Libraries Rising
@librariesrising.bsky.social
We are a collaborative network creating libraries of tomorrow with children and young people today.
Libraries Rising is the working name of Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (formerly known as ASCEL)
Libraries Rising is the working name of Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (formerly known as ASCEL)
Do you work with children and young people in a library?
We want to hear from you! Our Skills Survey takes around 10 minutes and will help shape future training, resources and support.
📅 Closes 15 Oct 2026
🤩£40 voucher prize draw
www.surveymonkey.com/r/KLJWFLK
We want to hear from you! Our Skills Survey takes around 10 minutes and will help shape future training, resources and support.
📅 Closes 15 Oct 2026
🤩£40 voucher prize draw
www.surveymonkey.com/r/KLJWFLK
Skills Survey
Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.
www.surveymonkey.com
September 29, 2026 at 10:28 AM
Do you work with children and young people in a library?
We want to hear from you! Our Skills Survey takes around 10 minutes and will help shape future training, resources and support.
📅 Closes 15 Oct 2026
🤩£40 voucher prize draw
www.surveymonkey.com/r/KLJWFLK
We want to hear from you! Our Skills Survey takes around 10 minutes and will help shape future training, resources and support.
📅 Closes 15 Oct 2026
🤩£40 voucher prize draw
www.surveymonkey.com/r/KLJWFLK
We’ve been awarded funding from Arts Council England to refresh our Children and Young People’s Promise and Journey!
Created 10 years ago, they help libraries create welcoming and inspiring spaces for children and families.
Now it’s time for a refresh and children and young people will shape it!
Created 10 years ago, they help libraries create welcoming and inspiring spaces for children and families.
Now it’s time for a refresh and children and young people will shape it!
September 17, 2026 at 2:13 PM
We’ve been awarded funding from Arts Council England to refresh our Children and Young People’s Promise and Journey!
Created 10 years ago, they help libraries create welcoming and inspiring spaces for children and families.
Now it’s time for a refresh and children and young people will shape it!
Created 10 years ago, they help libraries create welcoming and inspiring spaces for children and families.
Now it’s time for a refresh and children and young people will shape it!
Interested in growing your work with Family Hubs?
We’re pleased to have supported the @LGA in creating the Connecting Communities: Family Hubs and Libraries Toolkit, with resources and case studies contributed by our members.
We’re pleased to have supported the @LGA in creating the Connecting Communities: Family Hubs and Libraries Toolkit, with resources and case studies contributed by our members.
September 2, 2026 at 9:10 AM
Interested in growing your work with Family Hubs?
We’re pleased to have supported the @LGA in creating the Connecting Communities: Family Hubs and Libraries Toolkit, with resources and case studies contributed by our members.
We’re pleased to have supported the @LGA in creating the Connecting Communities: Family Hubs and Libraries Toolkit, with resources and case studies contributed by our members.
How to make the case for co-creation in your library service?
Use the evidence: Our Youth Engagement Network evaluation shows the impact on 236 young people and 20 library services working co-creatively
Use the evidence: Our Youth Engagement Network evaluation shows the impact on 236 young people and 20 library services working co-creatively
August 27, 2026 at 12:13 PM
How to make the case for co-creation in your library service?
Use the evidence: Our Youth Engagement Network evaluation shows the impact on 236 young people and 20 library services working co-creatively
Use the evidence: Our Youth Engagement Network evaluation shows the impact on 236 young people and 20 library services working co-creatively
Want to build your library teams confidence in engaging children and young people?
One of the most useful frameworks for doing that is Lundy's Model of Participation, which helps turn children's right to be heard into meaningful action through four key elements:
Space
Voice
Audience
Influence
One of the most useful frameworks for doing that is Lundy's Model of Participation, which helps turn children's right to be heard into meaningful action through four key elements:
Space
Voice
Audience
Influence
August 19, 2026 at 2:24 PM
Want to build your library teams confidence in engaging children and young people?
One of the most useful frameworks for doing that is Lundy's Model of Participation, which helps turn children's right to be heard into meaningful action through four key elements:
Space
Voice
Audience
Influence
One of the most useful frameworks for doing that is Lundy's Model of Participation, which helps turn children's right to be heard into meaningful action through four key elements:
Space
Voice
Audience
Influence
At West Northamptonshire Libraries, what began as a project inviting young people who identify as LGBTQIA+ to work with the library changed when staff listened to feedback.
August 5, 2026 at 2:28 PM
At West Northamptonshire Libraries, what began as a project inviting young people who identify as LGBTQIA+ to work with the library changed when staff listened to feedback.
Our Youth Engagement Network report has launched!
Bringing together 236 young people and 20 library services, the report shares what happens when young people are genuinely involved in shaping library services.
Find out more: librariesrising.org.uk/youth-engage...
