Archive for May, 2012

 
News

• Co-operative councils ask residents to design the public services they need – Guardian.  “We have now launched the Lambeth Youth Co-operative, are consulting on co-operative libraries and community hubs and will extend this approach across the council’s portfolio of services.”
• Crux of the matter: examining the “why” of our daily practice – National Library of New Zealand.  A look at public libraries using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.  “Does my library restrict, or enhance, conversations? Through conversations we make connections. We learn. We develop understandings and we share our wisdom. For library spaces, this requires a layout that accommodates both noise and quiet.  We need to deliver services that accomodate different types of learning. We need to encourage group activities as well as individual spaces.”
• Volunteer libraries – Ian Clark. “A selection of comments on the revelations around CILIP’s “Policy on the Use of Volunteers in Public Libraries: A Review” document.”
• CILIP and “job substitution”: library staff and service users are left standing alone – Johanna Bo Anderson’s Blog.   “Opposition to volunteer run libraries and opposition to “job substitution” are not one and the same. The fact is that they no longer have a clear stance. Their policy now really does not mean much to me. In my view, it is a woolly keep-every-one-happy-and-possibly-confused policy. It is entirely open to interpretation which is consequently to the detriment of the profession.”

Local News

“… nothing more will happen in terms of the transfer of deeds for now. He wants to meet with us (just us, initially – tripartite meeting later) next week and no clearing of the library will happen before then, he says. As regards the books, he says he needs to allow them to be taken and redistributed, and the council also needs the computers. I argued the point on books and we can argue further next week. But significantly he agreed that the council would not remove shelves, tables or chairs. And he will make sure they don’t remove the large murals painted for the library, which is great. So the property transfer is on hold and we have a chance to take stock. And for once there’s the prospect of face-to-face discussions on a way forward. Obviously we need to be careful that Mo (as he is known) is not buying us off with bland assurances only to sell us down the river later. But so far so good.” Brent – Kensal Rise Library Campaign (via email).

• Library campaigners compile damning report – Harrow Observer.  “Campaigners fighting to save a treasured library centre compiled a detailed report of what they claim are Brent Council’s ‘failings’ with regard to a public consultation, and sent it to each member of the authority.”  Willesden Green report is called “Broken Promises” … “The council has hit back at the document saying it ‘considers much of it to be highly inaccurate and misleading’. But when The Observer asked the it to state which parts of the document are incorrect, it declined to do so.”
• How our fight for Kensal Rise library has drawn the community together – Guardian (Comment is Free).  “By the time the alarm went up, there were about a dozen people inside, packing up all of the books and two giant trucks double parked on the narrow street outside. It should all have proceeded smoothly: just a day of heavy lifting. But something happened: as neighbours hurried off to work, they sent back heartbroken texts and emails reporting what was happening. Within minutes, local residents had started massing on the doorstep. By 9am, there were about 30 of us….”

  “This is where we take our babies to look for their first books, where our children can study in safety, where we use the computers to draft our CVs and look for jobs, where our grandparents go to get their large-print books and bump into their neighbours. We are willing to invest thousands of volunteer hours per year, fund-raise tirelessly, plan, dream and scheme to keep it going. All we need is a fair chance.”

• Campaigners force delay in removing Kensal Rise library books – Telegraph.  “Labour leader Butt, 45, talking to the Telegraph this morning, said: “I will talk to the library campaigners and arrange a meeting with them.The removal men will not be going back to Kensal Road Library today and I will be having talks with council officers and other parties on the council about the situation. Then we will have fresh dialogue with the campaigners. I have spoken before to campaigners and understand that taking the books away means that it will no longer technically be a library. “But the library has been shut for six months and the council agreed with the owners, All Souls, that the stock – all the books and computers – would be transferred to other users rather than going to waste. At least this way, library users elsewhere in the borough can benefit. But the books do need to be removed and that will happen. But you must remember that my hands are tied by central legislation and the cut backs that have been enforced on us””
• Fight to save historic library grips London community – Toronto Star.  “The books belong to the council and were to be redistributed among the borough’s remaining six libraries, which are easily accessible by public transit, are open long hours and have more services, John said. Kensal Rise was originally established to help educate working-class people, she said, but has been taken over by “mostly middle-class people who want (the library) preserved for them.” Libraries, she said, must adapt to the times. “Libraries that work best are the ones that are in busy places,” she said, not small branches on residential streets. Kensal Rise only has 45,000 visits per year, she added.”
• Residents battle to preserve library gifted to community by Mark Twain – Independent.  “A group of protesters became a figurehead for the host of anti-library closure campaigns across the country…”“These are the children who will not be able to use the library,” said 40-year-old Jodi Gramigni, indicating towards her two-year-old son Marcello. “This community had a place to go, regardless of their background or culture and they (the council) are stripping it away from us out of spite.”.  Article says stripping of library ended due to police concerns over disruption.
• New leader of Brent Council rules out reopening any of the closed library branches – Brent and Kilburn Times. “ “If you are asking me if I am going to open Kensal Rise Library or Preston Library, then the answer is no. “We can’t go back on a decision. They have been taken by the Executive. The Executive has not changed much and the position cannot change.””
• Library protesters mount 24-hour guard – London Evening Standard.  “Campaigners fighting the closure of Kensal Rise library have begun guarding it around the clock to prevent Brent council removing books and equipment. Mothers and pensioners are among those working in shifts as security guards to stop council contractors from trying to strip the library, which was closed last year because of budget cuts.”

