A Challenge for Summer Reading

Editorial

It may seem to be a strange time to talk about the Summer but, as a small but select bunch of library staff know, the brochure for Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) materials arrived last week. It’s a big moment. One gets to look through to see the theme (embargoed so no news of that here) and what’s on offer.

The SRC is by far the biggest promotion for most library services offer and is the only real national library promotion that the average man on the street – if they’ve been a parent or a child in the last 25 years – will know about. Medals and certificates are handed out in their hundreds of thousands and the Challenge is the key thing in libraries during August, which is the busiest month in the library year.

But it’s not all wonderfulness. The last few years has seen first one then several then a significant number of library services cease purchasing the Reading Agency material. This, due to never-ceasing demands on the budget, is often due to the cost but also due to the materials themselves. The SRC, you see, has remained largely the same since it started 25 years ago. One still has a pack that one has puts stickers in after reading books/visiting the library and one still receives a certificate and medal for “completing” after, normally, reading six books. This was revolutionary back in the heady days of 1999 but not so much now. Some librarians get bored with doing the same thing year after year, even if the kids (who, after all, change every few years) don’t. And it’s increasingly obvious that the SRC is losing its appeal for older primary school children, who have so many more options available to them than they did in the pre-digital turn of the century.

The challenge for the Reading Agency is how to respond to this. They’re not a huge organisation and they don’t have much of a budget. And it’s hard to see what would appeal to older primary school children, at least in the price range feasible for local library services. To their credit, though, they are noticeably being more involved in getting feedback from libraries – who are, basically, their customers – and have responded to some of the suggestion in the materials for 2025.

But is it too little and too late? Is there anything actually else that they could do? It’s certainly easier to criticise from the outside than to actually create the resources and some of the materials I see from library services producing their own SRC are decidedly below par. although others are good. So I hope that this is the start of a turnaround for the SRC. Because it’s still the best public promotional campaign libraries have.

I just wish it was a more exciting theme.

Please send any comments, views, remarks, news or chocolate assortments to ianlibrarian at co dot uk. Thank you.

Changes by local authority

National news

  • Basic library cleaning – Library Data Blog. “Download the basic libraries dataset – enhanced “
  • Big Tasty Read: Book Recommendations – Reading Agency. “Big Tasty Read: Feast on a great read! The Reading Agency and BBC Arts are looking for suggestions of adult books with food as a key theme for a new campaign, The Big Tasty Read in 2025. Find out more and submit your suggestions by 11 December. Librarians can also support the selection of the books by volunteering to read and review the submitted titles. Apply by 11 December. “
  • Creating Safer Libraries – Guidance Note – Libraries Connected. “Creating Safer Libraries, originally published in October 2023, offers clear, concise guidance on preventing, managing, and responding to disruptive and anti-social behaviour in public libraries. The 2024 updates include information about external communications and social media as well as additional links to guidance and useful organisations.”
  • Engagement with UK public libraries is on the rise – SW Londoner. “The DCMS’ Annual Participation Survey showed a 6% rise in physical visits to public and mobile libraries, increasing from 19% in 2022-2023 to 25% in 2023-2024.”
  • Librarians in plea over ‘never before seen cuts’ – BBC. “The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Scotland (CILIPS) has written to Finance Secretary Shona Robison warning of cuts at a level “never seen before”. A number of cash-strapped local authorities have proposed permanent closures, staff cuts and reduction in opening hours. Libraries earmarked for closure include 13 in Aberdeenshire, seven in Moray and five in Perth and Kinross. Councils say fewer people are using libraries and they are accessing books and information in new ways. However, six facilities were saved in North Lanarkshire in October, after the council reversed an earlier decision to close them.”
  • Library guide to Bluesky – Ned Potter. “Bluesky has reached a critical mass, with enough users leaving Twitter and joining the platform for it be considered a legitimate X-replacement. This shift makes it worth considering setting up an account for your institution.”
  • Scotland’s Libraries at Risk – CILIPS. “CILIPS have written to the Scottish Government to ask for urgent financial support for our public and school libraries following a series of severe cuts proposed by local authorities. These proposals include the closure of over 60% of branches in some areas. In addition to this, our school libraries have seen continued loss of staffing and resources as well as significant deprofessionalisation. We believe this is unsustainable.”
  • A warm welcome in South London’s libraries and leisure centres this winter – London Daily News. Lists Warm Libraries offers in Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Lewisham, Merton and Wandsworth.

International news

Local news by authority

It’s Christmas time

Editorial

It’s been Christmas Festival weekend in my non-library life, which means I have been a certain bearded character in a grotto for much of yesterday, a reindeer herder (not real reindeer – my daughter and her friends in full costume) in the evening and clearing the grotto out all day today. And yesterday was fantastic and lovely but I’m a bit tired so the library world can live without an editorial this week.

Please send in any news, comments or corrections to ianlibrarian at live.co.uk. Thank you.

Changes by local authority

National news

  • Britain’s high street ‘as we know it’ is dead – ‘people only want two things’ – Daily Star. ” Cafes, restaurants and charity shops – which can avail of cheaper rates – are usually the only new businesses taking up new leases.” … “Public authorities are also tentatively moving public-facing services (such as surgeries and libraries) on to high streets. This can both improve access to those civic functions and increase footfall to sustain local businesses.”” … ““Retail will always be important, but people want to see a variety of businesses and other services such as NHS diagnostic centres and libraries on their high street. “
  • Charities join forces to ‘poverty proof’ libraries – Libraries Connected. “Funded by a grant of £49,770 from Arts Council England, Children North East will carry out a full Poverty Proofing© audit of libraries in three English local authorities. ” Starting in Gateshead.
  • Children told refugees ‘enrich our country’ and drive ‘growth’ in Usborne book – Telegraph. “Publication stocked by local council libraries and sent to schools is described as ‘indoctrination’” Registration wall.
  • Libraries: Cornerstones of Our Communities we need – This is Local London. “With the loss of libraries, we will lose a great opportunity to connect with those who may live right next door. “
  • Will we still need our libraries in ten years time? – This is Local London / Young Reporter. “Libraries can only be described as absolute treasures in a world where technology is slowly taking over. I talked to Ann, a librarian at Osterley Library, in order to open a window into how the growing influence of technology is slowly invading its way into these precious spaces.” … ““If we could, with funding, make libraries more accessible to all age groups, perhaps we could be more equipped to protect them” … “The future of these priceless spaces are in our hands”
  • Yorkshire and Humber libraries reflect on a year of success – Libraries Connected. 10 million visits and 12 million physical/digital issues, various projects funded 2023-4.

