Can you help by…?

• Attending the Lobby for Libraries event on 2.30pm 13th March at Central Hall, Westminster, London.  #librarieslobby hashtag. Beforehand there will be a rally from 12 – 2pm at Central Methodist Hall featuring keynote speakers, films and entertainment. There will also be a ‘pop up’ library on display to demonstrate the range of services offered in a modern library.
• Book the singer of the “We Need Libraries” song to promote the cause at a place near you.
• National Libraries Day, 4th February 2012 – Organise an event or publicise an existing one on the excellent NLD website.
• Help fund the Surrey legal challenge.

News

• Douglas County Libraries erects legal framework for Ebook purchases with assist Mary Minow – Digital Shift.  US library tackles thorny problem who who actually owns an Ebook.  Publishers insist they own Ebooks whereas they do not own printed books.
• Library Awesome! – A project by Information Tyrannosaur to inject some awesome into the often pessimistic news about libraries.  
• London super libraries defy public spending cuts – Arts London News.  “As hundreds of libraries are threatened with closure across the UK, three new London ‘super libraries’ are bucking that trend in time for National Libraries Day on February 4.”

 Funny Library Montage – Five minutes of library related material inc. “We Will Rock You” to the sound of datestamps.

• Sex Pistols artist takes Brent library protest to US – London Evening Standard.   “Jamie Reid is educating art lovers in Los Angeles about Kensal Rise library, closed by Brent council. He has designed prints with the slogans “Education is a birthright!” and “Free the books/ books for free/ save Kensal Rise library” and put them on display during the Moods of Norway art exhibition at the Paul Stolper Gallery in LA. He has also donated 200 of the limited-edition prints to protesters in Kensal Rise, who plan to sell them to raise money for the campaign.”
• We are cutting ours, go use theirs: They are cutting those as well – Question Everything.   Oxfordshire library campaigner notices Gloucestershire is telling is users affected by cuts to use bordering Oxfordshire libraries – but those libraries are being cut as well.  Oh dear.

“So according to GCC 30% of the library service from Wychwood and Burford covers the residents of Gloucestershire. But wait, we are being cut too! Burford and Wychwood are having the staffing cut by 50% and the volunteers are going to have to cover this and lots of the other duties of the paid staff. We are also no longer statutory so presumably the 1964 act which states provide a service to those who live, work and study doesn’t apply.”

Changes

• Caerphilly – Aberbargoed Library confirmed as closing.
• Conwy – Two more under threat – Seven (Penrhyn Bay, Cerrigydrudion, Deganwy, Kinmel Bay, Llandudno Junction, Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr) under threat: Penrhyn Bay may be won by volunteers; Cerrigydrudion and Penmaenmawr may be saved; Llandudno Junction, Conwy and Deganwy may all be served by one new proposed library.  July 2012 deadline for decision on closures. Group: Penrhyn Bay Library Users Group (PLUG). 
• Durham – £1.5m cut. 250 library staff affected by cuts. 
• Hampshire – £4.7m cut (on top of £2.5m already cut) – £446k from announced opening hours cuts, more self-service, may use volunteers. 5500 responses received.
• Northern Ireland – Some libraries will lose hours (eg. Fintona, Newtownstewart) but others will gain (e.g. Lurgan). 
• Warwickshire – 16 libraries opening hours decided on basis of public vote between two choices, 9000 responses received.

Local News

“Coun Reynolds told the Express that this was a dark day for democracy in the borough, and fears this is a great loss for the community of Aberbargoed. He said: “The library is now going to close, which means our community will be without its own library. We will continue to fight it, as will the people of Aberbargoed. “These buildings are what make a community and they are slowly being taken away. “The revenue the council will save from the closure is only £5,500 a year, which I find disgraceful. The decision is absolutely disgraceful. Are the people of Aberbargoed not worth even £5,500 a year?” Caerphilly – Library closure “a dark day for democracy” – Wales Online.  

