Emma Hoddinott
@emmahoddinott.bsky.social
Director of Policy, External Affairs and Research at Libraries Connected. Yorkshire based.
There was a lot to Dolly - and her love of books was an important part.
My son also shares his name with one her great songs 😍
My son also shares his name with one her great songs 😍
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton. Dolly understood the transformative power of books and through her Imagination Library shared that passion with millions of children around the world. She will be greatly missed across the library and literacy sectors.
August 26, 2026 at 8:54 AM
There was a lot to Dolly - and her love of books was an important part.
My son also shares his name with one her great songs 😍
My son also shares his name with one her great songs 😍
A summer read or to switch off from all the politics!
🏖️📚 Looking for a summer read?
A huge thank you to all the library staff who submitted their holiday reading recommendations! We narrowed them down to 20 books that made us want to add them straight to our own TBR pile.
📖 Browse the full list: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/looking...
A huge thank you to all the library staff who submitted their holiday reading recommendations! We narrowed them down to 20 books that made us want to add them straight to our own TBR pile.
📖 Browse the full list: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/looking...
July 21, 2026 at 10:58 AM
A summer read or to switch off from all the politics!
Reposted by Emma Hoddinott
Another thoughtful and productive discussion today at the latest meeting of the Libraries Alliance, hosted by Lambeth Palace Library - a library that has welcomed the public since 1610. Watch this space for more Libraries Alliance news soon! librariesalliance.org.uk
July 15, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Another thoughtful and productive discussion today at the latest meeting of the Libraries Alliance, hosted by Lambeth Palace Library - a library that has welcomed the public since 1610. Watch this space for more Libraries Alliance news soon! librariesalliance.org.uk
Reposted by Emma Hoddinott
We warmly welcome today's DCMS announcement of £12.5m for the Music in Libraries programme. We look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the next generation of musicians, producers and creative talent!
July 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM
We warmly welcome today's DCMS announcement of £12.5m for the Music in Libraries programme. We look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the next generation of musicians, producers and creative talent!
Reposted by Emma Hoddinott
Congratulations to those who have been elected as new councillors!
We have put together a video and page that gives you the essentials about the public library – a statutory service that plays a vital role in your community.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/public-libra...
We have put together a video and page that gives you the essentials about the public library – a statutory service that plays a vital role in your community.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/public-libra...
May 11, 2026 at 8:02 AM
Congratulations to those who have been elected as new councillors!
We have put together a video and page that gives you the essentials about the public library – a statutory service that plays a vital role in your community.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/public-libra...
We have put together a video and page that gives you the essentials about the public library – a statutory service that plays a vital role in your community.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/public-libra...
So we knew this.. but there is some evidence to show it now!
A new evaluation of @artscouncilengland.bsky.social funded library grant programmes shows that relatively modest funding can have a disproportionate impact when it is well designed and well supported.
🔗 Read the full report here: www.artscouncil.org.uk/research-and...
🔗 Read the full report here: www.artscouncil.org.uk/research-and...
Evaluation of small library grants programmes
We commissioned DHA to evaluate four small grants programmes for libraries.
www.artscouncil.org.uk
April 28, 2026 at 10:45 AM
So we knew this.. but there is some evidence to show it now!
Reposted by Emma Hoddinott
A recent visit to @sxsw.com confirmed to librarian Dave Lloyd that the tech world needs the human touch and the empathy that public libraries provide.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/how-lib...
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/how-lib...
April 2, 2026 at 12:19 PM
A recent visit to @sxsw.com confirmed to librarian Dave Lloyd that the tech world needs the human touch and the empathy that public libraries provide.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/how-lib...
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/how-lib...
Reposted by Emma Hoddinott
Today we are in York to celebrate Know Your Neighbourhood.
We say thank you to those who have worked so hard to show how arts and culture can bring people together and build pride in place.
@dcmsgovuk.bsky.social @artscouncilengland.bsky.social @creativelivescl.bsky.social @aimuseums.bsky.social
We say thank you to those who have worked so hard to show how arts and culture can bring people together and build pride in place.
@dcmsgovuk.bsky.social @artscouncilengland.bsky.social @creativelivescl.bsky.social @aimuseums.bsky.social
March 4, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Today we are in York to celebrate Know Your Neighbourhood.
We say thank you to those who have worked so hard to show how arts and culture can bring people together and build pride in place.