International news

Local news by authority

  • Aberdeen – Aberdeen City Libraries is among 13 services in Scotland to receive funding from the 2024/25 Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) – Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce. “Innovation Station, will see the development of an exciting technology hub within Central Library by providing opportunities for communities to access emerging technologies.” … “This project aims to be youth-led, with young people involved in the planning, development and delivery of the project alongside Library Teams. Young people will become advocates of and for the project across the city’s libraries.”
  • Aberdeenshire – Politics: Under threat libraries are vital community hubs – Grampian Online. “Aberdeenshire Council has announced it will be closing 13 libraries across the area – with five in the Aberdeenshire East constituency being impacted, writes MSP Gillian Martin. This news has come as a shock to many people including councillors who were not all informed of the decision, until the plans became public last week.” … “I have written to Aberdeenshire Council and to both Audit Scotland and the Scottish Government to ask how this decision could have been made without more scrutiny and a full and proper consultation process.”
  • Angus – Angus libraries win funding for new sensory facilities – Angus World. £17k. ” implementation of a suite of sensory packs across all seve [sic], Angus libraries, as well as two mobile libraries and via the Home Library Service.”
  • Bolton – Harwood Library to undergo huge investment to benefit all – Bolton News. “Harwood Library is to benefit from ward funding to undergo an upgrade and have specialist equipment installed to ensure more can use the services it offers.” … “Among the new equipment is a Lego tech machine set, rainbow sensory bricks, antimicrobial bean bags, a teepee and a clear acrylic notice board.”
  • Bridgend – Awen Libraries’ performance assessed by Welsh Government – Awen. “Welsh Government’s annual assessment (2023-24) of the library service in Bridgend County Borough has recognised its “impressive range of activities”, “support for people with a wide range of needs and interests, in particular those with additional learning needs” and “strong focus on children’s provision”.”
  • Bromley – Chislehurst Library closes until summer 2025 for refurbishment – News Shopper. “The library is set to close for several months due to ongoing refurbishment works and will not open until summer of next year, although no current reopening date has yet been confirmed. The space is set to receive an upgrade including an expansion to the children’s library and installation of a new public toilet and baby changing facilities, accessible entrance and windows.”
  • Camden – Much-cherished Highgate Library has reopened following £1.88m investment – Camden Council. “The library required extensive works with many of its services and infrastructure in need of replacement, which as well as making visiting less enjoyable, also led to high levels of heat loss from the building.”
  • Cheshire East – Future of Bollington library is made as councillors approve libraries strategy – Macclesfield Nub News. “Alderley Edge’s richest residents should consider putting their hands in their pockets to help fund Cheshire East’s libraries, a councillor said.” … “various town and parish councils have stepped in to help, and ‘top-up’ funding has provisionally been agreed for Alderley Edge, Bollington, Disley, Handforth, Macclesfield and Poynton libraries.” … “Talks are ongoing with Knutsford Town Council. Crewe and Nantwich already top up theirs.” … “Alderley Edge Parish Council reduced their precept last year by 6.5 per cent – one of the richest villages in the country ”
    • Libraries face new “tier” system amid more Cheshire East cost-cutting – Nantwich News. “Nantwich along with Crewe, Congleton, Macclesfield, and Wilmslow will be in tier one. Alsager, Holmes Chapel, Knutsford, Middlewich, Poynton and Sandbach will be in tier two with Alderley Edge, Bollington, Disley and Handforth in tier three. It is tier three – known as community libraries – which have taken the biggest hit as Cheshire East plans to fund these for just 1.5 days a week.”
  • Cornwall – Storytime sessions encouraging children to read – BBC. “Libraries in Cornwall are hosting storytelling sessions for children as a literacy charity said it had recorded its lowest ever number of young people that choose to read for pleasure. The National Literacy Trust survey found only one-in-three children in the UK said they enjoyed reading for pleasure, external said it was the lowest level of reading recorded in the past 20 years.”
  • Gloucestershire – Residents urged to have say on plans to access library services out of hours – Gloucestershire News Centre. “The technology, called Open Access, is being introduced to the libraries at Churchdown, Fairford, Prestbury, Quedgeley, and Tetbury in the coming year, enabling registered customers to use library services outside of ordinary staffed hours. It is already used at Bishops Cleeve and Oakley libraries so this would see the service extended to cover more areas.”
  • Haringey – Hundreds sign petition to retain opening hours at Alexandra Park Library – Haringey Community Press. “Richard Loren, a supporter of the petition, added that reducing the hours after the building had been recently refurbished made “no sense”. A new lift, accessible toilets, as well as improved facilities including a new children’s library were installed at the library last year. “
  • Kirklees – Dewsbury library plans take next step as new location confirmed – Examiner Live. “The library will be shifted from its current spot on Railway Street to the Walsh Building next to Dewsbury Town Hall where it will be co-located with the town’s customer service centre.”
  • Lincolnshire – Golden moment for volunteer behind sensory room – BBC. “Ms Burley, who has learning difficulties, helped develop the calming and colourful space at Cleethorpes library for neurodiverse children and adults.”
  • Merton – Discovering Libraries in Merton – This is Local London.
  • Midlothian – Midlothian libraries awarded funding for digital inclusion project – Midlothian View. £15k. “Digital Learning Stations will be installed in each library, equipped with tablets, notebooks, or laptops pre-loaded with interactive tutorials and courses on essential digital skills such as basic computer use and internet safety.”
  • Moray / Aberdeenshire – Moray and Banffshire public fight to save libraries – Northern Scot. ““I think the council have been a bit taken back about how strong the reaction has been. “If we were ever complacent about our library we’re certainly not now.” Ironically, the Keith protestors have been told by Moray Council they are no longer allowed to meet inside the library in case they disturb other users.” … “A thousand people – a quarter of Macduff’s population – have already signed an online petition in support of that library.”
  • Norfolk -Norfolk libraries celebrate National Tree Week with events – Eastern Daily Press. Registration-wall.
  • North East Lincolnshire – Results of first stage of Public Library and Archive Service review to go before councillors – North East Lincolnshire Council. “A large percentage of library users who responded said they would welcome gallery and exhibition space within libraries, and would also welcome libraries in shopping centres and  leisure centres. Respondents said they would like longer weekday and weekend opening hours, better public toilet facilities and more social spaces, reflecting a change in how people are using the libraries overall.”
  • North Northamptonshire – Statement of Reassurance for Raunds Library Customers – North Northamptonshire Council. “Currently the library is run as a three-way partnership arrangement between North Northamptonshire Council, CTT [Creating Tomorrow Trust] and RCLT [Raunds Community Library Trust]. As there are ongoing discussions between all three parties about future arrangements, North Northamptonshire Council is disappointed that RCLT have put out this statement on social media. It is not in the interests of effective partnership working for one partner to make statements about another without prior agreement. The content of it is misleading, and as such, North Northamptonshire Council has formally requested that RCLT take the post down.”
  • North Somerset – Public Document Pack – North Somerset Council. “£433,000 for the libraries budget, starting 2026-27 and staggered over 2 years.” page 44 PD08. Proposed £433k cut over 2 years due to “explore new delivery model reducing the number of library sites and exploring outreach and mobile delivery”.
  • Nottingham – Nottingham residents fight back against plans to close local libraries – West Bridgford Wire. “The results of the consultation indicate overwhelming opposition to the proposed changes. Many respondents highlighted the crucial role of libraries as community hubs, particularly for children, older adults, and people with disabilities. In areas with limited public amenities, the libraries provide warm, safe spaces and access to essential services like books, digital resources, and social activities. Concerns were also raised over the potential impact of reduced opening hours, with many fearing that cutting availability would lead to a decline in library use, creating a negative cycle that could justify further cuts in the future.”
    • Number of visitors who visited long-awaited £10.5m Nottingham library in first year revealed – Nottinghamshire Live. “Nearly 293,000 visitors have stepped through the doors of Nottingham’s Central Library in its first year, Nottingham City Council has revealed.” … “The new building hosts a stunning children’s library with an immersive storytelling room that helps bring books to life. It has been so lovely seeing families enjoy these areas and popping outside to use the new play area.”
  • Nottinghamshire – Nottinghamshire County Council ‘crystal clear’ it will not close county libraries as new 10-year plan considered – Newark Advertiser. “Nottinghamshire County Council says it is “crystal clear” it will not close libraries or cut services as a new 10-year plan is considered. As part of mapping out how it will run libraries over the next decade, the authority plans to designate 12 key sites as ‘hub libraries’ that offer a wide-range of activities and services six days a week.”
  • Orkney – Library forecourt to be transformed – Orkney Islands Council. £11k “to create an interactive Orcadian trail of native flora in the library forecourt.” … “five raised, wheelchair accessible planters being made for the native plants. Sensory panels, sound chimes and a wooden finger maze will also be installed.”
  • Perth and Kinross – Job losses unavoidable as Culture Perth and Kinross implements cuts to its library and museum services – Daily Record. “Every library in Perth and Kinross will be hit by cuts and job losses will be unavoidable as Culture Perth and Kinross seeks to reduce its budget by 12 per cent over the next three years.” Libraries not at risk of closure look set to have their opening hours reduced from next April.”
  • Peterborough – Council to debate community library under threat – BBC. “Woodston Library in Peterborough is one of several community buildings the city council has considered selling to plug a black hole in its finances. Some 764 people signed a petition to keep the facility open and to “develop the library as a real community hub”.” Eye Youth Centre and Library, Dogsthorpe Community Centre, Stanground Library and Woodston are “under consideration for sale”.
Peterborough – Woodston Library “our  community’s petition will finally be debated at Peterborough City Council’s Full Council meeting on Wednesday.  Where we will have five minutes to speak. We will meet at the steps at the rear of the Town Hall at 5.30pm, ahead of the meeting start time of 6pm.”

Success, celebrations and opportunities

Editorial

Some interesting stuff from the communication departments of various councils this week:

  • Aberdeenshire announced library closures as a fait accompli with no apparent consultation with local politicians.
  • Ealing have announced that “building on the success” of their previous volunteer libraries staying open, the best things is for six more to be volunteer-staffed.
  • East Lothian announce “temporary” opening hour cuts over the Winter.
  • Nottinghamshire confused the public with how they described cuts to their service.
  • Sheffield celebrated a decade of volunteer libraries.
  • Stoke on Trent announced increases to opening hours and services (after cutting them earlier this year) but only if volunteers can do it.

The danger with putting the most shiny interpretation on things is that it may mislead the public or be seen as patronising. It also shows, presumably unintentionally, how little value is attached to paid library workers. The frequency such press releases result in angry responses and, in some cases, the need for apologies, is notable.

What could be done instead is researching what to do fully then giving the news in a clear factual way, with evidence and no bias.

Um, hang on. That’s exactly the sort of thing a librarian would do …

Changes by local authority

National news

  • Aberdeenshire and Moray library cuts plan ‘another nail in coffin’ for communities – Press and Journal. “Authors, including Shetland writer Ann Cleeves and Bookseller of Inverness author Shona MacLean, told the Press and Journal why they love libraries and why they are so vital”. Aberdeenshire local councils “kept completely in the dark about the cost-cutting measures which could see 13 facilities close within weeks ” … “In Cruden Bay, more than 200 people have already signed a petition calling for a rethink” … “for best-selling author Neil Lancaster, libraries are not only about books, but are community lighthouses, enhancing the towns and villages where they are based.”

 “Without libraries, I wouldn’t be a writer. There would be no Vera or Shetland on our screens, selling all over the world and bringing money and tourists into our country. More importantly, I probably wouldn’t be a reader.”

Ann Cleeves

“Great hour on @BBCRadioScot this morning about the value of libraries. So many members of the public and campaigners articulated it brilliantly, and CILIPS were happy to contribute too. Go back to the start of this and enjoy an hour of library support”

Sean McNamara, Twitter.
  • How the Reading Landscape is Changing – Reading Agency. “By embracing digital development, and evolving reading habits, we can unlock new creative possibilities and inspire more people to read, write, and engage with stories and information. We’re in exciting times as the future of reading unfolds before us. Ask a child if they enjoy reading for pleasure and they may say no. Ask them if they enjoy gaming and they are likely to say yes. Bridging the two can offer new possibilities.”
  • Inclusive Public Libraries: How to Adequately Identify Accessibility Barriers? – Studies in Health Technology and Informatics. “there is a need for library specific guidelines addressing the organization and presentation of the collection, signage, and to understand what users need to be self sufficient in the library when it is open outside opening hours and no staff is present.”
  • I would have been stranded on my walk without Scotland’s libraries – their closure is devastating – Scotsman. Lists several occasions when she has worked in a library and seen how valuable they are – with children, bullying, loneliness, community. “I could go on with stories like this that show how libraries in towns and villages around Scotland don’t just provide books. They are a lifeline for communities.”
  • Only posh people will be writing books if you close down libraries, warns romance novelist Colgan – Daily Mail. Jenny Colgan “pointed out some of the country’s leading writers, including herself alongside Val McDermid and Sir Ian Rankin had been ‘library kids’ growing up.” … ” ‘I would say “no libraries, no authors”, because that’s where it starts.”
  • Reading `picnics’ and campfire projects win library funding – Scottish Government. “As Book Week Scotland opens, it has been announced that 17 projects will benefit from the 2024-25 funding round through the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF). Among these, the S’More Reading For Mental Health initiative which operates at Fraserburgh, Inverurie and Mintlaw Academies in Aberdeenshire will benefit. It uses campfire-themed kits with tents, replica campfires, and nature toys to create a calming atmosphere for storytelling sessions and has been awarded £12,260. The Craigie Book Blether at Edinburgh’s Craigentinny Primary gets £3,200 to help foster a reading community …”
  • World Book Night – World Book Night. Bids accepted for free Quick Reads books.

International news

  • Canada / USA – Urban Libraries Council Survey Shows Positive Trends, Challenges for Libraries – Publishers Weekly. “The survey captured a range of trends in patron engagement from 115 ULC member libraries, “representing nearly 2,300 locations and serving over 87.5 million people” for 2023.” … 24% average increase in visits in 2023, 11% increase in the average number of digital resources accessed, a slight increase (3%) in FTE staffing levels in 2023. But in-person visits still a third down on pre-Covid, two-thirds down in computer usage.
  • Denmark/Norway – The public library “for all”? A typology of the ranging notions of “for all” in public libraries in Norway and Denmark – Journal of Documentation. “The analysis shows that although for all is used as an argument by both advocates and opponents of the principle of neutrality, there are different notions of who constitutes for all. In total, five ranging notions of for all are identified …”
  • Europe – If Librarians Ran Europe – Europe Challenge. “The Webinar Series showcases the work of libraries and communities participating in The Europe Challenge, offering a dynamic online Marketplace of library initiatives, ideas, and inspiration.”
  • Japan – Japan libraries to trial book sales amid decline in bookstores – Kyodo News. “Some public libraries in Japan will trial sales of new books from fiscal 2025 to fill the void caused by a nationwide decline in the number of physical bookstores, industry officials said. The program is aimed at increasing opportunities for people to buy books, particularly the elderly who may be unfamiliar with the process of using online shopping sites.” … “The trial will be funded by the two companies which are currently selecting candidate libraries. They expect to expand the system if demand for book sales is strong”
  • USA – Confronting Shiny Object Syndrome in Libraries – Katina. “Every few years a new shiny object takes over calls for proposals, grant application themes, and social media commentary. Some last longer than others, while some quickly fade from memory.”
  • Vatican City – Pope to librarians: May your libraries be oases of encounter – Herald Malaysia. “Addressing participants in a Vatican Apostolic Library conference, Pope Francis emphasised the role of libraries as guardians of cultural heritage, urging librarians to foster peace, openness, and human connection in addressing global challenges like inequality, conflict, and ‘cancel culture’.”

