Hail to the chiefs

Editorial

There were several librarians named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours this year. The name that stood out to me was Isobel Hunter, the current and first CEO of Libraries Connected, who despite only being in post two years has not put a foot wrong in what could have been quite a difficult time, ensuring that LC has had a strong founding. A notable thing to me is that those honoured have been at chief or very senior level in libraries. While understandable, because they’re at the level that can get things done and are thus noticed, this I think is a bit of shame as there are tons of highly committed and gifted librarians who may not get to that level but still make a huge difference. See my article here for more thoughts on the subject.

Changes by authority

• Cornwall – Liskeard Library transferred to non-profit.
• Redbridge – Woodford Green Library to be refurbished.

National news

• CILIP announces Honorary Fellowships including Library Champion Bobby Seagull – CILIP. “Bobby Seagull and CILIP are delighted to announce that he will be continuing in the role of CILIP Library Champion for 2020-21. In recognition of his services to libraries” … “Alongside Bobby, Honorary Fellowships are also being awarded to Margaret Casely-Hayford, CBE, for services to children’s literature and illustration through her leadership of the CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Awards Diversity Review; and Pamela Martindale, for her sustained and significant contribution to the library, information and knowledge profession through professional registration.”
• How can libraries play a positive role in the Covid crisis? – Eurolis. Zoom, Wednesdays 14, 21 and 28 October 2020, from 4 to 6pm. Speakers from UK, Portugal, Poland, Catalonia (Spain), Italy, Germany and France.

• How shipping container libraries can help save the public library crisis – Open Access Government. Shipping Container boss praises shipping containers.”BiebBus is a mobile container-based in The Netherlands, which has the ability to let kids have fun and explore the world of books before travelling on to a new place. We all love novelty and shiny new things, and can often get bored when things stay the same. With portable, alternative libraries which are only in town for a limited amount of time, people may feel more of a need to visit. It’s new, and it’s an experience people can try out with their friends.”
• Libraries Week features nationwide Haig event and Bonnier book club launch – BookSeller. “Libraries Week kicks off today (5th October), featuring behind the scenes looks at authors’ bookshelves, a nationwide live reading of The Midnight Library by author Matt Haig (Canongate) and the launch of a Bonnier book club.”
• Living Libraries – Soho Radio. “a celebration of public libraries in the words of people who use, work in and run them. Sarah Pyke and Shelley Trower present the Living Libraries oral history project, 2019-2020 at the University of Roehampton, supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. The oral history collection is copyright of The British Library Board and is used with permission.”
• Supporting economic recovery – Local Government First. “With their offer of access to computers, job clubs, CV writing support, skills training and targeted support for start-ups through Business and Intellectual Property Centres (BIPCs), libraries have an important role to play.”
• TWA Heritage Digitisation Grant – Amended to Reflect the Changing Face of 2020 – Town Web Archiving. 3 grants of £3000 each open to libraries.
• Why libraries hold the key to a start-up revolution – Times. Behind paywall.
• Young north-east football fans can support reading challenge – Grampian Online. “This year’s 4-4-2 Reading Challenge has been launched with Peterhead FC supporting the initiative in the north-east. It is the third year of the successful programme which is spearheaded by the SPFL Trust, Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), and Scotland’s libraries.”

