UN special report on the UK highlights plight of public libraries

Editor

To be honest, I was expecting the report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on poverty and human rights in the UK to have, at most, one glancing link to libraries. But how wrong I was. I guess I’m used to UK government reports who are, the best efforts of the Libraries Taskforce notwithstanding, often ignore public libraries. Philp Alston, the rapporteur, is Australian and thus comes from a country with a well-funded and advances public library system and, gosh, it shows. Word search comes up with fifteen uses of the word library in the report and some of them are very direct and damning. They highlight the importance of public libraries and the damage cuts to them are causing. Mr Alston also points out the peremptory  decision to fund Citizens Advice to do the job libraries are already doing may not have been the best. I like this chap and you will too. The Government meanwhile has, rather ironically, denied it is in denial, and gone straight back to fighting over Brexit. Hey ho.

Other news today includes the fall out over the deep cut in Essex (the deepest of a UK library service this year) but, thankfully, no further bad news. There’s a very good TED talk on why library services should not be exacting fines. If you are interested in this, I’ve done a summary of the current global situation here and also, to my mind at least, a hard-hitting and humourous article here. Finally, I’m delighted to have evaluation expert write a special article for you on how to get to know your users and non-users. It is of course well worth a read.

National news

• Bibliotherapy: how reading and writing have been healing trauma since World War I – Conversation. “Even as public library services across Britain are cut back, the healing potential of books is increasingly recognised.”
• Knowing me, knowing you: do we really know our existing and potential library users? Marge Ainsley on evaluation – Public Libraries News. “When I ask library teams who their audiences are, they’re quick to share the facts and figures — the number of people in the building, issues, or how satisfied people are. But if I ask why those people are coming (or more importantly, why people aren’t coming), they often don’t know or base their response on assumptions (which are sometimes, but not always correct). ” Ten tips to improve evalutation.

“Libraries have closed in record numbers … I talked with civil society, front line workers, work coaches, and officials from local, devolved, and UK governments; and visited community organizations, social housing, a Jobcentre, a food bank, an advice center, a library, and a primary school.” …

“The reality is that digital assistance has been outsourced to public libraries and civil society organizations. Public libraries are on the frontline of helping the digitally excluded and digitally illiterate who wish to claim their right to Universal Credit. While library budgets have been severely cut across the country, they still have to deal with an influx of Universal Credit claimants who arrive at the library, often in a panic, to get help claiming benefits online. In Newcastle alone, the first city where ‘full service’ Universal Credit was rolled out in May 2016, the City Library has digitally assisted nearly 2,000 customers between August 2017 and September 2018.” …

“Citizens Advice will be funded by DWP as the sole provider of Assisted Digital Support, with a total budget of £39 million spread out over several years, which must also cover personal budgeting support. Not only is this a small amount in light of the need, but it diverts funding away from public libraries and other organizations which have set up improvised digital support programs.” …

“and between 2010 and 2016 more than 340 libraries closed and 8,000 library jobs were lost. Anyone can rely on public services like the library, but they are of particular significance to those living in poverty who may need to access a computer or a safe community space” …

“And with the government’s new dependence on digital-by-default benefits applications, lack of broadband internet or access to libraries are particularly painful. Government officials assured me that anyone can walk off the street and get support to make an online claim for benefits, but that’s simply not the case for people living outside major cities.” …

“At the same time many of the public places and institutions that previously brought communities together, such as libraries, community and recreation centers, and public parks, have been steadily dismantled or undermined” Statement on Visit to the United Kingdom, by Professor Philip Alston, United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights

• We must not deprive our children of school libraries – TES. “if a school doesn’t have a vibrant library, the chances of a child finding one outside are getting slimmer: 449 libraries closed in England, Scotland and Wales between 2012 and 2017, according to the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. And nearly 15 per cent of public libraries in England – more than 569 – are now run by volunteers rather than the council”

International news

• USA – 26 People Told Us How Public Libraries Make Their Lives Better – Buzzfeed. Quiet, foreign languages, loneliness, cost, trip outside, research, audiobooks, education, stress, dyslexia, neutral, safe, write own books, therapy dog, kids, friends,
• USA – Anythink to become early adopter of community engagement system for public libraries – Anythink Libraries. ” will help Anythink staff make informed and streamlined decisions about collection development, product distribution, library spaces, programming and, most importantly, customer needs. “
• USA – A librarian’s case against overdue loan fines – Tedx Talk. “Libraries have the power to create a better world; they connect communities, promote literacy and spark lifelong learners. But there’s one thing that keeps people away: the fear of overdue book fines. In this thought-provoking talk, librarian Dawn Wacek makes the case that fines don’t actually do what we think they do. What if your library just … stopped asking for them altogether?”

