It’s been a bumpy ride since 2010 and it looks like it will continue

Editorial

The timing of the CIPFA figures for libraries is normally embarrassing for something supposedly from the information sector. The figures are published, in this age of instant communication, a full eight months after the period they cover and have a hight cost attached, despite councils giving their information for free.

However, the timing this year, a week before the general election, looks inspired. The figures clearly show the damage that has been done to the sector since 2010: a huge cut to budget which, even leaving aside inflation, is almost a third down; big decreases to staffing, issues and visits. It’s an awful record for any government and there is nothing to credibly show that Mr Johnson would change tack if given, gulp, another five years.

But I’ve looked at the latest opinion polls and it looks like the electorate will give him another five years. So keep putting on the body armour, library sector, the bumpy ride is set to continue.

Changes by local authority

• Bexley – Sidcup High Street to have combined library and cinema.
• Glasgow – Woodside Library closed for repairs. Partick Library reopens after £1.5m refurbishment.
• Nottinghamshire – Worksop Library may not open unti Summer 2020 due to flood damage.
• West Sussex – £175k cut confirmed for 2020/21. Mobile service confirmed withdrawn. Opening hours cut.

Cipfa reaction

• Britain has closed almost 800 libraries since 2010, figures show – Guardian. “Cipfa chief executive Rob Whiteman said that while spending had increased slightly in the last year, the figures showed a sustained trend where local councils on tight budgets had been forced to redirect funding to priority services such as social care.”

“We are encouraged to see that local authority spending on libraries rose slightly this year even though levels have fallen significantly over the past decade. We know we must do more to demonstrate to national and local decision makers how much libraries contribute to a range of outcomes from literacy, to health and social mobility. We are particularly concerned about the fall in book loans, which is why we’re determined to fundraise for more projects such as our BBC novels campaign that specifically targets people who are less engaged with books and reading”

Libraries Connected.

• Latest CIPFA stats reveal library numbers still falling – BookSeller. “Laura Swaffield, chair of The Library Campaign, said the newly released statistics were already “way out of date” and only highlighted the gloomier news about libraries. She said: “As always, the headlines highlight national decline – hardly surprising, with funding slashed, and hundreds of libraries gutted, closed or dumped on to volunteers. As always, there’s nothing to highlight the scores of services that still thrive despite it all, and nothing to analyse how they manage it. What a waste of essential data.””
• ‘Libraries are the universities of the streets’: authors call for a stop to further closures – I. 35 closed 2018/19.
• Libraries in the archive: snapshots of reading in Britain 1930s-1990s – Guardian. “The news that Britain has closed almost 800 libraries since 2010 has prompted us to look back at images of libraries in the Guardian and Observer archives. These are a few highlights, with snippets from their original captions and related headlines.”
• Nearly 800 public libraries closed since austerity launched in 2010 – Independent. “Spending has fallen by 30 per cent over past decade, figures reveal. Currently there are 3,583 libraries open in the UK – 35 fewer than last year and 773 fewer than in 2010, a survey from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (Cipfa) has found. The closure of nearly a fifth of the UK’s libraries comes after spending has declined by 29.6 per cent over the past decade, figures from Cipfa reveal. National spending on libraries topped £1bn in 2009-10 before austerity began, but then dropped to less than £750m in 2018-19, the annual survey shows.”
• These are the busiest libraries in Yorkshire after a decade of austerity cuts hit their budgets – Yorkshire Post. “The busiest libraries in Yorkshire were Harrogate, with 274,471 items issued, York with 263,082 and Sheffield Central with 235,886. The three most visited libraries – Central Manchester, Wembley Library in Brent, and Woolwich Library in Greenwich – continue to receive well in excess of one million visitors a year. The data released today also reveals how local authorities have redesigned library services in response to tightening budgets and changing consumer habits. “
• The slow extinction of our public libraries is a quiet tragedy – Telegraph (behind paywall). “in collections, leisure centre upkeep, park hedge pruning: council tax-funded contributions for which I am grateful but cannot credit with bringing much joy to my life. The library rises above, then, as the great outlier – a place where you can read the latest bestseller for nothing or rent a film; use a photocopier, should you need one, or download an audiobook from the comfort of your own home. …”
• Thousands of Welsh children took on the challenge to read during the summer holidays – Wales 247. ““Libraries in Wales are under more and more pressure, so it’s wonderful to see that over 37,000 children in Wales have taken part in the challenge at their local library this year, and this is a testament to the hard work of library staff across Wales.””

