Editorial

Next week is Green Libraries Week. I always tell people that public libraries were the first Green shop – we re-use books and share resources for the good of the community. OK, that makes us the first Communist shop as well, but I think it’s probably political better to emphasise the environmental side. Green Libraries Week is basically taking over the Libraries Week slot this year. One hopes that the break will mean that a revitalised Libraries Week starts again next year. The Week has its roots back in the first wave of protest at library cuts last decade and has been incrementally tamed by the libraries service, who cannot be political, until it is effectively no more. But it’s possible, as Ireland has shown, for a Libraries Week to be an effective non-political tool to promote the service. That England has failed where other countries (Australia also springs to mind) have succeeded is a sign of the poor state of affairs, largely financial, that this country is in. We can hope for better next year, although noises coming out of central government are downright discouraging. In the meantime, let’s go Green.

Other than Green Libraries Week, in the news this week are the Fun Palaces, which appear to be reducing in popularity in public libraries, probably due to the amount of staff time they take. Then, locally, we have Bradford who apparently have decided to issue all their press releases for the year in one week. Overall, the news is bad – cuts in opening hours and staffing, potential cancellation of a new library – but there’s also a reopening of a refurbished library. There’s lots of local reasons why all this came together but one can’t help but think that an uninformed outsider may think that in England, there is sometimes no joined up thinking even on the individual council level.

Finally, a US survey of public libraries, suggests that using the toilet is the third biggest reason for people to use the service. Now, there’s a humbling bit of information. But, what the hey, it’s all part of being part of a free shopfront public library service. At least it gives us, forgive me, something to feel flushed with success about.

Changes by local authority

• Bradford – New Baildon Library likely to be delayed or cancelled due to budget cuts. 11% cut to opening hours, self-service machines introduced. 216 staff hours (6 FTE) cut. Clayton library reopens after refurbishment.

“100 days in: CILIP Chief Executive Louis Coiffait-Gunn shares his thoughts

CILIP Chief Executive Louis Coiffait-Gunn has marked his first 100 days in the job by sharing his early impressions in an article for CILIP’s Information Professional magazine.

Picking out highlights to build on and looking at where the profession is headed, Louis points to a committed and dedicated workforce, and a public library service that is loved and well used – despite the obvious funding difficulties that many service are operating under.

He also talks about the positive impact library and information professionals have on their communities, but warns that more needs to be done to ensure this work is seen and valued by decision makers. He says: “I’ve been struck by the sheer breadth of what different CILIP members do, including but going far beyond the stereotypical building full of books.

“The public benefit is huge, but often hard to track, given how many different agendas are being served and how intangible the impact can be at times. It’s also clearly a proud service sector, often quietly providing support to different groups of users, sometimes without them realising it. That’s particularly true of online services, where members’ hard work to provide access to trustworthy information isn’t always obvious to users.”

A general election was called just two weeks after Louis became CILIP CEO, and the newly installed government is presenting new opportunities for CILIP and its members. Louis points to ongoing work to engage with ministers and MPs, saying: “As the new government provides more detail about its policy proposals, we’ll be keeping a close eye on opportunities and risks relevant to different groups of members.

“This sector knows all about delivering across departmental silos, the challenge will be getting recognition and funding for it. I’m keen for us to work with partners to make a persuasive case for a bigger funding pie, rather than argue over slices.”

He adds that being part of the CILIP community helps strengthen the overall aims of the profession, saying: “Given this is such a wonderfully broad and varied profession, CILIP aims to make a positive difference on the key priorities of each group of members. However, the only way we can be effective across such a range of issues is by prioritising and by harnessing the expertise of our members.”

You can read the full article, and find out how you can contribute to  CILIP’s Libraries Change Lives campaign and the Libraries at Risk register at  https://www.cilip.org.uk/news/683165/Louis-Coiffait-Gunn-100-days-at-CILIP.htm.

National news

• CILIP Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Celebration of the Profession – CILIP. 2-3.30pm, 15 October. Zoom.
• Full transparency: 10 lessons from the cyber-attack on the British Library  – IMD. “When the British Library fell victim to a major ransomware attack it opted for a policy of full transparency. Here we outline what government organizations, NGOs, and businesses can learn from the incident, especially if they rely on legacy systems. “
• Green Libraries Week returns – DCMS Libraries. “Green Libraries Week returns to celebrate the work going on in libraries across the UK focused on sustainability, climate change and green action within their communities.”
• Libraries and buses under threat as chancellor warned over £54bn council black hole – Independent. “Day-to-day services such as libraries, buses, road maintenance, and youth centres will face further cuts, councils have warned, as they struggle to fund ballooning adult social care and children’s care costs. The County Councils Network (CCN), which represents 37 of England’s largest local authorities, is warning of a £54bn funding black hole across councils over the next five years.”
• Revitalizing the Local Library: Diverse Functions to Drive Community Engagement – Arch Daily. Various new libraries looked at: Peckham, Plumstead, Ogre Central Library (Latvia), Masoro (Rwanda), Brooklyn (USA).

International news

• USA – Who uses libraries? Even in the stacks, there’s a political divide – Washington Post. “After digging ourselves out from under an avalanche of your queries about libraries, we gathered detailed data on the size of their collections, their budgets and the populations they serve.” … Most used are books (47%), computers (27%) and toilets (19%).
  • The Week in Libraries: October 4, 2024 – Publishers Weekly. Various book bannings, legal challenges for and against censorship. “A near-unanimous 92% of Americans with a favorable attitude toward bookstores also have a favorable attitude toward libraries. “