Local news by authority

  • Aberdeenshire – Aberdeenshire residents launch fight to save ‘irreplaceable’ libraries amid closure plans – Aberdeen Live. “The council blamed low footfall and unsuitable buildings for the drastic decision. However, the unexpected announcement has caused uproar. Hundreds of residents affected by the shock closures have been quick to take action to reverse the move. A number of online petitions have been created for individual libraries, while another has been set up on behalf of all 13 venues. It comes after Aberdeen City Council created fury by permanently closing six libraries through brutal budget cuts last year.”
    • Council ‘regrets’ handling of library closure news – BBC. “Live Life Aberdeenshire, which delivers services for the council, said on Friday the sites would close by the end of the year due to reducing usage. It said 18 libraries in “main towns” would remain open. However there was a community backlash about a lack of consultation. BBC Scotland News has learned a final decision will be taken by councillors before the end of the financial year, so some buildings may remain open into 2025.”
    • Cruden Bay residents back petition to save library from closure – Press and Journal. “Leader of the opposition, SNP councillor Gwyneth Petrie, said: “Despite being told, time and again, that local voices and place planning matters, we are hit with yet another raft of closure announcements without any community consultation, and without even our local members in those areas being informed of the decision.”
  • Cambridgeshire – Singing librarian says online reaction ‘crazy’ – BBC. Closing time announcements are sung by music student. “”Some days people will clap… other days it’s just crickets and complete silence.””
  • Cheshire East – Updated strategy for Cheshire East’s libraries to be considered – Cheshire East Council. “Following significant engagement with town and parish councils, ‘top-up’ funding has provisionally been agreed for Alderley Edge, Bollington, Disley, Handforth, Macclesfield and Poynton libraries. When combined with existing town council support for Crewe and Nantwich libraries, this equates to local council investment in library services of more than £166,000, which delivers 41.5 library opening hours each week. Subject to committee approval, the Libraries Strategy 2024-28 will go live from 1 January 2025.”
  • Cheshire West and Chester – Date set for Cheshire town library’s roof replacement works – Cheshire Live. “The library will remain open as normal during the works with disruption being ‘kept to a minimum wherever possible’, the council says.”
  • Ealing – More community-run libraries proposed – Ealing Council. “Building on the success of the 4 libraries in Northfields, West Ealing, Perivale and Hanwell, which have been managed by community groups since 2020, the council believes that the following libraries should also be community-managed: Jubilee Gardens, Southall; Northolt Leisure Centre, Northolt; Greenford Library; Wood End (currently under construction in Greenford)” [Really impressive Double-speak from Ealing here, making removing paid staffing sound like an opportunity – Ed.]
  • East Lothian – Five East Lothian libraries have their hours slashed – East Lothian Courier. “In September, East Lothian Council announced that Dunbar, East Linton, Gullane, Haddington, Musselburgh, Ormiston, Port Seton and Wallyford residents would lose opening hours at their libraries due to a “recruitment freeze” and the need for “financial savings”.  Now, the local authority has announced that the East Linton, Gullane, Ormiston and Port Seton libraries, as well as the library in Longniddry, face a further reduction in opening times, with “temporary winter opening hours” being applied from Monday until February 28.”
  • Edinburgh – Have your say on plans for Edinburgh libraries – North Edinburgh News. “Your feedback will inform our plans for the next five years.”
  • Gateshead – Gateshead Libraries receive fantastic response to customer survey – Gateshead Council. “Our Gateshead Libraries team recently ran their annual customer survey. It’s something they do every year to hear feedback from those who use our libraries on what they love about our spaces, and importantly, what could make them even better. It’s open to everyone no matter how regularly they come through our library doors and for whatever purpose. This year, the team were delighted to get responses from 1,092 residents – 166 more than last year. “
  • Glasgow – Glasgow protest at ‘high risk’ Cardonald Library after RAAC closure – Glasgow Live. “The library, along with two other buildings, was closed by Glasgow Life in September following the discovery of dangerous RAAC concrete – protesters are demanding the library be re-opened.”
  • Hammersmith and Fulham – Hammersmith Library closing for three weeks – Hammersmith and Fulham Council. “Hammersmith Library will be closing for three weeks from Monday 25 November while essential maintenance works take place.”
  • Hampshire – Two parties show interest in the former Horndean Library – Petersfield Post. Library was closed in 2021.
  • Lambeth – ‘LiBARary’ launches in Brixton to meet UK demand for books in bars – Lambeth Council. “Brixton Brewery will be home to a pop-up mini library in the taproom – not just to give people a space to read while they meet and drink, but hosting book clubs and events featuring some of the city’s best literary talent. The LiBARary will include books for visitors to tuck into with a drink, anytime, courtesy of Book Stop Brixton- with anyone donating a book to the LiBARary eligible for a free pint.”
  • Liverpool – ‘Hate will never win’ as library torched by rioters to reopen – Echo. Spellow Library. “the city council has now confirmed the hub will reopen on Thursday, December 12. To mark the occasion, the local authority is calling on councils around the country to join Liverpool in solidarity on the day.” see also From fire to light – a spotlight on unity marks re-opening of arson-hit library – Liverpool Council. “Any organisation which wants to get involved in the lighting up moment can email cultureliverpool@liverpool.gov.uk and they are encouraged to share their photos on social media using #SharetheLight #Spellow #Libraries.”

“Cllr Liam Robinson is writing to councils, asking them to light up one of their libraries on Wednesday December 11 in a show of solidarity, hope and joy. By having a light, or a lantern in a window, or illuminating the outside of a building, this will shine a light on libraries as places of sanctuary, knowledge and community.”

Liverpool Echo
  • Monmouthshire – Sponsor a Book initiative launches at Monmouthshire libraries – Monmouthshire Council. “Residents can now sponsor books at Monmouthshire libraries through our partnership with Friends of Caldicot Library. The new scheme allows locals to contribute directly to their library by sponsoring new titles, ensuring the shelves remain vibrant and well-stocked for all community members.”
  • Moray – Resurrected Moray library campaign group prepares for another battle – Press and Journal. “Moray Save our Libraries helped save three sites from closure when it was formed in 2013.” … “In 2013, Rothes, Portnockie, Findochty, and Hopeman libraries were all closed despite strong opposition from the Moray Save Our Libraries group. However, the campaign succeeded in saving three libraries in Cullen, Dufftown, and Burghead. Now, more than ten years later, the group reconvened at Elgin Library on Monday evening to prepare for another battle – this time, to protect those same three libraries, along with others in danger of closure.”
  • Norfolk – New poetry project launches across Norfolk libraries to celebrate Norfolk as a county of welcome – Norfolk Council. “Service has teamed up with Creative Arts East on a multi-lingual Words of Welcome Poetry Exchange, launching this month in all 47 libraries across the county. The project aims to celebrate Norfolk’s cultural diversity and showcase it as a place of welcome, by inviting library visitors to read specially commissioned poems on the themes of welcome and sanctuary, and respond with their own ‘words of welcome’. ”
  • Nottinghamshire – ‘Confusion’ over plans for county libraries – BBC. “It included reclassifying sites as either a “hub library”, “community library”, or “library access point”, depending on the size. Council documents, however, say feedback indicated the new names have caused confusion, and they now plan to reinstate a numbered system, with libraries placed in tiers 1 to 3.”. Strategy document described by local author as “fairly vague and confusing” and “There’s a curious omission of any mention of paid staff running libraries”
  • Perth and Kinross – Protesters gathered outside Scone Library campaigning to save it from closure – Daily Record. “Over 200 protesters gathered outside Scone Library on Saturday, November 9 eager to save it from potential closure.”
  • Sheffield – Sheffield celebrates 10 years of volunteer-led libraries – Yorkshire Bylines. “Library volunteers from all over Sheffield gathered together to celebrate and reflect on a decade of hard work in their community” … “Sheffield’s libraries are no longer just places to read and borrow books – they have become vital hubs for the community, offering services to everyone from babies to the elderly. These libraries now provide facilities for schools and young people, low-cost groceries for families in need, fitness classes, and table tennis.”
  • Slough – Slough Borough Council threatens library service cuts – Slough Observer. “A first public draft of the council’s next spending plan includes what it calls a £60,000 ‘service reduction’ to libraries in its children’s services budget. Slough Borough Council told the Observer that councillors will discuss ‘potential options’ for library services at a meeting next month – but didn’t say what those possible changes might be.”
  • Staffordshire – People asked for views on town library refurbishment – Staffordshire Council. “People in Leek are being asked for their views on how their town library could look after a refurbishment at three information drop-in sessions.” … “Staffordshire libraries service has carried out successful refurbishment projects across the county, most recently Burton and also Newcastle, Stafford, Lichfield, Tamworth and Codsall.”
  • Stirling – Drymen’s ex-library set for new lease of life as hotel accommodation – Daily Record. “The neighbouring Winnock Hotel has submitted an application to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners for a change of use of the premises at 12 The Square from Class 10 (public library) to Class 7 (hotel).”
  • Stoke on Trent – Call for volunteers to help boost library hours – BBC. “The city council said it wanted to increase opening hours at all six of its public libraries and deliver additional services. The libraries already offer services such as book loans, IT facilities, digital support sessions and activities for children, families and adults. Under the proposals, a book delivery service for people who struggle to leave their homes would be expanded, and new services such as befriending would be introduced, the council said.”
  • Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries Christmas toy appeal relaunches to help struggling families – East Anglian Daily Times. “The Be Kind to a Kid appeal aims to make Christmas special for Suffolk families by distributing donated new toys to children in need. Last year, the initiative received 2,500 toy donations, which were distributed to more than 20 charities and organisations working with struggling families and children. Suffolk Libraries is partnering with BBC Radio Suffolk as part of its Warm Welcome cost-of-living support campaign.”
  • Warwickshire – Children’s book by Warwickshire Libraries staff member achieves national recognition – Warwickshire Council. “Warwickshire County Council is delighted to share that a children’s book edited by Dr Anjna Chouhan, National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) Creative Producer at Warwickshire Libraries, has achieved national recognition. The children’s book, Shakespeare’s First Folio: All The Plays, has been shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year, which is due to be announced on 28 November, and highlighted as one of the best children’s books of 2024 by the Telegraph as an engaging introduction to Shakespeare’s works.”
  • Wirral – Final Christopher Salmon Poetry Competition announced – Birkenhead News. “Organisers have announced the launch of the 15th and sadly what will be the final Christopher Salmon Poetry Competition. “
  • Wokingham – Libraries break new ground – Wokingham Today. “Wokingham Borough’s libraries have become the first group of libraries in the country to sign up for a scheme that gives families confidence about breastfeeding. Wokingham Borough Council has continued its partnership with the Breastfeeding Network to establish its libraries as breastfeeding friendly venues.”
  • Wolverhampton – Library restoration scheme under way in city – BBC. “Work has begun to improve Wolverhampton’s Central Library and adult education facilities as part of a £61m City Learning Quarter development.” … “The library is having its Grade II* listed facade restored, a new roof, remodelling, a new lobby and landscaping. The adult education base, the Alan Garner Centre, will also have internal remodelling and a link building connecting it to the library’s 1930s extension.”
  • Worcestershire – All libraries in Worcestershire to offer free warm spaces this winter – Worcester News.
  • Wrexham – Libraries are an integral part of our communities – Leader Live. MP for Wrexham says how important libraries are and how people can be involved with the consultation on cuts to them.