“Study after study has shown that the reason libraries fine is because of strongly held beliefs about the effectiveness of getting materials back on time backed by no evidence. Basically, we fine because we’ve always fined. So, the best option for your libraries is to put their mission first. And they will do that if their community members ask it of them. “

• USA – Some Libraries Are Facing Backlash Against LGBT Programs — And Holding Their Ground – Buzzfeed News. “Drag queen storytimes and other LGBT programs are meant to create safe spaces for the queer community. The librarians running them are getting death threats.” … “lawsuits filed by Warriors for Christ and Special Forces of Liberty alleged that the Lafayette Public Library violated the First Amendment by promoting “human secularism”  … “Aside from unfounded and bigoted concerns that drag queens are predators thrusting children into a state of gender confusion and homosexuality, attacks against drag queen storytime have stirred debates about library neutrality and what responsibilities a tax-funded civic institution has in serving its community”

Local news by authority

“To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent assessment he has made of whether Barnet is meeting its statutory requirements under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service.” Kevin Brennan, Shadow Minister.

“In December 2017, the then Secretary of State indicated that she was not minded to intervene by ordering a local inquiry under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 to determine whether the changes in library provision in Barnet offer a comprehensive and efficient library service. The further representations received are being carefully considered by the current Secretary of State.” Michael Ellis, Libraries minister. Barnet – They Work For You.

• Bradford – Top author to visit local libraries – Telegraph and Argus.
• Calderdale – Closure threat looms over Calderdale’s library buildings – Halifax Courier. “Cabinet were considering options after a review of library services and having ruled out closing 15 smaller community libraries agreed to ask officers to come back with more in-depth information about two other alternatives. In 2019-20 library services have to save £130,000 out of a £1.5 million budget split across Halifax Central Library, hub libraries at Brighouse, Elland, Hebden Bridge, King Cross, Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden, and 15 community libraries”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Cheshire West libraries enjoy visitor boom in past year – Northwich Guardian. “Figures presented to members of Cheshire West and Chester Council on Tuesday show that by the middle of 2018-19, 893,523 people had used CWAC libraries, compared to 789,688 by the same time last year. CWAC says it is on track to smash its target for 2018-19, when it hopes that more than 1.4 million people use its libraries.” … “A report presented at Tuesday’s overview and scrutiny committee meeting said that Storyhouse has been a major contributor to the success of the borough’s libraries. “
• Cumbria – No books loaned from Barrow Island library in a year – BBC. “Eighteen books were technically “checked out” at the library on Barrow Island, Cumbria, but they were by IT staff making sure the machine worked. Barrow Local Committee was told the library had sporadic opening hours. There is now a plan to get library staff out and about in the community more, providing story sessions for children, author visits and reading groups. Cumbria County Council installed the library at Barrow Island Primary School.”
• East Dunbartonshire – Cutting libraries in Lenzie, Milton of Campsie and Westerton will increase inequality and poverty, says professional body – Kirkintilloch Herald. “Sean McNamara, acting director of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland, wrote to council leaders Andrew Polson and Vaughan Moody after proposals to close libraries in Milton of Campsie, Lennoxtown and Westerton in Bearsden were revealed. He said: “We understand that this is only a recommendation at this stage, but I would like to raise our concerns and urge you not to take this option forward.”
• Essex – Essex library closures: 25 out of 74 set to go – Essex. “Twenty-five of the 74 libraries in Essex could shut, with a further 18 to potentially be run by volunteers.” … “Essex has the second-highest number of libraries in the UK, but since 2008 user numbers have fallen by 31% – or 100,000 – with half the amount of books being borrowed than in previous years.” see also A third of the county’s libraries could shut, saving £2million – Gazette Series and Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, Debden and North Weald libraries are likely to close – Guardian Series. Councillor says “”I believe this will lead the county council foul of their statutory duty in the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964. “Even Loughton, as a hub library, might have its hours and quality of service reduced.” and Still hope for threatened libraries as local Labour launches campaign – Echo News and Third of Essex libraries could close under council plans – BBC and Kelvedon and Silver End councillors hit out at library plans – Times series and Petition launched to keep Colchester Prettygate library open – Gazette News.