Local news by authority

• Blackpool – Books and beyond! – Blackpool celebrates Green Libraries Week – Blackpool Council. ” hosting a range of fun and free activities throughout the week, which aim to raise awareness of climate issues and promote eco-conscious living.”
• Bolton – Atherton Children starting school to be issued with library cards – Atherton News. “All reception pupils are to be given cards to use at the 15 local libraries, making it easer for children to borrow books. There will also be ‘fun classes’ run alongside regular advice and support sessions.”
• Bradford – Free events are being planned at 16 of Lancashire’s libraries – Ilkley Chat. “A new reading adventure is coming to Ilkley library this month, The Secret Book Quest is a fun and free year-round reading challenge for ages 5-12, designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading.” … “Led by a vivid cast of beautifully illustrated characters, children can read their way through 10 themed zones including space, animals, and imagination. Collecting stickers as they go, they read 50 books to complete the challenge and decipher a secret code. Finishers will also receive a certificate and a special prize”
  • Bradford children’s author says access to libraries must be protected – Hits Radio. ” Bradford children’s author Jenny York says libraries provide a vital service and should be protected: “I think the libraries do a brilliant job promoting reading for children, and it’s incredibly important for children to get into reading. “It improves their mental health and it’s just lots and lots of fun. And when I go into schools and explain that to children, they get on board.”
  • Charity-run library to break trend of fewer hours – BBC. “The Beyond the Margin charity manages Holmewood Library on the Holmewood Estate, following Bradford Council’s decision to make library service savings”
  • Libraries get self-checkouts but avoid ‘automation’ – BBC. “Self-checkouts have been introduced at libraries across Bradford as part of cost-cutting measures. Customers will now be able to serve themselves when borrowing from branches run by Bradford Council, but the authority stopped short of fully automating the libraries and said staff would be retained. An 11% reduction in opening hours was also agreed at a meeting on Tuesday as part of £175,000 budget savings.”
  • Retirement flats approved despite library concerns – BBC. “Plans for a town centre retirement home have been approved, but there are fears a new library meant to be built alongside the development may be scrapped. On Thursday, Bradford Council approved the application by McCarthy Stone to build 46 retirement flats on the former Ian Clough Hall site in the centre of Baildon. The hall, which included the town’s library, was demolished last year – with owners Bradford Council selling the site for development.” … “with Bradford Council facing a huge budget gap, the new library was one of several schemes which had since been put on hold.”
  • Village library opens doors after Arts Council funded refurbishment – Telegraph and Argus. Clayton: “The refurbishment has been funded by the Arts Council England Libraries Improvement Fund along with CIL funding – provided by developers as a condition of large scale planning approvals.”
• Brighton and Hove – Reclaiming the narrative this Black History Month – Brighton and Hove Council. “vibrant exhibitions, talks and activities with inspiring Black artists and authors.”
• Bromley – National Poetry Day – Spoken word artist at Bromley Library – GLL (press release). “Bromley Libraries Children’s Team celebrated National Poetry Day by hosting a schools’ event with Eileen Gbagbo, a spoken word artist and playwright (also part of Joseph Coelho’s ‘Diversifying Children’s Literature’ programme).”
• Ceredigion – Library moving to town’s outskirts despite outcry – BBC. “A town’s library will be moved from the town centre to its outskirts, despite more than 90% of people saying they oppose the plans. Ceredigion council said the relocation of Aberaeron library to the council’s offices – 650m (2,130 ft) away in Penmorfa – will help save £70,000.”
• Cheshire East – Children protest against closure of ‘vital’ Cheshire libraries – Cheshire Live. “Campaigners fighting proposals to close Bollington Library will be turning out in force to protest at a Cheshire East meeting next week – just days after local children demonstrated their opposition.” … “It is understood that four libraries – Bollington, Alderley Edge, Disley and Handforth – are all under threat of closure.”
• Cornwall – Callington Library launches singalong sessions to help tackle loneliness and isolation among older people – Cornish Times. “Sing Happy, which is open to anyone aged 65 and older, will start at the end of October.”
• Derby – New move to ensure Derby libraries stay open for years to come – Derbyshire Live. “Councillors are to be asked to approve a new operator for 10 of the city’s libraries when the council’s cabinet meets next week. The community libraries which were first split off from the other five city libraries in 2018, to be run by charity Direct Help and Advice, are about to become part of a trust.” … “The successful bidder will enter into a formal negotiation and lease agreement with the council, which could provide a financial support package to operate the community libraries, depending on the specific needs of the chosen operator.”
• Derbyshire – Derbyshire council welcomes more views on library service plans after over 1,300 responses – Derbyshire Times. “The council has identified a planned reduction to the Library Service budget of £625,000 between April, 2025, to March, 2029, as well as £285,000 of savings which need to be carried forward from previous years to achieve a savings total of £910,000 between 2024 and 2029.”
• Devon / Torbay – Libraries Unlimited announces new patron – Dartmouth Today. “Robin Ince has become a patron for Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs the libraries in Devon and Torbay.”
  • Braunton library project connects resettled Afghan families with countryside and community – Devon Council. “North Devon-based project led by Honeyscribe in association with Libraries Unlimited, which runs libraries in Devon on our behalf, is helping resettled Afghan families connect with their local community. ‘The Gatherers’ has been running at Braunton Library and Braunton Countryside Centre throughout 2024.”
  • Holsworthy Library opens recycling point to help raise money for its operation – The Post. ” enabling residents to donate old gadgets, coins, stamps and jewellery to help it continue to enrich lives and build communities.”
• Dudley – Spooktacular half term library fun – GLL (press release). “From Halloween craftmaking, storytelling and witches’ potion trails to batty bats, an articulated skeleton and 3d black cat creation, spine-tingling fun is guaranteed. There is also an opportunity to get prepared for fireworks night, decorate biscuits, grow a hedgehog and carve a pumpkin.”
• Gateshead – Temporary service changes at Gateshead Central Library – Gateshead Council. “Work to replace the life [sic – I really hope it’s a spelling mistake for “Lift” – Ed.] at Central Library will begin on Monday 7 October and will take approximately 5 weeks.”
  • Get involved with Green Libraries Week – Gateshead Council. “each library highlighting the benefits of sustainable living through promotion of re-using and sharing resources with residents.”
• Haringey – Haringey launches recycling stations at libraries – Haringey Council. “Residents emphasised the need for more accessible recycling options for smaller household items, such as batteries, printer cartridges, and lightbulbs. While they are eager to recycle more, navigating the available options were proving to be complicated.” … “The new recycling stations are part of Haringey’s ongoing commitment to Destination 50 – making recycling easier for all residents and increasing our recycling rate to 50%.”
• Inverclyde – Greenock Central Library event supports people to manage their own healthcare – Inverclyde Council. NHS and “Alongside partners including Alzheimer Scotland; Inverclyde Community Link Workers; SAMH; Your Voice; Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland; and Inverclyde HSCP, libraries aim to support people to self-manage, maintain and improve their health and wellbeing.”
• Isle of Wight – IW Council libraries to celebrate Green Libraries Week with wide range of activities – Isle of Wight Observer. Crafts, planting, talks.
• Kirklees – What is happening with Mirfield Library: Mirfield campaigners ‘over the moon’ that controversial plans for their library have been scrapped – Dewsbury Reporter. “The plans were met with a great deal of backlash from communities across the borough, not least in Mirfield, where volunteers are heavily involved in the running of the library through a Friends of Mirfield Library group.”
• Lancashire – ‘Hugely busy’ weekend of free interactive events – BBC. Fun Palaces: “Free events are being planned at 16 of Lancashire’s libraries”.
  • Fulwood Library shutting for major heating system repair work – Blog Preston. ““Fulwood library will be closed for around six weeks from 7pm on 9 October so that essential work to the building’s heating system can be carried out.”
• Liverpool – ‘You’ll never walk alone…’ Visiting Spellow Library – Children’s Commissioner. “At the heart of this community, a sanctuary of silence and peace, Spellow Library found itself at the epi-centre of the violence following the heartbreaking attacks.” … “With this in mind, I was really pleased to be able to visit the library with the Children’s Laureate, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, last week for the first time in the aftermath of the violence and the amazing reconstruction. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the community had pulled together to rebuild. They set out to raise £5,000 but ended up with an extraordinary £250,000. “
• Newcastle – Halloween at Newcastle Libraries – Newcastle Council. Spooky spider crafts.
• Perth and Kinross – Council warned of ‘extremely damaging’ library closures – BBC. “Plans to close seven libraries in Perth and Kinross would be “extremely damaging” and potentially illegal, the body representing Scotland’s librarians has warned. In a letter sent to all councillors, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Scotland (CILIPS) said it was concerned that some communities could be left without libraries run by trained professionals.”
• Shropshire – Shropshire’s libraries celebrate Green Libraries Week – Shropshire Council. Talks, advice, crafts.
• Somerset – Mayor of Wellington declares new look library a ‘great privilege’ after £900K facelift – Wellington Weekly News.
  • Somerset relaunches winter coat exchange to help families stay warm – Somerset Live. ““Following last year’s successful launch of this initiative, I am pleased that we are able to run this again as the colder and wet weather is starting to make itself felt and this can be challenging for many, especially those who can’t afford to stay warm.”. 1,022 coats donated last year.
• Staffordshire – National awards for Staffordshire Community Managed libraries – Staffordshire Council. “Both Norton Canes Library and Rising Brook Library have been recognised in The National Community Managed Library Network Annual Awards 2024.” … “Both libraries are managed by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust who manage nine of the county’s libraries.”
  • New self access scheme launched at Stafford Library – Staffordshire Council. “he library will be open from 8am to 10am for self-access, allowing registered members to use the library’s facilities before regular staffed hours. More than 100 members have already signed up “
• Stockport – New pop-up library to open in Marple – Stockport Council. ” temporary library provision will be available in Marple Scout Hut [Marple Memorial Drive, Marple Memorial Park, Marple] to ensure local people can access vital library services whilst building of the new hub takes place.”
• Stoke on Trent – Next step in digital journey for city’s libraries – Stoke on Trent Council. “Access to printing facilities in libraries across Stoke-on-Trent are set to be improved by installing Wi-Fi printing. Stoke-on-Trent City Council were successfully awarded £300,000 from the Libraries Improvement Fund and one part of this project is to improve the printing facilities across all six libraries in the city.”
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries celebrates Green Libraries Week – Suffolk Libraries. “The very nature of the library service involves ‘recycling’ books and other items which are borrowed many times over but as a local charity with 45 branches at the heart of many communities, Suffolk Libraries recognises it has an important role in promoting sustainability and an appreciation of the wonderful Suffolk countryside.”
  • Suffolk Libraries provides free warm spaces for third year with help from the East of England Co-op – Suffolk News. “free hot drinks and kindness racks.” Free personal hygiene products and snacks.
• Thurrock – Children’s author to visit libraries as part of Black History Month – Thurrock Council. Local author Toyin Owoseje reads her self-esteem book.
• Walsall – Bring Your Past to Life During October’s Family History Month – Walsall Council. “computers across all Walsall Libraries are equipped with Ancestry and Find My Past programs”
• Warwickshire – Warwickshire Libraries announces winners of latest bookmark competition and invites residents to enjoy free Green Libraries Week events – Warwickshire Council. “The bookmark competition encouraged participants in different age categories to create an imaginative bookmark design, with over 600 colourful entries submitted for consideration.” … “The winning designs will feature on a new suite of free paper bookmarks which will be available for the public at libraries across the county from Green Libraries Week.”. Fun Palaces.
• West Berkshire – Green Libraries Week 2024 – West Berkshire Council. ” children’s shows, craft activities to themed talks.”
• Westminster – A new approach to homelessness in Westminster – City of Westminster Council. “Creating a more joined up approach by working with public services such as GP surgeries, schools and libraries to identify vulnerable people before they become homeless.”
• Westmorland and Furness – Libraries launch eco-friendly book collection – BBC. “The books cover a range of subject such as climate change, renewable energy, eco-friendly lifestyles and nature conservation.”
  • Decision to move Ulverston library to be debated – Cumbria Crack. “Members of the communities and environment scrutiny committee for Westmorland and Furness Council will discuss the decision taken by the cabinet to permanently relocate the town’s library service from the King’s Road building to the Coronation Hall after it was called in” … “five councillors have called in the decision”
  • Holly Macve to perform at Barrow Library in November – Mail. Get It Loud In Libraries performance.

Editorial

There are two articles this week – one from Sheffield and one from Waltham Forest – that remind me it has been over fourteen years when the first local people started having to volunteer to keep their libraries open due to council cuts. The strong suspicion at the time was that such libraries were not going to last long, due to people losing their enthusiasm or being unable to meet funding requirements. However, come now and there are at least 621 volunteer libraries in the UK with only a handful having had to close. The others are still surviving, some still staffed by the original volunteers (many now in their 70s and some in their 80s) who are new presumably experts in gaining grants and local fundraising. Now, being biased (I’ve been a paid librarian, somehow, for 30 years), I see a lot of problems with this model – atomisation, local biases, better performance in areas with lots of retired professionals, etc, etc – but one has to admit that they’re still standing. And that’s amazing and needs credit, whether you like them or not.

It’s been a quiet week, especially in comparison to the weeks before following the BBC report, but there’s still sadly some cuts to report – Hampshire will be buying fewer books, Haringey’s libraries will be open for fewer hours, Kirklees will see reduced staffing and Perth and Kinross are warning about potential closures. A few of these are basically new bargaining positions due to public protest, especially in Kirklees. And then we have the standard news article of whichever party not locally in power complaining about library cuts. This can of course mean Conservative councillors reacting in shock to budgetary cuts, which naturally causes the odd jaded raised eyebrow, as in Enfield. Or gritted teeth.

Please email ianlibrarian@live.co.uk with any news, views or corrections, thank you.

Changes by local authority

• Hampshire – £200k (17%) cut to stock budget confirmed.
• Haringey – Proposed opening hours cuts in six libraries of two days and three (largest) libraries of one day.
• Kirklees – Rather than closing libraries, council will reduce library staffing.
• Perth and Kinross – Several libraries under potential threat as council says current library provision “no longer sustainable”

National news

• CILIP Members’ Fest 2024 Programme – CILIP. 14-18 October. Most events online. “All events are open-access, so whether you are a CILIP member or not, you can attend free of charge, take advantage of our thought leadership and training sessions and meet fellow community members. The whole programme is designed to introduce you to what we and our amazing communities do …”
• Create ‘universal library card’ to democratise the arts, says UK thinktank – Guardian. Fabian Society suggests “Everyone in Britain should be issued with a “universal library card”
• Now it’s Labour pushing councils into crisis – Socialist Worker. “Britain’s libraries are set to be even more hollowed out in the coming years. They have already taken a beating during the years of Tory austerity.”
• Over £1.2 million investment in local museums and libraries – Wired Gov. Wales. “£300,000 for the refurbishment and modernisation of Cwmbran Library”, “£130,000 for the Betws Library Modernisation Project; Ceredigion County Council will benefit from £210,000 for the development of the new Aberaeron Library”

International news

• Australia – In otherwise chaotic times, Victoria’s state library gave me purpose and peace – Guardian. “I could not believe such a grand facility with free internet, heating and a wealth of reading material was free for everyone to access, every day of the week – not to mention the student rates for coffee and sandwiches”
• Canada – Halifax Public Libraries and union reach tentative agreement – CBC. New pay offer to be voted on.
• Ireland – Louth Library Service joins National Public Libraries Open Day 2024 – Louth Live. 28 September. “will be joining 300+ branches nationwide to promote the role of public libraries in Irish society, raise awareness of the range of services they provide, and encourage people to become members.  To coincide with National Public Libraries Open Day, the Take a Closer Look campaign is encouraging people to see first-hand the wide-ranging free services open to them through their libraries.” … “Library membership is free with no fines or any barrier to access”
  • Clare Libraries Highlight Sensory Resources and Services as part of this Year’s National Public Libraries Open Day Celebrations – Clare Council. 
  • National Public Libraries Open Day: Saturday 28 September – Dublin Council.
• Switzerland – Swiss libraries receive over 46 million visits – Swiss Info. “Public libraries in Switzerland recorded 46.3 million admissions last year, 7.4 million more than in 2022. The total number of active users remained stable at 1.7 million” … “Switzerland has a total of 1,498 libraries, a slight increase on the previous year (1,484), says the statistical office. On average, the country has 16.7 libraries per 100,000 inhabitants.” … “A total of 8,607 people, or 4,337 full-time equivalents, worked in Swiss libraries, in addition to 2,339 volunteers.”
• USA – ‘We Are the Majority’: Intellectual Freedom Summit in D.C. reenergizes library advocates to fight censorship – American Libraries Magazine. “We are the majority and we have to start acting like it”
  • Carnegie Returns to Its Roots with Millions in Grants to Public Libraries – Carnegie Corporation of New York. “will devote $4 million to three of the city’s public libraries in a set of grants that mark the philanthropy’s return to its roots.”
  • New Urban Libraries Council (ULC) Brief: “The Role of Libraries as Public Spaces in Countering Misinformation, Disinformation, and Social Isolation in the Age of Generative AI” – Library Journal.