National news

• All of Boris Johnson’s claims in BBC Andrew Marr interview, from London Bridge to Brexit to social care – I.
• Books on prescription: the role of public libraries in supporting mental health and wellbeing – Academia.
• Children who own books six times more likely to read above expected level, survey finds – Independent. “The findings come as hundreds of libraries across the country have been forced to close amid spending cuts. “
• CILIP criticises Boris Johnson library claims on Marr show – BookSeller. “Library association CILIP has criticised Boris Johnson following his comments on library services, following an Andrew Marr interview where the Tory leader suggested library closures were solely down to councils’ financial mismanagement.” … “In response, CILIP c.e.o. Nick Poole said though he was “delighted” libraries were forming part of the national debate, Johnson’s comments included three key “misconceptions”.”
• Damning figures show devastating impact of a decade of Tory cuts across UK – Mirror. “A damning audit shows how thousands of children’s and youth centres, libraries, council-subsidised bus routes and public toilets have been shut since the Conservatives came to power.” The Unison analysis, from freedom of information requests to 330 councils, reveals that 859 children’s centres and 940 youth centres have been closed since 2010. More than a fifth of public toilets, 835, have been shut, while council-subsidised bus routes have fallen by almost a third – a reduction of 1,224 services, many in isolated rural services. More than one in five libraries have either closed, been privatised or are now staffed by volunteers – a decrease of 738 council-run libraries.”
• General Election 2019 – Manifesto Special – CILIP. “Our campaign to encourage all candidates to #VoteLibraries has resulted in messages of solidarity and support from across the political spectrum. So how has this support translated into the Party Manifestos?”
• Hard Times: One UK town’s struggle in the age of austerity – Al Jazeera. Chatham. “The social safety net has been badly damaged by drastic cuts to local authorities’ budgets, which have eliminated many social services, reduced policing services, closed libraries in record numbers, shrunk community and youth centres and sold off public spaces and buildings,”
• Transcript: Boris Johnson on Andrew Marr – Spectator. “I accept that and I love libraries and I want to see them properly used. They perform a fantastic variety of services for the community and they’re wonderful, wonderful places. I want to invest in libraries, but we can only do that when we get the economy really motoring.”
• Why books matter: More than 380,000 UK kids don’t own a book – Big Issue. “However, while the gap may be closing when it comes to book ownership, libraries remain under threat of closure across the country, closing off another avenue for hard-up kids to get reading.”

International news

• Australia – An ode to the public library, the gateway to an educated society – The Mandarian.
  • The Importance of Library Partnerships – Princh. “Paula Kelly Paull, Manager Learning Communities – Hobsons Bay City Council, Churchill Fellow and Board Director – Australian Library and Information Association, shares her perspective on if she believes library partnerships are worth it and if so, why.”
• USA – What Are the Larger Implications of Ex Libris Buying Innovative? – Ithanka S R. “Innovative provides a number of library systems, currently marketing both Sierra and Polaris. Its strengths have been with public, special, and smaller academic libraries. This sale represents an exit for its private equity owners. “

Local news by authority

• Bath and North East Somerset – Council marks International Volunteer Day by highlighting opportunities – Bath Echo. “Staff from Bath Central Library showcased their volunteering opportunities at the library and championed the existing volunteers by publishing their book reviews on the Bath & North East Somerset Libraries Facebook page.”
• Bexley – DRDH wins green light for cinema and library scheme in Bexley – Architect’s Journal. “The London Borough of Bexley has granted DRDH Architects planning permission for a  £6 million library and cinema for which the council is the client. The 1,923m² mixed-use building will sit on a thin strip fronting Sidcup High Street and contain a suite of rooms with a double-height café and public library.”
• Bradford – Latest wave of library strikes to take place next week – Telegraph and Argus. “For several weeks staff have been taking part in industrial action over planned cuts to the service by Bradford Council of over £1.05m in 2020/21. A number of strikes and pickets have been organised for next week by the Unite Union. Around 70 members are expected to take part. “
  • Fight to save Ilkley Library – Wharfedale Observer. Concern expressed about suggestion library moves into town hall. “Cllr Peter Mate told the meeting the suggestion came from an options paper looking at the future of libraries. He said it was “extremely unlikely” that the library would move into the town hall.”
  • More strike action in Keighley over cuts to libraries and museums service – Keighley News.
• Bromley – Libraries threatened by incorporation into leisure facilities – Arts Professional. “A company responsible for running more than 100 libraries across the UK has been condemned for allegedly exploiting its staff and closing services against the public’s wishes. The Unite union says the operating practice of Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), which trades as Better gyms and leisure centres, “makes a mockery of the term ‘social enterprise’.”
• Bury – Saved library venue will provide new courses for Radcliffe people – Bury Times. Dumers Lane Library closed, reopens for adult learning.
• Glasgow – Councillors give green light to Woodside Library revamp – Evening Times. “One of the city’s Carnegie libraries will be repaired to ensure public safety after councillors gave plans the green light. Work can begin on the B-listed Woodside Library, which has “deteriorated significantly” over the years, following Glasgow City Council’s decision. Permission has been granted to Glasgow Life, which runs the library on behalf of the council, to restore the building, which will include replacing its glazed dome.”
  • First look inside Partick Library which reopens after £1.5 million investment – Evening Times.
  • Refurbished Partick Library to reopen to the public today – Glasgow Live. “The revamped library has been closed for nearly a year while £1.5 million of works took place.” … “The building’s new lease of life comes as part of Glasgow City Council’s Community Asset Fund investment of £10 million into community buildings across the city, with some additional funding from the Community Revenue Fund. Before its revamp, the library had not been renovated since the 1960s and was in need of repair.”
• Hertfordshire – Andrew Bignell retires from Hertfordshire Libraries after 42 years – Hertfordshire Libraries. Youtube video showing the changes over the time. Congratulations to Andrew on his long service and retirement.
• Kent – Gravesend library in Windmill Street closed for two weeks for ‘urgent building repairs’ – Kent Online. “he site, in Windmill Street, Gravesend, will be shut for around two weeks as Kent County Council works on “urgent repairs”.”

