Ed Vaizey talks; CILIP protests; Somerset propose 24 closures;

353 libraries plus 26 mobiles currently under threat or recently closed (List below “News”)
Being the list below represents around a third of  authorities in the UK, the final figure could be from 800 to 1000.

The figures have changed because:
– plus 20 and 4 mobiles – Somerset  – 20 (out of 34) will be offered to community groups. 4 (out of 6) mobile libraries will also go.  Most other libraries will have a 10% reduction in hours.
– plus 1 – North Lanarkshire – Whifflet Library was closed in March 2010.  Thanks to Chris Wilson for the tweet informing me.

News
 “The simple fact is that if all these libraries are now closed, then the rest will go, and the public-library service will be gone in five years’ time.” commented Christopher Hawtree, library campaigner and writer, in an email today.  This is in response to Ed Vaizey’s letter which has asked campaigners not to present the library service as in crisis. Devon joins Wirral, Hillingdon and Staffordshire as going on record saying no libraries will close, although Exeter will do without a new library and opening hours may be widely reduced.

Croydon – six libraries to close to save £700k p.a. – This is Croydon
Devon – none will close, opening hours may be reduced –  BBC
Devon – no new library for Exeter as plans quietly put away – This is Exeter
Dorset – up to 20 closures worry volunteers, plus £143k off bookfund – Bridport News
Dorset – Lyme Regis and Charmouth could go – View Online
Durham – library spending to be cut – BBC
Essex – Libraries could be transferred to a trust – Daily Gazette
Gloucestershire – Anthony Browne, children’s laureate, supports campaign – FoGL
Gloucestershire – “libraries are taking over my life” complains councillor pushing through closures – FoGL
Hillingdon – refurb seriously needed at Uxbridge – Uxbridge Gazette
Lewisham – author defends libraries – Voices for the Library
North Yorkshire – Easingwold campaign group – Facebook
Oxfordshire – anger growing at closures – Henley Standard
Renfrewshire – protest at relocating library – Paisley Daily Express
Somerset – 20 libraries (out of  34) and 4 mobiles (out of 6)  to go – Somerset Council
Wirral – big cut from government but libraries safe – Wirral Globe

CILIP – CILIP ask all MPs to monitor library cuts – CILIP.  Letter is here.
Philip Pullman and Kate Mosse meet Ed Vaizey for Campaign for the Book – Alan Gibbons
Ed Vaizey’s reply to Campaign for the Book Open Letter – Alan Gibbons
… and Alan Gibbon’s response to Ed Vaizey – Alan Gibbons
Pickles says cut back office functions before libraries – BookSeller