Local news by authority

• Barnsley – Libraries to close for refurbishment scheme – BBC. “Two libraries are to close as part of a £500,000 refurbishment to modernise the buildings and make them more energy efficient. Barnsley Council said the work would help transform Darfield and Goldthorpe libraries into modern and flexible spaces. Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said they had made “great progress” since they began refurbishing libraries as part of the Barnsley Library Strategy.”
• Birmingham – Writers create protest magazine over library cuts – BBC. “The Brum Library Zine, which launches on Saturday, paired 35 writers with libraries across Birmingham and asked them to write a piece inspired by that library.”, one for each library under threat. Author says ” he saw librarians helping refugees to fill out forms, and children studying who did not have computers or quiet spaces at home. Library staff told him about socially isolated people who came in for regular chats.”
  • Birmingham City Council’s plans for ‘minimum’ number of libraries – and what would happen to the rest – Birmingham Live. Library consultation until 27 September.
• Bolton – Warning as new computers to be installed at Bolton libraries – Bolton News. “From Monday, September 16, to Friday, September 20, new computers will be installed at community libraries.” computers will be unavailable while being upgarded per branch.
• Bristol – Congratulating our Summer Reading Challenge champions – Bristol Council. “To commemorate the end of the challenge, every library in Bristol nominated children or young people to represent them at an awards ceremony, which took place at Bristol Central Library on Tuesday 17 September.  Each winner was presented a Summer Reading Challenge Book bag by Councillor Andrew Varney, the Lord Mayor of Bristol”
• Buckinghamshire – Residents last chance to comment on controversial plans to cut library staff across Buckinghamshire – Bucks Herald. Staffless technology to partially replace paid staff at Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Chesham, Hazlemere, Marlow and Princes Risborough.
• Bury – Age UK – Scam Awareness Talks in libraries during October – My News Desk. Three free drop-ins.
• Cambridgeshire – The Library Presents reveals the returning favourites and new delights set to perform in March, Wisbech and Chatteris – Fenland Citizen. “With 43 events taking place across 23 venues including March, Wisbech and Chatteris, The Library Presents offers something for everyone, from music and puppetry to dance, theatre, storytelling, and circus.”
• Cheshire West and Chester -End period poverty campaign gets boost as libraries and leisure centres come aboard – Northwich and Winsford Guardian. “Cheshire West and Chester (CWAC) libraries and Brio leisure centres, including Winsford Lifestyle Centre and Northwich Memorial Court, have now agreed to act as drop-off points for period products donated by the public.”
  • Bump into culture at your local library this autumn – Dee Radio. “Cheshire West Libraries have partnered with Bee Friends of Frodsham to present a series of classical, light music and jazz concerts, performed by professional musicians from the Royal Northern College of Music”. Funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
• Croydon – Council is reported to government for library report failures – Inside Croydon. “The cobbled-together, evidence-lite and contradictory report recommending the closure of four of the borough’s public libraries now faces a legal challenge”. Library Campaign calls for “full DCMS investigation into [Croydon] council’s current library plans (such as they are) and intervention to secure improvements.”
• Devon – Honiton Library celebrates 50 years with party and 1974 quiz – Mid Week Herald. 100 attended.

• Enfield – Labour and Tories blame each other for plan to close eight Enfield libraries – Enfield Dispatch. “The opposition Conservatives called a fresh debate on the library closures but again failed to force a rethink on the proposal”
  • Save Enfield libraries and leisure centre from Labour cuts – Socialist Party. “Enfield was the London borough with the most libraries – 16 in total. However, the Labour council has decided to close half. These cuts will save the council around £600,000, and earn it £3 million on property sales.”
• Falkirk – Crochet class will not return to Bo’ness library as cost of hire trebles – Falkirk Herald. “Bo’ness library’s community rooms recently reopened after being closed for nearly two years while a new lift was being installed. After waiting 104 weeks for the rooms to be ready, Lindsay McFarlane says her community crochet classes won’t be returning to Bo’ness because of the price hike.”. Cost increased from £10 per hour to £30.
• Hampshire – Libraries across Hampshire to face funding cuts – Hello Rayo. “Hampshire’s children’s services boss has argued people won’t suffer a ”significantly detrimental” impact despite a £200,000 cut in the budget for new library stock so core services can be prioritised.”
• Haringey – Fresh anger over cuts to library opening hours across Haringey – Haringey Community Press. “Haringey Council is looking for children and young people to give feedback in response to criticism over plans to reduce library opening hours.” No hard copies of consultation on show in libraries.
• Isle of Wight – Breastfeeding friendly spaces introduced in Isle of Wight Libraries – Isle of Wight County Press. “Since April, each of the council’s six libraries — Cowes, Freshwater, Newport, Ryde, Sandown, and Ventnor — has been equipped with specially allocated chairs for mothers to breastfeed their babies. Recently, feeding cushions have been added for extra comfort.”
• Kirklees – What is happening with Mirfield Library: Kirklees Council agrees u-turn on plan to shut Mirfield Library but warned communities left feeling ‘bruised’ – Dewsbury Reporter. “The local authority had been looking to make eight of Kirklees’ 24 libraries community-managed in a bid to make a saving of more than £900k” … “However, the plans were met with huge backlash from local communities, with a consultation revealing that volunteers and other members of the community were “overwhelmingly” against them.”
• Lancashire – Rishton Library vandalised for second time in two weeks – Lancashire Telegraph. “On Thursday night, September 12, the library had its windows smashed, as well as the doors, just weeks after reports were made that librarians had faced abuse by a group of young people. Windows had also been smashed previously and workers at the library, on High Street, said they had to make numerous complaints across several months after persistent disturbances.”
• Leicester – Free activities for Green Libraries Week – Leicester Council. “talk on why we travel by award-winning journalist, broadcaster and author Ash Bhardwa”, volunteering opportunities, events.

Nottinghamshire – Exciting refurbishment planned for Hucknall Library in late 2024 – Dispatch. “Funded by the Libraries Improvement Fund in collaboration with Nottinghamshire Council, the renovations will include providing access to a customer toilet and upgraded spaces and facilities to allow for improved flexibility and use of the building.”

Perth and Kinross – ‘Save Birnam Library’ protest shines light on Perth and Kinross closure fears – Courier. “Campaigners staged a protest outside Birnam Library on Friday amid fresh fears it’s facing closure. It comes as culture bosses consult communities across Perth and Kinross on what “possible future models of service delivery” might look like. Library users in Aberfeldy, Alyth, Auchterarder, Blairgowrie, Birnam, Comrie, Crieff, Kinross, Perth, Pitlochry and Scone are all being asked about their habits.” Councils says ““We know that library services are highly valued. However the current model of service provision is no longer sustainable.”

• Peterborough – Woodston Library recycles shark spied in monster exhibition – BBC. “The Friends of Woodston Library, a group campaigning to keep the site open, said the shark had given children who were unable to get to the cathedral a taste of what had been on display.”
• Sheffield – Volunteer libraries go from strength to strength in Sheffield – Star. “Since 2014, when volunteer management began in most of Sheffield’s suburban libraries, and despite dire predictions from the scheme’s detractors, none of the libraries that passed into volunteer hands has foundered.” … “Many of the shelves in the volunteer libraries are now filled with libraries’ own book stocks, reducing their reliance on council stocks and on the council’s libraries management systems, and ensuring that stock acquisition policies are managed from a place much closer to actual library users.” Many original volunteers now in their 70s or even 80s and so new volunteers wanted.
• South Gloucestershire – Thousands of South Gloucestershire children celebrate reading challenge success – South Gloucestershire Council. “More than 5,500 children have taken part”, councillors “attended a special event at Bradley Stoke Library to meet a group of local children and present them with medals and certificates.”
• Southwark – Southwark Recognised for Supporting Refugees and Named Borough of Sanctuary – Public Sector Executive. “This recognition as a Borough of Sanctuary follows the Libraries and Heritage Service becoming the first London-based services to be awarded Libraries of Sanctuary status.”
• Staffordshire – Family open day aims to show off local heritage – BBC. Perton Library. “part of the Staffordshire History Festival celebrations.”
• St Helens – Libraries that were cut by St Helens remain closed – St Helens Star. “None  of the libraries closed by St Helens Council in the past year have reopened as community-managed venues” … “The council says it has no plans to close any further libraries and is in fact looking to invest in Haydock Library this year and move St Helens Library back to the Gamble Building from the World of Glass once interior work starts and is completed there.”
• Stoke on Trent – Volunteers to be recruited to help extend opening hours at Stoke-on-Trent libraries – Stoke Nub News. “Volunteers are set to be recruited to help extend opening hours at Stoke-on-Trent’s libraries. Stoke-on-Trent City Council has drawn up plans to increase the number of volunteers in its library service to boost the existing workforce. Council chiefs say this could allow them to reverse the cuts to library opening hours brought in this year”
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries launches silent auction for artwork by elusive Suffolk artist, The Hat – Suffolk Libraries. “Titled Day’s Eye, the painting was anonymously left on the steps of Framlingham Library, wrapped in The Hat’s signature brown paper with false postage details. It has been contributed to support the Suffolk Libraries’ Make a Difference With a Daisy campaign.”
  • Wild Reads – Suffolk Libraries. ” in partnership with Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Take part in a series of events throughout the autumn months, for both adults and children.”
• Wakefield – Ossett Library to welcome back visitors after refurbishment – Wakefield Express. “The new library is on the first floor of Ossett Town Hall which has benefited from a refurbishment programme to the Grade II listed town hall building. ”
• Waltham Forest – The independent Essex library fighting to stay open against funding struggle – Essex Live. “South Chingford Community Library houses over 10,000 books and hosts weekly events for locals. They pride themselves on providing a safe, welcoming space for the community to connect. Run entirely by volunteers, the library first opened in 2012 after the original South Chingford Branch library closed due to budget cuts. It operates in the former Waltham Forest Direct Shop.” … “usly, London Borough of Waltham Forest covered the library’s rent under a lease. However, this support ended in September 2023. A spokesperson for the local authority stated that they had given “immense support” to the library over the past eleven years, including £500,000 in direct aid over the last five years, but were unable to continue funding.” … “the library needs to raise £65,000 annually to stay open after that.”

“We consider ourselves the hub of this area. We welcome everyone and encourage organisations to use our services. Many come here to escape loneliness, especially in the winter, and appreciate our warm, social environment. If we were to close, there would be no other place for people to go.”

