Archive for May, 2011

News

BBC Radio 4 : Libraries Protest DCMS – 12 Noon Wednesday 18th May. BBC Radio 4’s ‘You and Yours’  will be covering the demonstration organised by Lewisham libraries campaigners which will take place at DCMS.  This coverage will be followed by discussion.
Boys “can’t read past 100th page”study says – BBC

“Much of the UK public library pain is mirrored in the USA, but whereas it seems to me that US cuts are being predominantly handled purely as a cash-crisis necessity, the UK’s cuts are being driven equally strongly by a centrally-held political agenda.” Branch libraries – missing in action? – Kestrel Info On A Wing (Canada). 

Colorado libraries host immigrants working to become citizens – Denver Post (USA).
Learning resources should not be concentrated solely on the young – Guardian.  “victories are very likely to be wiped out by public expenditure cuts (examples are pre-school provision, libraries and the arts).”
Local library campaigns – UNISON.   “The effects of cuts across local government have been keenly felt by library services up and down the UK, with local authorities earmarking hundreds of libraries for closure and many more under threat from cuts to opening hours and staff pay and conditions.”…
Localism Bill – In pursuit of little platoons, Pickles uproots the state – Guardian.  “if the money doesn’t cover all that councils are obliged to do, this bill gives him the power to revoke any inconvenient duty on councils. Parliament has painstakingly passed laws obliging councils to do things we regard as essential to civilisation, but this gives ministers Henry VIII powers to strike any of them out at a stroke.”.  One of the statutes it may revokes if the 1964 Libraries Act.
New legislation could save libraries from the privatisation beast – SEIU (USA).  California bill AB 438 would require public approval before council is allowed to privatise libraries.
Quercus publisher of the year at the BookSeller industry awards – BookSeller.  “The London Borough of Hillingdon Libraries was crowned Library Innovation of the Year for its library refurbishment programme, which was described by one judge as helping to make libraries “a better place to visit”.”
They don’t know what librarians do (yet again) – Libraryinfonews.  Self-Service, Ebooks and the Internet are not making librarians redundant. 
World Book Night giveaway to be cut to 500,000 books – BookSeller.  5,000 out of 25,000 givers already signed up for 2012.  Audio and digital giveaways to be included. 

News by local authority

Bolton – Save Bolton Libraries – Alan Gibbons.  7000-signature petition to be handed in on Friday as consultation ends on closing 9 libraries.  15000 names have now been added to all petitions.
Buckinghamshire – Books boost for Little Chalfont Library – Amersham Advertiser. Skipton Building Society gives £1000 to volunteer-run library. 
Dorset – Campaigners argue that small libraries are cost effective – Dorset Echo.   Smaller libraries are seeing stronger usage trends than larger libraries, with increases/decreases better than in the biggest libraries like Dorchester or Weymouth.
Dorset – Report highlights Dorset villagers’ resilience to cuts – Dorset Echo.   Widespread reaction to greater than expected cuts split into protest and working out what is possible to do without government money.
Enfield – Jobs help on offer at revamped Ordnance Road Library – Enfield Independent.  Refurbishment and expansion seems to lessen chances the library will be one of three closed later this year.
Leeds – Misuse of taxes – Yorkshire Evening Post (letters).  Mobile libraries ordered to replace closing libraries before consultation ends.  No cuts at HQ.  15 trade union officials paid for by council.
Leeds – Council urged to “think again” over Leeds library closure plans – Guardian.  Decision to close 15 libraries to go before council on May 18th…”the news that the library is set to close is a huge blow for local residents. The library itself is one of the last public buildings left standing in Rawdon and to lose it forever would really damage the sense of community identity we have here.”
Southampton – Walkout will be “most severe” in Southampton’s memory – This is Hampshire.  ““While I fully understand any reduction in wages will be difficult for our staff, this is the only way to protect our residents from losing their libraries, leisure centres, and Sure Start Centres.”

