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
London Libraries Conference
Children and Young People’s Promise to be refreshed with Arts Council England funding
Events
Sofa Chat: Libraries For Primaries
3 November 2026
14:00 – 15:00
Join us for a ‘Sofa Chat’ with Lucy Starbuck-Braidley, Head of School Libraries at National Literacy Trust, to talk about the Libraries for Primaries campaign. We’ll be chatting about what the campaign actually is, the impact it’s had, and the opportunities it could create for SLS and public libraries. This is an informal, podcast-style conversation on a ‘virtual sofa’ with plenty of time for questions and discussion.
£0.00
Heartstone Story Circles.
12 November 2026
14:00 – 15:00
Sitakumari of Heartstone will be introducing their National Year of Reading project ‘Heartstone Story Circle’. Heartstone is working with Libraries Connected and Libraries Rising to set up the project working with up to 30 libraries nationwide, led from Manchester and London. The project is part of the National Year of Reading, developing literacy and a love of reading and books and also encourages the children to explore the library’s resources to research historical material and build critical thinking. The project centres on reading the book ‘ The Heartstone Odyssey’ and using connected stories told through images and text, to generate discussion on a range of issues of relevance in the current time – bringing people together across different nationalities/cultures to celebrate a common human experience. Identity, belonging, challenging prejudice/intolerance and our connection with the natural environment are just a few of the topics that will be raised through the project. As it centres on reading, listening and speaking, it also develops literacy and a love of reading and books amongst the children participating. Another important part of the project is encouraging the children to explore the library’s own existing resources for research and background historical material and building critical thinking, understanding the importance of trustworthy information. Aimed at librarians, teachers and parents, who are able to involve 9-12 year old children in the project launching in February 2027. Date of webinar: 12th November 2026 2-3pm Photograph: ©Nick Sidle
£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