Richard Ashen, chair of South Chingford Community Library’s Board of Trustees

• West Berkshire – Call out to local authors for West Berks Library showcase – Newbury Today. “If you have had a book published that you would like to promote, please contact them for further details – an early expression of interest is advised as space is limited. “
• Westmorland and Furness – Ulverston library service to move permanently into Coro – Beyond Radio. “A meeting of Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet approved a recommendation that Ulverston’s library service be permanently re-located to The Coro in the town.”
  • War of words breaks out over Ulverston library between MP and council – Cumbria Crack. “Barrow’s MP has claimed Westmorland & Furness Council refused to defer its plans to relocate Ulverston’s library – a claim it has denied. Michelle Scrogham, the Labour MP for Barrow and Furness, said there was a £2 million offer to refurbish the closed-down facility.”
• Worcestershire – Worcestershire libraries get prepared for emergencies this ‘Save a Life September’ – Worcestershire Council. Trauma kits. “The first-aid equipment has been installed in nine libraries and there are plans to install more in other public places across the county. The kits are designed to help people stop the casualty bleeding before paramedics arrive.”

Editorial

Well, another big week for public libraries being in the news. This was pushed mainly by a BBC report on comparing each English library service now with its service in 2016 which discovered, unsurprisingly, a – shall we say? – downward trend in numbers open, staffing and opening hours. While there is no question that this generally reflects reality, a look at the data suggests that there are specific errors with the data (my service is down as closing three libraries since 2016 – we haven’t; another is shown as opening several new additional libraries – they haven’t) which is a shame.

What isn’t a shame though is the response to the report, with lots of coverage saying how great and useful public libraries are and also that, sadly, many still open are now all but a shadow of their formal selves since fourteen years of cuts. All this has come at the perfect time politically with the new Government considering budget options. However, it looks like all the ministers have been ordered to keep quiet and to toe the line about how austerity is still necessary. Being these are Labour MPs let’s hope that this strategy will survive for a long period of time. Because, Lisa and Chris, this is something that has been cut enough and the cuts are continuing, with Aberdeen, Buckinghamshire, Birmingham, Coventry, Croydon, Enfield, Havering, Peterborough and South Lanarkshire all have news articles protesting against cuts to them or suggesting new reductions.

Beyond the UK, it’s clear that the struggle is more an ideological than financial one. Australia has a couple of news stories about proposed censorship / protecting the minds of children in public libraries plus a reasonably hysterical article or two about staff being trained to ask the gender of children. Pro tip to the libraries question here, though: don’t ask the gender in the first place. You don’t need to know. Same with asking if someone is Miss or Mrs. What has their marital status got to do with using the library? We have the normal stuff from the polarised USA with the addition of a video of a library literally having its books swept away, although by water and not by activists. Then the other thing that caught my eye was having an “AI conversational agent” in a Dubai library. As the person posting about it observes, well, that’s professional ethics right out the window.

Correction and apologies

In the previous edition of Public Libraries News I managed to make several errors all in less than one sentence about Guille-Allès Library. It’s in Guernsey, not in Jersey. It thus has nothing to do with the current President of Libraries Connected* and thus the reading group mentioned was included entirely on its own excellent merits.

*and yeah I said CILIP in the first edition of this post. This subject is clearly hexed for me.

Changes by local authority

• Aberdeen – Central Library to remain, others to become “community hubs”

National news

• 440 library staff jobs cut in East since 2016, figures show, amid warnings of ‘funding crisis’ – ITV. “Across the region, there were 443 fewer staff in 2023, compared to 2016. More than half of these losses were in Essex, where there were 248 fewer library staff. Hertfordshire lost 92 jobs. There are fewer libraries too – 324 in total last year, 10 fewer than in 2016, according to figures from the BBC Shared Data Unit. Northamptonshire lost the most libraries: 16 over the seven years.”

• CILIP writes to Libraries Minister – CILIP. “”As I’m sure you will recall,” Louis points out, “almost 20 years ago you were a member of the House of Commons Culture, Media, and Sport Committee when it examined the state of Public Libraries in 2004-05. Unfortunately, many of the key findings of this inquiry are still relevant today and we firmly believe that only through sustained support and investment in knowledge managers, information professionals, and librarians—one of our most trusted professions—will we be able to unlock the full potential of services in the creative learning, research, and business sectors. As the libraries minister, you have the opportunity to interpret your superintendence and development responsibilities in far more ambitious ways than your recent predecessors.””

• Gender Roles and Stereotypes in Children’s Literature: What Can Librarians Do? – Eurolis. Free. “This year’s Seminar is an in-person event at Europe House in London (32 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3EU) on Friday 22nd of November 2024, from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm.”
• The Guardian view on public libraries: these vital spaces provide much more than books – Guardian Editorial. “Offering everything from coding clubs to company, they are more essential than ever as other services vanish” … “With a new government and a new libraries minister, Chris Bryant, there is an opportunity to reverse the decline caused by 14 years of austerity. One thing libraries don’t need is more words. They need sustained and substantial funding.”
• Libraries are a boundless resource. We mustn’t let their lights go out – Big Issue. “The normal response when the regular figures come out about UK library closures, or increasingly limited opening hours, is, well, it’s the public purse. The pressure on local authorities is acute, something has to give. And besides, when did you last go into a library? As if that made it all a settled matter. The only useful barometer for library usefulness is your own recent experience of crossing the threshold. I haven’t been into a pub in Glasgow in a month. Shut them all down! “

• Libraries important for human contact, Children’s Laureate says – BBC. “Libraries must be protected as places of learning and reading and as spaces “where we bump into each other and make acquaintance and see each other”, Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce has said.”

More than 180 UK public libraries closed or handed to volunteers since 2016, data shows – Guardian. “Louis Coiffait-Gunn, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, said that the organisation is “deeply concerned but not surprised” about the loss of 2,000 library roles. There is a “worrying trend of de-professionalising the public library workforce”.”

Public libraries in ‘crisis’ as councils cut services – BBC. “More than 180 council-run libraries have either closed or been handed over to volunteer groups in the UK since 2016, BBC analysis has found. More deprived communities were four times more likely to have lost a publicly-funded library in that time, while 2,000 jobs have also been lost.” … “Freedom of Information requests sent to every library authority in the UK and Arts Council England data show the country has lost one in 20 libraries since 2016, either by closing them completely or moving them over to volunteer-run groups.” … “Sunderland went from having 11 libraries in 2016 to just three in 2023, losing 65 staff members in that time.”

“Every time I hear of a library being closed I find it absolutely horrifying. Sometimes people don’t see that, people see cuts and think it’s saving money or people don’t really need it, but I see it as a form of deprivation.”

Michael Rosen

• ‘A shell of the place it used to be’: readers on the importance of libraries – and their fragile future – Guardian. ““The library in Leamington [Warwickshire] is a shell of the place it used to be. All of the offerings are much smaller and there are fewer staff. You can see there’s no money behind it”

International

• Australia – ‘Rainbow Libraries’: Rita Panahi unleashes on Victoria’s ‘woke idiocy’ – Sky News Australia. “Sky News host Rita Panahi has hit out at the Victorian government’s “Rainbow Libraries” toolkit and accused Labor of pushing the state further into “ideological lunacy”. Children as young as five will be asked if they identify as ‘she’, ‘he’ or ‘they’ as part of the new program being rolled out in public libraries in Victoria. “This is precisely the type of woke idiocy that mainstream Australians abhor and the political class loves” see also The one question in Victoria’s rainbow libraries toolkit now being asked that has infuriated parents and experts -Mail.
  • Councillor Sarah Hathway: ‘Spend on libraries and housing, not weapons’ – Green Left. ““Just last year, the City was suggesting it close libraries and pools due to budget shortfalls. Meanwhile, the federal government can pour billions into defence manufacturing.””
  • Wide range of opinions shared at Albany’s meeting about sex education books and twerk workshops – Out in Perth. “Special Electors Meeting which was called to discuss concerns about sex education books available in the local library and a twerking workshop that was held as part of the city’s Pride Festival celebrations in February.”
• Canada – Sending a big shush to governments that say they can’t pay library workers a living wage – Halifax Examiner.

• Japan – Ministry to Support Collaboration Between Libraries and Bookstores; Hopes to Promote Reading in Communities Nationwide – Japan News. “The number of bookstores is declining nationwide: there were 10,918 bookstores as of March this year, 4,684 fewer than 10 years ago” … “Examples of such projects are expected to include the introduction of a system that allows users to pick up library books at bookstores and order books from bookstores at libraries.” but also ” It plans to explore solutions to the problem of bookstores being disadvantaged by libraries lending large numbers of popular books.”
• Norway – Negotiating neutrality and activism in Norwegian public libraries: the case of environmental sustainability – journal of Documentation. “The neutrality of Norwegian public libraries is tied to the libraries’ function as a social meeting place and arena for public debate. While the agenda for sustainable development is perceived as neutral by many of the interview participants, there are ongoing negotiations on how politically charged initiatives should be and whether public conversations on environmental and climate issues need to represent a balance of opinions. “
• South Africa – Joburg libraries are a place where books go to die – Mail and Guardian. “The closure of the city’s biggest library is a loss to the public, and some of the other libraries are also battling to keep the culture of books alive” [Subscription only]
• USA – Second Circuit Says Libraries Disincentivize Authors To Write Books By Lending Them For Free – Above the Law. “the final ruling is just incredibly damaging, especially in that it suggests that all libraries are bad for authors and cause them to no longer want to write. I only wish I were joking. Towards the end of the ruling (as we’ll get to below) it says that while having freely lent out books may help the public in the “short-term” the “long-term” consequences would be that “there would be little motivation to produce new works.””
  • Column: Think Again – When libraries go woke – Carillon. “some librarians aren’t content with just providing books to the public. Instead, they want libraries to be centres of social justice activism that are committed to “dismantling systemic oppressive practices.”” … “If libraries keep going woke, they can expect to go broke. Let’s keep the religion of EDI {equality, diversity, inclusion – Ed.] out of our libraries.”
  • This Election Will Determine the Fate of Libraries – Time. “Imagine waking up one day to a targeted smear campaign insinuating that you, a school librarian, are advocating the teaching of anal sex to 11-year-olds. This is exactly what happened to me in 2022 … ” A look at the tactics used to victimise libraries and censor books.
  • Watch: Flood devastates library causing $10m of damage – BBC. “In a post on its website, the library said the building will remain closed “until further notice… while we continue to assess the damage and begin to rebuild”.”