Bringing together 236 young people and 20 library services, the report shares what happens when young people are genuinely involved in shaping library services.
Find out more: librariesrising.org.uk/youth-engage...
July 16, 2026 at 9:53 AM
Our Youth Engagement Network report has launched!
Bringing together 236 young people and 20 library services, the report shares what happens when young people are genuinely involved in shaping library services.
Find out more: librariesrising.org.uk/youth-engage...
Bringing together 236 young people and 20 library services, the report shares what happens when young people are genuinely involved in shaping library services.
Find out more: librariesrising.org.uk/youth-engage...
We've been working with Arts Council England, Libraries Connected and CILIP to develop a shared strategy for the future public library workforce. From attracting new talent to identifying skills, we can make sure libraries meet the future needs of communities, including young people. bit.ly/4vsOJdv
July 2, 2026 at 11:08 AM
We've been working with Arts Council England, Libraries Connected and CILIP to develop a shared strategy for the future public library workforce. From attracting new talent to identifying skills, we can make sure libraries meet the future needs of communities, including young people. bit.ly/4vsOJdv
New research from @literacy-trust.bsky.social shows a modest upturn in children’s reading enjoyment & daily reading, but reading enjoyment levels are still low and the inequality gap is widening.
Libraries are a key part of inspiring a love of reading!
#GoAllIn2026 with #libraries
Libraries are a key part of inspiring a love of reading!
#GoAllIn2026 with #libraries
National Literacy Trust reading for pleasure research 2026 | National Literacy Trust
Children and young people’s levels of reading for pleasure have risen for the first time in five years, having reached a 20-year low in 2025. Still, reading engagement remains critically low.
literacytrust.org.uk
June 10, 2026 at 8:05 AM
New research from @literacy-trust.bsky.social shows a modest upturn in children’s reading enjoyment & daily reading, but reading enjoyment levels are still low and the inequality gap is widening.
Libraries are a key part of inspiring a love of reading!
#GoAllIn2026 with #libraries
Libraries are a key part of inspiring a love of reading!
#GoAllIn2026 with #libraries
This #VolunteersWeek, we’re celebrating all the incredible volunteers who support libraries across the UK.
And this includes our trustees!
Without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, so thank you to each and every one of you 🧡
Discover our trustees: librariesrising.org.uk/about-us/who...
And this includes our trustees!
Without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, so thank you to each and every one of you 🧡
Discover our trustees: librariesrising.org.uk/about-us/who...
June 2, 2026 at 11:42 AM
This #VolunteersWeek, we’re celebrating all the incredible volunteers who support libraries across the UK.
And this includes our trustees!
Without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, so thank you to each and every one of you 🧡
Discover our trustees: librariesrising.org.uk/about-us/who...
And this includes our trustees!
Without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, so thank you to each and every one of you 🧡
Discover our trustees: librariesrising.org.uk/about-us/who...
Our final speaker of the day is Dr Shaddai Tembo discussing anti-racism in the early years.
Exploring...
What it is?
Why we need it?
What does it mean?
#librariesrisingconference
Exploring...
What it is?
Why we need it?
What does it mean?
#librariesrisingconference
May 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Our final speaker of the day is Dr Shaddai Tembo discussing anti-racism in the early years.
Exploring...
What it is?
Why we need it?
What does it mean?
#librariesrisingconference
Exploring...
What it is?
Why we need it?
What does it mean?
#librariesrisingconference
Children and babies experience a range of emotions in response to what happens in their lives- Next session of the day is exploring mental health in early childhood with Alice Haynes from Anna Freud.
May 12, 2026 at 1:19 PM
Children and babies experience a range of emotions in response to what happens in their lives- Next session of the day is exploring mental health in early childhood with Alice Haynes from Anna Freud.
Second session of the day is Amy Gibson from Starcatchers.
There's pompoms and fabric on the tables- It's going to be a great workshop!
There's pompoms and fabric on the tables- It's going to be a great workshop!
May 12, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Second session of the day is Amy Gibson from Starcatchers.
There's pompoms and fabric on the tables- It's going to be a great workshop!
There's pompoms and fabric on the tables- It's going to be a great workshop!
Do animals make the same noise in every language?
This isn't a riddle, this is how Alison and Louise from Early Years Alliance opened our first workshop of the morning at our #LibrariesRisingconference.
A great way to show how children communicate in many more ways than we often make space for!
This isn't a riddle, this is how Alison and Louise from Early Years Alliance opened our first workshop of the morning at our #LibrariesRisingconference.
A great way to show how children communicate in many more ways than we often make space for!
May 12, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Do animals make the same noise in every language?
This isn't a riddle, this is how Alison and Louise from Early Years Alliance opened our first workshop of the morning at our #LibrariesRisingconference.
