Archive for October, 2011

• Pressure your local MP to write to John Whittingdale, the Chairman of the Culture Media and Sport Committee, to ensure that the issue of DCMS intervention is brought up at the Autumn evidence session.  Someone in Parliament needs to start advocating on libraries behalf and your letter or email could be the spur that gets them to act.
• Please sign the national petition in support of public libraries.
• Attend the Library Campaign conference, 22/10/11
  

News

• Ann Widdecombe is right: Christianity in Britain is under severe persecution – Daily Mail.  “Public libraries have been instructed to place Bibles on the highest shelf – as if they were some sort of pornography likely to deprave and corrupt.” [This relates to 2009 MLA advice to Leicester and is so rare in practice that it caused a long discussion on the LIS-PUB-LIBS librarian message board about where the article had got it from – Ed.]
• Let’s zip up the unreadable trash – Independent (Boyd Tonkin).   “But the law, which turned against the protesters when a judicial review of library closures last week found in favour of Brent, still holds out hope. They have leave to appeal the judgment authorising the closures; it will be heard in early November. This swift re-match suggests that at least someone at the High Court values local libraries. In the meantime, the campaign has gained an injunction preventing the council from further action to wreck the suspended branches.”
• Liberal whingers are wrong: we should close our libraries – Telegraph.   In a deeply wrong and embarrassing piece that is full of arrogant assumptions that everyone has the middle-class resources of the writer, an ex-public librarian claims libraries are no longer used and middle-class people are campaigning to save them simply due to misplaced guilt.  The argument is that (a) Libraries no longer fill a unique gap as everyone now has the Internet and digital TV and mobile phones, (b) Library computers are too old and slow and are so are not used (c) everyone has the money and access to buy any book they need by the internet and (d) every child has a quiet study space at home and so libraries are not needed as study areas either.  Each and every one of these assumptions is wrong, making the piece ironic.  [One suspects it of being a lampoon. I really hope it is for the sake of the author – Ed.]
• Philip Pullman: Using the internet is like looking at a landscape through a keyhole – Telegraph.  ““A fight by middle class liberals? I’ll plead guilty there. But, firstly, what on earth is wrong with that? And, secondly, how does he know it’s condescension and guilt that’s moving us?” he says.“And I notice he doesn’t mention the needs of children at all except to say that ‘virtually every kid has a desk at home’. What the hell does he know about it? It’s absolutely bloody nonsense to say every child has a desk to study.”
• Just another liberal Whinger? – Walk You Home.  Lauren Smith demolishes the article above.
• Colm Linnane: John McTernan Is Wrong About Libraries – Scottish Book Trust. Another excellent rebuttal piece.
• Iain Dale – LBC 97.3 (Radio).  Friday, 9.30pm to 10pm.  Conversation on McTernan article.  Largely very favourable to libraries.  Annie Mauger (chief of CILIP) was first on, saying libraries had 322m visits last year and that the 1964 Act set up by a Tory government. She did not deny cuts had to made but said that they needed to be proportional, with substitute services being provided.  Iain Dale was largely very pro libraries but said that they had to take their “fair share” of the cuts. Several times.  All public comments were favorable including from children, teenagers, jobseekers, students, accountants and senior citizens. Most said “I love my library”. Even the Director of the Libertarian Alliance was pro.  He said that they were a very useful as a boy but were an easy target.  Powers that be would rather cut any service rather than their bloated salaries or Town Hall employees.  However, he did not like some modern libraries as they had loud kids and too many computers.  He was far more pro quiet useful reference placed with “improving journals”.  He was very keen on “browsing up and down the shelves”.  Many callers made that the point that libraries are an essential part of our community.  Some callers said that libraries should be expanded, with more cafes and larger spaces.  There was not a single person suggesting that libraries were not relevant or should be closed.

 “Most vigorous response to any piece I have ever written: http://tgr.ph/oyQV0t Because of time zones I will respond over the weekend.” John McTernan (Twitter) author of “Liberal Whinger” article [obviously being messaged by a lot of said whingers – Ed.]