Local news by authority

• Aberdeen – New library model to create family-friendly spaces and enhance services – Aberdeen Council. “The Future Model and working vision for the Library and Information Services was endorsed today (5 September) by Councillors in the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee. “
• Barnet – Council secures £85,000 to turn overgrown space into library reading garden in Barnet – Harrow Online. Golders Green. ACE funding.
• Barnsley – Council pledges to continue investing in libraries – Barnsley Chronicle. “However, the Chronicle can reveal that Barnsley’s picture is much different to the national one, with it retaining all 14 of its staffed venues and one self-serve facility. A key arrival during the timeframe has been the creation of the town centre’s purpose-built £5.3m Library @ the Lightbox, which opened in 2019 and effectively began the Glass Works regeneration.” but ““Since 2016, we’ve provided 14 staffed libraries across the borough, in addition to Priory Library offering a self-service option. After consulting with our residents and reviewing our library services, we reduced the opening hours across ten libraries.”
• Birmingham – Jack Reacher would not exist without Birmingham’s libraries, says writer – Guardian. “In the case of the fictional ex-military action man Jack Reacher, it has emerged he was made in a library in Birmingham. Now many libraries in the city are under threat from closure, prompting Reacher’s creator, the bestselling thriller writer Lee Child, to speak out. The author, who grew up in Birmingham, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme his 6ft 5in, 250lb protagonist would never have existed without the Second City libraries he visited in his childhood.”

• Bradford – Author hits out at ‘false economy’ of library cuts – BBC. “how library budget cuts have resulted in closures, job losses and reduced opening hours. BBC research shows Bradford and Calderdale councils have made some of the biggest changes in the country to their library services since 2016. But crime writer Saima Mir, who grew up in Bradford, said cuts to library services were a “false economy” which could leave people with an “educational and emotional gap”.”

“It gave me access to a world I wasn’t encountering every day in life, we’re not going to be able to go into the future and compete with other countries if our children do not have access to stories,””

 Saima Mir

• Buckinghamshire – Podcast Transcription: Haddenham Community Library – Community Managed Libraries National Peer Network. A look at how to get new volunteers, trustees and how to network.
  • Stop Bucks Council reducing staffed opening hours at Amersham Library. We demand a say – Change.org. “Buckinghamshire Council are reducing the number of hours that Amersham Library will be staffed from 41 hours down to 28.7 hours. Outside of these times you can only access it via an automated system with no staff on hand to help.”
• Cornwall – Workplace blood pressure tests being offered – BBC. “As well as the workplace tests, people can borrow blood pressure monitors for free from libraries across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”
  • Cornwall’s libraries ‘bucking UK trend’ – council – BBC. “Cornwall Council said 22,000 new users borrowed books in the past year with library memberships reaching a 10-year high. Only four of the county’s 27 libraries are run by the council and Carol Mould – the councillor responsible for libraries – said giving the sites to other groups to run had helped them remain open.”
• Coventry – Coventry loses four libraries in eight years amid ‘horrifying’ loss to public services – Coventry Telegraph. “One has been opened, meaning that there is a net loss of three statutory libraries, from 17 in 2016 to 14 in 2023.” … “it’s a different story in Warwickshire where no council-run libraries have been closed or handed over to volunteers. The total number of libraries in the county is 18, the same as in 2016.”
• Croydon – Legal battle expected as Perry to order four libraries to close – Inside Croydon. “Croydon Mayor Jason Perry will order the closure of four of the borough’s public libraries in a council report due to be released on Monday, Inside Croydon can reveal. The public libraries in Sanderstead, Bradmore Green in Old Coulsdon, Broad Green and Shirley could be shut down by the cash-strapped council as soon as October.” … “The latest libraries consultation was conducted at the start of the year, but the reports arising from that public exercise have been withheld for months by the Tory Mayor in case it might damage the General Election prospects of Croydon South’s Conservative MP, Chris Philp.” … “The foregone conclusion decision is expected to be made at a council cabinet meeting to be held on September 25. ” … “Meanwhile, “urgent” and “essential” repair work at a number of libraries, including Sanderstead and Shirley, has never been undertaken.” … “Meanwhile, not a peep has been heard from the council’s Labour opposition.”
  • Closing libraries is a sign of ‘failed administration’ – say Tories – Inside Croydon.
• Cumberland – How joining a library can improve your firm’s chances of success – In Cumbria. Interview with “Ben Heslop, manager of Cumbria’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre”
  • Whitehaven Library closed due to ‘building issue’ – Whitehaven News. “Cumberland Council said that the closure was temporary and that further updates were to follow. “

• Denbighshire – Reverend’s dismay at ‘bonkers’ fine after using Rhyl Library car park – Journal. “Reverend Brenden Bithell said that, on July 30, he mistakenly paid for parking at the adjacent Morfa Hall car park, which is run privately by Smart Parking Ltd. Rhyl Library’s car park is for disabled parking only, and is operated by Denbighshire County Council, which has issued him with a penalty charge notice (PCN) of £50 (or £25 if paid within two weeks)”
• Devon – Children from deprived area of Devon to get a reading boost from Libraries Unlimited – Devon Air Radio. “Staff at Exmouth Library and the School Literacy Network, with support from Action for Children and HeadsUp, will be working with children who live in the Littleham area with a focus on Littleham Church of England Primary School. “, funding from Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival.
• Dudley – Lye Library closes for refurbishment – GLL press release. “Lye Library in Stourbridge will be temporarily closing for major refurbishment from Saturday 5 October. The work is expected to take twelve weeks, and the library will reopen in January. VR headsets, IT hublets and improved seating, moveable shelving and new flooring are all being installed thanks to a grant of £144,715 from the government’s Libraries Improvements Fund, administered by Arts Council England.”. Council says ““We’re continuing to build on our ambitions for the library service. Brierley Hill library has recently received a significant £670,000 refurb funded through the UK Government’s Future High Streets Fund and we’re following suit with these plans for Lye”
• Enfield – Backlash against council’s library closure plans – Enfield Dispatch. “Opposition Conservative councillors submitted a ‘call in’ request in August, but failed to persuade the Labour administration to rethink the decision despite claiming it would contradict the council’s own policies on tackling poverty and inequality. The Tories have since launched a petition against the library closures. Residents reacting with anger to the news included Oliver Coombes, who described it on social media as “a disgraceful proposal””
• Gloucestershire – Libraries stay open thanks to army of volunteers – BBC. “”We’ve been very lucky in Gloucestershire in terms of the quality of our volunteer teams,” Mr Doherty told the BBC. “Some of those libraries [across the country] that have closed down over the recent years, they’ve first been handed over to the voluntary sector and for one reason or another it hasn’t worked.””

• Hampshire – Data shows 25 per cent of Hampshire libraries have closed – Basingstoke Gazette. “The data showed that 11 of the closed libraries have stopped being statutory libraries, having moved to community organisations, with three libraries having closed their doors permanently.” … “The figures also showed that 37 of the remaining 40 libraries were operating with reduced hours in 2023 compared to 2016.” … “This data comes as the county council announces that it’s anticipated budget shortfall has risen to £175m.” 58 (fifty-eight) full-time equivalent posts lost.
• Havering – Clashes over plan to close four Havering libraries in debate – This is Local London. “Councillors clashed over the future of the borough’s libraries during a lengthy and lively debate last night (September 4). Labour councillor Mandy Anderson said: “The council might be financially poor but we cannot use that to justify creating poverty of hearts, mind and soul.””
  • ‘The council can dress this up how they like , but the fact remains that closing libraries is an attack on the poorest people in Havering.’ – Havering Daily. “Closing libraries is an act of cruelty, a Save Our Libraries protest was held outside of the Town Hall in Romford yesterday (4 September) with a fantastic turnout.”, petitions, “Crowds listening were cheering at the support the Save Our Libraries campaign has received and at this very powerful protest.”
  • ‘Decisions have to be made’ on Havering libraries closures, council says – Time 1075. “Labour councillor Mandy Anderson said: “The council might be financially poor but we cannot use that to justify creating poverty of hearts, mind and soul.”” but “Deputy leader Gillian Ford, who now oversees libraries, said “every single council department” has had to find ways to “do things more efficiently”. That has included letting staff go or “paring back service provision”.”
  • Havering Council slammed by Trade Unions-‘Closing libraries will have a detrimental impact on the poorest and most vulnerable in Havering.’ – Hevering Daily. “The authority proposed closing the libraries to save around £300,000 amid a £32.5million budget deficit identified in February. Libraries in Collier Row, Elm Park, Gidea Park, Harold Wood, and Collier Row are all at risk.”. Resident says “What is the social cost of closing that library? It’s a lot more than £300,000.”
• Kent – The impact of the ‘public library crisis’ on Kent as UK-wide decimation continues – Kent Live. “In our area, Medway has lost one library which was permanently shut, while Kent has gained two libraries that have either been newly opened or moved under the responsibility of the local council. However, 68 of Kent’s libraries are now operating on reduced hours compared to 2016, and the service has lost 27 staff members. That information is not available for Medway. Separate figures show that Kent [County Council area] is better served for library services than Medway. As of last year, there were 99 statutory libraries in Kent. Compared to the size of the population, that’s the equivalent of one library for every 15,945 people. Medway has 16 statutory libraries, or one for every 18,655 people.”
• Kirklees – Kirklees Council set to scrap unpopular plan to convert eight libraries – including Mirfield – into community-managed sites – Dewsbury Reporter. “Under Kirklees Council’s original plans, eight of the borough’s 24 libraries – Mirfield, Honley, Meltham, Marsden, Kirkheaton, Skelmanthorpe, Denby Dale and Shepley – would become community-managed and run by volunteers. In February, Kirklees Council agreed to begin exploring the feasibility of this model, and engagement was carried out with voluntary groups, members of the community, and staff. This demonstrated that people were “overwhelmingly” against the option.”. Alternative proposal is to “see the number of council staff working across all 24 libraries reduced ” To be voted on this week.
• Lancashire – Rishton Library: librarians face ‘barrage of anti-social behaviour’ – Lancashire Telegraph. “Employees at the library say they have faced abuse by a group of young people which culminated in the windows being smashed at the end of last week.”
• Newcastle – Young Adult Reading Challenge 2024 – Newcastle Council. “Borrow and read 5 books in the Autumn Term for a chance to win one of five £20 Travelling Man vouchers”. Also has a “book bingo” sheet.
• Northern Ireland – Comment: Libraries in Northern Ireland need a proper budget rather than ‘a metaphorical death by a thousand cuts’ says Trisha Ward – View Digital. “We asked Trisha Ward, former director of Library Services at Libraries NI, to comment on this ongoing decimation of a vital public service” … “Libraries NI has advantages as a stand-alone library authority, unlike English libraries which are managed by councils who face increasing demand for funding for social care and find it difficult to develop regional strategic partnerships.”

“If I were marking the government’s homework I might join others in suggesting we need to see the Programme for Government and a library policy which will define priorities for libraries. I’d also hope they would recognise that for any organisation to exist on single year budgets is asking for them to plan for the short term and to suffer the metaphorical death by a thousand cuts.”