“You may remember we took the decision to move from the old Carnegie building to the Children’s Sure Start Centre back in June 2019. In doing so, we were able to use the Dementia Friendly principles in design and layout. I have just done some evaluation six months on and it continues to be a great success. Visitor figures are up 21%, book issues up 47%, reservations up 87% (we consciously invested in a large number of new books), new membership is up 140%, we have delivered 61% more events as the space is more flexible and attendance as a consequence is up 95%.

We have been able to work with some partners in the new location because of the great facilities at the new site such as Barnardo’s. We delivered sessions to young carers, to prepare meals and network in a safe environment.  We were funded to deliver a six week Read and Feed program which was part of the Kirklees Youth Alliance “Holiday hunger” project. These sessions were to help families on low incomes prepare, cook and eat together, who could then reproduce the recipes at home.”

Kirklees Libraries via email

• Leicester – Leicester libraries put on special events this Christmas – Leicester City Council.
• Manchester – 27,000 children in Manchester don’t own a single book – Manchester Evening News. “The statistics come as libraries across the country continue to have budgets cut, with many services having to close completely. Last year, the M.E.N revealed that Manchester city council was spending nearly £8.5 million less on libraries than it did in the financial year of 2010 to 2011. At the time, the council said it was committed to providing an ‘excellent’ library service and used the refurbished Central Library as an example of investment.”
• Moray – Moray libraries offering fun adult computer sessions – Northern Scot.
• Newham – Opinion: Visit library and get lost in a book – Newham Recorder. “when I go into our libraries these days, the scene is very different; here, a small group of sixth form students chat over a project they’re working on, there, some carers talk as their toddlers play together. Libraries always were places of learning from books but now there are groups learning Yoga and crafts and meeting new friends too. Schools have regular visits to our libraries and encourage children, who, like most of us, automatically resort to a search engine to find out facts, to use books instead to stretch their minds in a different way.”

• Nottinghamshire – Worksop Library will not be fully operational again until next summer – Worksop Guardian. “Worksop Library may not be back to full working order until next summer as the clean-up from last months devastating flooding continues. Flooding affected the whole of the building recovery specialists are currently clearing and cleansing the building, whilst Nottinghamshire County Council and its property partnership ARC develop a programme of works to restore the building for use again.”
• Oldham – Children’s poet and author Joseph Coelho signs up to Oldham Library service – Oldham Council. “Oldham recently celebrated more than 1,000,000 people coming through the doors of Oldham Libraries between 2018 and 2019.”
• Perth and Kinross – More people are visiting libraries in Perth and Kinross – Daily Record. “Presenting a quarterly report to Perth and Kinross Council’s scrutiny committee on Wednesday, November 26, Culture Perth and Kinross chief executive Helen Smout announced a 1.8 per cent increase in footfall for 2018/19. She said 11 out of the 13 libraries across the local authority were seeing a “continued increase.”
• Redbridge – Is the decline of libraries affecting our society? By Shanzay Yousaf, Oaks Park High School – This is Local London. “I spoke to local resident and librarian, Fozia Jan, on just how the closure of libraries will affect future generations. She spoke to me about how the internet and social media is having a “negative impact on the amount of children coming to read as they would much rather just relax on Instagram”.”
• Suffolk – Lavenham Library confirms introduction of extended opening hours at start of 2020 – Suffolk Free Press. “Lavenham Library is set to extend its opening hours beginning in the new year, following a public consultation. Under the changes, the library in Church Street will open on Mondays, between 10am and 1pm, and increase its current hours on Fridays, opening from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm.” … “The changes will result in a total increase in opening hours per week, at no cost to Suffolk Libraries, due to small changes to staffing patterns.”
• West Sussex – Cuts to West Sussex’s library service budget approved – Chichester Observer. “Following a public consultation, members of the cabinet approved the plans, which will save the county council £175,000 and come into effect in April.” … “The loss of the mobile service did not go down well with everyone but Duncan Crow, cabinet member for fire & rescue and communities, said some of the alternatives – hinting at the risk of closure for some of the smaller branches – were ‘quite unpalatable’.”