Belonging from the Beginning: Conference slides and resources
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Libraries Rising Conference 2026.
On this page you can access all the conference slides and resources from the day so you can revisit the sessions, reflect on the discussions and take ideas back into your own practice.
We hope you find these resources useful as you continue the conversations and explore how we can keep building inclusive, welcoming spaces for children, families and communities.
Inclusive practice in Early Years libraries
Led by Alison Heseltine, Early Years Development Manager for the Early Years Alliance and Louise Campbell White, Early Years Development Officer for the Early Years Alliance, this session explored what inclusive practice looks like in early years library provision, with a focus on challenging stereotypes and supporting children and families with diverse needs, identities and experiences.
View and download the slides here.
Listening to the voice of the baby
Led by Amy Hall-Gibson, this session explored Starcatchers’ Voice of the Baby approach, including engagement signals and schematic play. Discover how creative experiences can help us better understand babies’ communication and perspectives.
You can watch Starcatchers video on engagement signals here.
View and download the slides here.
Early childhood mental health
Dr Alice Haynes explored the factors that shape early wellbeing, the support available for families, and the important role library staff can play in supporting parents and carers.
View and download the slides here.
Anti-racist practice in early years
Dr Shaddai Tembo shared insight into anti-racist practice when working with young children, with space for reflection and discussion. Drawing on his work in early childhood studies, he’ll explore how anti-racist thinking can shape everyday practice and share practical ideas you can apply in your own library setting.
View and download slides here.
The final session of the day was a collaborative conversation focusing on the future or early years. An interactive canva whiteboard was used by online attendees to share their thoughts on what libraries can do in the future, how libraries can support the best start in life, looking at the opportunities their are to reach more early years families, what barriers need to be addressed and how to ensure a warm welcome
If you would like to add any extra thoughts or comments, please feel free to do so here.