• Kensal Rise campaigners gain another day – Guardian.  This was the only story on Page 3 of the Guardian yesterday.  “Eighteen months after Brent council announced plans to shut six libraries in the borough, including Kensal Rise, and three months after the supreme court decided that no further appeal would be heard against the council’s decision, many campaigners were struggling to come to terms with the notion that the last books were on the verge of leaving the premises, rendering the imposing Victorian building, quite unequivocally, an ex-library.”

“I can’t make sense of it or understand why Brent are acting in such a bloody-minded way,” he said.”It shows a hatred of the big community and the big society. It’s a completely irrational situation where everyone is a loser and it’s very sad. It’s a victory for ignorance.””

• Tim Lott: Brent Council models itself on “Goodfellas” – Independent.   “It’s the Goodfellas theory of politics – that local councils are more like mob bosses than rational actors. They hate losing face. Dey run dis turf, not punk civilians. Everything can go to hell so their mob logic is sustained.”
• Croydon/Lambeth – Packed public meeting hears pleas to save Upper Norwood Library – This is Croydon Today.  “Primary school children joined a passionate public meeting and delivered a simple message to Croydon Council: “Don’t close Upper Norwood Library.” More than 200 library users – both young and old – packed into the Salvation Army Hall, in Westow Street, to make their strong feelings clear.” … “To a rapturous applause one resident questioned how it was “beyond the wit of elected politicians” to get together and continue running the service. Ms Bashford said: “I do listen and that’s why I come and do these meetings. I don’t have to do them, I choose to do them. We’re not questioning the work that’s done in the library, we know it’s good. “What we are doing is trying to find an alternative way, because the joint agreement is not in place, to look at provision of library services in Upper Norwood.””
• Bashford “bashed” at library consultation – Crystal Palace Local.   “What we want as a community is for you to work together with Lambeth to continue to provide a library service. “If it’s so  difficult to have that conversation would you let us facilitate a discussion with Lambeth? “It’s a shame you took the decision before you consulted.” Long report looking at all of the issues.
• Illegal behaviour suggested at volatile Upper Norwood Library meeting – Croydon Guardian.   Campaigner said ““The 112-year-old Upper Norwood Joint Library has survived two world wars, the great depression the three day working week and numerous recessions but now faces its greatest threat from Croydon Council flouting its legal agreement.””.  Another campaigner tells Ms Bashford “You treated us with contempt. I don’t expect elected members of Croydon Council to behaviour in such a way that made me fell less than worthless.””.  Worries that consultation is skewed.  Lambeth has agreed to continue funding its share of the library but Croydon refusing.
• Dudley – Library due for £200k revamp – Express & Star.   “Over the coming months, the library will be decorated and reorganised to make it easier for people to find books, CDs and other items available to borrow. Most of the existing shelving and carpet, which has been in place for more than 40 years, will be replaced in areas used by visitors. Bosses have warned that there will be some disruption to services while the work is carried out. The total cost of the improvement work will be £208,000, and the plans have been drawn up following feedback from library users.” … “A Health Exchange service will also be set up at the library in partnership with NHS Health Exchange trainers, to offer advice to visitors on health issues.”
• Leeds – Trio of Leeds libraries saved from closure threat –  Yorkshire Evening Post.  “Leeds City Council’s executive board has approved initial plans for community asset transfers of Shadwell, Rawdon and Drighlington libraries.”
• Sefton – Council begins its review into the future of Southport’s libraries – Crosby Herald.   “A 12-week consultation is under way with residents, and library users being asked to complete a questionnaire online or in writing”
• Surrey – Library plans “like Monty Python’s dead parrot” – Get Surrey.   “Leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition at the county council, Councillor Hazel Watson, said: “Since the original announcement of the community-partnered libraries proposals – for the county’s libraries to be run by volunteers – we have seen Molesey library withdrawn from the plan, part-time paid staff allocated to libraries and the threat of ongoing staff training costs, all meaning that the plan can no longer be saving the county council money. “In other words, the often-stated reason that the county council is pushing ahead with the plans to save them from closure no longer adds up.“The only reason the plans are still being pursued is dogma, and the plans, like the famous Monty Python sketch, are a dead parrot nailed to the perch to give an impression of still being alive.””

