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
Sofa Chat: Libraries For Primaries
3 November 2026
14:00 – 15:00
Join us for a ‘Sofa Chat’ with Lucy Starbuck-Braidley, Head of School Libraries at National Literacy Trust, to talk about the Libraries for Primaries campaign. We’ll be chatting about what the campaign actually is, the impact it’s had, and the opportunities it could create for SLS and public libraries. This is an informal, podcast-style conversation on a ‘virtual sofa’ with plenty of time for questions and discussion.
£0.00
Heartstone Story Circles.
12 November 2026
14:00 – 15:00
HeartStone Story Circles Join us for a webinar with Heartstone’s Sitakumari to discover an exciting new project offering libraries the opportunity to bring children and communities together through storytelling. The Heartstone Story Circle project centres on The Heartstone Odyssey and connected stories told through images and text to spark discussion around identity, belonging, different cultures, prejudice and inclusion. The project aims to encourage a love of reading, develop children’s literacy and critical thinking, and help people from different backgrounds find common ground. Sitakumari will introduce the project and explain how libraries can get involved, including the resources, training and support available to participating services. Each participating child will receive their own copy of The Heartstone Odyssey, with online training and supporting materials provided for library staff. The project is designed to be flexible, requiring around one hour a week over six sessions, and offers an opportunity to engage new audiences and connect with local schools and communities. Aimed at librarians, teachers and parents, who are able to involve 9-12 year old children in the project launching in February 2027. Date of webinar: 12th November 2026 2-3pm Photograph: ©Nick Sidle
£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