Libraries Connected is pleased to announce the appointment of two new trustees to the board, Anthony Hopkins, BEM from Merton and Kathryn Harrison from Wakefield. They have both worked closely with Libraries Connected for many years and bring a diverse wealth of experience and talent to the board. 

Anthony Hopkins is the Head of Library, Heritage and Adult Education Services for the London Borough of Merton. He has over 20 years of experience working in public libraries and is Past President of the Libraries Connected London region. 

Anthony is an experienced consultant and has worked on transformation programmes for a range of councils in England. He has also carried out LGA peer reviews and prevention work across social care and public health.

Kathryn Harrison has worked in the public library sector since 1988 in a variety of roles across four different local authorities including Children’s Librarian, Schools Library Service Manager, Senior Librarian and Area Manager, before becoming Development Manager for libraries in Wakefield in 2016. 

Kathryn chaired the Yorkshire and Humber Libraries Connected group for three years and is also currently joint chair of their Information and Digital offer.

Kathryn and Anthony will take up their roles immediately and will replace Tony Durcan, OBE who retired from Newcastle City Council in January and Joanne Launder, who left Libraries Unlimited in December.

Mark Freeman, Libraries and Information Services Manager, Stockton Borough Council and President, Libraries Connected:

‘I’m delighted that Kathryn and Anthony are joining Libraries Connected at trustees. Over the past two years, the board has been vital in taking forward our work and both Anthony and Kathryn will bring enthusiasm, commitment and excellent skills to the group as we begin the planning process for the next four years. I would also like to show my sincere appreciation to Jo Launder and Tony Durcan for their service on our board and I wish them all the best in the future.’

Kathryn Harrison, Development Manager: Libraries and Information Services, Wakefield Council and Trustee, Libraries Connected:

‘I am really looking forward to joining the board and becoming a Libraries Connected trustee. I welcome the challenge that being a trustee will offer me personally and I can’t wait to work with the team and contribute to the future strategic development of libraries.’

Anthony Hopkins, Head of Library, Heritage and Adult Education Services, London Borough of Merton and Trustee, Libraries Connected:

‘I am so proud to become a trustee of Libraries Connected at such an exciting time, following its establishment as a sector support agency. There are some very important projects planned over the next few years and I hope that my contribution can help the sector maximise them.’