• Conwy – Campaigners to meet with council over future of Penrhyn Bay library – North Wales Weekly News.  Penrhyn Bay Library Users Group (PLUG) examining possibility of running its library.  “If we can’t come up with a model that works, that has to be appreciated as well. But I’m confident we have a strong enough community to support that.”.
• Croydon/Lambeth – Letters respond to “gaff-prone Eddy” tell the truth and remind campaigners – Save Croydon Libraries Campaign.  Croydon councillors attacked for library closures.
• Durham – Council wants to transfer sport and leisure services to a charitable trust – Civil Society.  “The council has to make spending cuts of £145.8m in the next five years and hopes it can save money by putting the services into a charitable trust known as a non-profit distributing organisation (NPDO). It predicts it could save more than £865,000 in national non-domestic rates in the financial years 2012/13 and 2013/14 because the new organisation would be eligible for a discount of 80 per cent. An NPDO would be exempt from VAT on fees and charges at sport, leisure and cultural facilities and libraries. It would also be able to apply for funding from bodies such as Sport England and the Heritage Lottery Fund.”.  Libraries would be one of the first services to be transferred.  
• Anxious wait over job cuts at libraries – Northern Echo.   “Labour-run Durham County Council wants to cut opening hours at all but one of its libraries – some by more than half – before outsourcing their management to a nonprofit- making trust. Last night, the council said 250 staff, in the equivalent of 134 full-time posts, could be affected, but it was too early to say how many jobs would be lost.”.
• Cutbacks to Durham library service – BookSeller.   
• Halton – Award-winning author, Helen Walsh, visits Widnes Library as part of National Library Day – Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News.  “An award-winning yet highly-controversial author will be visiting Widnes Library as part of National Libraries Day next month. Helen Walsh, who was born in Warrington, has a reputation for writing what other authors are afraid to say. She will be guest of honour at the annual event, which is being held on Thursday, February 2.”
• Hampshire – Plans altered for library opening changes – Hampshire Chronicle.   5500 responses to cuts proposals.  £4.7m [sic] cuts for libraries, inc. £446k cuts to opening hours.

“An exciting and unique two year opportunity to join our innovative management team and lead our offer of consultancy and services to other local authorities. In Northamptonshire, we are ahead of the curve with libraries as prosperity centres, cutting edge engagement with 27 established Friends groups and over 450 volunteers – and there’s another 570 who want to offer time. With our innovative Library Plus offer, you will lead the achievement of commissioned services, shaping and delivering the offer. Northamptonshire – Principle Librarian: Transformation – Lisjobnet. 

• North Yorkshire – New appeal over cuts in library opening times – Yorkshire Post.   Council asks volunteers to come forward to avoid cuts to libraries.  “With the consultation coming to a close at the end of this month, the county council says it is now “challenging” volunteers to help libraries keep open for longer.”
• Northern Ireland – Extra funds see revised Northern Ireland plan – BBC.   Extra £2.4m found to reduce expected cuts.  “Lurgan library was to have lost 13.5 hours but instead it will gain 3.5. Glengormley was to have lost 17 hours but will now not have any change. However, Fintona and Newtownstewart will still be reduced from 23 to 18 hours.”.  See also comments by Alan Gibbons.
• Suffolk – New libraries body appoints first member of staff – EADT.   “Alison Wheeler, who has worked in the libraries industry for nearly 33 years, will become Suffolk’s Libraries IPS’ general manager next month. She is currently Suffolk County Council’s head of service development for information, advice and library services.”.
• Surrey – Protestors ready to take library fight to High Court – Get Surrey.  ““We fear the dismantling of these libraries will be the beginning of a period of managed decline for local communities. We just can’t let this happen.” Surrey County Council now has three weeks to serve its evidence to the High Court. SLAM will then seek an injunction preventing the council making any further progress towards implementing the community partnered libraries scheme prior to the judicial review.”
• Warwickshire – New opening hours of 16 Warwickshire libraries decided – BBC.  9000 responses to choosing between two sets of opening hours for each branch.  “In October 2011, the council said 16 other libraries would only remain open if run by community groups.”

Can you help by…?

• Attend the Lobby for Libraries event on 2.30pm 13th March at Central Hall, Westminster, London.  #librarieslobby hashtag. Beforehand there will be a rally from 12 – 2pm at Central Methodist Hall featuring keynote speakers, films and entertainment. There will also be a ‘pop up’ library on display to demonstrate the range of services offered in a modern library.
• Book the singer of the “We Need Libraries” song to promote the cause at a place near you.
• National Libraries Day, 4th February 2012 – Organise an event or publicise an existing one on the excellent NLD website.
• Help fund the Surrey legal challenge.

News

• Get It Loud In Libraries: 2012 show dates so far – Never Enough Press.   “Get It Loud In Libraries is a unique award-winning project (Love Libraries Award 2007 winner) that curates fantastic shows in public library buildings. GILIL showcases a whole array of groundbreaking acts and can count Florence & The Machine, Holly Miranda, The Thrills, Alessi’s Ark, Ellie Goulding, Diana Vickers, Bat For Lashes, British Sea Power, Juliette Lewis and Daisy Dares You as having graced its stages before (and while) hitting the big-time.”

“Launched in May 2005, the innovative Get It Loud In Libraries project stages numerous one-off, kick-yourself-if-you-miss-it gigs per year, pulling in people who haven’t been inside library walls for years, or those who never have. Since conception, it has been featured on BBC’s The One Show and Newsround, as well as many other publications, blogs and industry know-alls.”