31 libraries, 1 mobile and others under threat in seven services announced in 1 week

Editoral

There are announcements of 31 libraries and 1 mobile library under threat over five different library services, plus further cuts in a sixth and the loss of an archive/local studies library in a seventh in just one week. This is up there with the peak of Austerity in 2012, but with the noticeable difference that the majority of cuts are in Scotland, perhaps because services north of the border escaped relatively unscathed the first time around.

When you’ve digested that, check out the link to the ONS statistics showing how many libraries are in each service in England and Wales, plus a dataset (3159 libraries as of May this year, fewer doubtless now) and even an estimate of the walking time to each library needed. It shows a rough correlation between how urban an area is and the number of libraries, which makes sense.

Changes by local authority

National news

  • Access to local amenities in England and Wales: October 2024 – ONS. Shows number of libraries per 100,000 in England and Wales, shaded on a map. Clickable by council. Dataset is here. Shows 3159 libraries in England and Wales as of May 2024. Also has walking times.
  • Libraries celebrate microgrant success – Libraries Connected. “The 15 successful projects include an inter-generational creative programme exploring the history of gaming, a World Book Day costume swap, and a new lending library of screen-free audiobook devices for children.”
  • Libraries recognised for community contributions in annual award ceremony – Herald Scotland. “Shetland Libraries and the National Library of Scotland (NLS) have been recognised for their work with young people and supporting communities.”
  • Libraries should capitalise on appeal as community hubs, report recommends – Arts Professional.
  • Local government funding in England – Institute for Government. “Unlike central government, local authorities cannot borrow to finance day-to-day spending, and so they must either run balanced budgets or draw down reserves – money built up by underspending in earlier years – so as not to exceed their annual revenue.  Local government in England has limited revenue-raising powers compared to other wealthy countries. In 2018, every other G7 nation collected more taxes at either a local or regional level.1  7% of the UK’s taxes were collected, or intended to be collected, locally in 2014, compared to 12% collected locally or federally in Italy, 32% in Germany, and almost 50% in Canada.”… “Local authority ‘spending power’ – the amount of money authorities have to spend from government grants, council tax and business rates – fell by 17.5% between 2009/10 and 2019/20, before partially recovering. However, in 2021/22 it was still 10.2% below 2009/10 levels.”

International news

Local news by authority

“Community Hubs in which Libraries are part of are in the midst of a reorganisation. Hubs are currently focused on delivering core council services and enquiries with other ‘partner’ organisations working in them to deliver other services, LA’s staff main focus is on resident enquiries with very limited knowledge and interest in core library functions. This all now now sits within the People and Resilience – Care, Community and Health Integration portfolio. This will continue in the future with books becoming progressively less important and side-lined. The proposals are to move four of the remaining six locations with library provision in them over to community management with some LA staff representation in them primarily to handle resident enquiries . This will leave only two locations in LA control Dagenham Library and Barking Learning Centre. The proposals are due to go to LBBD Cabinet shortly. With the aim on implementation of the plans by April 2025.”

Barking and Dagenham – CILIP Library services Changes Tracker

“… Bradford Council has agreed to sell Margaret McMillan Tower as part of its money raising/saving exercise. The ground floor of this building houses two very important organisations. One is the Council’s Local Studies Library and the other is the Bradford office of the West Yorkshire Archive Service. Both contain large sources of information for people carrying out personal and professional research, and some of the WYAS information is not available anywhere else. The Archives have already closed to the public, and Local Studies will be closing some time in the near future. As far as we know no alternative accommodation has yet been confirmed. Apparently, the officer who agreed that the building would be sold had no real idea what an archive is and had not realised that specially controlled storage facilities have to be created and approved. This takes considerable time.”

Bradford – Letter seen from Bradford Historical and Antiquarian Society to Telegraph and Argus

Thought for the next four (five?) years

Editorial

After the US election result, I tweeted “Well, it’s been pretty tough being a librarian in the UK this last decade or so but I think I’d still prefer it to working in a US library for the next four years”. There have been strong moves towards censorship in the USA and that is likely to greatly strengthen during Trump’s return. But this is not to say American libraries are not well-funded – see the report below on Austin’s lovely libraries to see this is not the case. It’s just to say that even the most beautiful library misses the point, and worse, if it is not allowed to show the books its community needs.

Meanwhile, in the UK, the case of Croydon gives more evidence, following the horribly disappointing budget last week, that nothing much has changed. The Secretary of State, who campaigned for libraries while in opposition, is declining to intervene, stressing it’s up to the local council and any cuts due to local budget is therefore, of course, nothing to do with her. New boss same as the old boss?

Please send any news, views, convincing evidence that library policy will change, and biscuits to ianlibrarian@live.co.uk. Thank you.

Changes by local authority

National news

  • 1,400 libraries now helping patients access NHS App – Healthcare Leader. “Around two in five public library services have signed up to the scheme (64 out of 151), with more expected to join ‘in the coming months’, it added.”
  • Community Libraries – Scottish Parliament. “Numerous constituents have contacted me to raise concerns about the proposed closure of seven community libraries in towns and villages across Perth and Kinross as a direct result of budget cuts by the Scottish National Party-run Perth and Kinross Council. “

“This was a new variation on what some may recognise as the Fine Free Libraries map. The main takeaway is really that library overdue fines are not necessarily about being fine-free or not. They are about how much, and the expense varies considerably. Being charged 20p for a book being a week overdue, and getting a timely reminder to bring the book back seems to be a service aiming to ensure responsible lending from users. Charging 50-60p per day, and waiting a week or so to remind users seems more about extracting money from users. If you can’t go fine-free, try to be the service that uses fines for the benefit of users.”

Fine Free Libraries
  • Practical Tips for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Libraries – Facet Publishing. “This exciting book will equip readers to assess their own library, talk about challenges with more confidence and make concrete changes to improve diversity and inclusion.”
  • Report finds ‘shocking and dispiriting’ fall in children reading for pleasure – Guardian. “National Literacy Trust finds only 35% of eight to 18-year-olds enjoy reading in their spare time, a sharp drop on last year to the lowest figure yet recorded”
  • Shadowing – Carnegies. “Every spring, CILIP invites reading groups from schools, libraries, and homes to join the exciting process of shadowing the Carnegie Medals. This experience gives young readers the chance to follow along with the official judging process as ‘shadowers.’”
  • The Summer Reading Challenge celebrates 25 years of encouraging young readers – Reading Agency. “With yearly themes spanning from the inaugural year’s ‘The Reading Safari’ to 2024’s ‘Marvellous Makers,’ the Challenge, which encourages children to log their reading and earn rewards over the summer holiday, has created 15,649,232 reading journeys between 1999 – 2023. “
  • Turning the page: understanding the barriers to library use and how to encourage engagement – DCMS. “we spoke to people who had not used a public library service in England in the last 12 months to understand their views. The research involved 22 focus groups, 20 depth interviews and an online journal task completed by 12 participants who took part in depth interviews and did activities via a mobile app to familiarise themselves with a local library.”: limited awareness of library services, poor interiors, lack of time, services offered by others”
  • Why aren’t children reading in their free time? – National Literacy Trust. “The research, which was taken from our Annual Literacy Survey 2024 of more than 76,000 UK children and young people, revealed that only 1 in 3 (34.6%) 8 to 18-year-olds say they enjoy reading in their free time.”

International news

Local news by authority

Oh great, it’s austerity again

Editorial

One of the things that has keeping me going since the dark financial days began for the public libraries sector in 2010 was the belief that, one day, the government would change and things would get better. Well, fourteen years later, the party in government has changed, but the Budget has changed nothing for public libraries and so I was, at this stage, only half right. The money set aside for local government is demonstrably insufficient to keep them from cutting services.

OK, well, at least the adults are in charge for a bit – I don’t think the new Prime Minister is the type to start a culture war or party if a new pandemic hits – but this is going to be little consolation for library services still facing cuts that can only be met by closing hours or reducing opening hours or staffing. So, for however long it continues, we’re now in the age of Labour austerity, whether the term is accepted yet or not. Woohoo.

So what is there to look forward to? Well, the Budget is billed very much as the medicine needed to get the country well again. So let’s hope the government notices signs of recovery soon, or its more pro-public service members gain more more traction. Because Kemi Badenoch strikes me as an unlikely saviour.

Please contact me with your views, comments, corrections, news and pictures of that cake with a model library inside via ianlibrarian@live.co.uk

Changes by local authority

National news

  • 1,400 libraries now offering people support to use NHS App – NHS. “More than two in five public library services (64 out of 151) in England have already signed up to offer the service with several more expected to join in the coming months.”
  • Black History Month Spotlight – Into the light: Pioneers of Black British Ballet exhibition – DCMS. “Funded by a £245,500 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Into the Light: Pioneers of Black British Ballet is a unique partnership between creative agency Oxygen Arts and Libraries Connected, which will take the exhibition to 25 libraries across the country.”
  • CILIP Statement on Budget 2024  – CILIP (press release). “CILIP welcomes the attempts of the government to deliver greater stability to the public finances, for our members working in both the public and private sectors.”

“Just had a quick scan through the main budget document and can’t see Public Libraries mentioned at all, if you’ve spotted something please let me know.”