“My attention has been drawn to an article in the Daily Telegraph purported to be  by John Mcternan in which it is  suggested that libraries are not be used and should be closed. I taught John at Sheffield University when he was on our MA Librarianship programme and, to say the least , find his views surprising. Moreover I know that he subsequently became  involved in Labour politics and was an adviser to Tony Blair and often appears on television to present Labour views. As a lifetime Labour supporter  I hope this article does not in any way represent Labour Policy. In fact it echoes the views from right wing think tanks such as the Adam Smith Institute et al.. Given that there is a major meeting on library cuts in London tomorrow I hope that the Labour Party will publicly  refute the views in the article. If it is indeed by John Mcternan, who many people regard as a Labour spokesperson it will do the party great damage. Perhaps Ms. Harman who now shadows cultural affairs would comment?”  Bob Usherwood, ex tutor to John McTernan in open email to Labour.

• Library cuts “threaten child reading project” – London Evening Standard.  “library closures in government spending cuts risk damaging the scheme, which accounts for a fifth of all books issued to children in a year. Figures show 780,000 children took part this year in the national Summer Reading Challenge organised by the Reading Agency – a 20,000 increase on last year.” … “Miranda McKearney, the agency’s director, said skilled librarians were key to the challenge’s success, and emphasised the importance of having libraries as dedicated reading spaces. “Those who say we no longer need libraries should get real and take a long, hard look at the huge public response to the programme,” she said.”
• Summer Reading challenge numbers rise – BookSeller.   “”Children who use libraries are twice as likely to be above-average readers, and we can’t afford to lose the creativity, passion and massive community mobilisation libraries bring to the task of turning children into readers for life.”
• 2011 Summer Reading Challenge results – BookTrade Info. “The scheme looks set to account for 20% of all books issued to children in a year. 53,000 children have newly joined their local library to take part, and boys look set to account for 44% of the total who have participated. Many were supported by teenage volunteers from secondary schools,”.  Includes quotes from children and teenagers.

Changes

Somerset – Bishops Lydeard library will be taken over by volunteers in April if judicial review fails.  Users will be charged £3 per year for membership

Local News

• Brent – MP demands “grown up” conversation over libraries – Harrow Observer.   “Ms Teather has written to Gareth Daniels, the chief executive of Brent Council. She is urging the authority to properly consider the library campaigner’s proposals for keeping the six libraries open. Ms Teather, who is also Children and Families minister, said: “Everyone I talk to in Brent wants the libraries to stay open and I hope that the Labour Council can take this opportunity to reflect on their actions, see sense and start talking to local people.” … ” the MP also wrote to Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Culture, to urge the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to instigate a local inquiry into the closure of half the libraries in the borough”
• Children’s Minister asks Hunt to intervene in Brent – BookSeller.  
• Teather urges Brent Council to have a grown up conversation with Library Campaigners – Sarah Teather and Brent Liberal Democrats. “A negotiated solution at this point would also mean that Brent Council could stop wasting tax-payers money fighting its own residents and start protecting the services treasured by the community.”
• More cuts: library closure challenge fails – UK Human Rights Blog. “a resounding defeat for the campaigners” but appeals and other actions may take place.  “Meanwhile the campaign gathers pace, with high profile supporters such as Philip Pullman – and possibly low profile supporters like my toddler –  set to join the demonstration outside Kensal Rise library at the weekend.”
• All Souls in library dispute – Cherwell. “It is believed that, owing to the covenant under which the library building was given to the community, ownership of the building will pass back to All Souls if the building ceases to be a library.” … “if ownership were to revert to All Souls they would be unlikely to keep the library running, telling Cherwell, “All Souls is an institution committed to funding world-class research in Oxford. We cannot justify funding a library in Kensal Rise: that is the ambit of local government.”  
• Camden – Muswell Hull Library celebrates 80 years service to the community – Ham & High. “Muswell Hill, remains for many residents a beacon of public learning.” … “Nowadays the library is relied upon by “people from all sectors of the community, and that’s how it should be,”
• Croydon – Upper Norwood Library is an embarrassment – Timothy Godfrey.  Jointly run library is run for £400k per year rather than the £658k average for a purely Croydon library. Council has broken agreement and is seeking to divert attention away from its “unpopular” plans to privatise its service.  45% of Croydon libraries budgets is on “back office contracts”.  Councillor Godfrey wants Labour to agree to take over any libraries privatised by the current Conservative-run Croydon Council.
• Lambeth seeking urgent meetings with Croydon Council over Upper Norwood Library – Croydon Guardian. Croydon has “pulled out” of running Upper Norwood Library.  Croydon unhappy that Labour-run Lambeth refused to attend joint committee meeting because two Conservative councillors from outside of the area were nominated onto it, rather than local Labour Croydon councillors.     Lambeth suspects Croydon simply wants to shift full cost of service onto it, especially as the Library is sited in Lambeth territory.
• Council forced to pull out of library arrangement – Croydon Council.  “This breach has been caused by Lambeth refusing to attend the last Annual General Meeting and failing to co-operate at the 2010 meeting. This means that there has been no effective oversight of the management of the library for almost two years, including no effective oversight of financial management and staffing issues. Lambeth also continues to insist on Croydon putting local councillors onto the committee, despite the fact that the council is advised that this would be illegal under current government legislation concerning executive committee structures.” 

