Archive for May, 2020

Editorial

The governmental advice on responding to Coronavirus is changing rapidly, as is to some extent the scientific evidence and – certainly – my understanding of what is going on. Much of the science I have seen lately – contrary to what I was seeing at the start – says that, while the virus can stay on surfaces for a long time, the chances of actually being infected by it is far smaller than that caused by airborne/human contact. This is good news for those of us working out how to quarantine returned books as it’s interesting to note that several foreign libraries – including from tomorrow the not-so-foreign Isle of Man – won’t be quarantining books at all.

They may be taking a big chance with this but not as big as those in England would be if we had to be open. The Isle of Man for example hasn’t had a new case in ten days and no Western European country comes close to the current British infection/death figures. While looking at the pictures of people happily mingling on British beaches this weekend (damn you Cummings and Johnson) and hearing stories of crowded shops not far away from where I live, it’s clear that there’s a danger this thing is not over yet. Hopefully, by the time English libraries are allowed to reopen on 4 July, the figures will have gone down enough for us to be far more confident than we would be if were reopening this week. On the other, far more pessimistic hand, if a second wave does result from the (what would be in this scenario) the reckless premature reopening of the country, then libraries will hopefully be able to take that into account.

Either way, English libraries should see the next month as a gift. As a chance to make sure that their procedures are robust, that frontline staff are consulted (for it is they who will risk their lives) and that there are well-planned options for the various infection scenarios. After all, it is an option that our schools, to their horror, have not had. Let’s be grateful. And make sure we get it right.

National news

• First Ambassadors Announced for 2020 Summer Reading Challenge – Reading Agency. “Jacqueline Wilson, Paul O’Grady, Cressida Cowell, Charlie Condou, Philip Ardagh, David Baddiel, Rob Biddulph, Sam and Mark, Hacker T Dog, Ben Fogle, Joseph Coehlo, Katie Thistleton, Harry Baker and Konnie Huq confirmed to support Summer Reading Challenge 2020.” … “he launch will feature special super silly readings, family activities and draw-a-longs from guest celebrities and authors. Over the summer, libraries will continue to run the Challenge in partnership with The Reading Agency, delivering it via virtual services and e-lending platforms, and adapting their delivery if social distancing measures develop and change.”
• Libraries Hub – Libraries Week. 5-10 October. “Library staff can register now to take part in Libraries Week 2020 and follow @librariesweek to keep informed about this year’s campaign. Follow the links below to discover posters, editable templates and social media graphics in five eye-catching designs, available in English and Welsh.”

This time tomorrow (7pm UK time) we'll be running our next #uklibchat on library services after lockdown. There's still time to take a look at the agenda and add your own ideas: https://t.co/lLquvxeygZ

Until then, enjoy the nice weather but most importantly – stay safe! pic.twitter.com/6WRVul13p7

— #uklibchat (@uklibchat) May 31, 2020

• Libraries of Sanctuary – “Following on from earlier work, such as Welcome To Your Library, public libraries are now working with City of Sanctuary to develop their provision. Thimblemill Library has been recognised as the UK’s first Library of Sanctuary, and we are now building on this experience to support other libraries that also want to become Libraries of Sanctuary. Our resource pack has been produced to support public libraries in this process. It includes detailed information on how a library can meet the requirements to learn about offering sanctuary, embed this learning in their institution, and to share their learning and opportunities with the wider community.”
• When will libraries open? The latest UK lockdown news on public libraries reopening – and how new rules could work – I. Useful summary of the current situation.

International news

• Canada – Quebec’s museums, libraries and drive-ins can reopen May 29 – CBC. “Libraries across the province will also operate differently when they reopen. The public will only be permitted to access a designated area around service counters, and will not be able to browse the library’s book aisles. Visitors will also not be able to use library computers. The CNESST recommends, if possible, that returned books are not touched for 24 hours.”
  • Covid-19: Vancouver libraries getting ready to safely reopen to the public, gradually – Vancouver Sun. “De Castell said it will likely be weeks before people will be allowed inside and she doesn’t foresee any return to in-person services until fall. Any activities normally held at libraries will be the last service to be brought back, maybe not until after a vaccine is available.”
• Denmark – Official guidelines for reopening of the Danish libraries – Christian Lauersen. “The guidelines should be seen in context of the general situation in Denmark which is, that the country is reopening rapidly these days; libraries, museums, schools, institutions of education and research, bars, restaurants and a lot of other institutions are opening up again.” No quarantine of books.

• “The directors of Utrecht, Cologne, and Aarhus public libraries, share their experiences of re-opening their library services under different constraints and regulations prompted by questions from Storyhouse in Chester and Manchester public libraries as the UK anticipates opening their libraries”
• Finland – Covid-19 and Finnish public libraries – Libraries.Fi. “on 4 May the government allowed all public libraries to restart their lending services immediately. The decision allowed libraries to offer limited services whilst the library premises remain largely closed until 1 June.” … “Turku City Library started daily morning coffee sessions on Instagram Live from the very first closure day.” … “Helsinki City Library started streaming regular literature programmes with guest authors as of 20 March.” … “An agreement between the Finnish Consortium of Public Libraries and the publishers’ association was reached on 22 April. This allowed all public libraries to produce videos containing copyrighted literature and images for periods of two months”. Initially, “all seating and tables may have been removed from library premises, and all areas except for collection areas are locked or fenced off so people do not stay and spend excess time in the library.”

