Libraries Week kicks off celebrating role supporting communities

This year's Libraries Week will celebrate the role of libraries in supporting active and engaged communities, including everything from health and wellbeing initiatives to combating social isolation and taking climate action.

The event runs between 4th and 10th October, kicking off with a special book event run by PRH Children's and Authors Aloud UK with author Femi Fadugba talking about his new book The Upper World (PRH Children's), a YA thriller that defies space and time. On 6th October the Reading Agency will reveal its new free online reading for pleasure game, The Reading Adventure, piloting in Islington as part of the Get Islington Reading Programme. 

The following day, library and information association CILIP will lead a seminar on future leadership in the library, with a keynote presentation from Dr Buhle Mbambo-Thata, and on 8th October ahead of World Homelessness Day, the Reading Agency and Libraries Connected will invite libraries to hear from a panel of experts including the Big Issue’s Lord Bird, alongside discussion and sharing of public library best practice. 

Nick Poole, chief executive of CILIP, said: “During the pandemic libraries became a very visible lifeline for many, an essential service helping to reduce isolation for thousands of vulnerable people. As communities focus on rebuilding post-Covid, libraries continue to have a vital role to play in supporting economic, cultural and academic recovery. 

 "This year, I am proud to celebrate the innovative and creative ways that libraries have risen to the challenges presented by the pandemic and the noticeable renaissance they are having in driving forward positive change with and for the diverse communities they serve. 

 "Libraries offer an incredible platform for people of all ages and walks of life to share ideas, make connections and take action to improve the places and spaces where they live and work. This Libraries Week, we want everyone to get involved and discover how they can take action through their library.”