Public Libraries News: Tally by Local Authority

For the purpose of calculating the total number of libraries under threat, the worst case scenario is taken when numbers are known but a figure is not included if it is just known that a number are under threat but no number is given. The blog includes as "under threat" those that the council wish to become, or have become, "community-run" (that is, run by volunteers).

Play your part in protecting public libraries by emailing publiclibraries@live.co.uk if you have any further information or a correction. If you would like to be a contact for a particular library area for PLN please email the same address. Thank you.

List of cuts by authority (click on name of authority for link to relevant report)

The MLA has been abolished, with the Arts Council taking over its role for libraries with a budget of £3m rather than £13m that the previous quango possessed. The Book Trust has also had its funding halved (from £13m 2010 to £6m in 2012). There are 151 authorities in England, 206 in the UK. Please note that this blog depends on published news reports and council bulletins for information and does not claim to be comprehensive.

Aberdeen -

2012: checking with council (1/2/12) to confirm number of withdrawn branches/cuts.
2011: "Silver City Vault" for online historical photographs and records launched.

Aberdeenshire -

Anglesey -

2011: 4 libraries earmarked for closure (temporarily) saved.

Angus -

2012: Two replacement mobile libraries costing £269k, following consultation (partnership with Police and Fire services) showing need for service (NB please note these mobiles may have replaced four libraries closed in 2010).
2011: 4 libraries closed April 2010 to be possibly replaced by a mobile. New mobile library to replace Edzell library closed in 2010 has been delayed until Jan 2012. Arbroath Library to be transferred from Arbroath ownership to Angus ownership

Argyll and Bute - 3 libraries and mobile library to end.
Barnet -

2012: Asking for volunteers to assist library staff with storytimes, rhymetimes, IT sessions and homework clubs (12/5/12). 3 threatened (out of 16) with one new library (Artsdepot): Hampstead Garden Suburb Library to be given to community group but Friern Barnet and North Finchley libraries to close (17/2/12) (31/3/12). Artsdepot has "interim" 10,000 item library to replace North Finchley and Friern Barnet (despite concerns over Artsdepot suggesting it is not a replacement 12/4/12 I have counted it as library, for now).
2011: 2 threatened (out of 16) - 1 to go due to merger of North Finchley and Friern Barnet libraries at "Artsdepot" site; Hampstead Garden Suburb Library to close or be taken over by the Save Our Suburb Library group. ; Bookfund up by £10k; £3m raised by selling off buildings (Finchley Hill, Church End, Child's Hill and Grahame Park - to be moved into presumably cheaper buildings); 16FTE lost; £350k saving joint backroom services (£1.6m cut to be decided 29th March) final council decison here.

Barnsley -

2012: 3 threatened libraries still open on last check (13.1.12).
2011: 3 under threat (confirmed) (combine 11 surviving libraries with "customer centres")

Bath and Northeast Somerset -

2012: Mobile library service saved after public protest (16/2/12) and Consultation (13/1/12). Plan was to use money to increase opening hours by using volunteers and extending the home library service (8/2/12).
2011: Mobile library service (at least 2 so counted as such in the headline count) may end (£180k cut). Paulton library may be relocated (at cost of £170k).

Bedford

2012: Computer access will be charged after first free half hour.

Bedfordshire - 1 mobile to go. £229 cost of self-service will cut £43k staff per year. Staff cuts inc. three front line posts and 2.75 full time equivalent posts.
Bexley -

2012: A new expanded Crayford Library to be built due to housing development (17/1/12): Bexley and Bromley library services now merged (10/1/12): Bexley Village Library will be run by charity "Greener Bexley" from Spring, with membership charge for "extra benefits", library will be independent of council (who will supply one secondment and bookstock), saving £40k p.a.. Cafe in library, with free wifi (but charges for using computers), extra 9 opening hours (4/1/12).
3 under threat (3 from a list of 5 will go, this is the five), £1m (16%) cut. Merger of library services will include halving of staff including sacking of 36 staff, including all (back-office?) professional staff. 1 mobile now ceased (Source: posting on LIS-PUB-LIBS).

Birmingham -

2011: 1 mobile library and School Libraries Service closed. £2.3m cut by 2013/14 (from £8.5m 2011/12), which is a 28% cut. 23 libraries (out of 39) will reduce hours to four days per week. Shard End new library to open early 2012. Sutton Coldfield to be reopened in May 2012. 155 staff fte will remain from 182 fte at start of 2011. Budget measures inclde increasing income, considering volunteers, more self-service, taking £200k off £1.3m bookfund, "massive" round of redundancies just finished. Fears that council will launch two-tier service, with one "hub" library in each constituency with other branches having reduced hours (or closed). Children's mobile closed, nearly all senior and middle management made redundant, "BookStart" librarian redundant. School library closed , £200m super library being built; Birmingham Music Library loses half its staff, suspends non-telephone interlibrary requests.
2010: Hawthorne House Library closed Sep 2010: community bid to run it failed as lacked enough projected income. Sold by Council to private bidder for £750k.

Blackburn with Darwen -

Blackpool - No libraries closing (previously listed as 2) Mereside Library has reduced hours, new library at Moorpark. £1m investment plus £2m from Big Lottery Fund.
Blaenau Gwent.

2012: £15k cut as two mobiles to be replaced with smaller vehicles, increasing visits to homes and "community venues" (9/3/12).
2011: 2 mobile libraries under threat.

Bolton -

2012: Central Library to be open on Sundays and Bank Holidays (15/3/12). Heaton Library closed (26/2/12). Oxford Grove Library to close 24/2/12 and Castle Hill Library to close 2/3/12. Replaced by small (c.800) collection of books and a self-service machine in the relevant local community centre (28.1.12) Late book fees to increase to 18p per day (was 17p), children's book fees frozen at 2p, pensioners frozen at 6p. DVD borrowing will be stopped (18.1.12). Highfield Library closed (13.1.12).
2011: 5 (Out of 15) to close: Heaton, Astley Bridge, Highfield, Oxford Grove, Castle Hill. Library closures to be partially softened with several 300-title collections (97.6% less stock than in current libraries) in community centres. Heaton will remain as community/children's centre. The five libraries slated for closure have now been made open for groups to take over, business plans need to be with council by 5th December. 13 FTE staff to go. Central Library hours extended, including on Sundays.Bromley Cross hours reduced to 26.5 hpw, Blackrod to 24.5. 13 out of 100 FTE staff to go. £400,000 cut. Consultation until September 16th.
Campaign group: Save Bolton Libraries

Bournemouth -

2012: QR codes in libraries after Arts Council grant.

Bradford -

2012: Central Library is open only on lower floors whilst options to either re-furbish or re-locate are being investigated. Decision due March/April. No cuts to library budgets for financial year 2012/13 (Source: Bradford Libraries email 19/3/12) although originally proposals were made to reduce library opening hours and cut the book fund by £350,000 (source: 20/2/12). School Library Service may close in August (19/3/12).
5 (Confirmed 5 to close - £70k "saving"). £490k cut, £245k being via voluntary redundancies; £50k via one floor of Bradford Central Library closing). Addingham Library volunteer-run since 31/10/11. Denholme and Wrose volunteer-run from Novermber 2011. Wilsden Library volunteer run from 20/3/12. Heaton Library replaced by Mobile Library service. Burley in Wharfedale Library may be co-located with the Co-op. as part of re-development of the site.

Brent -

Six libraries now closed, Willesden Green Library will be redeveloped into a joint library/cultural centre (18/1/12) with the front of Willesden Green Library demolished (13.1.12) and the rest of the land sold off to developers to pay for the work..
2011: Council has spent £154k on legal costs trying to close libraries. Cost of redundancy of sacked staff was £258k. 6 out of 12 confirmed as closing; 82% of consultation responders said council plans to close 6 of 12 were not reasonable; £1m cut in budget; talking to private company LSSI; legal challenge; Central Library will move to new Civic Centre building in 2013; the 6 libraries not being closed will be open seven days, with longer hours during exam periods, more ebooks and more audio.
Campaign groups - Save Our Six Libraries (Umbrella Group), Save Kensal Rise Library, Save Friern Barnet Library, Friends of Barham Library.

Bridgend -

2012: 3 threatened libraries (see below) still open as of 15/1/12.
2011: 3 libraries threatened (Blengarw, Nantymoel, Caerau). Service may not be able to reach Welsh Assembly library standard. Opening hour cuts at most branches.

Brighton and Hove:

2012: The mobile has been rescued from proposed closure (private email: 19/3/12): (15/1/12) Wifi to be installed at Jubilee Library. 17 job losses (but new library equal access officer and income generation officer), cuts to opening hours at Hangleton and Portslade libraries.
(10/2/12).To remove RNIB talking books representing cut of £22k (2/2/12). Community groups asked to take over running of mobile library to save it from closure (13/1/12) £440k cut to libraries budget, no building will close. (9th January 2012) New Woodingdean Library planned. However, £150k cut 2012 budget includes mobile library to be closed.
2011: Refreshments and spaces with toys to be introduced in all libraries, free wifi at Jubilee Library.

Bristol -

2012: Mobile library will close in April (30/1/12). Five libraries (Robinson House, Fishponds, Knowle, Filwood and Bedminster) to be merged with council information points. Self-service installed.
2011: 1 Mobile library could be withdrawn. Public consultation. £200k cut from staffing, self-service to be installed "alternative provision" explored. £90k cut off bookfund of £700k.

Bromley -

2012: 10/1/12: Services now merged with Bexley, with the loss of 35 posts between both councils.
2011: Burnt Ash Library and Southborough Library under threat. Charging for second hour plus on internet. St Pauls Cray and Mottingham libraries may be cut from 43 hours per week to 14, while Chislehurst and West Wickham may go from 44 hours to 20. Suggested merger of two councils' library services may save Bromley £880k - £340k from staff losses, £90k from merging Penge and Anerley libraries. 8 (out of 15) may close; KAB talking books cut; Withdrawing from RNIB scheme, replacing with Calibre service. Large scale reductions in opening hours. Council has £33m cash reserves; some branches will move to being run by "trustees" and volunteers.
Campaign group: Bromley Cuts Concern

Buckinghamshire -

2012: Great Missenden Library to be colocated with post office/cafe/florist and 2 paid members of staff (still counted as under threat in tally due to low level of staffing and great reduction in floorspace). (14/5/12). Flackwell Heath, Ivinghoe, Long Crendon and Wing libraries to be volunteer run (30/1/12). Chalfont St Peter became volunteer on 2nd January. Ebooks launched.
2011: £700k cut: 16 out of 23 under threat of closure if volunteers do not run them; Castlefield, Chalfont St Peter, Farnham Common, Flackwell Heath, Gerrards Cross, Great Missenden, Haddenham, Iver Heath, Ivinghoe, Long Crendon, Stokenchurch, Wendover, Wing, Winslow. 60 part-time jobs at risk, compulsory redundances "a very last resort". Council presentation for consultation November 2010. 3 under threat in 2012 - Micklefield and Bourne End which are to be "reviewed" when £1.5m lottery money runs out in April 2012 and also Burnham. Ivinghoe Library to be renamed Beacon Villages Community Library and to be run by volunteers (paid manager to be retained) from the Friends of Ivinghoe Library Little Chalfont (volunteer-run) library increases hours from 25 to 29.