 
News

• Future of local libraries: new ways of delivering services – London Councils, 26th October.  “This seminar will present members with options to consider when planning the future public library services. It will give you the chance to assess what might work for your borough and the opportunity to hear about the support Arts Council England, London region will give to libraries as they take on their new responsibilities following the closure of the Museums, Libraries & Archives Council.”

“I had worked in a factory, too, done all the menial jobs, had the easy cash. And I could have done so for the rest of my life, but I was too intelligent for that. I’d also had the public libraries, the libraries in London. To go into these public places, for free, and realise by reading books that there was so much more – it had a massive effect on the feelings of helplessness.” Michael Caine

• Shelve this, Bill Maher – Huffington Post (USA).  Millionaire Bill Maher says “”We have the Internet. We don’t need a library at all.” Article takes issue with him.
• Stephen Fry on public libraries – Planet Word, BBC2 (Full text).  

Local News

“We will join forces with library campaigners in other parts of the country in seeking intervention by the Department for Culture Media and Sport to ensure the proper implementation of the Public Libraries & Museums Act 1964. This is still a very wealthy country, where money can be found for huge salaries – in the public and private sectors – and for overseas wars, Olympic Games, and NHS reorganisation. The sums of money needed to keep our libraries open are small change in comparison. It is simply a matter of making the right choices.” Bolton – Ian McHugh, Save Bolton Libraries Campaign. See also Resolution of Save Bolton Libraries Campaign 18.10.11

• Brent – Go-ahead for library closures appeal – Yorkshire Post.   “On Wednesday Lord Justice Elias ordered that an appeal to the Court of Appeal should be expedited, and attempts are being made to arrange it for two days early next month. Meanwhile, Brent Council has agreed to take no irrevocable steps to prevent the libraries reopening if the appeal is won.” … “The court heard that, as part of Wednesday’s interim agreement, the council has agreed not to board up Kensal Rise library, on the condition campaigners agree to cover the costs of providing security for the site pending the appeal. A round-the-clock vigil had been set up to stop the boarding up, while a “library outside a library” has also been set up at Kensal Rise in defiance of the closure plans, using books donated by residents.”
• Council reuqired to leave libraries alone until Appeal in November – Preston Library Campaign. “The valiant campaigners who have braved the cold outside Preston night and day since Monday can breathe a small sigh of relief.   You have made national news and we salute you.”
• Go-ahead for Brent library closures appeal – Independent.   “The case is being watched by other campaign groups around the country who also have libraries threatened with closure as cash-squeezed councils seek to reduce spending.”.  Council will not pay protester’s costs.  Campaigners will also not receive legal aid for the appeal.

In Brent they came
With boards
To turn a door
Into a wall,
A wall
Into a final chapter

