490 libraries (416 buildings and 74 mobiles) currently under threat or closed/left council control since 1/4/11 out of c.4517 in the UK.  For full breakdown by authority, see “tally” on right.

News 

Architecture of access to scientific knowledge – 50 minute CERN lecture demonstrates how expensive and difficult access to information is on the internet [without public libraries that is – but they’re not mentioned]. 
Don’t close the books on libraries! – Miami Herald (USA).  Brad Meltzer writes on the importance of libraries but how, in a recession and when the public needs them most, the US is cutting its funding.  Nice quote on library cards – “Back then, we didn’t have money, but those cards gave us books, which served as passports to a better life”.
Village to close after contributing nothing to Tesco – NewsBiscuit. Spoof news item with more than a passing resemblance to the arguments sometimes advanced for the closure of public libraries.
Who can we count on? – Horn Book.  Editorial on Michael Gove’s remark that children should read fifty books per year with special attention paid to the experience of public libraries.
William Kamkwamba: How I harnessed the wind – TED.  Malawian used local library to discover how to make wind turbines with transforming effects on his community.

News by authority

Gloucestershire – Children protest against mobile library closure – FoGL.  Three letters by children about the proposed withdrawal of Blockley mobile library stop on 14th July.  Consultation taking place after decision made to withdraw service.  Alternative council proposal of posting books impractical as user would need to pay postage so a hardback would cost £10 to order.
Suffolk – Libraries set to be saved – EADT.   “Pressure from communities” has forced council to rethink its plan to “divest” most of its libraries.
Suffolk – County libraries get a late reprieve – EADT.  Communities will still have “an opportunity to help run individual libraries”.

“The threat to library services brought out protesters on to the streets of places which had never seen marches before – and sparked a significant online campaign against the proposals.
It was the strength of these campaigns in what are seen as Conservative heartlands that are believed to have persuaded many county councillors that a change in direction was needed in last month’s group leadership contest.” Suffolk

Suffolk – No divestment for Suffolk libraries – Rosehill Readers.  Decision due to protest – 19000 signatures, 350 people marched through Ipswich, “one Sudbury resident” took legal action.
Suffolk – Libraries “saved” announcement reeks of political opportunism – Life in the country.  May elections expected to see Labour seize Ipswich from the Conservatives.  Submissions from consultation not read. Community interest company would make “savings” of 30%.
Suffolk – Eye, Debenham and Stradboke libraries to be saved? – Diss Express.  28 hour read-in at Debenham Library.
Suffolk – Town petition to save library service – Bury Free Press.  1000 signature petition against Needham Market Library closure gains backing of MP David Ruffley – “Libraries are a fundamental part of small town life.”. 
Wiltshire – £16m bill for speedier net – Gazette & Herald.  “We will also use the funding to support local digital literacy projects, getting wifi in public buildings such as libraries and recycling computers for families and individuals on low incomes.”