Lucy Banks

My latest read - borrowed from my local library (BorrowBox). A slow build but when it got going, it really got going! Very psychological, an excellent unreliable narrator, trigger warning for a quite shocking ending that came out of nowhere. Overall, enjoyable. #amreading

Foxgloves stood out - that was really spooky! And the one about Stonehenge.

My latest read - The Dead of Summer: Strange Tales of May Eve and Midsummer, edited by @johnnymains.co.uk. Given the recent heatwave this felt like an appropriate read - a great collection of short stories from some well known writers and some I’d never heard of. A few genuinely eerie ones too…

My latest read. This took me a loooong time to get through. Some of the short stories I really enjoyed, and some were a bit of a slog to get through. An unusual mixed bag; normally I enjoy all of Stephen King’s short stories…he’s a bit of a master of the form! #amreading

It was a great joy to hear Michael Rosen speak at this year’s #CILIPconference25. Inspirational, funny and thought provoking. The man’s a legend!

I finally made it to Birmingham Library! What a building; it’s absolutely got the wow factor. I also got to spend time with one of my favourite young people - my awesome fashion designer niece :-) #libraries

The eldest lad and I are totally obsessed with Alan Wake 2. Such an incredible game (tho it borrows heavily from Twin Peaks…perhaps that’s why I like it so much!) #ps5 #gaming

What a great day at @hullsls.bsky.social James Reckitt Reading Conference! #amreading #libraries #schools

Hello Hull! I’m off to the James Reckitt Reading Conference today! @hullsls.bsky.social #amreading #libraries #schools

My latest read - a clever, compelling rewrite of Huckleberry Finn, putting the character of Jim in the spotlight and shining a light on the savagery of slavery. I was engrossed from start to end. #amreading

I found another library! Well, two actually; I’ve had a lovely day with two of our members in Barnet and Tower Hamlets. Colindale Library and Watney Market Idea Store are doing amazing things with children and young people in their area as part of our Youth Engagement Network. #libraries

Watching Shifty (Adam Curtis) on BBC iPlayer. As per his signature documentary style, great juxtapositions of footage to examine how ‘life in Britain today has become strange’. #shifty

Finally got around to watching Haxan - mind blowing that this film was made over a hundred years ago! #folkhorror

Big Shipping at The Cavern in Exeter. Fab!! We need to keep our music venues open; not just places for musical talent to shine but also valued community spaces bringing people together.

My latest read. Very enjoyable and diverse collections of essays on the subject, ranging from the Woolpit children to the folk horror of Dr Who. Fun! #folkhorror #amreading

Thanks Clover x

Many thanks Emily! X

I loved speaking at this years’ Libraries Connected Seminar about our work with libraries across the country, focusing on our collective role in the equitable redistribution of power to children and young people. When we work with communities and bring people together, we achieve great things!

A young woman is seen working in a library.

At #LCSeminar2025, @lucybanks.bsky.social spoke about the @ascelnetwork.bsky.social Youth Engagement Network. ASCEL is working with #Libraries across the country to ensure young people's voices are heard within our sector.

Find out more about the pilot phase results here:

ascel.org.uk/node/357

Arthur’s grave… #exploring #folklore

Hereford cathedral- it’s worth a visit!

The final three copies of this beautiful lathe cut limited edition vinyl of our Summer Solstice single are now available to pre-order in our Bandcamp shop rowanambermill.bandcamp.com/merch
Vent Records have done a stunning job on the release.
Head over and take a listen. #folkhorror

What do you know…I’ve found another library! And this one is a chained library no less… #libraries #amreading

Wow!

Those who attend the HELL TOR FESTIVAL this year will be privy to exclusive special guest films sharing the their favourite ghost moments on film / TV.

Tickets go on sale June 2025

#uncanny #helltor #exeterphoenix

Just finished - this was sent to me by a friend. Very lovely children’s book about a Jewish boy’s experiences in Poland in World War 2. Sad in places (as you might expect) and the writing has lovely restraint to it. #amreading

Avebury is incredible - I’d like to go back one day!

The Adam Scovell book is fab!

This is on my to-read pile!

Definitely. I liked the angle, looking at hauntology through the lens of nostalgia, and there were some great interviews in there with musicians (along with some handy lists, if you like browsing back catalogues etc!)