A document intended to inform discussion at a CILIP Council meeting in March 2012 has come to light.  Within it, the reasons for and against having an official policy against the direct substitution of paid staff by volunteers is discussed.  It has come as a surprise to the CILIP members I know that the body does not have a policy against substitution. Their response to the news was not a happy one.

The old Library Association used to have a policy that was explicitly against substitution.  However, this was removed by CILIP in 2010 at the time it was increasingly aware of the growing number of volunteer-run libraries.  The current policy was confirmed at the meeting and states:

“Following the Ed Vaizey’s evidence session [at the DCMS Inquiry into Library Closures] he committed to meeting with Annie Mauger to discuss the role of professional staff, a meeting in which Annie took a lead role. In the meeting Annie was very clear to the Chief Librarian, Arts Councils and the Minister that CILIP was not supporting volunteer run libraries.”

• Are libraries still relevant? – TVNZ (New Zealand).  More young people using libraries, exponential increase in ebooks in Auckland.  Wellington physical usage slightly down but virtual visits are up.  Christchurch has three temporary libraries since the earthquake and more virtual presence and mobile libraries, 600 magazines in collection.
• Hive to open in July – Designing Libraries.  First ever UK joint public and academic library opens in July in Worcester. Great picture.
• Library services: library buildings – Envisioning the Library of the Future (Arts Council England).  In the site’s ninth posting, Kate Millin of Black Country Libraries looks at the future of library buildings in 2022.  She foresees: (1) a single online portal for information, (2) libraries will be colocated with other services/meeting rooms/staff (or holograms of them) with (3) professional staff who can neutrally answer and support users.
  
• Mark Steel: Starve the Greeks and they’ll feel better – Independent.  “Up until now the argument has been that there’s no alternative. We have to slash public spending and wages because there’s so much debt that otherwise there’ll be chaos, absolute chaos. The joy of this method is it saves having to make a case for your actions, so it ought to be used more often…. So to stop the debt engulfing us we have to do things like shut down libraries. Because a glance at our economy tells you the biggest area of expenditure is libraries, the bill for rubber stamps alone coming to twice as much as the defence budget. It was excessive lending that led to the credit crisis, and what’s the only place that exists solely to lend – libraries. Lend lend lend they go, the filthy heaps of financial ruin that they are, one Catherine Cookson paperback after another floating out of the door with not a thought for the impact on the balance of payments deficit.”
• Pay us for library ebook loans, say authors – Guardian.  “There is no difference between ebooks and print books” says Lindsey Davis of the Society of Authors but authors are not paid for ebook loans.  “Authors are paid 6.05p every time their physical books are borrowed from the UK’s public libraries, up to a maximum of £6,600, under the government-funded Public Lending Right scheme. But ebooks and audiobooks, a growing sector for library users, are not currently included in the scheme, even though the Digital Economy Act of 2010 paved the way for this to be done.” … “The issue of ebook lending from libraries is proving to be a thorny one for the books industry. Many publishers have yet to sign up to the practice, believing that libraries should “concentrate on delivering physical books to those least able to afford them, rather than offering ebooks to users who can afford ereaders”.”
• Steven Bell: Future of librarians interview – Request detailed information (USA).  Respected academic and high-tech librarian looks at libraries: bit technical for the non keyed-in librarian but interesting if you are already have a grasp of the main issues. 

• Carmarthenshire – Pontyates Libary needs volunteers or it will close.   Tumble Library now run by volunteers.  Dafen Library run by volunteers with town council support.  Llanelli Library and five others refurbished,
• North Yorkshire – Ayton Library reopened as volunteer-run Derwent Valley Bridge.   

