Archive for February, 2012

News

• 4 de Febrero de 2012: “De corazones y bibliotecas” (comienza la Marea Amarilla) – No al prestamo de pago en bibliotecas (Spain).  Site seems to translate as “Don’t Charge for Libraries”.  Spanish library protest group has arranged demonstration inspired by National Libraries Day. 

“Next Saturday February 4 at 12:00, in line with the international day of advocacy and support for libraries inspired by Britain’s National Libraries Day, the Campaign Against Charging for Libraries invites all people who love libraries to show it by embracing the central library of our system: the National Library. Of course, we also invite you to embrace any library in any town outside Madrid on the same date, same time.”

• Ayub Khan: Where next for libraries? – Book Trust.  Libraries are important as – online usage rocketing, vital for children, social glue.  Keep libraries open by sharing resources and costs and buildings and also concentrate on online material….. “let’s big them up!”. 
• Campaign for the book: Meeting the Minister – Alan Gibbons.  Description of meeting with Ed Vaizey, including summaries of what was said by participants including Julia Donaldson, Alan Gibbons, John Holland (Glos – FoGL), Gary Green (Voices).  “There was clear disagreement over many issues, but it was a blunt, purposeful exchange of views. The campaign to save the public library service will continue.”
• Day we took 60 books out of the library – Books & the City.  “No – we  didn’t end up reading them all. But we read ones we might not have even brought home otherwise. And no, we didn’t end up with huge fines as 60 books went overdue! Because it got us back into the habit. After a week, we took back the ones we were less keen on (and borrowed an equivalent number). And after another week, the same. And we’re still using our local library so much more – and so differently – due to that one day’s activity.”

from About this Blog – Overdue Books.

• Help RNIB protect the Talking Book Service for blind and partially sighted people – Voices for the Library.   Looks the impact the service makes and how it is to be withdrawn from Brighton and Hove.
• Library campaigners meeting with Ed Vaizey – Voices for the Library.   Meeting between Mr Vaizey and Julia Donaldson, Alan Gibbons, Gary Green (Voices) and John Holland (Gloucestershire campaigner).   “At the end of the meeting I don’t believe we persuaded Ed Vaizey to change his stance overnight on public libraries. But then again, I don’t think any of us believed that he would. However, it did give us the opportunity to raise the issues face-to-face with him that were our main concerns and we hope this was another of those tiny steps we keep taking that brings us a step closer to saving libraries.”

@Ed_Miliband Ed Miliband Just had best meeting of the week: with Julia Donaldson of Gruffalo fame. Talked about protecting libraries.https://twitter.com/#!/Ed_Miliband/status/165116643163381760/photo/1

• Library fit for the future – Channel Four News.   “Gone are the days when they were just for borrowing books or reading. These days, libraries have to provide CDs and DVDs, computer terminals with internet access, and communal spaces for all types of social groups – from storytelling clubs for parents and toddlers to book clubs for the elderly. Arguably, they’re more important now than ever before.”.  Looks at the new Birmingham Central Library, to be opened in 2013.  Five minute video including brief interview with John Dolan (CILIP) is here.

“So I don’t think libraries will have any problem adapting to whatever might come their way in the future. Having said that, there’s no doubt that this is a crucial turning point for libraries not just in Birmingham but across the UK. And with their future hanging in the balance, this could be the most important National Libraries Day ever.”

• Put your library on the map this weekend –  Collections Trust.  “Using the cross-platform ‘Find a Library’ app (http://www.findalibrary.org.uk), people go to their local library with their mobile, click ‘Use my Location’, select their library and then ‘Put Library on the Map’. This will ensure that their library is included in the national database of public libraries, which is freely available to all Internet users and includes information provided by the BBC and the national UK Online initiative.”.  Even Ed Vaizey is doing it.
• Stephen Fry features in the Library Book for charity – Look to the Stars.   “Miranda McKearney, Director of the Reading Agency says, “What a brilliant way to celebrate National Library Day! The publication of The Library Book proves in the words of our country’s great writers that local libraries have a transformative role which resonates into adulthood. At the Reading Agency we feel seriously privileged to be benefiting from Profile’s publication and the support of the contributing authors.”  See also Stephen Fry backs Library Day in Norfolk – Norwich Evening News.

Changes

Arbroath – Two replacement mobile libraries costing £269k, following consultation (partnership with Police and Fire services) showing need for service.
Brighton and Hove – To remove RNIB talking books (cut of £22k).
East Sussex – New Seaford Library will be built (inc. day care centre and flats for people with learning difficulties), old library closed with temporary one for next year or so.
Sefton – Mobile library to close, £100k bookfund cut, local history service to close. 