Bury - 1 (1 other reduced hours) £540k cut plus £60k school libraries cut. Some libraries may close. (libraries may be transferred to trust/private company/charity) (housebound service closed).
Caerphilly -

2012: Aberbargoed Library confirmed as closing (19/1/12). 10/1/12: New library opened at £2.25m at former Palace Cinema (Risca), £215k spent on upgrading Blackwood Library, new Abercarn Library soon to replace demolished one, Newbridge Memo(rial hall) will have a library inside.
2011 ("rationalised"). Aberbargoed library may close, transferred to new library in Bargoed. School Library Service closed, mobile library closed (email 17/2/12).

Calderdale -

2012: Mobile library service to end and branch opneing hours will be cut from 1st April (26/3/12), (18/3/12) Cut in opening hours at Rastrick Library reduced. (17/2/12) Consultation on moving Halifax Library delayed at least until June(28/1/12) Reservations stopped for any books not currently owned by the council. (15/1/12) Bailiff Bridge Library will be moved into community centre c.Jan 2013. (10/1/12) £150k cut to opening hours in branches (at Brighouse, Elland, Hebden Bridge, King Cross, Sowerby Bridge, Todmorden, Skircoat, Shelf, Rastrick, Northowram, Mixenden, Hipperholme and Beechwood Road) to be cut from 45 to 37 hours per week. £300k to be spent on computer management systems. (7/1/12) 1 mobile to end.
2011: £550k cut. Halifax Central Library to be sold off to developers with new replacement library to be sited by Piece Hall after public consultation. Charges introduced for computer use after first hour, cut previously reported as £350k cut inc.12 jobs, £200k cut in stock.
Campaign group: Friends of Todmorden Library. Don't Bulldoze Our Library (Halifax Central Library.

Cambridgeshire -

2012: 13 Smallest libraries to be reduced to one paid member of staff, with the rest being volunteers/self-service. I have included these as still at threat for the time being, although I am aware that this is a grey area (29/2/12). 67 hours per week taken off library opening times (1/3/12): Arbury Court Library will lose 5.5 hours per week, Cambridge Central will lose 6 hours, Great Shelford 12. Full list of opening hour cuts here. Staffing increased at larger libraries to replace "reserve" system of having staff throughout county on call (9/3/12).
2011: Libraries may close with services transferred into post offices or other units such as those owned by private companies. Vending machines for library books. Backroom services to be shared with other counties. £2-3m cut hoped for from current £6m budget over five years. 13 smaller libraries to be run by volunteers "directed" by a central librarian at a cost of £20,000 each to local community. 48% cut over 5 years inc. 29 out of 45 managers to lose jobs. (closures down from previously reported 19) (mobile services already "slashed") (£1.1m cut) (school library service closed) 7% cut in opening hours on average throughout county. Consultation ended 18th June 2011. Ramsey Library opens, in new building at Great Whyte.
Campaign group: Friends of Arbury Library, Friends of Comberton Area Libraries

Camden -

2012: Keats Community Library (volunteer run) opened 17/4/12. The Winchester Project will take over Belsize. Chalk Farm Library were looking for sufficient funding (1/2/12) but were approved by council (16/2/12) and the library was handed over to volunteers (25/4/12). Situation with Highgate Library and mobile unclear - checking with council (1/2/12). Most libraries will have one hour less opening per week, although Queen's Crescent Library will close more. (22/3/12).
2011: 12/12/11 Council funding will be (first year) £192k given to groups taking over 3 libraries plus £150k for legal/financial advice for volunteers. Highgate Library also under threat. Mobile Library to close, Regents Park Library may close. 10% opening hours cut for all, bookfund cut, 35 jobs lost; may share some services with Islington: £2 million cut. King's Cross may be rebuilt in new Town hall complex, Crowndale Centre library may move to new Camden High Street site, Regent's Park may become study centre with new library built instead. St Pancras and Camden Town libraries subject to possible property sale. (£1.6million cut) Local Studies and Archives to be cut, shared with Islington, and users encouraged to use private researcher (at £26 per hour).
Groups: Camden Public Library User Group (C-Plug), Friends of Chalk Farm Library (Facebook). 4 branches and 1 mobile under threat. Primrose Hill Community Library.

Cardiff - (no closures, cuts to be considerd on 4/3/11)
Carmarthenshire -

2012: 4 counted as under threat (Pontyates, Tumble, Dafen and Kidwelly). Pontyates Libary needs volunteers or it will close. Tumble Library now run by volunteers. Dafen Library run by volunteers with town council support. Llanelli Library and five others refurbished (14/5/12). Kidwelly Library under threat. Assumed that 22 other libraries mentioned as under threat in 2011 article are no longer under threat are safe for now, therefore taken off tally (28/3/12). "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." (2/2/12). Llanelli Library to reopen soon after £3.8m upgrade (3/2/12).
2011: 5 in 2011, 18 in 2012 therefore 23. (improvements in Llanelli and Carmarthen)

Central Bedfordshire -

2012: £2.84m net budget 2012/13. £550k cuts by 2014 via technology and reduced "back room costs", £850k inversment in self-service/online. full details of plan. (28/3/12). Consultation has ended with 2,200 replies. Council has guaranteed that no library buildings will close (1/2/12).
2011: £435k cut over next two years (29.12.11) : consultation until 18.1.12 includes suggestions include management posts lost, homework clubs ended, mobile library close.

Ceredigion - (£1m "relocation" of Aberystwyth, £100k to be spent on Cardigan)
Cheshire East -

Cheshire West and Chester:

2012: Library staff have c.5% cut in pay on top of 3 year's pay freeze.

City of London -

2012:Camomile Street Library to reopen in Autumn 2012 as combination library/community centre (26/1/12).
2011: 15.9% cut to Libraries/Archives/Art Dept budget, cuts to London Metropolitan Archives opening hours. Source = LAGAG update email). Guildhall Library will remain open on Saturdays, City Business Library will close on Saturdays. London Metropolitan Archives to open four days per week but will open until 7.30 Tuesday to Thursday to compensate (open one Saturday per month). Guildhall Library Bookshop closed due to declining sales. Camomile Street Library closed - to be replaced by new library in White Kennet Street late Summer 2012. Mobile library replaces branch in meantime.

Conwy -

Cornwall -

2012: New volunteer-run library in cafe in Roche (3/5/12) Several branches combining with One Stop Shops (14/3/12). Performing Arts Library fate to be decided (8.2.12).
2011: 1 library threatened (Performing Arts Library at St Austell may be closed) Up to 30 managers (apparently all) to go. Staffing reduced to, in some cases, one paid member of library staff per library. Non-library staff from other "face to face" services to be used instead. 2011 cuts confirmed (90 hours lost, merge with Registrars/One Stop Shops). 19 library managers may be lost. £1 million cut.

Coventry - "Many" library buildings could close and transfer into "schools, shops, or doctor's surgeries.". Canley, Stoke, Radford, Earlsdon and Hillfields mentioned [not counted as "under threat" as yet until more information is received - Ed.] (opening hours cut, more fees). New library opened at Allesley Park.
Croydon -

2012: 2 libraries udner threat: Upper Norwood Joint Library under threat and 16/1/12: New Addington Library appears to be closing, with the books from the old branch being transferred to the "foyer" of CALAT building. Civica has withdrawn from privatization tender, allowing in-house bid from Wandsworth Council to be reconsidered (21/5/12). Bookfund down to £250k p.a. (was £1m at one time). £250k set aside for privatisation costs. Consultation on future of Upper Norwood Joint Library until April 29th (19/3/12).
2011: Will be privatised in joint tendering process with Wandsworth,(Full paper to Council on decision to invite private tender for library services - Privatising/outsourcing service with initial tendering in collaboration with Wandsworth. Interested parties (Sep 2011) are (a) Civica (b) LSSI (c) JLIS (John Laing) (d) GLL (e) Vision Redbridge (f) Essex County Council (g) Merton Council (h) Bexley and Bromley Council Consortium (i) Croydon Libraries Strategic Management Team (j) Wandsworth "in-house".). Decision to close six libraries postponed until 2012. 23 library jobs lost April 2011. Another 26 likely to go in order to make £700k saving., (£690k saving) (doubts over consultation process). Qualified librarians removed at Sanderstead Library.
Campaign group: Sanderstead Library Campaign Group. Upper Norwood Library Campaign: Save Croydon Libraries Campaign. Campaign group: Croydonlibraries.org

Cumbria -

2012: Harraby Library closed: stock moved to community centre and unstaffed, Penrith Library converting to self-service (22/3/12).
2011: 20 branches under threat (30 libraries to remain staffed, all others to be volunteer-run with visiting library staff) - Denton Holme, Harraby and Morton in Carlisle, Moorclose in Workington, Hensingham, Kells Mirehouse in Whitehaven, Shap, Distington, Frizington, Gosforth, Seascale, Seaton, St Bees and Thornhill. Seaton and Moorclose libraries to be partially funded/run by friends groups. All three surviving mobiles to close; £6m budget "to be maintained"; "the plan would be for" rural libraries to be volunteer-run; £80k (sic) cut from £6m budget; consultation from April 6 to June (3 of previous 6 mobile libraries closed in 2010). Music CDs now free for visually impaired. DVD provision restored to smallest branches. Free audio-book download service. 11.12.11 Fox and Hounds Pub (Ennerdale) will have 100 council-supplied books, hoping others will be donated.

Darlington -

2012: Cockerton Library (previously under imminent threat of closure) likely to remain open for a year with reduced hours while Friends group co-operates in finding ways to fund continued opening - still counted as under threat by PLN (10/2/12).
2011: at least 1 (Cockerton Library) under threat. £250k from budget of £1m off budget. Consultation may take one year. Crown Street Library may move into town hall or Dolphin Centre sports complex
Group: Friends of Cockerton Library.

Denbighshire -

2012: Prestatyn Library closed since Nov 2011 for "essential maintenance", £300k grant from Welsh Government to improve it (28/3/12).
2011: Rhyl has reopened after £300,000 refurbishment; no closure or merger plans, although 'this may be reviewed".

Derby -

2012: £12k cut to newspapers budget (6/5/12).
2011: Libraries may become part of a Trust linked with museums. £1.28m library in Chaddesdem building work to start June 2012.