News

Future of public libraries – Envisioners.  Presentation to Society of Chief Librarians from 1st July last year.  Three pillars of local community is (1) schools (2) libraries and (3) churches so… take the lead, do and not be done to.  Libraries are a “pleasantly mad place”.
Future of the library – Seth’s Blog.  “Librarians that are arguing and lobbying for clever ebook lending solutions are completely missing the point. They are defending library as warehouse as opposed to fighting for the future, which is librarian as producer, concierge, connector, teacher and impresario.” … “We need librarians more than we ever did. What we don’t need are mere clerks who guard dead paper. Librarians are too important to be a dwindling voice in our culture. For the right librarian, this is the chance of a lifetime.”
Random launches libraries “buddying” scheme – BookSeller.  This is to promoter the publishers’ books and help promote libraries at the same time.
Why we need public libraries and Charge net users – Yorkshire Evening Post.  Ten reasons for public libraries inc saving money, literacy, services for children, services for grandparents, online resources, book group, authors, librarian skills, job hunting, equality.

Changes to tally

City of London –  Guildhall Library will remain open on Saturdays, City Business Library will close on Saturdays. London Metropolitan Archives to open four days per week but will open until 7.30 Tuesday to Thursday to compensate.

News by authority

Brent – Alan Bennett joins Brent libraries fundraiser – Londonist.  “Campaigners are gearing up for a legal challenge to the decision. This is going to cost some cash, so they’ve organised a fundraiser with Alan Bennett for 24th May. That’s Alan freaking Bennett: Beyond the Fringe, chronicler of the people, author of some of the best plays we’ve ever seen at the National Theatre.”
City of London – User consultation results – City of London. Guildhall Library will remain open on Saturdays, City Business Library will close on Saturdays.
Doncaster – Doncaster council workers balloted for strike action – BBC.  1300 jobs to go this year.  “Unison cites the loss of the warden service for elderly residents and the mooted closure of libraries and home care services as evidence cuts were negatively affecting the community.”
Leicestershire – Anger as library opening hours to be slashed – Burton Mail.  Measham Library may reduce from 20 hours per week to 13. Final decision in July.
Lewisham – Campaigner plan more protests over Lewisham library closures – News Shopper.   Protest at Lewisham Town Hall and then moving on to DCMS.

Oxfordshire – Library fight – Henley Standard. Friends of Benson Library will formally launch campaign on Saturday.  
Sheffield – Libraries consultation 2011 – Sheffield City Council. 

Changes to tally

Camden – 25% cut, 40% cut in opening hours.  Libraries still under threat but may not close outright.  King’s Cross may be rebuilt in new Town hall complex, Crowndale Centre library may move to new Camden High Street site, Regent’s Park may become study centre with new library built instead, Local Studies Archive may close.  Decision in early June.
Croydon – Decision to close six libraries postponed until 2012. 23 library jobs lost April 2011. Another 26 likely to go in order to make £700k saving. 
Norfolk – 10% cut in hours in all libraries proposed
Sheffield – 3 (out of 4) mobiles to be closed, 33 library staff to be made redundant, reduced opening hours, £1.4m cut

News

Are volunteers happy to run libraries? – Voices for the Library.   Councils asking communities to run libraries is the equivalent of blackmailing them.  The fact communities are willing to consider running them shows how important they are and how they should continue to be funded.
Can they sell the libraries? – New Law Journal.  Literary and Scientific Institutions Act 1854 may prevent some library closures. 
Coalition government is “anti-book” – Politics.  BookSeller shows government’s record on libraries, schools and literacy speaks volumes. 
Costing public library use – Voices for the Library.  Family has added up cost of all of the books it has borrowed from public libraries – £150 per month.
Council outsourcing plans “will take time to implement” – Odgers Berndtson.  U-turn in Suffolk suggests divesting libraries and other services may take five to ten years, rather than two.

“The report, Council spending: making it clear, shows some of the biggest cuts across the country will take place in education funding – down 11.4% – and cultural services, including libraries, which will be reduced by 10.2%. Environmental spending will fall by 3.72%.” Council spending cuts hitting North more than South – PublicFinance. 

