What’s the effect of volunteer libraries on the Summer Reading Challenge?

Editorial

I was curious about the practical effects of volunteer libraries on the Summer Reading Challenge (SRC), which is the biggest part of the promotional year for most public libraries.  So, I checked with the Reading Agency and then with Little Chalfont Community Library, which is perhaps one of the most established and certainly one of the most famous of them.

Anne Sarrag, Director of the SRC, was kind enough to speak to me about the experience with volunteer libraries.  She reports that the Challenge is well-established, with the budget for it often being ring fenced by authorities.  A common model is that the parent library service will still buy materials and provide training for the volunteer library staff.  Of course, the volunteers may not be able to open the library as much as before or have as much quite new stock but it gives back up to the paid libraries and access to those who cannot get to them.  So, at least, I gained the impression from talking to her, that they’re  better than a closed library.

Indeed, sometimes the volunteer library may wish to purchase more promotional materials than the parent authority can due to cuts in budget.  Volunteers have in some cases raised funding to buy more than council.  However, the TRA preference is for all branches in an authority to offer the same provision.  At the other extreme, there are some volunteer libraries who have been cut adrift by the parent authority and are not supported by them.  In this case, the non-statutory branch have occasionally asked for free materials to which the TRA has to, with regret, decline. I gather that the TRA have to tread a fine line here: they cannot help those campaigning against the closure of their library – even by tweeting – because this would cross the path into politics.  In addition, the agency also has commercial sponsors, with the programme being supported by Tesco in Scotland, which may be scared off by any sign of a loss of absolute neutrality.

Keeping the same standard SRC offer means that volunteer branches are not allowed to charge users for joining the scheme and must talk to the children’s manager in that authority in order to co-ordinate the offer to the public.  Otherwise, there’s be a danger of competition between paid and volunteer branches in schools.  The SRC also ensure that any such volunteer staff visiting schools are CRB checked, which is something that not all paid library staff visiting schools are.

Overall, there appears to have been no reduction in SRC take-up due to volunteer libraries or library closures.  Indeed, there was a healthy increase in SRC membership last year.  This may be due to all sorts of reasons, including an overall improving trend masking a local decline, the efforts of volunteers being successful or children moving to libraries that are still open, or a combination of all three.

Now for an idea of how this translates to a particular volunteer library:

“Buckinghamshire only give us a small selection of promotional materials which is not enough to make any presence felt in the library and restricts our ability to get involved fully. I think it presents quite a negative image for community libraries left out of a national scheme if visitors come in expecting us to be part of it. Three local schools promote the scheme for us so we buy more packs, medals and information leaflets to meet potential demand. It may seem expensive but I have to buy in set pack quantities from the official printers. We have shared costs with Chalfont St Giles in the past split packs but now we’re both enrolling more children it doesn’t work the same.

Over the past two years we have grown our participation from about 12 to 89 children and last year 23 of those completed the course & earned their medals. I think it definitely helps to keep our borrowing figures up in the summer months; families who take part are always very positive about it. I’d like to increase our activities in the library around the challenge with fun days like the circus one a few years ago and … we may be able to do a bit more this year. One limiting factor for the volunteer libraries is the demographic of the volunteer staff, many of whom find the children’s section confusing and lack confidence promoting the scheme to visitors unless asked about it. I need to increase the volunteer training to overcome some of the resistance I’ve felt in the past.” Ruth Penn, Little Chalfont Community Library.

“I would say that it goes well with us because Ruth puts in a great deal of time and effort, liaising with BCC and the SRC organisers, and in publicizing it with local schools. So you get back what you put in” Rohan Dale, Little Chalfont Community Library

Now, Little Chalfont is a very well established volunteer library which can be expected to be a “best case” scenario for the genre.  Doubtless, there are other libraries of the same ilk who are not doing half as well but the impression I get from my tiny amount of research on this subject (which is more, mind you, than anything done anywhere else – public libraries are not exactly good at this sort  thing) is that, overall, we’re not seeing the widespread destruction on the ground which may be feared, which is something that all of us who have seen the positive effects of the SRC on children can be fully grateful for.
Does this ring true to you? Have you any other experiences of volunteer libraries running the Summer Reading Challenge that you are willing to share? If so, please send this and/or any other news to ianlibrarian@live.co.uk.

In the previous post of 17th July, I said that the Gloucestershire judicial review merely meant that the council redid the necessary parts and then acted as it would have done previously.  It has been pointed out to me that this is not the case and that three static libraries remained opened due to the decision.  My thanks to @FOGLibraries for the correction.

Changes

• Worcestershire – £2.7m cut 2011/2016 with £1.9m already cut 2011/2014. 3 out of 4 mobile libraries to close. Upton to be run by town council with paid/volunteer mix, Broadway and Hagley to be passed to volunteers, Bewdley to be relocated. Hive opening hours may be cut.