Derbyshire -

2012: Funding for new £2.4 million pound library in Ashbourne approved, library due to open March 2013 (source: email received from council 1/5/12). £975k cut inc. £455k cut to stock, South Normanton Library to have hours increased. (30/1/12). Libraries will be part of cuts this year (20/1/12) 15 branches now have self-service. Duffield and Whaley Bridge are having "major refurbishments" (25/3/12).
2011: 1 mobile library close. 1 mobile library to close meaning longer wait between visits, £1.76m cut, 30 out of 45 libraries will see cuts of between one and five hours, 11 will not change, 4 will increase opening hours. Some staff cuts. Hours reductions are mainly two hours per library on one day.

Devon -

2012: Newton Abbot (Passmore Edwards) Library reopens 25th June in new co-usebuilding inc. wifi/adult learning/cafe/meeting rooms (9/3/12). Colyton Library renovated with self-service installaiton (24/2/12) and volunteers increasing opening hours there every Tuesday morning. Sidmouth Library to go self-service at cost of £80k (30/1/12)
2011: £860k cut. Opening hours to be cut esp. Combe Martin, Moretonhampstead, Chulmleigh, Lynton and Salcombe - see here for complete list. Opening of replacement St Thomas Library (Exeter) delayed until at least Feb 2012 as original building to be used as shops. Totnes Library to be relocated to larger building. Job losses. Consultation ended May 7th - (may have reduced opening hours, less mobile stops, no new Exeter Library - suggests mobile library service has improved). BBC article confirms no closures. ("brutal" cuts to Exeter Record Office). Extension for Newton Abbot Library. At least some branch managers forced to reapply for their posts on a lower grade. Volunteers may be used in 2012.
Campaign group: Friends of Colyton Library.

Doncaster -

2012: Warmsworth, Bawtry, Rossington and Stainforth Libraries now run by volunteers (28/3/12). Balby now run by volunteers (9/4/12).
2011: 14 branches under threat (total revised again due to more information) - 2 closed outright (Carcroft and Denaby) while 12 others (Bawtry, Intake, Warmsworth, Moorends, Rossington, Stainforth, Scawthorpe, Balby, Bessacarr, Edenthorpe, Wheatley and Sprotbrough) will be run by volunteers. Carcroft and Denaby Libraries have closed. Previously 14 (out of 26) safeguarded for one year but still under threat (may also be taken out of council control) (over 50% cut in funding). Cantley Library may be moved to Sycamore School as part of community centre. Questions over if any of the 12 branches council says will be volunteer run will find necessary volunteers.
Campaign group - Save Doncaster Libraries, Sprotborough Community Library, Stainforth For All.

Dorset-

2012: Charmouth Library to be withdrawn in September, wtih building given to volunteers (14/3/12). Volunteer groups have presented business plans to take over seven branches that would otherwise close, two other libraries without sufficient volunteers (Portland Underhill and Corfe Castle) likely to close (6/3/12). Portland Underhill Library to close 28/4/12 (28/1/12). £2m refurbishment of Christchurch Library (25/3/12).
2011: Nine libraries will close unless volunteer-run (Burton Bradstock, Charmouth, Chickerell, Colehill, Corfe Castle, Portland Underhill, Puddletown, Stalbridge and Wool), 10 reprieved (Beaminster, Corfe Mullen, Crossways, Littlemoor, Lyme Regis, Lytchett Matravers, Portland Tophill, Sturminster Newton, Upton, Wyke Regis). £800k cuts still need to be made. Dorset is the sole council to receive an actual increase in funding for 2010/11. (1)(2)(official documents).
Groups: Ad Lib (umbrella group), Charmouth Village Library. Friends of Colehill Library. Dorset for Democracy

Dudley.

2012: All libraries to be self-service by April (6.2.12). Brierley Hill Library combined with housing office and Citizen's Advice Bureau (18.3.12).

Dumfries and Galloway -

Whithorn Library still open (11.1.12).
Whithorn Library is due to close mid June (£256k cut via staffing and other)

Dundee.

2011: transferred to the same trust "Leisure And Culture Dundee" as swimming pools.

Durham -

2012: £1.5m cut. Reduced opening: ten branches to be cut to 36 hours per week, smaller libraries to be cut to 20 hours per week, mobile library service to be reduced. Final decision to be made in July (24/5/12). Move to Trust for libraries delayed due to fear Government may remove tax advantages (21/5/12). Libraries to be moved to a "‘Non Profit Distributing Organisation’" (27/3/12). £285k to be spent on Barnard's Castle Library to create new council offices/customer access point (26.1.12). No libraries will close (23.1.12) but 250 library staff affected by cuts (19.1.12) Mobile libraries under threat in a "use it or lose it" proposal (18.1.12). Libraries/museums/leisure may move to being run by a trust (16.1.12).
2011: Barnards Castle Library safe after being threatened previously , possibly some cuts in opening hours at a few branches. Bookfund cut, with some reductions in opening hours proposed. Clayport Library ended Sunday opening (£90k cut). Consett library in poor condition, fears of closure. (£1.5m cut by 2015) (decision on closures delayed until 2012).
Groups: Friends of Barnard Castle Library. We Love Belmont Library.

Ealing -

2012: £430k cut. 9% cut in opening hours (that is, 57 hours per week less): Northolt loses 10 hours a week, Southall more than seven and Hanwell and Perivale more than six. 20 full time staff lost (one sixth of workforce) leaving 98 staff left (24/5/12). £2.2m investment including £900k for Hanwell, £400k for Perivale, £900k for Southall Library to be relocated into Dominion Arts Centre. (25/4/12). Library service may be privatised or outsourced, either through private company or by a Trust. Service in talks with Brent and Harrow about sharing services (26/1/12).
2011: Perivale £400k upgrade (saved from closure this year), Hanwell will have £900k essential improvements. 50 volunteers assist. It looks likely no branch library will close (mobile library will close though). Hanwell, Perivale, Northfields (£610k upgrade in 2007), Northolt Leisure Centre (£1m upgrade January 2010) were under threat; Current plan to go before committee is - (1) Picture sale of £570k to go to Libraries for Wifi, new computers. (2) Library opening hours reduced by 25 per week, (3) move to Trust, volunteers, or other model to be considered, (4) "comprehensive" volunteer programme, (5) some branches may be entirely "self-service", (6) 20 FTE library jobs to go. Cut to budget may be 30% over four years,
Groups: Ealing Library Campaign.

East Dunbartonshire - Kirkintilloch Library to be used by Leisure Trust and as a "community hub". £500k spent on changing building will make library 10% smaller but it will "feel larger" (1/5/12).
East Lothian - Libraries may become part of enjoyleisure Trust , Opening hours cuts inc. Ormiston (from 30 to 21)
East Sussex -

2012: "plans for library improvements at Newhaven" (27/2/12): Rural and mobile libraries review until 21/5/12 (26/2/12). A 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 (2/2/12), Some libraries may close, less bookfund and staff. (9th Jan) Hastings Library to be refurbished and expanded: Registrars and Archives relocated to expanded building. (20th Jan)
2011: (£313k cut) less books bought. "new libraries and library developments in 2011 in Rye, Wadhurst and Forest Row" (9/3/12).

Edinburgh -

2012: After public protest, further funding found so there now appears to be no cuts to opening hours (23/2/12) (but this has been disputed - 5/3/12). Previously, £300k cut proposal included existing Sunday opening safeguarded, with more Saturday opening, 10,000 respond to consultation. "Our response has been to propose that £300,000 be allocated in the 2012/13 council budget to retain Sunday opening in all six libraries where it currently exists and that a further 3 libraries will increase their opening hours from 32 to 42 per week. It will also result in longer Saturday service at 15 libraries to reflect customer demand. Opening hours and usage of the other libraries will be kept under review and rest assured we will respond to customer need" (4/3/12). Balerno, Balgreen, Colinton and Gilmerton are still set to see their Thursday service cut, while late Thursday openings will end at all of the city’s facilities. Stockbridge, Portobello and Morningside libraries recently upgraded (16/2/12 and 17/2/12). New Drumbrae Library (£5.7m) opened, inc. cafe, computer classes, police/council services (31/1/12).
2011: £550k cut proposed which would have meant most libraries will have reduced hours, Sunday opening ended (in all six libraries currently open then), Thursday evening opening ended but Saturday morning and afternoon opening extended to all libraries - however, this appears not to have been enacted (see 2012 links) . Guarantee not to close libraries, self-service being installed. Possible cut in mobiles

Enfield - No libraries will close (previously Ordnance Road, Enfield Highway and Bullsmoor were under threat). 20% budget cut, 17 staff face possible redundancy. £578k cut 2011, £300k 2012 and 2013.
Essex -

2012: 4.1.12 US debt recovery firm to be used for late fees/unreturned items. No branches to close but 5 managers lost job in 2011, Colchester reduced hours from 67.5 to 59 hours.
2011: extensive opening hours cuts to 54 of 73 branches, 21 jobs to go, but no cuts to mobiles. Possibility of community groups being involved in running some libraries. Cuts in spite of Essex having £200m in reserves. No Sunday opening in the Epping Forest area. Two homework clubs in Greenstead and Harlow to be axed (28/2/12).

Falkirk -

2012: "part-time staff hours have been cut and one professional librarian’s post has been deleted and replaced at a lower wage." (20/2/12).
2011: (transferred to Trust), Nine-hour reduction per week in each library.

Fife - Libraries/theatres/archives/arts/museums to be turned into a Trust. £639k expected to be saved per year due to tax avoidance due to this change. However, libraries face a £2m cut over three years.
Flintshire -

2012 - Halkyn Library now open only 6 hours per week, aided by local parish council.
2011 - 3 confirmed (8.3.11, 2 libraries reprieved, although Halkyn will reduce to only one half-day per week) (some investment), Feasibility plan launched for new Saltney Library; £300k extra money for Buckley ) as closing one mobile confirmed (£40k cut)

Gateshead -

2012: £305k cut, some staffing cuts, possibility of volunteers replacing staff in some branches (27/2/12).
2011: Staffing cuts. School library service, music library and AIRS talking newspaper ended.

Glasgow

2012: No closures, cuts to hours or cuts to bookfund. Libraries thriving (24/1/12).
2011: Similarly positive.