Local News

• Angus – New mobile libraries to serve rural areas – Abroath Herald. 
• Brent – Bumbling Brent councillors may delay decision on Willesden Green Library – Times series.  “A council meeting descended into pandemonium last night after bumbling councillors missed a vote which could delay the demolition of Willesden Green Library Centre. Confused Labour councillors tried to get the vote taken again when they suddenly realised that by not voting it could jeopardise Brent Council’s plans to knock down the building in High Road, Willesden.”
• Carmarthenshire – “Libraries review needed to decide future direction” – This is South Wales.   Libraries review to be held in 2012 due to suspicions that computers have changed their use.  “”The way forward in my view is certainly the PCs.””

“The discussion came as the education and children’s services committee met to discuss a report on the library service’s performance in the last financial year. The report showed the council had met 10 of 14 standards required by the Welsh Government. Other councils achieved between six and 14 standards, with the average being nine. Carmarthenshire took 12 years to replace books, against a target of 7.6 years, but the committee heard the county had a wider range of material than many other authorities.”

• Dorset – Library to close as no agreement can be reached – View Online.  Confirmed that Portland Underhill will close in April.
• Durham – Cuts “to help keep all county libraries open” – Peterlee Mail.  Council abinet to discuss proposed library cuts and to agree on the dates of consultation.
• East Sussex – Seaford: after 11 years of waiting, library plan approved – Eastbourne Herald.  “The project, which includes the new facility, along with a day care centre and supported living flats for adults with learning difficulties was last week given the thumbs up by East Sussex County Council’s (ESCC) planning committee.”
• Gloucestershire – Voices of Gloucestershire – FoGL.  Excellent collection of video interviews and verbal testimony of library users.
• GCC respond to criticisms of consultation survey – FoGL.  “While the survey does require respondents to consider some challenging issues, I do ’not accept that the survey itself is very complex. It is a comprehensive survey that seeks to understand both people’s usage of libraries and their views on the Council’s proposals. For that reason, it is relatively long” … etc.

“@publiclibnews #WI are hugging Towcester library on Sat 11am #NLD2012”  Save Stony Library @SaveSSlibrary

• Northamptonshire – Libraries look to Sunday opening to lift visitor numbers – Evening Telegraph.  “Although the total number of opening hours countywide remains the same under the new proposals, 12 libraries in the north of the county will have reduced hours, while six will gain hours or stay the same.”
• Sefton –  Council budget cuts: mobile library service faces axe – Southport Visiter.  “Readers reacted in fury at the proposal to shut down the borough-wide mobile service on March 31, 2012.”
• Council: Stark 483 page report reveals true cost of cuts – Southport Visiter.   
• Sheffield – Phone box finds new use in modern Green Moor – Look Local.  Yet another phone box library. 
• Somerset – Wiveliscombe Library users to celebrate – This is the West Country.  ” to get children to read, Friends of Wiveliscombe Libraries have organised a ‘bear theme’ for the occasion.”.
• Suffolk – National Libraries Day – Suffolk County Council.  List of events being held.  
• Sussex – High Court battle over who should run Lingfield Library – This is Sussex.    “The committee wants to set up a new charitable trust to take over the running of the library. It is considered a special case because the Grade II listed building that houses it – the Guest House – was left by benefactor Arthur Hayward to be used as a library.”

News

• Better read than dead: Dan Jarvis MP on the battle to save our libraries – Guardian.   Shadow Libraries Minister writes great article … “It may not be Vaizey’s job to micro-manage every library in the country – but it is his job to be their champion. And that is what he is failing to do.” … “by law it is he – not hard-pressed, ad-hoc campaigns that tend to be in the more affluent parts of the country – who has ultimate responsibility for libraries.” … “The current wave of closures should be a call to arms – not because libraries should be exempt from bearing their share of budget cuts (as long as it is a fair share), but because what is happening ignores their enormous value. If this government really believes in the promise of libraries, they must act now.”
• Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Annoucement – Alan Gibbons.  Select Committee on Library Closures announces dates and who is being interviewed.

Hardeep Singh Kohli at the launch of the Library Book at Pimlico Library, “An all-star lineup of top writers in support of the Reading Agency’s library programmes. Includes original pieces by Julian Barnes, Stephen Fry, Tom Holland, Kate Mosse. Published for National Libraries Day on 4 February”Photo by Fen Oswin

• Library inquiry to hear oral evidence – BookSeller.  “The Culture, Media and Sport select committee inquiry into library closures will begin hearing oral evidence next week. The evidence session is expected to commence on Tuesday 7th February and will be open to the public. Librarian campaign group Voices for the Library and Paul Lorber, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Brent, are among those who have been asked to give oral evidence. Written evidence has already been submitted by the Publishers Association, the Booksellers Association and the Society of Authors.”
• Vecinos Bibliotecarios – Biblogtecarios (Spain).  The Mayor of Madrid has suggested that some of the staffing of two new libraries be volunteer, arguing that it is common practice in the USA.  Some research shows that it is not common practice there, although of course the idea is catching on in the UK due to the current crisis/political philosophy.  [Article is in Spanish but copying and pasting into Google Translate produces a readable account in English – Ed.].