“The experiences from the first week of gradual restricted opening of libraries’ lending services show that, even though the feedback from library users has been overwhelmingly delighted and excited, libraries have not experienced a rush of booklovers crowding the partly-opened libraries.”

• Global – You can’t keep a good public library (locked) down – Princh. “This week’s great blog post was written by EIFL team, who put together valuable information about how libraries around the world are supporting their communities during COVID-19. As they mention in their website “COVID-19 has closed doors but it hasn’t stopped public libraries from serving their communities.””

• New Zealand – Budget 2020 announcement: Libraries to help with jobs and community recovery – Libaries Aotearoa / Lianza. “A major funding package for libraries will allow them to play a far greater role in supporting their communities and people seeking jobs as part of the economic recovery from COVID-19. Budget 2020 contains over $60 million of funding to protect library services and to protect jobs,” says Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin. This package provides for free internet access in all public libraries to ensure that anyone can access the online services and information they need. “It also recognises the role that librarians play in providing this support. Half of this funding, $30 million, will ensure around 170 librarian jobs are directly protected” (resulting in at least one “upskilled” librarian in every local authority across the country).” [This would be £390 million if scaled up to UK size and converted into pounds. Extra resources for English libraries currently stands at £151k, 2582 times smaller – Ed.]

• Singapore – Performing venues, galleries and libraries will remain closed in Phase 1 of circuit breaker reopening – Singapore Times.
• USA – Science-Based Reopening Plans in Everyday English – Library Journal. No one size fits all. Excellent step by step guide explaining options. Probably the most approachable article yet for those wanting an introduction to current thinking.
  • Chicago Librarians Asking No One Come to Newly Opened Libraries, “Top Administrators are Forcing an Unsafe Plan” – Scapi. ““Hi friends, I hate to say this, but please do not come to the Chicago Public Library when we reopen,” the post said. “Returning things to the bookdrop is fine, but the top administrators are forcing us to implement an unsafe plan and refusing to allow us to provide safer services like curbside pickup.””
  • Connections Summit: Directors Edition 2020 – SirsiDynix. Free videos from this year’s conference including a very interesting session on a US system that has been fine-free for fifty years.
  • Libraries Must Change – New York Times. “To remain true to their mission, all libraries must undergo radical change … ” [Need to register to read full article].
  • Toledo library announces personnel cuts amid coronavirus pandemic – Toledo Blade. “The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library board on Thursday cut staff hours to help fill a budget shortfall caused by the coronavirus pandemic. While all staff will see their hours reduced effective Monday, the move should, for now, stave off layoffs.”

Local news by authority

• Cheshire West and Chester – Libraries and museums in west Cheshire to remain closed throughout June – Northwich Guardian.
• Dorset – Use of eBooks skyrockets in Dorset (and hundreds more are being made available) – Dorset Echo. “eBooks and audio books issued by Dorset Libraries peaked at almost 26,000 in April, an increase of 75 per cent on same period last year.” … “the council has invested in the service to increase the number of available titles with more than 800 new eBooks and 1,400 new audio books.”
• Edinburgh – Libraries deliver hundreds of books to vulnerable Edinburgh families in isolation – Sunday Post. “Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) – which supports the Royal Hospital for Sick Children – has teamed up with Edinburgh City Libraries to help children and their siblings feed their imaginations while shielding for 12 weeks. Thanks to volunteer delivery drivers, around 1,800 books for children and young people from a city Book Bus are being distributed.””
• Gloucestershire – Drag Queen Story Hour coming to Gloucestershire Libraries – Gloucestershire Live. “The popular Drag Queen Story Hour UK is coming to Gloucestershire Libraries and will be live streamed on their social media pages.

• Isle of Man – Facebook post above – The island has had ten days of no new cases.
• Norfolk – Norfolk Library services see lockdown rise – Diss Express. “Tens of thousands more eBooks were downloaded this April than last year – up by 63 per cent, while the number of people using the eBook service jumped 80 per cent.”
• Nottinghamshire – Nottinghamshire County Council’s libraries, including Newark Library, set to reopen from July 6 – Newark Advertiser.
• Somerset – Somerset Libraries Presents – Frome Times. Social media videos include “regular story times, health and wellbeing videos, top tips on cooking and gardening and of course some useful book reviews.”. All videos are here.
  • Phased re-opening of Somerset’s libraries planned from July – Bridgwater Mercury. “Somerset Libraries confirmed it is looking to implement a phased return during July, with a reduced service in line with government guidance.”
• South Gloucestershire – South Gloucestershire Council’s libraries extend online services – Gazette. Have added access to newspapers.
• Staffordshire – Libraries continue to see rise in demand for e-books – Tamworth Informed. “e-book downloads have increased by over 100 per cent and e-audio by around 80 per cent with over 10,000 titles now available. Over 27,000 e-magazines and 145 e-comics have also been borrowed over a similar period.”
• Tower Hamlets – Tower Hamlets – Libraries in Lockdown: Keeping Us Connected – YouTube. “Celebrating the excellent work of UK local government library staff supporting their communities in creative ways during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020.”