Honours

• Susan Hill and Mary Berry awarded damehoods in Queen’s Birthday Honours – BookSeller. “Librarians were well represented in the Birthday Honours. Receiving OBEs were Libraries Connected chief executive Isobel Hunter “for services to public libraries”, and Julie Oldham, head of Library and Museum Services at Bolton Council, and professor Steven John Broomhead, “for services to public libraries” in Chorley, Lancashire. MBEs were awarded “for services to libraries and the arts” to Andrew Bentley in Cheshire and “for services to public libraries” to Michelle Alford in Lancashire, Janet Holden in Suffolk, Sarah Smith in London and Gateshead Library Service manager Stephen James Walters.”
• Andrew Bentley – Queen’s Birthday honours see Holocaust survivor, Storyhouse boss and Crewe hospice fundraiser recognised – Cheshire Live. “Storyhouse chief executive Andrew Bentley, who has been working hard to try to save the theatre from the devastating financial impact of the coronavirus lockdown.”
• Steven Broomhead – Steven Broomhead awarded MBE in Queen’s birthday honours – Warrington Guardian. “Professor Steven Broomhead’s name was listed among others deserving of recognition for their contribution to society following the publication of the full honours list. The award comes following his leadership and chairmanship of the National Libraries Taskforce, in which he helped to implement the Independent Library Report and reinvigorate the national public library service.” … “Prof. Broomhead was previously chair of Warrington’s Libraries Working group, which formed to review the results of consultations over the borough’s provision.”
• Council Chief receives MBE for services to libraries in Queen’s Birthday Honours – Warrington Worldwide.
• Peter Gaw – Inspire CEO honoured in Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2020 – West Bridgford Wire. “The British Empire Medal (BEM) has been awarded to Peter Gaw the CEO of Inspire – Culture, Learning and Libraries in the Queen’s birthday 2020 Honours list in recognition of his service and commitment to Libraries and Culture.”
• Janet Holden – Suffolk’s community heroes celebrated in Queen’s Birthday Honours – East Anglian Daily Times. “Janet Holden. For services to Public Libraries (Halesworth, Suffolk)”
• Julie Oldham – Bolton librarian to be honoured by the Queen for a second time – Manchester Evening News. Julie Oldham received an MBE in 2002 and now has OBE. She retired this year. ““During my career I have been privileged to work with some fantastic people who have inspired me and worked with me to deliver our services, often through challenging times.”
• Stephen Walters – Gateshead individuals honoured – Gateshead Council. “Stephen Walters, Gateshead Council Libraries Manager, awarded the British Empire Medal for services to public libraries”

International news

• USA – A former Austin Library employee is accused of stealing $1.3M in printer toner – CNN. Bought it for the library and then stored it in garage until sold online. He also allegedly fraudulently used library credit cards.
• Walmart’s new store design proves browsing is dead – Fast Company. “Walmart is rearranging many items across the store, consolidating categories such as electronics, toys, and baby products into their own dedicated sections rather than having some items scattered. Then they’re loading these stores with clearer signs to point you around the space. These signs match up with the exact categories and icons you’ll also find inside the surprisingly great Walmart app. The intended effect is what the company is billing as a “seamless” shopping experience between the digital store and the physical one.”

Local news by authority

• Bexley – Sidcup Library closed after staff member in close contact with person with coronavirus – London News Online. “The move may have a knock-on effect with other libraries in the borough, with the authority adding that opening times of other buildings may be impacted as staff are switched around.”
• Blackpool – Two more libraries set to reopen in Blackpool – here’s what you need to know – Blackpool Gazette. Anchorsholme and Revoe.
• Bradford – More services now available at three Bradford District libraries – Telegraph and Argus. “This service will be available at City Library, Keighley Library and Shipley Library.”
• Bury – Ramsbottom becomes second library in borough to reopen – Bury Times. Ramsbottom now open for browsing.
• Calderdale – A hive of activity at Elland Library – Calderdale News Centre. “around 50,000 bees had to be rehomed as part of work to refurbish Elland Library. The town’s library is currently undergoing a £1.75million refurbishment, transforming the building into a community hub providing a range of services.”
  • Decision made over axing of Calderdale libraries, waste centres and services in £2m worth of cuts – Halifax Courier. “Coun George Robinson (Con, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe) argued his ward would have lost two libraries in a matter of months and it would affect older people in the area. The council had been able to find money for Elland Library, some funding for Square Chapel, which has just been rescued from administration, and funding or revenue support totalling more than £6 million for Halifax Piece Hall, he said, which impacted on the reserves it had available to be used in situations like this.”
• Camden – Belsize entrepreneur joins forces with community library to boost local businesses – Ham and High. “He founded the Purposeful Project earlier this year, and his aim is to help one million people start their own businesses. As part of this goal, he’s working with BCL to create a business advice hub and remind people of the power of a good library.”
• Cornwall – Keys to Liskeard Library handed over – Cornish Times. “ handed over the keys to the Library to Lindsey Hall of the Real Ideas Organisation (RIO).” … ““We can now crack on with what is quite a significant renovation project to bring this fantastic building back up to scratch, and able to fulfil its potential as a contemporary library, cultural hub and co-working space.”

