The evolution of Library Week
Oct 6th
Editorial
Next week is Green Libraries Week. I always tell people that public libraries were the first Green shop – we re-use books and share resources for the good of the community. OK, that makes us the first Communist shop as well, but I think it’s probably political better to emphasise the environmental side. Green Libraries Week is basically taking over the Libraries Week slot this year. One hopes that the break will mean that a revitalised Libraries Week starts again next year. The Week has its roots back in the first wave of protest at library cuts last decade and has been incrementally tamed by the libraries service, who cannot be political, until it is effectively no more. But it’s possible, as Ireland has shown, for a Libraries Week to be an effective non-political tool to promote the service. That England has failed where other countries (Australia also springs to mind) have succeeded is a sign of the poor state of affairs, largely financial, that this country is in. We can hope for better next year, although noises coming out of central government are downright discouraging. In the meantime, let’s go Green.
Other than Green Libraries Week, in the news this week are the Fun Palaces, which appear to be reducing in popularity in public libraries, probably due to the amount of staff time they take. Then, locally, we have Bradford who apparently have decided to issue all their press releases for the year in one week. Overall, the news is bad – cuts in opening hours and staffing, potential cancellation of a new library – but there’s also a reopening of a refurbished library. There’s lots of local reasons why all this came together but one can’t help but think that an uninformed outsider may think that in England, there is sometimes no joined up thinking even on the individual council level.
Finally, a US survey of public libraries, suggests that using the toilet is the third biggest reason for people to use the service. Now, there’s a humbling bit of information. But, what the hey, it’s all part of being part of a free shopfront public library service. At least it gives us, forgive me, something to feel flushed with success about.
Changes by local authority
- Bradford – New Baildon Library likely to be delayed or cancelled due to budget cuts. 11% cut to opening hours, self-service machines introduced. 216 staff hours (6 FTE) cut. Clayton library reopens after refurbishment.
“100 days in: CILIP Chief Executive Louis Coiffait-Gunn shares his thoughts
CILIP Chief Executive Louis Coiffait-Gunn has marked his first 100 days in the job by sharing his early impressions in an article for CILIP’s Information Professional magazine.
Picking out highlights to build on and looking at where the profession is headed, Louis points to a committed and dedicated workforce, and a public library service that is loved and well used – despite the obvious funding difficulties that many service are operating under.
He also talks about the positive impact library and information professionals have on their communities, but warns that more needs to be done to ensure this work is seen and valued by decision makers. He says: “I’ve been struck by the sheer breadth of what different CILIP members do, including but going far beyond the stereotypical building full of books.
“The public benefit is huge, but often hard to track, given how many different agendas are being served and how intangible the impact can be at times. It’s also clearly a proud service sector, often quietly providing support to different groups of users, sometimes without them realising it. That’s particularly true of online services, where members’ hard work to provide access to trustworthy information isn’t always obvious to users.”
A general election was called just two weeks after Louis became CILIP CEO, and the newly installed government is presenting new opportunities for CILIP and its members. Louis points to ongoing work to engage with ministers and MPs, saying: “As the new government provides more detail about its policy proposals, we’ll be keeping a close eye on opportunities and risks relevant to different groups of members.
“This sector knows all about delivering across departmental silos, the challenge will be getting recognition and funding for it. I’m keen for us to work with partners to make a persuasive case for a bigger funding pie, rather than argue over slices.”
He adds that being part of the CILIP community helps strengthen the overall aims of the profession, saying: “Given this is such a wonderfully broad and varied profession, CILIP aims to make a positive difference on the key priorities of each group of members. However, the only way we can be effective across such a range of issues is by prioritising and by harnessing the expertise of our members.”
You can read the full article, and find out how you can contribute to CILIP’s Libraries Change Lives campaign and the Libraries at Risk register at https://www.cilip.org.uk/news/683165/Louis-Coiffait-Gunn-100-days-at-CILIP.htm.
National news
- CILIP Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Celebration of the Profession – CILIP. 2-3.30pm, 15 October. Zoom.
- Full transparency: 10 lessons from the cyber-attack on the British Library – IMD. “When the British Library fell victim to a major ransomware attack it opted for a policy of full transparency. Here we outline what government organizations, NGOs, and businesses can learn from the incident, especially if they rely on legacy systems. “
- Green Libraries Week returns – DCMS Libraries. “Green Libraries Week returns to celebrate the work going on in libraries across the UK focused on sustainability, climate change and green action within their communities.”
- Libraries and buses under threat as chancellor warned over £54bn council black hole – Independent. “Day-to-day services such as libraries, buses, road maintenance, and youth centres will face further cuts, councils have warned, as they struggle to fund ballooning adult social care and children’s care costs. The County Councils Network (CCN), which represents 37 of England’s largest local authorities, is warning of a £54bn funding black hole across councils over the next five years.”
- Revitalizing the Local Library: Diverse Functions to Drive Community Engagement – Arch Daily. Various new libraries looked at: Peckham, Plumstead, Ogre Central Library (Latvia), Masoro (Rwanda), Brooklyn (USA).
International news
- USA – Who uses libraries? Even in the stacks, there’s a political divide – Washington Post. “After digging ourselves out from under an avalanche of your queries about libraries, we gathered detailed data on the size of their collections, their budgets and the populations they serve.” … Most used are books (47%), computers (27%) and toilets (19%).
- The Week in Libraries: October 4, 2024 – Publishers Weekly. Various book bannings, legal challenges for and against censorship. “A near-unanimous 92% of Americans with a favorable attitude toward bookstores also have a favorable attitude toward libraries. “
Local news by authority
- Blackpool – Books and beyond! – Blackpool celebrates Green Libraries Week – Blackpool Council. ” hosting a range of fun and free activities throughout the week, which aim to raise awareness of climate issues and promote eco-conscious living.”
- Bolton – Atherton Children starting school to be issued with library cards – Atherton News. “All reception pupils are to be given cards to use at the 15 local libraries, making it easer for children to borrow books. There will also be ‘fun classes’ run alongside regular advice and support sessions.”
- Bradford – Free events are being planned at 16 of Lancashire’s libraries – Ilkley Chat. “A new reading adventure is coming to Ilkley library this month, The Secret Book Quest is a fun and free year-round reading challenge for ages 5-12, designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading.” … “Led by a vivid cast of beautifully illustrated characters, children can read their way through 10 themed zones including space, animals, and imagination. Collecting stickers as they go, they read 50 books to complete the challenge and decipher a secret code. Finishers will also receive a certificate and a special prize”
- Bradford children’s author says access to libraries must be protected – Hits Radio. ” Bradford children’s author Jenny York says libraries provide a vital service and should be protected: “I think the libraries do a brilliant job promoting reading for children, and it’s incredibly important for children to get into reading. “It improves their mental health and it’s just lots and lots of fun. And when I go into schools and explain that to children, they get on board.”
- Charity-run library to break trend of fewer hours – BBC. “The Beyond the Margin charity manages Holmewood Library on the Holmewood Estate, following Bradford Council’s decision to make library service savings”
- Libraries get self-checkouts but avoid ‘automation’ – BBC. “Self-checkouts have been introduced at libraries across Bradford as part of cost-cutting measures. Customers will now be able to serve themselves when borrowing from branches run by Bradford Council, but the authority stopped short of fully automating the libraries and said staff would be retained. An 11% reduction in opening hours was also agreed at a meeting on Tuesday as part of £175,000 budget savings.”
- Retirement flats approved despite library concerns – BBC. “Plans for a town centre retirement home have been approved, but there are fears a new library meant to be built alongside the development may be scrapped. On Thursday, Bradford Council approved the application by McCarthy Stone to build 46 retirement flats on the former Ian Clough Hall site in the centre of Baildon. The hall, which included the town’s library, was demolished last year – with owners Bradford Council selling the site for development.” … “with Bradford Council facing a huge budget gap, the new library was one of several schemes which had since been put on hold.”
- Village library opens doors after Arts Council funded refurbishment – Telegraph and Argus. Clayton: “The refurbishment has been funded by the Arts Council England Libraries Improvement Fund along with CIL funding – provided by developers as a condition of large scale planning approvals.”
- Brighton and Hove – Reclaiming the narrative this Black History Month – Brighton and Hove Council. “vibrant exhibitions, talks and activities with inspiring Black artists and authors.”
- Bromley – National Poetry Day – Spoken word artist at Bromley Library – GLL (press release). “Bromley Libraries Children’s Team celebrated National Poetry Day by hosting a schools’ event with Eileen Gbagbo, a spoken word artist and playwright (also part of Joseph Coelho’s ‘Diversifying Children’s Literature’ programme).”
- Ceredigion – Library moving to town’s outskirts despite outcry – BBC. “A town’s library will be moved from the town centre to its outskirts, despite more than 90% of people saying they oppose the plans. Ceredigion council said the relocation of Aberaeron library to the council’s offices – 650m (2,130 ft) away in Penmorfa – will help save £70,000.”
- Cheshire East – Children protest against closure of ‘vital’ Cheshire libraries – Cheshire Live. “Campaigners fighting proposals to close Bollington Library will be turning out in force to protest at a Cheshire East meeting next week – just days after local children demonstrated their opposition.” … “It is understood that four libraries – Bollington, Alderley Edge, Disley and Handforth – are all under threat of closure.”
- Cornwall – Callington Library launches singalong sessions to help tackle loneliness and isolation among older people – Cornish Times. “Sing Happy, which is open to anyone aged 65 and older, will start at the end of October.”
- Derby – New move to ensure Derby libraries stay open for years to come – Derbyshire Live. “Councillors are to be asked to approve a new operator for 10 of the city’s libraries when the council’s cabinet meets next week. The community libraries which were first split off from the other five city libraries in 2018, to be run by charity Direct Help and Advice, are about to become part of a trust.” … “The successful bidder will enter into a formal negotiation and lease agreement with the council, which could provide a financial support package to operate the community libraries, depending on the specific needs of the chosen operator.”
- Derbyshire – Derbyshire council welcomes more views on library service plans after over 1,300 responses – Derbyshire Times. “The council has identified a planned reduction to the Library Service budget of £625,000 between April, 2025, to March, 2029, as well as £285,000 of savings which need to be carried forward from previous years to achieve a savings total of £910,000 between 2024 and 2029.”
- Devon / Torbay – Libraries Unlimited announces new patron – Dartmouth Today. “Robin Ince has become a patron for Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs the libraries in Devon and Torbay.”
- Braunton library project connects resettled Afghan families with countryside and community – Devon Council. “North Devon-based project led by Honeyscribe in association with Libraries Unlimited, which runs libraries in Devon on our behalf, is helping resettled Afghan families connect with their local community. ‘The Gatherers’ has been running at Braunton Library and Braunton Countryside Centre throughout 2024.”
- Holsworthy Library opens recycling point to help raise money for its operation – The Post. ” enabling residents to donate old gadgets, coins, stamps and jewellery to help it continue to enrich lives and build communities.”
- Dudley – Spooktacular half term library fun – GLL (press release). “From Halloween craftmaking, storytelling and witches’ potion trails to batty bats, an articulated skeleton and 3d black cat creation, spine-tingling fun is guaranteed. There is also an opportunity to get prepared for fireworks night, decorate biscuits, grow a hedgehog and carve a pumpkin.”
- Gateshead – Temporary service changes at Gateshead Central Library – Gateshead Council. “Work to replace the life [sic – I really hope it’s a spelling mistake for “Lift” – Ed.] at Central Library will begin on Monday 7 October and will take approximately 5 weeks.”
- Get involved with Green Libraries Week – Gateshead Council. “each library highlighting the benefits of sustainable living through promotion of re-using and sharing resources with residents.”
- Haringey – Haringey launches recycling stations at libraries – Haringey Council. “Residents emphasised the need for more accessible recycling options for smaller household items, such as batteries, printer cartridges, and lightbulbs. While they are eager to recycle more, navigating the available options were proving to be complicated.” … “The new recycling stations are part of Haringey’s ongoing commitment to Destination 50 – making recycling easier for all residents and increasing our recycling rate to 50%.”
- Inverclyde – Greenock Central Library event supports people to manage their own healthcare – Inverclyde Council. NHS and “Alongside partners including Alzheimer Scotland; Inverclyde Community Link Workers; SAMH; Your Voice; Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland; and Inverclyde HSCP, libraries aim to support people to self-manage, maintain and improve their health and wellbeing.”
- Isle of Wight – IW Council libraries to celebrate Green Libraries Week with wide range of activities – Isle of Wight Observer. Crafts, planting, talks.
- Kirklees – What is happening with Mirfield Library: Mirfield campaigners ‘over the moon’ that controversial plans for their library have been scrapped – Dewsbury Reporter. “The plans were met with a great deal of backlash from communities across the borough, not least in Mirfield, where volunteers are heavily involved in the running of the library through a Friends of Mirfield Library group.”
- Lancashire – ‘Hugely busy’ weekend of free interactive events – BBC. Fun Palaces: “Free events are being planned at 16 of Lancashire’s libraries”.
- Fulwood Library shutting for major heating system repair work – Blog Preston. ““Fulwood library will be closed for around six weeks from 7pm on 9 October so that essential work to the building’s heating system can be carried out.”
- Liverpool – ‘You’ll never walk alone…’ Visiting Spellow Library – Children’s Commissioner. “At the heart of this community, a sanctuary of silence and peace, Spellow Library found itself at the epi-centre of the violence following the heartbreaking attacks.” … “With this in mind, I was really pleased to be able to visit the library with the Children’s Laureate, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, last week for the first time in the aftermath of the violence and the amazing reconstruction. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the community had pulled together to rebuild. They set out to raise £5,000 but ended up with an extraordinary £250,000. “
- Newcastle – Halloween at Newcastle Libraries – Newcastle Council. Spooky spider crafts.
- Perth and Kinross – Council warned of ‘extremely damaging’ library closures – BBC. “Plans to close seven libraries in Perth and Kinross would be “extremely damaging” and potentially illegal, the body representing Scotland’s librarians has warned. In a letter sent to all councillors, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Scotland (CILIPS) said it was concerned that some communities could be left without libraries run by trained professionals.”
- Shropshire – Shropshire’s libraries celebrate Green Libraries Week – Shropshire Council. Talks, advice, crafts.
- Somerset – Mayor of Wellington declares new look library a ‘great privilege’ after £900K facelift – Wellington Weekly News.
- Somerset relaunches winter coat exchange to help families stay warm – Somerset Live. ““Following last year’s successful launch of this initiative, I am pleased that we are able to run this again as the colder and wet weather is starting to make itself felt and this can be challenging for many, especially those who can’t afford to stay warm.”. 1,022 coats donated last year.
- Staffordshire – National awards for Staffordshire Community Managed libraries – Staffordshire Council. “Both Norton Canes Library and Rising Brook Library have been recognised in The National Community Managed Library Network Annual Awards 2024.” … “Both libraries are managed by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust who manage nine of the county’s libraries.”
- New self access scheme launched at Stafford Library – Staffordshire Council. “he library will be open from 8am to 10am for self-access, allowing registered members to use the library’s facilities before regular staffed hours. More than 100 members have already signed up “
- Stockport – New pop-up library to open in Marple – Stockport Council. ” temporary library provision will be available in Marple Scout Hut [Marple Memorial Drive, Marple Memorial Park, Marple] to ensure local people can access vital library services whilst building of the new hub takes place.”
- Stoke on Trent – Next step in digital journey for city’s libraries – Stoke on Trent Council. “Access to printing facilities in libraries across Stoke-on-Trent are set to be improved by installing Wi-Fi printing. Stoke-on-Trent City Council were successfully awarded £300,000 from the Libraries Improvement Fund and one part of this project is to improve the printing facilities across all six libraries in the city.”
- Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries celebrates Green Libraries Week – Suffolk Libraries. “The very nature of the library service involves ‘recycling’ books and other items which are borrowed many times over but as a local charity with 45 branches at the heart of many communities, Suffolk Libraries recognises it has an important role in promoting sustainability and an appreciation of the wonderful Suffolk countryside.”
- Suffolk Libraries provides free warm spaces for third year with help from the East of England Co-op – Suffolk News. “free hot drinks and kindness racks.” Free personal hygiene products and snacks.
- Thurrock – Children’s author to visit libraries as part of Black History Month – Thurrock Council. Local author Toyin Owoseje reads her self-esteem book.
- Walsall – Bring Your Past to Life During October’s Family History Month – Walsall Council. “computers across all Walsall Libraries are equipped with Ancestry and Find My Past programs”
- Warwickshire – Warwickshire Libraries announces winners of latest bookmark competition and invites residents to enjoy free Green Libraries Week events – Warwickshire Council. “The bookmark competition encouraged participants in different age categories to create an imaginative bookmark design, with over 600 colourful entries submitted for consideration.” … “The winning designs will feature on a new suite of free paper bookmarks which will be available for the public at libraries across the county from Green Libraries Week.”. Fun Palaces.
- West Berkshire – Green Libraries Week 2024 – West Berkshire Council. ” children’s shows, craft activities to themed talks.”
- Westminster – A new approach to homelessness in Westminster – City of Westminster Council. “Creating a more joined up approach by working with public services such as GP surgeries, schools and libraries to identify vulnerable people before they become homeless.”
- Westmorland and Furness – Libraries launch eco-friendly book collection – BBC. “The books cover a range of subject such as climate change, renewable energy, eco-friendly lifestyles and nature conservation.”
- Decision to move Ulverston library to be debated – Cumbria Crack. “Members of the communities and environment scrutiny committee for Westmorland and Furness Council will discuss the decision taken by the cabinet to permanently relocate the town’s library service from the King’s Road building to the Coronation Hall after it was called in” … “five councillors have called in the decision”
- Holly Macve to perform at Barrow Library in November – Mail. Get It Loud In Libraries performance.
The end of September, 2024
Sep 29th
Changes by local authority
- Caredigion – Aberaeron Library to move out of town.
- Cumberland – Cockermouth Library returning to council control from Cockermouth Town Council.
International news
- Australia – Libraries will only exist for as long as we borrow from them. Consider it your civic duty – Guardian. “if you’re a book borrower, don’t feel guilty. You’re tangibly supporting authors with every loan. And you’re supporting your community by using and bolstering a safe and accessible public space.”
- Cambodia – A Study Trip to Libraries and Archives in Phnom Penh, Cambodia – South East Asian Library Group.
- Ireland – Open day at local libraries this weekend – Southern Star. “The role of public libraries in local community life will be highlighted on National Public Libraries Open Day this Saturday September 28th.” … “‘Irish public libraries have a proud and long-standing history of being integral within our villages, towns, and cities in supporting people on an individual and a collective, community basis,’ said head of libraries development for the local government management agency.
- Explosion of e-lending at Irish public libraries – LMFM. “A total of 931,291 e-books and 1,674,191 e-audiobooks were loaned through branches in 2023, up one fifth on 2022. But the substantial increase has not dented the lending of traditional print books – combined with audio visual material such as CDs and DVDs, they increased to 14.5million, a rise of 18%.”
- Fórsa salutes Irish library workers ahead of National Public Libraries Open Day – Forsa. Trade union. “There are 330 library branches and 31 mobile libraries in Ireland. All core library services are provided free of charge. There are no memberships fees and no fines for late returns. Nearly 800,000 people are registered as library members and more than 12 million items are available to borrow across the service. “
- Kildare County Council to mark National Public Libraries Day with free services and events – Kildare Now.
- USA – We Underfunded Our Libraries Once. It Almost Lost Us World War II – Time. “2024 has seen many devastating budget cuts to libraries. Earlier this year, New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams proposed to cut more than $58 million from the city’s libraries. (After public protests, Adams walked back his statement and the city’s libraries were spared—for now.) The National Archives and Records Administration has its slimmest budget in nearly three decades, relative to its holdings. The American Library Association recently wrote to its members, “Every librarian knows that funding is under threat for libraries in communities of all sizes and all across the nation.”” … “U.S. intelligence quickly discovered that libraries didn’t have the most basic information that the country needed in this crisis.”