UK national

• 25th July 2014 Lunchtime Special Joint Chat With Dundee Libraries – #UKlibchat. “As it is only a one hour slot, we have gathered six questions, The first three questions will be used as an opening into the general topic of Makerspaces thoughts and ideas of what you would think a Makerspace could be in a library. The last three questions have been generated to see the challenges that may face libraries and to open up a discussion to see how we can overcome these. All of these question have been added to our agenda document.”
• CILIP governance: a reply to Martyn Wade – Tom Roper’s Weblog. “If any government were to propose that more than 200 out of the 650 MPs in the Commons were to be chosen by their fellow MPs, rather than by popular vote by the electorate, we’d have revolution in the streets. I don’t see why CILIP should not aspire to the modest standards of parliamentary democracy. In fact, I think we could do better as I may elaborate on another occasion.” … “it remains a fact that the governance review conducted its proceedings in secret” … “On membership, yes, we have appointed a member of staff to help tackle the problem. That seems to me to be buck-passing. It is the responsibility of Council, above all, to turn the situation round, and yet it doesn’t even merit a mention in our risk register. I think Council is in denial.” [There are a lot of comments on LIS-PUB-LIBS if you wish to see more – Ed.]
• Common libraries: project report 2014 – Common Libraries. Report on setting up Maker Spaces in the UK, with a look at the processes involved, demands etc and a case study or two.
• Governance review: response from Martyn Wade  – Leon’s Library Blog. Leon says ” now is the time for the membership to review, discuss, and if necessary amend, the proposals put forward. This should not be viewed as a criticism of the of the hard work already done but as a natural part of the political process to ensure healthy debate within a democratic membership organisation.”.  Martyn (Chair of CILIP Council) says Museums Association and IOSH work with same governance as that proposed for CILIP. “Overall Privy Council Advisors felt the proposals put forward by CILIP to amend their governance structure appeared practical and also appeared to refine the governance structure and provided improved clarity. The introduction of a smaller Board of Trustees, to replace a larger Council, was felt to be appropriate.”
• Valuing the health and wellbeing benefits of public libraries – Contracts Finder. “EnglishArts Council England is seeking a suitably qualified service provider to carry out an in depth study into the economic contribution that libraries make through benefits to people’s health and wellbeing. The contract term is seven months and the estimated value is £50,000 including VAT and expenses. The study must explore both local and national dimensions of the contribution and value and must include both primary research and secondary data analysis. There are three high-level research questions which the study will need to answer: 1. What is the £ value contributed over time by libraries through their impact on health and wellbeing at both a national and local level? 2. How is this value created, and what is the specific role of library services, programmes, buildings, or staff in this process? 3. To whom does this value accrue? How does value change for different end users, such as different parts of the public sector, or individuals and communities with different backgrounds? Further details about the Arts Council England’s requirements are set out in the invitation to tender.”

Lincolnshire judicial review

Simon Draper and Lincolnshire County Council – High Court of Justice.  The full text of the decision by Mr Justice Collins. Main points [to me, anyway – Ed.] are:

• Calls the method by the Secretary of State to intervene “a cumbersome and expensive procedure”.
• “It seems to me that all of the computer systems currently provided in the defendant’s libraries can properly be regarded” as part of the statutory provision.  The council is not bound to provide it but, being it does, it must continue.
• Service can be “reasonable” depending on budget available, distance, technology and all other factors.
• Cut of £2 million to library “cannot be challenged” in the courts as it is a political decision.
• Councils can have a preferred option and strong proposals but, If consultation is to be meaningful, then council must be willing to change its mind.
• Consultation flawed as council was not prepared to change key parts of its proposals.
• Expressions of interest by GLL and Biblitotheca were not properly considered by the council.  Reason given for this by council would be the “unacceptable delay” in taking these proposals seriously.  Judge thought it “ironic” that this reason caused the far longer delay brought about by successful application for the judicial review.
• Council fulfilled its requirements under Equalities legislation.
• 30 minute drive time to the library is not a minimum requirement.
• The consultation alone was not enough for the council’s decision to be quashed and relief given: the way it handled the proposal by GLL tipped the balance.
• IT Defined as Part of the Statutory Library Duty – James Powney’s Blog. “The conventional view of many professional librarians, and of the DCMS, is that computers and IT do not form part of the definition … Contrary to the SoS letter, the Lincolnshire judgement confirms the earlier remarks of the Judge in the Bailey case that in fact IT provision is in some sense part of the s7 duty” … “authorities are throughout the country looking to limit their activities to the legal minimum.  Lincolnshire has gone further in this than any other authority, and the judgement confirms the legitimacy of that approach.  Thus, if (say) ebook or audiobook provision does not fall under the statutory definition there is a real danger they may get removed in many authorities.”
• High Court quashes decision of Lincolnshire County Council to close libraries – Save Lincolnshire Libraries. Press statement from Public Interest Lawyers. “During the hearing a number of issues became clear. It was found that the LCC had failed to follow their own government’s legislation for enhancing community involvement in public services through the Localism Act.” … The consultation run by the council was rejected completely on the basis that they had already decided to have 15 libraries before the consultation began.” … Mr Justice Collins “… considered that the decision by the council should be put out for further consultation and that the most sensible way ahead would be to obtain the necessary details from GLL with regard to their bid to run the libraries.”
• County council loses High Court battle over library provision changes – Local Government Lawyer. “The judge did find, however, that the council had fulfilled its duty in relation to s. 149 of the Equality Act 2010. “It identified the possible areas of discrimination and identified measures which it believed would ensure that there was no unlawful discrimination. That exercise was not irrational.” … ““Throughout this process Save Lincolnshire Libraries has on many occasions said that the county council could have stopped the legal process if it had listened to the people of Lincolnshire and changed its plans. It consistently refused to do so and has spent hundreds of thousands of pounds of public money trying to impose and then defend the indefensible”
• Lincolnshire libraries: Martin Hill apologises and says talks will be held with Greenwich Leisure Ltd whose initial bid to run every library was ignored – Lincolnshire Echo. “Council leader Martin Hill has said he is sorry about how the situation was handled but questioned how GLL could save money and retain the service without cutting jobs.”
• ‘Urgent’ talks to save Lincolnshire County Council libraries – BBC. “Councillor Martin Hill questioned how Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) could save the authority £2m, without cutting jobs and “still retain the service” … “Diana Edmonds, from GLL, a charitable social enterprise, which had offered to run the libraries, said: “We have opportunities to make tax savings that the local authorities don’t have. “We don’t expect people to do full-time jobs if they are not being paid for it.”

International

• A case for public libraries – The News (India). “While talking to a bunch of people who are fond readers and seemed to be aware of the minimal access to reading material, I learnt that their replies were almost similar. What they all pointed out was as to how there was no need for a centre that allows the borrowing of books. It needs to be a place resembling a lounge — a hybrid of a few things.”
• EveryLibrary Launches Fund To Aid Libraries In Crisis – Library Journal (USA). “Most libraries know what its’ like to struggle with finding funding. Getting a levy or tax hike passed is hard work. Living through lean times that freeze hiring and stifle collection development can be trying. But when the rug gets pulled out from under you suddenly, it can be even worse. In order to provide some assistance when eleventh hour budget cuts come knocking, EveryLibrary, the political action committee devoted to strengthening the place libraries have at the civic table, is working on a new program with just these sorts of dilemmas in mind—the Rapid Response Fund, a pot of cash meant to give libraries facing sudden budget cuts the tools to rally supporters quickly and fight back.”
• Kindle Unlimited – Metafilter (USA). “Amazon announced today a service called Kindle Unlimited, giving access to over 600,000 books and audiobooks (on any device) for $.9.99/month. There are other services similar that exist (like Scribd and Oyster), but Amazon may have an advantage with its audio service. Is it worth it? Perhaps if you are in the habit of buying more than the average five books per year. In any case, there’s a 30 day free trial “so you can test your binge-reading capabilities before committing to pay for the service.” … [“emerging conclusion is that the range of books is rubbish” is a line in an email I have received on the subject – Ed.} see also Close The Libraries And Buy Everyone An Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription – Forbes. “HuffPo rather sneeringly argued that Amazon wants you to pay $120 a year for a library ticket. Which is true but also what sparks this little, not entirely and wholly serious, thought on public policy.”
• LGBTQ teens find solace in Longview Public Library’s Rainbow Community club – TDN (USA). “the Rainbow Community, an LGTBQ club (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning ) for middle and high school students hosted at the Longview Public Library”.  30 people use regular library club.
• Singapore won’t destroy two gay themed books, titles to return to public libraries – LGBTQ Nation (Singapore). “Two children’s books dealing with gay subjects won’t be destroyed after all and will be restored to Singapore’s public libraries, an official said Friday. Minister of Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim had said in mid-July he supported the state-run National Library Board’s decision to pulp three books deemed to have inappropriate content. But many people in the conservative Southeast Asian city-state objected.”
• This could be Ireland’s library of the future – but why the controversy? – Journal (Eire). “In an interesting move, the 6,520m2 building – which will be the central library for the county of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown – will be called the Dlr Lexicon, which reflects the fact that it offers more than a library. It’s also intended to be a cultural centre, with a café (the tenant is yet to be decided on), a gallery, a small auditorium space, crafts spaces, a local history library, 100 parking spaces and a children’s library.” … “Around the corner is a crafts room, which will offer 3D printing, and a newspaper section, ” … “This library, says the council, was “not done in isolation”. The Arts office, for example, is working with local schools, while local retired people will be showcasing some of their crafts when the doors open.”
• U.S. libraries become front line in fight against homelessness – WTAQ (USA). “Libraries are magnets for the homeless since they are public, free, centrally located and quiet. They also are safe, a major draw given that 337 homeless people have been killed in hate crimes in the last 15 years, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless.” … “Libraries can have their own guidelines, like Washington’s six-page rule book barring alcohol, bare feet, oversize bags and an odor that can be smelled six feet (two meters) away.”
• Troy PL’s Battle for Survival: Anti-Tax and Book Burning Threats – Information Today (USA). “An engaged citizenry is a very good thing. An enraged citizenry is a challenge. In Troy, after 2 years of battles followed by some very difficult legislative campaigns, citizens are weary. While there is an active group that is well-informed and interested in community affairs, many have become tired of dirty politics and are starting to step away from involvement. “