A great way to show how children communicate in many more ways than we often make space for!
This isn't a riddle, this is how Alison and Louise from Early Years Alliance opened our first workshop of the morning at our #LibrariesRisingconference.
A great way to show how children communicate in many more ways than we often make space for!
Our 2026 #librariesrisingconference has started!
Tabitha set the scene for why early years work is so important, especially in the National Year of Reading.
She encouraged everyone to immerse themselves in the day, guaranteeing you'll leave 'buzzing and fizzing' with ideas and knowledge.
Tabitha set the scene for why early years work is so important, especially in the National Year of Reading.
She encouraged everyone to immerse themselves in the day, guaranteeing you'll leave 'buzzing and fizzing' with ideas and knowledge.
May 12, 2026 at 9:25 AM
Our 2026 #librariesrisingconference has started!
Tabitha set the scene for why early years work is so important, especially in the National Year of Reading.
She encouraged everyone to immerse themselves in the day, guaranteeing you'll leave 'buzzing and fizzing' with ideas and knowledge.
Tabitha set the scene for why early years work is so important, especially in the National Year of Reading.
She encouraged everyone to immerse themselves in the day, guaranteeing you'll leave 'buzzing and fizzing' with ideas and knowledge.
With our conference less than 1 week away we wanted to share one of our sponsors, Peters.
If you haven't come across Peters, they work with public libraries, School Library Services, prison libraries and museums around the UK to promote reading and support you in developing readers of all ages.
If you haven't come across Peters, they work with public libraries, School Library Services, prison libraries and museums around the UK to promote reading and support you in developing readers of all ages.
May 11, 2026 at 2:25 PM
With our conference less than 1 week away we wanted to share one of our sponsors, Peters.
If you haven't come across Peters, they work with public libraries, School Library Services, prison libraries and museums around the UK to promote reading and support you in developing readers of all ages.
If you haven't come across Peters, they work with public libraries, School Library Services, prison libraries and museums around the UK to promote reading and support you in developing readers of all ages.
We were proud to be part of last week’s launch of the Libraries Alliance.
The event brought together voices from across the sector; library staff and the communities they support, as well as politicians, academics and writers, highlighting how libraries support people at every stage of life.
The event brought together voices from across the sector; library staff and the communities they support, as well as politicians, academics and writers, highlighting how libraries support people at every stage of life.
April 23, 2026 at 11:43 AM
We were proud to be part of last week’s launch of the Libraries Alliance.
The event brought together voices from across the sector; library staff and the communities they support, as well as politicians, academics and writers, highlighting how libraries support people at every stage of life.
The event brought together voices from across the sector; library staff and the communities they support, as well as politicians, academics and writers, highlighting how libraries support people at every stage of life.
Tackling social issues starts in early childhood.
This is the starting point for Dr Shaddai Tembo’s session at our upcoming conference, Belonging from the Beginning.
He’ll explore how anti-racist thinking shapes everyday practice and share practical ideas you can apply in your own library setting.
This is the starting point for Dr Shaddai Tembo’s session at our upcoming conference, Belonging from the Beginning.
He’ll explore how anti-racist thinking shapes everyday practice and share practical ideas you can apply in your own library setting.
April 14, 2026 at 3:08 PM
Tackling social issues starts in early childhood.
This is the starting point for Dr Shaddai Tembo’s session at our upcoming conference, Belonging from the Beginning.
He’ll explore how anti-racist thinking shapes everyday practice and share practical ideas you can apply in your own library setting.
This is the starting point for Dr Shaddai Tembo’s session at our upcoming conference, Belonging from the Beginning.
He’ll explore how anti-racist thinking shapes everyday practice and share practical ideas you can apply in your own library setting.
Have you seen the agenda for our annual conference Belonging from the Beginning?
When: 12th May
Where: Birmingham, or join us virtually
librariesrising.org.uk/training-and...
When: 12th May
Where: Birmingham, or join us virtually
librariesrising.org.uk/training-and...
Conference - LibrariesRising
12th May 2026 Hybrid Conference Belonging from the beginning Supporting inclusive early years practice in libraries We’re delighted to welcome you join us at the Libraries Rising Conference: Belonging...
librariesrising.org.uk
April 13, 2026 at 12:58 PM
Have you seen the agenda for our annual conference Belonging from the Beginning?
When: 12th May
Where: Birmingham, or join us virtually
librariesrising.org.uk/training-and...
When: 12th May
Where: Birmingham, or join us virtually
librariesrising.org.uk/training-and...
We're really pleased to share that BookingsPlus is our headline sponsor for our 2026 conference!
They provide venue hire software and virtual tour services to Library Services, Local Authorities and schools, helping people find, book and explore spaces more easily before they visit.
