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

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.

Libraries in Lockdown: A librarian's tale

I took a call from my Library Supervisor and found myself asking if there was anything I could do for our customers while libraries were closed.

We're looking for members to help lead our work

We are looking for members to stand for the post of President Elect and Trustee of Libraries Connected.

Invitation to tender for Future Funding programme

We're seeking a training and skills development agency to deliver a commercial skills programme for libraries.

New guide to help libraries to reopen

Today Libraries Connected publishes its toolkit to help libraries to reopen in July and to reintroduce their services gradually, in line with the latest public health advice.

Libraries Connected Statement on Black Lives Matter

Libraries Connected believes that Black Lives Matter. We condemn racism and discrimination in all its forms. We want to look back at this moment as the time when racial injustice is finally eradicated.

Libraries Connected welcomes new president

Carol Stump, from Kirklees Libraries, has become the new President of Libraries Connected. Carol has worked in public libraries her entire career. She began as a library assistant after leaving school with few qualifications and worked her way up to become Chief Librarian at Kirklees Council. Carol takes over the position from Mark Freeman, Head of Stockton Libraries, whose tenure covered Libraries Connected’s first two years as a charity and sector support organisation for libraries after it changed from SCL in 2018.