News

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

New Universal Library Offers Plan 2021-22

The Universal Library Offer workplan reflects some of the challenges libraries face as we emerge from lockdown as well as responding to ongoing societal issues around race and equality. 

MozFest 2021

The Mozilla Festival is hosted by the Mozilla Foundation and harnesses the collective power of unexpected partnerships to creatively disrupt the status quo and reframe and reimagine our online world.​ This year Libraries Connected was able to offer a number of bursaries for public librarians to attend. 

Mozfest bursaries for libraries

Mozfest will be held virtually from the 8 – 19 March and we are delighted to announce that we are offering a number of bursaries to public library staff who would like to attend.

Accreditation for libraries update

Heads of library services want a system that will help them to improve and advocate for their services with a strong focus on demonstrating how they meet community need. 

Libraries Connected statement on English libraries in lockdown

Throughout this pandemic, Libraries Connected has kept the safety and wellbeing of staff, volunteers and library users at the centre of its decision making.

Mark Freeman receives an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list

Mark Freeman, Past President of Libraries Connected has received an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list.

Safety processes in libraries are working to keep people safe from COVID-19

Safety processes in libraries are working effectively to keep people safe from COVID-19 infections, reveals a survey for Libraries Connected released today

Libraries Connected statement on CIPFA library survey 2019/20

We know that even before the current crisis, many local authorities were struggling financially and this is reflected in the cuts to library spending.

Ayub Khan, MBE elected as President Elect of Libraries Connected

Libraries Connected is delighted to announce the election of their new President Elect, Ayub Khan, MBE. Ayub started out in libraries as a Saturday assistant in Birmingham and spent his early career in education and children and young people’s services. Now Head of Universal Services for Warwickshire County Council, he leads a team of several hundred across services that include Libraries and Communities, Museums, Culture and Arts, Registration and face-to-face contact points.

Statement on The Great Digital Catch Up

Libraries Connected welcomes the new Great Digital Catch up campaign by The Good Things Foundation.

Over 75% of library services delivered online events during lockdown

Over 75% of libraries delivered online events during lockdown and library teams made over 130,000 calls to local people who were shielding or vulnerable, reveals our new report.

Queen's Honours for libraries

We are delighted to announce that our Chief Executive Isobel Hunter had been awarded an MBE services to public libraries in this year's Queen's Honours list.