• However busy you are, read to your children, says PM – London Evening Standard.   “”I try to read to my children a couple of nights a week,” he said. “I think that however busy you are in life, you should always try to read to your children.” Mr Cameron astonished parents and pupils at St Mary’s primary in Battersea when he arrived for a surprise visit to open a new library sponsored by the Evening Standard.”.  David Cameron especially keen on the volunteers who help with reading to the children and on the £100k donated by a Ukrainian billionaire to pay for 85 reading volunteers for three years [That’s more than £1000 each – why? Ed.]. See comment by Alan Gibbons.
• PLR rate drops again – BookSeller.  “Authors hearing news this week of PLR payments for loans made during the year from July 2010 to June 2011 learned that the rate per loan has dropped to 6.05 pence, down from 6.25 pence in 2009-2010, and 6.29 pence the year before (2008-9).”.  This is due to 15% cut in funding over next four years.  
• UK library closures and the High Court decision on Brent Council – World Socialist Web Site. “Both councils [Glos and Somerset] came away satisfied that the ruling authorised them to make cuts to existing library services. They are aware of the hostility to their proposals and are moving warily. But they have not changed their basic plan. As one correspondent who disagreed with our article noted, the November ruling only prevented the councils from “continuing with their plans in their current form.” (Emphasis added).”

“Libraries, like other social services, cannot be defended on a piecemeal, council by council basis. Councils will look to incorporate opposition groups that take this approach and use them as advisers or pawns in their cuts agenda. Similarly, there can be no expectation that the Labour Party will advance any opposition to these measures. In many councils, like Brent, Labour is the very force imposing cuts.”

• Who needs libraries? Apparently lots – Sun Chronicle (USA).  Providing ebooks, online resources and help for the unemployed has made Mansfield Public Library more popular than ever.

Changes

• Bolton – 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. 
• Durham – Opening hours may be cut to 36 hours per week in town libraries, 20 hours per week in smaller ones.  Mobile libraries under threat in a “use it or lose it” proposal.
• Harrow – 1 more under threat – Plan to merge Gayton Library and Civic Centre Library at new site in town centre. £345k cut for libraries/museums.   Heath End Library may move into Harrow Arts Centre.
• North Yorkshire – Malton Library hours will increase as being merged with tourist information centre.  Similarly, Leyburn hours will increase as being merged with community office.

Local News

• Bolton – Library service faces more changes – Bolton News.  “The report, which is due to be considered by councillors next week, says that income from library fines has been gradually reducing over the past few years, after users became able to renew books online.”
• Brent – Sex Pistols artist Jamie Reid donates prints to Save Kensal Rise Library campaign – London 24.  “Legendary artist, Jamie Reid, who created the Sex Pistols’ album cover for God Save the Queen has designed and donated 200 signed limited edition prints to the Save Kensal Rise Library campaign. The prints will be sold for £30 a piece at the Masons Arms, in Harrow Road, Kensal Green on February 3. The event will mark National Libraries Day, which falls on February 4.”
• Plans to redevelop Willesden Library agreed – Build.   “The new ‘Willesden Green Cultural Centre’, as it will be known, is expected to open its doors in the spring of 2014, providing residents with a state of the art library and cultural centre.” … “Brent Council will retain the freehold while developers Galliford Try have the right to build homes at the back of the centre for market sale in return for the development.”
• Public meeting to save Preston library – Preston Library Campaign.   Thursday 31st January.
• Caerphilly – Borough libraries faring well in Wales wide comparison – Campaign.   “The report includes performance indicators of how Caerphilly County Borough Council’s libraries service is performing compared with other local authorities in Wales.”

“Cllr Phil Bevan, Cabinet Member for Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning said: “While many libraries in other parts of the country are being closed down, here in Caerphilly we are investing in these important community facilities. It is fantastic that these brand new facilities have proven so popular, and these schemes will shortly be followed by other exciting new library developments across the county borough.”

• Durham – Library hours could be cut by trust plans – Durham Times.  “Last night, proposals emerged to cut opening hours to 36 a week at town centre libraries and 20 a week at community libraries. Mobile library services would also be cut. The bus would only visit settlements more than four miles from the nearest library and stop only once in each village. Readers would also be warned to “use it or lose it”.”
• Libraries face cuts – Peterlee Mail.   “The news comes as Durham County Council, which provides library services in the east Durham area, also considers transferring some library services to be run by a not-for-profit charitable trust in a bid to safeguard services.”
• Edinburgh – Frankie Boyle to appear at free Dalkeith Library show – Scotsman.   “But Frankie Boyle is to make an unexpected deviation from his usual routine next month – by promoting libraries across the Lothians. The stand-up, and former Mock the Week panellist, will swap the bright lights of concert arenas and television studios for Dalkeith Library.”
• Gloucestershire – Libraries do have a future: Mark Hawthorne – This is Gloucestershire.   Article by Leader including belief no library will close [7 will close if volunteers do not take them over, 5 mobiles will close – Ed.].  Says that “some believe” libraries should be immune to cuts.  “Fundamentally, we want to create a sustainable, affordable network of libraries that really works for Gloucestershire people. I firmly believe that working in partnership with communities is the best way to do that and with our continued support I believe they will succeed. I know we’ll be looking to use the excellent work we have already carried out here to help us shape more services into the future.”
• Fight is on to save Lechlade Library after cuts announced – Wilts and Glos Standard.  “Cllr Coakely, chairman of Lechlade library working group, said: “What’s really galling is that officers have said we can go to Highworth for library services. But we expect our services to be provided by the council that we pay our council tax to.”.  Statistics also appear to unfairly measure (by halving it) Lechlade’s population. 
• Harrow – Plans to merge libraries and “nurture” cultural services – Harrow Times.   “More than 2,000 people were consulted on the plans which could also see improvements to public IT systems in libraries and the restoration of the borough’s Headstone Manor and museum. Another idea focuses on libraries being moved into cultural facilities, for example Hatch End Library relocating to Harrow Arts Centre.”
• North Yorkshire – Dales communities’ views sought on library hours – Westmorland Gazette.   “North Yorkshire County Council has written to town and parish councils and other partners asking for comments, and proposed revised opening hours have been distributed via libraries throughout the county.”