Great to have a net champion, but let’s see more backing for a reading champion – Alan Gibbons.  “In 2000 the international reading rankings (PISA) placed the UK in seventh position. We have now soared…to 25th.”
Libraries are in crisis, but literary culture is thriving – Guardian.   Reading groups doing well despite decline of libraries and may be in a small way a replacement for them.
Library cuts hit staff and users: time for action against the cuts – Socialist. Less staff and more work means less service.
Red tape review threat to services – Guardian.   “The only frontline services that the website states will be protected are libraries and child protection.”
Support your library, CWA tells authors – BookSeller.  “The Crime Writers Association (CWA) is asking each of its members to do at least three events a year for their local library as part of a campaign to support the public library service in the face of widespread cutbacks.”
Torture legal aid case is a triumph of the rule of law – Guardian.   The right for legal aid for “pure public interest cases” upheld in court. Witholding legal aid “the perfect cover for decision-makers to eliminate bothersome services such as legal aid, or aspects of the state that don’t fit within their own agendas such as libraries”
Volunteering plans “too ambitious” says Volunteering England policy manager – ThirdSector.   Worries (see comments) that “right to challenge” under Localism Bill would not be exercised by community groups but rather by private companies.
Which local politician is the most incompetent in terms of the public library service? – Twtpoll. Mark Hawthorne (leader of Gloucestershire) storms home with 60% of the vote.

News by authority

Barnet – Campaigners plan a picnic protest while councillors are “hobnobbing” – Barnet Today.  Protesters suspect council AGM will be celebratory banquet.  ““It seems they haven’t registered the fact they have made more than 100 people redundant, libraries are merging, the Church Farmhouse Museum has closed, Barnet Museum is fighting to stay open and lots of people are very concerned about privatisation.”
Bradford – Mobile library to visit Denholme, Wrose, Heaton, Addingham and Wilsden libraries – Advertiser.  As an alternative to the branch libraries closing in each one in June.

Brent – Save Our Six Libraries – Brent SOS Libraries.

Brent – £5 donations needed for library legal action – Harrow Observer.   Brent SOS Libraries set up to represent all threatened libraries.  £30,000 needed for judicial review, with Bindmans LLP acting on their behalf. Also covered by the BookSeller.
Brent – Mayor-making in Brent disrupted by anti-library cuts protesters – Harrow Observer.  Councillors shocked that protesters upset “non-political” meeting, claim Lib Dem plot.
Cambridgeshire – £36,000 to keep libary safe – Cambridge News.  Councillor says this much money would keep local library open, local observer says “I do understand the county’s position but I think they haven’t really got a clear idea about where the funding and provision for this library is going to come from.”
Camden – “Friends” groups are poised to rescue threatened libraries from shutdowns – Camden New Journal.   2500 out of 6000 responders to survey said would consider volunteering to save threatened libraries.
Croydon – Campaigner’s book buying to mark Norbury Library’s 80th anniversary – Croydon Guardian.   80 books will be bought to give to library as part of Save Norbury Library’s street party.

“The loss of highly qualified staff must have an impact. We have lost both staff numbers and qualified librarians at our library. The staff we have are wonderful but now work under such pressure as we seem to have dropped to only two staff on duty at any one time, and only one during breaks. We have a qualified librarian only one day a month now. Yes Sara, we have noticed!”  Comment below Croydon – Under threat Croydon library’s given 12 month reprieve – Croydon Guardian.  Massive public response means libraries to kept open but 47 staff are in the process of being lost. Also reported in the BookSeller.