@dcmsgovuk.bsky.social @artscouncilengland.bsky.social @creativelivescl.bsky.social @aimuseums.bsky.social
We say thank you to those who have worked so hard to show how arts and culture can bring people together and build pride in place.
@dcmsgovuk.bsky.social @artscouncilengland.bsky.social @creativelivescl.bsky.social @aimuseums.bsky.social
Reposted by Emma Hoddinott
'Achieving the Best Start in Life', a new report from @local.gov.uk, illustrates how public #Libraries make significant contributions as part of a multi‑agency support network for families with young children.
www.local.gov.uk/publications...
www.local.gov.uk/publications...
Achieving the best start in life: Research to support a plan for partners
The LGA commissioned research with councils, stakeholders, and parents and carers across 60 English local authorities. It identified effective approaches to meeting the national GLD target, alongside ...
www.local.gov.uk
February 10, 2026 at 12:31 PM
'Achieving the Best Start in Life', a new report from @local.gov.uk, illustrates how public #Libraries make significant contributions as part of a multi‑agency support network for families with young children.
www.local.gov.uk/publications...
www.local.gov.uk/publications...
Reposted by Emma Hoddinott
Last month we asked public #Librarians to show us what their library service looks like today, as part of our celebrations of the 175th anniversary of the Public Libraries Act.
The photos will be put in a time capsule to be opened in another 175 years.
Here is a small sample of what we received...
The photos will be put in a time capsule to be opened in another 175 years.
Here is a small sample of what we received...
November 10, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Last month we asked public #Librarians to show us what their library service looks like today, as part of our celebrations of the 175th anniversary of the Public Libraries Act.
The photos will be put in a time capsule to be opened in another 175 years.
Here is a small sample of what we received...
The photos will be put in a time capsule to be opened in another 175 years.
Here is a small sample of what we received...
Reposted by Emma Hoddinott
We've launched a new page and video to help councillors understand how libraries contribute to local outcomes and why they matter more than ever.
Watch the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FupQ...
Explore the page: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/public-libra...
Watch the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FupQ...
Explore the page: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/public-libra...
Libraries Connected Councillors Animation With Subtitles
YouTube video by Libraries Connected
www.youtube.com
October 16, 2025 at 3:39 PM
We've launched a new page and video to help councillors understand how libraries contribute to local outcomes and why they matter more than ever.
Watch the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FupQ...
Explore the page: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/public-libra...
Watch the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FupQ...
Explore the page: www.librariesconnected.org.uk/public-libra...
Reposted by Emma Hoddinott
📚 175 years after their creation, public libraries are still vital
Our CEO @ih1968.bsky.social reflects in The MJ on the enduring power of libraries, 175 years after the first Public Libraries Act was passed.
🔗 www.themj.co.uk/175-creation...
Our CEO @ih1968.bsky.social reflects in The MJ on the enduring power of libraries, 175 years after the first Public Libraries Act was passed.
🔗 www.themj.co.uk/175-creation...
175 years after their creation, public libraries are still vital
When Charles Dickens gave a rousing speech at the opening of Manchester Free Library in September 1852, he expressed his ‘earnest hope that the books thus made available...
www.themj.co.uk
October 9, 2025 at 9:12 AM
📚 175 years after their creation, public libraries are still vital
Our CEO @ih1968.bsky.social reflects in The MJ on the enduring power of libraries, 175 years after the first Public Libraries Act was passed.
🔗 www.themj.co.uk/175-creation...
Our CEO @ih1968.bsky.social reflects in The MJ on the enduring power of libraries, 175 years after the first Public Libraries Act was passed.
🔗 www.themj.co.uk/175-creation...
Reposted by Emma Hoddinott
BBC 500 Words, the UK’s biggest children’s story-writing competition is back and open for submissions.
Entries close at 9pm on Friday 7 November 2025. For more details and to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notices go to bbc.co.uk/500words.
Entries close at 9pm on Friday 7 November 2025. For more details and to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notices go to bbc.co.uk/500words.
500 Words
BBC's 500 Words, the UK's largest children's writing competition for children aged 5-11, opens for entries Tuesday 23 September - Friday 7 November at 9pm.
bbc.co.uk
September 25, 2025 at 11:27 AM
BBC 500 Words, the UK’s biggest children’s story-writing competition is back and open for submissions.