“We have been working very hard over the last year to extend our partnership working with our partners, including parish, town and district councils. As a result of excellent partnership working, this means that in some cases we will actually be able to deliver an increase in library opening hours for local communities.”

• Big plans for future of Great Ayton Library – Gazette.  “Villagers set up the Save the Great Ayton Library group to fight the plans and keep the library open. Now some funding has been provided from the county council and Great Ayton Parish Council to keep on some of the paid members of the staff. The rest of the service will need to be funded and run by the community.” 30 volunteers found.
• Surrey – High Court action over Surrey council’s library plans – BBC.   ““We fear the dismantling of these libraries will be the beginning of a period of managed decline for local communities. We just can’t let this happen.”
• Warwickshire – Warwick Library to close for two weeks for Shire Hall move – Coventry Telegraph.  
• Worcestershire – Fears Bewdley Library could lose popular services – Shuttle.  “Labour town councillor Paul Gittins said there was not enough room in the town’s popular tourist attraction to house the library and was fearful some of its facilities, such as a reading area for children, would have to go if it was moved, under plans by Worcestershire County Council.”

“It would be a downgrading of the library. It’s probably going to be smaller because, at the moment, It has a reference section area, a computer room and a little area where children go to read stories. The foyer is used for information leaflets and what’s on posters. That would be lost if it moves.”

411 libraries (323 buildings and 89 mobiles) currently under threat or closed/left council control since 1/4/11 out of c.4612 in the UK, complete list below.  The librarian professional body CILIP forecasts 600 libraries could be under threat (inc. 20% of English libraries).  The Public Libraries News figure is obtained from counting up all reports about public libraries in the media each day.

Actions you can take

• Attend the Lobby for Libraries event on Mid-day 13th March at Central Hall, Westminster, London.  #librarieslobby hashtag.
• Book the singer of the “We Need Libraries” song to promote the cause at a place near you.
• National Libraries Day, 4th February 2012 – Organise an event or publicise an existing one on the excellent NLD website.
• Help fund the Surrey legal challenge. 

News

• And a pox on your dog! A brief history of book curses – Daily Reporter (USA).  “I came across information about early efforts to prevent loss of library materials to insects and theft. I have to confess, they gave me a chuckle and I thought that perhaps some of our dear readers would enjoy the information, also….”
• As demand for e-books soars, libraries struggle to stock their virtual shelves – Washington Post.   “Kindles, Nooks and iPads can do many amazing things, but they can’t bump you ahead in line at the Reston Regional Library. In fact, if you want to borrow a book, it may be quicker to put down your sleek new device and head into the stacks.”.  Ebook demans is greater than many libraries can satisfy, especially as they need to balance their paper book stock as well.  Publishers are not entirely happy with free library e-book lending either.
• CILIP Libraries Change Lives Award – CILIP.   “The Award highlights and rewards good practice in any innovative library and information projects which: Change lives, Bring people together, Involve user communities, Demonstrate innovation and creativity, Develop staff and services.”.  [Perhaps the Brent Pop-Up Library should be entered? – Ed.].
• Daily Mirror launches We Love Reading campaign – Daily Mirror.   Carol Ann Duffy reminisces about the great impact libraries had to her childhood.  Article in favour of giving books to under fives as one in three don’t own a book.
• Why not make the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee really special? – Things to cut before closing libraries. Rather than give the Queen a £60m yacht for the anniversary, why not give her a nice little present and use the rest of the money on saving libraries?

Changes

• Gloucestershire – Seven libraries under threat (“Community Offer Libraries”) plus 5 mobiles under threat.  “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 : 5 to go as 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.”.  £800k cut on top of £1m cut in 2011.
• Northern Ireland – Projected cut in opening hours reduced from 1200 less hours to 600 less due to extra £2.5m found by Culture Minister. 