• Warrington – Use of library e-books up by more than 200 per cent – Warrington Guardian. “Livewire says that it has seen an enormous 229 per cent rise in the use of its virtual reads since the coronavirus measures came into force,”
• Wiltshire – Out [sic] guest reviewer examines the George Orwell classic – Gazette and Herald. Librarian reviews books, with detail of library services at end of review.

Editorial

The thoughts of many in the library sector this week are with how to safely reopen libraries while Coronavirus is still endemic and killing hundreds each day. It’s not easy but the clear tone of everything I am hearing and seeing is that it’s safety first. No-one is rushing gung-ho into endangering staff and the public and the process – even barring a likely upsurge in cases due to the obviously premature reopening of schools – towards normality will likely come in slow stages over a period of months or a year. Whatever “normality” means.

National news

• Benevolent Fund support during COVID-19 – CILIP. “The CILIP Benevolent Fund Trustees have agreed an emergency interim policy to ensure that they are able to maximise the support available to CILIP members during the disruption caused by COVID-19 and coronavirus.”

“Arts Council England is working with Shared Intelligence to undertake research into the impact of public library services on employment among their users, specifically those who are out of work or who are economically inactive. As part of this work, Shared Intelligence would like to convene a small group of Heads of Service to act as a reference point for quick testing of ideas, questions and findings, and to help identify examples of practice. Specifically, we would be looking for the group to come together three times throughout this work: At the end of phase 1 to discuss findings from scoping activities (including an national survey of library services and a literature review). At the end of phase 2 to discuss findings and results from conversations with key ‘decision-makers’. At the beginning of phase 4 (the final reporting stage), once all fieldwork data has been gathered and collated. Due to the current situation, the group will look to be convened virtually (most likely through Zoom). Please contact Jenna.birley@artscouncil.org.uk if you are interested in taking part or have any questions.

• British Library asks nation’s children to write miniature books in lockdown – Guardian. “The library is conscious that during lockdown “a high proportion of children do not have access to computers, and that many do not have art materials”, so it will also be distributing a printed pack through public libraries, food banks and sheltered accommodation, and emailing PDFs to teachers nationwide.”
• Health and Libraries – “We hope to set up a network of interesting and interested people who can meet in Libraries nationally and offer workshops, consultation and projects.”

“To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have, if any, to assist libraries to loan more audio books and e-books during the COVID-19 pandemic; and what conversations, if any, they have had with the publishing industry about that issue.” Lord Bird. Government response notes £151k from Arts Council England. They Work For You.

• I set up a secret library so people can at least escape into books – Metro. Usage of “Little Free Library” shot up when public libraries closed.
• Libraries in Newport, Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly re-opening – South Wales Argus. “Newport City Council said it is also preparing to re-open its libraries “as soon as possible” – but only when it is safe for customers and staff – and with measures to stop the spread of coronavirus.”
• Reopening during Coronavirus: examples and ideas – Public Libraries News. “Included below is information picked up from the UK and internationally, listing different approaches to reopening while Coronavirus is still endemic to some extent.”
• Research finds reading books has surged in lockdown – Guardian. “According to the nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults, surveyed from 29 April to 1 May, the nation has also increased the amount of time it spends reading books from around 3.5 hours per week, to six. Just 10% of adults said they were reading less.”
• Social media toolkit – Libraries Connected. “This toolkit has been created for Libraries Connected as a guide for all public library services on the use of social media to create more open lines of communication between library services and users.”
• Staying alert and safe (social distancing) – Gov.uk. “libraries, community centres, and youth centres” required by law to stay closed at the moment.

“To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the effect of the loss of access to public library computer terminals during the covid-19 outbreak on the (a) education and (b) mental wellbeing of autistic children and young dependent adults from households with no access to a computer or smartphones.” Caroline Lucas MP. Government response is note use of social media and plan to provide laptops to children. They Work For You.

• Safety first: The recovery of library services – Libraries Connected. “We are also feeding concerns up to DCMS and into the central government machine that is developing guidance, so we can ensure the specific needs of the library environment are being considered. With 174 million library visits last year – libraries are incredibly busy sites where people from all backgrounds meet closely together, so could also be significant sites for virus transmission if the risks are not fully understood and controlled.”