Cumbria – Campaigners fight to save Seaton Library – Times & Star.  Petition started by residential home manager – “She said that about 20 of the residents in the home, which is opposite the library, regularly used it. They said it meant everything to them.”.
Dorset – As Lib campaign: Library concessions “don’t go far enough” – Bridport News.  Divested libraries will have access to council network and some staff but will need a lot of volunteers.
Dorset – Ad Lib urges Dorset Council to spend less on library books – Dorset Echo.  Campaigners say service holds more books than it has shelves to put them on.  Council leader responds in same newspaper with Council chief says good stock turnover is essential to library users
Gloucestershire – Mobile library services across the county are being withdrawn –  Hartpury residents are “enraged by a letter from council leader Mark Hawthorne saying it would be cheaper for the council to buy books from Amazon and give them to Hartpury residents, than continue to run the mobile library service.”.  “Virtual” library service for the needy to be offered instead.
Isle of Wight – Minister calls council in over library plans – VentnorBlog.  Ed Vaizey calls in council to present their plans to DCMS officials.
Lambeth – This is not just about balancing the books – South London Press.   Council looks at usage of each branch.  Commission to look at libraries invited public responses.
Leeds – Axe falls on 15 Leeds libraries – Yorkshire Evening Post.  Closed libraries will be “freed up assets” and allow 100,000 more hours of computer use, 41 more hours open and no permanent staff losses.
Leeds – Under threat library crisis talks – Yorkshire Evening Post.  Friends of Rawdon Library say “We know that libraries are evolving, but we want evolution not closure.”  

“Ever since these proposals were first mooted, the people of both Scholes and Shadwell united in their determination to oppose the closures. The level of engagement from local residents on this issue has been nothing short of staggering and this clearly has had a huge bearing on the outcome of the consultation.” Leeds – Scholes and Shadwell libraries saved from the axe – Wetherby News.   Howeverm Shadwell likely to cease being council controlled in 2012.

Lewisham – Eco Computer Systems owner Darren Taylor vows to make Lewisham libraries better – News Shopper.   One full-time librarian in each branch plus volunteers.  New Cross may be closed – New Cross Community Library Campaign group formed.
Norfolk – Norfolk libraries’ opening hours cut planned – BBC.  10% cut is an option in consultation.
Northamptonshire – Group formed to fight closure of a Northampton Library – Northampton Chronicle.  Friend of St James’ Library group to be formed to fight potential closure of “least-used” library.
Northern Ireland – Libraries closure decision delayed – Mid-Ulster Mail.  Decision to be made in September.
North Yorkshire – Budget cuts deal could be lifeline for North Yorkshire libraries – Craven Herald & Pioneer.  Massive response to public consultation means councillors will re-examine proposals to cut 24 libraries. Budget cut will still need to happen at same scale – cuts could be more evenly spread out. “I expect North Yorkshire was rather taken by surprise at how much feeling there was about the libraries.” says campaigner.  Decision next week.  More info on Public outcry could save libraries from the axe – Gazette & Herald.  
North Yorkshire – Library cuts idea rejected – Press.  Liberal councillor suggested spreading cuts more evenly throughout authority.  Voted down.
Oxfordshire – Summertown campaigners “prepared to buy library” – Oxford Times.  Friends of Summertown Library are in the process of turning into a registered charity.  £7k already raised – group starting feasibility study to rebuild expanded library on same site.
Sheffield – Library vans hit by cuts – Sheffield Telegraph. 3 out of 4 mobile libraries and 33 staff to be axed, opening hours to be cut. Consultation is “nothing of the sort” says user.
Somerset – Library to have its opening hours cut – This is Somerset.  Frome’s hours to be cut in October. 
Somerset – Porlock extraordinary meeting to discuss cuts – Somerset County Gazette.   Parish gains £7k from rates from library building, may lose library, visitor information centre, museum and recreation ground.
Somerset – Mixed news for Highbridge and Burnham’s libraries – This is the West Country.   7.5 hours less opening for Burnham, Highbridge to be “divested”
Somerset – Opening hours at Burnham On Sea library to be cut by 20% – Burnham on Sea.com.  7.6 hours less per week during least busy times.
Somerset – Proposals for libraries – View Online.   Lists cuts in hours in individual libraries and increased offer for volunteers taking over libraries.
Suffolk – New council leader Mark Bee pledges to work with communities over libraries – Evening Star.  Some closures but on the other hand not many and new libraries could be created. However, no clear news yet and campaigners still worried.
Warwickshire – Library may move to stay afloat – Redditch Standard.  Studley Library may relocate as High Street library closes.  Locals want council-run public library but will run volunteer one if it closes, “strength of public feeling” means council looking at alternative venues and funding.