Gloucestershire -

2012: Seven libraries under threat ("Community Offer Libraries") plus 5 mobiles under threat (National tally does not include the Homelink mobile as this already counted last year. Similarly, national tally also does not include one more mobile as new proposed library offsets this). The six mobiles under threat in 2011 arr undergoing a separate consulation: "Main libraries - nine libraries open six days a week, Local libraries - twelve libraries open five days a week - with options for flexibility to suit local need, Partnership Libraries - ten libraries run by the county in partnership with communities. Offering between twelve and twenty-one hours of county library service. Building on the principle of sharing buildings with other groups to create a one stop shop for public services with the library remaining in county control. Community Offer Libraries (Berkeley, Brockworth, Bream, Minchinhampton, Lechlade, Mitcheldean and Newnham.) - seven libraries available to the community under an enhanced Big Community Offer". Mobile libraries - Homelink and Share a Book specialist mobile library services to be axed and service provided by alternative means plus 3 traditional mobiles to go. "The council is considering the provision of a mobile public service vehicle which could provide a mobile library service alongside access to other services." (16/1/12). Total budget will be cut by £3.5m 2008-12 (£1.7m cut 2008-10) (5/3/12). Bookfund cut from £1.2m (2007/8) to £351k (2011) (10/1/12). £800m cut on top of £1m cut in 2011 meaning cut of around 50% in two years.
2011: (1 mobile closed - Homelink mobile): Moreton Library to reopen in April 2012 incorporating volunteer services/registration/police/self-service. Legal challenge means libraries currently saved from closure but council working on new proposals. Before court case it had been confirmed that 10 branches and 6 mobiles to close or be run by volunteers. 8 libraries open 12 hours per week rather than previously proposed 3.5, £10k to community groups who take over a library, (revised proposals here). £20,000 to Hester's Way Community Partnership for four years plus old library building in order to pay for a community-run library at Oasis Youth Centre. Minchinhampton to stay open for one further year at reduced hours. 100 library jobs to go say UNISON, 40 FTE to go says council, inc 36 managers cut to 9, 3.5 FTE librarian posts cut (to 10)]. Legal challenge - council summoned to DCMS to explain their actions.)(privatisation considered); In addition to those under threat, council will cut bookfund from £1m (2009/10) to £500k (2011/12) and £400k (2012/13); all mobile libraries to be stopped. :
Campaign Groups: . Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries (Umbrella), Supporters of Hester's Way Library, Tuffley Library Support Group, Newnham Library, Friends of Matson Library,

Greenwich -

2012: Libraries are transferred to GLL. Industrial action. Ferrier Library closed, with no replacement planned (25/4/12). Transfer to Trust halted due to conflict of interest allegation (27/2/12) but resumed (21/3/12). Decision to move libraries to Trust (run by GLL) was made on 14th February, with council unanimously approving move, strike action possible (15/2/12). Ferrier Library not closed yet but still under threat. (3/2/12).
2011: 1 Moving towards being run on a 15 year contract by GLL (Greenwich Leisure Ltd) on top of leisure centres etc. (Greenwich council has reserve of £133m - the second highest in the country)(could be turned into a Trust) (school library service closed)

Hackney -

2012: Volunteer Support Officer vacancy specifically for training volunteers in libraries (26.1.12): Dalston CLR James Library to open on 23/1/12 at £4.4m cost, double the size of the old library it is replacing
2011: One-quarter of library staff to lose their jobs (number down from 104 to 76). Events to reduce from 500 annually to 200, mainly run by volunteers. Most staff will be paid £2000-5000 less as jobs downgraded. Pledge to increase library opening hours. Front-line staff cut by £700k 2010-11, but more senior managers. 2011; all libraries to be kept open; opening hours to change in all libraries; events to be solely at new library, Hackney Central and Stoke Newington; more volunteers (1 library already entirely staffed by volunteers) Campaign Group - Save Hackney Library Service.

Hammersmith and Fulham - 2 (to be run by volunteers) and 1 mobile (record office to have £70k cut from £88k, volunteers, presumably no professional archivists, reduced hours) (£310k cut). Archives and Local Studies Centre closed, limited alternative provided by London Metropolitan Archives
Hampshire -

2012: £4.7m cut - £446k means more self-service, may use volunteers, 17 fte jobs lost, 112 opening hours lost throughout county (20/1/12).
2011: Consultation on library cuts until Dec 28th 2011. £492 k cut (on top of £2.5m already cut since 2009) - Proposed 7.5% cut to opening hours. 2 libraries - Stanmore and North Baddesley under threat. Volunteers may be used to increase these hours or take over those branches under threat of closure. 13 mobiles confirmed as cut (now 365 stops rather than 1200) (£600k cut, 58 FTE jobs to go). Libraries merged with IT/property dept. Source of number of mobiles is UNISON Hampshire, cuts in spite of Hampshire having one of the highest levels of reserves(£131m) in the country. 9.10.11 20.5 FTE library worker posts cut. Introducing children's fines (5p per book per day up to 40p max) No extra overtime or weekend pay

Haringey - Hornsey, Marcus Garvey and Alexandra Park libraries to be closed on Sundays.
Harrow -

Hartlepool -

2012: Confirmation of West View Closure.
2011: West View Library to closed 19/12/11 "saving" £39k p.a., mobile library offered as alternative. Foggy Furze Library closes on Saturday (£47,500 cut). Throston Grange Library to merge with Throston community centre. Opening hour cuts in all surviving libraries.

Herefordshire - 2 mobiles have now been withdrawn, replaced by needs-tested home delivery service.. £200k cut to library service. New Ledbury Library delayed. £2m for joint library/wedding venue/council offices in Ledbury. Libraries may be run by a Trust or other external body. Campaign group - Hereford Library User's Group (HLUG).

5/1/12 20 communities have "expressed an interest" in running their own library. Garway has new library in its village hall run by residents.

Hertfordshire -

2012: Confirmed that Cassettes for Blind People service cancelled: service transferred to RNIB (14/5/12). Cassettes for Blind People service may be closed, with its funding transferring to the RNIB (1/5/12): Radlett library open self-service only Monday AM termtimes as Children's Centre staff use library (6/3/12). See also similar picture at Waltham Cross Library. School Libraries Service confirmed as closing (26/1/12): New Hertford Library building opened all on one level (previous building had fourteen), wifi and babychange (20/1/12).
2011: 5 mobiles under threat Opening hours to be cut by one third, from 2236 hours down to 1575, records office hours cut. At least one library (Borehamwood) faces a 40% cut. £580k cut in first year, £1.4m after, plus a further £275k from mobiles and £131k in records office/HQ library cuts mean total cut of over £1.8m. Some mobile stops saved. School Library Service to be closed Spring 2012 to save £41,000 p.a.. 12 staff will be made redundant. Central Resources Library to move to WGC Library, some stock put in warehouse rather than in open shelves - 5/10/11 New Barnfield Library (central resources library) closure to go ahead but with documents moved to another location with reduced opening hours (source - Save New Barnfield Library newsletter). Borehamwood Library gains £12k town council grant to increase hours by 3 per week. Cuts in opening hours came into effect on 1st July 2011.
Campaign groups - Save New Barnfield Library , Petition to save School Library Service and We Heart Libraries

Highland - 1 mobile (housebound service, £27k cut) (Wick Library to close and merge with school library). Invergordon library may council information point moved into it (rather than previous suggestion of the other way around). Two out of four mobile libraries could be replaced with second-hand vehicles. (Libraries to be run by an ALO - "Arms Length Organisation" to avoid tax) (this report says no closures) (suggestion that professional staff are being lost - a source is needed).
Hounslow - initial plan to close 8 cancelled after public consultation, This year, 40% cut in bookfund (from £570k to £333k), £540k cut in overall budget. In 2012, proposals are: Volunteers to replace some paid staff at Beavers Library (£52k cut), reduce skilled staff in some smaller branches (£77k cut), reduce opening hours (£171k cut). Closures are possible. £300k cut in bookfund, some libraries may still be at risk as cuts "postponed". (Managed by private company Laing); Consultation on cuts soon
Hull - 2 libraries (Marfleet in East Hull and Stadium in the KC Stadium) under threat as is 1 mobile library , professional librarians jobs also likely to be cut (source: private correspondence), compare with pro-library statement by Leader of Council
Inverclyde:

Isle of Man:

2012: E-gaming firm PokerStars will fund mobile and family library for three years, thereford both taken off threatened list (2/4/12). Previously, the Family and Mobile Libraries. School Library Service were threatened but massive protests so Mobile library and Family Library considered for parish council funding (19/3/12).
Campaign groups: Facebook Group. Petition.

Isle of Wight - Bembridge, Brighstone, East Cowes, Niton and Shanklin will be run by volunteers from October. 5 (confirmed) (out of 11) (£100k offered as temporary extra) (four libraries will remain open at 21 hours per week rather than previously mentioned 10 hours) (full proposals here - 2/3/11) (Legal challenge)
Islington - £565k investment Self-service to be installed in all branches to save £250k per year via losing staff. Ruled out turning into a trust. £30k less bookfund, no CDs, increased fines/charges, may co-locate libraries with colleges/community centres, opening hours reduced to three days per week. £650k (10%) cut, council denies there will be largescale redundancies, sold libraries or big bookfund cut. This goes against previous guarantee no libraries will close. 16 staff to go, opening hours cut, share housebound library service with Camden..
Kensington & Chelsea - North Kensington Library may be moved to new site to allow for land to be sold to private company/public school.
Kent -

2012: Survey of libraries intended for co-location/volunteers (6/3/12). Sturry Library temporarily closed due to arson attack (27/2/12); Kent has the most libraries of any council in the UK, with the need to cut its libraries budget by £4m by 2014. Plans include withdrawing direct council control from many (un-named) branches. Considering tendering out library service to external organisations (17/2/12). New local history and library centre built (21/4/12).
2011: some feared under threat, with volunteers being asked to run some. 83 FTE jobs to be cut as self-service comes. Isle of Thanet is one of the areas hardest hit. The School library service was closed. £2.3m cuts in 2011 and before, with an extra £2m cuts to be made by 2014, inc the cuts above plus also merging libraries with town councils/shops. (previously, plans had included closing up to 44 branches but councillors rejected it due to fears over impact on forthcoming election). List of the branches that were originally up for closure is here.

Kingston -

2012: Surbiton Library under threat (8/5/12)
2011: (50% adult bookfund cut). £38k more for Hook Library. Spending freeze on "all but essential" items.

Kirklees:

2012 - 7 libraries which were under threat have been reprieved for three years (23/5/12), Slaithwaite, Golcar, Honley, Lepton, Kirkheaton, Denby Dale and Shepley. If libraries close, it will not be until March 2013. Public consultation from February (13/1/12). Chestnut Centre will have cinema outside of opening hours (18/3/12).
2011 - (November) Volunteers to run seven libraries (with some assistance inc self-service and library computer system ).
Campaign groups: Honley Book Group, Friends of Denby Dale Library. Save Slaithwaite Library, Save Colne Valley Libraries.

