#Weeknotes 02/12/2024

What's been happening?

Am I allowed to mention the 'C' word yet? With only three weeks and four days to go (not that I'm counting), we're in the midst of one of my favourite seasons. It's the time of year for an extra dose of kindness, good cheer, mince pies, cheesy films, and I unashamedly enjoy it all. Have I started humming tunes from The Muppet Christmas Carol yet? Oh yes!

Last week, I joined colleagues from Arts Council, Libraries Connected, LGA, Community Libraries Network, the British Library, the National Archives, CILIP and Surrey Libraries, to represent ASCEL in the national Public Libraries Group. I was a first-timer and it was such a privilege to join in with the discussion, hear the progress that's been made so far, and explore options for the future.

ASCEL's skills audit has come to a close too. We had over 100 responses, which is an excellent sample size of our membership. It's clear to see what the main challenges are for libraries across the country (and how our training programme should be tailored to support with this). My personal challenge is to consider how best to present the findings in this year's report, in a way that's useful and informative for members, and the wider audience.

Lastly, if you're an ASCEL member and have signed up for Katie Pekacar's training session this Wednesday, you're in for a treat. She's an absolute expert on building and maintaining productive partnerships, and the session will be really beneficial.

What's next?

ASCEL have a team day coming up, which is always a great pleasure. We're a small team and work largely from home, and these occasions where we can meet up and work together on our key priorities are so valuable.

I'll also be getting everything ready for a few important sessions in mid-December; our first Youth Engagement Network meet-up for the new cohorts, and our first member's meet-up, with a focus on partnership-working.

Outside of work

I had a lovely catch-up with a friend I haven't seen in ages at the weekend. She's a midwife and it was fascinating to hear all about her experiences with the NHS (and to have a chat about how wonderful public services are in general, and how they should be protected!).

I've also been reading The Amazing Teenage Brain Revealed by Nicola Morgan. It's such an insightful read, and there have been plenty of moments when I've paused, considered and digested what I'd read. In short, our interactions with teenagers should really be informed by this sort of knowledge, as the teenage brain operates in a very different way.

Ambitions

With the New Year on the horizon, I'm thinking of the opportunities. What lies ahead... and how can we create more opportunities for children and young people to feel they really belong in their libraries?