Belonging from the beginning (now complete)
Thank you to everyone who took part in this years conference.
You can explore all of our speakers, sponsors and exhibitors from our 2026 annual conference below, or if you’d like a more in-depth look at the day why not have a look at our write up.
Our Speakers
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Dr Shaddai Tembo
Anti-racist practice in the Early Years
Dr Shaddai Tembo is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Bath Spa University and an independent speaker with Critical Early Years. During his session, he will share 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.
More info -
Dr Alice Haynes
Early childhood mental health
Dr Alice Haynes is Head of Implementation in Anna Freud’s Clinical division. She has over 10 years’ experience of working in perinatal and early years research, policy and practice, including roles at the NSPCC and as national development manager for the National Lottery Community Fund’s strategic programme, A Better Start. She holds a PhD in social work and psychology. She will explore the factors that shape early wellbeing, the support available for families, and the important role library staff can play in supporting parents and carers.
More info -
Starcatchers
Listening to the voice of the baby
Starcatchers Amy Gibson will lead a practical, creative 1.5 hour session exploring Voice of the baby.
This session will be creative and hands-on exploring 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.
More info -
Early Years Alliance
Inclusive practice in Early Years libraries
Together, we’ll examine practical, meaningful ways libraries can embed early years inclusion, from creating sensory-friendly environments and supporting children with SEND, to representing diverse cultures, gender identities and family structures in resources and interactions.
We’ll consider how small changes can have a big impact on children’s confidence, comfort and sense of belonging.
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 interactive session explores 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.
Find out more
Date : 12 May 2026
Time: 10:00- 16:00
Venue: The Studio, Birmingham and streamed online
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.
Take a look at the full agenda for Belonging from the Beginning and start to plan your day.
I think it was the best conference I’ve ever attended. I loved the variety of topics, very interesting and inspiring speakers. lots of ideas, my head is spinning.
2025 conference attendee
What I enjoyed most was all the informative talks and the general feeling of being connected to people in the wider context of my work (including internationally)
2025 Conference attendee
Why attend?
This is a day for hands-on learning and meaningful connections. You will actively engage and reflect and leave with insights and tangible ideas that can be implemented in your work with children and families.
But if you need more convincing here are just a few reasons to join us:
Explore new ideas in Early Years Practice
You will be exploring topics that don’t always get talked about, including inclusive practice, the voice of the baby, mental health, wellbeing, and anti-racism in early years.
Shape and contribute to the future of Early Years practice
In-person delegates will actively take part in sessions that allow you to contribute to discussions that influence the future of Early Years services. This is a unique opportunity to help guide sector thinking.
Opportunities to connect: Online and in-person
With limited in-person numbers and interactive sessions, you will have time for discussions and to build meaningful professional connections. For online delegates, the conferenece will be live-streamed on YouTube, with opportunities to comment, ask questions, and engage with the sessions in real time. It is flexible, inclusive, and a budget-friendly way to take part in the conference while still accessing the same exploratory learning as in-person delegates.
Be part of a welcoming and inclusive day
Join colleagues from public libraires, School Library Services, early years settings and education. The day is designed to be interactive, but supportive, giving everyone space to contribute how they chose and opportunities to learn from each other.
Take part in exploratory practical learning
This is a day dedicated for immersive hands-on learning. You will leave with knowledge, tools and approaches you can use immediately in your service.
Thank you to our headline sponsor BookingsPlus
BookingsPlus provides venue hire software and virtual tour services to Library Services, Local Authorities and schools.
BookingsPlus’ venue hire software allows members of the public to find, book and pay for your bookable spaces online. It delivers vital revenue to support the delivery of services and digitally transforms processes to save time and money. It is trusted by the likes of Libraries Unlimited, Newcastle City Council, Kent County Council, Worcestershire County Council, Hillingdon Council and Bolton Council, alongside hundreds of schools and Multi Academy Trusts.
Virtual tours are accessibility resources that enable library users to explore and feel confident with your libraries before they visit. They allow users to look around and get familiar with the space remotely, which can be especially helpful for those who benefit from knowing what to expect in advance or are neurodivergent. Information points add context and signpost users to services. Additionally, tours support space bookings by allowing prospective hirers to visualise spaces before booking. We have created virtual tours for more than 300 libraries and schools across the UK.
Supporting sponsor: Peters
Peters are delighted to be sponsoring the Libraries Rising Conference: Belonging from the Beginning on 12 May 2026 as they come to our patch here in Birmingham!
Our librarians work with public libraries, School Library Services, schools and early years settings to promote reading from a very young age and help you get the best books into the hands of children. Our team read and review thousands of newly published children’s and teen books every year, so we can support you in selecting the best, high-quality, diverse and inclusive stock for young readers. We also provide a wealth of reader development support, from book lists and recommendations curated by our team to free promotional materials to enhance your book displays.
Bespoke design and furniture for libraries
It’s not just the books – we also provide high-quality, sustainable furniture for libraries and educational settings, designed to help you create the best book displays for borrowers of all ages. We offer a bespoke free library design service to revamp your library and help you make reading an appealing activity for all, where our designers will visit you on site to discuss your plans for the space, or work from photographs and dimensions to bring your vision to life. Email library.services@peters.co.uk to find out more and request a visit.
Meet our Exhibitors
This year’s exhibitors, joining us in Birmingham and online, bring practical solutions, inspiring resources and expert insight to help you create more inclusive, engaging and welcoming spaces for children and young people. From discovering the latest children’s books, to finding ways to make your library more accessible and welcoming, to exploring the vital role of play in early development, you’ll leave with tools, inspiration and connections you can use straight away.
You’ll be able to explore the latest children’s titles with Alanna Max, Everything With Words, Hachette, Simon & Schuster (Little Simon) and Usborne; discover approaches to making your library more accessible; learn about the importance of play with Boromi; find high-quality resources with Cosy Direct; and get fresh ideas for creating inviting, inclusive spaces with The Design Concept.
My time at the conference was one of the highlights of my year in work. I had such a wonderful time, met so many inspiring people and left feeling re-energised with lots of ideas.
The conference was jam packed with interesting speakers, workshops and conversations. I truly got something out of each session and have so many ideas to take back to my service.”
Daisy Hogarth, Knowsley Libraries. Rising Star sponsored delegate
Our conference has grown to become a must-attend event. We give a huge thanks to Annie Everall, Sarah Gregory and all past volunteers and team members for making it the powerful platform for library professionals that it is today.