Local News

• Bexley – Library taken over by charity to charge fees – London Evening Standard.  “Bexley Library, which is run by the borough council, is to be handed over to a community group which is set to charge users £24 a year. Although non-paying users will still be able to borrow books, paying members will be able to take out more and keep them for an unlimited time.”.  Opinion divided between being thankful to have a library at all to being outraged that double taxation is in force.
• Brent – Pub Quiz tonight – Preston Library Campaign.   “Come along and show your support for a hard fought campaign. It’s not over yet!”
• Croydon – Asking a question at a Croydon Council meeting – Save Croydon Libraries Campaign. “Might you be raising a question on libraries?”
• Closure of New Addington Library not far off, says Cllr Sara Bashford – This is Croydon Today.    “We will be moving the library into the Calat, that is the plan at the moment. To shut the current building which is quite old and getting to the end of its useful life. There is some work being done in the Calat at the moment and there are plans to have adult education, job centre advice and the library in there so it all fits in nicely together.”
• Gloucestershire – County Council sets out its new vision for libraries in the county – Glos CC. “The council has drafted a fresh strategy that aims to make the most of our limited resources, new technology and volunteers to create a service that really works for Gloucestershire’s people” … “On Friday (20th January), the council’s cabinet will be asked agree to start a six-week consultation on 30th January for people to tell us what they think of the proposals.” 
• New library plans: Friends of Gloucestershire’s Libraries response – FoGL.  “Whilst we are delighted that, thanks to the dedication and determination of library users across the county, we have saved the libraries in the 3 poorest areas of Gloucestershire (Hester’s Way, Matson and Tuffley), we are extremely disappointed that Gloucestershire County Council is still pushing for a two tier system and that 7 communities are still having a metaphorical gun held to their heads and will no longer be funded. The County Council will now have to justify very clearly to these communities the reasons why they still intend to take their county library service away from them.” … 

• Liverpool – Campaign launched to save Woolton Library from the axe – Liverpool Echo.   “Now a Save Woolton Library Campaign group has been set up to fight the proposal. It is led by retired city librarian Ron Travis, who organised a petition securing more than 5,000 signatures last year when it first emerged the library was under threat.”.  Liverpool is closing library being it cannot afford to do repair work to it but, on the other hand, welcomes volunteers if they can afford to take it over.
• Manchester – Councillor Amesbury’s open letter on City history – Manchester Confidential.  “Moving forward, as Manchester unashamedly does, our multi million pound transformation of the much loved Central Library will tell the historical story of Manchester louder and prouder than ever before.”
• Northern Ireland – Libraries may escape cut in opening hours – BBC.   “Cutbacks in library opening hours may be avoided, following intervention by the culture, arts and leisure minister. Caral ni Chuilin said she had found almost £2.5m to protect library provision and help avoid shorter opening hours.”.  Cuts halved from 1200 hours to 600 hours.  “There had been widespread opposition to the cutbacks and more than 7,000 submissions were made to the consultation on opening hours.”
• Suffolk – Development in library plans – Diss Express.   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.
• Surrey – SCC to face judicial review over library plans – SLAM.   Council’s defence lies on SLAM being too late to protest – article suggests that this is wrong.  Another council argument is that the publicity given to the cuts by SLAM counts as consultation: “Considering that a good proportion of our protests and questions were over SCC’s lack of consultation, SCC’s defence seems to be that SLAM’s complaints about lack of consultation counts as a legal substitute for proper consultation: “Considering that a good proportion of our protests and questions were over SCC’s lack of consultation, SCC’s defence seems to be that SLAM’s complaints about lack of consultation counts as a legal substitute for proper consultation.” … “We have made a start and have already raised about £2,500 (give or take a few pounds) but if there is anything you can do to help (suggestions for how we might raise this money or if you know anybody that might be able to help) then please, please let us know.”
• SLAM to start legal proceedings against SCC – Eagle Radio.  “”We only need to look at our neighbours in Lewisham, to see that they introduced Community Partnered Libraries (or volunteer run libraries) last year and since their introduction – all of those libraries have decreased in issues.”
• Swindon – Libraries introduce e-book scheme – Public Service.  “”I am delighted we will soon be able to add eBooks and downloadable audio books to our already excellent library service.”

The big news today is that there is going to be a combined lobby of parliament on Tuesday 13th March.  It will be at the Central Hall, Westminster at mid-day.  It’s great to see such disparate groups as the WI and UNISON joining on one platform for this event.  Let’s hope that, all together, they can make their voices heard.

417 libraries (326 buildings and 91 mobiles) currently under threat or closed/left council control since 1/4/11 out of c.4612 in the UK, complete list below.  The librarian professional body CILIP forecasts 600 libraries could be under threat (inc. 20% of English libraries).  The Public Libraries News figure is obtained from counting up all reports about public libraries in the media each day.

Actions you can take

• Attend the Lobby for Libraries event on Mid-day 13th March at Central Hall, Westminster, London.  #librarieslobby hashtag.
• Book the singer of the “We Need Libraries” song to promote the cause at a place near you.
• National Libraries Day, 4th February 2012 – Organise an event or publicise an existing one on the excellent NLD website.