Trisha Ward, former director of Library Services at Libraries NI

• North Yorkshire – How important are North Yorkshire’s libraries? – BBC. “Steve Bailey speaks to library volunteers across North Yorkshire.”
• Nottingham – Nottingham City Council to upgrade libraries with £300,000 Call Off Framework – West Bridgford Wire. “The Call Off Framework, set to span four years, will facilitate the procurement of creative design services, specialist library furniture, and installation works across multiple libraries in the city.” … “One of the key projects already identified for the framework is the Arts Council England-funded “Counter Culture” project, which has been awarded a grant of £77,050. In total, the council has forecasted a budget of £222,500, subject to securing additional external funding and internal resources.”
• Peterborough – Community unites in fight to save local library – BBC. “Woodston Library in Peterborough is part of the list of assets owned by Peterborough City Council that could be sold off to balance its budget deficit. The authority said the list is still under review. On Thursday dozens of residents gathered in the library, on Orchard Street, to sign the petition and think of ideas on how to maximise the building’s usage.”
  • Save Woodston Library – Change.org. The Woodston Library in Peterborough campaign petition. ” We urge the Council to recognise this is a valued local community asset.  The local community want to work with the council to see extended opening times and wider use by the local community.”
• Reading – Latest on project to add library to Reading council offices – Reading Chronicle. “Arrangements for disabled parking at the new Central Library at the civic offices in Bridge Street have been approved.”
  • Reading Central Library busy despite days being numbered – Reading Chronicle. “Amjad Hussain, 67, from Addington Road said visiting the library is easy, and did not predict that the move would have much of an impact on his usage. He did note that the current library is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.” … “The council has been criticised for ‘poor maintenance’ of the library building”
• Richmond – Teddington Library Community Garden receives award for enhancing local environment – Richmond Council. “The awarded funds supported various works in the library community garden, benefiting garden users and the wider community. Over the spring and summer months, the funds have contributed to the purchase of two trellises for climbers and a garden mirror on the back wall, creating a lovely focal point to the garden. Additionally, volunteers have added new planting and created a completely new bed in the middle of the garden. “
• Sheffield – Libraries at ‘heart of community’ a decade after cuts – BBC. “Ten years after volunteers stepped in to run 16 of Sheffield’s libraries when the council cut £1.6m from the service those in charge say they are thriving. No longer just a place to borrow a book the sites once threatened with closure now offer community services from weighing babies to access to cheap food. Volunteers say the libraries have evolved into community hubs, supporting people with everything from the cost of living to their mental wellbeing.”
  • Artist hopes library mural will get people reading – BBC. “The design – chosen following a public consultation – is being painted by Nicole White on the shutters of Ecclesall Library. Ms White said the mural would celebrate reading as well as highlighting wildlife from the nearby Ecclesall Woods”

• Staffordshire – Staffordshire libraries sees increase in number of self-help e-books being loaned out – Lichfield Live. “Since March 2020, over 320,702 e-books have been loaned by Staffordshire’s libraries – and the number of people using the e-books service through BorrowBox has increased to almost 18,000 users.”
  • Free period products on offer at libraries – BBC. “The libraries in Stafford, Cannock, Burton, Newcastle and Kidsgrove will also have donation points for anyone who wished to contribute.The Period Support Scheme aims to break the stigma around periods and raise awareness of menstruation through educational resources, the county council said.”
• Stirling – Stirling Council opens new public consultation on the future of the region’s library provisions – Daily Record. “The views of people who live, work and study in the Stirling area will feed into a new vision and strategy for the council’s libraries, guiding service delivery for the next five years (2025-2030).” … “Libraries were given a reprieve in this year’s budget following a huge outpouring of public support for the facilities in the budget consultation. While the budget took a hit, no libraries were earmarked for closure and £100,000 was set aside to conduct a review of the library service going forward.”
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries to combat digital exclusion by offering free SIM cards in new scheme with National Databank and Good Things Foundation – Suffolk News. “awarded funding from Suffolk’s Digital Inclusion Fund to administer the National Databank across the county.” … “The Good Things Foundation provides the SIMs for free with the Suffolk funding covering the cost of managing the scheme.”
  • Suffolk Libraries daisy chain moves to Somerleyton Hall Gardens – Suffolk Libraries. “Make a Difference with a Daisy focuses on the humble daisy as a symbol of resilience and positivity. Framlingham artist, Spadge Hopkins has worked with Suffolk Libraries to create an installation of individual metal daisies arranged in a chain representing the joined-up network of libraries across Suffolk.  The campaign has already raised over £22,500 for Suffolk Libraries.”
• Warwickshire – Warwickshire Libraries and Market Hall Museum to provide free toiletry packs to those in need – Warwickshire Council. “Warwickshire Libraries was successful in its application to the Household Support Fund earlier this year, which is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Government, to offer a limited amount of free toiletry packs to residents who may need them.”
• Westmorland and Furness – Plans to move library recommended for approval – BBC. Ulverston. “The proposals have split opinion in the town, with more than 3,300 people signing a petition calling for the council to fix and reopen the old site. Labour MP for Barrow and Furness, Michelle Scrogham, labelled the council’s consultation as “flawed”, adding that restoring the original library was not included as an option.” … “I’m very unhappy with the way they’ve run it. The council promised it would be the same, or better, than what we already had. Clearly a small room in The Coro isn’t the same, or better” see also Ulverston Library service set to be re-located to Coronation Hall – North West Evening Mail.

There were two big national news stories concerning libraries this week. The one is the number of requests to school libraries to withdraw books, with many ending up being removed. This is strongly reminiscent of what is happening in US public libraries, although on a far smaller and less organised scale. The big difference is that a major political party here isn’t supporting such censorship, although I suspect Mr Farage wouldn’t be against and also parts of the Conservative Party.

The other big story, which really blew up this week, is the anti-racism training being planned for Welsh public librarians. The particular part of the training which has really annoyed some commentators is that which covers avoiding buildings with links to slavery in the past, or at least acknowledging that they have such links.

Regardless of what one thinks about these developments, both stories together show that the stock decisions and training policies of public libraries are now in the public eye far more than I ever remember them in the past. This awareness, and desire to get involved, in what was normally seen as, well, not even something to know about at all, shows the politicisation of the sector, whether we like it or not.

Do you have an opinion or a story you’d like to share? Please email me at ianlibrarian@live.co.uk

Changes by local authority

• Birmingham – More details on £2.3m cut: 10 libraries to remain full-time; 14 to be “part-time”, 4 to close and “co-locate”, 7 to close if others do not pay for them, 1 (Spring Hill) to definitely close.
• Derbyshire – £910k cut between 2024 and 2029: 10% cut in opening hours, reduce mobile/home library service, co-locations, volunteers.
• Newport – £159k cut over 2 years. Pill Library closed. £46k cut in book fund (now £136k). Bettws and Malpas libraries to move into co-locations.

National news

• Books are being banned across Britain. We are not as tolerant as we pretend – Telegraph. “The Index on Censorship discovered that 28 of the 53 British school librarians they polled had been asked to remove books – many of which were LGBTQ+ titles – from their shelves. It appears that pressure had come from parents and, on some occasions, teachers too. For a society that’s meant to be modern and tolerant, these findings are depressing: the culture wars are failing to subside, and we seem to think nothing of using our children’s education as an ideological battleground.” see also School libraries ‘censored’ as survey reveals 28 librarians ‘asked to remove books from shelves’ – BookSeller. and Dozens of UK school librarians asked to remove LGBTQ+ books, survey finds – Guardian.
• British Library reveals £400,000 plan to rebuild after “catastrophic” ransomware attack – Stack. “It has issued a £400,000 tender looking for contractors to take part in Phase 1 of its “Web Foundations” project, which involves rebuilding the website to ensure it is “robust, scalable, sustainable, and secure.””

• CoP: AI for public libraries with Phil Bradley and Somerset Libraries – LibraryOn. “The feedback from this session was overwhelmingly positive, with genuine enthusiasm from attendees for the opportunities AI could bring to the sector.”

• The Dublin award’s place in the Irish literary scene – Guardian / Letters. “The award develops interest beyond Ireland but, by doing that, must contribute to the wide interest in “native” Irish writing. Unfortunately, only one UK public library nominated a novel for the 2024 award (thank you, Norfolk Library and Information Service). Here in the UK, we don’t need a competitor for the Dublin award; we do need more libraries to nominate books.”

• Librarians being told not to arrange meetings in ‘racist’ buildings – Daily Mail. “Libraries across Wales have been given the task of promoting ‘anti-racism’ as part of a £130,000 project. Local librarians are being taught ‘critical whiteness studies’ as well as how to deal with problems such as the ‘dominant paradigm of whiteness’, the Telegraph report.” … “The Gladstone Library in Hawarden and The Goronwy Owen primary school in Anglesey were both flagged as examples due to their names linking to slavery.” see also Librarians attending ‘whiteness studies’ to avoid ‘racist’ venues – Spectator. “Just when you think the equality and diversity police can’t get any madder, they do. ” and ‘Woke’ training in Wales urges librarians to avoid holding meetings in ‘racist’ historic buildings – GB News. “Alka Sehgal Cuthbert, the group’s [Don’t Divide Us] founder and education expert, said: “Libraries are places associated with rationality, enlightened thinking and public service for the general public. “They are not the playthings of those whose preferred radical politics means that librarians have to assent to false and wholly negative beliefs about the country in which they live, and by extension, also about its people. “This is the opposite of public service.” and British Libraries Advised to Avoid Meetings in ‘Racist’ Buildings, Confront ‘Dominant Paradigm of Whiteness’ – Breitbart. Over 100 comments inc. “Drag queen story hour will not be a big hit with the replacement population”

International news

• IFLA Statement on Libraries and Artificial Intelligence – IFLA. “How can these developments impact both everyday practices and the broader social mission of libraries? IFLA’s new statement sets out some key principles.”
• India – Libraries in India make youth’s dream of progress come true – Rappler. “In South Gujarat’s Adivasi areas, a network of community-funded libraries is helping bridge the gaps left by the education system”

• USA – Siouxland Libraries Reports Growth and Community Usage – Sioux Falls. “a 35.3 percent increase in meeting room bookings, a 78 percent increase in study room utilization, and a 32.7 percent increase in digital material checkouts. Additionally, library visits have reached nearly half a million.” … “the library system’s dedication to providing diverse programming and engaging digital content has contributed to this success. ”
  • Books and brews: Douglas County Libraries partner with local brewers – KDVR. “Local craft breweries and coffee shops have partnered up with Douglas County Libraries to put on the “Douglas County Libraries’ 2024 Brew Tour.” The event, which runs until Sept. 30, invites the community to visit local libraries and engage in the Douglas County brewing culture all while participating in events that can earn rewards and prizes.”
  • Local Republican Party look to ban books at public libraries – ABC News 4. Youtube.

