Lockdown 2

Editorial

So, it’s lockdown in England again. Let’s take a moment to reflect on that and how ironic some of the news below about library re-openings look now. Hear that screaming sound? No, not that one, that’s you. I mean the other one. That’s the sound of a whole sector desperately going into reverse gear.

How far into reverse gear though? Currently, it’s unclear what this exactly means for public libraries. The general assumption is that they will be closed for browsing but there’s a lot of grey area. Click and Collect for “non-essential retail” is explicitly allowed so one assumes libraries can do that but the word “library” is not mentioned. The Government has specifically found time to mention vape shops though, which kind of puts us in our place. I have also heard the possibility of PC use being allowed. But no-one really knows at this moment. I will tweet as soon as I do (@publiclibnews).

4 November: public libraries will close in England for normal business. However, “click and collect” services and PC use is allowed depending on local service discretion and circumstances. For more info, see this page.

Changes by local authority

• Bolton – £6.3m of Bolton Central Library, Museum and Archive inc. refurb and “flexible work-spaces for local businesses and groups” proposed.
• Cheshire East – Middlewich Library refurbished.
• Hampshire – Lee on the Solent Library to be taken over by volunteers.

Lockdown 2

• Covid-19: England gets ready for new four-week lockdown – BBC. “The prime minister said he expects the lockdown to last until 2 December, after which England’s regional tiered system would be reintroduced. But Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove told Sky News the lockdown could be extended beyond that deadline.”

• New National Restrictions from 5 November – Gov.uk. “Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.” … “Non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect.”

National news

• The Boy Between: A Mother and Son’s Journey from a World Gone Grey – Reading Agency. “Bestselling novelist Amanda Prowse and her son, Josiah, tell their moving story and discuss the mental health crisis affecting young people.” … Free event 10 November 8pm. Please publicise in your social media for more popularity points with the Reading Agency.
• Bristol University Press announces the launch of new Library Advisory Board – Bristol University Press. “As a not-for-profit university press, we are committed to developing work that makes a positive impact in society and advances scientific research.” Ten academic librarians, international.
• CILIP Employer Briefing: Engaging Circular Economy principles for environmental and social value in libraries and the workplace – CILIP. 8 December 5pm online. “Ann will share her knowledge and experience on circular economy business models and how they can help libraries reduce their environmental impact.”
• Clare Hemsworth announced as Scotland’s Library & Information Professional of the Year 2020 – CILIPS. “Clare was nominated and has won the award for her excellent work within the school library sector and for her commitment to the profession. “
• Covid: toddlers from UK’s poorest families ‘hit hardest by lockdown’ – Guardian. “In the event of continued local lockdowns, it is vital that disadvantaged families are given extra support to promote children’s early development. Access to communal outdoor spaces and shared resources such as libraries should only be restricted as a last resort.”” Lockdown linked to disadvantage gap for babies and toddlers – Oxford Mail.
• How Adele and Jesse J put the beats into books – National Lottery. Get It Loud In Libraries featured. “The roster of GILIL artists who have rattled the bookshelves include a young singer called Adele, who was the support act at a gig at Lancaster Country Library in January 2007. She was booked after Kate Nash became unavailable at short notice.”
• An Introduction to Cataloguing – Arlis. Friday 27 November 1pm free webinar.
• Libraries, Publishers, and Readers: The Freckle Report 2020 – Book Industry Study Group. Webinar by Tim Coates. 1pm Tuesday 3 November. “A decline in per-capita visits to libraries is a noted finding, and the report makes several recommendations to reverse those trends”
• Public Library Apparel – Crowdfunded public-library themed clothes with some of the profits going to support public libraries now open for pre-orders.
  • Online shop Public Libraries Apparel launches – BookSeller. “The launch of the venture was secured after 56 backers pledged £2,465 in total, enough for the shop to get up and running. ” … “One of the products–all part of the shop’s limited edition “1984” T-shirt collection, where only 50 of each unique design is available–features a screen print on organic natural recycled cotton urging “Protect your freedom” and “Use your library”. “
• Russell Tovey would sneak into libraries to look at pictures of naked men as a gay teen living under Section 28 – Pink News. “ovey, currently starring in the ITV thriller The Sister, revealed that as a teenager he would sneak into libraries to look at Tom of Finland’s homoerotic nudes, terrified he would be caught.”
• Service recovery toolkit – October 2020 Word – Libraries Connected. Updated, with information on tier levels and a new section on events and activities.
• Why lockdown was the plot twist that libraries needed – Guardian / Opinion. Krystal Vittles of Suffolk Libraries writes. Libraries had increased digital use during lockdown, with increasing online events. Staff phoned the vulnerable and volunteers delivered books. “There is a storm facing the country as it emerges from lockdown – made up of economic, social and health crises. I believe that all the services public libraries offer – digital and physical – will be needed to help communities weather this … nothing replaces the person-to-person connection found in a library”
• Working Towards Wellbeing: Public Library Services in Lockdown – CILIPS. “Public library services across the UK had a positive and supportive role to play during the Covid-19 lockdown. Our new research reveals that 3 in 10 adults (an estimated 15 million adults) engaged with public library services during lockdown. Of this number, 64% said it had a positive impact on their wellbeing; 63% said it helped them feel more connected to their community; and 60% said it helped them feel less alone.”