• Brighton and Hove – Brighton’s Jubilee Library plans wifi to boost conference business – Argus.  “Brighton and Hove City Council has begun work to install wi-fi in the Jubilee library. This is part of an extensive project which will provide a blueprint for the city’s other libraries and potentially a wide range of users and locations. This will ensure that the best possible value is gained from any investment. The capital cost of the project to roll out the service at Jubilee Library is expected to be less than £10,000 and will have minimal running costs.”
• Carmarthenshire – Communities pull together to keep their libraries going – This is South Wales. “Pontyates Library service has put out an SOS for volunteers to help keep its doors open. And elsewhere an army of public spirited book lovers are helping to man the libraries we love, with volunteers at Dafen, Tumble and at other branches.” … “The move to get volunteers in to stamp books is a controversial one, since it can come in tandem with redundancies for regular staff.” … “”We need around six people to come forward to make the running of it viable, but any more than that and we can look at increasing the services and hours we can open the facility.”.  Several libraries now run by volunteers.  “investment has gone into Llanelli Library, which is looking fresh-faced after a recent overhaul. “Carmarthen Library has had investment over the last few years to improve facilities; libraries such as Llandeilo, Llangennech, Burry Port, Cross Hands and St Clears have either been refurbished or moved to new locations by the library service working in partnership with community groups.””
• Croydon – Upper Norwood Library public meeting to be held – Croydon Guardian.  “Croydon Council has drawn up four potential options for the future of Upper Norwood’s beloved library.Questionnaires regarding the four options can be filled in online or in hard copy from Croydon branch libraries. The deadline for the Council to receive these is May 20.”
• Dorset – Balancing the books: Echo investigation reveals shocking library figures – Dorset Echo.  “The cost of replacing unreturned library books is more than the amount needed to run an axed library for two years. It would take £95,896.04 to replace overdue library books which have been loaned out from Dorset Libraries in the same amount of time. But in 2009/10 and 2010/11 Portland Underhill library running costs were £23,033.10 and £25,808.27 respectively.”.  1579 books are currently outstanding due for return in December.
• North Yorkshire – Volunteers booked up to run axed library – Yorkshire Post.   Ayton Library reopened today as volunteer-run and renames as Derwent Valley Bridge. 
• Stoke on Trent – Martin Tideswell: Libraries are much more than big buildings full of old books – This is Staffordshire.  “They say you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone and, in the case of public libraries, I believe we have reached a tipping point. After years of under-funding and successive regimes of councillors taking the view that a little trimming of this non-essential service won’t hurt, libraries in the city are barely able to function.  Opening hours have been slashed, staff numbers dramatically reduced and – perhaps worst of all – there seems no cohesive plan for the future of the ones that are still open.”

“… libraries are, and should be, far more than just big buildings full of old books. They are creative focal points and meeting places in neighbourhoods that have lost community centres, post offices and pubs. Libraries are places where friendships are made, skills are acquired and learning is, quite genuinely, a fun experience. Rich or poor, bereft of inspiration or aspiration, you can wander in and use or borrow books, music or films that will entertain you. You can meet people and take away ideas for life. This is a luxury we should never take for granted in the age of subscriptions and pay-per view entertainment. It is time we stopped butchering our libraries and put together a strategy to expand and develop the services they offer to make them even more relevant to diverse communities who, perhaps, have never needed them more.”

• Arts Council Chief Executive comments on need for skilled library staff – Voices for the Library.   “During his presentation he commented that libraries need skilled, knowledgeable staff and shouldn’t be replaced by volunteers. It’s very reassuring that he made this comment publicly in a room full of senior public library service managers. It would be interesting to know how many people in that seminar were nodding in agreement with Mr Davey. How many of those senior managers were nodding whilst the public library services they are leading are proposing to introduce volunteer run libraries as a replacement for skilled and knowledgeable staff?”

Madrid librarians protesting against privatisation and cuts

“Dear colleagues, I am writing to you in the name of some librarians from Madrid. We work in the Madrid City Libraries System, which includes 28 public libraries, one newspaper library (The most important Spanish language newspaper library in the world), one music library, one history library (founded in the Nineteenth Century) and the City Archives. We are threatened by the shadow of privatization from the new mayor, Ana Botella, who is in charge of Madrid City Council. We have stopped the privatization of two new libraries but we are suffering attacks from everywhere. This is not just librarians, but the rest of the public services (museums… etc) where our salaries and our terms and conditions are being reduced. I am sending you this, just in case you can support us or we can do something for you as well, to let everybody know that this is happening in a lot of places in Europe. Every Friday we stand up in our library’s main door, wearing black and letting people know what is going on. On the 24th of May, we will walk around the main streets of Madrid wearing black and carrying banners. I send you a photo just in case you want to published. Thanks a lot, you have our support and we would love to have yours as well.”  Guadalupe Uceta, Madrid (via email)