“The library building in Barras Street has sat empty for over a year in the heart of our town centre with no refurbishment work even commencing during this whole period. “I just hope that Cornwall Council learn from this debacle and ensure we are never put in this position again where decisions are taken to vacate buildings before the next steps have been secured and agreed.”

Cornwall Councillor for Liskeard Nick Craker

• Coventry – More services on offer at Coventry’s libraries – Coventry Observer. “People can now book 30-minute book-browsing slots and 45-minute computer selections, along with click and collect services at Bell Green, Central, Foleshill, Stoke, Tile Hill and Willenhall libraries.”
• Cumbria – Ulverston, Ambleside, Grange and Windermere Library to reopen to the public within weeks – The Mail. “Ulverston, Grange, Ambleside and Windermere Libraries will all open to the public on the week of October 19.”
• Devon – Lucy’s long list of books reaps rewards at Budleigh Salterton Library – East Devon News. Reward for reading 100 books.
• Edinburgh – Book a return to re-opened Kirkliston Library – Linlithgow Gazette. “Library services will be restricted to start, with numbers within buildings limited and social distancing measures in place including face coverings being mandatory.”
• Falkirk – Falkirk area libraries to reopen in phases – here’s what you need to know – Falkirk Herald. “Falkirk Community Trust (FCT) has announced Falkirk Library will return to business as of Monday, October 12, with seven others to follow throughout the rest of October and the beginning of November”
• Flintshire – Aura Libraries: discover what your Flintshire library can do for you – The Leader. “You can now visit Buckley, Broughton, Connah’s Quay, Flint, Holywell and Mold Libraries for select browsing, computer use, or to print and access the photocopier, as well as pick up Select and Collect orders.”
• Hampshire – Changes to Hampshire Libraries’ staffed opening hours now online – Hampshire County Council. “details about the upcoming changes, which the County Council plans to have fully in place by 1 January 2021, are now available”
  • Roll-out of changes to library opening hours in Hampshire – Salisbury Journal. Cuts “to staffed opening hours across libraries in Hampshire will be put in place “gradually” over the next three months, the county council has revealed.”
• Inverclyde – Join Inverclyde Libraries book group – Greenock Telegraph. Twitter.
• Lancashire – Discover “Whodunnit” During Libraries Week In Preston – Preston Hub. “A competition will be held for adult library members to win an iPad. To take part, readers need to review a crime or detective story, and submit this online by using the library services Facebook or Twitter accounts. A winner will be selected at random from the entries.”
• Leeds – National Libraries Week 2020: The Staff of the Central Library – Secret Library. ” In 2019 we invited ex-Library staff from Leeds Central Library to attend something of a reminiscence session with the aim of discovering more about our 1884 Grade II listed building and, while we did discover many things about the building itself, including underground tunnels, tall tales of ghosts and even a missing snake living in the heating system, what was really discovered was a treasure trove of staff memories of day-to-day workings in a large public Library.”
• Leicester – Jobseeking advice on offer at three city libraries – Leicester City Council. “From next week, Jobcentre work coaches will be located at St Barnabas Library, Beaumont Leys Library and the Pork Pie Library & Community Centre.”
• Leicestershire – Book in to take a book out: How to secure your place if you want to visit Harborough library – Harborough Mail. “You are still being asked to book beforehand if you would like to visit Market Harborough library and take out a book. People will be able to queue instead at 15 other main libraries throughout Leicestershire. But the county council said queueing won’t be possible at the library in Market Harborough.”
• Lincolnshire – Take part in Market Rasen Library’s guessing game – Market Rasen Mail. ” have your guess for the books displayed and return the form to the library”
• Manchester – Manchester Libraries – Resilience in 2020 – Manclibraries Blog. “We took many of our services that normally make our libraries bustling hives of activity online. The online reading offer was heavily promoted and our major e-book and magazine platforms saw a big increase in usage. The yearly Chorlton Book Festival went online with author discussions and panel events. We knew digital support for vulnerable and excluded residents would be vital and our offer included 1-1 telephone support, free tablets and data, and even free Chromebooks. “
• Middlesbrough – Middlesbrough library book returned 57 years late – BBC. “The fine would have been more than £500 but charges have been suspended during the pandemic and there would be “no questions asked”, a council spokesperson said.”