Local news by authority

• Barnsley – Updated library hopes to inspire local children – Barnsley Chronicle.
• Birmingham – Anger over Birmingham libraries cuts and closures plan as defiant campaigners say ‘not over yet’ – Birmingham Live. “There’s been a fierce and defiant response to a Birmingham City Council proposal to shut five city community library buildings and leave the fate of seven others in the balance as part of massive cost cuts, with campaigners pledging to press on to fight downgrades.”
  • Have your say as libraries consultation final phase launches – Birmingham Council. “Under our new proposals, we have shared what the future of our library service could look like, with our recommended option providing 28 building-based libraries funded by BCC which includes a Community Library Hub in each constituency. There is also potential for up to 34 Library based buildings with the inclusion of Partner led Libraries.”
• Bromley – Help shape the Bromley Central Library – Bromley Council. “The news follows proposals to relocate the Bromley Central library into the heart of Bromley town centre, with the council seeking residents’ views on newly developed proposals following a survey held earlier this summer.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Children Today expands inclusive initiative in Cheshire – The Standard. “”We’re incredibly excited to be building on the success of our previous event and already have some fantastic authors lined up, with more to be confirmed, as well as collaborating with the Cheshire Education Library Service team and Cheshire West libraries to deliver another exciting programme of events.”
• Cornwall – Library membership at 10-year high – council – BBC. “Cornwall Council said library membership had grown faster than at any time in the past 10 years as people of all ages were encouraged to explore beyond the bookshelves. In the last year, there were more than 22,000 new borrowers and more than 1.5m books were loaned from libraries across the county, the authority said.”
• Derbyshire – Heritage day to celebrate library’s 120th anniversary – BBC. “Ilkeston Library was opened on 24 August 1904 by the Duke of Rutland, with crowds filling the Market Place to see it open its doors for the first time.”
  • Derbyshire council launches consultation into planned library changes to save nearly £1m – Derbyshire Times. “draft Derbyshire Public Library Service Strategy for 2024 to 2029 – entitled A Modern Library Service for Derbyshire – and it has launched a 12-week public consultation which will run until November 2 to consider views before making any final decisions.”
• Essex – Colchester Library temporarily closes for new look and children’s centre – Essex Council. “Colchester Library will close from Monday 2 September 2024 until next summer for refurbishments.This includes an interactive Children’s Imagination and Literacy Centre. It will have fun equipment and materials to help children read and learn.”
• Leicestershire – Schools and libraries get ‘lightning-fast’ broadband – BBC. “Connection speeds will also be boosted in seven libraries in Desford, Fleckney, Lutterworth, Market Bosworth, Sapcote, Sileby and Stoney Stanton”
• Liverpool – Attorney General donates books to riot-hit library – BBC. “Attorney General Richard Hermer, who is the government’s chief legal adviser, said the damage inflicted on the library and subsequent renovation efforts had shown the worst and best of the country.”
  • Library fundraiser exceeds £250,000 – BBC. “A delegation, including Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, parliamentary colleagues Dan Carden and Kim Johnson, and Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council, visited the library earlier this month to assess the damage.”
• Newport – Call for ‘innovative solution’ rather than close library in deprived area of Wales – South Wales Argus. “The closure of Pill Library in Newport on August 28 is just one arm of the city council’s strategy to cut costs within its book-lending services.”
• Nottingham – Families protest at Sherwood Library over reopening delays – West Bridgford Wire. “Frustrated families and campaigners staged a protest outside the new Sherwood Library to demand it is finally opened after a series of delays.”
  • Nottingham City Council leader warns another ‘bankruptcy’ notice could be issued if cuts not made – Nottinghamshire Live. “On top of a raft of other service and job cuts, the council is now proposing to close the Basford, Bilborough, Radford-Lenton libraries and Aspley Library in a bid to save £1.5m in its libraries service.”
• Peterborough – Peterborough residents rally to save library from threat of closure – Peterborough Telegraph. “Woodston Library has been placed on a list of assets Peterborough City Council is considering disposal of to save money.” … “Woodston Library Friends has now been formed as residents seek to secure a bright future for the library.”
• Reading – Project to relocate Reading library slammed over poor maintenance – Reading Chronicle. “A neighbour who uses the Reading Central Library has accused Reading Borough Council of poor maintenance and throwing away ‘tonnes of books’ as part of the upgrade project.” … ” “The council haven’t even funded having the Central Library windows properly cleaned.”
• Somerset – Wellington library will be a “wonderful hub for the community” when it reopens – Wellington Today. “The town will see its library reopen in a number of weeks once the £900,000 revamp project of its Fore Street base comes to an end.” see also Somerset town will be without its library for three weeks – Somerset Live.
• Southwark – Dulwich Library to refurbish to attract young people – Southwark News. “Eleven to eighteen-year-olds are being surveyed about how it could be improved to suit their needs. The results of the survey will contribute to the development of ‘teenage areas’ across other Southwark libraries.”
  • Southwark residents urged to donate their electricals – In Your Area. “Environmental solutions company Veolia in partnership with the London Borough of Southwark and Community TechAid has unveiled new drop-off points for any unwanted tech devices, across Southwark. The donation points are easily accessible, and located at all Southwark libraries and the Reuse and Recycling Centre.”

• Stoke on Trent – Library development plans resubmitted – BBC. “Stoke-on-Trent Council blocked plans to renovate City Central Library in Hanley last year, criticising a “poorly designed, disproportionate and dominant” extension, as well as raising concerns over residential amenity, traffic and fire safety.”
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries recommends Wizzie app to help children with learning – Suffolk Libraries. “Suffolk Libraries has partnered with the creators of ‘Wizzie’ – a new, free reading companion developed in Suffolk which can improve vocabulary, pronunciation, spelling and comprehension through reading.”
• Surrey – Surrey Libraries invite all residents to experience the transformation of their local library, a welcoming space for everyone – Surrey News. “Everyone is invited to visit their local Surrey library, with the launch of Surrey County Council’s ‘It’s My Library’ promotional campaign. Some of our biggest libraries have significant and exciting building projects underway that will continue into 2025. We are ensuring that they are great places for all residents to use year-round. Every library provides free access to high-speed internet, computer workstations and digital tools ensuring that all our residents can stay informed and connected.”
• Thurrock – Meet our Summer Reading Challenge volunteers – Thurrock Council. “What I like most about being a volunteer is the meeting new kids and hearing what they are enjoying about the books they’re reading. I’m also lucky enough to be working with the great library team.” “

Editorial

The library week was dominated by first the horror at the setting ablaze of Spellow Lane Library during the far-right/racist/opportunist riots and then by the hope caused by a huge local, national and international response to a fundraiser for it. Famous authors and celebrities donated large amounts of money (the largest being £5,000 from author Matt Haig) as did loads of library lovers and locals. The result was that, as of now, £239,000 has been raised compared to the initial £500 target.

This should give all of us hope. There is something visceral about an attack on a public library and it has given nearly a thousand people a chance to register their disgust at what went on. What will be done with the money is quite the question: the building will have insurance but this amount of money can make a difference even then. One hopes that something really positive, that helps those in the local area, comes from this.

In other news in this week’s post, I had not noticed before but there are no less than eight libraries under threat in the London borough of Enfield and another in Peterborough. Additionally, Cheshire East has reported initial success in getting local councils to help fund the libraries it has announced it did not have sufficient money for. Finally, there are a couple of criticisms of current public library culture, both suggesting a move back to focusing on reading, quiet study and education.

Oooh, and also there is the first ever book giveaway for this newsletter. The first five readers who email Neil Jurd OBE at neil@neiljurd.com will get sent a copy of “The Leadership Book” by Neil Jurd OBE. Gosh.

Changes by local authority

• Enfield – Bullsmoor, Enfield Highway, Enfield Island Village, Bowes Road, Southgate, Winchmore Hill, Oakwood and John Jackson libraries may close in 2025.
• Peterborough – Woodston Library may close

National news

• The Concept, Experience and Inspiration of Bibliotherapeutic Service in British and American Public Libraries – Library Journal.
• Green Libraries Week 2024 – the map – Libraries Week. “Library partners, spread the word and let people know what your library is up to for Green Libraries Week by adding your library to the map”
• Stop-Verify-Correct: How to combat misinformation online and beyond – CILIP.
• Why It’s Time for Libraries to Step Up and Help Young People – Shout Out UK. “Unfortunately, in areas such as the North East of England, libraries appear to have become hubs for computer use rather than reading. While free access to digital resources is vital, so is access to traditional print novels and a quiet place to read — something which children may not have at home.”

“The Public Library system [needs to be]revised to back the education system rather than being a social centre. This was its original purpose following on from the Mechanics Institutes, the Chartists and the Luddite era. Library history shows that the Public Library has moved from a working-class to a middle-class institution in its development.  Education, Information, Research and Recreation are still at the heart of Public Library purpose. The emphasis on these four services changes according to the times we live in. Public Libraries need to move from the current emphasis on recreation to support education and provide information for society. I see no prospect of this being implemented by CILIP, the Arts Council or the DCMS all of whom misunderstand Libraries at a fundamental level. The Library Profession has also contributed to its own downfall to which the irrelevant CILIP conference bears testimony. Furthermore, the fragmented, volunteer run and unstaffed libraries are in no position to respond to the changing social circumstances. The problems are more sociological and anthropological than political.”

Glyn, received via email

Spellow Lane Library

• Books for Spellow Lane Library – Go Fund Me. £239,000 raised as of Saturday 2pm including £5,000 from author Matt Haig, £500 from Frank Cottrell-Boyce and £500 from Nigella Lawson.
• CILIP statement on the fire damage at Spellow Hub Library in Liverpool – CILIP. “This shocking incident is a new low during a week of worrying news from many parts of the country. The violent actions of this extreme minority group illustrate the need for exactly the kind of services provided by trained staff in public libraries such as Spellow – informing citizens with a broad range of trustworthy information and helping develop literacies for the modern world. We hope the new government invests in such services and reverses 14 years of funding cuts”
• City vows ‘we will not let hate win’ after riots – BBC. “Cousins Esme Mullen and Connie Brown, who live in Walton, have placed posters and drawings on the boarded-up library which read: “We will not let hate win – Walton is stronger when we stand together”. Esme told the BBC she wanted to help build the library again because she likes to read books while Connie said “we should never live in hate”. Frank Brady, who lives over the road from the library, said it was an important part of the community. He said: “It is so important that it keeps going because of the road itself.””
• Far-right rioters loot shops and set fire to library and food bank in shameless day of disorder – Independent. Context.

• ‘Fight back’: Wrecked Liverpool library stands defiant against UK riots – Reuters. “Seeing a library be damaged in the riots was just so heart-breaking,” McCormick said. “Never did I imagine that (the fundraiser) would go as far as it has. I think it’ll be lovely to see when it’s restored back to its former glory.”
• Generosity for fire-hit library after riots ‘humbling’ – BBC. “Councillor Ruth Bennett said the donations alongside offers of the use of buildings to hold activities which were planned for the library over the summer showed the “very best of the people of Liverpool and beyond”.” … “Ms Bennett, cabinet member for finances, resources and transformation, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our residents, partners and people from right across the country.”
• Liverpool library torched by far-right rioters receives £50,000 in donations in one day for books – Independent. “Firefighters fought the blaze even as an engine’s rear windscreen was broken by a missile thrown by a rioter.”
• Liverpool library torched by far-right rioters raises repair funds – Guardian.
• Minister pledges support on visit to riot-hit library – BBC. “The business secretary has said the government will support businesses affected by the riots which have taken place across the country after three girls were stabbed to death in Southport. Jonathan Reynolds visited Spellow Library in Walton, Liverpool which was set alight amid violence and disorder last Saturday.” … “A 69-year-old man, who armed himself with a wooden cosh and joined a “mob” which took part in the destruction of the library, was jailed on Thursday for two years and eight months.”
• Mother thanks judge after sons jailed over library burglary during riots – Sky News. “The pair pleaded guilty to burglary with intent “to steal from the Spellow Lane Library Hub, in Walton, which was opened last year to provide support for one of the most deprived communities in the country and included a food bank.” … “She said they just got “carried away” and their behaviour was “very out of character”, adding: “We’ve never had riots before.”