• Role of libraries in closing the digital divide for older people – Voices for the Library.   “Libraries are well-suited to run/host computer courses; they are generally open multiple days a week, they already have computers and internet access and they have trained staff.  But with library closures and opening hours cut, there is a real and profound skills gap that might not be addressed” … “When people bemoan about the prevalence and relevance of computers in libraries, they forget that providing both computer skills and computer and internet access for library users is part of (to me) the general ethos of libraries: reading and learning for everyone. “
• Simi council to weight letting county run library for another year – Ventura County Star.  “The city said the law makes it more difficult for cities to leave a county library system and run an independent library by contracting with a private company such as Library Systems & Services, which runs the Camarillo and Moorpark libraries. The law requires cities to show cost savings before deciding to privatize and bans any resulting loss of jobs or benefits for existing library staff. In leaving the county system over the objections of many residents, Simi officials said that while they were satisfied with the county’s management, they wanted to maintain local control of the library.”
• Votes needed to save the Women’s Library – Preston Library Campaign.   “The most extensive collection of women’s history in the UK is under threat. Author, comedian and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig has spoken out about the threatened Women’s Library in east London, which is facing severe cuts.Just a few thousand signatures needed – sign the petition NOW“

Changes

• Barnet – Asking for volunteers to assist library staff with storytimes, rhymetimes, IT sessions and homework clubs. 
• Leeds – Shadwell, Rawdon and Drighlington confirmed as transferring to volunteers.  Cow Close Library will close.

Local news

• Barnet – Council leader Cornelius rejects claims Tories “out of touch” – Times series.  Labour councillor had said ” “The Conservatives running Barnet council are hopelessly out of touch with local people who have made their views clear on the unpopular One Barnet programme, on parking, on private hire of parks, on Library closures, and many other issues.”
• Council calls on volunteers to lend a hand at libraries – Times series.  “The post would involve helping staff to deliver story and rhyme sessions for under fives, IT sessions and an after school homework club for children aged eight and over. The council is also looking at how the volunteer programme can support additional children’s activities at the interim library at the Arstdepot in Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley.”

“What a dilemma! Though i would like to contribute from my vast IT expertise to the community, I know that this will be used by our toririst council to further cut down our public services. While closing libraries, children day centres, youth centres, making librarians redundant, and much more, they are asking our help to support it???” (Comment on article above)

• Brent – Begone you pesky petitioners: Brent downgrades petitioner power –  Wembley Matters.  “…there can be little doubt that the Labour Council has been irritated by the petitions organised by the Hindu community over festival funding, library campaigners over the closure of half of Brent’s libraries and Keep Willesden Green over the Willesden Green Library Regeneration proposals. The latter was particularly controversial when Democratic Services  refused to hold a Full Council meeting on the issue.”
• Campaigner to run 60km for Friends of Barham Park – Harrow Times.   “Paul Lorber, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Brent, will complete a 60km run over the course of four days from June 1 to commemorate Barham Park Library, which closed last year. He said he didn’t want the milestone anniversary, which would have been on May 31 and coincides with the Queen’s Jubilee, to be forgotten.”
• Chief Exec earns more than the Prime Minister  – Preston Library Campaign.  
• Cheshire West and Chester – Strikes to disrupt council services this weekend – Northwich Guardian.   “Nine libraries and two centres providing short breaks for disabled children will be closed. No staff will be on duty at the council’s managed parks and countryside sites The authority has made arrangements to ensure provision is not disrupted in the small number of other services affected by industrial action.”
• Council workers walk out in Chester – ITV News.   “The unions said they’re not happy at having to work weekends and Bank Holidays for no extra pay and equivalent of a £2000 pay cut for some. Maria Moss from Unison said:”Using agency workers and others who were not familiar with clients needs, and paying non-striking staff double-pay has really rubbed salt in the wound for Unison members who are already very angry.””