• Moray – Moray libraries join in Library Week celebrations – Northern Scot.
• North Yorkshire – North Yorkshire libraries celebrate black history – Northern Echo.
  • App puts the library at your fingertips – North Yorkshire County Council. “Using the app, members can view their account, search the library catalogue and reserve and renew books, as well as downloading e-books and e-audio books and accessing free online reference resources.”
• Northamptonshire – Raunds library ready to welcome readers back this month – Northamptonshire Telegraph. Volunteer library. “The library in High Street, Raunds, will be re-opening on October 20 after several months of closure”
• Oxfordshire – £66k on offer for new short term Oxfordshire library boss – Oxford Mail. “A spokesman for the council said its current libraries manager was leaving to relocate and an interim manager was needed while the search for a permanent boss takes place.”
  • Botley Library to stay shut until it is connected to county council network – Oxford Mail. “It has now been closed for six months and will not reopen until cables are installed to connect the facility to the Oxfordshire County Council network.”. Resident says “”I’m just worried it’ll never reopen.””
  • County takes part in National Libraries Week – Witney Gazette. “The news comes as Chinnor, Woodgreen, Charlbury and Wychwood libraries are set to reopen this month after others across the county have successfully reopened.”
• Pembrokeshire – Newport Library to offer order and collect service – Western Telegraph. Volunteer library.
• Redbridge – Woodford Green Library set for much-needed makeover – Ilford Recorder. “Work on the Woodford Green Library will include redecoration, refurbishment and rewiring throughout. Plans are still in development, but there is a possibility of additional services opening.”
• Richmond – Richmond Council sets out calendar for Black History Month – Richmond and Twickenham Times.
• Shetland – Wishart raises motion in recognition of Shetland Library – Shetland Times. “Isles MSP Beatrice Wishart has lodged a motion highlighting the library’s work, and even pays tribute to the “light-hearted sparring” against Orkney Library – something which, in recent times, has even been highlighted on Radio 2.”
• Shropshire – Library hours to be extended in Shropshire – Advertiser.
• Southampton – Prestigious new title for Southampton library services – Southern Daily Echo. “Southampton’s library service is only the third in the country to be awarded the title that is overseen by City of Sanctuary UK.”
• Staffordshire – Families invited to join celebrations for National Libraries Week – Tamworth Informed.
  • List of most borrowed digital library books in Staffordshire during lockdown is revealed – Lichfield Live. “The county’s library service said The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri had been the most borrowed e-book.”
• Swindon – Vacancy – Library Development & Innovation Manager – Swindon Council. Part-time permanent £32k.
  • Swindon children’s author Steve Antony celebrated during Libraries Week – Swindon Advertiser. ““During Libraries Week, we will be celebrating the time that Steve has generously given to Swindon libraries by showcasing some of the projects we have worked on together and by reading some of his brilliant books online.””
• Warwickshire – Vacancy – Delivery Lead – Libraries (South) and North. Information Professional Jobs. Full-time permanent, £49-56k. Plus other jobs inc. hub team leaders, team leaders, principal librarian.
• West Dunbartonshire – National Eye Health Week: West Dunbartonshire libraries join in – Clydebank Post. “The rule is to look up from your screen every 20 minutes and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. “
• Windsor and Maidenhead – Coronavirus: Windsor and Maidenhead may need to save £18m in five years – Royal Borough Observer.”In the medium-term financial strategy report, it states the 2021/22 budget will have to make a projected saving of nearly £8.4 million which could see some services, like libraries, being cut back.”

“Libraries were listed as a ‘discretionary service’ to be potentially looked into despite the council having a ‘statutory duty’ to provide efficient library services to residents. The council leader acknowledged libraries are statutory but said RBWM could be looking at a number of avenues to deliver the service such as changing the opening times, the number of libraries and their locations in the borough, integrating the service into another model, etc.”

• Maidenhead Library installs new COVID-19 measures to keep visitors safe – Maidenhead Observer. “Maidenhead Library has opened its doors to the public for browsing and computer use.”
• Wokingham – Earley: Plans to reopen library paused due to covid laws – Reading Chronicle. “The announcement that reopening plans would be delayed was made at the end of September, shortly following the Prime Minister’s ‘rule of six’ public announcement.”
• Wrexham – Wrexham Library Service: Strictly Come Dancing-inspired reading – The Leader.