They provide venue hire software and virtual tour services to Library Services, Local Authorities and schools, helping people find, book and explore spaces more easily before they visit.
April 2, 2026 at 9:45 AM
We're really pleased to share that BookingsPlus is our headline sponsor for our 2026 conference!
They provide venue hire software and virtual tour services to Library Services, Local Authorities and schools, helping people find, book and explore spaces more easily before they visit.
They provide venue hire software and virtual tour services to Library Services, Local Authorities and schools, helping people find, book and explore spaces more easily before they visit.
As part of our weekly 'the role libraries play in supporting Family Hubs', we’re looking at how Reading libraries work with Family Hubs to strengthen early years support for children and families, particularly in socially disadvantaged areas.
Read more: librariesrising.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Read more: librariesrising.org.uk/wp-content/u...
March 26, 2026 at 3:23 PM
As part of our weekly 'the role libraries play in supporting Family Hubs', we’re looking at how Reading libraries work with Family Hubs to strengthen early years support for children and families, particularly in socially disadvantaged areas.
Read more: librariesrising.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Read more: librariesrising.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Libraries are playing an important role in Family Hubs.
Squish! in Sefton Libraries is one way this is happening! Bringing weekly, artist-led sensory play sessions into library spaces for children aged 12 months to 3 years.
📖 Read the full case study here: librariesrising.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Squish! in Sefton Libraries is one way this is happening! Bringing weekly, artist-led sensory play sessions into library spaces for children aged 12 months to 3 years.
📖 Read the full case study here: librariesrising.org.uk/wp-content/u...
March 18, 2026 at 9:59 AM
Libraries are playing an important role in Family Hubs.
Squish! in Sefton Libraries is one way this is happening! Bringing weekly, artist-led sensory play sessions into library spaces for children aged 12 months to 3 years.
📖 Read the full case study here: librariesrising.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Squish! in Sefton Libraries is one way this is happening! Bringing weekly, artist-led sensory play sessions into library spaces for children aged 12 months to 3 years.
📖 Read the full case study here: librariesrising.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Interested in joining our team as our new Development and Delivery Manager?
We’re looking for someone who can help us secure and shape the work we want to deliver, bringing a values-led approach to funding and development.
Closing date: 9:00am 8th April
librariesrising.org.uk/resource/dev...
We’re looking for someone who can help us secure and shape the work we want to deliver, bringing a values-led approach to funding and development.
Closing date: 9:00am 8th April
librariesrising.org.uk/resource/dev...
Development and Delivery Manager - LibrariesRising
We're looking for a Development and Delivery Manager (Projects) to join our team. This is a new role for the charity.
librariesrising.org.uk
March 17, 2026 at 11:43 AM
Interested in joining our team as our new Development and Delivery Manager?
We’re looking for someone who can help us secure and shape the work we want to deliver, bringing a values-led approach to funding and development.
Closing date: 9:00am 8th April
librariesrising.org.uk/resource/dev...
We’re looking for someone who can help us secure and shape the work we want to deliver, bringing a values-led approach to funding and development.
Closing date: 9:00am 8th April
librariesrising.org.uk/resource/dev...
Tickets are now live for our Libraries Rising annual conference
Belonging from the Beginning – Supporting inclusive early years practice in libraries
Date: 12 May
Location: The Studio, Birmingham and streamed online
Belonging from the Beginning – Supporting inclusive early years practice in libraries
Date: 12 May
Location: The Studio, Birmingham and streamed online
March 11, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Tickets are now live for our Libraries Rising annual conference
Belonging from the Beginning – Supporting inclusive early years practice in libraries
Date: 12 May
Location: The Studio, Birmingham and streamed online
Belonging from the Beginning – Supporting inclusive early years practice in libraries
Date: 12 May
Location: The Studio, Birmingham and streamed online
Happy World Book Day
Fancy a game of bingo?
To celebrate, how our members, both public libraries and Schools Library Services, have 'gone all in' with World Book Day, we’ve turned their activities into a Library Bingo to showcase all the creative ways our members are celebrating.
Fancy a game of bingo?
To celebrate, how our members, both public libraries and Schools Library Services, have 'gone all in' with World Book Day, we’ve turned their activities into a Library Bingo to showcase all the creative ways our members are celebrating.
March 5, 2026 at 8:31 AM
Happy World Book Day
Fancy a game of bingo?
To celebrate, how our members, both public libraries and Schools Library Services, have 'gone all in' with World Book Day, we’ve turned their activities into a Library Bingo to showcase all the creative ways our members are celebrating.
Fancy a game of bingo?
To celebrate, how our members, both public libraries and Schools Library Services, have 'gone all in' with World Book Day, we’ve turned their activities into a Library Bingo to showcase all the creative ways our members are celebrating.