The Power of Libraries Conference 2025

The Power of Libraries Conference 2025

For primary school educators.

Worcestershire Libraries are proud to be hosting their first 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. 

With a focus on the aspects of The Reading Framework in which schools can really benefit from working in partnership with the library service, conference delegates will be provided with practical tools and essential knowledge to take back to their school setting.

How will attending benefit my school?

  • Supporting the teacher as influencer - promoting a culture of reading for pleasure and updating their knowledge of contemporary literature
  • Exploring choice and motivation - ensuring teachers can make recommendations, steering pupils out of their comfort zone and encouraging them to try new books
  • Boosting pupil engagement - fun challenges both inside and out of the classroom and exploring activities provided by libraries
  • Providing access to engaging texts - understanding what resources are available from libraries and national organisations.
  • Developing your school library - through the National Literacy Trust’s ‘Libraries for Primaries’ campaign
  • Keeping all pupils reading - discover strategies to inspire and engage pupils in reading widely

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

The Children’s Promise in Public Libraries 

The Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (ASCEL).

The Promise covers children and young people from birth to eighteen and sets out the “library journey” that children should experience as they grow. Join ASCEL’s Chief Exec as she outlines the Promise’s vision and how libraries can inspire a love of reading and creativity.

Working with schools, school library services and school librarians as well as local and national partners, libraries provide a range of activities, programmes and initiatives which introduce, extend and refresh the library experience for children and young people.

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.

Reading for Pleasure is now part of a teacher's daily practice, but what brings a reader 'pleasure' will never have a one-size-fits-all answer. Ruth makes a living talking about reading, but she was a reluctant reader as a child. What made the difference? How do you think she transitioned into a lifelong reader? Comics!

During Ruth's talk, she will explore the books that we don't often use to teach English, but that might be crucial in opening a student's doorway to lifelong reading, where to find them and how to present them to the class.

Developing your School Library

Libraries for Primaries Team, The National Literacy Trust.

The National Literacy Trust’s ‘Libraries for Primaries’ mission is to ensure that every primary school in the UK has a library or dedicated library space. They campaign for change and run programmes that create a strong reading for pleasure culture in primary schools.

Join the team as they share their research on the life-changing impact school libraries can have on children and teachers, discuss recommendations for developing a school library, and explore the partnerships and programmes available.

Additional information

Throughout the day there will also be mini-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 to 4 year 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.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided to all delegates.

Book your place

Book your place at the conference using the link below at a special Early Bird rate of £45 per person:

Book Power of Libraries Conference 2025

For any booking queries please email: librariesHQ@worcestershire.gov.uk 

Lunch and refreshments will be provided to all delegates.

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