Local news by authority
- Angus – An Official Opening for the Monifieth Community Hub and Library – Angus Council. “After almost 15 years MCRG has now delivered on its mission to provide a £2.3 million community resource for the 8,000 plus residents of Monifieth as it officially opens the new community facility.”
- Bath and North East Somerset – Babies gifted books to encourage early reading – BBC. “Babies registered in Bath and North East Somerset in July have been given their own copy of the 1926 book Winnie the Pooh to encourage avid readers from birth. Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) has given the books to nearly 300 babies at special events held in the region’s three main libraries.”
- Birmingham – Creative writing academics contribute to ‘protest zine’ against cuts to Birmingham libraries – University of Birmingham. “Luke Kennard, Anna Metcalfe and Bohdan Piasecki wrote poems and a microplay for a new collection of works celebrating Birmingham’s 35 branch libraries.”
- Birmingham council’s library plans set to make ‘nil savings’ this year despite £1m target – Birmingham Live. “The libraries project had a target of £1.26 million in 2024/25 but a new council report has suggested that it is forecast to make no savings this year instead. “This is due to additional consultation requirements and resulting delays in the implementation process,” the report said. “Previously identified mitigation options through vacancy management and reducing running cost on buildings is no longer possible”. “
- Bolton – ‘No contact’ on future of Blackrod Library after cuts plan – Bolton News. “questions have now been raised at town hall, particularly about the future of Blackrod Library on Church Street with claims that there has been no further communication from council officials.”
- Bradford – Library opening hours to be cut in Bradford – BBC. “Ten council-run libraries will close earlier on Saturdays from spring 2025 and there will also be changes at other times of the week. The announcement followed the end of a public consultation on the issue which 1,656 people took part in. Bradford Council said the cuts were part of a £175,000 savings plan and councillors have been asked to approve the changes next week.”
- Buckinghamshire – ‘I might lose my library job under Bucks Council cuts but I’m told to keep quiet’ – Bucks Free Press. “a staff member in one of the affected libraries said there was a huge ‘discrepancy’ between what the council was saying in private and in public about the plans. The individual, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that the council had tried to limit the number of people who responded to its consultation on the plans, which ended earlier this month. They told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “They said, ‘please don’t discuss details of this within earshot of customers’. It did really feel like they were trying to get as few responses as they could.”” … ” the council could lay off anywhere from 20 to 45 per cent of staff.” … “the current workforce will have to reapply for a completely new list of roles.” … “cenior library bosses are said to have admitted that the council’s plans to extend opening hours were actually ‘unrealistic’ and ‘impractical’.”
- Cambridgeshire – In praise of the local library – Varsity. “one of my favourite libraries to return to is Cambridge’s own Central Library, somewhat bizarrely located in the Lion’s Yard shopping mall. It too reflects memories back at me, instead this time of my local council-run library back home. Like the libraries at the University, they are filled with the loveliest people ready to help when you can’t find a book or the printer inevitably breaks down”
- New community space opens at March Library and everyone’s invited – Cambridgeshire Council. “Cambridgeshire Libraries launched a new innovative and state-of-the-art community space at March Library. Part of the ‘EverySpace’ project, this new flexible community resource will support people to develop their digital skills and empower local groups to host varied and exciting events and activities.” Arts Council England funded.
- Caredigion – Public opinion ‘ignored’ over Aberaeron library closure – Cumbrian Times. “Almost 900 responses were received during a consultation over cash-saving plans to move Aberaeron’s library ‘out of town’ into Ceredigion County Council’s Penmorfa offices, a meeting has heard.” … “The report said that 896 responses were received – 91 per cent of which disagreed with the planned move away from its current County Hall base.” … “A public meeting held in July met the plans with “anger” and warned that elderly library users would find it hard to access the new facility except by car.” … “Aberaeron councillor Elizabeth Evans called the consultation a “mockery” and “misleading” and said that “every business in the town would be horrified if the library moved.””
- Cheshire East – Cheshire East would not balance its books in adult services this year even if it closed all its libraries, leisure centres and more – Macclesfield Nub News. “Cheshire East wouldn’t balance its books in adult services this year even if it closed all its libraries and leisure centres and didn’t spend a penny fixing roads, a councillor said.” £20.7m overspend.
- Cheshire West and Chester – “Ellies” – the new Ellesmere Port Prize for Reading – Dee Radio. “Libraries Service has partnered with the three high schools in Ellesmere Port to boost reading and library membership amongst 11- to 14-year-olds.” … “Each school will decide who will receive three awards (strongest, resilience and achievement) with each winning student receiving a trophy and a gift token. Each school will also decide on a further five commended students who will receive a gift token. There will also be an award for those who are home schooled.”
- Libraries Week: Events happening at Cheshire West Libraries – Chester Standard. Advice sessions : “The library service is working with partners including React Now – the Cheshire West and Chester Council Climate Change Team, Citizen’s Advice, Groundwork, Energy Projects Plus and Severn Trent Water.” plus authors, music and ghost stories.
- City of London – London library has service charge hiked from £8k to £40k after having rate frozen since the 1980s – MyLondon. “The site’s landlord, Landsec, said it is not charging the full amount allowed under the lease, and that the company is committed to working alongside the library to ensure it ‘continues to succeed’. The local authority says that it is not anticipating an impact on services.” … “It has also emerged however that when the developer Landsec took over the premises from the library’s previous landlord, Deloitte, it introduced a new service charge five times that initially levied.”
- Croydon – Cabinet approves new libraries model – Croydon Council. “The new model, approved by the council’s cabinet last night, does include the difficult decision to close four library buildings – Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead and Shirley, in order to re-invest into the library service. There will be no cuts to the libraries budget and existing resources will be used to provide a more inclusive, flexible, modernised service that reaches more residents.”
- Four Croydon libraries set to close ‘won’t actually close’ claims Mayor – except they kind of will – My London. Libraries will become bookable spaces instead.
- No money, no plan, no honesty: Mayor still closing 4 libraries – Inside Croydon. “since covid in 2020, and the council’s financial collapse later that year, only one of the borough’s libraries, Central, has been operating anything like “normal” opening hours. In 2020, £800,000 was cut from the libraries’ operating budget, making it impossible to staff a proper library service across all 13 libraries.”
- Cumberland – Cockermouth Library Link secures future with Cumberland Council – Cumberland Council. “The valued community resource is set for an important transition as work begins to transfer management and staff responsibilities from Cockermouth Town Council to Cumberland Council.”
- Darlington – Library unveils latest technological addition – Darlington Council. Hublets, funded via Arts Council England.
“Thought you’d be interested to know that Hampshire Libraries are having problems with their IT systems resulting in rather a lot of users accumulating overdue fees. On 20 September I received an automated email informing me my books were due back soon. The email was dated 14 September for books due back on 18 September so they were already overdue when I received the notification. I was in Devon at the time (from 19 – 23) at a rural location with no signal so only picked it up on my return Sunday evening at which point I renewed everything online.
On Monday I went into my local library and was told that, because it was a courtesy email, they had been told by the powers-that-be that they couldn’t waived the overdue fees. These were over £8 (I’m an avid library user and usually have quite a few books on loan). Whilst I was there another user was querying her £%+ overdue fees – can’t help wondering how much money they’re making due to this IT problem? I also suspect that a few people will pay their fees and stop using the library because they don’t want it to happen again or some will even just hang onto their books and not return them because they can’t afford to pay late fees – I know from experience that people do both. This isn’t the first time they’ve had IT issues. Recently they were having to send out personal emails to people informing them that their reserved books were ready for collection as they system had stopped doing it … this time Head Office agreed to this action because they were concerned about people paying £1.20 for a reservation and then it being sent back before it was collected. “
Hampshire – email received
- Isle of Wight – Newport’s Lord Louis Library Set To Undergo Essential Works – Isle of Wight Radio.
- Flintshire – Flintshire Councillors launch petition to save Aura’s libraries and leisure centres – Deeside.com. “A petition launched by local councillors in Flintshire to save Aura’s libraries and leisure centres has attracted over 1,000 signatures just one day after its release.”. Council may return Aura services to itself – petitions says “This decision will undoubtedly lead to severe service disruption across the community and could ultimately result in the closure of many libraries and leisure centres throughout Flintshire.””
“Please sign this petition to save library and leisure services. Aura offered to make up the funding gap themselves to save the services and Flintshire has turned them down! Ask your Councillor why.”
Sara Mogel OBE, Chair of Aura
- Haringey – Haringey Council plans to cut opening hours at its libraries – This is Local London. “friends groups have raised concerns that the move could lead to a “future of library closures” due to reduced usage, and that children and young people had not been consulted. “
- Herefordshire – Date Hereford’s new temporary library will open confirmed – Hereford Times. “The building near Hereford Cathedral, which has long housed a small museum upstairs, is being converted to provide the city with a state-of-the-art museum and exhibition space.”
- Kirklees – Kirklees Council would be making a mistake by cutting libraries – Yorkshire Post Letters – Yorkshire Post. “My experience of using volunteers is mixed and is useful but isn’t as reliable as having paid staff.” Writer suggests council cuts “back of house” rather than libraries.
- Leicester – Leicester libraries mark Black History Month with free cultural events and great book suggestions – In Your Area. Author, reggae pioneer, exhibition.
- Leicestershire – Get a wriggle on to new children’s reading festival – Leicestershire Council. “Inspired by the libraries’ regular story and rhyme sessions, Wriggly Readers, the new festival will be across the 16 county council run libraries and will provide learning and entertainment for families with babies and children under five. “
- Liverpool – Liverpool library visit turns spooky with discovery of tampered occult book – Daily Star. Reporter notices some pages cut out of book at Liverpool Central Library and makes a news article of it.
- Staying professional in a storm – CILIP. “What happens when a library is attacked by far-right rioters? Denise Jones, Acting Customer Services Manager, Liverpool Central Library, explains how the library service and the community reacted to events at the Spellow Library Hub in Liverpool.”
- Northern Ireland- Experience of culture, arts and heritage by adults in Northern Ireland 2023/24 – Northern Ireland Government. Includes spreadsheet with detailed usage of libraries.
- Northumberland – Northumberland’s library service branded ‘best in the country’ – Chronicle. Councillor in charge of libraries says it is one of the best. “As of the first quarter of 2024, there were 52,298 members of the county’s library service – a 13.9% increase on the same period. Libraries up and down the county also saw 8,319 people attend various events – an increase of 237% on the previous year.”. Library at South Beach reopened “supported y a pretty impressive volunteer network”
- Nottingham – Lace making history on show online and in library – BBC. “Available through the website of LibraryOn, a programme supported by Arts Council England to improve libraries’ online presence, Nottingham City Council said it will “present an insightful snapshot into the rich history of Nottingham lace”.”
- Perth and Kinross – ‘Save Birnam Library’ protest shines light on Perth and Kinross closure fears – Courier. “The Birnam demonstration came as library users across Perth and Kinross are consulted on ‘alternative models of provision'”.
- Powys – Powys set to celebrate Green Libraries Week with roadshow – Brecon and Radnor Express. ” Powys libraries will be hosting recycling roadshows where you can find out how to make the most of your recycling boxes at home and help the environment by making sure you recycle as much of your waste as possible and make sustainable choices.”
- Renfrewshire – Paisley Central Library finalist for the AJ Architecture Awards – Herald Scotland. “the community facility features a vibrant children’s library, and a storytelling area and a unique play structure complete with a climbing wall and slide”
- Sandwell – Celebration of Tipton history sees library packed out – Express and Star. ” Tipton Town Libraries Local History Group welcomed community groups, former Tiptonian of the Year award winners and the public to Carnegie Library in the town for a morning of exhibits and a chance to meet up with old friends.”
- Somerset – Wellington Library welcomes community back to its historic Fore Street location – County Gazette. “The library, which has been a cornerstone of the community since 1969, underwent significant upgrades while temporarily housed on North Street.”
- Suffolk – Vibrant new bins installed in community following children’s competition – Ipswich Council. “Two bins outside libraries in Ipswich have had a colourful makeover thanks to local school children taking part in the Brighten our Bins competition.”
- Suffolk – Wild Reads is returning with even more nature activities for families – Suffolk Libraries.
- Warrington – Warrington Library Network Forum – Warrington Council. “The Warrington Library Network Forum has now been established to replace the former Library Partnership Board which was set up to ensure Warrington’s library service was dynamic, comprehensive, universal and sustainable for all Warrington residents. The Board oversaw the refurbishment programme across the libraries which has now been completed. The Warrington Library Network Forum will support and encourage engagement in a strong modern library service within the Borough, ensuring service users and the wider public have a voice.”
- Warwickshire – Enjoy free Fun Palace events at selected Warwickshire Libraries on 5 and 6 October – Warwickshire Council. Knitting, music, Diwali crafts, art.
- West Sussex – West Sussex Libraries Host Free Events to Support Positive Ageing – West Sussex Council. “A joint initiative between West Sussex County Council’s Library Service and Public Health”. Free slip-safe slippers, advice.
- Wigan – Library card scheme opens a new chapter – Wigan Council. “All reception pupils will be given the cards to encourage more residents to visit the borough’s amazing library network.” … “It is part of the council’s Progress With Unity approach, which includes a focus on reducing educational, health and financial inequalities by creating fair opportunities for children and families. It will be paired with a similar scheme that will see parents offered a card for their new-born baby when they register the birth.”
- Wirral – Library set to reopen with new café after transformation – Liverpool Echo. Wallasey Village Library: “Following the decision to close it, neighbours, volunteers, a nearby primary school, a café, and Wallasey councillor Ian Lewis came together to form a new charity that would take the building over and run it for at least the next 25 years. In February this year, they received the keys to the building and have been working on the building since.” … “The Wallasey Village Library and Community Centre is converting one third of the building into the library space, another room into a community space, while a third room will become a dog friendly café”
Gritted teeth: volunteers and party protests
Sep 22nd
Editorial
There are two articles this week – one from Sheffield and one from Waltham Forest – that remind me it has been over fourteen years when the first local people started having to volunteer to keep their libraries open due to council cuts. The strong suspicion at the time was that such libraries were not going to last long, due to people losing their enthusiasm or being unable to meet funding requirements. However, come now and there are at least 621 volunteer libraries in the UK with only a handful having had to close. The others are still surviving, some still staffed by the original volunteers (many now in their 70s and some in their 80s) who are new presumably experts in gaining grants and local fundraising. Now, being biased (I’ve been a paid librarian, somehow, for 30 years), I see a lot of problems with this model – atomisation, local biases, better performance in areas with lots of retired professionals, etc, etc – but one has to admit that they’re still standing. And that’s amazing and needs credit, whether you like them or not.
It’s been a quiet week, especially in comparison to the weeks before following the BBC report, but there’s still sadly some cuts to report – Hampshire will be buying fewer books, Haringey’s libraries will be open for fewer hours, Kirklees will see reduced staffing and Perth and Kinross are warning about potential closures. A few of these are basically new bargaining positions due to public protest, especially in Kirklees. And then we have the standard news article of whichever party not locally in power complaining about library cuts. This can of course mean Conservative councillors reacting in shock to budgetary cuts, which naturally causes the odd jaded raised eyebrow, as in Enfield. Or gritted teeth.
Please email ianlibrarian@live.co.uk with any news, views or corrections, thank you.
Changes by local authority
- Hampshire – £200k (17%) cut to stock budget confirmed.
- Haringey – Proposed opening hours cuts in six libraries of two days and three (largest) libraries of one day.
- Kirklees – Rather than closing libraries, council will reduce library staffing.
- Perth and Kinross – Several libraries under potential threat as council says current library provision “no longer sustainable”
National news
- CILIP Members’ Fest 2024 Programme – CILIP. 14-18 October. Most events online. “All events are open-access, so whether you are a CILIP member or not, you can attend free of charge, take advantage of our thought leadership and training sessions and meet fellow community members. The whole programme is designed to introduce you to what we and our amazing communities do …”
- Create ‘universal library card’ to democratise the arts, says UK thinktank – Guardian. Fabian Society suggests “Everyone in Britain should be issued with a “universal library card”
- Now it’s Labour pushing councils into crisis – Socialist Worker. “Britain’s libraries are set to be even more hollowed out in the coming years. They have already taken a beating during the years of Tory austerity.”
- Over £1.2 million investment in local museums and libraries – Wired Gov. Wales. “£300,000 for the refurbishment and modernisation of Cwmbran Library”, “£130,000 for the Betws Library Modernisation Project; Ceredigion County Council will benefit from £210,000 for the development of the new Aberaeron Library”
International news
- Australia – In otherwise chaotic times, Victoria’s state library gave me purpose and peace – Guardian. “I could not believe such a grand facility with free internet, heating and a wealth of reading material was free for everyone to access, every day of the week – not to mention the student rates for coffee and sandwiches”
- Canada – Halifax Public Libraries and union reach tentative agreement – CBC. New pay offer to be voted on.
- Ireland – Louth Library Service joins National Public Libraries Open Day 2024 – Louth Live. 28 September. “will be joining 300+ branches nationwide to promote the role of public libraries in Irish society, raise awareness of the range of services they provide, and encourage people to become members. To coincide with National Public Libraries Open Day, the Take a Closer Look campaign is encouraging people to see first-hand the wide-ranging free services open to them through their libraries.” … “Library membership is free with no fines or any barrier to access”
- Switzerland – Swiss libraries receive over 46 million visits – Swiss Info. “Public libraries in Switzerland recorded 46.3 million admissions last year, 7.4 million more than in 2022. The total number of active users remained stable at 1.7 million” … “Switzerland has a total of 1,498 libraries, a slight increase on the previous year (1,484), says the statistical office. On average, the country has 16.7 libraries per 100,000 inhabitants.” … “A total of 8,607 people, or 4,337 full-time equivalents, worked in Swiss libraries, in addition to 2,339 volunteers.”
- USA – ‘We Are the Majority’: Intellectual Freedom Summit in D.C. reenergizes library advocates to fight censorship – American Libraries Magazine. “We are the majority and we have to start acting like it”
- Carnegie Returns to Its Roots with Millions in Grants to Public Libraries – Carnegie Corporation of New York. “will devote $4 million to three of the city’s public libraries in a set of grants that mark the philanthropy’s return to its roots.”
- New Urban Libraries Council (ULC) Brief: “The Role of Libraries as Public Spaces in Countering Misinformation, Disinformation, and Social Isolation in the Age of Generative AI” – Library Journal.
Local news by authority
- Barnsley – Libraries to close for refurbishment scheme – BBC. “Two libraries are to close as part of a £500,000 refurbishment to modernise the buildings and make them more energy efficient. Barnsley Council said the work would help transform Darfield and Goldthorpe libraries into modern and flexible spaces. Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said they had made “great progress” since they began refurbishing libraries as part of the Barnsley Library Strategy.”
- Birmingham – Writers create protest magazine over library cuts – BBC. “The Brum Library Zine, which launches on Saturday, paired 35 writers with libraries across Birmingham and asked them to write a piece inspired by that library.”, one for each library under threat. Author says ” he saw librarians helping refugees to fill out forms, and children studying who did not have computers or quiet spaces at home. Library staff told him about socially isolated people who came in for regular chats.”
- Birmingham City Council’s plans for ‘minimum’ number of libraries – and what would happen to the rest – Birmingham Live. Library consultation until 27 September.
- Bolton – Warning as new computers to be installed at Bolton libraries – Bolton News. “From Monday, September 16, to Friday, September 20, new computers will be installed at community libraries.” computers will be unavailable while being upgarded per branch.
- Bristol – Congratulating our Summer Reading Challenge champions – Bristol Council. “To commemorate the end of the challenge, every library in Bristol nominated children or young people to represent them at an awards ceremony, which took place at Bristol Central Library on Tuesday 17 September. Each winner was presented a Summer Reading Challenge Book bag by Councillor Andrew Varney, the Lord Mayor of Bristol”
- Buckinghamshire – Residents last chance to comment on controversial plans to cut library staff across Buckinghamshire – Bucks Herald. Staffless technology to partially replace paid staff at Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Chesham, Hazlemere, Marlow and Princes Risborough.