“The Recovery Toolkit will look in detail at all aspects of library operation to identify risks, and suggest mitigation strategies and work arounds, and provide useful checklists and links to relevant guidance and further reading. It will be designed to be deployed flexibly, as every library service will have to tailor planning to its own risk assessments, available resources and local priorities of need.”

• Tim Coates – Digital Content Associates. “Has libraries’ focus on social issues and activities come at the expense of their core mission to provide access to content and promote reading? Book trade veteran and library campaigner, Tim Coates, thinks so and has published the Freckle Report to prove it. We ask Tim why he thinks libraries are failing and what can be done about it.”

International news

• Australia – Supporting Library Staff during #COVID19 Lockdown – Medium. “The staff Wellness Community Hub that our People and Culture team have developed is a place staff can go to to share and talk about the challenges, coping mechanisims and daily hacks they use to get through the day. Staff are encouraged to send photos or contribute to some conversations about their lives when working from home.”
  • Australian libraries responding to COVID-19: Checklist for reopening libraries – ALIA. “Each library will have its own plans for reopening, depending on the sector and the specific needs of the library’s community, but the checklist provides a practical framework which outlines major considerations that library managers should be addressing, when planning to reopen their library.”
  • Kempsey libraries’ new Click and Collect service – Macleay Argus. “The service will begin with members who had reserves waiting before the shutdown, but should expand in the coming days to new reservations.”
• Denmark – ”There is a crack in everything – that is how the light gets in”. Experiences with reopening libraries in the age of corona – Library Lab. “Denmark are slowly reopening and so are the libraries. This blog post will be about our practical considerations and actions on reopening libraries in Roskilde Municipality after almost two months of lockdown due to coronavirus.”
• EU – Coronavirus: How lockdown is being lifted across Europe – BBC. Italy opens libraries from 18 May, Netherlands from 11 May, Austria from 18 May.
  • Public Libraries in Europe and COVID-19: Findings from NAPLE Members, April 2020 – NAPLE. “Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) began to lead to closures of library buildings to the public at the start of March 2020. The following document summarises the measures taken in response to the virus by public libraries in 20 NAPLE member countries to date[1], with specific focus on the extent of closures across Europe; the engagement of staff during closures; services offered to the public (both physical and online) while buildings were closed; quarantining of books and other health and safety measures; efforts by libraries to support national healthcare initiatives; and library efforts to address misinformation about the COVID-19 virus.”
  • Libraries as gardens – “Libraries as Gardens is a creative project that wants to geolocate and map, on a global scale, the before, during and after of the coronavirus lockdown, through sound recordings and the stories of people, told and read in the libraries of their houses during the pandemic and about the public gardens that they remember. The recordings are simultaneously transferred in an augmented audio project, creating sound walks for the future, in the gardens when they open again, made available (for free) through CGeomap for all their walkers”
• Netherlands – The library is open: what does that actually mean? – Rafelranden. “in the reopening protocols, drawn up by the VOB (Dutch Public Library Association), on the phased reopening of libraries, the primary focus is on the collection and the provision of lending materials, also with regard to the protocol for welcoming primary school pupils (“what children can do in the library (looking for books, being read to) is for each library to decide for themselves”..) “
• New Zealand – “New adventures in disasterology”: Learning from crisis with Christchurch Libraries – Matt Finch. “I think big learnings from this time are that libraries most certainly have a role to play, we need to be able to adapt for and listen to communities who are going through traumatic events, we need to be willing to try things out and experiment, we need to have our Business Continuity Plans (and all other plans) up to date and have them handy in a variety of formats.”
  • An open book: All you need to know for your library visit – Newsline. ““We are introducing a range of measures, including restricting the number of people within library spaces at any one time, along with the duration of visits. We also need to meet contact tracing requirements, so all visitors will need to sign in – and out”

• Global – Market overview – Local Government Library Technology. “The library technology industry, broadly speaking, shows more affinity toward utility than innovation. Library automation systems are not necessarily exciting technologies, but they are workhorse applications that must support the complex tasks of acquiring, describing, and providing access to materials and services.”

• USA – Libraries have spent years reinventing themselves. Will they have to do it again? – Marketplace. “The Boston Public Library, for example, has been working on developing more affordable housing to sit atop some of its branches. The Austin Public Library offers citizenship courses for immigrants and hosts naturalization ceremonies. And the Bristol Public Library in Indiana, like many others, allows patrons to check out baking equipment to use at home. A lot of these new changes mean that people spend more time in libraries.” 4 minute interview. Started “curbside” delivery with masks/rubber gloves delivered in bag to car on demand.