News

“She also suggests making strong use of your local library – admitting as a child she used to love wiling away the hours in her local library. There are such a range of books in your libraries. You never know what your child might be interested in or what might spark their imagination. It may not be the books you have heard or brought home. Allowing them free run to choose what appeals to them may surprise you!” Gruffalo creator comes to Derry – Derry Journal.

Changes

Bath – Consultation on closing all mobile libraries, online questionnaire.
Bolton – Highfield Library closed today.
Brent – Front of Willesden Green Library may be demolished. 
Leeds – £70k spent on Hunslet Library to improve building (leaky roof, failing windows, partially so
that the currently unused half of the building can be leased to another organisation.
Nottingham – Consultation ends on libraries future plan. 

Local News

• Bath – Meetings called over future of Bath libraries – This is Bath.   Public consultation over proposal to close the councils’ mobiles.  Two meetings will take place after the official end of the consultation period. 
• Bolton – First axed library shuts today – Bolton News.  “Highfield Library will shut at 5.30pm and a replacement neighbourhood collection service will start in its place from Monday. The collection service will be set up in the foyer of the Orchards building, in Highfield Road, which will also continue to be used as a social hub for the local community as a children’s centre and school, council chiefs said.”
• Brent – Council Executive on Willesden Green library demolition – Save Kensal Rise Library.   “This meeting will discuss the report on the proposed development of Willesden Green Library, which includes the demolition of the old building in front of the modern library. A proposal has been put to the council that they keep both Kensal rise and Cricklewood libraries open whilst the development is carried out. There will be speakers from the libraries that have been closed by the council.”
• Brighton and Hove – Libraries at the cutting edge – Argus.   “The minority Green administration says it has managed to find £440,000 of savings in the library service without closing any facilities.”.  Two libraries are affected.  Opposition councillors oppose cuts.
• Essex – Debt collectors being sent in to recover library fines – Yellow Advertiser.   “Last year the authority claimed around £648,000 in fines and say it could have been considerably more with more resources. A council spokeswoman said the agency would only look at people who owed more than £20.”. [Councillor quoted says agency has worked successfully elsewhere “including Kent”. However, it’s a bit early to tell in that case as Kent only announced the agency would be involved in late November – Ed.]
• Hackney – Name row library to open – Hackney Citizen.  “The £4.4m project hit the headlines last year when Hackney Council announced plans to ditch the late C.L.R. James, a popular Afro-Trinidadian historian and journalist, from its name. Diane Abbott MP described the move as “an insult” to the author’s memory – he opened the existing Dalston library which bears his name – and 2,500 people signed a petition which helped reverse the decision.”
• Kirklees – Future of Honley Library to be debated in public review – Huddersfield Daily Examiner. “Clr Lyons said: “We were assured that the fate of the actual library is secure but staffing could be a problem. “The library officers seemed to make out that we knew what was going on, but we didn’t. “What we want is categoric support for the library in Honley. It’s a multi-functional place that’s much more than just books. There are computers and the schools come down to use it.”
• Leeds – South Leeds: £70,000 project launched to restore Hunslet Library – Yorkshire Evening Post.   Problems inc.  leaking roof, poor windows, dreary interior.  Half of library currently in use as a library, council plans to lease the other half to another organisation when the work is done.
• Nottingham – Citizens have their say on libraries – Council Watch UK.  1900 returns on libraries consultation.  “Not unexpectedly book borrowing was the most frequently used service and the one which was regarded as the most important. Children’s activities were also highly regarded, whether used or not by respondents. Wi-fi was the main service citizens wished libraries offered, particularly customers amongst younger age groups and non-users.”.  Wifi and e-books to be considered.  Views evenly split on the use of volunteers. 
• Redbridge – Two-thirds of library members in Woodford Green not borrowing books – Guardian series.  “Concerns have been raised over the future of libraries in Redbridge after it emerged that two-thirds of library card holders in Woodford Green are not using them. Research by Cllr Paul Canal revealed just 3,000 of the 10,000 cardholders registered with Woodford Green Library in Snakes Lane West have borrowed an item in the last year.”.  Use it or lose it, residents advised.
• Somerset – U-turn over future of libraries – View Online.   “In making the decision, Councillor Lawrence, cabinet member for community services, also outlined the council’s approach to deciding the future funding and shape of the Library Service. Elected members will consider the future of the service as part of a service review due to start in April, 2012. All of the Councilís services are being reviewed over the next 18 months. The council aims to install self-service technology into its ten busiest libraries, which will include Chard,  and opening hours are due to be reinstated by Monday, February 6th at Chard, Crewkerne and Ilminster. Funding for South Petherton will not be withdrawn.”

Can you help?