- Bury – Age UK – Scam Awareness Talks in libraries during October – My News Desk. Three free drop-ins.
- Cambridgeshire – The Library Presents reveals the returning favourites and new delights set to perform in March, Wisbech and Chatteris – Fenland Citizen. “With 43 events taking place across 23 venues including March, Wisbech and Chatteris, The Library Presents offers something for everyone, from music and puppetry to dance, theatre, storytelling, and circus.”
- Cheshire West and Chester -End period poverty campaign gets boost as libraries and leisure centres come aboard – Northwich and Winsford Guardian. “Cheshire West and Chester (CWAC) libraries and Brio leisure centres, including Winsford Lifestyle Centre and Northwich Memorial Court, have now agreed to act as drop-off points for period products donated by the public.”
- Bump into culture at your local library this autumn – Dee Radio. “Cheshire West Libraries have partnered with Bee Friends of Frodsham to present a series of classical, light music and jazz concerts, performed by professional musicians from the Royal Northern College of Music”. Funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
- Croydon – Council is reported to government for library report failures – Inside Croydon. “The cobbled-together, evidence-lite and contradictory report recommending the closure of four of the borough’s public libraries now faces a legal challenge”. Library Campaign calls for “full DCMS investigation into [Croydon] council’s current library plans (such as they are) and intervention to secure improvements.”
- Devon – Honiton Library celebrates 50 years with party and 1974 quiz – Mid Week Herald. 100 attended.
- Enfield – Labour and Tories blame each other for plan to close eight Enfield libraries – Enfield Dispatch. “The opposition Conservatives called a fresh debate on the library closures but again failed to force a rethink on the proposal”
- Save Enfield libraries and leisure centre from Labour cuts – Socialist Party. “Enfield was the London borough with the most libraries – 16 in total. However, the Labour council has decided to close half. These cuts will save the council around £600,000, and earn it £3 million on property sales.”
- Falkirk – Crochet class will not return to Bo’ness library as cost of hire trebles – Falkirk Herald. “Bo’ness library’s community rooms recently reopened after being closed for nearly two years while a new lift was being installed. After waiting 104 weeks for the rooms to be ready, Lindsay McFarlane says her community crochet classes won’t be returning to Bo’ness because of the price hike.”. Cost increased from £10 per hour to £30.
- Hampshire – Libraries across Hampshire to face funding cuts – Hello Rayo. “Hampshire’s children’s services boss has argued people won’t suffer a ”significantly detrimental” impact despite a £200,000 cut in the budget for new library stock so core services can be prioritised.”
- Haringey – Fresh anger over cuts to library opening hours across Haringey – Haringey Community Press. “Haringey Council is looking for children and young people to give feedback in response to criticism over plans to reduce library opening hours.” No hard copies of consultation on show in libraries.
- Isle of Wight – Breastfeeding friendly spaces introduced in Isle of Wight Libraries – Isle of Wight County Press. “Since April, each of the council’s six libraries — Cowes, Freshwater, Newport, Ryde, Sandown, and Ventnor — has been equipped with specially allocated chairs for mothers to breastfeed their babies. Recently, feeding cushions have been added for extra comfort.”
- Kirklees – What is happening with Mirfield Library: Kirklees Council agrees u-turn on plan to shut Mirfield Library but warned communities left feeling ‘bruised’ – Dewsbury Reporter. “The local authority had been looking to make eight of Kirklees’ 24 libraries community-managed in a bid to make a saving of more than £900k” … “However, the plans were met with huge backlash from local communities, with a consultation revealing that volunteers and other members of the community were “overwhelmingly” against them.”
- Lancashire – Rishton Library vandalised for second time in two weeks – Lancashire Telegraph. “On Thursday night, September 12, the library had its windows smashed, as well as the doors, just weeks after reports were made that librarians had faced abuse by a group of young people. Windows had also been smashed previously and workers at the library, on High Street, said they had to make numerous complaints across several months after persistent disturbances.”
- Leicester – Free activities for Green Libraries Week – Leicester Council. “talk on why we travel by award-winning journalist, broadcaster and author Ash Bhardwa”, volunteering opportunities, events.
Nottinghamshire – Exciting refurbishment planned for Hucknall Library in late 2024 – Dispatch. “Funded by the Libraries Improvement Fund in collaboration with Nottinghamshire Council, the renovations will include providing access to a customer toilet and upgraded spaces and facilities to allow for improved flexibility and use of the building.”
Perth and Kinross – ‘Save Birnam Library’ protest shines light on Perth and Kinross closure fears – Courier. “Campaigners staged a protest outside Birnam Library on Friday amid fresh fears it’s facing closure. It comes as culture bosses consult communities across Perth and Kinross on what “possible future models of service delivery” might look like. Library users in Aberfeldy, Alyth, Auchterarder, Blairgowrie, Birnam, Comrie, Crieff, Kinross, Perth, Pitlochry and Scone are all being asked about their habits.” Councils says ““We know that library services are highly valued. However the current model of service provision is no longer sustainable.”
- Peterborough – Woodston Library recycles shark spied in monster exhibition – BBC. “The Friends of Woodston Library, a group campaigning to keep the site open, said the shark had given children who were unable to get to the cathedral a taste of what had been on display.”
- Sheffield – Volunteer libraries go from strength to strength in Sheffield – Star. “Since 2014, when volunteer management began in most of Sheffield’s suburban libraries, and despite dire predictions from the scheme’s detractors, none of the libraries that passed into volunteer hands has foundered.” … “Many of the shelves in the volunteer libraries are now filled with libraries’ own book stocks, reducing their reliance on council stocks and on the council’s libraries management systems, and ensuring that stock acquisition policies are managed from a place much closer to actual library users.” Many original volunteers now in their 70s or even 80s and so new volunteers wanted.
- South Gloucestershire – Thousands of South Gloucestershire children celebrate reading challenge success – South Gloucestershire Council. “More than 5,500 children have taken part”, councillors “attended a special event at Bradley Stoke Library to meet a group of local children and present them with medals and certificates.”
- Southwark – Southwark Recognised for Supporting Refugees and Named Borough of Sanctuary – Public Sector Executive. “This recognition as a Borough of Sanctuary follows the Libraries and Heritage Service becoming the first London-based services to be awarded Libraries of Sanctuary status.”
- Staffordshire – Family open day aims to show off local heritage – BBC. Perton Library. “part of the Staffordshire History Festival celebrations.”
- St Helens – Libraries that were cut by St Helens remain closed – St Helens Star. “None of the libraries closed by St Helens Council in the past year have reopened as community-managed venues” … “The council says it has no plans to close any further libraries and is in fact looking to invest in Haydock Library this year and move St Helens Library back to the Gamble Building from the World of Glass once interior work starts and is completed there.”
- Stoke on Trent – Volunteers to be recruited to help extend opening hours at Stoke-on-Trent libraries – Stoke Nub News. “Volunteers are set to be recruited to help extend opening hours at Stoke-on-Trent’s libraries. Stoke-on-Trent City Council has drawn up plans to increase the number of volunteers in its library service to boost the existing workforce. Council chiefs say this could allow them to reverse the cuts to library opening hours brought in this year”
- Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries launches silent auction for artwork by elusive Suffolk artist, The Hat – Suffolk Libraries. “Titled Day’s Eye, the painting was anonymously left on the steps of Framlingham Library, wrapped in The Hat’s signature brown paper with false postage details. It has been contributed to support the Suffolk Libraries’ Make a Difference With a Daisy campaign.”
- Wild Reads – Suffolk Libraries. ” in partnership with Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Take part in a series of events throughout the autumn months, for both adults and children.”
- Wakefield – Ossett Library to welcome back visitors after refurbishment – Wakefield Express. “The new library is on the first floor of Ossett Town Hall which has benefited from a refurbishment programme to the Grade II listed town hall building. ”
- Waltham Forest – The independent Essex library fighting to stay open against funding struggle – Essex Live. “South Chingford Community Library houses over 10,000 books and hosts weekly events for locals. They pride themselves on providing a safe, welcoming space for the community to connect. Run entirely by volunteers, the library first opened in 2012 after the original South Chingford Branch library closed due to budget cuts. It operates in the former Waltham Forest Direct Shop.” … “usly, London Borough of Waltham Forest covered the library’s rent under a lease. However, this support ended in September 2023. A spokesperson for the local authority stated that they had given “immense support” to the library over the past eleven years, including £500,000 in direct aid over the last five years, but were unable to continue funding.” … “the library needs to raise £65,000 annually to stay open after that.”
“We consider ourselves the hub of this area. We welcome everyone and encourage organisations to use our services. Many come here to escape loneliness, especially in the winter, and appreciate our warm, social environment. If we were to close, there would be no other place for people to go.”
Richard Ashen, chair of South Chingford Community Library’s Board of Trustees
- West Berkshire – Call out to local authors for West Berks Library showcase – Newbury Today. “If you have had a book published that you would like to promote, please contact them for further details – an early expression of interest is advised as space is limited. “
- Westmorland and Furness – Ulverston library service to move permanently into Coro – Beyond Radio. “A meeting of Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet approved a recommendation that Ulverston’s library service be permanently re-located to The Coro in the town.”
- War of words breaks out over Ulverston library between MP and council – Cumbria Crack. “Barrow’s MP has claimed Westmorland & Furness Council refused to defer its plans to relocate Ulverston’s library – a claim it has denied. Michelle Scrogham, the Labour MP for Barrow and Furness, said there was a £2 million offer to refurbish the closed-down facility.”
- Worcestershire – Worcestershire libraries get prepared for emergencies this ‘Save a Life September’ – Worcestershire Council. Trauma kits. “The first-aid equipment has been installed in nine libraries and there are plans to install more in other public places across the county. The kits are designed to help people stop the casualty bleeding before paramedics arrive.”
“No easy answers”
Sep 15th
Editorial
“No easy answers” is how Chris Bryant, the relevant minister for public libraries, describes his views on the sector in his foreword to Libraries Annual Report 2024. Well, there is Chris, but not one that the current government is apparently willing to consider. This is to restore some of the 50% of total funding that has been taken from the sector since 2010. Faced with an unwillingness by all parties to face the currently politically long-term unfashionable view that you get what you pay for, the short debate on public libraries in the House of Lords this week was not likely to come up with any real solutions, especially as it was for just one hour, with normal speakers only been given one minute each. That doesn’t sound much, and it isn’t, but it’s more time than in the whole of the last government.
All of the politicians seemed to like libraries and, in most cases really value them, but it was all tinkering around the edges. Suggestions were varied. Quite a few suggested getting better data on the sector. This will need making it a statutory duty on public authorities to send in reports, which could happen as there would be no cost involved, which appears to be the over-riding factor. What this would actually achieve is questionable though: people know when their libraries are being expanded and closed and everyone knows how bleak things are. No-one suggested library standards presumably because everyone had forgotten about them.
There was a suggestion for an actual libraries minister which could help by creating an advocate. There was also the odd idea of a national “front door” for public libraries as well. Odd, because this appeared to be the same thing as LibraryOn, the unpublicised national website that resulted from more than a decade of research on having a single digital presence. There was a lot of negative comments about how complicated the sector was but with no suggestions about how to simplify it. There were also the standard comments about how things could be improved by replacing (sorry, supplementing) paid library staff with volunteers and one member who thought that too much political correctness was to blame for 14 years of problems.
The most memorable thing for me was the comedy appearances (somehow he managed two) by Lord Ed Vaizey, who many may remember as the most notorious minister ever vaguely in charge of libraries. He kept up his low standards (sorry, I said “standards” again) by saying that some libraries deserved closing so it’s not a big problem. Ed’s big suggestion was that doubling public lending right is the most important thing that the government could do for public libraries. At least that brought a smile to my face. A pained one, accompanied by cynical laughter, but a smile nonetheless. It was the only one I had throughout the hour.
Changes by local authority
- Barnsley – Darfield and Goldthorpe libraries to be refurbished.
- Bradford – Holme Wood Library taken over by community enterprise.
- Coventry – Four libraries to close and to move to co-locations.
- Croydon – Four libraries ( Bradmore Way, Farm Fields, Canterbury Road and Wickham Road) confirmed as closing.
- Essex – Harwich Library to be refurbished.
- Lambeth – Further £1.7m refurbishment
- Westmorland and Furness – Ulverston Library to close: library services to be moved to The Coro.
- York – £600k cut to York Libraries in 2025/6
National news
- Borrowing books and e-books survey for library users – Libraries Connected. “We are trying to find out more about people’s experiences of our lending offer to help us improve it and ensure that it meets the needs of borrowers. The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete.“
- CILIPS Research Fund – CILIPS. “The CILIPS Research Fund offers a unique opportunity to support research that contributes to Library and Information Sector advocacy in Scotland. The Fund was launched at our 2022 Annual Conference and makes available up to £10,000 per year in funding for researchers, practitioners, activists, students and other interested professionals whose work seeks to advance library advocacy.”
- Libraries Annual Report 2023/24 – DCMS. “We cannot shy away from the challenges that libraries have faced. The amount councils are spending on public libraries in England has fallen by almost half in real terms between 2009/10 and 2022/23. I do not have an easy answer for this. Money is in short supply and councils face many competing urgent needs. But I will work across local and central government to support libraries and promote their vital role in delivering strategic objectives: to break down barriers to opportunity and to unlock economic growth.” (Chris Bryant MP – Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism)
- Libraries are a boundless resource. We mustn’t let their lights go out – Big Issue. “There is a depressing metronomic regularity to the news, but it’s not a surprise. Libraries are in crisis. And the country greets the details with a polite frown and a shrug. Because, you know, it’s libraries and nobody ever died because of a library closing, did they? Well…”
“If Keir Starmer wanted to push back against the grey cloud that has descended because of his doom-laden warnings, he could seek to make libraries hubs of positivity and growth. The network is there. But maybe not for long. Once the libraries go, they’re gone. “
- Libraries are a vital asset for a thriving society – Guardian / Letters. Library visits reduced criminal activity; Brent library service not as bad as Zadie Smith says; suggestion Labour ministers read Burning the Books by Richard Ovenden.
- Local libraries – so much more than just books – Sussex Bylines. “So how successful have the county councils of East and West Sussex been in preserving their local libraries? Although both were Conservative-led over the period measured by the BBC report, the differences between the two are startling. The number of council-run services in East Sussex declined from 25 to 17 between 2016 and 2023, whereas West Sussex retained all its 36 libraries over the period, (although there may have been some reduction in opening hours). ” … ” a volunteer with community-run Ringmer library, expressed it best when describing the sense of dread about the threatened closure of the venue in 2018: “It was like that space was just being torn out of the community.””
- Public libraries are precious, they taught me about my neighbours – Time Times. Paywall.
- Queen Camilla wows in blue dress as she welcomes famous author to Clarence House – Express. “The meeting comes after Frank Cottrell-Boyce, author of Millions, Framed, Cosmic and The Wonder Brothers, was appointed the position of Waterstones Children’s Laureate earlier this year.”
- Short debate: Plans to publish a new strategy for public libraries – Parliament Live. One hour debate. (Baroness Sanderson) Lack of recognition/awareness of libraries amongst government and the public. Not enough data. “The Story Shell is a huge, air-filled sculpture in the shape of a seashell which will host magical art space experiences.”. “Lacking even the most basic overview of library provision”, push for making every child a library member and for British Library to be given funding to research a “front door” for public libraries. Some push for more volunteers and for a less confusing network for libraries and push for a national framework. In Hansard, the word “sausages” appears more frequently than “libraries”. Ed Vaizey puts in a comedy appearance suggesting that numbers of libraries cuts are misleading and that it’s good to close some, with the suggestion to double public lending right fees.
International news
- Australia – Webinar: Empowering Communities – Harnessing Social Marketing for Public Libraries – Raeco Library Solutions.
Local news by authority
- Barnsley – Libraries in Darfield and Goldthorpe to benefit from our Libraries Refurbishment Programme – Barnsley Council. “Darfield and Goldthorpe libraries are set to be transformed into modern and flexible library spaces”
- Birmingham – Labour city councillor suspended for criticising party on library and day centre cuts – Birmingham Live. “Brooks, who represents Harborne, has been increasingly vocal about his opposition to planned council cuts that would see the library in his ward close and a vital day centre service shut. He was unrepentant, saying he would fight the allegations but was determined to continue standing up for residents in his constituency, who were angered and upset about local closure plans and the way consultations had been conducted.”
- Blaenau Gwent – Abertillery Library and Community Hub moving to town centre – South Wales Argus. “The new Abertillery Library and Community Education Centre will have the same great team assisting you and, if you have any questions, customers are advised to please go to Aneurin Leisure where you can find frequently asked questions for libraries and learning.”
“Whilst being more in the centre of Abertillery will bring some benefits the proximity of parking will become an issue, especially as Blaenau Gwent is more rural than most people imagine.”
Email received
- Bradford – New managers want to bring library space ‘to life’ – BBC. “Beyond the Margin has been announced as the new manager of Holme Wood Library, on Broadstone Way. The charity, which according to its website aims to support “disadvantaged and marginalised people” through education and creative learning, will host an opening event for residents on 26 September.”
- Coventry – Coventry libraries to be relocated as council plans huge change – Coventry Telegraph. “The council wants to move the services out of buildings in Bell Green, Canley, Coundon and Holbrooks. The book-borrowing outlets would be based alongside other council services at venues including a leisure centre, plans say.” … “Three of the libraries would likely move to smaller spaces and have fewer books available.”
- Croydon – Four Croydon libraries to go – as resources focus on borough’s most popular ones – London News Online. “Four libraries across Croydon are to close to save cash. Croydon council says the closures will allow it to increase the opening hours of its nine most visited libraries, according to a paper published on its website. The council first proposed the closure of the Bradmore Green (Coulsdon), Sanderstead, Broad Green and Shirley libraries in January of this year. Following a public consultation and impact assessment, Croydon confirmed these libraries will close on October 25. The libraries are, respectively, in Bradmore Way, Farm Fields, Canterbury Road and Wickham Road”
- Perry’s ‘cruel closures’ of one-quarter of borough’s libraries – Inside Croydon.
- Essex – Library to relocate services during refurbishment – BBC. “The refurbishment scheme was planned as part of the Dovercourt Capital Regeneration Projects, external, led by the county council and Tendring District Council” see also New images show what refurbished Harwich Library could look like – Harwich and Manningtree Standard.
- Hampshire – People won’t suffer despite 200k library budget cut, council argue – Hampshire Chronicle. £200k cut to book budget. “Councillors heard the cost of running the library service for 2023/24 is £12.6 million, with £9.9 million coming from core funding and £2.7 million income from additional library services. Some £1.2 million is dedicated to buying new stock, with £900,000 spent on new physical stock and £300,000 on digital resources such as eBooks and eAudiobooks.”
- Kirklees – Volunteers badly treated on libraries – councillor – BBC. “Kirklees Council had proposed putting local volunteers in charge of eight of its 24 libraries, but made a U-turn after a study found people were “overwhelmingly” against the idea. Its new proposal is to reduce staff across all of its 24 libraries, as it tries to make savings of more than £900,000. At a meeting to discuss the plans, Conservative councillor John Taylor said while he was pleased to see the Labour administration had listened to communities, relations had been strained with community groups left feeling “bruised”.”
- Kirklees Council approves plans to reshape library service for the future – Kirklees Council. “A new, delivery model was presented to cabinet today where all libraries will remain as part of the statutory network but, potentially, with reduced staffing instead of no staff at all. Any community that wishes to continue talks to transfer to a community managed operating model would still be supported to do so. “
- Lambeth – Lambeth Council to invest £1.7 million in library refurbishment and innovation – Brixton Buzz. “Recent refurbishment works have already taken place at Durning and Streatham libraries, and a £1million overhaul of Brixton library was completed in August. This latest investment marks the start of a major and ongoing programme of refurbishment and asset replacement across all libraries.”
