Explorer will break through the limitations of keyword search to decipher the intent behind your words. It will allow you to ask questions and carry out your search in natural language.
At Harvard Library, building a tool that understands — Harvard Gazette
New AI search system deciphers intent behind the terms — lets users ask questions.
news.harvard.edu
April 1, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Interesting to read about @harvardlibrary.bsky.social's Collections Explorer will break through the limitations of keyword search to decipher the intent behind your words. It will allow you to ask questions and carry out your search in natural language.
📢 📢 Take a look English public libraries’ folk. The next round of the Libraries Improvement Fund is heading your way.
The Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF) will open for expressions of interest on Tuesday 6 May 2025.
Full guidance on @artscouncilengland.bsky.social’s website. 👇 👇
The Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF) will open for expressions of interest on Tuesday 6 May 2025.
Full guidance on @artscouncilengland.bsky.social’s website. 👇 👇
Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF) Round 4 Guidance for applicants
Guidance for applicants for the Libraries Improvement Fund round 4
www.artscouncil.org.uk
March 25, 2025 at 4:29 PM
📢 📢 Take a look English public libraries’ folk. The next round of the Libraries Improvement Fund is heading your way.
The Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF) will open for expressions of interest on Tuesday 6 May 2025.
Full guidance on @artscouncilengland.bsky.social’s website. 👇 👇
The Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF) will open for expressions of interest on Tuesday 6 May 2025.
Full guidance on @artscouncilengland.bsky.social’s website. 👇 👇
"The key to engaging a broader range of families lies in building trust and collaborating with communities to understand their needs and aspirations."
We often talk of libraries as open and accessible spaces but it is helpful to be reminded that this isn't always the case and there is work to do.
We often talk of libraries as open and accessible spaces but it is helpful to be reminded that this isn't always the case and there is work to do.
Many families may not feel welcome at library storytimes – here’s how to ensure everyone benefits from them
Library reading sessions tend to be attended by families who already engage with books at home
theconversation.com
March 25, 2025 at 11:14 AM
"The key to engaging a broader range of families lies in building trust and collaborating with communities to understand their needs and aspirations."
We often talk of libraries as open and accessible spaces but it is helpful to be reminded that this isn't always the case and there is work to do.
We often talk of libraries as open and accessible spaces but it is helpful to be reminded that this isn't always the case and there is work to do.
More insightful, interesting and frankly just cool work being done by @librarieshacked.bsky.social with Lancashire County Council and their public libraries data
Released today on Library Storytelling - The membership of Lancashire Libraries.
www.librarystorytelling.net/the-membersh...
Lancashire were brilliant and open to exploring types of library usage, the deprivation levels alongside % population of membership, as well as the urban/rural divide.
www.librarystorytelling.net/the-membersh...
Lancashire were brilliant and open to exploring types of library usage, the deprivation levels alongside % population of membership, as well as the urban/rural divide.
March 20, 2025 at 2:37 PM
More insightful, interesting and frankly just cool work being done by @librarieshacked.bsky.social with Lancashire County Council and their public libraries data
Reposted by Luke Burton
Released today on Library Storytelling - The membership of Lancashire Libraries.
www.librarystorytelling.net/the-membersh...
Lancashire were brilliant and open to exploring types of library usage, the deprivation levels alongside % population of membership, as well as the urban/rural divide.
www.librarystorytelling.net/the-membersh...
Lancashire were brilliant and open to exploring types of library usage, the deprivation levels alongside % population of membership, as well as the urban/rural divide.
March 20, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Released today on Library Storytelling - The membership of Lancashire Libraries.
www.librarystorytelling.net/the-membersh...
Lancashire were brilliant and open to exploring types of library usage, the deprivation levels alongside % population of membership, as well as the urban/rural divide.
www.librarystorytelling.net/the-membersh...
Lancashire were brilliant and open to exploring types of library usage, the deprivation levels alongside % population of membership, as well as the urban/rural divide.
Reposted by Luke Burton
Hopefully for anyone who likes a library data story
@biblioluke.bsky.social @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social @lizcwhite.bsky.social @iainmoore.bsky.social
"30% of registered PNET users reside in areas of the very highest deprivation ... A clear display of need being met by library services."
@biblioluke.bsky.social @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social @lizcwhite.bsky.social @iainmoore.bsky.social
"30% of registered PNET users reside in areas of the very highest deprivation ... A clear display of need being met by library services."
March 20, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Hopefully for anyone who likes a library data story
@biblioluke.bsky.social @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social @lizcwhite.bsky.social @iainmoore.bsky.social
"30% of registered PNET users reside in areas of the very highest deprivation ... A clear display of need being met by library services."
@biblioluke.bsky.social @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social @lizcwhite.bsky.social @iainmoore.bsky.social
"30% of registered PNET users reside in areas of the very highest deprivation ... A clear display of need being met by library services."
‘Inspiring the Nation: 300 years of Libraries in Scotland’, Maeshowe Visitor Centre from Friday 7 March to Sunday 25 May 2025. Entry to the exhibition is free and no booking is required. In case you needed any other excuses to visit Edinburgh and join the @natlibscot.bsky.social celebrations!
History of Scotland’s Libraries Explored in New Exhibition
Maeshowe Visitor Centre is today (Friday 7 March 2025) welcoming a brand-new exhibition celebrating Scotland’s libraries.
www.historicenvironment.scot
March 10, 2025 at 2:59 PM
‘Inspiring the Nation: 300 years of Libraries in Scotland’, Maeshowe Visitor Centre from Friday 7 March to Sunday 25 May 2025. Entry to the exhibition is free and no booking is required. In case you needed any other excuses to visit Edinburgh and join the @natlibscot.bsky.social celebrations!
