412 libraries (323 buildings and 89 mobiles) currently under threat or closed/left council control since 1/4/11 out of c.4612 in the UK, complete list below. Librarian professional body CILIP forecasts 600 libraries are under threat (inc. 20% of English libraries).  The Public Libraries News figure is obtained from counting up all reports about public libraries in the media each day.

News

  • Allan Bennett warns over tuition fees – BBC.   “Lawnswood School dedicated its library to the writer after he emerged as a vocal campaigner against public library cuts.”…”Plans to shut local libraries were “wrong and very short-sighted”, Bennett said, adding: “We’re impoverishing young people.”
  • I Like Libraries – @Ilikelibraries, Twitter.  “Here to raise money to save libraries in the near future, the first project will emerge in January,anyone wanting money to save libraries please contact me!”
  • Love Libraries –  “Love Libraries is an independent website dedicated to supporting and promoting the exciting things going on in UK Libraries. From book groups and advice sessions to performing arts and live gigs: there is much to be enthused about. We Love Libraries, and we’re pretty sure you do to.”.  Website is affiliated to “Get it Loud in Libraries“. 
  • Mayor of London to recruit “library champions” to boost library services – Government Business.   “£100,000 is being invested to develop the Team London ‘Love Libraries’ scheme, which will see people recruited over the next six months to help provide a range of library based activities in at least ten boroughs. This includes supporting Londoners of all ages with reading and literacy, helping to set up reading groups and people to get online, including for help with job searches, skills and education.”
  • Rex Libris – “Follow the story of Rex Libris, the tough-as-nails Head Librarian at Middleton Public Library, and his unending struggle against the forces of darkness. Wearing his distinctive, super-thick bottle glasses and armed with an arsenal of powerful weapons, he strikes fear into recalcitrant borrowers, and can take on virtually any foe, from loitering zombies to fleeing alien warlords who refuse to pay their late fees…”. [Only one copy left for Christmas presents]
  • Warner Brothers to delay release of popular DVDs to libraries – Cleveland (USA).   “Warner Home Video recently announced it will no longer distribute theatrical released movies to public libraries or home video rental stores until 28 days after the movies have been on sale in retail stores.”
  • We need libraries (new version) – One Man And His Beard.  The previous library campaigning song from the man who will be releasing a new song, “We Need Libraries” for National Libraries Day.

Changes

Peterborough – Audiobooks on MP3 to be available at two branches.  

Local News

  • Brighton and Hove – Festive shutdown at libraries – Argus.   “A spokesman for the local authority said the libraries always close during this period with all staff on holiday between Christmas and New Year. But some residents have asked why the public service is not available during the holidays when other council- run libraries in Sussex are.” 
  • Doncaster – Parish council in bid to take over threatened library – Doncaster Free Press.  Edenthorpe parish council may aid in taking over its library, soon to have its funding withdrawn from the council.  However, ““We have contacted DMBC about issues such if we would be expected to provide computers and pay licences for the use of equipment and the council has never come up with answers – and we just can’t go into things blind. We also can’t go the community asking for money without knowing what the true costings are.””
  • Oxfordshire – Hope on horizon for village library – Thame Gazette.   Chinnoor Library to be staffed 2/3 by paid staff, 1/3 by volunteers.  ““We have come up with a model which would still see all 43 libraries remain open and, if the proposal is approved, it would be up to the community in some areas to come forward and assist in the future with the staffing of some libraries. “We are certainly a million miles away from where we were 12 months ago, when we were proposing to cease funding 20 libraries.”
  • Peterborough – Audiobook service to start in libraries – Evening Telegraph.   “…enthusiasts will soon be able to download a wide selection of audiobooks from Stanground and Woodston libraries.A new audiobook service is being set up by library managers Vivacity Peterborough in the coming weeks.”