Lambeth -

2012: Consulation on cuts under way until April 20th 2012. 6 still under threat: inc West Norwood closed. Upper Norwood Joint Library still under threat due to dispute with Croydon. Also, the two mobiles appear to have gone. £1.5m cut from budget of £6m. All professionally qualified staff dismissed. West Norwood Library still closed due to roof being stripped and asbestos, fears of closure (17/1/12) - confirmed, merged instead (15/4/12).
2011: 5 branches were under threat: Durning, Waterloo, South Lambeth, Minet and Carnegie (out of 11) and 2 mobiles. Setting up a trust "which will give you a chance to run libraries".. £750k cut by 2014. West Norwood Library and Nettlefold Hall Library closed due to theft of lead from roofs, increased charges, more self-service, considering all options including volunteers and Trusts. Events to be cut. West Norwood, Minet, Carnegie, Durning and South Lambeth under threat as future depends on volunteers. Waterloo Library could be relocated, current site sold to developers. Upper Norwood Library may have funding withdrawn by Croydon. ("@walkyouhome: EVERY librarian in Lambeth has been told they are having their post deleted. Only assistants and admin staff remain" on twitter 9.3.11 confirmed 13.3.11); Council has £93.7m cash reserves.; £750k 2011/14 cut; Commission to be set up to consider volunteers/closures/shared service with other authorities. Consultation until 16th September.
Campaign groups: Save Lambeth Libraries #SaveLambthLibs, Vauxhall Society, Friends of Durning Library.

Lancashire -

Leeds -

2012: Shadwell, Rawdon and Drighlington confirmed as transferring to volunteers. Cow Close Library will close (12/4/12). Otley Library now merged with One Stop Shop (3/4/12). Rawdon Library run by volunteers on Thursday, with aim of being completely run soon in order to avoid closure (17/2/12). £70k spent on Hunslet Library to improve building (leaky roof, failing windows, "dreary" interior) partially so that the currently unused half of the building can be leased to another organisation (13.1.12).
2011: 17 to be withdrawn - 13 closed in 2011 (Allerton Bywater, Armley Heights, Belle Isle, Broad Lane, Holbeck, Ireland Wood, Kirkstall, Lofthouse, Osmondthorpe, Richmond Hill, Swarcliffe, Swillington and Swinnow). 4 to close in 2012 - Rawdon and Cow Close libraries will stay open until March 2012 to allow volunteers time to organise takeover, Drilington and Shadwell also threatened in 2012, £625k cut. Branches to be replaced by expanded mobile service. 25 other libraries to have extended hours. All permanent staff to be retained.
Campaign groups: Friends of Rawdon Library (email: junelongley@hotmail.com.)

Leicester -

2012 - Aylestone Library to be closed (books moved to nearby leisure centre), St Matthew's to be closed (books moved to nearby community centre). Fosse library library will remain open. All to have self-service machines with one paid library worker at each site. £494k cut over 3 years (originally had aimed at £533k cut with no paid staff). 4% cut in council-wide bookfund. (30/4/12). Transport for disabled to library scrapped, opening hours to be cut (3/2/12).
2011: £250k cut 2012 inc. reduced hours, transport, bookfund, three cheaper buildings.

Leicestershire -

2012: Opening hour cuts at Market Harborough, Lutterworth, Broughton Astley, Fleckney, Kibworth and Great Glen. Staffing cuts achieved through natural wastage (31/3/12).
2011: Online questionnaire consulting on cuts to libraries 11 April to 20 June. Council to close libraries at least busy times rather than closing some entirely. 38 libraries may reduce from 20 hours per week to 13 hours per week. Summary of proposals. £443k cut inc. 384 hours per week cut in opening hours. 40% budget (£4m) cut over four years; opening hours cut (Wigston down from four days to two, Melton library has evening and Saturday openings cut, Wigston record office hours cut by one day per week; only seven full time professional posts left in entire system (according to anonymous comment on 12th April PLN post). £1 reservation charge for children and pensioners. Volunteers to be recruited to staff libraries

Lewisham -

2012: Deptford Lounge opened 4.1.12.
2011: 5 (of 12) withdrawn from council control: Grove Park, Sydenham and Crofton Park Libraries will be divested to Eco Computer Systems. Age Exchange will take over Blackheath. New Cross Library has closed 28.5.11. £995k cut from £4.6m - 21.6%; (legal challenge - possibly unrelated to this, council summoned to DCMS to explain their actions.); New Cross People's Library open until 21st September.

Lincolnshire -

2012: 1 under threat: Saxilby Library to be closed with stock to be moved into a community centre in Autumn (23/3/12). More volunteers required (17/1/12). Collection boxes for donations to be put in all libraries (4/1/12)
2011: £2m cut (from £6.2m now to £4.1m in 2016: not linked to inflation): school library service stopped, mobile stops cut. Changes (but not cut) to hours at Cherry Willingham Library..

Liverpool -

Manchester -

2012: Joint library/leisure centres suggested for Chorlton and Levenshulme. Consultation until 24th June (23/5/12), £1.6m grant from lottery for improved archives at Central Library (16/1/12).
2011: 2 closed (Clayton and Rack House entirely, East City reverts to being only for Manchester College Students) as part of £3m cut. 4 mobiles to close. Opening hours cut in all libraries apart from City Library (and City Library at Number One First Street) from 5th September, Barlow Library to be closed in July 2012, Huhne Library to relocate, end of children's mobile library, end of sheltered housing service, increase in charges, more volunteers to support events. "Take the Budget Challenge" consultation. Hulme Library to move into Moss Side Leisure Centre. Barlow Moor Library may depend on volunteers to run it in 2012. (end of homework clubs) (council has reserve of £109m) Council has £95.2m cash reserves

Medway - Libraries and council customer contact staff to become joint teams in five town centre libraries (24/4/12).
Merthyr Tydfil - some
Merton -

Middlesbrough -

2012: 2 branches under threat - Grove Hill and Thorntree. Mobile library to close 30/3/12 representing a £50k cut. £20k of this to move into housebound service (9/3/12).
2011: 4 branches and 1 mobile under threat - Grove Hill, Easterside, Marton and Thorntree. £50k bookfund cut, close the mobile £50k, 1.5 less managers (£36k). Box-office DVD rentals and e-books to be introduced

Milton Keynes -

Monmouthshire

2012: A new Schools Literacy and Resource Centre has opened to serve Monmouthshire and Torfaen (16/3/12) Chepstow Library reopens after £120k refurbishment inc. new shelving/meeting areas, wifi, laptops, teenage area, local studies collection (21/1/12).

Moray - some - (previously marked as no public libraries closing but council has appealed for volunteer groups to run them, may move to being in a Trust, another article here).
Neath Port Talbot -

2012: £114k grant from Welsh Government for improving Baglan inc. children's, events, wifi (25/3/12).
2011: £202k bookfund slightly more than in 2010 (£47k less than Welsh standard).

Newcastle -

2012: Newbiggin Hill Library to be demolished, with stock moved into nearby community centre but with a complete refurbishment of the (comparatively smaller) library area and with staffing by library staff. Plan to move smaller branches into co-location with other services (5/1/12). "Library Express" plans dropped: "Partnership" ideas planned instead with either other services co-located in libraries or libraries co-located in other buildings.
2011: Opening hours cut in 12 libraries with cuts of around 6% (after consultation. Cuts mainly in the evenings) , WRVS volunteers to be used for delivery of books to housebound, increased booksale, (12 jobs lost, £245k cut). "Library Express" branches (where some libraries would not be staffed all the time) considered but change of party in local elections meant plan was dropped. Newcastle charges introduced for book reservations, rise in fees.

Newham - Canning Town Library to incorporate Council one stop shop. Foreign language newspapers removed from all libraries, Petition against the removal of foreign language papers. £2.2m refurbishment of Stratford library: but children's area will be smaller, lost self-contained area. Protest group: Library E15. Save our language papers
Newport -

As part of an ongoing review of those libraries counted as under threat, the tally will no longer include seven libraries that were mentioned as being involved in plans for closure in 2010 but with no further mention. Ringland, Bettws and Caerleon libraries may be upgraded depending on Cymal grant (29.1.12).
Seven libraries were included in long-term plans for closure (16.11.10) but more recent reports including this on suggest no closure plans (25.2.11).

Norfolk - £1.2m cut. 10% cut in opening hours, mobile library visits reduced to every 4 weeks from current 3, self-service machines replace staff. (and, bookfund cut)
North Ayrshire - some under threat with civil servants/councillors deciding the fate of each one. £50k consultants report ignored. Previously described as safe for 2011. Service may move to being run by a Trust.
Northamptonshire -

2012: 34 libraries will open from 1pm to 4pm every Sunday and the Central Library in Northampton open from 11am to 4pm. Cuts in hours elsewhere in week to compensate, although overall number of hours increases by eight (12/4/12). £165k to spent on signage (18/4/12). £1.2m out of £4.8m budget to be cut by April 2015: £250k saving by sharing premises, 1200 more volunteers, £590k by consultancy work income to other authorities, £300k staff cuts over 2 years, £60k from donations from Friends etc (19/1/12). Daventry and Towcester libraries to move into new buildings shared with other services (15/2/12). 2 mobiles closed.
2 mobile libraries (out of 4) to go. Large increase in volunteers, charging for library use [illegal under 1964 Act] considered. 8 libraries will be "community led" (that is, apparently, run by volunteers). £287k less professional librarians, £297k less managers/backroom. 17.5 librarians left at end of this years' cuts, down from 45 in 2008. Up to 17 jobs to go. Closures could occur in 2013 if enough cuts not made or if volunteers fail to step forward. Libraries given a temporary reprieve from closures earlier in 2011. 50% cut over 4 years with closures if other funding or volunteers not found. Closures in 2013 if search not successful. All six qualified librarians at school library service made redundant. May move to a trust model. Free use of computers on Fridays, in conjunction with Job Clubs.
Groups: Save St James Library; Friends of Irchester Library.

Northumberland - Mobile Library review completed - some route changing, re-establishment of Saturday service. However, will reduce mobile libraries from four to three. (5% cut to £3.9m, "expects more volunteer involvement").
North Lanarkshire -

Book borrowing "has more than halved in the last two years from 91,342 to 45,582" (12/4/12)
2010: 1 closed March 2010. Opening hours were increased in 2010 (12/4/12)

North Lincolnshire -

2012: £16k cut by cutting Scunthorpe Central Library by 4.5 hours, Ashby Library will be open 5.5 hours less. Barton Library will be open longer but on an unstaffed basis. (22/3/12).
2011: 1 (Haxey Library staffed entirely by volunteers) (£15k opening hour cut, £30k Bookfund cut). Brigg library to move to shared "The Angel" building (£300k investment).