Alan Wylie.
  • Distress and the DCMS – Library Campaign. “We have just written our fifth letter in a month to the DCMS about the impending disaster in Croydon. As we said in the last newsletter, this cash-strapped borough is pushing the strangest library “plan” we think we have ever seen. In brief, it will close four libraries, redeploy the staff to work wonders at the remaining libraries and “mitigate” the loss of the four with plethora of highly unlikely “outreach” activities that don’t yet exist, in places that have not been identified (let alone secured).”
  • Don’t be fooled: austerity is here to stay under Labour – Morning Star. “Everything we’ve seen so far from Starmer and Reeves indicates that they remain committed to the economic orthodoxy of cuts imposed by the Tories – which is why we need to revitalise the anti-austerity movement … “
  • GLL Literary Foundation – Better. “The GLL Literary Foundation is an organisation, operated by charitable Social Enterprise GLL, that has been established to support authors to continue to write, share stories, and inspire young readers.” … “GLL recognises that we are uniquely positioned to support the success of early-career authors by bridging the gap in author training and experience in the areas where we deliver public library services. In 2024 the GLL Literary Foundation was founded to combine the knowledge, expertise, and support of our team of librarians, event managers, our Start Up Programme, and our 100+ libraries.”
  • Global Book Market 2024 shaped by strong fiction, declining non-fiction and slower price increases – Nielsen. “While the fiction segment saw increased revenues in 14 of the 16 territories surveyed, and children’s and young adult books also showed growth in nine regions, non-fiction struggled” … “. Although average prices continue to rise in 12 of the surveyed territories, such as in the UK by 1.9% to £9.02, 12 regions are seeing lower price increases or even falling prices”
  • Green Libraries Conference 2024 – CILIP. “Join library professionals from academic, school, public, legal, and all sectors at the British Library Knowledge Centre on Monday 25 November for a day of discussion and insight on ‘Every library a Green Library’.”
  • Parliamentarians, library representatives and allies come together to celebrate the role of libraries in changing lives by creating opportunities – School Libraries Association. “Author John O’Farrell, British Library Chief Librarian Liz Jolly, and key library sector representatives joined politicians in a packed parliamentary Terrace Pavilion yesterday to celebrate the positive impact of libraries across society, in particular how Libraries Change Lives by Creating Opportunities.”
  • Protect library funding: CILIP writes to every political representative in 19 local authorities – CILIP. “CILIP has encouraged councillors, MPs, and Metro Mayors to protect public library funding, ahead of the national Budget on 30 October and local budget discussions. The campaign highlights the immense value public libraries bring to their communities and the statutory duty to consult citizens properly about changes. CILIP has written to 807 Councillors, 90 local MPs, and all 11 Metro Mayors for 19 councils across England and Wales, where local authority budget pressures could put their public libraries at risk of closure or a reduction in service provision.” see also CILIP appeals to councils under pressure to close libraries ahead of Budget – Bookseller and Libraries at risk of closure due to council funding problems, campaigners warn – Morning Star. ““We know we’re at an incredibly difficult moment where tough decisions have to be made, and so we urge national and local government to prioritise investing in public libraries,” Ms Coiffait-Gunn said.”
  • Public Library Usage: England – Hansard. ” the Government are publishing DCMS-commissioned research by Ipsos on barriers to library usage by the general public.” … “We are sharing the findings to ensure that library services across England can actively consider how they might act on the results”
  • Reeves told she will have to raise further £9bn to avoid UK public service cuts – Guardian. “Casting doubt on Labour’s claim to be turning the page on austerity, the IFS said Reeves could be forced to top-up her spending plans by an additional £9bn after the next financial year to avoid ushering in real-terms cuts to unprotected Whitehall departments, including councils, the justice system and prisons.”

“Equivalent to a 20% increase in Council Tax …”

Common Futures on what’s missing in the Budget

International news

  • Canada – Chow announces plan to open all Toronto libraries 7 days a week – CBC. “This is a seven per cent increase to the [Toronto Public] Library budget, which results in a 14 per cent increase in overall open hours, effectively doubling the return on investment,” a report to the library board says. “This is achieved by leveraging and maximizing the full capacity of TPL’s resources and the existing infrastructure.””

“It is cost effective! You pay for the building whether it is open or not. By opening more days, you maximise the value of your investment in library buildings.”

Diane Edmonds MBE on Toronto
  • France – Local libraries are changing – Ministere de la Culture. “A guitar to borrow, a coffee room to set up, a digital creation laboratory equipped with a 3D printer and a vinyl cutting machine, a digital film platform … The State supported almost 600 schedule extension projects between 2016 and 2023, which allowed these establishments to open on average almost 10 hours more per week … Nearly 1,300 libraries are equipped with video games”
  • USA – Deeper budget cuts for Hawaii libraries means fewer services – Hawaii News Now. “Already reeling from cuts during the covid pandemic, Hawaii’s library system is facing fewer staff positions and reduced hours of operation.”

Local news by authority

  • Barnet – Creative Communities events in Barnet libraries – Barnet Post. ” The project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. ” … “This month, events at local libraries include Lego and Chit Chat, for adults to socialise while creating and building with bricks and a belly, and a Bollywood dance workshop. There’s a session with Mind on mindfulness for relaxation and stress reduction.”
  • Barnsley – The Washing Line Project embarks on the last leg of its community library tour to start more conversations about domestic abuse – Barnsley Council. “our unique domestic abuse art installation”
  • Bexley – Sidcup library, cinema, and café win award for being the best public building – News Shopper. “A library, cinema, and café have won an award for being the best public building. The Sidcup Storyteller has been named ‘the best public or community building’ in the regional Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence awards.”
  • Caerphilly – Public consultation of future of Caerphilly libraries opens – South Wales Argus. “The futures of 12 libraries across the county borough could be under threat as the council attempts to save money and rationalise its resources.” Council needs to cut £45m.
    • Petition started to save village library – South Wales Argus. Llanbradach: 215 signatures “The signatures of what is a fifth of the entire population of the village were collected within just two days of the petition’s launch.”
  • Cornwall – More than 8,400 children in Cornwall took part in reading challenge – Voice.
  • Coventry – Stop Coventry Labour cutting our libraries – Socialist Party. “Coventry Labour council is consulting on its proposal to move four libraries – Canley, Coundon, and Bell Green – from their purpose-built buildings, into smaller buildings. Holbrooks Library will be moved into a dementia centre.” … “The council should make no cuts, and demand that the Labour government coughs up the money to pay for it.”
  • Devon – Poetry project sparks young voices in Devon’s local libraries – Devon Live. “Children from five Devon primary schools have enjoyed the chance to write and deliver live performances of their poetry. The youngsters have been working with prize-winning children’s poet James Carter in a week-long project rolled out by the Somerset Literacy Network (SLN).”
    • Libraries offer warm spaces this winter – Mid-Devon Advertiser. “Free warm clothes, hygiene banks, community fridges stocked with free food, and welcoming groups and events are amongst a wealth of offerings to be found in libraries across Teignbridge this winter. “
  • Dorset – Verwood Library to close for essential building works’ – Salisbury Journal. “Verwood Library will be closed to customers for six days while essential building works take place next month.”
  • Dudley – Three in five Dudley residents do not have a local library – Stourbridge News. “Despite this, 94 per cent were within half an hour of a library, and every resident could reach one within an hour’s walk. The ONS’ figures show Dudley had 14 open libraries as of August, or one for every 23,300 people in the area.”
  • Dumfries and Galloway – Story ends for librarian Cath – DnG24. Cath Aitken. was aged 16 when she started at Ewart Library in February 1977 and is retiring after 48 years.
  • East Dunbartonshire – Libraries offer light lift for low winter mood – Health and Care. “A new initiative will offer 100 ‘Wintering Well’ boxes to people in four local libraries across the region as part of research into the mental and physical effects of long dark winters.”
  • Edinburgh – City libraries gain from UNESCO City of Literature conference – Edinburgh Reporter. ” 36 visiting cities donated books to the Edinburgh Children’s Library, all different and all written in the original language of each city. It is traditional for visiting cities to donate books to their host city.”
  • Essex – Colchester Library temporarily shut until 2025 – Gazette Standard. “Whilst funding of £337,500 is being put into a new ‘Children’s Imagination and Literacy Centre’, it is at the loss of a study space and research hub for so many people. Having access to spaces like ‘The Local studies and Quiet Study zone’ upstairs was great for when College was overwhelmingly busy. Colchester Library have stated that other libraries such as Wivenhoe and Sudbury library will have extended opening and closing dates. However, as a college student, this is sadly not a suitable alternative.”
  • Greenwich – Eltham and Ukrainian libraries team up in celebration of literature and culture – London News Online. “The twinned libraries, Eltham Library in Archery Road, and Central Library in Kyiv, have come together as part of a new project run by the charity Libraries Connected. The move is part of a national initiative which has paired more than 20 libraries in England”
  • Hertfordshire – ‘Winter Reads’ challenge launches across Hertfordshire Libraries – Hertfordshire Council. “Following the success of last year’s challenge which saw 3,600 residents of all ages sign up, a new set of challenges have been devised to encourage reading for pleasure and attendance at a series of exciting events that are taking place across the county’s libraries. All those taking part are asked to complete six challenges. There is a choice of challenges available so those taking part can choose how tricky they would like their challenge to be. Challenges for adults can be found on a Winter Reads bookmark while children have a collector card. It’s super easy to take part and all you have to do is pick up a bookmark or challenge card from any library in the county from 1st November.”
  • Lambeth – Lambeth Libraries lists all its community activities for November 2024 – Brixton Buzz.
  • Leicester – Visit Leicester libraries for a warm welcome – Leicester Council. “The Warm Welcome programme runs from now until the end of March 2025, giving people the chance to use their local library as a ‘warm hub’ where they can enjoy a hot drink, meet new people, and try something new.”
  • Manchester – Free seeds to be given out in new nature scheme – BBC. “Residents will be given free packets of seeds and encouraged to join guided nature walks around Manchester as a part of a new scheme at libraries. Manchester City Council is teaming up with Natural England to establish seed libraries at eight locations around the city, and giving seeds to people who sign up.”
  • Midlothian – Letter – CILIPS. “we would be very concerned that community-led provision is likely to leave residents without a library service fully run and delivered by trained library professionals as they are legally entitled to, as well as potentially breaching equalities legislation.”
  • Northern Ireland – New look Killyleagh library opens to public – Newtownards Chronicle. “Library reopened its doors this week following a period of closure to facilitate a comprehensive refurbishment. The refurbishment includes the removal of the unused first floor of the building, the installation of an energy-efficient heating system, mechanical ventilation, and heat recovery system, alongside energy-efficient general and emergency LED lighting.”
  • Nottinghamshire – Notts County Council Seeks Opinions on New Ten-Year Library Plan – Leftlion. “Nottinghamshire County Council are now undertaking a public consultation – seeking views on their new ten year library strategy – but you’d be forgiven for not knowing this given the limited efforts to publicise this. And yet the draft proposals have noteworthy implications, in particular for libraries that serve smaller communities, one of which is my local library in Woodthorpe.” … “Based on the proposed new model of Library Access Points – which tellingly omits any mention of paid staff – this would mean Woodthorpe Library and many others becoming a book swap or community centre at best.”
  • Perth and Kinross Scone residents holding protest against potential closure of town’s library – Daily Record. “The town’s booklovers argue – that with 750 new homes planned for the town – removing the “vital” reasonably modern and purpose-built facility would be “nothing more than short-sighted”.” … “Perth and Kinross councillors agreed at the 2024/25 budget meeting in February to allocate £191,000 to Culture Perth and Kinross to find “local solutions for library services” over the next year. It later emerged Scone had been added to a list of libraries under threat.”
  • Somerset – Library is running coat exchange again -Around Wellington. “Across the 12 libraries taking part this year, 546 coats have already been donated – with more than 200 already finding new homes.”
  • South Gloucestershire – Library staff hours reduced – Downend Voice. “South Gloucestershire Council has confirmed new opening times for libraries including Downend, Staple Hill and Emersons Green, as staffed hours are cut back.”
  • Suffolk – Glemsford Library celebrates a new home – Suffolk Libraries. “Glemsford Library’s ‘temporary’ home in Bells Lane is now officially the new permanent home for the library. The library moved out of the village hall two years ago whilst essential building work took place. The work took longer than planned and the library’s new home in Unit 1a Bells Lane, next door to the Spar ended up being such a success that it has now been confirmed as the permanent location for Glemsford Library.”
    • Gainsborough Community Library officially opens ‘garden room’ – Suffolk Libraries. “The garden room is an extension to the library and has created a new flexible space for community groups and customers using the library to use.  The new room has been built in the library’s garden but with the addition of new plants so this part of the library still feels green and colourful.”
    • Let’s Get Creative autumn Launch Pad events – Suffolk Libraries. “Let’s Get Creative’ is an online directory of free and low-cost creative and cultural activities available across Suffolk – a ‘library of experiences’. The ambition of the website is to make it easy for to find free or very low-cost cultural activities taking place on their doorstep”
Walsall – National Authors Day: We ask our library staff for their favourites – Walsall Council.

