Who we are
We’re excited about the future of libraries, with good reason. Our work is creating spaces where children and young people are inspired by possibilities.
Libraries Rising is a collaborative network made up of our members, partners and supporters. We believe in the need for safe spaces and real-life connections to support the demands of modern life. We want all children and young people to feel right at home at the library. Together, we’re working with leaders in children’s, public and schools library services and children and young people to co-create the future library, a place where they feel understood, empowered and inspired.
Libraries Rising is the working name of Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (formerly known as ASCEL).
What we do
SparkSpace
SparkSpace – the first and only learning platform focused on training library professionals and volunteers in how to connect, engage and co-create with children and young people. This free-to-access learning module and toolkit has been co-created with young people, giving you the unique insights and tools to create places where they feel they belong.
News
Youth Engagement Network report launched
Young people to shape the future of reading in libraries
Events
How Play can Support Young Children's Engagement with Books
16 September 2026
14:00 – 15:00
Join Dr Samantha Jayne Hulston, a researcher at the Open University, to explore how play can support young children’s engagement with books. Play creates space for children to explore their worlds. Playing with texts after shared readings creates opportunities for young children to explore and engage with the world of books on their own terms, offering a possible route to reading enjoyment. This session will look at how story-related play can give young children time and space to develop understandings of and connections with texts, their narratives, characters and concepts. We will look at recent empirical evidence that shows the wider benefits of play-based practices to young children as well as observational research that has documented the myriad ways children connect with stories during play. Recognising that not all children use talk to share their connections with stories, we will also look at the various methods children use to create and share ideas and interests with others. This webinar is free to attend and open to all library staff. Date: 16th September 2:00-3:00 pm
£0.00
Membership
We are a community of professional peers that you can rely on, through every step of your career.
Our collaborative network brings leaders in children’s, public and school library services together with children and young people to co-create inspiring libraries of today and tomorrow.
What we offer
- Career-shaping training, networking and resources
- Youth Engagement opportunities
- Advocacy for your library service
Something new I didn’t know before… how fun the library is!– Youth Engagement Network Participant