News

Libraries Connected today presents the findings of its March 2022 survey around library fines and publishes its library fine survey summary report.

A recent survey of 32 heads of library services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland conducted by Libraries Connected revealed that over 80% expect an increase in people using libraries to keep warm next winter. 

Libraries Connected is excited to announce the launch of its Peer Mentoring Scheme. The Peer Mentoring Scheme is designed to complement the generous ad hoc support provided through the Heads of Service Network. Its purpose is to build resilient, strong, well-supported leaders by:

Our new toolkit gives an overview of how to successfully engage with cultural events, full of ideas, top tips and templates for developing strategies and planning event activity.

What is a good public library, and how can this be reflected in a self-improvement framework? These were the questions that Libraries Connected wanted to answer with its two-year project to scope a public library accreditation framework. Public libraries in England, unlike museums and archives, currently are not supported by an accreditation scheme, a set of nationally agreed standards that define a high-quality library service.

Public libraries are a core part of the UK’s social infrastructure, connecting communities with public services, health, education and supporting communities to interact and thrive - and as such they will be critical to the success of any levelling up and social development agendas. We know the benefit public libraries can have on individuals and their lives and want to grow the evidence base for this in the East of England. The library services are collectively funding this piece of research with support from Arts Council England. 

During the ongoing war in Ukraine, significant numbers of Ukrainians will be arriving in the UK as part of the government's 'Homes for Ukraine' and 'Ukraine Family Scheme' projects. 

We all know that public libraries change lives, but did you know that public engagement projects with higher education institutions (HEIs) can support this mission?

Libraries Connected is excited to announce that they will be offering two bursaries to the AMA Inclusivity and Audiences Day 2022.

We are delighted to be able to offer six bursaries to our 2022 Annual Seminar titled, ‘Redesigning the Future’.

Libraries Connected is delighted to see public libraries being recognised once again in the New Year Honours list. 

Libraries Connected has appointed Shared Intelligence to support the development of its new four year strategy (2023-2027).