Not at your leisure?

Editorial

From 2010, as libraries underwent budget stress the like of which they’d never seen except in wartime (and perhaps not even then), there were a lot of experiments on how to run them cheaper. One of these models were volunteer-run libraries, which now number in their hundreds. Another model were library trusts, of which all four (Devon, Northern Ireland, Suffolk and York) are still with us. And then there was the idea of saving money by having libraries run by a for-profit company (I was never sure how that was supposed to work), which had but one, unsuccessful, example.

Yet another idea was, and is still, being tried – the library service run by a leisure trust. Leisure centres, swimming pools, theatres and the like. This has been more hit and miss, with some apparently doing well, such as Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL, trading as “Better”) which has taken over five services in a decade. But an increasing number – not so well.

To my knowledge there are 22 single-council leisure trusts running libraries within the UK, with more than half being in Scotland. But there used to be 30, with 8 having been returned back to council control, with the last one of these – Flintshire – ending this week. And there may be more. At least one – Aneurin Leisure Trust (Blaenau Gwent) has recently announced it’s in serious financial difficulties.

Please email me your news, comments and offers of large amounts of money via ianlibrarian@live.co.uk

Changes by local authority

National news

  • Consultation on the proposed rate per loan for the 2023 to 2024 Public Lending Right scheme year – DCMS. “The British Library Board has proposed a rate per loan of 11.76 pence for payments in the 2023 to 2024 scheme year. This is a reduction of 1.93 pence, from 13.69 pence (in 2022/23). This reflects the slightly raised amount of funding available (but the PLR fund remains relatively unchanged), and an increase in the estimated number of loans of books registered for PLR.”
  • Developing a library strategic response to Artificial Intelligence – Elucidate. “AI is ‘the defining technology of our generation’ according to a recent joint statement by the UK and US governments. We all understand that it is likely to impact library and information work profoundly, so it is important to try and be more than reactive and think strategically about the opportunities and problems it is creating. The article poses nine key questions for consideration, and reflects on some answers that might support a more strategic library approach to AI. “
  • Introducing the first ever Michael Rosen Day – Michael Rosen. “Join us on Tuesday 12 November for a day of poetry, stories and creativity to celebrate 50 years since Michael’s first book. With bespoke resources and activities for children of all ages, we want to see as many schools, libraries and other settings across the country getting involved and getting creative, with all things Michael.”

“Public libraries are funded by local authorities and each local authority is responsible for assessing the needs of their local communities and designing a library service to meet those needs within available resources. I will work with my colleagues in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to get local government back on its feet after fourteen years of savage and drastic underfunding. We will do the basics right, providing councils with more stability through multi-year funding settlements and ending unnecessarily expensive competitive bidding for tiny pots of money.”

Chris Bryant, The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport
  • Leisure centres, pools and libraries facing threat of closure as ‘no fat left to cut’ for councils – Cambrian News. “Council chiefs warned of “no fat left to cut” with leisure centres and libraries across Wales facing the threat of closure due to “unprecedented” financial constraints. The Senedd culture committee took evidence on 24 October as part of an inquiry on the impact of cuts on the arts, culture and sport.” … “WGLA warning of a £432m funding gap across Welsh council services”
  • Libraries to offer warm spaces for third year running – Arts Professional. “Libraries Connected said it is partnering with the Warm Welcome Campaign, which began in 2022 when energy prices rose because of the war in Ukraine. The first warm spaces will open next week after the clocks go back at the weekend. “
  • Rebecca Lawrence appointed as new Chief Executive of the British Library – British Library. Previously in Crown Prosecution Service, Policing and Crime, Civil Service. “She brings skills and experience from more than 25 years at the forefront of reforming and delivering public services, with particular strengths in leadership and digital transformation. “

International news

  • 9th IFLA Green Library Award 2024 Results – IFLA. Winner is “The Missoula Public Library exemplifies sustainability through its innovative programming and green practices.”, second is “The Stadtbibliothek Paderborn / Paderborn City Library renovated a 460-year-old building, and upcycled scrap by products for furniture.”
  • Afghanistan – Taliban issue list of 400 banned books to libraries – Amu. “The banned books reportedly cover a wide range of subjects, including those related to the Shia branch of Islam, modern governance, political freedoms, and figures like Ahmad Shah Massoud, a prominent resistance leader. Titles exploring democracy, social and civil rights, art, literature, and poetry are also among those targeted.”
  • Australia – The enduring importance of public libraries in the digital age – SBS News. “More than just a place to borrow books, modern libraries have reinvented themselves to fit into the digital age. One library in Sydney – shortlisted as one of the world’s best- says demand for its services has never been higher.”
  • France- When 50 Librarians Biked Across France – School Library Journal. “Cyclo-biblio – a library-to-library bike tour designed by and for librarians” … “a volunteer-led nonprofit with an organizational team of librarians scattered across France from the Loire Valley to the southern part of the country. The goal? A rolling unconference providing exposure to multiple libraries”
  • Sweden – Sweden’s libraries caught in a political row about drag story hour – Conversation. “Drag story hour is “nothing other than indoctrination and sexualisation of children”, claimed Sweden Democrats politician Jonathan Sager during a session of the local parliament in Kalmar, southern Sweden, in 2022. He was reacting to plans to organise a drag story hour event at the local library, where drag queens would read to children, challenging norms of gender and sexuality. He called (unsuccessfully) for the event to be cancelled.” … “Sweden is experiencing a backlash against drag story hour events.”
  • USA – Public libraries level the playing field for students and job seekers – Seattle Times. “Community members can gain valuable skills at the library to set them up for success inside and outside of the classroom. KCLS offers free learning resources for students in grades K-12 through Study Zone. This volunteer-driven program includes tutoring, homework help, math clubs, programs to practice reading out loud and English language learning classes. College students and adult learners may access free online learning support, get assistance with résumés and cover letters, finish high school through the library, and find entrepreneurial training to launch a small business.”

Local news by authority

“We have just written our fifth letter in a month to the DCMS about the impending disaster in Croydon. As we said in the last newsletter, this cash-strapped borough is pushing the strangest library “plan” we think we have ever seen. In brief, it will close four libraries, redeploy the staff to work wonders at the remaining libraries and “mitigate” the loss of the four with plethora of highly unlikely “outreach” activities that don’t yet exist, in places that have not been identified (let alone secured). The libraries are to close in early November. The non-existent “outreach schedule” will not be launched until April next year. We are getting distressing messages from local people who can’t find out what is going on, and will be severely affected by the closures.” Croydon – Library Campaign newsletter.

Peterborough – Local school children petition to save Woodston Library – Friends of Woodston Library. The community’s petition has gained over 860 signatures in five weeks, and the petition from the children would see that increase by over 110.  We are hopeful the children petition will be included, particularly as we have the youngest Councillor and the youngest MP in the country. (press release)
  • Reading – Reading’s Southcote Library set to be completely demolished – Reading Chronicle. “The Southcote Library building has been empty since 2018 when books and other services were moved into the nearby Southcote Community Hub.”
  • Somerset – Council could make up to 450 employees redundant – BBC. “Somerset Council has opened a formal 45-day consultation on compulsory redundancies. The potential job losses are in addition to the 195 voluntary redundancies announced earlier this year. The news comes as part of the council’s plans to restructure and rein in its projected budget overspend by saving £30-£40m by April, to avoid going bust.”
  • Staffordshire – Read all about it! 16 qualified librarians across 43 Staffordshire libraries – Stoke Sentinel. “A senior county councillor has said Staffordshire has a “gold-plated” library service after the number of qualified librarians was questioned. More than 25 of Staffordshire’s 43 libraries are now community-managed services, where day to day running is carried out by a community group while the county council remains responsible for providing books, other stock and IT services and paying utility and maintenance costs.”
    • Half term family learning fun available in libraries – Staffordshire Council. “Families can drop-in and get stuck in, with everything from playing 1970s number games, such as Connect 4 and Skittles, making a lavender bag and making fruit kebabs and bread from scratch.”
  • Stirling – Huge response to Stirling libraries survey as deadline looms – Daily Record. “Almost 1,700 people of all ages have already taken part in a survey as part of a consultation on the future of Stirling Council’s libraries.”
  • Surrey – Library to reopen in summer after Raac work – BBC. “Redhill Library in Warwick Quadrant will reopen following a full refurbishment and works to address the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete discovered in 2023. The newly-refurbished library will have a children’s area, meeting rooms, a public computer and study area.” … “The library is also temporarily moving to the Belfry Shopping Centre from its stopgap site at Consort House.”
  • Warrington – Warrington twins with Ukraine library – Warrington Council. “The borough has been twinned with a library in the city of Chortkiv, located in western Ukraine, on the banks of the Seret River. It forms part of a national initiative led by Libraries Connected, which is seeing more than 20 areas in the UK twinning with Ukraine libraries to share information, exchange skills, connect audiences, develop joint initiatives and celebrate UK and Ukrainian language, literature and culture.”
  • Westmorland and Furness – Libraries call for shipyard memories to bring history to life – Westmorland and Furness Council. ” calling on Barrow Shipyard workers and local veterans to share their memories, stories, and items as part of their Memory Lane Project.”
  • Wiltshire – Free thermal cameras lent in home heat loss scheme – BBC. “Wiltshire Council has made 11 devices free to use from libraries across the county. The camera can be used with a smartphone or tablet and a special app, external. Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling said being able to fix cold spots in the home is especially important this winter as energy bills continue to rise.”
  • Woking – Temporary Woking library closure – Woking News and Mail. “It will be closed until November 3 and a click and collect service will be available on site so customers can still return items and collect reservations.”
  • Worcestershire – Councillors fear for future of libraries in Worcester – Worcester News. “St John’s councillor Richard Udall and Warndon councillor Jill Desarayah both fear their libraries are under threat. However, Worcestershire County Council has said it is looking to increase library provision. The councillor spoke after statistics showed three-quarters of Worcester residents do not have a library within walking distance.”
    • Helping children and young people to reach their potential – Worcestershire Council. ““Worcestershire Libraries were instrumental in helping me connect with the community, they offered me spaces to perform, access to poetry workshops, and even introduced me to a broader audience than I ever could have reached on my own.” Caleb’s role as Young Poet Laureate taught them invaluable life skills. “