- Norfolk -King’s Lynn Carnegie library will not become flats, West Norfolk councillor Simon Ring promises – Lynn News.
- North East Lincolnshire – Ongoing libraries public computer outage ‘escalated to highest level’ – Grimsby Live. ” a month-long public computer outage at several libraries.”
- Northumberland – North’s ‘biggest book club’ coming to Northumberland – Hexham Courant. “The Big Read will be travelling to libraries across the North of England this autumn, including Hexham Library, in Northumberland, on September 25.” More than 1,000 copies of book will be given away.
- North Yorkshire – Bedale Community Library stars on BBC Breakfast television – Darlington and Stockton Times. “The library, in Bedale, has been run by volunteers since 2017 and has become a remarkable success story with more than 23,000 visits last year. However many libraries across the country have either closed or are under threat. The BBC programme looked at the issues, basing reporter Jayne McCubbin in Bedale Library to talk to volunteers, trustees and users of the library including a group of children who joined in for a junk modelling session.”
- Nottingham – Plans revealed to transform Nottingham’s former City Library into student accommodation and hot food takeaway – West Bridgford Wire.
- Issues at new library ‘to be fixed in three weeks’ – BBC. “The new Sherwood Library has experienced issues including a leak, cracked windows and faulty fire access hatches. A protest was staged outside the library building on 19 August, where families expressed their frustration and anger at the situation”
- Somerset – Somerset Libraries relaunch Winter Coat Exchange scheme – Somerset Council. “As children settle in to the new school year, a ‘Back to School’ appeal has been launched for children’s/teen coats that may have been outgrown, but the scheme welcomes donations of coats for all ages.”
- Staffordshire – Libraries see surge in health and wellbeing e-books – Staffordshire Council. “The service has published their list as part of World Suicide Prevention Day “
- Stirling – Plea for public opinion on Stirling libraries – Brig News. “, local residents can shape the once uncertain future of Stirling’s libraries in the new consultation on the Engage Stirling website. Paper copies are also available in libraries.”
- Warrington – Number of Warrington libraries have increased since 2016 – Warrington Guardian. “According to the figures, Warrington had a total of 11 statutory libraries in 2016, which increased to 13 in 2023 – a gain of two. But the figures say three of the remaining libraries were operating with reduced hours in 2023, compared to 2016. Furthermore, the figures show the staff headcount has increased by four.”
- Warwickshire – Visit Warwickshire Libraries this October to get involved in thrilling “Body in the Library” murder mystery events – Warwickshire Council. £20 tickets, 5 libraries.
- Customers set to benefit from new look at Atherstone Library – Warwickshire Council. Painting and shelving.
- Westmorland and Furness – Plans to protect Ulverston library service and Coro backed by Cabinet – Westmorland and Furness Council. “A meeting of Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet yesterday (10 September) approved a recommendation that Ulverston’s library service be permanently re-located to The Coro in the town.”
- Ulverston town councillors ‘disappointed’ with library decision – Westmorland Gazette. ““We’re disappointed. We had hoped that we could’ve deferred and then discussed some of the further issues that the cabinet really haven’t taken on board we feel.””
- York – Library service funding cuts delayed to next year – BBC. “Explore York, which runs the city’s libraries and archives, will have to cut £600,000 next year rather than over a two-year period as originally planned.” … “more than 3,000 people had signed the opposition group’s petition opposing the cuts, showing the depth of feeling on the issue.”
How long will libraries Labour under austerity?
Sep 9th
Editorial
Well, another big week for public libraries being in the news. This was pushed mainly by a BBC report on comparing each English library service now with its service in 2016 which discovered, unsurprisingly, a – shall we say? – downward trend in numbers open, staffing and opening hours. While there is no question that this generally reflects reality, a look at the data suggests that there are specific errors with the data (my service is down as closing three libraries since 2016 – we haven’t; another is shown as opening several new additional libraries – they haven’t) which is a shame.
What isn’t a shame though is the response to the report, with lots of coverage saying how great and useful public libraries are and also that, sadly, many still open are now all but a shadow of their formal selves since fourteen years of cuts. All this has come at the perfect time politically with the new Government considering budget options. However, it looks like all the ministers have been ordered to keep quiet and to toe the line about how austerity is still necessary. Being these are Labour MPs let’s hope that this strategy will survive for a long period of time. Because, Lisa and Chris, this is something that has been cut enough and the cuts are continuing, with Aberdeen, Buckinghamshire, Birmingham, Coventry, Croydon, Enfield, Havering, Peterborough and South Lanarkshire all have news articles protesting against cuts to them or suggesting new reductions.
Beyond the UK, it’s clear that the struggle is more an ideological than financial one. Australia has a couple of news stories about proposed censorship / protecting the minds of children in public libraries plus a reasonably hysterical article or two about staff being trained to ask the gender of children. Pro tip to the libraries question here, though: don’t ask the gender in the first place. You don’t need to know. Same with asking if someone is Miss or Mrs. What has their marital status got to do with using the library? We have the normal stuff from the polarised USA with the addition of a video of a library literally having its books swept away, although by water and not by activists. Then the other thing that caught my eye was having an “AI conversational agent” in a Dubai library. As the person posting about it observes, well, that’s professional ethics right out the window.
Correction and apologies
In the previous edition of Public Libraries News I managed to make several errors all in less than one sentence about Guille-Allès Library. It’s in Guernsey, not in Jersey. It thus has nothing to do with the current President of Libraries Connected* and thus the reading group mentioned was included entirely on its own excellent merits.
*and yeah I said CILIP in the first edition of this post. This subject is clearly hexed for me.
Changes by local authority
National news
- 440 library staff jobs cut in East since 2016, figures show, amid warnings of ‘funding crisis’ – ITV. “Across the region, there were 443 fewer staff in 2023, compared to 2016. More than half of these losses were in Essex, where there were 248 fewer library staff. Hertfordshire lost 92 jobs. There are fewer libraries too – 324 in total last year, 10 fewer than in 2016, according to figures from the BBC Shared Data Unit. Northamptonshire lost the most libraries: 16 over the seven years.”
- CILIP writes to Libraries Minister – CILIP. “”As I’m sure you will recall,” Louis points out, “almost 20 years ago you were a member of the House of Commons Culture, Media, and Sport Committee when it examined the state of Public Libraries in 2004-05. Unfortunately, many of the key findings of this inquiry are still relevant today and we firmly believe that only through sustained support and investment in knowledge managers, information professionals, and librarians—one of our most trusted professions—will we be able to unlock the full potential of services in the creative learning, research, and business sectors. As the libraries minister, you have the opportunity to interpret your superintendence and development responsibilities in far more ambitious ways than your recent predecessors.””
- Gender Roles and Stereotypes in Children’s Literature: What Can Librarians Do? – Eurolis. Free. “This year’s Seminar is an in-person event at Europe House in London (32 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3EU) on Friday 22nd of November 2024, from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm.”
- The Guardian view on public libraries: these vital spaces provide much more than books – Guardian Editorial. “Offering everything from coding clubs to company, they are more essential than ever as other services vanish” … “With a new government and a new libraries minister, Chris Bryant, there is an opportunity to reverse the decline caused by 14 years of austerity. One thing libraries don’t need is more words. They need sustained and substantial funding.”
- Libraries are a boundless resource. We mustn’t let their lights go out – Big Issue. “The normal response when the regular figures come out about UK library closures, or increasingly limited opening hours, is, well, it’s the public purse. The pressure on local authorities is acute, something has to give. And besides, when did you last go into a library? As if that made it all a settled matter. The only useful barometer for library usefulness is your own recent experience of crossing the threshold. I haven’t been into a pub in Glasgow in a month. Shut them all down! “
- Libraries important for human contact, Children’s Laureate says – BBC. “Libraries must be protected as places of learning and reading and as spaces “where we bump into each other and make acquaintance and see each other”, Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce has said.”
More than 180 UK public libraries closed or handed to volunteers since 2016, data shows – Guardian. “Louis Coiffait-Gunn, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, said that the organisation is “deeply concerned but not surprised” about the loss of 2,000 library roles. There is a “worrying trend of de-professionalising the public library workforce”.”
Public libraries in ‘crisis’ as councils cut services – BBC. “More than 180 council-run libraries have either closed or been handed over to volunteer groups in the UK since 2016, BBC analysis has found. More deprived communities were four times more likely to have lost a publicly-funded library in that time, while 2,000 jobs have also been lost.” … “Freedom of Information requests sent to every library authority in the UK and Arts Council England data show the country has lost one in 20 libraries since 2016, either by closing them completely or moving them over to volunteer-run groups.” … “Sunderland went from having 11 libraries in 2016 to just three in 2023, losing 65 staff members in that time.”
“Every time I hear of a library being closed I find it absolutely horrifying. Sometimes people don’t see that, people see cuts and think it’s saving money or people don’t really need it, but I see it as a form of deprivation.”
Michael Rosen
- ‘A shell of the place it used to be’: readers on the importance of libraries – and their fragile future – Guardian. ““The library in Leamington [Warwickshire] is a shell of the place it used to be. All of the offerings are much smaller and there are fewer staff. You can see there’s no money behind it”
International
- Australia – ‘Rainbow Libraries’: Rita Panahi unleashes on Victoria’s ‘woke idiocy’ – Sky News Australia. “Sky News host Rita Panahi has hit out at the Victorian government’s “Rainbow Libraries” toolkit and accused Labor of pushing the state further into “ideological lunacy”. Children as young as five will be asked if they identify as ‘she’, ‘he’ or ‘they’ as part of the new program being rolled out in public libraries in Victoria. “This is precisely the type of woke idiocy that mainstream Australians abhor and the political class loves” see also The one question in Victoria’s rainbow libraries toolkit now being asked that has infuriated parents and experts -Mail.
- Councillor Sarah Hathway: ‘Spend on libraries and housing, not weapons’ – Green Left. ““Just last year, the City was suggesting it close libraries and pools due to budget shortfalls. Meanwhile, the federal government can pour billions into defence manufacturing.””
- Wide range of opinions shared at Albany’s meeting about sex education books and twerk workshops – Out in Perth. “Special Electors Meeting which was called to discuss concerns about sex education books available in the local library and a twerking workshop that was held as part of the city’s Pride Festival celebrations in February.”
- Canada – Sending a big shush to governments that say they can’t pay library workers a living wage – Halifax Examiner.
- Japan – Ministry to Support Collaboration Between Libraries and Bookstores; Hopes to Promote Reading in Communities Nationwide – Japan News. “The number of bookstores is declining nationwide: there were 10,918 bookstores as of March this year, 4,684 fewer than 10 years ago” … “Examples of such projects are expected to include the introduction of a system that allows users to pick up library books at bookstores and order books from bookstores at libraries.” but also ” It plans to explore solutions to the problem of bookstores being disadvantaged by libraries lending large numbers of popular books.”
- Norway – Negotiating neutrality and activism in Norwegian public libraries: the case of environmental sustainability – journal of Documentation. “The neutrality of Norwegian public libraries is tied to the libraries’ function as a social meeting place and arena for public debate. While the agenda for sustainable development is perceived as neutral by many of the interview participants, there are ongoing negotiations on how politically charged initiatives should be and whether public conversations on environmental and climate issues need to represent a balance of opinions. “
- South Africa – Joburg libraries are a place where books go to die – Mail and Guardian. “The closure of the city’s biggest library is a loss to the public, and some of the other libraries are also battling to keep the culture of books alive” [Subscription only]
- USA – Second Circuit Says Libraries Disincentivize Authors To Write Books By Lending Them For Free – Above the Law. “the final ruling is just incredibly damaging, especially in that it suggests that all libraries are bad for authors and cause them to no longer want to write. I only wish I were joking. Towards the end of the ruling (as we’ll get to below) it says that while having freely lent out books may help the public in the “short-term” the “long-term” consequences would be that “there would be little motivation to produce new works.””
- Column: Think Again – When libraries go woke – Carillon. “some librarians aren’t content with just providing books to the public. Instead, they want libraries to be centres of social justice activism that are committed to “dismantling systemic oppressive practices.”” … “If libraries keep going woke, they can expect to go broke. Let’s keep the religion of EDI {equality, diversity, inclusion – Ed.] out of our libraries.”
- This Election Will Determine the Fate of Libraries – Time. “Imagine waking up one day to a targeted smear campaign insinuating that you, a school librarian, are advocating the teaching of anal sex to 11-year-olds. This is exactly what happened to me in 2022 … ” A look at the tactics used to victimise libraries and censor books.
- Watch: Flood devastates library causing $10m of damage – BBC. “In a post on its website, the library said the building will remain closed “until further notice… while we continue to assess the damage and begin to rebuild”.”
Local news by authority
- Aberdeen – New library model to create family-friendly spaces and enhance services – Aberdeen Council. “The Future Model and working vision for the Library and Information Services was endorsed today (5 September) by Councillors in the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee. “
- Barnet – Council secures £85,000 to turn overgrown space into library reading garden in Barnet – Harrow Online. Golders Green. ACE funding.
- Barnsley – Council pledges to continue investing in libraries – Barnsley Chronicle. “However, the Chronicle can reveal that Barnsley’s picture is much different to the national one, with it retaining all 14 of its staffed venues and one self-serve facility. A key arrival during the timeframe has been the creation of the town centre’s purpose-built £5.3m Library @ the Lightbox, which opened in 2019 and effectively began the Glass Works regeneration.” but ““Since 2016, we’ve provided 14 staffed libraries across the borough, in addition to Priory Library offering a self-service option. After consulting with our residents and reviewing our library services, we reduced the opening hours across ten libraries.”
- Birmingham – Jack Reacher would not exist without Birmingham’s libraries, says writer – Guardian. “In the case of the fictional ex-military action man Jack Reacher, it has emerged he was made in a library in Birmingham. Now many libraries in the city are under threat from closure, prompting Reacher’s creator, the bestselling thriller writer Lee Child, to speak out. The author, who grew up in Birmingham, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme his 6ft 5in, 250lb protagonist would never have existed without the Second City libraries he visited in his childhood.”
- Bradford – Author hits out at ‘false economy’ of library cuts – BBC. “how library budget cuts have resulted in closures, job losses and reduced opening hours. BBC research shows Bradford and Calderdale councils have made some of the biggest changes in the country to their library services since 2016. But crime writer Saima Mir, who grew up in Bradford, said cuts to library services were a “false economy” which could leave people with an “educational and emotional gap”.”
“It gave me access to a world I wasn’t encountering every day in life, we’re not going to be able to go into the future and compete with other countries if our children do not have access to stories,””
Saima Mir
- Buckinghamshire – Podcast Transcription: Haddenham Community Library – Community Managed Libraries National Peer Network. A look at how to get new volunteers, trustees and how to network.
- Stop Bucks Council reducing staffed opening hours at Amersham Library. We demand a say – Change.org. “Buckinghamshire Council are reducing the number of hours that Amersham Library will be staffed from 41 hours down to 28.7 hours. Outside of these times you can only access it via an automated system with no staff on hand to help.”
- Cornwall – Workplace blood pressure tests being offered – BBC. “As well as the workplace tests, people can borrow blood pressure monitors for free from libraries across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”
- Cornwall’s libraries ‘bucking UK trend’ – council – BBC. “Cornwall Council said 22,000 new users borrowed books in the past year with library memberships reaching a 10-year high. Only four of the county’s 27 libraries are run by the council and Carol Mould – the councillor responsible for libraries – said giving the sites to other groups to run had helped them remain open.”
- Coventry – Coventry loses four libraries in eight years amid ‘horrifying’ loss to public services – Coventry Telegraph. “One has been opened, meaning that there is a net loss of three statutory libraries, from 17 in 2016 to 14 in 2023.” … “it’s a different story in Warwickshire where no council-run libraries have been closed or handed over to volunteers. The total number of libraries in the county is 18, the same as in 2016.”
- Croydon – Legal battle expected as Perry to order four libraries to close – Inside Croydon. “Croydon Mayor Jason Perry will order the closure of four of the borough’s public libraries in a council report due to be released on Monday, Inside Croydon can reveal. The public libraries in Sanderstead, Bradmore Green in Old Coulsdon, Broad Green and Shirley could be shut down by the cash-strapped council as soon as October.” … “The latest libraries consultation was conducted at the start of the year, but the reports arising from that public exercise have been withheld for months by the Tory Mayor in case it might damage the General Election prospects of Croydon South’s Conservative MP, Chris Philp.” … “The foregone conclusion decision is expected to be made at a council cabinet meeting to be held on September 25. ” … “Meanwhile, “urgent” and “essential” repair work at a number of libraries, including Sanderstead and Shirley, has never been undertaken.” … “Meanwhile, not a peep has been heard from the council’s Labour opposition.”
- Closing libraries is a sign of ‘failed administration’ – say Tories – Inside Croydon.
- Cumberland – How joining a library can improve your firm’s chances of success – In Cumbria. Interview with “Ben Heslop, manager of Cumbria’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre”
- Whitehaven Library closed due to ‘building issue’ – Whitehaven News. “Cumberland Council said that the closure was temporary and that further updates were to follow. “
- Denbighshire – Reverend’s dismay at ‘bonkers’ fine after using Rhyl Library car park – Journal. “Reverend Brenden Bithell said that, on July 30, he mistakenly paid for parking at the adjacent Morfa Hall car park, which is run privately by Smart Parking Ltd. Rhyl Library’s car park is for disabled parking only, and is operated by Denbighshire County Council, which has issued him with a penalty charge notice (PCN) of £50 (or £25 if paid within two weeks)”
- Devon – Children from deprived area of Devon to get a reading boost from Libraries Unlimited – Devon Air Radio. “Staff at Exmouth Library and the School Literacy Network, with support from Action for Children and HeadsUp, will be working with children who live in the Littleham area with a focus on Littleham Church of England Primary School. “, funding from Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival.
- Dudley – Lye Library closes for refurbishment – GLL press release. “Lye Library in Stourbridge will be temporarily closing for major refurbishment from Saturday 5 October. The work is expected to take twelve weeks, and the library will reopen in January. VR headsets, IT hublets and improved seating, moveable shelving and new flooring are all being installed thanks to a grant of £144,715 from the government’s Libraries Improvements Fund, administered by Arts Council England.”. Council says ““We’re continuing to build on our ambitions for the library service. Brierley Hill library has recently received a significant £670,000 refurb funded through the UK Government’s Future High Streets Fund and we’re following suit with these plans for Lye”
- Enfield – Backlash against council’s library closure plans – Enfield Dispatch. “Opposition Conservative councillors submitted a ‘call in’ request in August, but failed to persuade the Labour administration to rethink the decision despite claiming it would contradict the council’s own policies on tackling poverty and inequality. The Tories have since launched a petition against the library closures. Residents reacting with anger to the news included Oliver Coombes, who described it on social media as “a disgraceful proposal””
- Gloucestershire – Libraries stay open thanks to army of volunteers – BBC. “”We’ve been very lucky in Gloucestershire in terms of the quality of our volunteer teams,” Mr Doherty told the BBC. “Some of those libraries [across the country] that have closed down over the recent years, they’ve first been handed over to the voluntary sector and for one reason or another it hasn’t worked.””
- Hampshire – Data shows 25 per cent of Hampshire libraries have closed – Basingstoke Gazette. “The data showed that 11 of the closed libraries have stopped being statutory libraries, having moved to community organisations, with three libraries having closed their doors permanently.” … “The figures also showed that 37 of the remaining 40 libraries were operating with reduced hours in 2023 compared to 2016.” … “This data comes as the county council announces that it’s anticipated budget shortfall has risen to £175m.” 58 (fifty-eight) full-time equivalent posts lost.
- Havering – Clashes over plan to close four Havering libraries in debate – This is Local London. “Councillors clashed over the future of the borough’s libraries during a lengthy and lively debate last night (September 4). Labour councillor Mandy Anderson said: “The council might be financially poor but we cannot use that to justify creating poverty of hearts, mind and soul.””
