The Power of Libraries Conference 2025

 

Worcestershire Libraries are proud to be hosting their inaugural Power of Libraries conference which will demonstrate the valuable role libraries play in supporting literacy in primary schools.

Featuring nationally renowned keynote speakers and respected experts, who will expand on the importance of reading for pleasure and providing the right resources at the right time, the conference will address the vital role public and school libraries hold in supporting children’s education. We will tackle the questions that really matter, delivering to delegates practical tools and essential knowledge for you to take back to your schools and settings.

 

Who should attend?

Exploring both public and school libraries, the conference is open to all school staff with an interest in developing a culture of reading for pleasure. It is also an ideal opportunity for school librarians, English leads and leaders looking to invest in their school library and make connections with Worcestershire Libraries.

 

Keynote sessions:

  1. The Children’s Promise in Public Libraries – The Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (ASCEL)
  2. Opening the door to Reading for Pleasure – Ruth Baker-Leask, Director of Minerva Learning and former Chair of the National Association of Advisers in English, explores reading for pleasure in practice.
  3. Developing your School Library – Libraries for Primaries Team, The National Literacy Trust

 

Throughout the day there will also be sessions delivered by Worcestershire Library staff outlining the various library offers available to schools, including:

  • Get School Ready – the library service’s school readiness programme for 3/4yr olds
  • Learning Outside the Classroom – covering school visits, library outreach and out-of-school activities
  • Library Ambassadors – a new programme appointing pupils to act as ambassadors within their school
  • Summer Reading Challenge – the annual challenge to maintain reading levels during the holidays
  • The Teaching Collection – resources developed by the University of Worcester and available to teachers across the county

 

There will be a Marketplace featuring the speakers, partners and library staff during the lunchtime period and at the end of the conference, providing networking opportunities and the chance to find out more about what is on offer to schools to support you to improve literacy within your setting.

 

Book your place at the conference here at a special Early Bird rate of £45 per person.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided to all delegates.