• Shameless thugs set a library and foodbank ablaze, target middle eastern cafes and set fire to looted shops as anarchy descends in flashpoints across Liverpool, Hull, Manchester and Belfast – with more violence expected today – Mail. “Shocking photos from this morning show the burnt out interior of the library, with bookshelves tipped on their side, and glass surrounding the remaining computers. ” [No mention of where all the anti-immigrant hate came from – Ed.]
• Spellow Lane Library sees hundreds of authors donate backlists after riots destruction – BookSeller. “Over 150 members of the books community – including Tracy Chevalier and Diana Beaumont – are donating backlist copies to the riot-hit Spellow Lane Library as part of crime writer Marnie Riches’ Reading Not Rioting campaign.” … ““There’s certainly going to be tens of thousands of pounds of stock sent in.. It’s been an enormous response,” she said. “In tandem with the crowdfunder it’s been a good way for the bookish community to express their outrage at the rioters and sympathy with the library and its readers.” “
• ‘We are not the far-right’ insist protesters setting fire to libraries and migrant hotels – News Thump. “As violent protests entered their third night across the UK, many of those who took to the streets have insisted that this is not a ‘far-right protest’, and any similarity to the tactics of the Nazis is purely coincidental.” … “the Nazis burned books, not libraries. Which is very different. If you can’t tell the difference, I can’t help you.”

International news

• Public libraries’ role in supporting Ukrainian refugees: A focus on Hungary and Poland – Journal of Librarianship and Information Science. “The study underscores public libraries’ role in addressing community needs, rooted in their core values of inclusivity and community engagement. However, their effectiveness hinges on inclusion in community-level efforts, awareness among new groups and securing economic and political support”
• India – Floating libraries help rekindle reading habit among boat passengers in Kerala – The Hindu. “More passengers in Kerala who commute on boats operated by the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) will soon be able to enjoy their rides by reading short stories, novels, poems, and other literary works.”
• New Zealand – Meet the metalhead makerspace librarian – Wellington Government. “he spends his days helping the public with their laser cutting projects, 3D printing, coding, robotics, sewing, weaving, music recording and virtual reality pursuits. ”
• USA – Advocates react to Utah ban of 13 books in schools and libraries: ‘It’s a tragedy’ – Guardian. “Utah is first in the US to outlaw titles statewide they deem ‘indecent’ as free speech advocates worry about impact” … “Utah ordered 13 books to be removed from public school classrooms and libraries” including “included Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur and Forever by Judy Blume” … “The banned materials must be “legally disposed of” and “may not be sold or distributed” per the guidelines” … “this law now puts librarians and teachers and school board members in legal jeopardy just for having highly regarded and award winning works of literature on high school library shelves”
  • As LGBTQ library material comes under fire, California may ban book bans – Cal Matters. “Fresno County is about to appoint a library review committee that critics say will censor children’s books. But a bill before the Legislature would outlaw such groups in California.”
  • BuildingWork references local culture in small Washington library – De Zeen. Beautiful small library built. “Among the elements honouring the Swinomish Tribe is a traditional story pole at the library’s entrance.”
  • The Week in Libraries – Publishers Weekly. “the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has weighed in on Iowa’s SF 496 with a mixed decision; Utah bans 13 books from all public schools in the state, six of which are by Sarah J. Maas; and Kelly Jensen of ‘Book Riot’ offers a how-to guide to fighting book bans.”

Local news by authority

• Bromley – Southborough Library set for celebratory reopening – Bromley Council. “As well as complimentary refreshments, event attendees will be able to enjoy children’s crafts, outdoor games and admire Bromley Football Club’s winner’s trophy on display following their recent promotion to the English Football league. Children’s author Mo O’Hara will also host a storytelling session with activities based on her book, Honey’s Hive.”
• Buckinghamshire – Aylesbury Vale charity has ‘major safety concerns’ over proposed library redundancies and cuts – Bucks Herald. “The chair of the Friends of Buckingham Library, Roger Edwards, has penned an open letter expressing his concerns with changes to library services in Buckinghamshire.”
• Cheshire East – Campaigners hopeful of retaining existing library hours after fears of cuts – Northwich and Winsford Guardian. “Bollington Town Council’s working group on libraries has now met with Cheshire East officers and offered to contribute to the cost of keeping the library open on its present hours, subject to final agreement by the full town council. At present the library is open for 32.5 hours a week.” see also Library action group backs top-up proposal between Bollington Town Council and Cheshire East Council – Macclesfield Nub News and Ex-deputy leader criticises library cuts plan – BBC. “Craig Browne said he “strongly” opposed the proposals, which would see some libraries only receiving funding to stay open for one-and-a-half-days a week. Mr Browne stood down as the leader of the Independent group, which runs the council in coalition with Labour, in February.”
  • Have your say on future running of Cheshire East’s libraries – Alderley Edge.com. “Cheshire East Council has launched a six-week consultation on its draft libraries strategy, which includes asking for feedback on a tiering system for how library services would be run going forward and reducing the opening hours at Alderley Edge. The council must make savings in library services of more than £600k over the next two years to support the council’s medium-term financial strategy (MTFS) 2024-2028. The MTFS needs to achieve budget savings of £100 million to continue offering support to Cheshire East’s most vulnerable residents.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Design work begins on the renovation of Northwich Library – Silk Radio. Library as well as “an accessible first floor hosting the Work Zone and flexible activity and meeting spaces for all” … “it is anticipated that the library will reopen to the public in 2026.”
• Cornwall – New born Cornwall babies to be issued with library card after birth in new reading initiative – Voice Newspapers. “When new parents register the birth of their baby, the child will be given their own ‘my first library card’. Parents will be encouraged to use the card to sign up to their local library.”
• Enfield – Bid to stop Enfield Council closing eight libraries – Times series. “As part of a proposed new library strategy, eight libraries have been earmarked for closure, with declining usage and budget pressures cited as reasons to justify the move.”
• Lincolnshire – Libraries welcome a million visitors a year – BBC. “The authority said over two million items were borrowed from the service and more than 87,000 people attended activities such as story telling sessions, crafting and history groups. The figures represent a 16% increase in visits compared to the previous 12 months.”
• Nottingham – Read-in protests planned over library closures – BBC. “The Save Nottingham Libraries group said the read-in protests would see library members selecting books to read together “in a peaceful demonstration of solidarity”, adding they hoped to encourage new members to register at threatened sites. Demonstrations will take place from 09:30 BST on Saturday at Bilborough, with another scheduled for 09:30 at Basford on 17 August.”
  • Developer promises Sherwood Library will open as soon as possible – West Bridgford Wire. “The developer behind Sherwood Library has promised the new facility will open soon after more than 100 defects were found in the building.”
  • Window smashed during break-in at city library – BBC. “Radford and Lenton library’s office area was ransacked and one of its windows smashed at about 00:30 BST on Thursday, police said.” … ” it was unclear what was taken from the building.”
• Peterborough – Community hopes to save 73-year-old library – BBC. “Woodston Library on Orchard Street, Peterborough, was listed among Peterborough City Council’s assets at risk of being cut in order to balance budgets.” … “Council said a decision on the facility would be made in the next few weeks.”
• Reading – Why library in Reading is being moved to council offices – Reading Chronicle. “Questions have been raised about why Reading Borough Council is building a brand new library instead of refurbishing its existing purpose-built library in the town centre.” … “It comes after the council won £19.1 million from the government’s levelling up fund for a new arts centre and library. Of that cash, £8.6 million is being used to build a new library at the council’s offices in Bridge Street. But residents and readers have been asking questions about why levelling up funding wasn’t used to upgrade the library at its existing site.”
• Sheffield – Sheffield Post Office: Move in date confirmed as services set to return to Firth Park at local library – The Star.
• Southampton – Southampton libraries keep sanctuary status in aid of refugees – Dorset Echo. “Officially reconfirmed in May, the library was first granted this honour in 2020, underlining their continuous commitment to offering a safe and welcoming environment to asylum seekers”
• Suffolk – Please support Suffolk Libraries’ summer fundraisers – Suffolk Libraries. “Board member Belle Bradley and her partner Jacob Bathgate recently raised £830 doing a parachute jump at Ellough Airfield and CEO Bruce Leeke and Head of Finance and Infrastructure Mandy Wilkinson raised £1,164 completing the Orwell Challenge. This Sunday (11 August) weekend a local library user from Felixstowe, Tina Boniface is undertaking a daunting sponsored cycling challenge.”
  • Brand-new crime book festival announced at Bury St Edmunds Library – Suffolk Libraries. “The Body in the Library is a brand-new crime-themed book festival taking place on Saturday 7 September, featuring special events with bestselling crime and thriller novelists including Louise Candlish, William Shaw, and Jack Jordan.”
  • Over 5,000 children signed up for the Reading Quest so far – Suffolk Libraries. “The new Reading Quest summer reading programme has hit the ground running with 5,260 children already signed up and enjoying the various challenges. Nearly 1,300 children have signed up for a library card in Suffolk since 13 July and there have been nearly 77,400 loans of children’s books.”
• Torbay – Paignton Community Hub to offer free health checks at libraries – Torbay Today. Based on ground floor of library.
• Walsall – Discover the joy of reading on National Book Lovers Day – Walsall Council. Marvellous Makers, BorrowBox.
• Warrington – Lit Fest is a big hit – Warrington Council. “Newly released figures from Lit Fest 2024, which took place throughout June, show that over 700 people attended the headline events, with a further 200 people dropping into community libraries to take part in festival-themed activities.”
• West Dunbartonshire – West Dunbartonshire Libraries awarded funding to teach sewing skills – West Dunbartonshire Council. “The Threads of Change project, developed by libraries staff, are one of five council projects in Scotland to have successfully secured £1500 funding from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIPS) Green Libraries Scotland Grant Fund.”
• Worcestershire – Over 3,000 Children Sign-up to the Summer Reading Challenge – Worcestershire Council. Marvellous Makers.
• York – ‘Sparking a passion’ – York libraries to stage a fund-raising family fun day – York Press. “York’s independently-run library and archives service, is celebrating ten years of independence by inviting local people to join in some old-fashioned fun. The ‘Fun Day’ at York Explore central library on August 17 will also be a chance to raise money to support holiday activities for children and teenagers.” … “This summer, children can choose from more than 100 high-quality events, from interactive storytelling, marionette making and theatre performances to robotics and AI sessions. But they all cost money – hence the fund-raising element of the fun day.”