• Gloucestershire – Mystery charity to run libraries if commnities fail – FoGL.  An “established charity” is “waiting in the wings” … “This discussion has happened behind closed doors as none of us know anything about this. This raises several concerns. Who is the charity? What expertise do they have? what knowledge do they have of running a library service? what is the charities agenda?”. It is an improvement on the “if they fail, they fail” atttitude of last year but still causes many worries.
• Library package backed by county councillors – Wilts and Glos Standard.  Support for Lechlade Library, about to be passed to volunteers, described as “a very generous package”.  “The facility will be leased on a peppercorn rent and will continue to benefit from the county council’s library network and books. Additional computers are to be installed and the building will have a £20,000 revamp to improve existing damp conditions. In addition GCC has pledged a £10,000 revenue grant and a council library staff member for three hours a week.”
• Hertfordshire – Popular talking books service to be scrapped – Times series.   [Ian’s note – Following on the previous link to this article, Hertfordshire Council have been in touch with me to point out that Chris Hayward, cabinet member for Libraries has said ““Changes in the technology for producing audio books and the increasing difficulty in obtaining suitable cassette players have prompted us to review our current library services for blind and visually impaired people in Hertfordshire. In order to ensure that they continue to enjoy access to audio books in a convenient format we have decided to transfer all existing customers to the service provided by the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB). The RNIB-run service will offer a much wider choice of reading material in modern formats and will also provide the audio players. Those who are used to cassettes will be helped by specialist RNIB volunteers to use the new technology. Hertfordshire County Council will be covering the cost for existing users of subscription to the RNIB service and any savings made will be used to increase the number of people able to access the new service.”]
• Inverclyde – New chapter for Central Library – Greenock Telegraph.   “As part of Inverclyde Council’s ‘asset management plan'”, Greenock Central Library moving to temporary home at the Business Store before moving to its new permanent home at Wallace Place.  See this article for background.
• Kingston – Council refuses to deny Surbiton library sell-off – Guardian series.  “Deputy leader Liz Green, who spoke in favour of the move at a Kingston Council assets strategy meeting last week, played down the rumours, saying there were “no immediate plans” to sell the Ewell Road site. She did, however, fail to rule out the move, admitting the site, along with others in the borough, was “under review” and that there was a “possibility” it would be sold.”
• Leeds – Campaign group set for control of Leeds swimming baths – Yorkshire Evening Post.  “The authority’s executive board is also being recommended to agree three libraries threatened with closure – Shadwell, Rawdon and Drighlington – can be run by the community. But Cow Close library in Farnley is proposed for closure as no community group came forward with a business plan to take it over.”
• Middlesbrough – Central Library celebrates it’s centenary and video – Gazette Live.   “Schoolchildren, staff and members of the public took part in The Big Hug around the Carnegie library building as part of its 100th birthday celebrations. The event was an exact re-enactment of the celebrations that took place when the library opened its doors in May 1912.” Superb video and pictures.
• Nottinghamshire – £5.3m library work to boost book loans – This is Nottingham.   “Work to revamp West Bridgford’s library could lead to book loans increasing by a third, according to the man behind the renovation. The library has been closed since November for extensive improvements and is due to reopen in spring 2013.”
• Somerset – Burnham on Sea library to launch self-service technology this year – Burnham on Sea.com.   Six Somerset libraries to go self-service this year. 
• Stoke on Trent – Don’t make libraries a footnote in history – This is Staffordshire.   “Now you may think I’m being melodramatic in comparing book burning with local library closures. But I really am concerned by the insidious nationwide cutbacks in local free libraries.”

• Surrey – SCC latest consultation attempt in tatters – Surrey Libraries Action Movement.   Council consultation is disappointing as it appears the Council has already made up its mind, it is therefore just a tick-box exercise. Consultation is only for five weeks, with many fo the documents being sent to the wrong address or person.  There is insufficient time between the end of the consultation period and the council meeting to produce a “coherent report” for it. “Not content with the hash it made of its first attempt at passing its CPL plans, it seems, if anything, to be doing an even worse job on its second attempt.”

“It’s all about change. Positive change at the heart of our library service means a positive career change for you. We’re undergoing a period of exciting transformation to meet our vision of a 21st Century Library service and as such, we’re seeking a motivated, innovative individual to keep our services moving forward.” Library Sectors Manager job advert – Surrey County Council.  

• Warrington – It’s all happening for the young ones – Friends of Grappenhall Library.  Superb website from a library that is now volunteer run and open 14 hours per week and possesses 5000 books. 
• Warwickshire – It’s a new chapter for village library – Evesham Journal.  Author Anne Fine helped relaunch Bidford Library as volunteer-run.  “The library now has about 50 volunteers and is open on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday mornings. Volunteer co-ordinator Pat Atkins said: “I got involved because we fought hard to get the library. When I heard it was going to close I was devastated and wanted to get involved. We want it to be more than a library, hopefully it will become a community centre and be used for activities even when the library is not open.”