North Norfolk - some (c. £1m reduction)
North Somerset:

2012: Backwell Leisure Centre "Library Access Point" to close in April, replaced by mobile. £347k cut to service. Overall opening hours cut by just one hour for whole authority due to increase in self-service, volunteers (29/3/12) Reductions in opening hours lessened due to consultation. Budget reduced instead by cutting staff while installing self-service. Winscombe and Yatton branches may use volunteers and parish council assistance. Opening hours will increase at Locking Castle and Weston as will open with self-service machines with non-library staff present (28/3/12). 1 library (Banwell) to close. 16/1/12: Banwell Library to close. Weston Library will "soon" move to Town Hall. 10/1/12: Two libraries in Weston will be open for longer. 11fte out of 115 jobs to be cut. Call for more volunteers. Self-service to be introduced. No new recruitment, staff will have hours cut or be offered voluntary redundancy 9/1/12: £347k cut 2012/5 inc. cuts in open hours, less staff.
2011: Library to move into renovated council HQ) New library opened in Portishead

North Tyneside -

North Yorkshire -

2012: 7 libraries counted as under threat or closed: Ayton Library reopens as volunteer-run Derwent Valley Bridge (14/2/12): Malton Library hours will increase as being merged with tourist information centre. Similarly, Leyburn hours will increase as being merged with community office (18/1/12). Hunmanby due to close at end of March, Masham Library now closed (to be run by volunteers), five libraries (Barlby, Bilton, Embsay, Gargrave and Great Ayton) will either be closed or run by volunteers from April (29/2/12) . "From April all libraries will see a reduction in their opening hours, with libraries in Northallerton and Catterick Garrison each losing more than 10 hours of staffing time, while Richmond will lose six hours, Stokesley eight hours and Bedale five hours.". Opening hours cuts consultation.(15/1/12)
2011: 10 mobiles were stopped. Hunmanby library to close due to failure to gain enough volunteers/retain funding: library services likely to be moved into community centre or be served by a mobile library. Great Ayton to lose all staffing - will be expected to be volunteer-run by April 2012. 36 out of 177 full time equivalent posts to be lost. 10 out of 11 mobiles have been stopped, all 8 under threat will be run by volunteers, with books and training supplied by council. Cuts in opening hours unless volunteers step in. Small town libraries will see cuts in hours of up to 30%. . £1.7m cut. £300k off bookfund as part of bid to keep more libraries open. £592k cut to mobile libraries.
Campaign groups: Save Great Ayton Library and Gargrave Library Support Group. Volunteer group: Boroughbridge Area Community Library Association.

Northeast Lincolnshire - Libraries to move into being run by a Trust.
Northern Ireland-

2012: 1 under threat (Moy still open when last checked 16/1/12) : £2.4m less in cuts means Some libraries will lose hours (eg. Fintona, Newtownstewart) but others will gain (e.g. Lurgan) (19/1/12). Projected cut in opening hours reduced from 1200 less hours to 600 less due to extra money found by Culture Minister (16/1/12).
2011: 1 closed (Moneymore), 1 under threat (Moy) but 8 out of 10 libraries threatened reprieved. Moneymore and Moy will close. Five others will need to get new buildings or close. Whitehead Library had £300,000 upgrading in 2010 but is about to have hours cut, Randalstown could be halved, reduced from 34.5 hours to 18 hours. Public consultation on cuts to Northern Ireland libraries until November 14th - over 24 branches will have hours cut by ten hours or more. 30 FTE jobs to go, £10.3m cut over four years.
Campaign group - Save Killyleagh Library.

Nottingham -

2012: (24/4/12) St Ann's Centre (joint library/doctor/health/housing) building open(8/4/12) St Ann's Library closed, moved to St Ann's Valley Centre. (13/1/12) Consultation ends on libraries future plan.
2011: 13 libraries to have reduced hours; Bulwell and St. Ann's Library to move into "Joint Service Centres" in 2012 ; Council has £50.7m cash reserves; computer use to be charged ; 25% cut in bookfund;
2010: 1 library closed

Nottinghamshire

Oldham - 2011: £1m cut - moving libraries into other council buildings, cutting hours, less paid staff.
Oxfordshire -

2012: 8th May: no movement as yet over volunteers in libraries, 31 £6,787 self-service machines to be installed at a total cost of £210,397 with extra £19,528 p.a. paid for their maintenance. 19th March: £43k investment in ebooks, with ongoing cost of £35k p.a. 9th January: Headington Library is feared under threat (unconfirmed) due to removal of Oxford Council workers from the rest of the building.
2011: All libraries to be at least half-staffed by paid workers, previously proposals said 16 would be one-third staffed, with the rest being provided by volunteers. 22 will be fully staffed, 16 half-staffed, 5 two-thirds staffed. Decision to be maded on 12/12/11. Those half-staffed by volunteers will no longer be considered statutory. This followed fears of large-scale closures (List of those previously under threat here). Oxford Central hours extended to 7 days per week . Record Office cuts. 16% cut in back-room staffing (inc. managers). Police offices now in Deddington Library.
Campaign groups - Friends of Benson Library, Friends of Watlington Library. Friends of Wychwood Library. Save Our Library (Sonning Common), Save Oxfordshire's Libraries (Facebook), Blackbird Leys (Facebook), Save Headington Library, Old Marston (Facebook), Friends of Summertown Library, Save Bampton Library (Facebook), Save Deddington Library, This is Our Woodcote Library. Friends of Kennington Library, Save Botley Library Friends of Goring Library. Friends of Neithrop Library formed. Save Old Marston Library.

Peterborough -

2012: Volunteers used to extend opening hours as pilot project for three months (4/3/12). A further £100k cut proposed, fears of library closures (23/1/12).
2011: £171k cut (rather than proposed £223k); 5 out of 10 (rather than proposed 8) cutting hours.(from £1.9m) Hampton, Orton, Woodston (closed Tuesday), Bretton, Werrington, Dogsthorpe (closed Mondays), Eye, Thorney and Stanground will have cuts in hours. Audiobooks on MP3 to be available at two branches.

Plymouth -

2012: New Plympton Library reopened after old building destroyed in fire in 2008 (6.2.12)
2011: Some under threat- £370k cut 2011 £480k 2012 £620k 2013 - 9 FTE (10%) cut to staffing, reduction to opening hour, increased computer charging, less security. No closures 2011 but 5 claimed as under threat for future years - Stoke, Southway, Ernesettle, Eggbuckland and West Park. Schools Library Service under threat. UNISON derecognised, library staff may lose up to 20% of pay.

Portsmouth -

2012: Paulsgrove Library to move to better shopping centre position, new library to open at Drayton (but dependent on volunteers) (17/2/12).
2011: £650k cut - proposal is for Central Library closed every Friday, whole service cutting 22 full-time equivalent posts. New library at Southsea to replace Elm Grove

Powys - Below average assessment, inc. bookstock
Redbridge -

2012: 15 librarians sacked just before Christmas 2011, volunteers may replace staff, hours may be cut (27/1/12). None under threat but Low usage rates raise fear of closures (13/1/12).
2011: 5 out of 12 under threat but none closed. One may relocate (£2.3m cut). £500k to be spent on self-service in order to be able to cut staff at Ilford Central Library to help meet budget cut of £620k by 2014. Goodmayes saved. £82 charge introduced for RNIB talking books, previously free for visually impaired. Libraries part of Vision Trust since May 2011. 9.12.11 £16,000 from Council (not Trust) for safety improvements at Wanstead and Woodford Green.

Redcar and Cleveland - Late charges for children 25p per day.
Renfrewshire - Lochwinnoch Library saved from closure (1 library to move into smaller sites in community centres) (RNIB subscription withdrawn)
Richmond -

Rochdale - 1 (some library managers to to go in first phase of cuts, bookfund cut by two-thirds); "Libraries under consideration to join Link4Life cultural trust. New central library still planned as part of municipal offices. Part of GM FLP. Link4Life cost pressures reported as disproportionately affecting heritage and arts services." (MLA report, Dec 2010)
Rotherham - Central Library to be demolished, libraries to move to new Civic Building, co-locating with customer services.
Rutland -

2012: Appeal for volunteers means nineteen have come forward to do roles inc. shelving books (24/1/12).
2011: 6 libraries to have reduced hours, staff cut; Evening and weekend opening hours cut at Uppingham, Oakham, Ryhall and Ketton. Budget will be cut £100k cut over 2 years, volunteers being used to make up staff losses. Opening hours cut at Oakham, Uppingham and Ryall. Ketton hours expanded due to parish council support. Council interested in community groups running libraries.

Salford - 3 - some libraries to move to sports centres or provide space for community groups (2 to have reduced hours). Working Class Movement Library under threat.
Sandwell -

(2012) New libraries at Oldbury and Blackheath opened 2011/12, Smethwick Library refurbished. West Bromich Central Library currently being refurbished. (13% increase in visits) (8/5/12): 20% budget cut over next 3 years: 6 libraries (Cradley Heath, Blackheath, Brandhall, Bleakhouse, Rounds Green and Langley) to have reduced hours, services will be merged with other authorities, less staff, more self-service. Groups: Brandhall Library Friends, Friends of Rowley Library.
(2011) £900k cut over three years, 12 libraries will become self-service "allowing a reduction of between one half and one member of staff per library". Library workers "working to rule" over pay cuts and volunteers taking over paid work. Consulting on co-locating libraries, more volunteers. To replace many paid staff with volunteers.
Groups: Friends of Rowley Libraries (Facebook group), Bramhall Library Friends.

Scottish Borders -

2012: Cuts in opening hours at Jedburgh and Selkirk (down 8 hours per week), Kelso (down 3 hours per week) (29/4/12) despite claims Selkirk will open longer due to "one stop shop" being included (12/3/12).
2011: Coldstream, Kelso, Jedburgh, Innterleithen and Duns libraries to be merged with council contact centres. Duns Library to be merged with Registrars as well. Co-location saving £60k per year, building sale will net £260k. Work to refurbish areas will, however, cost £360k. Number of qualified librarians to be reduced: staff to be trained both in libraries and council services. 2 librarians made voluntarily redundant, more to follow. Consultation on reducing Innerleithen Library hours extended. Cuts in opening hours including in Melrose.

Sefton -

2012: Consultation until 10th July (25/5/12). Mobile library (cut of £42k) to close on 31st March, £100k bookfund cut, local history service to close (2 posts, cut of £37k) (2/2/12) and (9/2/12).
2011: "several" under threat; 40% managers cut; opening hours cut; Aintree to be closed twice a week (Thu and Sun), Meadows Library to be closed on Sundays; opening hours scaled back to 2001 levels; voluntary redundancy for staff.£140k cut; Internet access to be charged for after first free 30 minutes.

Sheffield -

2012: Three "unfit for purpose" libraryes - Broomhill, Woodseats and Woodhouse - may be replaced with new libraries due to deal with developers (18/3/12),
2011: 3 (out of 4) mobiles to be closed, 33 library staff to be made redundant, reduced opening hours, £1.4m cut "Decision making process is not clear cut: Libraries moved directorate mid budget planning process, but still reporting to old portfolio; hung council multiplying decision scenarios; May elections. At present c30% cuts: 2011-12 £1.5m; 2012-13 £0.5m; 2013-4 £0.5m. Options range from loss of 14 libraries and most mobiles, but increased hours at other service points to no mobiles and service-wide reduced opening hours across. Community-run service points likely to be taken forward" (MLA report, Dec 2010)

Shropshire - 2

Slough - . Britwell Library to move into new upgraded building, Central Library to move into new "flagship" building, Chalvey and Colnbrook to have new libraries based in children's centres, new library planned for Wrexham Lea. 22% increase in opening hours 2008 to 2010. Service run by Essex on behalf of Slough (had put library services out to tender).
Solihull - 2011: Mobile library services merge with Warwickshire.
Somerset-

2012: 10 staff expected to be lost due to introduction of self-service (4/12). Cuts could happen anyway despite legal action (11/1/12) Ten busiest libraries will have self-service (13/1/12).
2011: 11 branches and 4 mobiles are now safe from closure, following court case. £1.35m cut in libraries over four years is still, however, in force, with suggestion that saving can be made by £600k being spent on self-service to cut staffing.
Groups: Friends of Langport Library.

