405 libraries

News

• Bolton – Minister could be asked to save libraries – This is Lancashire.  “Tom Hanley, chairman of the Save Bolton’s Libraries campaign, said: “We will consider a number of options in the next few days, including a legal challenge, as well as building on the massive public anger already expressed by thousands of people across Bolton.”
• Buckinghamshire – Opening hours boost for Little Chalfont Library – Buckinghamshire Advertiser.  “Little Chalfont Community Library will now open on Wednesday afternoons until 5pm, boosting its weekly opening hours from 25 to 29.”
• Cumbria – Council draws up list of buildings to go on market – North West Evening Mail.  Council looking to sell some its 770 buildings, including – possibly – libraries.

“The most notable debate in the chamber has been on the library services. Petitions had been delivered by local mums who spoke passionately on the need to keep smaller branches going while Ealing’s consultation was under way, and named half a dozen that were threatened with closure. Houses in the streets near me started displaying ’Save Northfields Librar’y, A4 window posters referring to our local branch at risk. Through Facebook and my local (Tory) councillor’s blog I saw the campaign gather momentum with plans to chant from the public gallery and unfurl banners on the day. It was a tough one for the Labour administration facing taunts from the Tories of asset-stripping even though the only reason any such thing was floated was due to their party’s dogmatic decisions at the top.” Ealing – Meanwhile from the town hall – Progress Online.    

• Edinburgh – Focus on Piershill Library – Edinburgh Reporter.  Excellent report on the busy local library including the wonderful Circus Stars reading challenge, e-books, even learning languages.
• Hertfordshire – St Albans resident and councillor raise concerns over loss of library service in Hatfield –  Review series. Central Resources Library about to be split in three without public access.  “It is not enough to say that access will be available via the on-line catalogue. People have made it very clear to us that they want to be able to browse the collection in public.”
• Wakefield – ePetition to save Outwood Library – Wakefield Council.  “We the undersigned petition the council to we would like the council to consider carefully before deciding to close Outwood , and any other libraries in the Wakefield district. Outwood library is the defacto community asset in Outwood and provides a safe environment for all members of the local community to meet and use the library assets i.e. books, internet, at no cost.”
• Warwickshire – Rescue plan to save Bedworth Heath Library – Coventry Telegraph.   Suggestion to move library into community centre.  Moving into the centre could quadruple opening hours.
• Wokingham – Looks to privatise libraries – BookSeller.  “Wokingham borough council plans to begin discussions this month with private companies interested in taking over the running of the borough’s libraries.”