News

• Future of Library Services – Neil Stewart Associates.  Your chance to listen to Ed Vaizey and others discuss Government and council public libraries policyfor just £168 to £600 depending on your circumstances.  Alternatively, a video of the event will be available for £99. The themes of the day represent some interesting descriptions of the current deep cuts (“innovative restructures”).
• Mark Steel: What do we want? More of the same! – Independent.   “Now that parties supporting cuts are losing elections across Europe, I wonder if the Labour Party will consider a policy of opposing cuts. At the moment, they sort of oppose them, so if the Government announces 200 libraries are closing next Wednesday morning, Labour says: “This is typical of this callous administration. They ought to wait until the afternoon.” Their slogan seems to be “We agree there have to be cuts but they’re doing it too fast …”
• Winners of the Ultimate Christian Library Book 2012 announced – Speaking Volumes.  “The Adult category winner was ‘Faith Under Fire’ by Canon Andrew White with the Children’s title going to ‘The Lion Classic Bible’ written by Andrea Skevington, illustrated by Sophy Williams. Both Andrew and Andrea were delighted at winning the award and with their £1,000 prize money. The books were clear winners in their category and attracted a large number of public votes. ‘Faith Under Fire’ documents the incredible stress of being a leader of a Christian community in war ravaged Baghdad. Yet despite deep heartache there is much joy and peace that only God can give. ‘The Lion Classic Bible’ unfolds the story of the Bible for young readers and shows God’s enduring Love for his people.”

Changes

• Devon – Newton Abbot (Passmore Edwards) Library reopens 25th June in new co-usebuilding  inc. wifi/adult learning/cafe/meeting rooms. 
• Lancashire – Increases in charges, volunteers used to extend hours in some branches.  

• Brent – Politician takes on marathon challenge in aid of axed Barham library crusade – Brent and Kilburn Times.  “Cllr Paul Lorber, leader of the Brent Liberal Democrats, will be running 60km over seven days to raise funds for the axed building, in Harrow Road. The challenge, which he will be undertaking alongside former Lib-Dem councillor Peter Corcoran, will begin on May 30 and culminate in Barham Park on June 5 where residents will be honouring the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which ties in with the 60th anniversary of the buildings opening. Barham Library was shut down last year alongside five other reading rooms in the borough and campaigners have fought tirelessly since to try to have it re-opened.”
• Croydon – Shy to consult in libraries – ElizCro.  “Croydon, the council that professes efficiency embedded in its DNA, has been caught out again for the shambolic handling of another library consultation. The council not only omitted to advertise the consultation on Upper Norwood Joint Library, it actively promoted it on the council website as not yet open for consultation. “. Council finally mentions consultation “less than a fortnight before the consultation ends and over a bank holiday weekend when the furthest thing from people’s minds in checking the council website.”
• Devon – Newton Abbot library prepares to move into revamped Passmore Edwards Centre – Newton Abbot People.   “The landmark building is currently undergoing an extensive multimillion pound redevelopment to turn it into a new multi-service facility that will house a modern 21st century library, adult and community learning facility, and services that are supporting people with learning disabilities, as well as an IT suite, WIFI technology, café and meeting rooms available for local groups to use.”

“Newton Abbot residents will be delighted to see the Library, the most prestigious building in the town, re-open on the 25th June and I would encourage people to attend to special preview on the afternoon of the 23rd June to see for themselves the work that has been done to restore the building to secure its future for another 100 years, along with the new facilities that are on offer.”

