Lara Marshall

Accomplished library and engagement manager with a passion for books, accessibility and learning. With over seventeen years of experience in public libraries — managing branches and staff, running arts and literature festivals, coordinating national partnerships, and leading on digital communications — I bring a rare combination of strategic leadership, community engagement, and deep subject knowledge. Currently serving as the sole Libraries Engagement Manager for RNIB across the entire United Kingdom, I work with public, academic and school libraries to embed accessibility for blind and visually impaired readers into their strategy, services and culture.

My life goal is to ensure that books, information and literacy are open and available to all.

Libraries Engagement Manager at RNIB – Royal National Institute of Blind People (2022-05 – Present)

As the only Libraries Engagement Manager for RNIB operating across the entire United Kingdom, I work with public, academic and school libraries to champion and embed accessible services for blind and partially sighted users and staff.

• Partner with library authorities throughout the UK to develop equitable, high-quality services for blind and visually impaired users.
• Deliver access audits, visual awareness training, accessible literacy and accessible technology workshops across all library types.
• Support libraries to embed accessibility into their organisational strategy and long-term planning.
• Represent RNIB at talks, conferences and sector events, raising awareness of accessibility as a fundamental right.
• Serve as the single national point of expertise for libraries accessibility across the UK — a unique and far-reaching brief.

Libraries Group Manager & Festival Coordinator at London Borough of Hillingdon – Hillingdon Libraries (2010-01 – 2022-05)

Managed three branch libraries — Northwood, Northwood Hills and Harefield — with responsibility for budgets, performance, stock, facilities, events, community engagement and HR, while also leading the council's arts and literary festival. Career break 2011–12.

• Coordinated and delivered large-scale events for Hillingdon Library Service, representing all 17 libraries, including London Cityread, national initiatives and the 'Culture Bite' arts and literary festival.
• Hosted and organised 'Open Mic Night' for over eight years, fostering new local artists, creativity and community participation.
• Managed day-to-day operations across three branches: staffing, stock management, facilities maintenance, performance management and target-setting.
• Contributed to senior management team, assisting with policy creation and strategic planning for the library service.
• Built and maintained partnerships with external organisations including the NHS, The Reading Agency, Arts Council England, CILIP, Libraries Connected and trade publishers.
• Managed all HR processes for staff across the three direct-report branches.
• Over 3,000 people attended Hillingdon Library events in a single year through the Culture Bite festival, directly increasing library issues and reader satisfaction.
• Largest single event: Christmas book fair at Manor Farm heritage site, Ruislip — attracting over 3,000 attendees with author talks, craft stalls, theatrical performances, carol singers and a Santa's grotto.

Judge & Publicity Assistant at Comedy Women in Print Prize (2019-02 – 2021-08)

• Served on the judging panel from the prize's inaugural year (2019) and continued to support publicity efforts for this celebrated award for funny female writers.

Librarian & Acquisitions Assistant at H.J. Stark Center, University of Texas (2011-06 – 2012-03)

• Catalogued and archived new acquisitions for a newly established academic library, donated by a wide range of benefactors.
• Responded to enquiries from students, academics and professionals regarding books, journals and sports culture publications.
• Managed the hall and exhibition space, organising events to promote the Stark Center and hiring to external organisations.
• Increased revenue from museum space hire by 70% within the first three months.
• Led printing and publicity campaigns, procuring the largest printer on campus and running cross-departmental campaigns.

Librarian – Book Selection Committee at Radio 2 / The Reading Agency / Free Word Centre (2012-01 – Present)

• Collaborate with a panel of national librarians to select books for the BBC Radio 2 programme, drawing on expertise in reader development, accessibility and community engagement.

Diploma in Marketing and Sales – Digital Business Academy (2020 – 2020)

Digital Media Analytics – Purdue University (2020 – 2020)

Fundamentals of Digital Marketing – Google Digital Garage (2020 – 2020)

BA Hons in English Literature – Open University (2017 – 2017)

A Levels in Geography, English, Biology & ICT – Northwood School (2002 – 2002)

GCSEs in English and Maths (among 9 total) – Northwood School (2000 – 2000)