• Injunction granted to prevent Brent libraries board-up – BookSeller. “Brent council had agreed “not to do anything physically” to Kensal Rise Library, and “not to do anything that can’t be undone” in connection with any of the six closed libraries. The court of appeal hearing into the closures will take place within a fortnight of 7th November, it has been confirmed.”
• Interim protection agreed for Brent’s threatened libraries ahead for appeal –  Harrow Observer. “Mr Halford said Brent SOS Libraries is appealing on three points of law such as that the council did not properly assess the impact of the closures on the Asian community and children, and how unfairly the voluntary organisations willing to run the libraries were treated in the process.”
• Legal ruling on Brent library closures – Guardian “…shocked above all that here is a council and a high court judge who don’t begin to understand the huge role public libraries, particularly small local branches, play in the lives of the old and even more, the young.” (Penelope Clark) … “Since Labour wants to close the library, the solution is simple: hand over the Kensal Rise library building to the local community to run the library themselves. It’s not as if the council built or paid for the library originally.” (Cllr Barry Cheese, Brent)
• Library closures: judge fast-tracks appeal – Guardian.   “They feel very strongly that Brent has got away with far too much already in the immediate aftermath of the high court ruling and that things should go no further. And that their library should remain there, ready to be reopened if their case succeeds. That’s why they have been willing to put up the money to make sure that doesn’t happen.” … “campaigners were very grateful to the court for acting so swiftly. “Normally it takes months to get the court of appeal to get to the stage it’s taken this court of appeal to get to in 24 hours. And the campaigners would like to articulate their appreciation to the court for dealing with it so rapidly, so that their appeal doesn’t become academic because of what Brent has done in the meantime.”
• Parents and children continue to camp outside library in protest – Save Kensal Rise Library.   “Protests are continuing outside Kensal Rise Library, as residents hold vigils and defend the library day and night – including these photos taken between 4 and 6.30am. If you’re in the area, please come and join!”
• Buckinghamshire – Little Chalfont Library – NatWest CommunityForce. Last chance to vote for Little Chalfont volunteer-run library to get much needed funding for its maintenance and repair.

• Please sign the national petition in support of public libraries.
• Book your place on the Library Campaign conference, 22/10/11

News

• Before closing libraries, cut the Evian orders and biscuits at meetings – Mail.   “…right up there, third in the list of important local services for taxpayers, is the provision of libraries.” Article praises the views of Tim Coates who “approaches the debate from a more nuanced perspective than some of his fellow campaigners, who sometimes give the impression that every penny spent on our libraries is as efficiently spent as the money we spend on our own personal libraries at home.” … “Local council bosses will only have the moral authority to close libraries when they can demonstrate that they have cut everything that affects their own personal lifestyles back to the bare minimum.”. Article also questions why libraries have popular DVDs in them [Answer – to make a profit which can be spent on the rest of the library service – Ed.]
• Libraries key to kids’ futures – Sun.  Julia Donaldson, children’s laureate says “Children’s use of libraries has increased every year for the past six years … Without this resource I’m convinced that we will have far fewer avid child readers and consequently lose a large percentage of our future adult readers”.  Libraries allow children to experiment with books for free – bookshops don’t allow this as there is a cost, even if you have one nearby…. “even the best teachers are likely to offer you a much smaller choice and less expertise than a librarian can”.
• Radical council changes must convince public, says NLGN – Public Finance. “The think-tank examined libraries, transport and waste services to see if apparently disparate services facing common problems ‘might also benefit from some common solutions’… councils have chosen to protect spending on social services. They are also not amenable to the usual reform prescriptions of personalisation and competition.” .. ‘The library itself would become a centre that promotes learning and reading,’ the report says.”

“As citizen demands change and cuts start to bite, NLGN’s research shows that, while the average cost of borrowing a book is around £3.50 … NLGN argues that the best way to democratise book access in future will be to make a radical shift to e-readers, online ordering and book vending machines in public places. This would make it much easier for the public to access books while freeing up library space for use by families and communities. Libraries would still hold the most popular titles and children’s books and act as a crucial community hub.” Transforming Universal Services: Transport, libraries and environmental services beyond 2015 – New Local Government Network. Public opinion and “highly motivated activists” are getting in the way.”

• Report proposes $17 million in cuts for libraries – Globe and Mail (Canada).  “Less than a month after Toronto city council spared library branches from the chopping block, more than $17-million in cuts are on the table, including reduced Sunday openings, fewer weekday hours, less spending on collections and the elimination 100 full-time jobs.”
• WH Smith launches “Kindle Killer” – Guardian.  “ts chief executive, Kate Swann, has struck a deal with Canadian firm Kobo to sell its eponymous e-readers, costing from £89.99, and a library of 2.2m books from next week. The retailer will receive a share of the profits on all the Kobo ebooks bought in the UK.”

Changes

Warwickshire – Baddesley Ensor, Bedworth Heath, Binley Woods, Kingsbury and Studley to close. 11 others under threat unless volunteers step in.

