CILIP’s annual Libraries Week celebrations (7-12 October 2019) will showcase how libraries have transformed their digital offer, featuring events and activities in more than 1,000 libraries across the UK.
This October, communities and librarians across the country are taking part in a week-long celebration of the nation’s much-loved libraries. Libraries Week takes place between the 7th and 12th October 2019, and this year focuses on how libraries are using digital technology to engage, inspire and delight their audiences.
This Libraries Week we will celebrate and explore how libraries are engaging communities through technology, building digital skills and confidence, encouraging digital participation and inclusion, supporting health, wellbeing and education and supporting local business and enterprise:
- From coding clubs, makerspaces and STEM activities to helping people to get online, Libraries Week 2019 will celebrate and explore how libraries are engaging communities through technology, building digital skills and confidence, encouraging digital participation and inclusion, supporting health, wellbeing and education and supporting local business and enterprise
- Take part in CILIP’s competition to Build the Library of the Future out of LEGO bricks and win tickets to LEGOLAND Windsor and £500 to donate to a library of your choice
- University Challenge Star and the UK’s best-known Maths teacher, Bobby Seagull, becomes a CILIP Library Champion with the launch of his 10-point Manifesto for Libraries
- On Monday 7th October, Simon & Schuster Children’s UK launch ‘LOVE YOUR LIBRARY’ – a campaign in partnership with Peters featuring an exhibition of original artwork from 12 S&S illustrators at the Victoria and Albert museum in the National Art Library
- Celebrate Ada Lovelace Day on Tuesday 8th October with the team behind Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls for a chance to win the inspiring new book Ada Lovelace Cracks the Code, based on the life of the British technology pioneer and an exclusive goodie bag
- Award-winning poet, picture book author and libraries advocate Joseph Coelho will be continuing his library-joining marathon in London with the hopes of joining every library authority in London by the end of Libraries Week 2019
- Building on a fantastically successful pilot, the BBC will be bringing BBC Virtual Reality to more libraries across the country from Aberdeenshire to Devon. This season features some interactive VR for library visitors to enjoy
- On Saturday 12th October, all 325 public libraries in London will be taking part in the World of Possibilities Festival with late-night openings, film screenings and interactive digital storytelling sessions
- Join in the #LibrariesWeek conversation and sign up as a library supporter at www.librariesdeliver.uk
Libraries Week is organised by CILIP, the UK’s library and information association. Nick Poole, Chief Executive, said:
“Libraries everywhere have transformed their offer for a digital age. From robots to 3D printers, virtual reality to gaming, libraries are the perfect place to get creative, get connected and learn new skills.
“This year, I am particularly excited to be launching our LEGO Library of the Future competition with our Library Champion, Bobby Seagull. We are looking forward to seeing the imaginative ideas people have for their libraries!
“We are also encouraging everyone who supports their library to go online, register their support and make a donation at www.librariesdeliver.uk.”
Find out more about Libraries Week activities across the UK
Find out more about the Libraries Deliver advocacy campaign
How are you celebrating Libraries Week? Let us know in the comments section below.