Libraries are awesome! Even as society undergoes continuous change, the public library continues to be considered by so many as a much-loved and respected institution – even those who have never used it can still see its wider democratic and civic value. The public library is still widely and globally recognised as a catalyst for change, facilitating social, economic and cultural development and supporting communities to take advantage of the opportunities afforded them by a modern society. We know libraries build better, fairer stronger communities. Working more, and more in partnership they make huge differences to health and wellbeing, to early learning, to digital access and skills and to an informed citizenry.
We’ve chosen just a few snippets in case you need reminding!
LIBRARIES, COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLBEING
IN COMMUNITIES WHERE CIVIC HEALTH IS POOR, LIVES ARE SHORTER. …neglected #libraries and other #publicspaces that help foster a sense of belonging — coupled with barriers to participation in #civilife …have health consequences. @NoahLenstra https://t.co/ESxJAi6I4r #health
— liz McGettigan (@lizmcgettigan) April 11, 2023
LIBRARIES READandFEED, LENDandMEND
THE FASCINATING WORLD OF LIBRARIES! .. digital book wars to “ReadandFeed”. The value of your library staff to “LendandMend” The power of self-issue in @DonegalLibrary. Delight that Wandsworth Borough Council are expanding and improving their libraries….https://t.co/Ef4EtlMiyb pic.twitter.com/Ss4KVORDXs
— SOLUS (@solusuk) April 6, 2023
LIBRARIES LEVELLING UP
THE LIBRARY – THE LEVELLING UP MACHINE ! Public libraries,are catalysts, forging connections – be it to people, resources, agendas or partners. We connect people to each other, people to content and info, people to place, anytime anywhere #publiclibraries https://t.co/N6lJ62E1hL pic.twitter.com/s44ARhmAjA
— SOLUS (@solusuk) April 14, 2023
LIBRARIES , COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLBEING
What's changed in libraries? @BruceLeeke, CEO of @SuffolkLibrary Libraries, joins Colin Low for a chat the answer, by the way, is quite a lot! This link https://t.co/gup5Zc2NtO #podcast #money #libraries #publiclibraries pic.twitter.com/tZiWfKwVxf
— liz McGettigan (@lizmcgettigan) April 17, 2023
LIBRARIES AND COMMUNITY POWER
How people power delivered £1m library for Strathblane community. #libraries #community https://t.co/Z7uIcOSL1d pic.twitter.com/mUZfmCvYaI
— liz McGettigan (@lizmcgettigan) April 18, 2023
LIBRARIES AND DEMENTIA
LOVE LIBRARIES! Making a real difference. Free dementia awareness sessions at Gloucestershire Libraries #dementia @gloslibs #libraries https://t.co/xn9Hig3c38 pic.twitter.com/DiHOfZ0Ash
— liz McGettigan (@lizmcgettigan) April 18, 2023
LIBRARIES KNOW THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE
WHAT ROLE DOES TODAY'S LIBRARIAN PLAY? Many are leaders within the community, identifying unique needs and developing complementary programming, #librarians help create stronger #communities #leadership #publiclibrarieshttps://t.co/MSZqEmxtU4
— SOLUS (@solusuk) April 17, 2023
WHAT MAKES LIBRARIES AWESOME? We asked around at the EDGE23 conference 2023 and here are just a few reasons! Why do you think they are awesome? #LibrariesAreAwesome #libraries pic.twitter.com/DxHbroNn1N
— SOLUS (@solusuk) March 16, 2023
LIBRARIES AND MEDIA LITERACY
‘#AI will impact the digital landscape in ways we have yet to imagine. But we do know that news literacy skills and knowledge will be more vital than ever.’ Libraries will have a key role to play. Great list of resources from @NewsLitProject 👏👏 https://t.co/eGftTZIA2w
— Luke Burton📚 (@biblioluke) April 16, 2023
LIBRARIES FUNDING CHANGE?
GREAT QUESTION! Libraries’ roles have changed dramatically, why hasn’t funding followed? #libraries #funding #communityneed https://t.co/bxGnsun1G3 pic.twitter.com/NvbFAaLQAu
— liz McGettigan (@lizmcgettigan) April 16, 2023
Tomorrow’s libraries need leaders who understand new technologies, the changing and future job market and the future skills citizens will need for that. Undoubtedly, these new leaders must find a united, big, loud voice to sell the vision. We must transform public perception of our role and relevance and become the thought leaders to support, protect and empower people in a digital age. We must enable the learning required to create new jobs and a new skilled, entrepreneurial, adaptable workforce. Importantly we need to create the fantastic spaces in which people feel they can just ‘be’; places they own, want, need and can mould.
Rapid pace of change is now our only constant. Shifting our role towards people-connectedness, equality of access, content and skills development should enable a much more rapid adoption of new and innovative technology.
We have a real opportunity to reinvent our role as the ‘digital powerhouse’ and develop as real catalysts for equality and societal change. We must find new ways of working that ensure no one is left behind. Our public libraries are ideally situated to create the conditions for harnessing the benefits of economic growth and we need to ensure everyone knows it! WE NEED TO FIND A LOUDER VOICE!
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