Booking now open for London Libraries Conference 2026!
We’re delighted to welcome you to the annual London Libraries Conference this autumn — a flagship event showcasing the creativity, ambition and impact of London’s public library services.
Each year, the conference brings together colleagues from across the capital to explore the ideas, innovations and partnerships shaping the future of our sector. Whether you’re a senior leader, librarian, development officer, digital specialist, partner organisation or part of a frontline team, this is your space to connect, learn and be inspired.
Join us for a day packed with:
- Thought‑provoking speakers championing bold, fresh thinking
- Interactive workshops sharing best practice from library teams and partners
- Networking and collaboration across London’s library community
- Innovative projects and success stories from across the capital
We’re delighted to announce our keynote speaker is acclaimed writer and broadcaster Michael Rosen – opening the conference with a rousing keynote and joining our panel of reading supporters.
Each London borough receives two free places for library staff (to be booked by a Head of Service or their nominated person). Additional places can be purchased for teams – with ticket prices kept low, this is the best value training for library staff in London.
Program
9.30–10.00
Coffee, registration and book signing
10.00–10.10
Welcome by the Chair of London Libraries
Fiona Tarn
10.15–10.25
Welcome from Southwark
Toni Ainge, Director of Leisure (Southwark Council)
10.30–10.55
Keynote presentation
Michael Rosen
11.00–11.25
Coffee break and book signing
11.25–11.30
Sponsor flash film
11.30–12.15
Reading the Future panel discussion
Luke Burton (Arts Council), Katherine Blamire (British Library), Debbie Hicks (Reading Agency), Michael Rosen, Lily Staunton-Howe (National Literacy Trust), Sheila Bennett (DCMS), and Clare Harrison (GLA)
12.20–1.20
Lunch and networking
1.25–1.40
Performance Poets
1.45–2.15
Libraries for Living: Designing and Delivering a New Strategy for London Libraries
Lucy Shaw and Miki Lentin (Cultural Oxford Associates)
2.15–2.20
Sponsor flash film
2.25–3.10
Breakout workshops
- Making the Case for Reading: Using the Why Reading Matters Toolkit Locally
- Developing a Responsible Approach to AI in Public Libraries
- Designing Reading Habits at Scale: What Read On and London Verse teach us about behaviour, data and impact
- Libraries for Living: Putting the Plan into Action – Exploring Practical Ideas for Implementation
- Collaborating to Support Londoners and Open Up Opportunities
3.15–3.40
Tea and coffee break
3.45–4.10
Ignite Presentations
4.15–4.25
Closing thoughts from the room
Praveen Manghani
About Michael Rosen
Michael Rosen is one of Britain’s best loved writers and performance poets for children and adults. His first degree was from Wadham College, Oxford and he went on to study for an MA and a PhD. He is currently Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London where he co-devised and teaches an MA in Children’s Literature.
Michael is also a popular broadcaster and has presented BBC Radio 4’s acclaimed programme about language, “Word of Mouth” since 1998, as well as regularly presenting documentary programmes for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 3, including the Sony Gold Award-winning “On Saying Goodbye”.
Michael has published in the region of 200 books for children and adults, including “The Sad Book” with Quentin Blake (Walker Books) – a meditation on bereavement written after the loss of his son, Eddie; “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” with Helen Oxenbury (Walker Books) – made into an animated film for Channel 4 broadcast Christmas Day 2016 - and “A Great Big Cuddle” with Chris Riddell (Walker Books) . His poetry for adults includes “Don’t Mention the Children” (Smokestack) and “Selected Poems” (Penguin). Non-fiction work for adults includes “Good Ideas: How to Be Your Child’s (and Your Own) Best Teacher” (John Murray), “The Disappearance of Emile Zola, Love, Literature and the Dreyfus Case” (Faber), and his memoir “So They Call You Pisher!” (Verso).
He has written a book for children and teachers on writing poetry ‘What is Poetry?’ (Walker Books) and has done three booklets for teachers on writing and reading. These are available through his website www.michaelrosen.co.uk . He writes up a monthly news page on the website and a blog for teachers giving ideas for writing.
Michael writes a monthly open “letter” to the Secretary of State for Education in The Guardian where he critiques Government policy on schools from the standpoint of a parent. He visits schools, teachers’ conferences and university teacher training departments where he is in demand to give performances, workshops and keynote addresses. He also appears regularly at literary festivals all over the UK and Ireland.
Michael has received several honorary awards, including degrees from the Open University, the University of Exeter, the University of London Institute of Education and the University of East London/Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust. For outstanding contribution to children’s literature he received the Eleanor Farjeon Award and was Children’s Laureate 2007-2009. In recognition of his contribution to the profile of French culture in the UK, he was made Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
His YouTube Channel ‘Kids’ Poems and Stories with Michael Rosen’ has had over 55 million views.
Showcase your library service at this year’s London Libraries Conference.
The Ignite & Inspire session at the London Libraries conference is your opportunity to shine – we’re celebrating the most inspiring, innovative, and impactful work from library teams across London and we want your projects in the spotlight!
We’re looking for projects that champion:
- Books & Reading
- Digital & Information
- Culture & Creativity
- Health & Wellbeing
- Children & Young People
- Accessibility
Take the stage!
In our Ignite and Inspire presentations, you’ll have 5 minutes to present your project to inspire hundreds of colleagues to try something similar in their own services.
This is your chance to:
✨ Share your success
✨ Celebrate your team