Michelle and I want to do our part to give all you parents a break today, so we’re reading “The Word Collector” for @chipublib. It’s a fun book that vividly illustrates the transformative power of words––and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did. pic.twitter.com/ADYbL6Dzg4

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 14, 2020

• As States Seek COVID Detectives, Librarians Are Among The Candidates – KUNM. “Denver is recruiting staff from the city’s libraries – including librarians – for its contact tracing team”

What might it look like if we fully opened libraries today? Springfield Public Library in the US has a go at illustrating that scenario for us… pic.twitter.com/5V74n5qcrn

— DCALondon (@DcaLondon) May 11, 2020

• Chicago Public Library Calls Staff Back to Work, Plans Full Reopen June 1 – Book Riot. “The Chicago Public Library system, however, is handling this a little differently, endangering the health and well-being of their staff, as well as the communities in which they aim to serve.” … “Gloves are helpful only if they’re disposed of between interactions. Will CPL be providing a day’s worth of gloves? What about enough masks for the realities of working with the public for 8 hours in one? What happens if a staff member wearing a mask sneezes while it’s on?”

Local news by authority

• Aberdeenshire – Reading challenge proved a winner for Aberdeenshire library service – Grampian Online. “The challenge, which ran from December to February, went down a storm with nearly 1000 local readers taking part individually, together as a family or as a group of friends. Although nearly half of those taking part were children aged three to 10”
• Cardiff – Old telephone boxes in Cardiff have been transformed into tiny libraries – Wales Online. ““I visit with my mum, who’s 75. She’s a bookaholic but can’t visit the library at the moment. She was very impressed. As well as books there are puzzles and some DVDs.””
• Cheshire East – Cheshire East libraries to launch digital “summer reading challenge” – Nantwich News. “Although library buildings are closed, the Challenge will be delivered through virtual services and e-lending platforms. The theme this year is “Silly Squad”, which will offer families a chance to have fun and encourages children to read anything that makes them happy.”
• Devon – Libraries want your bunting for end of lockdown commemorations – Devon Live. “apart from ‘phone calls to our customers; we are finding it difficult to interact with those who are not internet users. Our bunting project is a way of helping everyone feel a part of the community under lockdown and for us all to look forward to a brighter (bunting decorated) future.””
  • Libraries Unlimited Podcast – Libraries Unlimited. “Welcome to our new podcast that dives into the Library Service in Devon and Torbay. We meet your hosts Lee and Callum, have a chat with the CEO of LU, Alex Kittow and attempt to entertain with our famous lightning book review segment.”
• Edinburgh – What libraries mean to me with Val McDermid – Tales of One City. “A long term champion of books and libraries, here McDermid tells us what libraries mean to her, and why the written word is what will ultimately carry us through”. One of a series.
• Highland – Increased use for High Life Highland online library resources in Inverness and the rest of the Highlands during coronavirus pandemic – Inverness Courier. “Pressreader, the online newspaper service, has more than doubled the number of views in April in comparison with the same month last year – an increase of 30,000 views.”
• Inverclyde – Inverclyde Libraries continues to run its popular weekly Bookbug sessions for tots online – Greenock Telegraph. “The fun takes place live on Facebook at 11am on both Mondays and Fridays. Monday sessions are signed in Makaton.”
• Kensington and Chelsea – Home library service keeps reading on the radar for vulnerable K&C residents – KCW Today. ” More than 200 booklovers across the borough have signed up for the scheme, which sees a member of the Council’s libraries team compiling a bespoke selection of books after contacting each customer to discuss their literary likes and dislikes.”

SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
We will not be re-opening libraries in Monmouthshire yet
❌introduces avoidable risk
❌encourages non-essential journeys
❌takes staff away from supporting ‘shielded people’ and volunteer efforts
Sorry to disappoint but choices have to be made