Local News

• Bolton – High Court blow to libraries campaign – Bolton News.  “It is thought a similar challenge to Bolton Council would cost campaigners £30,000.” … “Ian McHugh from Save Bolton Libraries (SBL) said: “The cost of a judicial review is a big issue for us and we would need someone to come forward with funds.The other option we are looking at is to ask the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to hold a local inquiry.”.  96% of Boltonians surveyed opposed library closures.
• Brent – Library closures: Protesters vow to appeal ruling – BBC.  ““It’s quite a surprise – it just seems very sudden and quite shocking that it’s going to be boarded up,” said the mum to Annie, 11, and Ewan, seven. “”There are cuts in all areas but this is very visible and concrete. It symbolises all the cuts that are taking place.”We just don’t know what’s going to go disappear from our lives. It makes you feel very unstable.”
• Angry protests as Alan Bennett loses battle to save libraries – Independent.   70 chanted “save our libraries” outside Kensal Rise.  “The borough’s five other libraries to feel the weight of the council’s axe did not boast such fearsome resistance, and were closed without users even being given the chance to return the books and DVDs they had borrowed.”
• Attempts to board up library fail as children protest outside – Save Kensal Rise Library. Video of children protesting.

• Families form human shields to stop libraries being shut down – London Evening Standard.   “People are very angry, very disappointed, but at the same time there’s a sense of buoyancy about it because we will appeal,” she said.”They came to start measuring the windows for boards but there were around 150 people here and they went away. We’re a bit surprised that Brent moved so quickly, we thought the QC said Brent wouldn’t do anything until Tuesday. It’s very quick.”
• Judge rejects celebrity-led campaign to save libraries despite protests that services are being “decimated” – Daily Mail.   “It cannot be right to decimate the library service of an inner London borough whose children are desperate to read and study but whose parents cannot afford books nor the transport costs of regular access to distant libraries.” … Labour culture spokesman says “Ed Vaizey claims to be a champion for libraries but he should stand up for the services they provide for children, families and the elderly. ‘Instead he has just sat back and let Eric Pickles have his way. The closure of these libraries lies firmly at the Government’s door.”
• Kensal Rise library guarded by passionate residents – Harrow Observer.  “Residents started the peaceful protest at around 5pm, and soon found there was plenty of support from passers-by.”
• Protesters resist library closure – Guardian.  “I’ve been writing about library closures for a while now, but seeing this last-ditch attempt to protect a much-loved institution really brought home to me the fact that this is really happening: our libraries really are being shut down.” … “The land on which the library stands is actually owned by All Souls College, Oxford, a gift to the borough of Brent on condition that it remains a library. Today, to prevent the covenant lapsing, users have established a makeshift library of their own, operating from the steps outside.”

• View from Campaign for the Book – Alan Gibbons.   “The council has leapt into action to board up the branches showing an eagerness it has never shown to serve its people. Contrast the years of neglect libraries have suffered with the glee with which these elected representatives order their death. Mr Justice Ouseley has followed the instincts of his social stratum and sided with a slash and burn government and its absurd Future Libraries Programme.” … “Communities may have to resort to direct action to resist these appalling cuts.”

The results of the judicial review into cuts to Brent libraries will be announaced at 10 a.m. in the High Court (Strand) London tomorrow, Thursday 13th.  Good luck to the campaigners.  No matter what the result, the amount of time, effort and money put into this campaign definitely that people love libraries and value/use them now as much as ever. 

• Please sign the national petition in support of public libraries.
• Book your place on the Library Campaign conference, 22/10/11

