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
Celebrating our 1st Birthday and Strategy launch
19 November 2026
13:00 – 14:00
Join us as we celebrate one year of Libraries Rising! A year ago ASCEL became Libraries Rising, and we’d love you to join us to celebrate our first year and recognise the impact we’ve made together. We’ll also be unveiling our new five-year strategy and theory of change, sharing our ambitions for a stronger, more […]
£0.00
Behind the research: How libraries are contributing to Early Years
1 December 2026
13:00 – 14:00
What difference do public libraries make to the lives of babies, young children and their families? And how can more families benefit from what their local library has to offer? Join us and BookTrust for a webinar exploring our new research, how public libraries contribute to positive early years outcomes. The research explores public libraries […]
£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