— Paul Matthews (@PaulMatthews67) May 14, 2020

• Norfolk – Call for small number of Norfolk libraries to reopen is rejected – Thetford and Brandon Times. “library service staff have been redeployed into supporting food distribution, buying personal protective equipment and coordinating the volunteer effort across the county.”
• North Lanarkshire – North Lanarkshire libraries run online reading and learning festival – Daily Record. “Monklands residents can take part in sessions on subjects including family history, coding and creative writing – as well as learning how to access the latest recommended reads – in a two-week online festival being run by North Lanarkshire’s librarians.”
• North Yorkshire – Libraries share a little kindness for mental health week – North Yorkshire County Council. “All libraries will promote their Reading Well mental health collections of books, many of which are available to borrow free as e-books and e-audiobooks.”
  • Libraries’ project celebrates beauty of North Yorkshire landmarks – North Yorkshire County Council. “The Then and Now project was funded by a £5,000 grant by Libraries Connected Yorkshire and Humber. It aims to develop creative and digital skills, as well as encourage a sense of pride and belonging among communities.”
• Oxfordshire – Record number join Oxfordshire libraries in lockdown – Herald. “A total of 589 signed up online in April, an 86 per cent increase on the same month in 2019. Loans of eBooks and eAudio loans have nearly doubled compared to this time last year, with more than 22,000 items borrowed from the county’s online library last month.”
• Pembrokeshire – Pembrokeshire libraries remain closed for time being – Western Telegraph. “On Friday, May 8, the Welsh Government announced that it was enabling local councils to ‘start the process of planning how to reopen libraries’. This planning process has now started in Pembrokeshire but it will still be some time before any libraries are opened.”
• Powys – Tips and libraries in Powys to remain closed for now – Powys County Times. “Now the council has said that while it is “working towards” reopening some tips and libraries, “a great deal of work” needs to be done before any service resumes in Powys.”
• St Helens – Competition deadline extended to encourage youngsters to get creative by writing stories during lockdown – St Helens Star. “annual St Helens Super Writers competition, challenging budding writers – who either live or go to school in the borough – to produce a short story of no more than 500 words, with this year’s theme around classic fairy tales with a modern twist.”
• Swansea – The lifeguard, librarian and other council staff doing completely different jobs due to coronavirus – Wales Online. “Bethan’s now a virtual Helpline call centre team-leader at the heart of a hub supporting those who have been told to stay at home and shield themselves from the virus.”
• West Dunbartonshire – Number of residents accessing West Dunbartonshire’s libraries triples during lockdown – Reporter. “The number of residents using West Dunbartonshire Council’s online library has trebled during lockdown, while the number of e-books and e-audiobooks accessed have doubled.”
• Wokingham – Book Chat -May 13th – Wokingham Borough Libraries. Reviews of available ebooks.
• Wolverhampton – Boost in people signing up for library services in Wolverhampton – Express and Star. “More than 700 people have joined or re-started their library membership in Wolverhampton since lockdown started.” … “And more than 1,200 people have used the virtual librarian service, which sees staff answer people’s queries online.”
• Wrexham – Wrexham Council reveal the most popular e-audiobooks and e-books amongst Wrexham residents – Leader Live. “Council has released a list of the most popular e-audiobooks and e-books amongst residents.”
• York – York libraries boss Fiona Williams on when city libraries might re-open – and how you can access library services even during lockdown – Press. “”So we have no definite date for reopening at the moment,” Fiona says. “We cannot just throw open the doors one day and say ‘we’re back’.” Nevertheless, library staff – those who have not been placed on furlough, at least – are beginning to work towards reopening.” … “With 54 of Explore’s 84 staff placed on furlough, there have been limits to what the remaining library and archive staff have been able to do. Nevertheless, there has been an impressive amount going on.”

This emergency will end sooner or later and, when it does, public libraries better be ready. This is both in terms of safety – we don’t want to infect anyone – and in terms of adjusting to the changes in society over the last few months. One imagines there will be a huge demand for visits to libraries at least initially but as well as that there will be a heightened expectation for our digital offering, which will need to be maintained. This is not going to be easy but it will be necessary.

On a more national scale, the post by Nick Poole below looks at the future of public libraries and how they should be positioned in the future. There is also an update on the much delayed Single Digital Presence – basically a national website for public libraries which would have been superb to have two months ago but looks like still being in pre-development, after at least ten years of research papers and discussion. I don’t blame the British Library for this – they’re doing their best in a systematic way to develop a top quality product – but rather the only people who could realistically pull it off, which is whoever happens to be the libraries minister. They’re the one who needs to bang heads and put money in to get it sorted and I’m not seeing much of that happening now or indeed during this last decade. Hopefully it will be different looking forward.

National news

• Bibliothèques publiques britanniques contemporaines – Enssib. In French. “This book aims to look back at the massive closures of public libraries in Britain since 2010. What was the timeline of the more than 300 site closures? How can we understand its history and logic? For the first time accessible to French readers, specialized documentation, translated and editorialized, allows us to understand the stakes of the debate on public reading in a country historically spearheaded for its network of libraries. Directed by Cécile Touitou, assisted by Karine Lespinasse, the book brings together a collective of expert authors, French and British”
• Capturing the Voice of CMLs – Community Libraries Network. ACE/DCMS surveying volunteer library response to Covid emergency.
• A new future for Public Libraries – Medium / Nick Poole. “ibraries before COVID-19 had been in a kind of limbo. Having left behind the Victorian era that shaped them, with its basic belief in emancipation and education, there was an implicit question hanging over our institutions — “what will you be for, now that I have the world’s knowledge at my fingertips?”” … libraries have never stopped being a place of refuge and empowerment … COVID-19 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our sector to correct this lingering sense of doubt. We must articulate — loudly and confidently — the role we intend to occupy in the daily lives of every citizen in our fast-moving, connected society. It is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.”

“It is incumbent on every generation to re-shape libraries to meet the emerging needs of their future society. For too long, we have been in thrall to a previous generation’s idea of what public libraries are for. COVID-19 is a tragedy on a global scale. But it might also just be the impetus we need to transform public libraries. Let’s not waste it.”

Nick Poole, CEO, CILIP

• National Shelf Service – YouTube. Views per video range from 100 to 400.
• A Single Digital Presence for UK libraries: the project and the platform – British Library. “he Single Digital Presence project turned two years old just over a month ago. We can’t really believe it either. During that time we may have published one report, but we have also consulted over 75 library authorities, spoken to hundreds of library users, and learnt from a staggering number of amazing library projects happening here and overseas.”. See also presentation at Building a ‘single digital presence’ for public libraries – SlideShare / British Library.