“Basildon Labour leader, Gavin Callaghan, said: “It is a hell of a Christmas present for not only two of the poorest wards in Basildon, but two of the poorest wards in Essex. “These are vital services for children, for jobseekers, for elderly people. “And this is after we were promised by the Conservative Government that austerity was over, that there would be no more cuts, it is a real kick in the teeth.” Basildon Labour leader

• Lewisham – Draft Consultation: Proposed changes to Lewisham Libraries Service – Lewisham Council. Preview of public consultation on cuts.
• Lincolnshire – Statistics – via email. Usages since opening in 2016:  2016 issues 28,083, 2017 issues 34,218, 2018 issues  29,442 (up to end Oct).  2016 24,540 visitors, 2017 28,988, 2018 30,690 (up to end Oct). 2016 –  524 new members, 2017 – 583 new members, 2018 – 489 new members up to end Oct. Summer Reading Challenge: 2016 – Finishers 54, 2017 – Finishers 114, 2018 – Finishers 142. Increased our regular clubs/activities: 2016 1 regular Junior club and a in house book group, 2017 increase and balanced out hours (10-5 Mon Wed and Fri), 4 regular junior clubs  (baby group, Storytime, Lego Club, 50p Craft Fridays), 4 new adult clubs (Scrabble, Colouring, Knit and Natter, Age Concern Bus) and a handful ad hoc evening events), 2018 –  Continued with 4 regular junior clubs,  4 regular adult clubs added special one off events. Recent increase in hours will see even more clubs setting up in 2019.  (plans for more adult groups – possibly board games, mens group, craft sessions etc plus Sat clubs for kids Coding, Creative Writing, Weekend Storytime etc)
• Moray – Call for Moray Council to shut down libraries instead of Elgin Community Centre – Press and Journal.

“The libraries are equipped with staff, heating and facilities for only a handful of people. “My husband used to work in schools and we can see that book-lending is a thing of the past. Any reading groups can come to the centre.”

• North Yorkshire – Official opening of the extension to the Great Ayton Discovery Centre – Libraries Taskforce. “In 2012 the operation of the library in the North Yorkshire village of Great Ayton was taken over by the community, following withdrawal of funding by the county council. It was one of the first libraries in the county to be run by volunteers, and is now in its seventh year of community ownership as The Great Ayton Discovery Centre. This has only been possible through a partnership between volunteers from the village, the Great Ayton Parish Council (which provides financial support) and North Yorkshire County Council (which continues to provide the library service and IT facilities).”
• Redbridge – Plans for Gants Hill library to become a purpose-built residential housing complex with GP, police and book facilities – Ilford Recorder. “The hubs which could include a library, social care services, enforcement, police and GPs all under one roof are envisioned as purpose-built facilities at Gants Hill library, Seven king car park, Wanstead library, Ashtons Playing Fields, and Hainault library”
• Worcestershire – Upton Library should not bear the brunt of county council cuts – Malvern Gazette. “The council has assessed all 23 libraries across the county using a range of criteria including the use of library facilities, the amount of deprivation in the local community and the distance to alternative libraries. And according to its criteria, Upton’s library is one of the lowest when ranked in order on need in the county”
• York – Column: Reading makes us better people – which is why our libraries matter – York Press. “York is a lucky city in lots of ways. Not just for the obvious beauty of our historical heritage and world class museums but for a reason closer to local communities’ hearts: the fact that our library service has survived the dark days of government spending cuts since 2010 in remarkably sound health. That is pretty good going when more than 478 public libraries have been forced to close in England, Scotland and Wales over that period. ” … “Their current contract is due to expire at the same time as our membership of the European Union in March 2019. Hopefully, with happier prospects than the ones Theresa May has been ineptly ‘negotiating’ for the last two years. “

“I am sure that I am not alone in noticing the book stock of York Explore has shrunk over the last decade. This trend carries an implicit danger that if trips to the library become unfruitful people will simply cease to make them. “