The Guardian article then goes on to say the war is not won.  The campaign to save libraries is a marathon and not a sprint.  One can see weaknesses and worries, the chief being with the Government.  Jeremy Hunt, Ed Vaizey, the DCMS and the MLA (whose chief exec is currently packing bags for a new life in New Zealand) are being lethargic in taking any action, if at all, with two letters and a few meetings with campaigners and councils being its sum total so far.  The Big Society and a dislike for the State is biasing their position with public libraries, with volunteer-run libraries dangerously blurring the definition of a “closed” library.  The Government over the next few months will have to show whether it is serious in intervening or not if legal action by local campaigners fails.  It may or may not, we shall see. We will also see whether the proposed scrapping of essential legislation like the Public Libraries and Museums Act and the Equalities Act will take place or not.  If they do, legal action will become very difficult.

This run up from the announcement of library closures to May 5th may then (remembering please that using a Churchillian quote does not mean one is comparing anyone to the Nazis) be seen not as the end, or even the beginning of the end but the end of the beginning.  At least, it is not the worst one.

448 libraries (383 buildings and 65 mobiles) currently under threat or closed/left council control since 1/4/11 out of c.4517 in the UK.  For cuts in each authority, see “tally” link on right. 

News

Battle to save 360 libraries – Daily Express.  Well-funded libraries can improve children’s test scores by up to 13%.  “the positive impact of a “robust” library system was almost seven per cent greater than the negative impact of an impoverished childhood”. Statistics produced by Mansfield University with a summary of the impact of school library provision. 
Library closure battles won, but war continues – Guardian. “Councils will be looking closely at how the situation develops this year to see if they can get away with further cuts later on – perhaps hoping that people will simply get used to the idea that libraries are closing and come to think of it as inevitable.”, “words have not been followed by decisive action” by government to help libraries. Save Our Libraries day to be in 2012 and, with threats continuing, “for the foreseeable future”.

From Letters of Note

Row over government reading lists for five-year olds – Telegraph.  Set texts on curriculum for five to eleven years may be introduced.  Authors not impressed. Also covered in the Guardian.
“Triumph” for North Yorkshire library campaign, but more protest in Lewisham – BookSeller.  24 libraries apparently saved in North Yorkshire but Lewisham worries about computer company taking over three threatened libraries. 

Changes to library cuts list 

Cambridgeshire – Libraries may be run by a charitable trust, 13 smaller libraries to be run by volunteers “directed” by a central librarian at a cost of £20,000 each to local community.
Croydon – Qualified librarians removed at Sanderstead Library.
Leeds – 17 libraries (Allerton Bywater, Armley Heights, Belle Isle, Broad Lane, Cow Close, Drilington (2012), Holbeck, Ireland Wood, Kirkstall, Lofthouse, Osmondthorpe, Rawdon, Richmond Hill, Shadwell (2012) Swarcliffe, Swillington and Swinnow) under threat to save £625k (previously listed as 20). Branches to be replaced by expanded mobile service. 25 other libraries to have extended hours.  All permanent staff to be retained, 
Newham – Foreign language newspapers removed from all libraries.

News by authority

Brent – Alan Bennett joins campaign against against library closure – Guardian.  Alan Bennett will be speaking at Kensal Rise library on 24th May in order to help raise £30,000 for legal challenge.  Campaigners say plan for community run library ignored by council.  Also covered by Bookseller and  London  Evening Standard
Brent – Legal action over Brent library closures – BookSeller.   Bindmans law firm lodging complaint as council decision made before consultation ended.
Brent – Cllr James Powney in hiding over library cuts – Save Kensal Rise Library. 
Cambridgeshire – Community news: Linton Parish Council – Haverhill Echo.  Concern at parish council meeting of losing library staff in moved towards volunteers.