News

• Congratulations Lauren – Voices for the Library.  On Lauren Smith soon to become vice-president of CILIP.  “We are all sad that Lauren will be leaving Voices For The Library to undertake this new role, but we wish her well and hope that her enthusiasm will strengthen the work CILIP is doing and will inspire others to get involved and make a difference too.”
• Council leaders sceptical of “Big Society” – Public Finance. “Almost two-thirds of councils do not think that local communities will be able to take over the running of public services” … “councils might be too risk-averse to allow community groups to take on services, the survey finds. Almost all of those surveyed – 99% – said that they did not have a risk strategy that would allow for greater community involvement in services.”
• Council’s plan to save 23 libraries – London Evening Standard.   ” LoveFilm or Blockbuster could be involved in handling the DVD borrowing service. Council bosses in Wandsworth and Croydon are looking at merging and handing management of the libraries to the private sector or voluntary organisations. Under the scheme, council staff would also be permitted to apply to run libraries.”.  “Every option will be carefully compared in terms of cost and quality but only solutions that ensure the future provision of our entire branch network will make it past the first hurdle.”.  Also mentions Brent decision on Thursday.
• Kindle public library ebooks: when are they coming to Canada, UK? – Vancouver Sun.  Amazon says there is no planned date and indeed no plans at all. “No “we’re working on it”. No “we value our Canadian Kindle users and hope to announce something soon”. Just a simple no comment — which, to my mind, suggests library lending isn’t in the cards for non-U.S. Kindle users anytime soon.”
• Mysterious paper sculptures at Edinburgh libraries – Txikito Planet.  If you’ve not seen them yet, have a look.  Amazing artwork with a pro library message.
• What price do you put on libraries? – Everything stops for tea. “I am a Librarian. I am a professional. You wouldn’t expect a volunteer to teach your child or give you medical treatment”… “Chris Smith, once our Culture Secretary stated that “Libraries are our street corner universities” Sorry Lads, it looks like they might all be closed for business.”

Changes

Bexley – 1 mobile now ceased (Source: posting on LIS-PUB-LIBS).
Vale of Glamorgan – 1 mobile ceased June 2011.  2nd and last mobile to cease end of Dec.  (Source: email from council).
Wakefield – Libraries may move to being run by a Trust. 
Warrington – Libraries may move to being run by a Trust, £500k to be found through this or cuts.

Local News

• Bolton – Anger as a third of Bolton’s public libraries are closed to save £400,000 – BBC.  “Council bosses said the closures were necessary to offset central government cuts to local authority budgets. Bolton council must save £64m over the next two years. Chief executive Sean Harris said: “It is not possible for the library service to be exempt in making cuts during this period.” … Campaigner says “The majority of the people who completed the council’s survey voted against the plans. This is an insult to people.”

“Although hardly unexpected, this is a deeply disappointing decision, which we feel has ignored local opinion, and been poorly thought through. We do not believe these savings were necessary and they will make life worse for many vulnerable people in our community, especially families with children and people who can’t get around as easily.” Bolton – Ian McHugh, Save Bolton Libraries.