South Tyneside -

2012: £242k cut 2012/13 inc. opening hours cut (12/3/12), Friends asked to raise funds, Council "plans to reduce opening hours" (8/3/12)
2011: £10 fee introduced for using computers, free for under 18s and over 60s (libraries could move into a Trust)
2010: "Cuts of £200k in 2010/11". MLA Report, Dec 2010.

Southampton - 1 (charges increase). Millbrook Library reopened on another site with increased opening hours, staffed by council staff and volunteers. Council aims to privatise/outsource all services including libraries by 2015
Southend - some. New library "The Forum" will be built, open in 2013
Southwark -

2012: Brandon, East Street, Grove Vale and Nunhead libraries will have hours cut from April. £400k cut library budget 2012/14 (10/2/12).
2011: £120k cut to library staffing, East Street Library opening to be cut by six hours a week but open one more day. Volunteers to be used to keep hours steady as paid staff cut. Opening hours will be cut if insufficient volunteers found. Consultation on cutting library budget now closed.. £14m Canada Water library opened, with privately managed room hire and buildings manager. (school library service closed).

Staffordshire -

2012: Budget cut from £11.9m 2007/8 to £10.9m 2012/13. "The number of full-time library posts has reduced from 301 to 249 over the same time, including a drop of 13 professional librarians." (14/5/12).

Stockton on Tees -

2012: £2.5m new library for Billingham to be combined with customer service centre.
2011: Stockton Library reopens in November after £1.9m refurbishment, to include co-location with other council services.
2010: "Reduction in housebound vehicles from 3 to 2." (MLA, Dec 2010)

Stoke -

Suffolk -

2012: 14 libraries under threat (Aldeburgh, Bungay, Eye, Debenham, Stradbroke, Gainsborough, Chantry, Ipswich, Stoke, Rosehill, Westbourne, Sudbury, Thurston and Wickham Market) to be run independently. 30% cut in budget over 3 years from £9m (2010/11) to £6.4m. Unclear what will happen to libraries if the pilot, starting in April 2012, fails therefore these libraries are counted as under threat until further clarification. Suffolk is, uniquely, to form an "Industrial and Provident Society" for libraries in order to save 80% on rates and be able to apply for more grants (board appointed to begin with, although will be elected by IPS members in late 2013). 95% council-funded. Reduction in management, 20 jobs (from total of 160) to be cut. Confirmed that half of mobile libraries will go (with visits becoming monthly rather than fortnightly). Local groups would be expected to raise 5% of costs of each library. (16/1/12): Government grant given for £250k for Industrial and Provident Society for new computer management system, split with council (14/3/12). Eye Town Council may take over long lease on town centre building and then give space to Suffolk IPS Libraries organisation at peppercorn rent. Stradbroke council frustrated as council has not given them sufficient information for them to put in a bid to help run its threatened library. Halesworth Town Council agrees to pay 5% of running costs of Halesworth Library (31/1/12) Sudbury Library merged with tourist information centre (21/3/12)
2012: 20 (out of 160) full-time equivalent posts to go, probably by natural wastage - largely management and at headquarters. 3 mobiles may close (half of current 6 mobiles could go. £225k cut to mobile library service - consultation for six weeks). confirmed 2011 £350k this year, 29 libraries no longer to be "divested". (petition here) Suffolk capping users of RNIB service.
Umbrella campaign group - Save Suffolk Libraries. Local campaign groups Save Debenham Library, Save Aldburgh Library, Sustainable Bungay, Save Leiston Library, Rosehill Readers, Save Stradbroke Library, Thurston Library working group.

Surrey -

2012: 4/3/13 Woking Library currently being upgraded. 26/2/12 New Dorking Library opened. 20/1/12: Legal injunction in force to stop council closing libraries or giving libraries to volunteers until court case is heard. 10/1/12 Council rejects SLAM's deadline for reversing library cuts. 3/1/12 Legal action has started against the council's plan to run ten branches with volunteers by SLAM. Dorking Library reopened on new site in January (9/2/12).
2011: 19 and 5 mobiles under threat. 8 (Ash, Caterham Hill, Frimley Green, Hersham, Horsley, Knaphill, Lightwater, Shepperton & West Byfleet) added on to previous threatened list. 10 libraries are confirmed as to be either volunteer-run or closed. £300k cut (previously cited as £1m). All 5 mobiles to go on 28.10.11. . Bagshot, Bramley, Byfleet, Ewell Court, Lingfield, New Haw, Stoneleigh, Tattenhams, Virginia Water, and Warlingham will close unless run by volunteers, confirmed by council 27.9.11. Volunteer-assisted branches will run with at least 20% paid library staffing plus dedicated helpline for library volunteers..Free wifi installed in all libraries). Dorking Library reopening on new site after closure of Pippbrook House Library on 31.12.10.
Campaign groups: "Hands off Surrey Libraries" (website) and Surrey Libraries Action Movement (SLAM), Byfleet Library Action Group. Volunteer groups: Tattenhams Community Library. Friends of Molesey Library. Friends of Stoneleigh Library, New Haw Library Community Partnership

Sutton - 1 mobile library and some branches (9.3.11 "main" libraries will be kept open; £935k off £6m p.a. budget; "the future of libraries in Sutton" consultation page; (school library service to close)
Swansea -

2011: some under threat.

Swindon -

2012: Stock fund will probably be cut by 15%, spending on magazines and newspapers halved (11/1/12), eBooks introduced (11.1.12)
2011: Confirmed that West Swindon Library and North Swindon Library will each be open 10 hours more per week, Highworth plus 8 hours per week. Increase made possible "by centralising the enquiry service and changing staff timetables". Library managers made redundant. Volunteers to be used to extend hours and reach.

Tameside. £900k cut from £3.5m budget, of which £200k already found from job losses. At least one branch, such as Dukinfield, may be closed. May use volunteers. Consultation starting November 17th until mid February.
Telford & Wrekin.

2012: Great Dawley, Stirchley & Brookside and Hadley & Leegomery parish councils are funding or sharing costs in their local libraries to maintain the service. Stirchley Library to house parish council as well (26/5/12): 20% cut in budget: opening hours to be reduced; One Stop Shops in Telford, Wellington, Newport and Madeley (21/412). Wellington Library to move into co-located building with registrars/leisure centre/cafe/function room/one-stop shop. 19 computers/wi-fi. Visualisation here (16/3/12). Consultation in process throughout February: Dawley, Donnington, Hadley, Oakengates and Stirchley will have reduced services (31/1/12): Dawley Library keeps hours due to contribution from Great Dawley Parish Council; Stirchley Library may have parish council offices co-located with it, with self-service available when staff not present due to 11 hour cut per week; Donnington hours cut from 21 to 16/Hadley hours cut from 27 to 16/Oakengates cut from 42 to 16 (Oakengates to be self-service for rest of hours as part of theatre). Telford Library to transferred to Community Hub by 2014 with a stopover first at Southwater (28.1.12).
2011:£330k cut by 2014, parish councils being asked for donations. Cuts in opening hours. Dawley library to keep its opening hours due to £3200 p.a. contribution for two years from parish council.

Thanet - some
Thurrock -

2012: 6 libraries (Aveley, Corringham, Stanford, Chadwell, Blackshots and East Tilbury) identified as potential asset management sell-offs but council denies that they will be closed so not counted as under threat, yet (March 2012) Consultation on library services (Jan 2012).
2011: £350k cut, staffing reduction (20% cut in hours if work more than 15 hours), all to close on Mondays.

Torbay.

2012: Opening hours cut (list on this link), council exploring possibility of volunteers. (21/5/12). 30 hours opening hours to be cut, staff asked to voluntarily reduce hours. Merger of reference and lending departments at Torquay Library (25/4/12). 5/1/12: £170k cut (10% off £1.7m budget): possible loss of six posts, opening hour reductions, loss of one library, extra charges, encouraging book donations. (Somewhat limited option) library consultation here.
Groups: Friends of Brixham Library, Friends of Paignton Library.

Torfaen - A new Schools Literacy and Resource Centre has opened to serve Monmouthshire and Torfaen (16/3/12)
Tower Hamlets - (staff made to reapply for their own jobs -23 library staff replaced)
Trafford -

2012: 1 mobile to be closed. £85k less will be cut from budget - Five full-time library staff, rather than one each, will stay in post at Old Trafford and Hale after 2400 name petition. Mobile library, though, will go. (28/3/12).
Mobile library service to be stopped (previously to be run by volunteers) and Bowfell and Greatstone libraries to be entirely unstaffed (self-service only), Hale and Old Trafford libraries to be run by volunteers (Old Trafford has 2011 had major refurbishment of children's library). CDs lending to be stopped. Ebooks to be introduced. Talking books to become free. Campaign group: Hands Off Old Trafford Library (H.O.O.T. Library, @hootlibrary, Facebook). "Library services absorbed into wider information and advice services with library service contributions not present at senior level in authority." (MLA Report, Dec 2010)

Vale of Glamorgan - 2 mobiles closed - 1 mobile ceased June 2011. 2nd and last mobile to cease end of Dec. (Source: email from council).
Wakefield -

Libraries still under threat. Upton and North Elmsall Parish council are sending proposals to take over Upton Library, Kinsley and Fitzwilliam Community Resource Centre has made plans to take over Kinsley library (3/2/12).
12 out of 25 threatened - £520k cut this year. Consultation from 12/9/11 to 2/12/11. Those not on list of "safe" libraries, though, are actually 13 - Ackworth, Altofts, Balne Lane, Crofton, Drury Lane, Havercroft, Kettlethorpe, Kinsley, Middlestown, Outwood, South Kirkby, Upton, Walton. Voluntary redundancies for staff., Libraries likely to be run by private company/volunteers/others. 27 FTE posts may go. (libraries may be run by church/charities) Westgate Library to be opened in 2012, possibly merged with Wakefield Museum. Petition" new central library but local closures
Supporters of Outwood Library (SOUL).