- ‘The council can dress this up how they like , but the fact remains that closing libraries is an attack on the poorest people in Havering.’ – Havering Daily. “Closing libraries is an act of cruelty, a Save Our Libraries protest was held outside of the Town Hall in Romford yesterday (4 September) with a fantastic turnout.”, petitions, “Crowds listening were cheering at the support the Save Our Libraries campaign has received and at this very powerful protest.”
- ‘Decisions have to be made’ on Havering libraries closures, council says – Time 1075. “Labour councillor Mandy Anderson said: “The council might be financially poor but we cannot use that to justify creating poverty of hearts, mind and soul.”” but “Deputy leader Gillian Ford, who now oversees libraries, said “every single council department” has had to find ways to “do things more efficiently”. That has included letting staff go or “paring back service provision”.”
- Havering Council slammed by Trade Unions-‘Closing libraries will have a detrimental impact on the poorest and most vulnerable in Havering.’ – Hevering Daily. “The authority proposed closing the libraries to save around £300,000 amid a £32.5million budget deficit identified in February. Libraries in Collier Row, Elm Park, Gidea Park, Harold Wood, and Collier Row are all at risk.”. Resident says “What is the social cost of closing that library? It’s a lot more than £300,000.”
- Kent – The impact of the ‘public library crisis’ on Kent as UK-wide decimation continues – Kent Live. “In our area, Medway has lost one library which was permanently shut, while Kent has gained two libraries that have either been newly opened or moved under the responsibility of the local council. However, 68 of Kent’s libraries are now operating on reduced hours compared to 2016, and the service has lost 27 staff members. That information is not available for Medway. Separate figures show that Kent [County Council area] is better served for library services than Medway. As of last year, there were 99 statutory libraries in Kent. Compared to the size of the population, that’s the equivalent of one library for every 15,945 people. Medway has 16 statutory libraries, or one for every 18,655 people.”
- Kirklees – Kirklees Council set to scrap unpopular plan to convert eight libraries – including Mirfield – into community-managed sites – Dewsbury Reporter. “Under Kirklees Council’s original plans, eight of the borough’s 24 libraries – Mirfield, Honley, Meltham, Marsden, Kirkheaton, Skelmanthorpe, Denby Dale and Shepley – would become community-managed and run by volunteers. In February, Kirklees Council agreed to begin exploring the feasibility of this model, and engagement was carried out with voluntary groups, members of the community, and staff. This demonstrated that people were “overwhelmingly” against the option.”. Alternative proposal is to “see the number of council staff working across all 24 libraries reduced ” To be voted on this week.
- Lancashire – Rishton Library: librarians face ‘barrage of anti-social behaviour’ – Lancashire Telegraph. “Employees at the library say they have faced abuse by a group of young people which culminated in the windows being smashed at the end of last week.”
- Newcastle – Young Adult Reading Challenge 2024 – Newcastle Council. “Borrow and read 5 books in the Autumn Term for a chance to win one of five £20 Travelling Man vouchers”. Also has a “book bingo” sheet.
- Northern Ireland – Comment: Libraries in Northern Ireland need a proper budget rather than ‘a metaphorical death by a thousand cuts’ says Trisha Ward – View Digital. “We asked Trisha Ward, former director of Library Services at Libraries NI, to comment on this ongoing decimation of a vital public service” … “Libraries NI has advantages as a stand-alone library authority, unlike English libraries which are managed by councils who face increasing demand for funding for social care and find it difficult to develop regional strategic partnerships.”
“If I were marking the government’s homework I might join others in suggesting we need to see the Programme for Government and a library policy which will define priorities for libraries. I’d also hope they would recognise that for any organisation to exist on single year budgets is asking for them to plan for the short term and to suffer the metaphorical death by a thousand cuts.”
Trisha Ward, former director of Library Services at Libraries NI
- North Yorkshire – How important are North Yorkshire’s libraries? – BBC. “Steve Bailey speaks to library volunteers across North Yorkshire.”
- Nottingham – Nottingham City Council to upgrade libraries with £300,000 Call Off Framework – West Bridgford Wire. “The Call Off Framework, set to span four years, will facilitate the procurement of creative design services, specialist library furniture, and installation works across multiple libraries in the city.” … “One of the key projects already identified for the framework is the Arts Council England-funded “Counter Culture” project, which has been awarded a grant of £77,050. In total, the council has forecasted a budget of £222,500, subject to securing additional external funding and internal resources.”
- Peterborough – Community unites in fight to save local library – BBC. “Woodston Library in Peterborough is part of the list of assets owned by Peterborough City Council that could be sold off to balance its budget deficit. The authority said the list is still under review. On Thursday dozens of residents gathered in the library, on Orchard Street, to sign the petition and think of ideas on how to maximise the building’s usage.”
- Save Woodston Library – Change.org. The Woodston Library in Peterborough campaign petition. ” We urge the Council to recognise this is a valued local community asset. The local community want to work with the council to see extended opening times and wider use by the local community.”
- Reading – Latest on project to add library to Reading council offices – Reading Chronicle. “Arrangements for disabled parking at the new Central Library at the civic offices in Bridge Street have been approved.”
- Reading Central Library busy despite days being numbered – Reading Chronicle. “Amjad Hussain, 67, from Addington Road said visiting the library is easy, and did not predict that the move would have much of an impact on his usage. He did note that the current library is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.” … “The council has been criticised for ‘poor maintenance’ of the library building”
- Richmond – Teddington Library Community Garden receives award for enhancing local environment – Richmond Council. “The awarded funds supported various works in the library community garden, benefiting garden users and the wider community. Over the spring and summer months, the funds have contributed to the purchase of two trellises for climbers and a garden mirror on the back wall, creating a lovely focal point to the garden. Additionally, volunteers have added new planting and created a completely new bed in the middle of the garden. “
- Sheffield – Libraries at ‘heart of community’ a decade after cuts – BBC. “Ten years after volunteers stepped in to run 16 of Sheffield’s libraries when the council cut £1.6m from the service those in charge say they are thriving. No longer just a place to borrow a book the sites once threatened with closure now offer community services from weighing babies to access to cheap food. Volunteers say the libraries have evolved into community hubs, supporting people with everything from the cost of living to their mental wellbeing.”
- Artist hopes library mural will get people reading – BBC. “The design – chosen following a public consultation – is being painted by Nicole White on the shutters of Ecclesall Library. Ms White said the mural would celebrate reading as well as highlighting wildlife from the nearby Ecclesall Woods”
- Staffordshire – Staffordshire libraries sees increase in number of self-help e-books being loaned out – Lichfield Live. “Since March 2020, over 320,702 e-books have been loaned by Staffordshire’s libraries – and the number of people using the e-books service through BorrowBox has increased to almost 18,000 users.”
- Free period products on offer at libraries – BBC. “The libraries in Stafford, Cannock, Burton, Newcastle and Kidsgrove will also have donation points for anyone who wished to contribute.The Period Support Scheme aims to break the stigma around periods and raise awareness of menstruation through educational resources, the county council said.”
- Stirling – Stirling Council opens new public consultation on the future of the region’s library provisions – Daily Record. “The views of people who live, work and study in the Stirling area will feed into a new vision and strategy for the council’s libraries, guiding service delivery for the next five years (2025-2030).” … “Libraries were given a reprieve in this year’s budget following a huge outpouring of public support for the facilities in the budget consultation. While the budget took a hit, no libraries were earmarked for closure and £100,000 was set aside to conduct a review of the library service going forward.”
- Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries to combat digital exclusion by offering free SIM cards in new scheme with National Databank and Good Things Foundation – Suffolk News. “awarded funding from Suffolk’s Digital Inclusion Fund to administer the National Databank across the county.” … “The Good Things Foundation provides the SIMs for free with the Suffolk funding covering the cost of managing the scheme.”
- Suffolk Libraries daisy chain moves to Somerleyton Hall Gardens – Suffolk Libraries. “Make a Difference with a Daisy focuses on the humble daisy as a symbol of resilience and positivity. Framlingham artist, Spadge Hopkins has worked with Suffolk Libraries to create an installation of individual metal daisies arranged in a chain representing the joined-up network of libraries across Suffolk. The campaign has already raised over £22,500 for Suffolk Libraries.”
- Warwickshire – Warwickshire Libraries and Market Hall Museum to provide free toiletry packs to those in need – Warwickshire Council. “Warwickshire Libraries was successful in its application to the Household Support Fund earlier this year, which is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Government, to offer a limited amount of free toiletry packs to residents who may need them.”
- Westmorland and Furness – Plans to move library recommended for approval – BBC. Ulverston. “The proposals have split opinion in the town, with more than 3,300 people signing a petition calling for the council to fix and reopen the old site. Labour MP for Barrow and Furness, Michelle Scrogham, labelled the council’s consultation as “flawed”, adding that restoring the original library was not included as an option.” … “I’m very unhappy with the way they’ve run it. The council promised it would be the same, or better, than what we already had. Clearly a small room in The Coro isn’t the same, or better” see also Ulverston Library service set to be re-located to Coronation Hall – North West Evening Mail.
Overdue, presumed lost, despite reminders
Sep 1st
Editorial
There are clearer and clearer signs that the new Labour government is not going to provide extra funding to, well, pretty much anyone. This is includes local government and, apparently, public libraries too. The new minister – I couldn’t remember his name as he’s not turned up in any article about the sector but apparently it’s Chris Bryant – who includes public libraries amongst his large portfolio, does not appear to be all that bothered and even his boss, Lisa Nandy, who I remember campaigning for libraries more than a decade ago, has been quiet on the subject. This is potentially disastrous for a sector that has had its funding cut by around a half since Lisa Nandy came into opposition back in 2010. Meanwhile there are more and more public statements about the lack of money and that things are going to be tight. It’s beginning to look a lot like the new government is not much different than the old one in spending terms, although it is admittedly currently far shorter on scandals, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and posh accents.
And, wow, the sector has noticed this. This week’s national news looks pretty much like a concerted campaign to Show Us The Money. The special libraries edition of the Bookseller has lots of articles about how great public libraries are. Libraries Connected have an article pointing out how short we are of money and how useful we can be for the creative sector, which just happens to be in the DCMS’s remit that Lisa Nandy is also in charge of. Then there’s a new national initiative to promote the NHS App in libraries which will show how helpful we can be and, by extension, what a shame it would be if we weren’t there any more. This is great as the response in 2010 was basically shell-shock and politeness. The sector has learnt the right lesson from the years of Conservative government. Let’s hope Labour will surprise me and show it has too.
Please send any news, corrections, comments or opinions to ianlibrarian@live.co.uk, thank you.
Changes by local authority
- North Lanarkshire – Stepps Library reopened after repair work started in 2020.
National news
- The British Book Awards launches new prize for public libraries – Bookseller. “This addition to The Bookseller-run annual awards will celebrate the best reading project or campaign delivered by a UK or Ireland-based library, and marks the return of libraries to the ceremony. The aim of the award is to recognise libraries’ innovation in reaching new readers and strengthening community ties, with regional and national winners to be announced in the run-up to the event.”
- Government urged to harness libraries’ ‘vital’ role in building Britain’s future – Bookseller. “Libraries organisations argue that they are perfectly placed to help the new government deliver on its five main missions—if they are funded properly” … “For Isobel Hunter, chief executive of Libraries Connected, the organisation’s overarching ask is for the government urgently to address the local government funding crisis. According to analysis of council data by the Guardian, library spending has halved since 2010-11 and a third of England’s libraries closed between 2009/10 and 2019/20.”.
“We will get local government back on its feet by doing the basics right, by providing councils with more stability through multi-year funding settlements, ending competitive bidding for pots of money and reforming the local audit system.”
Government spokesperson, quoted in The BookSeller.
- Invitation to Tender: Fundraising provision for Libraries Connected – Libraries Connected. “To underpin our current Strategic Plan (2022-2027), our Trustees have identified a need to diversify our funding base. We are therefore seeking external support in the form of an expert contractor to develop our fundraising strategy. “
- Libraries Team Up with NHS to Boost App Access Nationwide – Cornish Stuff. “In a significant move to enhance access to online health services, the NHS has announced a new collaboration with libraries across England to help more people use the NHS App and NHS.UK. This partnership, in conjunction with The National Health Literacy Partnership, will officially launch in October 2024, marking a major step in making digital healthcare more accessible to all.” … “Public and NHS libraries across the country are set to receive toolkits and information from NHS England in the coming weeks, enabling them to assist users in navigating the NHS App. ” see also Public libraries to encourage take-up of NHS App – UK Authority.
- The Library Focus: In the Spotlight – Bookseller. “Our annual Library Focus looks at the services across the UK that are tirelessly promoting reading for pleasure and using new technology to reach tomorrow’s readers.” (1) Nottingham Education Library Service fully funded by schools, children’s book awards, new Nottingham Central Library [No mention of the massive cuts in other parts of the library service – Ed.], (2) HMP Northumberland, (3) Southwark Libraries: 2 new libraries, lends out ukeleles and footballs, Library of Things, (4) Guille-Alles Library, Jersey [presumably chosen as the Libraries Connected President is based there – Ed.]: LGBTQ+ book club, (5) Leeds Libraries: reduced bestseller buying in order to increase local author/publisher book-stock, (6) Kirklees Libraries: TEFL sessions, (7) Cornwall Libraries: publicity to parents of new-borns to get library card, (8) Inverness Libraries: increased events and activities, outreach. (9) West Sussex Libraries: virtual/augmented reality library project, services for SEND.
“Our “usual channels” have failed (so far) to fix a meeting with new libraries minister Chris Bryant. We will keep pressing. The initial response refers to “very significant pressures on ministerial diaries at present”. We trust that part of the pressure is understanding his brief… The letter also says: “Public libraries are a vital public resource, helping to inspire, educate, support and entertain people of all ages and backgrounds. The range of outcomes they help to achieve is substantial and varied, and the government is therefore committed to ensuring that library provision remains strong.” Let’s all hold him to that concept. “
Libraries Campaign newsletter
- New CILIP chief wants to give libraries ‘a seat at more senior tables’ – Bookseller. ” the idea that I would come in within the first few weeks and have a really strong vision is a bit arrogant.” … “I think we slightly punch below our weight, and that’s partly to do with it being quite a modest profession. We are often in the background, we’re often helping others, we’re not out front, shouting. ” … “you can bet the people who did discover the [Covid] vaccine were relying on librarians and information professionals to support that effort.”
- Public libraries and the creative industries – Libraries Connected. “The public library network strengthens the whole creative economy by brokering local cultural partnerships, supporting artists and creative businesses, and providing free access to industry-standard software and technology”. Examples include Wakefield, Merton, Gloucestershire, Barnsley, Leeds, Coventry, British Library.
- Public libraries: Canaries in the coal mine? – Libraries Connected. “To a degree, libraries have innovated their way through successive waves of funding reviews. The introduction of self-service units, the growth in volunteer supported services and the increasing number of authorities using Open Plus technology to extend unstaffed opening hours have all helped libraries navigate funding pressures.” … “Our members report previous solid partnerships and initiatives collapsing because the means to deliver them has gone.” … “library staff find they are dealing with increasingly frustrated customers, who feel their taxes have risen while service are taken away. “
“what business would for fourteen consecutive years cut the funding that supports its products, its staff and its opening hours and still expect to grow and flourish?
Un-named head of service, quoted by Libraries Connected
- Overdue appreciation: let’s hear it for the UK library sector – Bookseller. “Despite the ongoing significant presence libraries have in our lives—there remain more than 3,500 public libraries in the UK, for example—and their outsized impact both on literacy and our reading culture, there was barely a comment about them during the recent general election”
- Taxpayers pay millions to ‘eradicate’ racism in Wales – while NHS waiting lists soar – Telegraph. £134k Funding for anti-racism training for library staff is “larger than the combined starting salaries of four nurses in Wales, and that CILIP is a registered charity which enjoys tax exemptions accompanying that status, let’s take a look at what Welsh taxpayers are paying for instead.” … ” the recommended reading list to rid the Welsh librarians’ mind of racism is comprised almost entirely of books by American authors,”.
International news
- Canada – Library workers in Halifax go on strike – Global News. “After months of negotiations between Halifax Public library and Local 14, no agreement has been made and 340 library workers in Halifax will be on strike Monday morning. Emma Convey reports.”
- China – China had 3,246 public libraries by end of 2023: ministry – State Council of China. This “represented an increase of 5.6 percent year-on-year”.
- India – Lost Libraries: The Forgotten Story of Public Libraries – News9 Plus Show. “The death of three IAS aspirants in a flooded basement library in Delhi has revealed the menace of illegal coaching centres and libraries in India. The July tragedy is not the first incident related to an illegal coaching centre. Yet students and parents continue to choose these cramped centres over pocket-friendly public libraries that offer a safe space to study. Why are there so few takers for India’s public libraries?”
- South Korea – The Marketing Strategy of the Seoul Library to Attract Users despite a Continuous Decline in Patrons: Seoul Outdoor Library (SOL) – IFLA. “during the COVID-19 pandemic period from 2020 to 2021, the national average decrease in the number of visitors per public library reached 69%, and as of 2022, the number of visitors had not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, showing a 43.9% decrease compared to 2018. And according to the National Reading Survey, the reading rate has sharply declined over the past 10 years.”
- USA – Public Libraries are Critical Agencies in Multi-Sector Climate Action Plans, Policies, and Actions – Building Resilient Communities. “The report argues that libraries are the special ingredient, found in every community across the country, that climate action plans need to actualize the buy-in, collaboration, and energy that will bring them to life.”
- Moms for Liberty goes to war with New York school over five library books – Independent. “The books in question include People Kill People, a YA novel by bestselling author Ellen Hopkins about the deleterious effects of gun violence; It Ends With Us, a romance novel by Colleen Hoover that was made into a Hollywood film starring Blake Lively; All Boys Aren’t Blue, a “memoir-manifesto” by journalist and LGBTQ activist George M. Johnson about his struggles growing up as a gay Black man; Red Hood by Elana K. Arnold, a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood centered on female empowerment; and Julia Scheeres’ Jesus Land: A Memoir, a New York Times bestseller about the author’s unpleasant childhood experience at a fundamentalist church camp.”
- Publishers and authors sue over Florida book ban law – BBC. “The lawsuit, filed on Thursday by publishers including Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster, argues that Florida’s law violates First Amendment rights to free speech.”
Local news by authority
- Barnet – Back to school with Barnet Libraries – Barnet Post. “Libraries have a ‘Back to School’ booklist, available to help children for the new term.”
- Council secures £85,000 to create library reading garden – Barnet Council. “by Arts Council England to improve a previously unusable area outside the building and create a sensory reading garden. The project will provide step-free access from the rear of the library and spaces for quiet reading with outdoor seating and shading.”
- Bath and North East Somerset – Bath Central library restart monthly pop-up with energy advice experts – Bath and North East Somerset Council. “Starting from September 5, staff from the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) will be manning a stall outside Bath Central Library on the first Thursday of every month”
- Birmingham – When key decisions on future of Birmingham service could be made amid divisive proposals – Birmingham Mail. Details of proposed cuts and campaigns against them.
- Birmingham campaigners slam ‘huge setback’ as major library proposals confirmed – Birmingham Live. ” campaigner Rukhsana Malik argued a recent council consultation on the future of Birmingham’s library service was more focused on ‘ticking boxes’ than engaging with the community’s concerns. “We protested, we spoke up, and we made it clear that libraries are vital to our communities,” she said. “This is a huge setback for our city and a betrayal of trust. But rest assured, the fight to save our libraries continues – we will not give up.””
- Birmingham writers team up to save local libraries as budget cuts threaten closure – Bookseller. “Author and British Book Award-winner Catherine O’Flynn and poet Liz Berry, whose work collections include Black Country (Chatto) and The Republic of Motherhood (Chatto), met on the playground at their childrens’ school, and began discussing the decline of the libraries in June this year.”
- Buckinghamshire – Petition launched to save Amersham Library’s opening hours – Bucks Free Press. “In June this year, the unitary authority confirmed they plan to deduct the amount of time libraries across the county are open to try and save approximately £500,000 per year. The move, which has been dubbed as the ‘library flex’ will impact eight venues in the county.” … “The plan has been widely criticised by residents in each of the areas with many campaigning to try and stop the notion from going ahead.” 512 signatures.
