Libraries and Care-Experienced Children and Young People
Drawing on the personal experience of library staff and young people, this essential guide provides guidance on how libraries can best support children and young people in care.
About
This site builds on the content of the book Libraries and care-experienced children and young people: a practical guide, sharing developments since its publication in July 2026 and further examples of good practice from library services.
Drawing on the personal experience of library staff and young people, this essential guide provides guidance on how libraries can best support children and young people in care.
Exploring practices that have proved beneficial and effective, and explaining why, this book gives readers the necessary tools to develop good practice in their own library to support vulnerable young people. Chapters include:
- The support libraries have provided in the past;
- An overview of the social policy background;
- How libraries are responding today;
- The barriers faced by care-experienced children and young people;
- Case studies that draw on the experience of individuals abroad.
This practical guide is a vital resource for librarians seeking to better understand and support children and young people in care.
About the Author
John Vincent has worked in the public sector since the 1960s, primarily for Hertfordshire, Lambeth and Enfield public library services, including as a children’s and young people’s librarian and senior manager. John has previously published Libraries and Sanctuary, LGBT People and the UK Cultural Sector and co-authored Public Libraries and Social Justice. He is also currently the Chair of the CILIP Benevolent Fund and is a recipient of the CILIP CDEG Special Diversity Award. He was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to public libraries in the 2026 New Year’s Honours list.
Case Studies
The Rochdale Graphic Novels Project
The project supported children’s Reading for Pleasure by encouraging them to read graphic novels and use local libraries — and was Winner of the HarperCollins Reading for Pleasure Award 2025.
- PowerPoint
Further case studies from partner services will be added here.