Editorial

The date of the next National Libraries Day has been confirmed as Saturday 8th Feburary.  It is to be the culmination of a week of celebration and events for all types of library.  Starting out less than three years ago as a spontaneous day protesting against library closures (with all credit for this going to Alan Gibbons), the event has matured at blinding speed into something which all aspects of the library sector should be able and willing to support.  So, if you have not done so already, get planning something special to help show the nation what excellent services libraries provide.

Changes

National Libraries Day

“In the 21st century libraries are more necessary than ever. We are in the middle of an information revolution and librarians and information professionals are central to it. Their contribution to society is immense and wide-ranging and includes helping people to find work, supporting the government’s digital by default agenda, improving literacy and encouraging reading for pleasure. National Libraries Day is a celebration of what is great about our libraries and librarians I urge everybody to join the fun and send a clear message that they are much loved and much needed.”” Phil Bradley

News

  • Dr Zakir Naik’s books in public libraries – BBC. “Join the debate with Nihal at 10. He’s asking, should public libraries in Britain be stocking books by banned scholar Dr Zakir Naik? Zakir Naik was banned from entering the UK in 2010 because of his comments that “every muslim should be a terrorist” and his refusal to condemn Osama bin Laden. Yet books stating his views are available in a London library, one group is campaigning for them to be banned. What do you think? “
  • Far Fewer Toronto Library Customers Fail to Pick Up Holds – Library Journal (USA) “Until July of last year, library users didn’t have to pay if they didn’t pick up the holds that came in for them. But the library changed that policy in part because of the hundreds of thousands of books, DVDs and other media that were sitting on shelves waiting for someone to claim them each year.”
  • Free ‘twig’ libraries to pop up in Ashe County – Jefferson Post.  The Ashe County Public Library is expanding. And it’s doing it one “twig” at a time. Slightly larger than a dollhouse, the locally-built “twigs” will house books instead of toys and will be formally called “Little Free Libraries.”The Little Free Libraries will be called “twigs,” which is a wordplay on the county library not having branch locations.”
  • Our new report: Better in public hands – We own it. Summary of five points why public ownerships is better than outsourcing.
  • Spreading the benefits of digital participation – Royal Society of Edinburgh. “Members of the public across Scotland are invited to take part in a national inquiry into the changing role of digital technology. The inquiry will explore how digital technologies and the internet (including the world-wide-web, mobile gadgets, mobile apps, email, and social networking sites) are used by the public, businesses, government and charities on a day to day basis. It will examine what information, services and opportunities digital technologies can offer, and seek to understand how the benefits can be shared by all.”

Local news

“A reminder that the closing date for handing in Impact Assessment Surveys is, Thursday 8th August at http://consult.herefordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/Assessing_the_Impact/consultationHome.

Many thanks for supporting the Campaign to Save Herefordshire’s Libraries and Museums.  Please carry on sharing the petition at http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-herefordshire-s-libraries Hereford – 38 Degrees by email.

“Without books, without the opportunity and luck to be near and accessible library which held them, especially when she and her husband can’t drive anymore, I don’t think I would have seen her as happy and optimistic as she has been for the past ten years. If the library closes its doors it’s closing them on her too.” Lincolnshire – Just one reason why we need libraries – Adventures.

  • Pembrokeshire – Next chapter in county library story undecided – Western Telegraph. “… redevelopment plans for the County Library in Haverfordwest have been shelved over spiralling costs. In April, it was announced that Pembrokeshire County Council had been awarded £300,000 from the Welsh Government to refurbish the building and introduce new facilities, including a ‘healthy hub’ and children’s play and learning area.”
  • Portsmouth – Literary festival is back with top stars – News. “going into schools, libraries and workplaces. Guerilla Poetry, the Book Barney debate and the Book Fair will return.”