• Submit evidence/views to Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on Library Closures before Thursday 12th January.
• Book the singer of the “We Need Libraries” songs to promote the cause at a place near you.
• Freedom of information requests to the MLA – If you are wanting to know what information the MLA (the former quango with some responsibility for public libraries), put in FOI requests as soon as possible.  The MLA still has a skeleton staff but this will be wound up shortly and it will be harder to gain the information when it is.
• National Libraries Day, 4th February 2012 – Organise an event or publicise an existing one on the excellent NLD website.

News

• 6 myths about why we don’t need libraries any more – Private Eye. [Not available on internet but Alan Gibbons’ copy of text is linked].  Myths are (1) people don’t go to libraries (40% of adults do, 80% of children), (2) Everything is online (libraries provide subscription stuff for free and a lot of material that will probably never be digitised), (3) books are cheap (only supermarket bestsellers are and even these are too expensive for those on limited incomes), (4) libraries are not about buildings (yes they are, at least to some extent: for study space, meeting place, free space), (5) fewer libraries mean better services (not for those who need libraries the most and are limited to local amenities e.g. those on pensions, benefits or who are schoolchildren), (6) everyone is online (a lot aren’t, including 3m children and many older people).
• – RFID for Librarians.  RFID is the technology often used in public libraries for self-service machines, although it has other uses too.
• Help! How much help should libraries be? – Undaimonia.   “The question comes down to: how do libraries best help people? Is it by addressing their short-term need for information or is it by addressing their long-term need for information literacy? And who gets to make this decision: the librarians; the students; the university management? And since ‘helping’ is part of a library’s raison d’être, the question of what level of help to provide leads to the question of what a library’s purpose is. Bob Usherwood wrote a great post for Voices for the Library about the purpose of public libraries and their corresponding level of help. Do we need to ask the same existential questions for academic libraries?”

• National Libraries Day is February 4th – Information Review. “Library users and supporters are being encouraged to organise a celebratory event, to contribute to the forums by tweeting with the #nld12 hashtag and by visiting their local library in the week up to and including February 4.”
• New year, new cut – Information World Review.  This is an article recommending everyone have a look at a certain blog called Public Libraries News which “remains as essential as ever” due to the CMS Select Committee Inquiry into Library closures.  [Sounds like a great website 🙂 – ed.]
• On borrowed time? A Libraries News Special – Private Eye.  [Not available online but Alan Gibbons’ copy of text is linked] A full page in the magazine on library cuts including:
• Bexley volunteer-run library charging membership, “In 2012, more and more areas will be offered a choice of this kind of library…. or nothing at all.”, “since March 2011 proposals to close, merge or give away libraries to volunteer groups have rocketed”.
• Doncaster 14 branches closed/forced onto volunteers “But that’s all right because last week the authority    announced it has now “improved and modernised” its service with the launch of a new   “digital library” with ebooks to download at home. So, good news at least for library users who can afford fast internet and e-reading  devices?  Er, the digital library contains a grand total of 456 titles and, thanks to Amazon’s restrictive rights management, doesn’t currently work with Kindles.”, 
• Kirklees is cutting branches, 
• Buckinghamshire’s “success” volunteer-run libraries admit their model would not work in less prosperous areas. 
• Privatisation/outsourcing efforts so far “underwhelming”: LSSI has none while Lewisham’s outsourcing appears unsucessful so far. 
• Suffolk following Glasgow’s trust model, despite problems.  
• Coaltion government failing to do anything, with action being left to communities needing to organise their own legal challenges.
• Bradford Library reduced to lower floors due to unsafe stairs and other needed building work that would cost £4m.  Councils is “spending more than £24m on a brand-new paved  park next to the town hall, consisting largely of a mirror pool with over 100 fountains,  which will claim the useful distinction of being, er, the largest “man-made urban water feature” in the UK.”.
• Kent and Essex have hired US debt collection agency. “Both authorities have refused to say how much they are paying out to Unique  Management Services to collect the funds, citing commercial confidentiality, but local charities have suggested that the more usual book amnesty might get the missing stock back without scaring vulnerable library users with debt collection letters.”

• This week’s arts diary – Guardian.  “One of the most hotly anticipated parliamentary inquiries of 2012 is the one into library closures. It’s an issue that arouses strong feelings, with many angry at the stance taken by arts minister Ed Vaizey. Or lack of stance, given how vocal he was about defending libraries while in opposition. “Your silence has been deafening,” said a recent open letter that counted Joanna Trollope and Yann Martel among its signatories. The committee has invited written submissions but you haven’t got long: the deadline is tomorrow. Email cmsev@parliament.uk with “library closures” in the subject field.”