- Cumberland / Westmorland and Furness – Baby weighing facilities available in libraries across Cumbria – NHS. ““We specifically chose the library as we believe all children benefit from early access to books and we want to encourage a lifelong love of reading. We believe libraries have the ability to develop and promote early literacy and language skills for our children and are a great way to encourage community connections. “Following positive feedback from families accessing the self-weigh at Maryport Library, a decision was made to roll out the offer more extensively throughout Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness libraries.””
- Devon – New initiative targets literacy gap in East Devon’s most deprived area – Devon Live. “With funding from Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, Libraries Unlimited will be able to provide the school with a variety of specially designed sessions inspired by the charity’s unique reading challenge: The Secret Book Quest. Libraries Unlimited has met with school staff to ensure these sessions will be planned in tandem with them, identifying key curriculum areas and engagement methods. The sessions will be designed to encourage 5 to 12-year-olds to join the library and take part in the Quest.”
- Dudley – Dudley Library – The Whitechapel Women – Dudley CI. “Two talks being given by author Damian Carter at Dudley Library on Thursday 12 September at 6.30pm and Saturday 14 September at 11am will delve into the Ripper’s murky world and examine the evidence.”
- Gateshead – Gateshead murder probe live: Two charged after body found near Central Library – Northern Echo. “The entire park opposite the Gateshead Central library has been cordoned off with several officer guarding the outside of the cordoned.”
- Haringey – Help decide your library opening hours: give your views on the best option for the library service – Haringey Council. “The council is looking at ways for them to not just survive but continue to thrive for many more years to come.” … “We have invested heavily in our library buildings to make them even more accessible and attractive spaces in recent years and we’ll continue to spend £3.5m on these settings each year.”
- Havering – Save our libraries: Bring a book to rally for libraries on September 4 – Havering Daily. “Green Party activists organised the rally following the Havering Residents Association’s proposals to close four of the borough’s five branch libraries. Many across the political spectrum have come up with ideas for new revenue sources, for covering the cost of building works, and to make these libraries fit for the future. At next Wednesday’s council meeting, at least four petitions and a motion against the closure proposals will be presented.”
- Hertfordshire – Arts Council funding secured to celebrate 100 years of libraries in Hertfordshire – Hertfordshire Council. £100,000.
- Inverclyde – Inverclyde Libraries given £2,500 grant to create herbarium – Greenock Telegraph. Green Libraries Scotland Grant.
- Kirklees – Kirklees libraries: Cabinet set to meet to discuss next steps of plans to move eight facilities in the borough to ‘community-managed models’ – Dewsbury Reporter. “The fate of Kirklees’ libraries is closer to being determined, with the matter to be discussed by cabinet once again in September.”
- Lambeth – New chapter for Brixton Library – Lambeth Council. “Lambeth Council’s work to overhaul and improve the much loved Brixton Library in Windrush Square is now complete with the library now offering better study areas, private meeting booths and extra toilets.”
- Liverpool – Lord Mayor’s thanks after £250k raised for fire-hit library – BBC. “A woman who led a fundraising campaign to help rebuild a Liverpool library that was torched during rioting has been formally thanked by the city’s Lord Mayor. Alex McCormick set up the online fundraiser, which has brought in more than £250,000, after Spellow Library was set on fire during disorder that broke out on 3 August. Councillor Richard Kemp welcomed her to Liverpool Town Hall on Thursday to thank her on behalf of the city.” … ” the fundraiser had seen donations from around the world including USA, Canada and Dubai.” … book donations would be “spread out to other libraries and community centres.”
- Norfolk – Historic King’s Lynn library to be declared ‘surplus’ – EDP24. “The Gothic-style Carnegie Building in King’s Lynn, home to the town’s central library, faces an uncertain future because of Norfolk County Council proposals to create a new £14.2m ‘community hub’ in the heart of the town. That hub, in the former Argos store, which is part of the town’s Vancouver Quarter shopping centre, would include a community centre and a new library to replace the current one.”
- Series of sessions taking place across West Norfolk libraries as part of Know Your Neighbourhood project – Lynn News. “As part of a project aiming to get more people volunteering and to tackle loneliness, West Norfolk libraries are offering sessions in the community. Know Your Neighbourhood (KYN) Project is a £29 million package of funding designed to widen participation in volunteering and tackle loneliness in 27 disadvantaged areas across England.”
- Terrington St Clement student Adele Tolhurst creates petition to help protect mobile libraries in Norfolk – Lynn News. “St Clement’s High School student Adele Tolhurst has started a petition, saying the library vans are vital. She says there is a “desperate need” for better advertising of mobile libraries so that residents know when they are coming to an area near them.”
- North Lanarkshire – Stepps Community Library reopened – North Lanarkshire Council. “The new library, located next to Stepps Primary School, provides visitors with a warm, welcoming space to enjoy. It includes a multi-purpose room, children’s area, IT facilities, free Wi-Fi, a scanner and printing facilities – and, of course, a wide range of books to read.”
- North Yorkshire – Fall hook, line & sinker for this Harrogate Library children’s show – Harrogate Advertiser.
- Peterborough – Blue Peterborough – Libraries Campaign newsletter. “Woodston library in Peterborough is under threat of closure. Sharp-eyed locals spotted it in an obscure online list of council properties up for disposal. They rang us for advice, then to get sample constitutions to help write their own. Now a new and active Friends group is getting press and radio cover, and has a Facebook group (listed on our national website, of course).”
- Portsmouth – Council leader hails growth in culture and leisure in face of national cuts – Portsmouth Council. “Since 2015/16, reductions in government funding have meant the council has had to make significant overall savings, 5% of which has been made to culture, leisure and sport services. Despite this it has still maintained its nine libraries” … ” libraries which have recently secured nearly £200,000 funding from Arts Council England to deliver a range of schemes including volunteering initiatives and buying tuk-tuk”
- Shropshire – Libraries unveil sound-proof pods thanks to grant – Shropshire Star. “for online or in-person meetings”. £237k ACE grant.
- Somerset – Library to close for weeks under £900k revamp – BBC. Wellington. “The upgrade is designed to improve accessibility for staff and visitors across all floors and deliver increased thermal efficiency of the building, in line with the council’s ongoing commitment to decarbonisation.”
- Staffordshire – Local authority supports Staffordshire families facing crisis as back-to-school costs soar – Rayo. “The Pre-Loved Uniform Market (PLUM) is run by Staffordshire County Council’s libraries service and The Salvation Army.”
- Stoke on Trent – Stoke-on-Trent Libraries launch brand new app – Stoke on Trent Council. Via £20k LibraryOn grant. “The Stoke-on-Trent Libraries app will offer people the opportunity to join the library, discover new books, reserve books, find out more about events plus discover if titles are available in libraries via a barcode scanning function.”
- Wiltshire – Early years work with The Last Baguette – Crowdfunder. “We want to continue our early years work in Wiltshire, bringing Playtime & A Winter’s Tail to community venues & libraries this autumn”
- Warwickshire – Local History Education Displays at Warwickshire libraries – Warwickshire Council. “All displays will be different to reflect the library’s local area and residents are welcome to share their own memories of going to school in Warwickshire via reminiscence forms.”
- Worcestershire – Libraries Unlocked ‘will help safeguard future of Malvern Library’ – Malvern Gazette. Staff-less libraries extended but “Residents in St John’s, Worcester, were particularly worried and even signed a petition against the initiative because they feared a library without staff meant children could not go there alone and it could create issues for elderly people unable to use technology.”
- Relief in Redditch – Library Campaign newsletter. “We have covered extensively the bizarre story of this extremely busy library that brings up to 1,000 people daily to a town centre due for revival. The council was determined to demolish it in favour of an empty piazza to er… increase footfall. We sent detailed evidence explaining how daft and costly this would be.” … “The Labour party made saving the library a major plank in its local election campaign in May. It very comfortably won control from the Tories”
Public libraries in the public eye
Aug 25th
There were two big national news stories concerning libraries this week. The one is the number of requests to school libraries to withdraw books, with many ending up being removed. This is strongly reminiscent of what is happening in US public libraries, although on a far smaller and less organised scale. The big difference is that a major political party here isn’t supporting such censorship, although I suspect Mr Farage wouldn’t be against and also parts of the Conservative Party.
The other big story, which really blew up this week, is the anti-racism training being planned for Welsh public librarians. The particular part of the training which has really annoyed some commentators is that which covers avoiding buildings with links to slavery in the past, or at least acknowledging that they have such links.
Regardless of what one thinks about these developments, both stories together show that the stock decisions and training policies of public libraries are now in the public eye far more than I ever remember them in the past. This awareness, and desire to get involved, in what was normally seen as, well, not even something to know about at all, shows the politicisation of the sector, whether we like it or not.
Do you have an opinion or a story you’d like to share? Please email me at ianlibrarian@live.co.uk
Changes by local authority
- Birmingham – More details on £2.3m cut: 10 libraries to remain full-time; 14 to be “part-time”, 4 to close and “co-locate”, 7 to close if others do not pay for them, 1 (Spring Hill) to definitely close.
- Derbyshire – £910k cut between 2024 and 2029: 10% cut in opening hours, reduce mobile/home library service, co-locations, volunteers.
- Newport – £159k cut over 2 years. Pill Library closed. £46k cut in book fund (now £136k). Bettws and Malpas libraries to move into co-locations.
National news
- Books are being banned across Britain. We are not as tolerant as we pretend – Telegraph. “The Index on Censorship discovered that 28 of the 53 British school librarians they polled had been asked to remove books – many of which were LGBTQ+ titles – from their shelves. It appears that pressure had come from parents and, on some occasions, teachers too. For a society that’s meant to be modern and tolerant, these findings are depressing: the culture wars are failing to subside, and we seem to think nothing of using our children’s education as an ideological battleground.” see also School libraries ‘censored’ as survey reveals 28 librarians ‘asked to remove books from shelves’ – BookSeller. and Dozens of UK school librarians asked to remove LGBTQ+ books, survey finds – Guardian.
- British Library reveals £400,000 plan to rebuild after “catastrophic” ransomware attack – Stack. “It has issued a £400,000 tender looking for contractors to take part in Phase 1 of its “Web Foundations” project, which involves rebuilding the website to ensure it is “robust, scalable, sustainable, and secure.””
- CoP: AI for public libraries with Phil Bradley and Somerset Libraries – LibraryOn. “The feedback from this session was overwhelmingly positive, with genuine enthusiasm from attendees for the opportunities AI could bring to the sector.”
- The Dublin award’s place in the Irish literary scene – Guardian / Letters. “The award develops interest beyond Ireland but, by doing that, must contribute to the wide interest in “native” Irish writing. Unfortunately, only one UK public library nominated a novel for the 2024 award (thank you, Norfolk Library and Information Service). Here in the UK, we don’t need a competitor for the Dublin award; we do need more libraries to nominate books.”
- Librarians being told not to arrange meetings in ‘racist’ buildings – Daily Mail. “Libraries across Wales have been given the task of promoting ‘anti-racism’ as part of a £130,000 project. Local librarians are being taught ‘critical whiteness studies’ as well as how to deal with problems such as the ‘dominant paradigm of whiteness’, the Telegraph report.” … “The Gladstone Library in Hawarden and The Goronwy Owen primary school in Anglesey were both flagged as examples due to their names linking to slavery.” see also Librarians attending ‘whiteness studies’ to avoid ‘racist’ venues – Spectator. “Just when you think the equality and diversity police can’t get any madder, they do. ” and ‘Woke’ training in Wales urges librarians to avoid holding meetings in ‘racist’ historic buildings – GB News. “Alka Sehgal Cuthbert, the group’s [Don’t Divide Us] founder and education expert, said: “Libraries are places associated with rationality, enlightened thinking and public service for the general public. “They are not the playthings of those whose preferred radical politics means that librarians have to assent to false and wholly negative beliefs about the country in which they live, and by extension, also about its people. “This is the opposite of public service.” and British Libraries Advised to Avoid Meetings in ‘Racist’ Buildings, Confront ‘Dominant Paradigm of Whiteness’ – Breitbart. Over 100 comments inc. “Drag queen story hour will not be a big hit with the replacement population”
International news
- IFLA Statement on Libraries and Artificial Intelligence – IFLA. “How can these developments impact both everyday practices and the broader social mission of libraries? IFLA’s new statement sets out some key principles.”
- India – Libraries in India make youth’s dream of progress come true – Rappler. “In South Gujarat’s Adivasi areas, a network of community-funded libraries is helping bridge the gaps left by the education system”
- USA – Siouxland Libraries Reports Growth and Community Usage – Sioux Falls. “a 35.3 percent increase in meeting room bookings, a 78 percent increase in study room utilization, and a 32.7 percent increase in digital material checkouts. Additionally, library visits have reached nearly half a million.” … “the library system’s dedication to providing diverse programming and engaging digital content has contributed to this success. ”
- Books and brews: Douglas County Libraries partner with local brewers – KDVR. “Local craft breweries and coffee shops have partnered up with Douglas County Libraries to put on the “Douglas County Libraries’ 2024 Brew Tour.” The event, which runs until Sept. 30, invites the community to visit local libraries and engage in the Douglas County brewing culture all while participating in events that can earn rewards and prizes.”
- Local Republican Party look to ban books at public libraries – ABC News 4. Youtube.
Local news by authority
- Barnsley – Updated library hopes to inspire local children – Barnsley Chronicle.
- Birmingham – Anger over Birmingham libraries cuts and closures plan as defiant campaigners say ‘not over yet’ – Birmingham Live. “There’s been a fierce and defiant response to a Birmingham City Council proposal to shut five city community library buildings and leave the fate of seven others in the balance as part of massive cost cuts, with campaigners pledging to press on to fight downgrades.”
- Have your say as libraries consultation final phase launches – Birmingham Council. “Under our new proposals, we have shared what the future of our library service could look like, with our recommended option providing 28 building-based libraries funded by BCC which includes a Community Library Hub in each constituency. There is also potential for up to 34 Library based buildings with the inclusion of Partner led Libraries.”
- Bromley – Help shape the Bromley Central Library – Bromley Council. “The news follows proposals to relocate the Bromley Central library into the heart of Bromley town centre, with the council seeking residents’ views on newly developed proposals following a survey held earlier this summer.”
- Cheshire West and Chester – Children Today expands inclusive initiative in Cheshire – The Standard. “”We’re incredibly excited to be building on the success of our previous event and already have some fantastic authors lined up, with more to be confirmed, as well as collaborating with the Cheshire Education Library Service team and Cheshire West libraries to deliver another exciting programme of events.”
- Cornwall – Library membership at 10-year high – council – BBC. “Cornwall Council said library membership had grown faster than at any time in the past 10 years as people of all ages were encouraged to explore beyond the bookshelves. In the last year, there were more than 22,000 new borrowers and more than 1.5m books were loaned from libraries across the county, the authority said.”
- Derbyshire – Heritage day to celebrate library’s 120th anniversary – BBC. “Ilkeston Library was opened on 24 August 1904 by the Duke of Rutland, with crowds filling the Market Place to see it open its doors for the first time.”
- Derbyshire council launches consultation into planned library changes to save nearly £1m – Derbyshire Times. “draft Derbyshire Public Library Service Strategy for 2024 to 2029 – entitled A Modern Library Service for Derbyshire – and it has launched a 12-week public consultation which will run until November 2 to consider views before making any final decisions.”
- Essex – Colchester Library temporarily closes for new look and children’s centre – Essex Council. “Colchester Library will close from Monday 2 September 2024 until next summer for refurbishments.This includes an interactive Children’s Imagination and Literacy Centre. It will have fun equipment and materials to help children read and learn.”
- Leicestershire – Schools and libraries get ‘lightning-fast’ broadband – BBC. “Connection speeds will also be boosted in seven libraries in Desford, Fleckney, Lutterworth, Market Bosworth, Sapcote, Sileby and Stoney Stanton”
- Liverpool – Attorney General donates books to riot-hit library – BBC. “Attorney General Richard Hermer, who is the government’s chief legal adviser, said the damage inflicted on the library and subsequent renovation efforts had shown the worst and best of the country.”
- Library fundraiser exceeds £250,000 – BBC. “A delegation, including Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, parliamentary colleagues Dan Carden and Kim Johnson, and Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council, visited the library earlier this month to assess the damage.”
- Newport – Call for ‘innovative solution’ rather than close library in deprived area of Wales – South Wales Argus. “The closure of Pill Library in Newport on August 28 is just one arm of the city council’s strategy to cut costs within its book-lending services.”
- Nottingham – Families protest at Sherwood Library over reopening delays – West Bridgford Wire. “Frustrated families and campaigners staged a protest outside the new Sherwood Library to demand it is finally opened after a series of delays.”
- Nottingham City Council leader warns another ‘bankruptcy’ notice could be issued if cuts not made – Nottinghamshire Live. “On top of a raft of other service and job cuts, the council is now proposing to close the Basford, Bilborough, Radford-Lenton libraries and Aspley Library in a bid to save £1.5m in its libraries service.”
- Peterborough – Peterborough residents rally to save library from threat of closure – Peterborough Telegraph. “Woodston Library has been placed on a list of assets Peterborough City Council is considering disposal of to save money.” … “Woodston Library Friends has now been formed as residents seek to secure a bright future for the library.”
- Reading – Project to relocate Reading library slammed over poor maintenance – Reading Chronicle. “A neighbour who uses the Reading Central Library has accused Reading Borough Council of poor maintenance and throwing away ‘tonnes of books’ as part of the upgrade project.” … ” “The council haven’t even funded having the Central Library windows properly cleaned.”
- Somerset – Wellington library will be a “wonderful hub for the community” when it reopens – Wellington Today. “The town will see its library reopen in a number of weeks once the £900,000 revamp project of its Fore Street base comes to an end.” see also Somerset town will be without its library for three weeks – Somerset Live.
- Southwark – Dulwich Library to refurbish to attract young people – Southwark News. “Eleven to eighteen-year-olds are being surveyed about how it could be improved to suit their needs. The results of the survey will contribute to the development of ‘teenage areas’ across other Southwark libraries.”
- Southwark residents urged to donate their electricals – In Your Area. “Environmental solutions company Veolia in partnership with the London Borough of Southwark and Community TechAid has unveiled new drop-off points for any unwanted tech devices, across Southwark. The donation points are easily accessible, and located at all Southwark libraries and the Reuse and Recycling Centre.”
- Stoke on Trent – Library development plans resubmitted – BBC. “Stoke-on-Trent Council blocked plans to renovate City Central Library in Hanley last year, criticising a “poorly designed, disproportionate and dominant” extension, as well as raising concerns over residential amenity, traffic and fire safety.”
- Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries recommends Wizzie app to help children with learning – Suffolk Libraries. “Suffolk Libraries has partnered with the creators of ‘Wizzie’ – a new, free reading companion developed in Suffolk which can improve vocabulary, pronunciation, spelling and comprehension through reading.”
- Surrey – Surrey Libraries invite all residents to experience the transformation of their local library, a welcoming space for everyone – Surrey News. “Everyone is invited to visit their local Surrey library, with the launch of Surrey County Council’s ‘It’s My Library’ promotional campaign. Some of our biggest libraries have significant and exciting building projects underway that will continue into 2025. We are ensuring that they are great places for all residents to use year-round. Every library provides free access to high-speed internet, computer workstations and digital tools ensuring that all our residents can stay informed and connected.”
- Thurrock – Meet our Summer Reading Challenge volunteers – Thurrock Council. “What I like most about being a volunteer is the meeting new kids and hearing what they are enjoying about the books they’re reading. I’m also lucky enough to be working with the great library team.” “
Labour shortage: will austerity continue?
