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We are an independent charity that supports, promotes and represents public libraries. Our work is driven and led by our membership, which includes almost every library service in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies.

Libraries Connected

Opening the second day of #LCSeminar2026, our Chief Executive Isobel Hunter called back to the Public Libraries Act of 1850. Trusted information was essential in 1850, Isobel noted, and is perhaps even more important now. In a time of polarisation, libraries remain places that build belonging.

As part of the #NationalYearofReading, we're inviting library workers and volunteers to share their favourite books to read on holiday ☀️🌊 👉 Submit your recommendation: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/share-y...

Libraries across England are coming together to expand the Read On app, bringing its "Couch to 5K for reading" approach to new regions as part of the National Year of Reading 2026. Find out more: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/nationa...

Great to see all the winners here - but really special to see such a great showing from the north west - including two awards for Bolton libraries!

It is terrific to see local coverage of our Awards begin to appear. James Fisher and Zachary Wells, winners of our Children and Young People's Award, brought reading into sporting environments through partnerships with youth football clubs in Thanet. theisleofthanetnews.com/2026/06/11/t...

As non-judgemental spaces in which diversity can flourish, public libraries have an important role in promoting celebrations of pluralistic identity. Libraries like Gateshead do important work in this area through LGBT+ Heritage Groups. #PrideMonth www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/gateshe...

@librarianjones.com delivered a powerful keynote at #LCSeminar2026, outlining the pressures facing libraries in parts of the US. UK and US contexts differ but the principle is shared: the free exchange of ideas is central to public library services. 🔗 www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/us-libr...

🎊 Last night at #LCSeminar2026 we revealed our Awards winners for 2026. 🫂 All entries drew out the great theme of our Seminar: they 'build belonging', in their communities, through work that extends far beyond the physical walls of the library. 🔗 www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...

We can’t believe it's already been a week since our Annual Seminar! Across a wide range of ideas, discussions and practical insights, one theme stood out: the vital role of professional values, expertise and judgment at the heart of public libraries. What were your highlights? 📸 Ryan Hurley

💬 We are nearing the end of an informative opening day of talks at #LCSeminar2026. ⚛️ Tying these together was the theme of belonging. In an age of social atomisation, libraries bring communities together in ways innovative and traditional. 🔉 Conversations stimulated by today's talks continue!