Local News

• Brent – Library cuts campaigners hold packed public meeting – Harrow Observer.  100-plus meeting told that it is likely to be next week when the Supreme Court decides whether than can appeal the council’s decision to close halve their libraries.
• Tracy Beaker TV writer to help mark National Libraries Day – BNC TV.  “Local author and TV script writer Elly Brewer will take part in National Libraries Day at Barham Lounge on Saturday 4th February. Elly is lead writer on the popular Children’s BBC TV series, Tracy Beaker Returns, and author of comic science-fiction adventure Jerry and the Jannans. She will join other residents and library supporters at Barham Lounge around 11:30am on Saturday 4th February to support National Library Day and take part in book readings for young people and activities.”
• Camden – New chapter begins as two Hampstead libraries saved – Ham & High.  “The Keats Community Library group is poised to take over Heath Library, while youth organisation The Winchester Project will take up the reigns at Belsize Library, when Camden Council pulls out in April. But despite receiving donation pledges from author Alan Bennett and journalist Joan Bakewell, Primrose Hill residents are waiting to hear if their bid for £50,000 transitional funding to keep Chalk Farm Library running will be successful.”
• First community run and managed libraries given the go-ahead – Camden Council.  £50k each given to Keats and Winch groups, “What is particularly innovative about this new arrangement is that these community facilities will be fully independent and self governed but supported with substantial initial funding from the Council to get them off the ground. There will also be some ongoing support and advice from Camden Council and they will be able them to gain benefits like buying cheaper and loaning books whilst bearing no ongoing cost to the local taxpayer.”
• Central Bedfordshire – Thousands have their say on libraries – About My Area.   2200 answered consultation.  “”We want to make it clear that the council will not be closing any libraries. The Future of Libraries aimed to help improve the services which our local libraries offer, modernising them, making them even more accessible to the local community and encouraging more people to regularly use them.”
• Croydon – National Libraries Day looms – Save Croydon Libraries Campaign.  Lots happening in the UK but nothing in Croydon, with one event organised by supporters cancelled due to rules imposed on them.  Report lists some other events in the UK and suggests ways that libraries can be supported even if the council itself appears to be not keen.
• Council plans to close New Addington – East London Times.  “Local residents are upset with the council’s plan as the CALAT premises proposed for the library’s relocation are to be shared with the adult education and job centre.” … “A number of Croydon community groups are planning to stage a protest against the council’s decision to close New Addington Library on February 4, which is National Library Day.”

“My grandchildren will never see such a wonderful learning place once the library is shifted to CALAT, which is a fifty minute commute from my home.”

• Edinburgh – New £5.7m Drumbrae Library Hub welcomes hundreds on its opening day – STV.  “There has been a huge community backing for it and local councillors in the area have thrown their weight behind it. When I walked in this morning I felt like being at a party – there was a band playing, kids running around and a library packed with people. You could feel a real community vibe and a sense of accomplishment.”
• Kent – Shhh, don’t mention National Libraries Day.  And Gove stumbles over FOI – Kent Online.   “Ironically, the low key approach adopted by KCC has only served to draw attention to its lack of activity – which was surely not intended.”
• Lancashire – £5.5m regeneration aim to lure more readers into Lancashire’s libraries – Citizen.  “A successful pilot in West Lancashire last year saw a 35 per cent increase in new members. The campaign comes as the council is midway through a £5.5 million regeneration programme to refurbish its 74-strong network of library branches.”.  Comments from public below article show the need to promote library is more pressing than ever.  One comment suggests major staffing cuts but this is unconfirmed.
• Surrey – High Court injunction halts Surrey County Council volunteer plan – This is Surrey Today. “Surrey County Council has 14 days to serve its evidence, and the court will then take up to seven days to decide whether or not to hold the review, said Mr Alsop. The review, if successful, could overturn the county council’s plan to have libraries run by volunteers. Mr Alsop appealed to the council to agree to a proposed compromise, in which each library would retain one paid member of staff and its computer links with the county’s central system.”  

“Hearing to decide matter whether the injunction should be overturned is tomorrow [Thursday].” Surrey campaigners tweet.

• Trafford – Breaking vow on volunteers is justified, says Trafford town hall chief – Manchester Evening News. “A town hall has defended its decision to break a formal promise not to replace staff with volunteers. Trafford council plans to use only unpaid members of the public in two of its libraries instead of paid workers. It says otherwise libraries will have to shut.”.  Voluntary sector leaders disagree and it breaks a code of practice signed between Council and voluntary groups.  

“… an exploitation of the volunteer and a deprival of someone’s livelihood.” Trafford Counci’s own policy explaining why it should not replace paid staff with volunteers.