Walsall - £1.3m cut via self-service machines and volunteers - Previously 6 (out of 16) were under threat; Libraries may be privatised.
Waltham Forest -

2012: South Chingford will have a new volunteer-run library in April (24/2/12), with books and computers supplied by the council, replacing old library closed in December. 24 staff lost jobs 2011/12 (28/3/12).
2011: Harrow Green and South Chingford libraries closed 2/12/11. Harrow Green Library may be kept open with volunteers. Harrow Green and South Chingford will close on Friday 2nd December otherwise. South Chingford and Leytonstone Harrow Green libraries to be closed. £1m cut (20%) over 2 years. North Chingford, Walthamstow, Leyton and Leytonstone libraries to have hours cut to 30 hours per week. Libraries being merged with benefits/council tax/advice service, library jobs lost 4.1.12. Walthamstow Central, North Chingford, Leyton and Leytonstone branches will be rebranded as 'Library Plus' facilities with longer opening hours and extra council services. Campaign group: Save Harrow Green Library.

Wandsworth -

2012: Civica has withdrawn from privatization tender, allowing in-house bid from Wandsworth Council to be reconsidered (21/5/12): Friends groups to start as pilot at Tooting and then be rolled out: to provide funds, publicity, volunteers, other assistance (9/3/12).
2011: York Gardens (description of council proposals here) stayed open due to volunteer assistance but with cuts in service and staffing (decision not well-liked). Whole librraires service be privatised in joint tendering process with Croydon. Council papers here. Confirmation that library service will invite outsourcing tenders in collaboration with Croydon. Interested parties (Sep 2011) are (a) Civica (b) LSSI (c) JLIS (John Laing) (d) GLL (e) Vision Redbridge (f) Essex County Council (g) Merton Council (h) Bexley and Bromley Council Consortium (i) Croydon Libraries Strategic Management Team (j) Wandsworth "in-house".
2010: Tooting Library re-opened in 2010 following a £2.938m refurbishment and extension project jointly funded by Wandsworth Council and The National Lottery Community Libraries Programme (source).

Warrington -

2012: 11/1/12 Warrington Cultural Charitable Trust board members vacancies advertised. 6/1/12 Grappenhall Library taken over by volunteers eight months after it was closed: group: Friends of Grappenhall Library
2011 Confimed: 2 and 1 mobile library confirmed as closed . More info here. Journals stopped also, £25k off staff. £10k off reference. Libraries may move to being run by a Trust, £500k to be found through this or cuts.

Warwickshire -

2012. Bidford Library now run by volunteers (25/4/12). Cuts in opening hours from April 1st. 12 branches to be volunteer-run by end of April. 16 libraries opening hours decided on basis of public vote between two choices, 9000 responses received (19.1.12). Kingsbury Library closed (29/3/12). Warwick Library has moved to Shire Hall (23/2/12) (18.1.12). Kineton Library taken over by volunteers, the first of 12 to do so before April. Studley Library will close at end of March, with volunteer-run library (funded by parish council and a few others) opening in Village Hall with 30 volunteers in April (10/2/12). Binley Woods Libray closed (4/3/12).
2011: 16 (out of 34) under threat. List of proposals for each of the 16 branches under threat. 30%/ £2m cut from £7.4m budget over three years: £2m already cuts since 2006, staffing already cut by 63 FTE 24%), a further 50 full-time and up to 70 other library jobs to be lost. Of 16 libraries under threat, 6 currently have volunteer business plans, the others may be converted into "a dance school or nursery". Council has said it will charge to train volunteers at £80 per hour after free grace period. Bulkington Library to be run by volunteers "in weeks" (28.12.11). Harbury and Kineton libraries will not be council-run from March 2012. Harbury volunteers will receive £8k grant in order to seed library/cafe. Kineton will be taken over by parish council for 8 hours per week. 2 (out of 5) mobile libraries to be cut. £100k to be given to groups taking over libraries, Statistics of usage/cost in table/chart form in addition to closing libraries "opening hours at Whitnash library could be cut from 45 hours a week to 16, and from 51 hours a week to 35 at Warwick and Kenilworth libraries, with hours cut from 56 to 50 at Leamington."; special county map of closures here.; Mobile library services merge with Solihull.;. Computer users charged. Bidford, Henley and Kineton will be volunteer-run with parish council support.
Groups: Bulkington Community Library. Friends of Kineton Library.

West Berkshire

West Dunbartonshire - 3 (some staff losses too)
West Sussex -

16% cut in budget 2012/13: public asked to donate books, bookfund cut from £1.2m (2010/11) to £1m (2011/12) (5/2/12). Littlehampton Library has self-service installed (21/1/12) Shoreham library closed for three weeks for installation of self-service (4/4/12).
1 (out of 3) mobile libraries closed meaning £65k cut out of £1m cut expected of libraries by 2014. 5 fte staff lost, with some librarians pay reduced to library assistant. 20,000 less books per year will be bought, with an increase in charges. £650,000 cut over three years: via self-service, less staff, volunteers in smaller branches, £200k cut in bookfund, more donated books, stopping staffed visits to elderly peoples' homes. Angmering Library possibly to be run with volunteers and extra payments by parish council New library opens. Reference sections removed from some libraries. 15% cut in libraries budget. Opening hours and/or staff may be cut

Western Isles - (cuts in opening hours by one day per week and during Summer)
Westminster -

2012: Council tax and parking services now co-located in libraries (18/3/12). Two sites for new Marylebone Library proposed (23/2/12). Marylebone Library still open with "strong political commitment to replace it with a new library in the area once we move from the Council house building" (Email 5/2/12).
2011: St James's Library closed. 1000 book "Express" self-service Library opened. Plans to allow residents/businesses to manage libraries. Withdrawing from RNIB scheme, replacing with e-audio service.

Wigan-

2012: Atherton Library closed, with books moved into 115 m sq. resource centre (counted as closed on tally) 2/5/12.
2011Wigan and Leigh will be Library Centrals, offering the greatest range of stock and activities and the longest opening hours, more than 50 hours per week. Local library services, located at Ashton, Golborne, Hindley, Lamberhead Green, Standish and Tyldesley, will provide a strong community library offer, with opening hours of approximately 35 to 40 hours per week. Convenience libraries, offering essential stock and services will be provided by the Library Express format. This format will be provided at Aspull, Atherton, Ince Hope, Marsh Green, Platt Bridge and Shevington. The final tier, Library Direct, will mark those services that can be accessed online and at home. 2 mobile libraries to close, 1 branch to be run by volunteers, 6 others to have service reduced (may be counted as under threat as further information is received), £1.1m cut (off £4m budget) . Co-location of libraries considered, opening hour cut - Ashton Library to have "Local Life Centre" within it, Golborne Library to have Day Care services and Life Centre moved in, Hindley Library to move to Day Care centre. Aspull library to be run by volunteers. Atherton Library to move into school. Ince Library to move into Health/Community Centre. Shevington may be run with parish council. "Consultation started on future of library service. 25% cut over 3 years. Potentially 6 libraries to close in December 2011." (MLA report, Dec 2010). Council report "The Next Chapter"

Wiltshire -

2012: 2012: Review of mobile library service but no cuts to total numbers, staff or hours (20/2/12). Work on new Trowbridge Library "well under way" (28/2/12).
2011: Full update from council 25/11/11: Bookfund "relatively healthy" and not just buying top ten bestsellers (cf. this), 9 (not as previously stated) 10 branches run by volunteers, 28% cut over two years (not four years as previously thought), volunteer-run libraries have stock/IT/training/support/5 hours staff-time pw from council. 6% reduction on opening hours (on average of non-volunteer libraries), none reduced to three hours per week (previously this reported on PLN due to this article), staff uniforms for libraries in 2009 (but cost than £40k). £32k further cut in bookfund 2012/3,10 smallest libraries will be staffed with volunteers, c.28% cut over four years; no closures but some reduced to just three hours open per week. Confirmed all branches and mobiles will stay open, due to use of volunteers. Changes to opening hours, though, only available in paper form in each library so unknown how many will have reductions so great as to be effectively closed. ( more cuts next year) (26 FTE posts have gone in Dec 2010 inc. 9 out of 13 community librarians)(cuts include a £940k library opened Dec 2010)(self-service in all); 21 out of 31 libraries will have reduced opening hours, self-service to save £300k p.a. with c.13FTE job losses for 2011/2. Aldbourne Library will remain staffed due to increase in parish council tax. Purton Library now run by volunteers

Wirral -

2012: All libraries may extend opening hours to six days per week (7/2/12). Birkenhead, Wallasey, Bebington and West Kirby to be main libraries, with others offering lesser services. Many branches to be co-located with council One Stop Shops. None under threat (5/2/12).
2011: (50 jobs cut). Job losses has meant libraries are now "empty shells".

Wokingham - Libraries to be privatised, may include community groups taking over libraries as well. Campaign group: Save Our Libraries.
Wolverhampton:

2012 - Libraries may become part of "community hubs" (May 2012).
Group: Finchfield Estate Community Hub.

Worcestershire -

2012: 1 was under threat library as of check 18/1/12 but described as saved 4/3/12. Upton Library under threat cf. will not close "just yet" 4/3/12 and idea of merging it with hall/police 9/3/12. Bewdley Library feared to have services reduced if it moves to museum building. Kidderminster Library gallery space being turned into council offices (16/3/12).
2011: May include more volunteers and less opening hours, previous reports of threatened libraries unconfirmed. Possibly 4 under threat (Wythall, Pershore , Upton and Broadway). Worcester Public Library rare books sold off (£200,000 plus): sale now restarted since suspension due to public outcry in April (Souce: Historic Libraries Bulletin, not currently available online as of 1.10.11). 30 staff to lose jobs, opening hours reduced, charges increase, more self-service (90% target), less bookfund, more co-location. Mobile library review. Warndon and St John's reprieved, £1.8m (28% cut) over four years. Co-location increasing: Stourport Library to be moved into Civic Centre after three months consultation, Bewdley Library may move into town's museum, Kidderminster Library may have other services using its space. Libraries may run by private company, Trust or workers' co-operative. Increased charges, less stock, less opening hours. Town Council to buy Pershore Library, with £500k refurbishment (reduced by hoped use of volunteers), County Council to pay rent. Information Centre to merge with library (previously thought it would move out of town centre). Contact centres may combine with libraries.

York - Free wi-fi and self-service in all libraries by end of 2011. (libraries to be "hit"); 7 library staff made redundant; more volunteers and self-service; Lib Dems promise to keep all libraries open if they win local elections on May 5th; Labour wins May 5th : Voluntary redundancies sought. Some libraries to be expanded
Yorkshire Libraries and Information Service (jointly funded by all Yorkshire authorities). Music and Drama Library to be split up, with drama moving to Leeds Central Library and drama to Kirklees Libraries HQ (14/3/12). Previously: Music and Drama Service may close . Campaign group - Making Music.

Authorities which have announced there will be no library closures (2011 financial year) NB unlisted cuts may be going ahead but not known about by this blog (info from published news and council reports). Some authorities have announced there will be no closures but then changed their minds.