This interview has also been shared across London-based radio stations, but if you missed it, you can listen to the full conversation on BBC Sounds from 36 minutes in:👂

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SparkSpace is a new learning platform to support library professionals and volunteers to better connect, engage and co-create with children and young people. It gives library teams the resources and confidence to create services and spaces where young people feel understood, welcome and inspired. ⚡

Free and available for everyone, you can access the learning here: librariesrising.org.uk/sparkspace-c...

Congratulations Anna and Annabel, and thank you for helping guide our journey from ASCEL to Libraries Rising. They are brilliant champions for children, young people and library services, and we're so grateful for their leadership and support.

What a brilliant start to 2026!

5. Engage young people directly

Involve young people as volunteers and ask them what they want from their library service.

Get their input on your social media strategy and what content feels relevant to them.

Build engagement with young people rather than for them.

4. Make sure you stay relevant

Entertainment has changed. Why not consider what alternatives your library service can offer? e.g. streaming services or film clubs.

Create more activities for the 'in-between' ages (13 to 25), such as film clubs or Zine making workshops.

3. Fun extras make a difference

Think about external motivators that would be appealing.

Consider what incentives or rewards you could offer to make the library feel exciting and personal e.g. The Summer Reading Challenge, treats or local partnerships (we've heard ice-cream vouchers work well!)

2. Be obvious in communicating your value

Make it clear libraries offer more than 'just books'. Advertise the activities and events already available, e.g. manga clubs and homework support.

Challenge the perception that libraries must be silent. Show they can be social, creative and lively spaces.

1. Make the space feel authentically welcome

Don’t just ask young people to come in. Show them they belong.

Make it clear libraries are community spaces, not just quiet places.

Provide facilities that make young people want to hang out, e.g. charging ports and places to sit together.

And of course, we revealed our new brand and mission- Creating libraries of tomorrow with the children and young people of today

If you missed the reveal make sure you check out our website: www.librariesrising.org.uk

Thank you to all our speakers and everyone else who joined us

Our favourite quotes:

Keep it real and keep it chill- Youth panel response on how library services can engage young people

It all starts with libraries- Motaz Amer on empowering young people from the start

Spreading library joy- Mychal Threets on the power of kindness and connection 🌈🧡

Baroness Twycross opened the day sharing how she is proud to be championing libraries reflecting on her own childhood memories spent reading and visiting libraries.

She called for libraries to become the 'transformative hearts of communities'

Want more info about the Expo Zone...

Explore @peters-books.bsky.social (sponsor), @everywithwords.bsky.social, Guppy Books + more, and discover new children’s books, resources and ideas that could benefit your whole library service.