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
2026 conference headline sponsor revealed
World Book Day in Libraries: Going All In
Events
Why reading in the Early Years matters? Free webinar
28 April 2026
10:00 a.m. – 11:00a.m.
Join us on 28th April, 10:00-11:00am for a live session with Dr Gemma Goldenburg, as she explores the unique value of shared reading in the earliest years of life. Drawing on insights from child development and neuroscience, it looks at why books are such powerful tools for supporting young children’s emotional and cognitive development. Within this hour, Dr Gemma Goldenburg will consider the role of rhythm, pace, and repetition in early language experiences, and why books offer something that other forms of media cannot. It will also touch on how the environments in which we read can shape children’s engagement with stories. For librarians working with families and young children, this session offers research-informed perspectives and practical ideas to support meaningful early reading experiences. Date: 28th April Time: 10:00-11:00 am
£0.00
Hybrid May Conference 2026
12 May 2026
10:00 – 16:00
We’re delighted to welcome you join us at the Libraries Rising Conference: Belonging from the Beginning – Supporting inclusive early years practice in libraries. Be a part of our hybrid conference in Birmingham or online and join colleagues from across public libraries and Schools Library Services, education, and early years settings to explore inclusive early years practice in depth.
This is a day to reflect and engage in meaningful conversations about the first five years of a child’s life. You’ll explore what inclusive practice really means, how services can support every child, and how your work can have a lasting impact.
You will leave with:
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Practical approaches you can apply straight away in your service
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Insight into children’s perspectives and how to centre their voices in your work
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Tools to strengthen inclusion and social justice in early years settings
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Ideas and confidence to influence change in your own context
Price range: £50.00 through £250.00
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