18 reasons

Editorial

This is another shortened editorial thing in two weeks. The reason this weekend is not dogs or gardening but my daughter, Iona, whose 18th birthday it was on Friday and whose big party – around 80 of her closest friends – took a fair bit of prep and clearing up. It was wonderful though, as is she.

Please email any advertising enquiries, comments, news or opinions to ianlibrarian@live.co.uk

Changes by local authority

National news

  • Dolly Parton, Nick Poole and Pamela Tulloch awarded CILIP Honorary Fellowships – BookSeller. “American country singer Dolly Parton, former CILIP chief executive Nick Poole and Scottish libraries champion Pamela Tullock have been awarded Honorary Fellowships by CILIP.”
  • James Cracknell: London’s libraries and how to save them – On London. “Enfield Council is considering big cuts to its service as it struggles to make ends meet and other boroughs face the same predicament” … Remembers cuts in Barnet where he “will never forget how cold-hearted the senior councillors came across as when defending their decision to close half the borough’s libraries, apparently unswayed by the tears and the anger they had just seen from their own residents” … “Enfield’s need to save money is undeniable, with the library cuts helping to plug a predicted £10 million hole in the next year’s budget. But the projected annual saving of up to £630,000 is, curiously, less than the £675,000 neighbouring Haringey is predicting to save from its own library cuts, which are to be achieved without closing a single building.” … “In Lewisham, eight library closures have been avoided over the years after community groups were handed the keys.”

International news

  • USA – Brittany Rogers on How Libraries Helped Her Feel Safe and Embrace Her Queerness – Lit Hub. “The library had always been my sanctuary; from the time my mother got me my first library card in elementary school, I sought out a new branch when I needed comfort, or time to research on a computer that wasn’t dial-up, or a book that I couldn’t afford to purchase outright. At least twice a week I found myself perusing the dusty stacks, searching for a new world to get lost in.”

Local news by authority

  • Barnsley – Barnsley Libraries reflect on the successes of National Portfolio Organisation creative commissions so far – Barnsley Council. “Barnsley Libraries has commissioned Fly Girl Films, who in a creative collaboration worked with a group of young people to co-produce a film about transforming climate anxiety into positive action. During the project, seven young people contributed to the storyboard and filming process, bringing their unique perspectives to the big screen.”
  • Blackpool – Blackpool among worst areas in the North West for library access – Gazette. “Libraries Connected has used Office for National Statistics data to look at library provision across the UK … The ONS’ figures show Blackpool had eight open libraries as of August, or one for every 17,800 people in the area … 26% of Blackpool residents had a library within a 15-minute walk of their home – the lowest proportion in the North West.”
  • Bradford – Eccleshill Library to close for a major refurbishment – Telegraph and Argus. “The work will include the installation of new facilities such as an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities on the ground floor, new moveable shelving to allow more events and activities to take place onsite, and redecoration of the entire library space.”
  • Brighton and Hove – Brighton & Hove libraries awarded Library Service of Sanctuary status – Brighton and Hove Council. “The award extended the ‘Library of Sanctuary’ status to all 13 of our city’s libraries, recognising them as a safe and welcoming environment for anyone seeking sanctuary, fleeing violence or persecution. The status was formerly held by Jubilee Library only, which in 2019 became the second library service in the country to receive ‘Library of Sanctuary’ award.”
  • Cambridgeshire – Listed library is sold to ‘creative-minded’ bidder – BBC. “The 19th Century Mill Road Library building in Cambridge has stood empty for several years. Cambridgeshire County Council said the buyer had offered “significantly more” than the £700,000 guide price.”
  • Cardiff – Warm Welcome points return to Cardiff hubs and libraries this winter – In Your Area. “As the weather cools, from Monday, October 21, hubs and libraries will once again offer a warm welcome to customers, offering a safe and warm environment where they can meet others to chat, read a book, take advantage of services, and find out about the support available”
  • Cheshire East – Campaigners optimistic of avoiding drastic cuts to library opening times – Cheshire Live. “Campaigners are optimistic about retaining Bollington Library’s existing opening hours after fears the service would be slashed to just a day and a half. Cheshire East is currently consulting with the public on plans to introduce a tiering system for its libraries with warnings those in the lowest tier – Alderley Edge, Bollington, Disley and Handforth –could find their opening times reduced dramatically.”
  • Cheshire West and Chester – Libraries boosted reading over summer holidays – Dee Radio. “By the end of the Summer Reading Challenge an impressive 4,649 children had signed up to take part and 2,192 had completed, figures both slightly up on last year. This year an amazing 127,052 children’s books were borrowed across our borough over the holidays, which was 7% up.”
  • Cornwall – Cornwall among worst areas in the South West for library access – Radar. “27% of Cornwall residents had a library within a 15-minute walk of their home – the lowest proportion in the South West.”
  • Derby -Blue Peter Book Badge initiative launched for October half-term with Shared Reading and Derby Libraries – In Your Area. “Children aged five to seven can join a free reading session where Shared Reading volunteers will be on hand to help them apply for their very own Blue Peter Book Badge.”
  • Devon – Enjoy a cosy film at your local library – Exeter Council. “A new winter season of low-cost ‘Films at the Library’ is being rolled out across Exeter and Devon. Now in its seventh successful season, the cosy in-house screenings will take place at 10 libraries across the county, including St Thomas Library in Exeter.”
  • Doncaster – Fight to reopen library in ‘deprived’ area – BBC. “Campaigners have questioned why their local council cannot reopen a library in a “deprived” area which closed five years ago. Wheatley Community Library in Doncaster has remained empty since 2019 and the building’s function is currently under review. The Friends of Wheatley said they believed it still had a future as a library and community centre where events could be held.”
  • Dudley – Dudley libraries to host spooky half-term fun sessions for Halloween – Stourbridge News. “Little ones can enjoy Halloween craftmaking and storytelling sessions and witches’ potion trails, carve a pumpkin and decorate biscuits at libraries across the borough, which are run by GLL.”
  • Ealing – Three Ealing libraries to get £900K ‘flexible’ makeover – Ealing Times. “Libraries at Acton Town Hall, Northolt and the Dominion Centre are to be given a £900,000 makeover by Ealing Council to create space for community and cultural events.” … “Changes will include mobile bookshelves, replacing traditional fixed shelves” … “Acton and Northolt libraries will be closed from Monday, November 4 until March, for work to take place, but they will move to smaller temporary new homes.”
  • Greenwich – Greenwich among best areas in the country for library access – Radar. “63% of Greenwich residents had a library within a 15-minute walk of their home – one of the highest proportions in the country.”
  • Hampshire – Hampshire Libraries celebrates 100 years in the county – Hampshire Chronicle. “Whether that’s by attending an event at one of the county council’s 40 libraries, contributing to a “letter to libraries” display or enjoying one of the books in the special collection.”
  • Hertfordshire – New Ware Library Opens Its Doors – Hertfordshire Council. “delighted to announce the grand reopening of the Ware Library today, 14 October. The library has moved to a new, more central location on High Street, just a three-minute walk from its previous site. This move brings a host of modern and accessible facilities to the community, ensuring a fresh and vibrant experience for all visitors.”
  • Lancashire – Library warm hubs to return for third year – BBC. “For the third year running, they are being offered as warm spaces for those struggling with energy bills. At Fleetwood Library last year, up to 85 hot drinks were served each day.”
  • Liverpool – Liverpool Welcomes Groundbreaking Black British Ballet Exhibition – Culture Liverpool. “The City’s Central Library is to host the exhibition, from 31st October to 30th November, which will be one of the showpiece events of Liverpool’s Black History Month celebrations” … “The touring exhibition, funded by a £245,500 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will visit 25 libraries across the UK, with Liverpool Central Library being one of the key stops.”
  • Manchester – Manchester and Ukraine libraries twinned – BBC. “Manchester Libraries has linked up with the Lviv Regional Youth Library to share information about language, literature and culture, and develop joint initiatives. Councillor John Hacking, Manchester City Council’s executive member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said: “We have a strong Ukrainian community, and we have been eager to show solidarity and connect with them in this way.” He said libraries were “the bedrock of communities and an important resource for our young people”.”
  • Newham – Agenda and decisions – Newham Council. Proposed library cut of £770k, including some closures p.48 appendix B of item 7
  • North Ayrshire – Concerns over proposed library closures raised by charity – The Week In. “CILIPS – Scotland’s Library and Information Professionals – have sent a letter to all councillors in the region outlining their ‘deep concerns’ over the proposals to remove the services in villages and towns.”
  • Northern Ireland – Book Week NI is back – read all about it – BBC. “Book Week is a joint initiative between the BBC and Libraries NI and celebrates the joys and benefits of reading and the role that libraries play in community life. It will involve activities and events across the library network as well as some special BBC programming.”
  • North Somerset – Nearly two-thirds of North Somerset residents do not have a local library – Midsomer Norton Journal. “38% of North Somerset residents had a library within a 15-minute walk of their home. Despite this, 74% were within half an hour of a library, and 92% of residents could reach one within an hour’s walk.”
  • Northumberland – Northumberland Libraries to celebrate 100 years with play – Hexham Courant. ” it is partnering with Théâtre Sans Frontières and the Queen’s Hall Adult Drama Group to put on a drama performance.”
  • Nottingham- Nottingham among best areas in the East Midlands for library access – Radar. “Analysis from the Office for National Statistics shows 61% of Nottingham residents had a library within a 15-minute walk of their home – one of the highest proportions in the East Midlands.”
  • Nottinghamshire – Have your say on a new ten-year library strategy – Nottinghamshire Council. “Nottinghamshire County Council has unveiled a draft ten-year plan aimed at enhancing local library services and is seeking residents’ feedback to shape the final document.” … “The strategy proposes a tiered service model, encompassing hub libraries, community libraries and library access points, each tailored to meet specific community needs.”
    • Council considers ‘tiered’ library service – BBC. “The paper says book loans have remained “stable” since 2011 despite the “continued development of the digital world”.” … “In a new 10-year strategy, external, council bosses said they would allocate 12 sites in key population centres as “hub libraries” offering a wide-range of activities and services. Smaller sites would be classed as community libraries, access points and mobile locations.”
  • Redcar and Cleveland – Library to be run by community group – BBC. “Redcar and Cleveland Council agreed earlier this year that Laburnum Road Library should be handed over to such a group as part of wider plans to cut its annual budget by £400,000.” … “The council said the library was closed in September due to refurbishment works and it would be opened under new management “as soon as possible”.”
  • Shropshire – Library to get temporary home in shopping centre – BBC. “Last year, engineers found reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) in the Civic Centre complex where the library was based. Since then, a pop-up stand has been used to provide a book pick-up and drop-off service. Shropshire Council has now put forward a plan to open a temporary library in St Mary’s Arcade.”
  • South Gloucestershire – Reduced staffed opening hours for libraries and One Stop Shops – The Week In. “Libraries in South Gloucestershire will remain open on the same days as they are now, but from 4th November the number of staffed hours will be reduced. The council says staffed opening hours for each library have been selected following a 12-week public consultation to ensure libraries remain as accessible as possible to the community, while helping to meet the ongoing budgetary constraints.”
  • Staffordshire – Major refurbishment of Staffordshire library nears completion – Staffordshire Council. “A £1.3million refurbishment of Burton Library is nearing completion with the main part of the building newly fitted out and ready to reopen next month. The project has seen the transformation of the library space for people of all ages and various community groups. An allocation of £265,000 was secured from the central government Libraries Improvement Fund with Staffordshire County Council investing the remainder.”
  • Stirling – Huge response to Stirling libraries survey as deadline looms – Daily Record. “Almost 1,700 people of all ages have already taken part in a survey as part of a consultation on the future of Stirling Council’s libraries. And even if you aren’t a current library user, you are being encouraged to share your views with two weeks to go before the survey closes at midnight on Friday November 1. Paper copies are also available in libraries.”
  • Surrey – Surrey Libraries triumph with 2024 Summer Reading Challenge success – Surrey News. “ver 500 events and activities” … “This year, Surrey Libraries experienced a significant rise in school visits for the Summer Reading Challenge, with a 15% increase from 2023 to 2024. The number of Summer Reading Challenge events also saw a remarkable growth of 52%, expanding from 330 in 2023 to over 500 this year. These events, including popular storytimes, provided more opportunities for children to engage with their local library. This year, the number of children participating in the Summer Reading Challenge events increased by 34%, growing from 16,149 in 2023 to 21,654 this year with over 525,000 children’s books issued during the summer. “
  • West Dunbartonshire – Library project shortlisted for Project Excellence Award – West Dunbartonshire Council. “West Dunbartonshire Libraries was nominated for its innovative project, in partnership with the Young Women’s Movement (YWM), which saw young women in Clydebank using their art for activism.” … “shortlisted for a Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Project Excellence Award.”
  • Westmorland and Furness – Council chiefs press ahead with Ulverston library plans – Cumbria Crack. “Members of the cabinet for Westmorland and Furness Council ratified the decision to move the library service from the King’s Road building into Coronation Hall at a meeting on October 15.”
  • Wiltshire – Wiltshire Council’s library service marks historical links to the Canadian Army and Winnie-the-Pooh at a special event – Wiltshire Council. “The first Wiltshire library headquarters was not just any building but an ex-Canadian Army hut, purchased by Wiltshire County Council in 1919 from Old Sarum Aerodrome for £100. “