Aug 18th
Editorial
It was great to see the public response to the idiotic attack on Spellow Lane Library last well but, as Frank Cottrell-Boyce points out, another kind of vandalism has occurred in British libraries on a far larger scale. Due to the general hopelessness of official statistics on library closures, the exact figure since 2010 is hard to say but it’s commonly see as 8-900ish. So Spellow Lane, which got such coverage and even a book donation from the Queen, represents about one-tenth of one percent of library closures. That year 2010 is of course not an accident. That is they year that Austerity started under a Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition and then successive Conservative governments. In that time, public libraries have seen a cut in spending power of over 50%. That is huge.
Now we are under a different government, one that has been seen historically as more in favour of public spending. But there’s no sign as yet of any change. Indeed, just this week, two Labour-run councils (Enfield and Nottingham) are pushing ahead with further serious budget cuts and closures. So, are public libraries, so long the poster boy for cuts, heading for more of the same? Or were those hoping for more funding now labouring under a delusion?
Changes by local authority
- Conwy – Public consultation over whether Llandudno library should move to Venue Cymru.
- Essex – £450k refurbishment of Colchester Library.
Ideas
International news
- India – CM Mann inaugurates 14 ultra-modern libraries for rural areas – Hindustan Times. “aiming to inculcate reading habits among youth and empower them to contribute to the state’s social and economic progress.” … “equipped with high-end facilities such as Wi-Fi, solar power and digital analogs”
- New Zealand – Overdue fines removed in new chapter for Queenstown Lakes District Libraries – Queenstown Lakes District Council. “to help eliminate financial barriers and encourage even greater accessibility to all library resources.”
- Palestine – Mezna Qato: “Without our libraries and universities, how will we tell the story of Gaza?” – New Statesman. “A thick residue of concrete dust now covers books lining the shelves of the Gaza Municipal Library after the roof was pulverised by a missile in November. The Great Omari Mosque, which housed the Islamic Manuscript Library – one of the most important archives in Palestine, with artefacts from the 14th century – was destroyed in December. The Israeli military detonated the last remaining university building in Gaza in January.”
Local news by authority
- Barnsley – Transformation works completed at Mapplewell Village Hall and Library – Barnsley Council. Library “transformed by refurbishment, `and a complete revamp of the children’s library to make it more welcoming”
- Bromley – Southborough Library Bromley set for re-opening event with guest author appearance – News Shopper. “Southborough Library will reopen on Friday (August 16) following a recent refurbishment and is the second library after St Paul’s Cray Library in the borough to receive a revamp.”
- Cheshire East – Cheshire East sets out plan to tackle £100m deficit – LocalGov.
- Campaigners optimistic of avoiding drastic cuts to library opening times – Cheshire Live. “Bollington Town Council’s working group on libraries has now met with Cheshire East officers and offered to contribute to the cost of keeping the library open on its present hours, subject to final agreement by the full town council. At present the library is open for 32.5 hours a week.”
- Conwy – People banned from libraries banned for drunken abuse of staff – North Wales Pioneer. “Customers being banned for abusing staff, drinking, and vandalism – with Llanrwst library appearing to be the worst hit by bad behaviour.”
- Cornwall – Cornwall’s libraries receive 5* reviews – Rewind Radio. “More than 3,600 people took part in this year’s survey, with a staggering 98% of respondents saying they were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the service.” … “Book borrowing is up compared to 5 years ago, and library membership is growing faster than at any time in the past 10 years.”
- Croydon -Selling off borough’s public libraries is act of social vandalism – Inside Croydon. “At the beginning of this year, Croydon Council opened a consultation over its proposals to close four public libraries – Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead and Shirley. The consultation closed in April, but nothing yet has been heard about its findings”
- Denbighshire – More than 1,000 sign up for Denbighshire libraries’ reading challenge – Rhyl Journal. Marvellous Makers.
- Devon – Events celebrate 100 years of library service in county – Devon Live. Robin Ince at celebratory event says “Libraries are so much more than many people imagine,” he said, as he appeared at a 100th-anniversary celebratory event. “Perhaps most importantly, they are the safest space and the most curious place in town. They are not just the guardian of knowledge but a place of activity, security, and possibility.””
- Library launch for village bookworms – Mid Devon Advertiser. “Abbostkerswell has a new library. All thanks to the efforts of a group of volunteers who were determined to keep the village reading after Devon County Council cut its mobile library service earlier this year”
- Dorset – Omaze: Dorset library given money for essential repairs – Bournemouth Echo. “Colehill Community Library, an independent charity established in 2013, will use the funds for the maintenance of the building and to help encourage young people to read. ”
- Dudley – Library becomes Makaton Aware – Dudley Council. “The Makaton Aware designation is given to organisations committed to breaking down communication barriers, so everyone feels valued and understood.”
- Enfield – Bid to force rethink of Enfield Council library closures fails – Enfield Dispatch. “The Labour administration doubles down on the eight closures while opposition Tories criticise impact on local people”. Council says that users of closed libraries also sue the still-open ones, [apart from an unlucky fifth and, also, unclear which is their preferred library, the one they most use etc – Ed.] : “We know that 85% of visits are to the eight libraries that we’ve proposed to retain and 78% of active users use their library card at those eight libraries proposed to remain open.””
- Essex – Huge Colchester library to close for nearly a year for six-figure refurbishment – Essex Live. ” refurbishment will cost around £450,000 and take almost a year to complete” … “The centrepiece of the work is a new children’s imagination and literary centre on the ground floor. This will be a specialist, highly-interactive play space with equipment and materials for learning.” … “A large amount of the funding has covered by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) via Arts Council England’s Libraries Improvement Fund. Funding of £337,500 has been provided by the DCMS whilst Essex County Council (ECC) has contributed an additional £112,500 towards the project.”
- Gloucestershire – Gloucestershire Libraries to launch new “digital bootcamp” programme – The Forester. “The programme will involve working with businesses like SAND Visuals, Phoenix Consultants and others who will support participants to get real experience of work in the industry. It is part of Gloucestershire Libraries National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status, funded by the Arts Council for three years”
- Isle of Man – Library rebrand to mark city status confirmed – BBC. “The Henry Bloom Noble Library will be renamed the Douglas City Library when its signage is replaced.” see also Proposals to rename library in Manx capital – BBC.
- Leicester – New ‘study zones’ set up at city libraries – BBC. “Leicester City Council said the dedicated study areas, which come with new desks complete with built-in charging for devices, have been installed in 16 libraries.”
- Lincolnshire – Library use is back on the rise but falls short of target – Spalding Voice. “Lincolnshire County Council say there were a million users of its libraries in the 2023/24 financial year, a 16 per cent increase on last year when they saw a 17 per cent increase in the number of items loaned.” … “there’s a trend of visiting the library less often than before the pandemic, but taking out more items on each visit.”
- Liverpool – Queen Camilla’s gift to help Liverpool rebuild – Liverpool Echo. “Her Majesty, who read to Liverpool schoolchildren on a royal visit to the city’s Central Library last year, provided a box of 67 books for the library to help it rebuild. The donation follows almost £250,000 being raised to repair the library that was heavily damaged in an attack.” [The photo shows the books are new and useful titles, not random – they look like she asked Liverpool Libraries what they wanted first – Ed.]
- Authors send books to restock library burned in riots – BBC. “Author Marnie Riches posted on X after seeing pictures of the building alight, saying she had sent a parcel of her books to the city using the hashtag Reading Not Rioting. Since then, inspired by her actions, hundreds of other authors, including Philip Pullman and Val McDermid, have followed suit.” … “he generosity shown had been appreciated by the staff at Spellow Hub, adding it was “really important to help them in their recovery journey”.”
- Nearly £250,000 raised for Liverpool library damaged by rioters – Guardian. “The plans for the library are still being decided, with a clear agenda to be set in the coming weeks. The council is liaising with with members of the community including McCormick and the centre’s manager, Debbie Moore. McCormick hopes that the “people who caused such mindless damage” can “redirect their energy into something positive in the future”.”
- ‘Resolute’ commitment to reopen Spellow library ‘in weeks’ after County Road riots – Liverpool Echo.
- North Northamptonshire – Oundle Library to reopen ‘as soon as works are completed’ as council insist there are ‘no plans’ for permanent closure – Northamptonshire Telegraph. “Following a fire at Oundle Library last month, the North Northamptonshire Council has reassured patrons that there are ‘no plans’ to close the facility for good, and that it will reopen once remedial work is complete and the whole library is deep cleaned.” Reopening date unknown.
- Nottingham – Nottingham may have to ‘accept reality’ of library closures but services could continue – West Bridgford Wire. “The Labour-run council, which declared itself effectively bankrupt in November, is looking to save £1.5m over the next two years in its libraries service.”
- Nottinghamshire – Council customer services moves to West Bridgford Library this month – West Bridgford Wire. ““The widening of our offer in partnership with the Borough Council places the library as the one stop information centre for West Bridgford.”
- Slough – The Curve won’t close council leader says – but hours might be cut – Slough Observer. “The Curve will not close Slough Borough Council leader has pledged – but opening hours may be cut if a hoped-for deal with a university goes through.”
- South Lanarkshire – Ex South Lanarkshire librarian starts new musical class for the under fives – Daily Record. “There is a misconception that librarians want people who use libraries to be quiet and keep quiet.”
- Suffolk – ‘More than just books’: Library hosts beach pop-up – BBC. “The three-day event, which started on Wednesday, aims to spread awareness of some of its services and give out lots of free books.”
- Beyond the Bassline – new library exhibition and events celebrate 500 years of Black British music – Suffolk Libraries. “Suffolk Libraries have worked in partnership with Aspire Black Suffolk to create an interactive record wall display at Ipswich County Library. This is a unique sound installation showcasing local black British musicians and sharing interviews previously collected by the Suffolk Libraries Community Arts Team, which are shared through the ‘Museum in a Box’ speaker.”
- Torfaen – Torfaen library scheme to lend out sports equipment – Free Press Series. “Torfaen residents eager to take up a new sport following the Paris Olympics can now borrow equipment from a new library scheme.” … “The Lending Library, run by Torfaen Libraries in partnership with Torfaen County Borough Council’s sports development team, aims to promote physical activity by providing easy access to sports equipment for residents of all ages. Borrowing sports equipment will be as simple as borrowing books, needing only a library card. Those who do not have a library card can sign up for free on the day.”
- Take part in ‘Marvellous Makers’ reading challenge at Torfaen’s libraries – Cwmbran Life. “A £100 gift voucher for Smyths Toy Store is also up for grabs.”
- Wokingham – Twyford Libary sees 59 per cent boost in book loans – Bracknell News. “The library, located in the former Old Polehampton Boys School, opened its doors to the new venue on Thursday, June 13, after moving across the road to Polehampton Close.”
- Worcestershire – Malvern Library to adopt new Unlocked model next week – Malvern Observer. “Libraries Unlocked membership is for ages 15 and over. Under 15s can visit the library during Libraries Unlocked opening hours if they are accompanied by a Libraries Unlocked member.”
- York – Lawn dancing and a Lego map attack: York library’s fundraising fun day – York Press. “it has all been for a great cause – to raise money for the York library service’s programme of summer activities for children.”
239,000 reasons to hope
Aug 10th
Editorial
The library week was dominated by first the horror at the setting ablaze of Spellow Lane Library during the far-right/racist/opportunist riots and then by the hope caused by a huge local, national and international response to a fundraiser for it. Famous authors and celebrities donated large amounts of money (the largest being £5,000 from author Matt Haig) as did loads of library lovers and locals. The result was that, as of now, £239,000 has been raised compared to the initial £500 target.
This should give all of us hope. There is something visceral about an attack on a public library and it has given nearly a thousand people a chance to register their disgust at what went on. What will be done with the money is quite the question: the building will have insurance but this amount of money can make a difference even then. One hopes that something really positive, that helps those in the local area, comes from this.
In other news in this week’s post, I had not noticed before but there are no less than eight libraries under threat in the London borough of Enfield and another in Peterborough. Additionally, Cheshire East has reported initial success in getting local councils to help fund the libraries it has announced it did not have sufficient money for. Finally, there are a couple of criticisms of current public library culture, both suggesting a move back to focusing on reading, quiet study and education.
Oooh, and also there is the first ever book giveaway for this newsletter. The first five readers who email Neil Jurd OBE at neil@neiljurd.com will get sent a copy of “The Leadership Book” by Neil Jurd OBE. Gosh.
Changes by local authority
- Enfield – Bullsmoor, Enfield Highway, Enfield Island Village, Bowes Road, Southgate, Winchmore Hill, Oakwood and John Jackson libraries may close in 2025.
- Peterborough – Woodston Library may close
National news
- The Concept, Experience and Inspiration of Bibliotherapeutic Service in British and American Public Libraries – Library Journal.
- Green Libraries Week 2024 – the map – Libraries Week. “Library partners, spread the word and let people know what your library is up to for Green Libraries Week by adding your library to the map”
- Stop-Verify-Correct: How to combat misinformation online and beyond – CILIP.
- Why It’s Time for Libraries to Step Up and Help Young People – Shout Out UK. “Unfortunately, in areas such as the North East of England, libraries appear to have become hubs for computer use rather than reading. While free access to digital resources is vital, so is access to traditional print novels and a quiet place to read — something which children may not have at home.”
“The Public Library system [needs to be]revised to back the education system rather than being a social centre. This was its original purpose following on from the Mechanics Institutes, the Chartists and the Luddite era. Library history shows that the Public Library has moved from a working-class to a middle-class institution in its development. Education, Information, Research and Recreation are still at the heart of Public Library purpose. The emphasis on these four services changes according to the times we live in. Public Libraries need to move from the current emphasis on recreation to support education and provide information for society. I see no prospect of this being implemented by CILIP, the Arts Council or the DCMS all of whom misunderstand Libraries at a fundamental level. The Library Profession has also contributed to its own downfall to which the irrelevant CILIP conference bears testimony. Furthermore, the fragmented, volunteer run and unstaffed libraries are in no position to respond to the changing social circumstances. The problems are more sociological and anthropological than political.”
Glyn, received via email
Spellow Lane Library
- Books for Spellow Lane Library – Go Fund Me. £239,000 raised as of Saturday 2pm including £5,000 from author Matt Haig, £500 from Frank Cottrell-Boyce and £500 from Nigella Lawson.
- CILIP statement on the fire damage at Spellow Hub Library in Liverpool – CILIP. “This shocking incident is a new low during a week of worrying news from many parts of the country. The violent actions of this extreme minority group illustrate the need for exactly the kind of services provided by trained staff in public libraries such as Spellow – informing citizens with a broad range of trustworthy information and helping develop literacies for the modern world. We hope the new government invests in such services and reverses 14 years of funding cuts”
- City vows ‘we will not let hate win’ after riots – BBC. “Cousins Esme Mullen and Connie Brown, who live in Walton, have placed posters and drawings on the boarded-up library which read: “We will not let hate win – Walton is stronger when we stand together”. Esme told the BBC she wanted to help build the library again because she likes to read books while Connie said “we should never live in hate”. Frank Brady, who lives over the road from the library, said it was an important part of the community. He said: “It is so important that it keeps going because of the road itself.””
- Far-right rioters loot shops and set fire to library and food bank in shameless day of disorder – Independent. Context.
- ‘Fight back’: Wrecked Liverpool library stands defiant against UK riots – Reuters. “Seeing a library be damaged in the riots was just so heart-breaking,” McCormick said. “Never did I imagine that (the fundraiser) would go as far as it has. I think it’ll be lovely to see when it’s restored back to its former glory.”
- Generosity for fire-hit library after riots ‘humbling’ – BBC. “Councillor Ruth Bennett said the donations alongside offers of the use of buildings to hold activities which were planned for the library over the summer showed the “very best of the people of Liverpool and beyond”.” … “Ms Bennett, cabinet member for finances, resources and transformation, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our residents, partners and people from right across the country.”
- Liverpool library torched by far-right rioters receives £50,000 in donations in one day for books – Independent. “Firefighters fought the blaze even as an engine’s rear windscreen was broken by a missile thrown by a rioter.”
- Liverpool library torched by far-right rioters raises repair funds – Guardian.
- Minister pledges support on visit to riot-hit library – BBC. “The business secretary has said the government will support businesses affected by the riots which have taken place across the country after three girls were stabbed to death in Southport. Jonathan Reynolds visited Spellow Library in Walton, Liverpool which was set alight amid violence and disorder last Saturday.” … “A 69-year-old man, who armed himself with a wooden cosh and joined a “mob” which took part in the destruction of the library, was jailed on Thursday for two years and eight months.”
- Mother thanks judge after sons jailed over library burglary during riots – Sky News. “The pair pleaded guilty to burglary with intent “to steal from the Spellow Lane Library Hub, in Walton, which was opened last year to provide support for one of the most deprived communities in the country and included a food bank.” … “She said they just got “carried away” and their behaviour was “very out of character”, adding: “We’ve never had riots before.”
- Shameless thugs set a library and foodbank ablaze, target middle eastern cafes and set fire to looted shops as anarchy descends in flashpoints across Liverpool, Hull, Manchester and Belfast – with more violence expected today – Mail. “Shocking photos from this morning show the burnt out interior of the library, with bookshelves tipped on their side, and glass surrounding the remaining computers. ” [No mention of where all the anti-immigrant hate came from – Ed.]
- Spellow Lane Library sees hundreds of authors donate backlists after riots destruction – BookSeller. “Over 150 members of the books community – including Tracy Chevalier and Diana Beaumont – are donating backlist copies to the riot-hit Spellow Lane Library as part of crime writer Marnie Riches’ Reading Not Rioting campaign.” … ““There’s certainly going to be tens of thousands of pounds of stock sent in.. It’s been an enormous response,” she said. “In tandem with the crowdfunder it’s been a good way for the bookish community to express their outrage at the rioters and sympathy with the library and its readers.” “
- ‘We are not the far-right’ insist protesters setting fire to libraries and migrant hotels – News Thump. “As violent protests entered their third night across the UK, many of those who took to the streets have insisted that this is not a ‘far-right protest’, and any similarity to the tactics of the Nazis is purely coincidental.” … “the Nazis burned books, not libraries. Which is very different. If you can’t tell the difference, I can’t help you.”
International news
- Public libraries’ role in supporting Ukrainian refugees: A focus on Hungary and Poland – Journal of Librarianship and Information Science. “The study underscores public libraries’ role in addressing community needs, rooted in their core values of inclusivity and community engagement. However, their effectiveness hinges on inclusion in community-level efforts, awareness among new groups and securing economic and political support”
- India – Floating libraries help rekindle reading habit among boat passengers in Kerala – The Hindu. “More passengers in Kerala who commute on boats operated by the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) will soon be able to enjoy their rides by reading short stories, novels, poems, and other literary works.”
- New Zealand – Meet the metalhead makerspace librarian – Wellington Government. “he spends his days helping the public with their laser cutting projects, 3D printing, coding, robotics, sewing, weaving, music recording and virtual reality pursuits. ”
- USA – Advocates react to Utah ban of 13 books in schools and libraries: ‘It’s a tragedy’ – Guardian. “Utah is first in the US to outlaw titles statewide they deem ‘indecent’ as free speech advocates worry about impact” … “Utah ordered 13 books to be removed from public school classrooms and libraries” including “included Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur and Forever by Judy Blume” … “The banned materials must be “legally disposed of” and “may not be sold or distributed” per the guidelines” … “this law now puts librarians and teachers and school board members in legal jeopardy just for having highly regarded and award winning works of literature on high school library shelves”
- As LGBTQ library material comes under fire, California may ban book bans – Cal Matters. “Fresno County is about to appoint a library review committee that critics say will censor children’s books. But a bill before the Legislature would outlaw such groups in California.”
- BuildingWork references local culture in small Washington library – De Zeen. Beautiful small library built. “Among the elements honouring the Swinomish Tribe is a traditional story pole at the library’s entrance.”
- The Week in Libraries – Publishers Weekly. “the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has weighed in on Iowa’s SF 496 with a mixed decision; Utah bans 13 books from all public schools in the state, six of which are by Sarah J. Maas; and Kelly Jensen of ‘Book Riot’ offers a how-to guide to fighting book bans.”
