#Weeknotes-6th June 2024

What's been happening?

The correct response to this might be "what hasn't been happening"!

Let's start with the end of last week, when I hosted ASCEL's inaugural webinar. It was a useful learning session for members and for us too; a chance to dig deeper into the Skills Development Pack (free for members to download) and for ASCEL to hear suggestions on how we can enhance support for members around professional development. These two-way conversations are so valuable; I'm grateful to members for sharing their thoughts and ideas so freely.

This week, Tabitha and I headed to the Libraries Connected Annual Seminar. Tabitha's a seasoned attendee but this was a first for me, and a welcome chance to connect with representatives from library services and support organisations across the country.

So, what was on the agenda? There were some thought-provoking presentations around the proven connection between culture and wellbeing, AI, community-led approaches and community-driven participation.

We heard from speakers not only across this country but from Spain too - do check out the LibraryLabs work being undertaken by Diego Gracia and his team in Spain; there was lots of learning there that could be useful for libraries in the UK.

We also attended workshops discussing advocacy, data, behaviour management and more, and I loved all the Ignite sessions; a chance to hear libraries sharing their inspirational projects and programmes. Reading Libraries' partnership work with their local college had me engrossed, and Manchester Central Library's Generator programme is impressive; what a high-impact way to support local entrepreneurs.

I also bumped into Lynne Marie Taylor (Relationship Manager, SW, Arts Council), which was a real treat as we share the same publisher. If you haven't read Lynne's excellent book, Death in Valetta, I'd recommend it. It's set in Malta and has a detective that I can see as being a Poirot of the future - such a memorable character!

What's on the to-do list?

I feel I'm venturing into unchartered territory next week as I start exploring ways to support our national youth engagement work online. There's something very special about meeting in person (or even talking virtually) but the libraries taking part in the youth engagement pilot programme raised an important point - for some young people, these sort of meetings can be incredibly challenging. So, in the spirit of exploration, I'm delving deep into the world of online social spaces. I sense this is going to be a steep learning curve, but one I'm excited to get stuck into.

I'm also starting work on editing some video content for ASCEL and Libraries Connected's Learning Pool module. I put the call-out some time ago for libraries to send me video footage, showcasing their amazing children's library spaces, activities and teams. Four libraries have already submitted content, and their videos have brought a tear to my eye. We've got footage of countless happy children enjoying Bounce & Rhyme sessions, being read to and exploring their libraries; and we hear from parents too, who are so pleased that these spaces are there for them. The videos show bright, colourful inspirational areas packed with fun things to see and do, and powerful words from library teams too, highlighting the link between libraries and literacy development, love of reading and happiness.

Libraries are wonderful places and we need to remind people of this. In fact, this needs to be the sector's collective motto now - no more humility, it's time to shout about how fantastic libraries are. If you're reading this and you're not working within the library sector, please join us in publicly recognising and celebrating your local library. They're the beating heart of every community.

What I've been up to outside of work

I live by the beach (I know, so lucky!), so last Sunday, I took a dip in the water then had a snooze on the sand. What an amazing way to spend a weekend, eh? I also pulled up some onions from the garden, which are about a month overdue (was it the wet winter?) but tasted great. The broad beans have also survived the blackfly invasion too, which was a relief.

I've also managed to read three books this week. I know - that's a lot even for this self-confessed bookworm! I read Strangers by Taichi Yamada in two sittings. What a haunting, gorgeous take on a traditional ghost story... I absolutely loved it. The other stand-out was Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent. Such a strong narrative voice, and there's such a lot of heart and uplift here, despite the very dark subject-matter. I'd recommend both.

Ambitions

Catch up! It's always the way after being out of the office for a while; the emails mount up, tasks get hidden under a pile of fresh tasks, and so forth. I'll be making sure I get myself organised again next week, and work through my formidable to-do list.