397 libraries plus 48 mobiles currently under threat or recently closed (List below “News”)
-minus 1 – Dulverton Library (Somerset) reprieved
News
Tomorrow is a big Westminster day for libraries –  there’s a debate in Westminster Hall about the future of  libraries in the morning.  Later on in the day, Voices For The Library report that Ed Vaizey is having a meeting on the Big Society and Libraries which seems (from the agenda) to be focused mainly on how to transfer endangered ones to volunteers.  We find out also tomorrow what Somerset’s new proposals are for their library service – it seems two Somerset libraries have been reprieved already and it seems likely more will be, although details are not yet officially clear as to where the money will be found.

Getting back to today, more details on Gloucestershire suggest that there will be almost no qualified librarians or managers left (25 managers to go, 3.5 librarians meaning only 10 left) to cope with a service cut by 11 libraries. Campaigners claim Gloucestershire is putting £1m into its reserves at the same time as cutting frontline services.  This is going to not going to please the Government who have advised raiding reserves to help pay for the cuts, not adding to them.  More details on North Yorkshire suggest that the surviving 18 “core” libraries (out of 42) could have their funding cut to help support any community-run libraries that are established. 


Gloucestershire – Robin Ince supports campaign “Libraries are for everyone. Excessive bonuses and Cayman Island tax havens are not.” FoGL
Northamptonshire – residents bid for library survival – “They are cutting off a lifeline to a lot of people, people live for their books” – Evening Telegraph
Oxfordshire – protesters in song – Henley Standard TV
Southampton – Blogs about the cuts – Dolphin’s Blowhole
Wakefield – save both out libraries – Hemsworth and South Elmsall Express

“Dave’s keen on the Big Society — so he should ring-fence libraries.” – Daily Mail / Janet Street-Porter

Library Day in the Life – Voices for the Library 
Like Father Like Son – Finnish Library Service (Youtube)
Long Live Libraries – White Elephant Stall