UK local news by authority

• Birmingham – Construction News Awards 2014: winners revealed – CN. Carillion wins project of the year over £50m for the Library of Birmingham.
• Birmingham – Stirling Prize: Shard makes the cut on award shortlist – BBC. “The revamped Everyman Theatre in Liverpool, the Library of Birmingham, the London School of Economics and Manchester School of Art are also in the running.”
• Brent – Campaigning battle over library space comes to an end as planning application is approved – Get West London. “After years of controversy developers have finally secured the right to transform Kensal Rise Library into flats with a community space.” … ““Through the change programme, we are fiercely proud that we have been able to improve our remaining libraries including investing significantly in new books and technology as well as providing a place for people to study and learn. In 2013, our visitor and borrowing numbers were up on the previous year, bucking the national trend for public libraries.”
• Bury – Group fights to reclaim Bury library – Bury Times. “In May, a sculpture centre was put into the library in Manchester Road, despite 2,500 people signing a petition opposing it. Now, a group called Reinstate Bury Central Library (RBCL) has formed a committee aimed at persuading Bury Council to “give us back a central library worthy of its name.” The group’s committee met at the Two Tubs pub in Bury on Tuesday, July 8, to discuss how it would progress its campaign, and 11 people turned up.” … “anecdotal evidence from council sources suggested there has been a “significant drop” in the number of books borrowed since the sculpture centre opened”
• Cornwall – Primary school boy starts campaign against reduced library opening hours – West Briton. “Leon Remphry, from King Charles School, is so passionate about reading that he decided to take a stand against the reduced opening hours of Falmouth Library, which came into effect in June. The literary lad has started a petition asking Cornwall Council to stop cutting back on opening times. He has also written to his local councillor and two Cabinet members to find out where best to send the document.”
• Devon – Ottery fears for its library’s future – Exeter Express and Echo. “As the local population was set to expand over the next few years, it was important that the library, which serves all ages, should be able to meet the increased demand. Ottery St Mary Town Council said the library had suffered under-investment for years and noted that there were alternative locations in the town, including redundant county council buildings, that could be used as a new site, together with other services.
• Leicestershire – Villagers fighting to keep library open – Lutterworth Mail. “A petition signed by nearly 1,300 people has been handed to County Hall bosses in an attempt to stop the closure of Fleckney Library”
• Manchester – Get a super-fast internet connection for your business or charity – Manchester.gov.uk. “For a limited period we can help fund a broadband connection for small and medium-sized businesses, charities, social enterprises and other not-for-profit organisations. We’ll cover up to £3,000 of the connection costs. That’s usually enough to pay for all the work. It’s a grant not a loan, so you don’t have to pay it back. You just pay the VAT, any amount over £3,000, and the monthly subscription cost.” … “Come and see us at the Get Digital Festival, Central Library, Manchester on Thursday 17 July to find out more about Superconnected Cities grants and how technology can help your business grow”

• Manchester – Let’s get digital: Manchester Central Library celebrates turning 80 with gadget-fest – Mancunian Matters. “Members of the public got their geek on with top gadgets, such as the Oculus Rift and Google Glass, in the library’s newly-refurbished state-of-the-art facilities as part of the Get Digital Festival 2014. The event offered Mancunians the chance to try out the latest gadgets and attend seminars and masterclasses, which promoted use of new technology in start-up enterprises.” … “One nifty gizmo on show was a friendly Nao Next-Gen Robot, who delighted audiences by asking questions and doing ‘the Robot’ to ‘Gangnam Style’.” … “Another demonstration that amazed spectators was the cutting-edge UP Portable 3D printer, which used a computer image to fabricate a 3D plastic duck, layer by layer, before their very eyes.”