Entries close at 9pm on Friday 7 November 2025. For more details and to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notices go to bbc.co.uk/500words.
Entries close at 9pm on Friday 7 November 2025. For more details and to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notices go to bbc.co.uk/500words.
Reposted by Emma Hoddinott
In this week's blog Sarah Davis, Reader Development Librarian for Greenwich Libraries (part of GLL) tells us about the importance of reader development work in public #Libraries.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/champio...
#Reading
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/champio...
#Reading
September 22, 2025 at 9:46 AM
In this week's blog Sarah Davis, Reader Development Librarian for Greenwich Libraries (part of GLL) tells us about the importance of reader development work in public #Libraries.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/champio...
#Reading
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/champio...
#Reading
Reposted by Emma Hoddinott
Our CEO @ih1968.bsky.social will take part in the Lviv International Library Forum this week, joining #Library organisations from across Europe in a show of solidarity.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/isobel-...
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/isobel-...
September 18, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Our CEO @ih1968.bsky.social will take part in the Lviv International Library Forum this week, joining #Library organisations from across Europe in a show of solidarity.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/isobel-...
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/isobel-...
A feel good story of how to spend your summer with libraries. Go Kaitlin! www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2543264...
12-year-old bookworm completes summer challenge to visit every library in county
12-year-old Kaitlin Clarkson, from near Masham, has completed her summer-long challenge of visiting every library in North Yorkshire.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
September 3, 2025 at 9:13 AM
A feel good story of how to spend your summer with libraries. Go Kaitlin! www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2543264...
Reposted by Emma Hoddinott
We are pleased to welcome @emmahoddinott.bsky.social as our new Director of Policy, External Affairs and Research (PEAR).
Starting in September, Emma will lead political engagement for us, helping the public #Library sector strengthen its policy voice.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
Starting in September, Emma will lead political engagement for us, helping the public #Library sector strengthen its policy voice.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
July 29, 2025 at 10:38 AM
We are pleased to welcome @emmahoddinott.bsky.social as our new Director of Policy, External Affairs and Research (PEAR).
Starting in September, Emma will lead political engagement for us, helping the public #Library sector strengthen its policy voice.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
Starting in September, Emma will lead political engagement for us, helping the public #Library sector strengthen its policy voice.
www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/librari...
Apparently it's international cat day - so he's my boy waiting for his breakfast!
August 8, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Apparently it's international cat day - so he's my boy waiting for his breakfast!
Have an amazing Yorkshire Day!
August 1, 2025 at 7:02 AM
Have an amazing Yorkshire Day!
Oh my goodness. What a match, imagine the party!
There is only one Lucy Bronze, and you can find her at the party 👑
📸 X/weuro2025
📸 X/weuro2025
July 27, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Oh my goodness. What a match, imagine the party!
Reposted by Emma Hoddinott
There is only one Lucy Bronze, and you can find her at the party 👑
📸 X/weuro2025
📸 X/weuro2025
July 27, 2025 at 8:19 PM
There is only one Lucy Bronze, and you can find her at the party 👑
📸 X/weuro2025
📸 X/weuro2025
Reposted by Emma Hoddinott
Today we visited the UK’s only community-owned fish and chips with Co-operative Mayor Richard Parker.
This business proves community ownership isn’t just for cafes or retailers - it can power any business on the high street. 🐟
July 4, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Today we visited the UK’s only community-owned fish and chips with Co-operative Mayor Richard Parker.
This business proves community ownership isn’t just for cafes or retailers - it can power any business on the high street. 🐟
Listening to the inspiring @mayorofwy.bsky.social about how our co-op movement can offer hope, when it's desperately needed. 🐝
June 21, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Listening to the inspiring @mayorofwy.bsky.social about how our co-op movement can offer hope, when it's desperately needed. 🐝
A first for me - our Co-operative Leaders Forum in Leeds this morning - great to hear how our values are informing local government.
This morning, we welcomed leaders in local government to Leeds, to speak with Local Government Minister and Chair of our Party, Jim McMahon MP.
Our local government representatives put our values into place each and every day, up and down the country.
Our local government representatives put our values into place each and every day, up and down the country.
June 21, 2025 at 10:28 AM
A first for me - our Co-operative Leaders Forum in Leeds this morning - great to hear how our values are informing local government.