• Bexley/Bromley – Both services now merged, with the loss of 35 posts.
• Bradford – Central Library is open only on lower floors as £4m is needed to make building safe (source: Private Eye, 10.1.11)
• Calderdale – £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. 
• Gloucestershire – Bookfund cut from £1.2m (2007/8) to £351k (2011).  
• Milton Keynes – Wilburn Sands Institute Library (in association with town council) to opened on 4th February, replacing Hardwick Road Library.  
• North Somerset – Opening hours to be cut in Portishead by 6.5 hours (upgraded at cost of £900k nine months ago). Hours cuts also to Nailsea (6 hours cut), Clevedon (7 hours cut), Yatton and Long Ashton.  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. Consultation from 16th January.  No new recruitment, staff will have hours cut or be offered voluntary redundancy.
• Thurrock – Consultation on library services to be launched shortly.

Local News

• Bexley – Bexley and Bromley library merger takes shape – Bexley Times.  “The merger was not supposed to happen until April but was brought forward after Bexley had its mobile library service axed in July when 24 workers lost their jobs.”.  “Bromley council leader Stephen Carr, said: “Shared services give us the opportunity to make necessary savings during this unprecedented time of financial constraints, while continuing to provide efficient services to residents. We are utilising skills and knowledge from services in Bromley and Bexley to benefit both authorities. We look forward to working more closely with our neighbours in Bexley.”
• Calderdale – Library opening hours will be slashed – Halifax Courier.  “Community services spokeswoman Coun Pauline Nash (Lib-Dem, Skircoat) told Calderdale Council Cabinet that reducing opening hours was the only way to avoid library closures. “There are times when every library is very very quiet and by changing the opening hours, we are trying to spread the load,” she said. In a survey in 2010, users said they wanted longer opening hours.” [I wonder how many of the public said to cut opening hours in order to pay for new computers for systems analysis?  Ed.]
• Gloucestershire – Library Service’s book fund: where has all the money gone? – FoGL.  “Since the early 1990s, Gloucestershire’s spending on library services in general, and the stock fund in particular,  has been one of the lowest of any shire county nationally (measured by spend per head of population). The annual spend on stock was usually between £950,000 and £1.1 million per year in Gloucestershire.  This may seem a lot but between 43 libraries is actually quite a low spend.”.  Stock fund (books/CDs/other materials) has reduced from £1.193m in 2007/8 to £351k in 2010/11.  Due to court decision, council is spending more in 2012 to make up for last year’s cut.
• Hackney – To see new library opening this month – Net Lettings.  “Spread over three floors and covering 2,964 sq m, the new site features adult, teenager and children’s sections, with each area colour-coded for ease of getting around, while a quick picks area is also available for those in a hurry.”
• Milton Keynes – New Woburn Sands Library to be opened by author Josephine Cox – MK News.   “The new library is the result of a new Partnership Agreement between Milton Keynes Council and Woburn Sands Town Council. The library is more accessible than the current premises in Hardwick Road and is located in a prominent site on Woburn Sands High Street.”.  “The refurbishment of the new premises is being paid for by local housing developments through Section 106 funding to provide community facilities.”
• North Somerset – Library opening hours cut – Mercury.   Newly opened (nine months ago) Portishead Library to have its hours cut.  “Councillor Felicity Baker, executive member for libraries, said the need for cost-cutting was a ‘blessing in disguise’ and allowed the council to examine its library practices closely and encourage them to work together more effectively. She said: “I actually believe all the communities around North Somerset will have a better service.”
• Council proposes library changes – BBC.   “Christina Cook, from Unison in Bristol, said: “Once again the council’s cuts are having the greatest impact on the community and the service the community loves. “It’s brilliant to hear that no libraries are closing but the impact of this whole proposal is on significant changes to staff hours and how the libraries will be manned.”
• Rotherham – MP praises novel way to start reading – Star.   “John Healey, Labour MP for Wentworth and Dearne, gave his backing during a visit where he saw just how popular the project is. And he pledged to mention the scheme during a Parliamentary debate he has organised on Government policy on early reading programmes. Mr Healey said the Imagination Library – which sees children under five receive a new book every month – should be extended nationally. He said: “Schemes like this help children’s imagination to grow and set them on a path towards a lifetime of loving books. Children whose parents read with them from a young age are more likely to succeed in later life.””
• Surrey – County Council responds to legal threat over library plans – Eagle Radio.  Legal came came too late and is misjudged”.  Council also says it is too late to appeal on decision first made in March 2011 and that forcing volunteers to take over libraries or see them close is not the same as officially closing them.  
• Council says libraries group “too late” with legal threat – Get Surrey.   “A Surrey County Council spokesman said: “We believe that SLAM has left it too late to start proceedings in the High Court. The decisions they want to challenge were made in March and September 2011, beyond the three-month limit required to launch a judicial review. “The mobile library service ended on 30 September 2011 and plans for community partnership libraries are well advanced, with the first one expected to be up and running on Saturday 4 February.”
• Thurrock – A new vision for borough’s libraries – Thurrock Gazette.  “The results of a Thurrock libraries survey in September and October showed that of the 745 people who took part, 344 wanted different opening times at their closest library.Other changes suggested included more refreshment facilities and the roll out of Wi-Fi as well as more activities for children and toddlers.”