• Gloucestershire – Decision to reduce library service in Gloucestershire will not be overturned – Gazette.   “Gloucestershire County Council’s overview scrutiny management committee has confirmed that it will not accept attempts by Liberal Democrat councillors to overturn the authority’s decision to proceed with cuts to the library service.”
• Greenwich – Libraries: workers show fighting back can win – Socialist.  “The most likely attack would have been an attempt to drop council library workers’ pay and conditions to the level of staff employed at GLL. But, in response to the campaign, GLL has now offered to come to an agreement that will confirm they will not do this. In GLL’s original bid to win the contract they said they would “harmonise” pay and conditions. So an agreement to stop this would be a tremendous victory for Unite members.”
• Harrow – Library users asked what improvements should be made – Harrow Observer.   “Harrow Council’s consultation for modernising its 11 libraries, which runs until May 31, seeks views on all aspects of the service including the appearance and facilities, in-house events and activities. Councillor David Perry (Labour), portfolio holder for community and cultural services, said: “We know Harrow residents love their libraries and the services they provide. It is important that they continue to contribute to building the service for the future.””.  Four roadshows.
• Hertfordshire – Popular talking books service could be scrapped – Times series.   “Hertfordshire County Council local and libraries cabinet panel will meet this afternoon to discuss whether to scrap its Cassettes for Blind People service over concerns about format and cost.The service currently has 378 regular users in the county and is described in council documents as “running at capacity” but costs the council £51,000 per year to operate. The use of cassettes for the service also has “no viable future” due to advances in technology and the declining availability of cassette players.”
• Kirklees – “Just how will our libraries be run?” – Hudderfield Daily Examiner (letters).  The writer poses a series of questions about how volunteer-run libraries will work in the council.  Points still apparently unclear include who owns building, responsibility for maintenance, who buys books, what computer system will be used, health and safety, CRBs … 
• Lancashire – Library prices up to plug gap – Lancashire Evening Post.  “A review of library services recommended a series of price inceases, including raising the cost of hiring orchestral sets from £5 to £20 and play set hire from £2 to £10 per set.  Charges for overdue items has increased from 11p to 15p and a £1 charge has been introduced for the loan of language sets. But the age at which people will have to pay overdue fines and charges has been increased from 16 to 18 and the cost of children’s DVDs has been halved from £2.” … “Coun Calvert said he is also hoping to extend library opening hours after a successful recent trial using volunteers. He said: “In Pendle volunteers came forward and if we can make sure they are responsible for manning it at certain times and using the self service, as well as borrowing more books at a time, we think we can extend the opening times.””
• Staffordshire – Road-sweeping volunteers next? – This is Staffordshire (letters).  “I’m concerned by the trend towards unpaid staff in public libraries. There was a time when councillors were unpaid and didn’t even get expenses. Now, well remunerated, they dictate that libraries are to close unless manned by unpaid volunteers. What next? Voluntary staff for refuse collection, road repairs and street cleaning?”

“Reporter: Are you or the council persuadable that this plan for volunteer-run libraries should not go ahead?
Councillor: Our minds are always open but nothing has come back and told me this isn’t a workable and a really brilliant idea. We are not going to stop wanting to deliver community partnership.
Reporter: Can you envisage being persuaded by further consultation?
Councillor: Probably not.”

Surrey – Library cabinet member: “We were disappointed with the judicial review” – This is Surrey today. 

Further reviews and comments on the report

• Call Kaye – BBC Radio Scotland (3.49 to 9:52 plus other pieces throught programme).  Liz MacDonald, author of report, interviewed, says Trust coming from “library loving” perspective.  Says Trust can do nothing about Carnegie libraries which are under threat.  Some library services are “a little bit stagnating” but others are good.  Danger that services will die by a thousand cuts so there is a need for a strategy.  “We do have this fantastic network of libraries across the country, they are really important community spaces … there’s huge potential there.”.  Assistant Director of Scottish Libraries Council says libraries are having technologies being introduced and that Scottish libraries are increasing in visits (up 2.5% last year). 
  
• Carnegie UK Trust warns libraries “must adapt” – BBC.  “Chief executive Martyn Evans said: “It’s clear that people in Scotland still love their libraries, but library services need to develop innovative ways of attracting visitors and providing a new range of relevant services, along with a re-think about how the buildings are used as community hubs. “Libraries need to be able to demonstrate the impact they have on a wide range of social indicators such as health and wellbeing, employment, and digital inclusion.””
• Libraries are “essential” to communities, according to majority of Scots – STV.  “The trust said a number of councils have shown examples of “good practice”, including Orkney’s use of social media, South Ayrshire’s e-publishing initiative and the City of Edinburgh Council’s smartphone app, which shows library locations, events, bus links and other information.”
• Libraries may adapt or die, says report – Herald Scotland.   “Crime writer Ian Rankin also backed the calls, saying it was crucial that Scottish libraries move forward. The Rebus author said: “Technology and changes in the way we live are impacting hugely on what communities want and need from libraries. “It’s crucial the services they provide adapt and evolve so they remain as treasured in the future as they are now, providing a free yet invaluable service that underpins education, creativity and lifelong learning. “It’s heartening to see this work by the trust give us a sound starting point for a critically-important debate about the role of libraries.”