Looking forward to heading to Exeter on Thursday to join @librariesunlimited.bsky.social's staff conference to hear more about the impact their libraries and library staff are having in the communities they support. #LetsCreate #ACEsupported
Devon & Torbay Libraries generate millions
Libraries in Devon and Torbay delivered £23.9m in social value last year, supporting communities through health services, education, and cultural programmes
www.exetertoday.co.uk
March 10, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Looking forward to heading to Exeter on Thursday to join @librariesunlimited.bsky.social's staff conference to hear more about the impact their libraries and library staff are having in the communities they support. #LetsCreate #ACEsupported
It’s party time at the wonderful Swiss Cottage Library celebrating the library’s 60th birthday on World Book Day! What a beautiful children’s library. Come and see it and the brilliant ‘Swiss at Sixty’ exhibition detailing the history of the library.
March 6, 2025 at 6:15 PM
It’s party time at the wonderful Swiss Cottage Library celebrating the library’s 60th birthday on World Book Day! What a beautiful children’s library. Come and see it and the brilliant ‘Swiss at Sixty’ exhibition detailing the history of the library.
Always helpful to have good quality, representative and insightful data, this time, to highlight the important role of libraries in digital access, equity and skills. Take a look at @lorensbergs.bsky.social Public Libraries 2024 survey results 👇
Public Libraries 2024: Netloan Survey Results - Lorensbergs
The latest results from the annual Netloan public library survey illustrate the importance of good access and support in how services are provided. The
www.lorensbergs.co.uk
March 3, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Always helpful to have good quality, representative and insightful data, this time, to highlight the important role of libraries in digital access, equity and skills. Take a look at @lorensbergs.bsky.social Public Libraries 2024 survey results 👇
“Over that time councils also made deep cuts to discretionary services – such as libraries and road maintenance.”
Still a lot of work to do get the message out there. Libraries are not discretionary. They are statutory critical infrastructure with empathetic knowledgeable staff!
Still a lot of work to do get the message out there. Libraries are not discretionary. They are statutory critical infrastructure with empathetic knowledgeable staff!
Almost half of England’s councils ‘could face bankruptcy over £4.6bn deficit’
Damning National Audit Office report says action is needed to address deficit accumulated under Tory-era policy
www.theguardian.com
March 3, 2025 at 8:44 AM
“Over that time councils also made deep cuts to discretionary services – such as libraries and road maintenance.”
Still a lot of work to do get the message out there. Libraries are not discretionary. They are statutory critical infrastructure with empathetic knowledgeable staff!
Still a lot of work to do get the message out there. Libraries are not discretionary. They are statutory critical infrastructure with empathetic knowledgeable staff!
Reposted by Luke Burton
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
March 3, 2025 at 7:06 AM
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)
Simon Watts nails the vision for how libraries can support inclusive innovation by providing "a vibrant community workspace that would welcome a range of social demographics and support makers in their creative endeavors."
IdeaSpace, a Makerspace Unlike Any Other
A story about an award-winning makerspace in Virginia
medium.com
February 28, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Simon Watts nails the vision for how libraries can support inclusive innovation by providing "a vibrant community workspace that would welcome a range of social demographics and support makers in their creative endeavors."
Really interesting to see the UK government publishing the first steps of a new Digital Inclusion Action Plan. #Libraries, it's time to shout about the work you've all being doing to support digital inclusion!
How public libraries break down barriers to digital inclusion
Today the government has set out actions to begin tackling digital exclusion, publishing first steps of a new Digital Inclusion Action Plan which includes funding for local initiatives and partnering ...
dcmslibraries.blog.gov.uk
February 28, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Really interesting to see the UK government publishing the first steps of a new Digital Inclusion Action Plan. #Libraries, it's time to shout about the work you've all being doing to support digital inclusion!
🎉🎉Congrats to all the successful recipients!
Congratulations to the recipients of our second round of microgrants, funded by @artscouncilengland.bsky.social. Read about the successful projects here: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/second-...
February 21, 2025 at 6:07 PM
🎉🎉Congrats to all the successful recipients!
Reposted by Luke Burton
**Libraries Funding!**
Great to see another round of LIF from arts council - capital funding for library buildings and tech.
Has made some amazing library projects possible in the past so expecting some more great things from this round!
Great to see another round of LIF from arts council - capital funding for library buildings and tech.
Has made some amazing library projects possible in the past so expecting some more great things from this round!
📢📢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 10:20 AM
**Libraries Funding!**
Great to see another round of LIF from arts council - capital funding for library buildings and tech.
Has made some amazing library projects possible in the past so expecting some more great things from this round!
Great to see another round of LIF from arts council - capital funding for library buildings and tech.
Has made some amazing library projects possible in the past so expecting some more great things from this round!
📢📢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 9:39 AM
📢📢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. 👇👇
Reposted by Luke Burton
This is a fab list - but remember the best library is your local one! Get in there and see what they’re offering - it will be more than you expect!
Quite the list of libraries and congrats to them all for making the regional and country finalists list!
The British Book Awards 2025 Library of the Year regional and country finalists announced
Manchester Libraries, Lambeth Libraries and Hertfordshire Libraries are among the 36 libraries selected as regional and country finalists for The British Book Awards 2025 Library of the Year.
www.thebookseller.com
February 20, 2025 at 9:34 AM
This is a fab list - but remember the best library is your local one! Get in there and see what they’re offering - it will be more than you expect!