Save Sanderstead Library – worried about volunteers

Croydon – Save Sanderstead Library Campaign Group launched! – Save Sanderstead Library.  “We are a campaign group consisting of local residents with a commitment to saving Sanderstead Library in Croydon. We believe that we need to maintain a professional service at our much loved and well used community library.” Sanderstead has lost its qualified librarians.
Devon – Devon library public consultation ends – BBC.  7000 people have had their say.
Dorset – Ad Lib appeal to complete library questionnaires – Dorset Echo.  “The nationwide referendum on how we should run our parliamentary elections may not have caught the attention of everyone in Dorset but everyone here has the chance to vote on a matter that really has been making headlines – the fate of the county’s village and small town libraries.” Campaigners suggest voting for Option Two.
Dorset – Library fight taken to the top – Salisbury Journal.  West Moors users presented case to Dorset’s full council, 2000 signed petition to save its library. Bequest makes case for closing library questionable. 
Gloucestershire – Confirmation of extension of library service in Minchinhampton until April 2012 – Friends of Minchinhampton Library.  Branch will have £10,000 grant from council to supply 10 hours staffing per week (5 if no volunteer forthcoming) 
Gloucestershire – Legal challenge launched to stop library closures – Wilts & Glos Standard.
Isle of Wight – Anti-cuts campaigners spread the message – IWCP.  “We are starting see the effects of those cuts now — tourist information centres are closed and libraries have reduced their opening hours — so it’s important to keep the anti-cuts message in the public eye.”
Kensington and Chelsea – Tri-borough plans to be ready by June – Kensington and Chelsea Chronicle.   “The plans so far also include sharing the management of libraries, which will save £1.4m, along with corporate services.”
Kensington and Chelsea – Library restored to former glory – Kensington an Chelsea Chronicle – £250k refurbishment completed at Notting Hill. “”We know how important libraries are to our community and the important role they play in giving everyone access to information from borrowing books to searching the internet.” 
Leeds – 15 Leeds library buildings face closure – Guardian. 4300 responses to consultation, 82% agreeing to the plan.  To be debated by council next week.  Also covered by the BBC and Yorkshire Post.
Lewisham – More protest as Lewisham libraries decision looms – News Shopper.  Bidding process described by campaigners as “a load of old rubbish”.  Only one bid “fairly acceptable”.
Newham – Newham’s libraries remove foreign language newspapers – BBC.  Mayor says move will “encourage people to speak and learn English”.

“Libraries are not just about books. They are bedrocks. They are arts centres, information and advice points and internet cafés. They provide opportunities for social interaction, for the elderly and the young, and act as welcome and orientation for new residents. But where the cuts will really hurt is the rural areas; not least the mobile library service which truly acts as more than just a place to exchange your weekly romance novel – it’s a point of contact, communication and often a support service all in one.” North Yorkshire – A crime against the libraries that save lives – Yorkshire Post. 

Oxfordshire – Librarian speaks for first time about closure threat – Henley Standard.   Librarian from threatened Sonning Common stresses need for public to campaign against closure.
Slough – Heart of Slough’s library is named thanks to competition winner’s idea – Maidenhead Advertiser.   New library will be called “the Curve”.
Staffordshire – Council launches wi-fi at libraries – Guardian – Following increased usage in pilot library, wi-fi will be installed in all libraries.
Suffolk – Village libraries offered reprieve after consultation – Haverhill Echo.  Kedington and Clare libraries saved.  Comments – still unclear as to how 30% cut will be made.
Suffolk – Suffolk Council halts outsourcing core services for “reflection” and sends Chief Executive on extended leave – eGov Monitor.  Andrea Hill not expected back by many.
Suffolk – County to start library company? – Bury Free Press.  “The county is planning to set up a not-for-profit community interest company to oversee the running of libraries at arms length from costly local authority bureaucracy.”

Surrey – Council launches e-library mobile app – Guardian.  Users can order and download any of 600 titles from their mobile. 
Warrington – Library Tribe – Flickr.  Pictures of library users created after local library closed.