NEWS

Voter ID Requirement

Voter ID Requirement

From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections. This will apply to: Local elections Police and Crime Commissioner elections UK parliamentary by-elections Recall petitions From October 2023 it will also apply...

Natwest Carbon Planner

Natwest Carbon Planner

Carbon Planner is free and could support you to become a more sustainable and climate conscious organisation, and help you to identify potential cost and carbon savings too. Use it to measure your carbon footprint by answering a few questions, get tailored actions and...

The Big Help Out

The Big Help Out

To mark His Majesty The King’s Coronation thousands of organisations across the country are getting together to give us all the chance to help out in our own local communities. Starting on Monday 8th May there will be opportunities for everyone to join in. No matter...

Congratulations to David, Sue & Chris!

Congratulations to David, Sue & Chris!

Our wonderful trustees David Smith, Sue Wills & Chris Clarke celebrated their investitures recently, recognising their contributions to libraries and communities. We congratulate them all for their significant and ongoing contributions, and on the recognition they...

Help for Households

Help for Households

Ensuring prepayment meter customers receive £400 energy bills discount UK households are eligible for money off their electricity bills via the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS), which is paid in monthly instalments, running until March 2023. The government is asking...

Simon Armitage – Libraries Tour

Simon Armitage – Libraries Tour

Does your library’s name or location in the UK (village, town or city, but not street) begin with the letters H, I, J or K? If so, you’re welcome to submit an invitation by [date tbc], asking Simon Armitage to visit during the next Tour in 2024. Simon Armitage has...

Updates from the Network

Updates from the Network

Library On An initiative being developed to connect library services with people, co-designed with library services, which is funded by Arts Council England and powered by the British Library. The ethos is to celebrate libraries and improve their perception, share...

More than just books

More than just books

The Community Libraries Network and the Digital Culture Network have come together to see how our Tech Champions can support libraries in their digital journeys. If you run or support a community library and would like to get in touch to book a free 1-2-1 support...

Energy Bill Discount Scheme

Energy Bill Discount Scheme

The ‘Energy Bills Discount Scheme’ has been announced, confirming the nature of support for businesses & charities from April. We will update with additional information once there has been clarity on the extent of the scheme, with reference to libraries. Find out...

Silent Reading Café

Silent Reading Café

Indulge in a digital detox, switch off from the outside world and lose yourself in an hour of uninterrupted reading. The Silent Reading Café is a space for quiet reading and contemplation, rather than a reading group. Find out more

Warm Welcome Campaign

Warm Welcome Campaign

We have been so encouraged to see how this community response to a desperate crisis has grown and grown over the months. Spaces registered: 5,749 Total number of spaces: 5,749 Total funds raised: £190,000 Estimated number of people helped per week: 95,000 Find out...

Freecycle LibraryUK

Freecycle LibraryUK

Unlike many Freecycle groups, this network isn’t restricted to a specific town or location. Instead, it provides a platform for people working in libraries to ‘freecycle’ resources, equipment and furniture across the library network. Find out more