“I’d love to be able to fast-track our work. Build the website, develop the app and get library users discovering new titles, connecting with each other and taking part in library activities all in one space online. However as we outlined in our report, a future-proof, sustainable digital platform that increases public library use in the digital and physical world requires a future-proof, sustainable technical infrastructure, supported by ongoing resource, and a clear and accountable delivery model.”

Jacob Fredrickson project manager of the Single Digital Presence project at the British Library.

International news

• France – Media library in a landscape – Designing Libraries. “Thanks to the floor-to-ceiling window on the ground floor, users have the feeling of reading while being immersed in the surrounding landscape. The upper floor, on the other hand, offers a different experience. Through the curved glass window, the media reference spaces become part of the large crown of the plane tree.”
• Germany – We are opening the book bus on the Südermarkt for now – Stadt Bibliothek. In German. “With more than 30,000 media items to be returned, we expect a significant influx of visitors and want to reduce the risk of infection for everyone to a minimum. For this reason, we are currently only opening the book bus for picking up pre-ordered media and returns. We will quarantine all returned media for 72 hours.”
• Global – You can’t keep a good public library (locked) down – Eifl. A look at how libraries across all the world are coping with Covid.
• USA – Alaska school board removes ‘The Great Gatsby,’ other famous books from curriculum for ‘controversial’ content – NBC News. “”I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou, “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller, “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison were all taken off an approved list of works that teachers in the Mat-Su Borough School District may use for instruction”. Good grief.
  • 2020 Library Systems Report – American Libraries. “Ex Libris, a ProQuest company, acquired Innovative Interfaces and shifted the balance of power, strengthening Ex Libris’s position in technology for academic libraries and propelling it as a major player in public libraries.” … and other changes.
  • Five Unexpected Benefits of Eliminating Library Fines – Infospace. Librarians and staff can provide better service to patrons; Being fine-free is more aligned with the real mission of the library; Libraries seeing an increase in item returns; Libraries can use their resources better; Eliminating fines can lead to a renewed appreciation for the library (or at least provide some good PR)
  • Why You Shouldn’t Do Curbside During COVID-19 | Backtalk – Library Journal. “Part of libraries wanting to implement curbside is to demonstrate our value to our county boards, administrations, and managers, because budget cuts are here and more are coming. But we need to figure out new ways to demonstrate our value without putting peoples’ lives at risk.”