Caerphilly’s has the “ambitious vision” of closing 12 out of its 16 libraries

There is no editorial this week as I need to walk the dogs and do the garden. And whoever writes Caerphilly’s press releases needs to have a long hard think about themselves.

Please email any advertising enquiries, comments, news or opinions to ianlibrarian@live.co.uk

Changes by local authority

National news

  • 2025 Libraries Connected Awards open for nominations – Libraries Connected. “our Awards celebrate the achievements of people working in public libraries”
  • Available Author Events – Reading Agency. “If you work for a library or school and are interested in one of the events below, get in touch using the contact information provided.” Mainly online and some physical.
  • Call for presentations – LILAC. Cardiff University, 14-16 April. “We would specifically like to encourage proposals from individuals from groups that are traditionally under-represented in academia, and from those that have not presented at LILAC, or any conference, before. We make conference bursaries available to the following sectors: health, school, further education and public library staff.”
  • The crisis facing Britain’s brilliant librarians – Telegraph. “Budget cuts, clumsy tech rollouts and a lack of respect – librarians face a storm of issues, and many are quitting. What can be done?”
  • Culture Nature England: public libraries help communities connect with nature – Libraries Connected. “Twenty-six English public library services will launch new projects this month to help their communities build connections with nature.” … “Among the Culture Nature England projects are an immersive sound and vision experience exploring nature and wildlife in Somerset, the development of an urban meadow in a deprived area of Blackpool and an investigation into the natural and archaeological history of Elmdon Nature Park in Solihull. Other projects include developing library gardens, making them bee friendly, creating places for growing food, running seed swaps, walks and talks in local green spaces, nature literary trails and mindfulness activities in nature.”
  • Library Advocacy: A Beginner’s Guide – Libraries Connected. “We’re delighted to share our new publication, Library Advocacy: A Beginner’s Guide. This short guide is full of ideas and inspiration to strengthen local advocacy efforts and help libraries raise their profile. The advice comes from extensive conversations with experienced heads of service as well as experts from other areas of local government and the wider public sector.”
  • Library Lifeline part 21: Things we learned at the Inclusive Libraries Conference – Literacy Trust. “the School Library Association’s Member Development Librarian, Dawn Woods, as she reports her thoughts, insights and takeaway tips for schools and libraries”
  • New exhibition celebrates ballet’s black trailblazers – Libraries Connected. “Funded by a £245,500 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Into the Light: Pioneers of Black British Ballet will bring together archive photography, film, newspaper articles and posters alongside new video and audio interviews to trace the history of black British ballet from the 1940s to the present day. A unique partnership between creative agency Oxygen Arts and Libraries Connected, the exhibition will tour 25 libraries. It will start in Stockport and Redbridge this October and continue until November 2025.”
  • Offers for libraries and book clubs – Reading Agency. “We have fantastic opportunities for libraries, schools and book clubs to get free book and display materials from our publisher partners. Browse our current offers below …”
  • Reading Agency Publisher Roadshows – Reading Agency. “The Reading Agency’s Adult Publisher Roadshow (26 November) and The Reading Agency’s Children’s and Young People Publisher Roadshow (27 November) are opportunities for librarians and teachers to hear from our publishing partners and authors about their most exciting titles and to ask questions about promotional opportunities and more. Last year we had over 1,600 delegates (mainly librarians) who took part across the two days with over 90% of respondents to our feedback survey last year finding the day useful or extremely useful. “
  • The Reading Agency Reveals Authors for 2025 Quick Reads – Reading Agency. “They are Leila Aboulela, Cathy Bramley, Fiona Cummins, Dr Alex George, Abir Mukherjee and Cathy Rentzenbrink”
  • These libraries and leisure centres faced disaster as councils cut services. Then volunteers stepped in – Big Issue. “Community asset transfers have become increasingly common in the UK, as locals rally together to save vital services from austerity’s swingeing cuts” … “Volunteers have taken over more than 500 at-risk libraries over the past decade and a half. Jesmond Library, also in Newcastle, is part of this tally. In 2012, the Newcastle City Council agreed to a brutal £100m cuts package as part of the national government’s austerity programme. Ten council-run libraries would close, the council said: a decision described by locals as “shameful” and “unforgivable” …”

International news

“And in South Carolina, we see how public libraries are evolving to better serve the growing and diverse needs of its community members.”

Local news by authority

  • Bridgend – Betws Library to close for refurbishment – Awen Libraries. “Betws Library, which is managed by Awen Cultural Trust in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council, will be closed from 18th October until early February 2025 to undergo a refurbishment. With almost £150,000 being invested, the work is being funded by a Welsh Government Transformation Capital Grant with match funding provided by Awen Cultural Trust.”
  • Bristol – Bristol’s Library Crisis: A Tale of Closures, Staffing Shortages, and Deprivation – Joanna’s Newsletter. “Over the past three years, Bristol’s libraries have faced increasing closures, with the city’s most deprived areas bearing the brunt. As resources dwindle and staffing shortages persist, the communities that rely most on these vital services are losing access. This article explores the trends behind library closures across Bristol, including staffing challenges, recruitment efforts, and the socioeconomic factors driving the disparity.”
  • Bromley – Bromley Children’s Librarian takes the helm – GLL (press release). “Bromley Children’s Librarian Jenny Hawke has just been appointed Chair of the National CILIP Youth Libraries Group”
  • Buckinghamshire – Artists Call Out – Arts Unites: Our Stories – Buckinghamshire Council. “Buckinghamshire Libraries are seeking two mixed media artists for the Art Unites: Our Stories project, funded by Arts Council England. This community co-creation initiative invites Buckinghamshire communities to explore various artistic media inspired by local heritage, stories, and memories. “
  • Caerphilly – Council could axe 12 libraries across borough as part of ‘strategic vision’ – Caerphilly Observer. “Caerphilly County Borough Council is hoping to ‘maximise resources’ by centralising libraries and closing those in smaller towns and villages. The council is set to open a public consultation on the future of 12 libraries across the borough, as it looks to make £45 million in savings over the next two years.” … “Currently, the borough has 18 libraries, one of the highest numbers of any area in Wales.” Potential £600k cut. “The council says closing these would allow it to increase its focus on the six remaining libraries” see also Have your say on ambitious vision for Library Service – Caerphilly Council [Council doublespeak really is ridiculous at times – Ed.]
Cambridgeshire – Partnership project between Cambridgeshire Libraries, Cambridge University Library and the New York Public Library. CUL were showing an exhibition of Darwin’s correspondence, in Cambridge and New York. In the spirit of Darwin we invited public library users in the two cities to exchange local nature observations on postcards over the course of a year – a chance for people to connect to the nature around them and with each other.

“I’d rather get called these disgusting comments than my audience and I’m way more of a confident person than I was because of it. I’m proud that I can be a role model for kids, educate adults about LGBTQ+, and help make the world a better place.”

Mama G

The evolution of Library Week

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.

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“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

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. “

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