Local news by authority
- Bromley – Southborough Library set for celebratory reopening – Bromley Council. “As well as complimentary refreshments, event attendees will be able to enjoy children’s crafts, outdoor games and admire Bromley Football Club’s winner’s trophy on display following their recent promotion to the English Football league. Children’s author Mo O’Hara will also host a storytelling session with activities based on her book, Honey’s Hive.”
- Buckinghamshire – Aylesbury Vale charity has ‘major safety concerns’ over proposed library redundancies and cuts – Bucks Herald. “The chair of the Friends of Buckingham Library, Roger Edwards, has penned an open letter expressing his concerns with changes to library services in Buckinghamshire.”
- Cheshire East – Campaigners hopeful of retaining existing library hours after fears of cuts – Northwich and Winsford Guardian. “Bollington Town Council’s working group on libraries has now met with Cheshire East officers and offered to contribute to the cost of keeping the library open on its present hours, subject to final agreement by the full town council. At present the library is open for 32.5 hours a week.” see also Library action group backs top-up proposal between Bollington Town Council and Cheshire East Council – Macclesfield Nub News and Ex-deputy leader criticises library cuts plan – BBC. “Craig Browne said he “strongly” opposed the proposals, which would see some libraries only receiving funding to stay open for one-and-a-half-days a week. Mr Browne stood down as the leader of the Independent group, which runs the council in coalition with Labour, in February.”
- Have your say on future running of Cheshire East’s libraries – Alderley Edge.com. “Cheshire East Council has launched a six-week consultation on its draft libraries strategy, which includes asking for feedback on a tiering system for how library services would be run going forward and reducing the opening hours at Alderley Edge. The council must make savings in library services of more than £600k over the next two years to support the council’s medium-term financial strategy (MTFS) 2024-2028. The MTFS needs to achieve budget savings of £100 million to continue offering support to Cheshire East’s most vulnerable residents.”
- Cheshire West and Chester – Design work begins on the renovation of Northwich Library – Silk Radio. Library as well as “an accessible first floor hosting the Work Zone and flexible activity and meeting spaces for all” … “it is anticipated that the library will reopen to the public in 2026.”
- Cornwall – New born Cornwall babies to be issued with library card after birth in new reading initiative – Voice Newspapers. “When new parents register the birth of their baby, the child will be given their own ‘my first library card’. Parents will be encouraged to use the card to sign up to their local library.”
- Enfield – Bid to stop Enfield Council closing eight libraries – Times series. “As part of a proposed new library strategy, eight libraries have been earmarked for closure, with declining usage and budget pressures cited as reasons to justify the move.”
- Lincolnshire – Libraries welcome a million visitors a year – BBC. “The authority said over two million items were borrowed from the service and more than 87,000 people attended activities such as story telling sessions, crafting and history groups. The figures represent a 16% increase in visits compared to the previous 12 months.”
- Nottingham – Read-in protests planned over library closures – BBC. “The Save Nottingham Libraries group said the read-in protests would see library members selecting books to read together “in a peaceful demonstration of solidarity”, adding they hoped to encourage new members to register at threatened sites. Demonstrations will take place from 09:30 BST on Saturday at Bilborough, with another scheduled for 09:30 at Basford on 17 August.”
- Developer promises Sherwood Library will open as soon as possible – West Bridgford Wire. “The developer behind Sherwood Library has promised the new facility will open soon after more than 100 defects were found in the building.”
- Window smashed during break-in at city library – BBC. “Radford and Lenton library’s office area was ransacked and one of its windows smashed at about 00:30 BST on Thursday, police said.” … ” it was unclear what was taken from the building.”
- Peterborough – Community hopes to save 73-year-old library – BBC. “Woodston Library on Orchard Street, Peterborough, was listed among Peterborough City Council’s assets at risk of being cut in order to balance budgets.” … “Council said a decision on the facility would be made in the next few weeks.”
- Reading – Why library in Reading is being moved to council offices – Reading Chronicle. “Questions have been raised about why Reading Borough Council is building a brand new library instead of refurbishing its existing purpose-built library in the town centre.” … “It comes after the council won £19.1 million from the government’s levelling up fund for a new arts centre and library. Of that cash, £8.6 million is being used to build a new library at the council’s offices in Bridge Street. But residents and readers have been asking questions about why levelling up funding wasn’t used to upgrade the library at its existing site.”
- Sheffield – Sheffield Post Office: Move in date confirmed as services set to return to Firth Park at local library – The Star.
- Southampton – Southampton libraries keep sanctuary status in aid of refugees – Dorset Echo. “Officially reconfirmed in May, the library was first granted this honour in 2020, underlining their continuous commitment to offering a safe and welcoming environment to asylum seekers”
- Suffolk – Please support Suffolk Libraries’ summer fundraisers – Suffolk Libraries. “Board member Belle Bradley and her partner Jacob Bathgate recently raised £830 doing a parachute jump at Ellough Airfield and CEO Bruce Leeke and Head of Finance and Infrastructure Mandy Wilkinson raised £1,164 completing the Orwell Challenge. This Sunday (11 August) weekend a local library user from Felixstowe, Tina Boniface is undertaking a daunting sponsored cycling challenge.”
- Brand-new crime book festival announced at Bury St Edmunds Library – Suffolk Libraries. “The Body in the Library is a brand-new crime-themed book festival taking place on Saturday 7 September, featuring special events with bestselling crime and thriller novelists including Louise Candlish, William Shaw, and Jack Jordan.”
- Over 5,000 children signed up for the Reading Quest so far – Suffolk Libraries. “The new Reading Quest summer reading programme has hit the ground running with 5,260 children already signed up and enjoying the various challenges. Nearly 1,300 children have signed up for a library card in Suffolk since 13 July and there have been nearly 77,400 loans of children’s books.”
- Torbay – Paignton Community Hub to offer free health checks at libraries – Torbay Today. Based on ground floor of library.
- Walsall – Discover the joy of reading on National Book Lovers Day – Walsall Council. Marvellous Makers, BorrowBox.
- Warrington – Lit Fest is a big hit – Warrington Council. “Newly released figures from Lit Fest 2024, which took place throughout June, show that over 700 people attended the headline events, with a further 200 people dropping into community libraries to take part in festival-themed activities.”
- West Dunbartonshire – West Dunbartonshire Libraries awarded funding to teach sewing skills – West Dunbartonshire Council. “The Threads of Change project, developed by libraries staff, are one of five council projects in Scotland to have successfully secured £1500 funding from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIPS) Green Libraries Scotland Grant Fund.”
- Worcestershire – Over 3,000 Children Sign-up to the Summer Reading Challenge – Worcestershire Council. Marvellous Makers.
- York – ‘Sparking a passion’ – York libraries to stage a fund-raising family fun day – York Press. “York’s independently-run library and archives service, is celebrating ten years of independence by inviting local people to join in some old-fashioned fun. The ‘Fun Day’ at York Explore central library on August 17 will also be a chance to raise money to support holiday activities for children and teenagers.” … “This summer, children can choose from more than 100 high-quality events, from interactive storytelling, marionette making and theatre performances to robotics and AI sessions. But they all cost money – hence the fund-raising element of the fun day.”
Rioters set fire to Spellow Lane Library
Aug 4th
Editorial
Right-wing thugs decided to set fire to Spellow Lane Library in Liverpool last night. Unlike Greggs, which was looted, it appears that no books were stolen in the attack. Not even Mein Kampf, presumably because it had too many words.
In the meantime, there is a fundraiser for library here, which had already attracted over £13,000 at the time of writing this post. This is the act of the majority, who care and construct. Not the violent minority, who prefer to hate and destroy.
Changes by local authority
- Cumberland – Aspatria Library refurbished and co-located with children’s centre.
- Leeds – £200k cut in opening hours.
- Liverpool – Spellow Lane Library set fire by rioters.
- Perth and Kinross – Mobile library trashed by vandals.
National news
Will ‘smart’ libraries dumb down Britain? – Telegraph. “Penny-pinching councils want to replace librarians with robots and CCTV – but the young, the vulnerable and the elderly will lose out” … “From our inner cities to the Home Counties, from the north to the south, technology is coming for Britain’s libraries – and our librarians.”. Buckinghamshire, Camden and Croydon introducing staff-less libraries. “Fans of the institutions, of which there are many, are left asking themselves if a building with books but no librarian can even call itself a library. “. Visits Central Library in Islington (London) “The library’s purpose as more than a place to borrow books was evident with posters promoting free period products, an over-60s club and a knit-and-natter session.”
“I’m an Information Management student at UWE currently working on a dissertation about public libraries in the UK. I’m specifically examining what training public library workers get regarding applying for grants, and I’m working on developing a guide to bid writing from the public library perspective. I’m focusing on the LibraryOn grant scheme as an example, and writing a hypothetical application based on their process. It would be really helpful to hear from public library workers on what their experience is regarding training and applying for grants, especially if they applied to LibraryOn and were happy to talk about their experience.” Caroline2.Vryoni-Dickson@live.uwe.ac.uk
Caroline Vryoni-Dickson, Caroline2.Vryoni-Dickson@live.uwe.ac.uk>
International news
- Canada – Halifax Public Libraries workers vote overwhelmingly to strike – Halifax Examiner. “The union represents some 350 of the library’s workers, including librarians, library assistants, and administrative, technical, and maintenance staff. Union president Christina Covert told the Examiner members voted 82% in favour of a strike”
- Singapore – An “Aye” for AI? Librarians Finding New Jobs in an Age of AI – Library Association of Singapore. The summary is AI generated and says an “adaptive learning mindset will be crucial for librarians to stay ahead of the curve and maximize the potential of AI enhancing library services and user experiences.”
- USA – Report: Project 2025 and Its Consequences for Libraries – EveryLibrary. “Our institutions are under threat by policy proposals that could lead to the elimination of federal funding and the rolling back of enforcement of protections for students, families, and the right to read. The Heritage Foundation manifesto institutionalizes censorship and paves the way for greater political control over educational content.”
- 15 Cool Things You Can Borrow From Public Libraries for Free – PC Mag.
- Mother points out ridiculousness of new library law that bans children from adult section – Independent. “At the library, her older daughter Scarlett just finished reading The Hobbit and was looking for JRR Tolkien’s follow-up The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, which was located in the adult section. However, towards the entrance, there was a large sign that said “Stop.””. Mum stopped from taking baby into adult area without signing permission this was OK.
- Sunday service to resume at 10 libraries this weekend – Spectrum News NY1.
- The Week in Libraries: August 2, 2024 – Publishers Weekly. “a new EveryLibrary report explores the threat to libraries posed by the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025; Maggie Tokuda-Hall weighs in on book bans for ‘Book Riot’; and a mother and TikToker in Idaho details her experience with the state’s new harmful to minors law”
Local news by authority
- Bedford – Summer fun for young people with The Base – Bedford Council. Marvellous Makers.
- Bolton – Free family activities at Bolton libraries with Octagon Theatre – Bolton News.
- Octagon on storytelling tour of libraries – British Theatre Guide. “The Octagon Theatre will present free family storytelling and creative activities at libraries across Bolton during the summer in its Sharing Stories community project, originally launched in 2022.”
- Bradford – Views sought on plans to cut library opening hours – BBC. “Bradford Council wants to save £175,000 on its public library running costs next year, and is seeking views on proposals to reduce opening hours by about 15%. The service has already been stripped back in recent years, despite concerns from campaigners and workers, with volunteers now running the majority of formerly council-managed public libraries.”
- Cumberland – Newly transformed Aspatria Library set to open – Cumberland Council. “Aspatria Library has been transformed to combine the local library and children’s centre into a modern, fit-for-purpose building designed to meet the needs of residents. The building will feature a fresh and contemporary library space, offering a wide range of services to patrons. Among its highlights is a fantastic new children’s library, designed to inspire and engage young readers. The library will also include a PC station, providing access to computers and internet for all visitors. In addition to the library, the hub will house a state-of-the-art dedicated space for 0-5 years …”
- Derby – Roof concerns close city library for ‘short period’ – BBC. “Derby City Council said Spondon Library, on Sitwell Street, will remain shut “for a short period of time” while further investigations are carried out.”
- Derbyshire – Plans outlined to save Derbyshire libraries from possible closure – Derby Telegraph. Options to cut budget without closing libraries inc. opening hours cuts (while removing reservation fees), merge mobile and outreach service using greener/cheaper vehicles, re-locating/co-locating libraries, replace staff with self-service, volunteers.
- East Riding – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library; all 0-5 year olds in East Riding can join the free book scheme – East Riding Council. “The first of several events across the East Riding is taking place at Goole Library on Wednesday 31 July, between 10am and 11.30am. The event provides an opportunity for families to sign up to the free scheme, which is devoted to inspiring a love of reading, along with helping improve children’s reading skills, language and communication.” … “It’s fantastic that so far we have 5,000 children signed up to the scheme, and our events are a chance for families to come along to their local library and find out more.””
- Haringey – Summer fun for kids in Haringey’s leisure facilities and libraries – Haringey Council.
- Jersey – Children to get library membership from birth – BBC. “Parents and carers visiting the Superintendent Registrar to register the birth of their baby, will be given a membership to the library. From Monday 29 July, they will receive a ‘My First Book Bag’, which contains a Jersey Library card, two board books, activity ideas for under-fives and information on the ways to support baby’s speech, language, and communication development.”
- Kirklees – Council urged to reverse customer service closures – BBC. “Kirklees Council announced in February that two centres in Huddersfield and Dewsbury would close and be integrated into Kirklees’ libraries. The Unison union warned the move could have a negative impact on elderly and vulnerable residents.”
- Leeds – Leeds libraries to operate on reduced hours – BBC. “Twenty libraries across Leeds are to reduce their opening hours on evenings and weekends in a bid to save the council money while keeping the facilities open. The changes follow a public consultation which looked at how people used libraries and community hubs across the city. Leeds City Council said the new opening hours would save about £200,000 a year, helping with some of the £63.9m it needs to save this financial year. From August, some sites will see a reduction in evening opening hours while others will be open for a shorter time on Saturdays – but many will see no changes.”
- Lincolnshire – Lincolnshire loves its libraries – Lincolnshire World. 2023 saw 1 million library visits and borrowing of 2 million items, representing 17% rise over 2022. see also Libraries welcome a million visitors a year – BBC.
- Liverpool – ‘Nazis burn books – these have gone one step further and burnt a library’ – Liverpool Echo. “Looters targeted businesses, bins were used to start fires and the Spellow Library and Community Hub was set alight. Flames were visible inside the building within minutes.” … “Far-right social media channels had called for people to gather there during the evening.”
“Targeting the Spellow Library hub, which has recently been reopened, taking that away from children while they’re on their summer holidays is absolutely disgusting. We don’t appreciate it around County Road and we don’t want to see it again around our area … You’ve seen what happened to Spellow Library Hub, not all areas have a library, to see what’s been done to it will hurt a lot of people.””
John Jennings, a councillor for the County ward
“It’s just not a library. It’s a community hub. I’ve lived off County Road for 20 to 30 years – I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Andy Stokes, County Road resident
- Fire at library building as serious violent disorder goes on in Liverpool – Liverpool Echo. “A “library of the future” opened last year as a way to help people get education and routes in to work was set on fire amid scenes of violent disorder in north Liverpool.” … “The Spellow Hub was created in the former Spellow Library, in a refurbishment funded by Mayor Steve Rotheram’s City Region Town Centre Fund. At the time, it was hailed by Liverpool council as a “library of the future” which would help people get education and pathways to work.”
- Manchester – Blue Peter Book Club Live Badge Trail – Loads To Do. “welve special Blue Peter Book Club badges form a trail around the city and your challenge is to find them. There’s even a bonus badge in the Blue Peter Garden in Media City” … “Find all 13 letters to spell out three special names. Fill in your answers on the competition slip on your trail map and hand it in to any library “
- Merton – Developing Culture and Communities in Libraries through Music – Living Knowledge Network. “How can libraries incorporate music into their broader cultural offer and community development work?”
- Norfolk – ‘Fire safety much improved’ since city library blaze – BBC. “A suspected electrical fault on 1 August 1994 sent Norwich’s Central Library up in flames, destroying heritage documents and more than 100,000 books.” … “Anne Tidd, manager of the library, said fire safety was now “excellent” and a similar blaze today would be contained … We’ve got 600 sprinklers, a disaster recovery plan and 160,000 litres of water on site which would be supplied by two pumps”
- North Ayrshire – Council team launch digital roadshow in local libraries – Largs and Millport News. “Delivered by youth work modern apprentices, the sessions focus on cyber resilience and online safety, young people’s rights online, digital technologies, inclusion, and digital opportunities to learn online or take the next step in employment.”
- North Northamptonshire – Oundle Library remains closed but their shows will still go on – North Northamptonshire Council. “Oundle Library remedial works are still ongoing after the recent fire, but staff are determined the show must go on for two of their Summer events this week. Initially planned to be held inside, Circuits and Crazy Colin’s Magic Workshop will now be held in the library’s garden.” [the nearest libraries to Oundle are now community-managed ones – Thrapston and Raunds. The former has statutory protection, but not Raunds – Ed.]
- Nottingham – Knitters protest over proposed library closures – BBC. “Members of affected libraries – including ‘knit and natter’ groups which use them – congregated at the Brian Clough statue in the city centre to voice their opposition. The city council has previously described its bid to redesign library services and save £1.5m as “a daunting and challenging task”.”
- Perth and Kinross – Police appeal after thugs trash Perthshire mobile library – Courier. “The van was parked at is base at the AK Bell library in Perth at the time of the attack. The hooligans smashed windows and automatic doors and damaged the electrics, rear skylight and internal cupboards and drawers. They also made off with a small amount of cash.”
- Redbridge – Fullwell Cross Library reopens after £380K makeover – Redbridge Council. digital maker space, better wifi, sensory, study areas, gaming projections, further improvements to come. “The project was supported with funding from Vision, Redbridge Council, and the Libraries Improvement Fund administered by Arts Council England. “
- Shropshire – Twenty potential library sites deemed unsuitable – BBC. “Whitchurch Library in Shropshire was forced to move out of the Civic Centre in 2023 when engineers found Raac (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) in the building”
- Five sound-proof meeting pods installed in Shropshire libraries – Shropshire Star. “Library users across the county can reserve five new sound-proof meeting pods thanks to a £236k grant.” … “purchase the one-on-one interview pods with supporting technology. The council says that the pods are an ‘ideal space’ for online or in-person meetings, or for individual work.”
- Suffolk – What next for Suffolk Libraries as contract talks continue? – EADT. “Suffolk Libraries is preparing a bid to retain the contract to run the service in the county for another six years – which could be extend by another six years later.” … “But there are fears that the £80m contract offered over 12 years might not be enough to protect all current services. The current contract finishes at the beginning of June next year but talks over the new deal have been going on for several months.” … “here is now one more library than there was when the service was launched – a new library branch opened in Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds, in 2022.” … “The new contract amounts to £6.8m a year, compared with £5.9m a year currently, but there are fears that inflation could erode this income and force whoever is running the service to make serious cutbacks.”
- Suffolk Libraries celebrates 12 years as an independent charity – Suffolk Libraries.
- Thurston Library opens new sensory garden – Suffolk Libraries.
- Tower Hamlets – Idea Store chosen as only UK library to take part in Build the Change scheme – Tower Hamlets Council. “The Idea Store service, run by Tower Hamlets Council, was chosen as the only UK library to take part in the Build the Change project created by the Lego Group alongside libraries in Berlin, Prague, Barcelona and Aarhus in Denmark. Youngsters can take part in free summer workshops in Idea Stores across the borough to build their eco-friendly habitats using Lego bricks. More than 40 children took part in the first Build the Change workshop …”
- Westminster – Westminster unveils new mini community hubs to strengthen local connections – City of Westminster Council. “The mini community hubs in Victoria and Charing Cross provide free and low-cost activities designed to meet the needs of the local community. They are part of our #2035 initiative to reduce health inequality in the borough. Another hub will open in the north of the borough later this year.”
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