Local news by authority

• Bolton – Bolton Library’s At Home service keeps kids busy – Bolton News. “There are lots of resources available including art activities, quizzes, and interactive posts. Book readings are streamed every Friday at 11am on Facebook for babies and toddlers to enjoy. The storytime sessions are interactive with real time two way chats.”
• Brent – Brent Council extends measures on library returns and fines until July – This is Local London. “Library fines across Brent have been suspended for the duration of their closure. It comes as Brent Council announced that loans for items from the borough’s libraries have been extended until June 30.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Cheshire West: Stay at home party and mass sing song is planned to celebrate VE Day – Chester Standard. “West Cheshire museums, libraries, the record office, heritage and the arts teams will be sharing stories, photographs and wartime objects from their collections.”
• Edinburgh – Edinburgh libraries online – access free ebooks, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines – Edinburgh Live. “30,000 ebooks and 150,000 newspapers/magazines being downloaded in April alone. This compared with 116,000 newspapers/magazine downloads and 17,000 ebooks or audiobooks in January this year.”
• Fife – Fife library staff reach out to vulnerable readers – Courier. “Library staff have been phoning customers to keep them informed about what services are available and have a chat to prevent them from becoming isolated. So far more than 80 staff have volunteered to make the calls and the project aims to reach out to more than 2500 readers.”
• Gateshead – Libraries reach milestone for frontline staff – Gateshead Council. 2000 visors produced. “Libraries across Gateshead closed last month to help prevent the spread of coronavirus however, using some of the latest technology, library staff have been helping frontline staff by printing  and cutting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The visors continue to be delivered to care workers, care homes and others providing care to Gateshead residents.”
• GLL – Better’s online library views ‘through the roof’ during lockdown – Better. “A major success is the number of people now tuning in for library activities on Facebook and Twitter, which are normally provided in library buildings. In some cases, audiences have grown by 2,000%. Better’s Librarians have shown their creative sides, taking Producer/Director/Actor credits when turning their gardens, kitchens and living rooms into ad hoc broadcasting studios for story times, rhyme and sign, and craft sessions for children. Receiving up to 5,200 views per video, individuals are gaining a loyal fan base amongst viewers who are getting familiar with their local librarians on screen.”
• Glasgow – Woodside Library revamp gets go-ahead from Glasgow City Council – Glasgow Times. “Glasgow Life, which runs the library on behalf of the council, requested permission to refurbish the 115-year-old building.” … “The main objectives of the refurbishment are to address “multiple areas of water ingress, increase the number of sanitary facilities, improve fire escape routes within the library, repair stonework/windows/rooflights and to maximise the potential use of the building”.”
• Jersey – Soaring growth in demand for e-books and newspapers – Jersey Evening Post. 259% increase. “Online membership registration was a relatively new service last year and before lockdown, the vast majority of new members would have joined in one of our libraries but membership registrations have jumped from 24 in March/April 2019 to 345 in March/April 2020”
• Lancashire – Lancashire Libraries undertake pyjama-themed reading campaign – In Your Area. “Beginning on Friday May 1, participants across the UK can get involved by dressing in pyjamas and reading a book with their children.”
• Manchester – Creative Spaces – Creative Spaces MCR. “Longsight, North City and Wythenshawe Forum Libraries are Creative Spaces where you can get involved in arts and culture. Everything from film and music to poetry and storytelling. Be part of your local library this Autumn. Enjoy the arts and get creative, right on your doorstep.”
• Perth and Kinross – Culture Perth and Kinross smashes milestone in libraries fundraising target – Courier. £2000 received. “The campaign to support Perth and Kinross libraries during lockdown raised more than £1,000 in its first few hours with public donations continuing to come in. The Book Heroes campaign encourages people to donate around £7, the average cost of a book in efforts to save local libraries and museums from closing.”
• Renfrewshire – Renfrewshire Leisure cancels all overdue library fines – Gazette. “Bosses at RL have confirmed they have cancelled all existing fines and will not be applying any further overdue charges during the period libraries remain closed.” … “e-book and magazine loans from libraries had rocketed during the lockdown by more than 70 per cent.”
• Somerset – Use of online library services in Somerset soars by 544 per cent during lockdown – Burnham on Sea.
• Hundreds of Somerset families are getting involved in a brand-new library offer – run entirely through social media – Frome Times. “visit ‘Somerset Libraries UK’ on Facebook or find them on Twitter or Instagram”
• South Gloucestershire – Home Library Service supports older and vulnerable residents – South Gloucestershire Newsroom. “The initial phone call to the library users has proved very welcome, many of the people contacted haven’t spoken to anyone for several days so the libraries staff have been able to talk to them and where required refer them to local and Council support. Key contact information is also provided with the books, as many people they support don’t use any digital services.” … “South Gloucestershire Council’s library service is delivering books to Home Library Service users as part of our commitment to supporting older and more vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic.”
• South Lanarkshire – South Lanarkshire team ensure show goes on – Daily Record. Dedicated YouTube channel for children launched.
• Staffordshire – Libraries get ready for Staffordshire Day – Tamworth Informed. “An online Facebook Group ‘Staffordshire CreateSpace’ will also be launched with a series of online crafting videos involving local artists and a Q&A.  Library events will be available through the Staffs Libraries Facebook and Twitter pages.”
• Suffolk – Let’s Get Cultural and Creative in Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries. “A new online resource has been launched to make it easy for people to find quality online arts and culture experiences during the current lockdown.” … “The directory includes a wide choice of links to local and national activities to enjoy including dance exercises from Dance East, Time Out’s virtual gallery tours, free National Theatre pieces and Red Rose Chain’s short films about real life Suffolk experiences.”
  • Coronavirus: Library books rearranged in size order by cleaner – BBC. “A well-meaning cleaner who took the opportunity to give a locked-down library a thorough clean re-shelved all of its books – in size order. Staff at Newmarket Library, Suffolk, discovered the sloping tomes after the building underwent a deep clean.”
  • UK librarian’s worst nightmare as cleaner rearranges books by size – Newshub. Story hits New Zealand.
• Surrey – Use your library on lockdown -Surrey Matters.
• Warrington – LiveWire receives £1,000 grant to develop library service’s e-services during lockdown – Warrington Worldwide. “Since the closure of library sites LiveWire have seen a 194% increase in e book borrowing figures with the online offer attracting 246 new members to the service.”

• West Sussex – Why High Fidelity by Nick Hornby is librarian Tom’s favourite lockdown book – Littlehampton Gazette.
• Wokingham – Youngsters invited to join Wokingham’s virtual origami club – Wokingham Today. “The virtual club has received highly positive feedback, with children enjoying having a focused and calming activity to get stuck into.”
• Worcestershire – Worcestershire libraries see massive increase in online downloads since Coronavirus crisis started – Droitwich Standard. “Since libraries were closed across the county at the end of March, library members have downloaded 9,794 e-books and e-audiobooks – 111 per cent higher than the same period in 2019 – and 3,830 e-magazine, up 53.8 per cent on 2019 levels.”
  • Lockdown sees rise in digital borrowing – Worcester Observer.
• York – Library ‘massive help’ in crisis – Press. “York Explore has seen double the number of e-books checked out during the lockdown.” … “The library has seen 514 people join in the past month – four times more than the previous month. City of York Council put £17,000 towards subscribing to Press Reader, buying more audiobooks and e-books and help to get more people online to use the services.”