• Bracknell Forest – Library’s brush-up boosts borrower numbers – Bracknell Forest Council.  Record numbers of visitors and issues, especially by children.  “Simon Hart, branch supervisor, said: “The customers have all been really positive about the refurbishment, with lots of comments about how much brighter the library is now the brown bricks have been painted and how good it looks. There’s lots of encouraging comments about how we’ve managed to fit more shelves in while making the library look less cluttered. The new layout is really popular, especially the rug in the children’s library.”
• Buckinghamshire – Little Chalfont Community Library bidding for NatWest money “Little Chalfont Community Library has entered a competition run by NatWest Bank to win £6000. The money will be spent on much-needed repairs and refurbishment of the community library building. The library is run by unpaid volunteers and financed by donations and grants therefore winning £6000 would be of tremendous help to us.” … “Currently the Library is in 3rd place (out of 55 projects). Voting is very close so your vote will make a difference in keeping us in the top 3.”
• Cambridgeshire – Plea to help bid to save Yaxley library – Evening Telegraph.   ““We were told about the predicted future of Cambridgeshire Libraries and the knock-on effect it would have on Yaxley Library, so a friends group was established. It was clear from the meeting in May that there was popular local support for the continuation or improvement to existing library services, rather than their degradation.”
• Doncaster  -Davies, you’re a disgrace – Save Doncaster Libraries.   “The Mayor has flatly refused to listen to solutions offered by the Labour group and has failed to investigate alternative methods of keeping libraries open. Instead, he has jumped at the massively problematic volunteer method.” … “The council has proven itself incapable of effective consultation and unable to meet the needs of its citizens. Mayor Davies has demonstrated total ignorance ever since the library cuts proposals began.”
• Libraries funding cut agreed – BBC.   “Two libraries at Carcroft and Denaby will close on 1 November and volunteers are being sought to run 12 others as the council seeks to make savings” … “Jill Johnson, a former head of library services in the town, said: “I think that in the long term these different kind of libraries will fail.” …”Mayor Peter Davies said: “I would argue that the libraries have not been working very well in the past.” … “Our policy now of making these 12 super-libraries more attractive and more pleasing for people to visit may well restore people’s faith in libraries and, who knows, libraries in Doncaster may enjoy a renaissance.”
• Herefordshire – Mobile library service is replaced – Worcester News.   “More than 60 years of library history came to an end on Friday, September 30, when the Herefordshire mobile library service made its final visits. The service has now been replaced by an increased home delivery and nursing home provision, which will continue to provide a service to those people in rural areas based upon their needs.”
• Islington – Library service consultation – Islington Council.  Majority against trust status and closing libraries.  Most popular options are reducing hours and sharing services with other councils, volunteering, increasing charges/fines.  Self service “a realistic option” but not favoured by those consulted.  Cuts proposed are: Extend Self Serve £250k, Reduction of opening hours (twinning) £200k, Back office reductions/VR £140k, Stock fund £30k, Shared home library service £30k.  If council decides on a Trust – “A financial appraisal carried out has shown that the saving made by forming a trust would be £110k in the first year, £160k for future years.”.
• North Yorkshire – Public praised for help to save libraries – Gazette & Herald.   “Council officials have now said there is a ‘strong possiblity’ no libraries will be forced to close despite the loss of nearly £70 million. However, moves are still being made to replace Malton and Norton libraries with one facility.”… “Following the feedback from the consultation to ‘share the pain’, all of our libraries will see a reduction in opening hours, some of as much as 30 per cent, unless suitable numbers of volunteers can be found to assist”
• New schedule planned for mobile library – Gazette & Herald.   ““We know the withdrawal of the mobile libraries created concerns for people who valued their service and live in the more remote parts of the county. What we are trying to do is offer a much improved replacement.”
• Southwark – Libraries “here to stay” – Net-Lettings.   “Bookworms living in flats to rent in Southwark may be excited to hear that all of Sutton’s libraries are to remain open, despite deep cuts in government funding. A report published by the local council – following a five-month review into the subject – concluded that none of the 12 existing facilities need to close.”
• Surrey – Bid to stop staff cuts defeated – BBC.  “Surrey County Council’s proposals to have the libraries run by volunteers have proved controversial, with protests held against the cuts. At Tuesday’s full council meeting, a motion from the Residents Association Group to scrap the plans was defeated.”
• Wakefield – Council may link up with firms to deliver services to the public – Yorkshire Post.  “Working with community organisations to deliver some services together or to transfer the running of some to these organisations, such as markets and libraries.” … ““We are the biggest provider of public services in the district and will continue to be responsible for those services, even if some of them are provided in a different way in the future.”
• Warrington – New body to run leisure and cultural services in town? – This is Cheshire. “The executive board is set to vote on whether to create two not-for-profit organisations to take over the running of council leisure centres including the new Orford Park Neighbourhood Sports Hub, libraries and cultural services like the Pyramid and Parr Hall as well as Warrington Museum.”.  May  be successful in “attracting external funding from companies keen to help the community.”
• Waltham Forest – Libraries to close – Guardian series.   “The proposals to shut the Harrow Green branch in Leytonstone and South Chingford in Hall Lane were rubber stamped by the council’s cabinet at a meeting tonight. Campaigners pleaded with the authority to consider alternatives but the Labour leadership claimed it was the only way to save money following cuts in its funding from the Conservative and Liberal Democrat government.” … “Protester Vi Gostling, who has been a Labour member for 62 years, said she was “in despair” at her party colleagues’ decision.” ..”Fellow campaigner 29-year-old Hayley Bowden, of Orange Grove, Leytonstone, was in tears. Ms Bowden has been visiting the library her entire life and regularly takes her eight-year-old daughter Amber. She is disabled and fears her restricted mobility means she will not be able to visit other branches instead.”
• Warwickshire – Library charges fail to rake in target – Stratford Observer.  “A report set to go before Warwickshire County Council’s cabinet this week showed the charges of up to £5 an hour, introduced back in July 2009, raised just over £40,000 as usage plummeted.” … failed to raise even a quarter of target.  “users simply used the free first half an hour before logging off” but ” half an hour just isn’t enough to do most things – applying for a job for example.”.  Removal of charges is being considered.