International news

• Australia – Loneliness in the Digital Age & Public Libraries – Jane Cowell. “Effective interventions are group based aimed at targeted audiences with shared interests. Having a learning outcome — something to do — also helps to break down some barriers and encourage participants to interact with each other. Empower the group to organise their own meet-ups in the library and to develop the group in their way. And remember one size does not fit all groups.”
• EU – Drawing exhibition: a collaborative activity from Public Library in Aleksandrów (Poland) and Viana Public Library (Spain) – Naple Sister Libraries.
  • Digital strategy and innovation in libraries – Bibliotheca. Video of webinar inc. Danish and German library best practice.
• Finland – The brand new children’s mobile library Stoori invites visitors to adventure – Helmet. ” the mobile libraries bring library services to places where children and their families are, i.e. day care centres, schools and play parks. The routes for weekday evenings serve residential areas that do not have local libraries of their own.”
• Ireland – Ireland’s Beautiful Libraries Make Us Want To Curl Up And Read Forever – The Travel. A look at some very old Irish libraries.
  • Library campaign aims to encourage people to keep reading virtually during lockdown – Independent. “After the demand for e-books and audiobooks more than doubled during the first lockdown, the campaign urges the public to keep using their local libraries virtually during Level 5 restrictions.”
• USA – What is Books to Treasure? – Tulsa Library. “Books To Treasure has grown into a Tulsa tradition for all second-grade students in Tulsa County. These youngsters receive a free copy of a treasured illustrator’s book, the chance to get their very own library card, and an opportunity to see the illustrator in person or, this year, online.” … “Children’s librarians and library staff typically visit schools in September and October to talk about the illustrator and talk about the importance of reading and the library. “
  • Charlotte removes the name of a white supremacist North Carolina governor from a branch library – CNN. “Library officials conducted an audit of its 20 branches last year to identify items on display that represented racism and injustice. The results of that audit found 10 items that needed to be removed from public display along with the name change of one of the branches — The Morrison Regional Library.”
  • City’s library system earns national honors – Cranston Online. ““The library supported the community through the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting to offer more than 200 virtual programs between March and June even as the buildings were closed for staff and patron safety, as well as offering tech help for students in distance learning and 3-D printing face shields for COVID testing center and senior facilities”
  • Librarian, Read Thyself – The Rambling. ” library workers have been conditioned by professional precarity and gendered expectations to be, above all else, reactive to need” … “Librarians can’t be missionaries or saviors; we’re workers under capitalism. Our need, I think, is to better recognize ourselves as such and recognize that even if we’re lucky enough to have fulfilling jobs, we’re not exempt from sustaining or passing on capitalism’s harms. “
  • Military Families and Public Libraries – EveryLibrary.
  • This outdoor escape room brings the social-distanced fun – I Love Libraries. “Peters Township Public Library in Pennsylvania, who created a Google Doc-based Harry Potter escape room that anyone can play online. Wisconsin’s McMillan Memorial Library has taken a different approach: staff set up a no-touch, outdoor escape room that community members can enjoy while maintaining social distancing.”
  • The Weight We Carry – American Libraries. “Vicarious traumatization (VT) occurs when we work with patrons whose traumatic stories transfer onto us …”

Local news by authority

• Bolton – Bolton museum and library gets a spooky makeover for half term – Bolton News.
• £25m plans to transform Bolton town centre revealed – Manchester Evening News. “£6,330,000 redevelopment of Bolton Central Library, Museum and Archive, which would expand the Aquarium, modernise the libraries and introduce flexible work-spaces for local businesses and groups”
• Cheshire East – Refurbishment sees Middlewich Library close for more than 6 weeks – Winsford and Middlewich Guardian. “The proposed work will include the replacement of windows, doors, fascias and boards that cover the ends of roof rafters, including the lobby entrance and canopy.”
• Cornwall – Cornwall’s libraries thriving as Covid lockdown sparks appetite for books – ITV News. “4,000 new members signed up to Cornwall’s library service over the summer.” … “”People really do care. There is an emotional attachment to libraries.”

• Durham – More Libraries To Reopen Across County Durham – Durham Magazine. “From Monday, 37 out of 39 libraries will have opened their doors “
• Edinburgh – Drag queen blasts critics of Edinburgh libraries story-time event – Edinburgh News. ““The event was well received but there was a hate element, who posted some vile and inappropriate comments which we had to remove. Unfortunately the performer has had threats of violence and has had to contact the police.””

“Campaigners with the Colchester Save Our Libraries Essex (SOLE) campaign have reacted with concern to revelations that more Post Office services may be moved into library buildings. A pop-up Post Office opened in Prettygate Library last week, and this week it was revealed that attempts had been made to move Post Office services into Greenstead Library also. Campaigners say such moves will diminish the existing library service, discourage library users, and not provide a suitable long-term solution for the Post Office. ”

Essex – SOLE press release

• Glasgow – Mitchell Library reopens to the public today for the first time since March – Glasgow Live. “As well as a new booking system, there will also be one-way systems, book quarantine and reduced visitor numbers.”
• Hampshire – Community library set to take over in Lee-on-the-Solent as team works to save facility marked for closure – The News. “independent community library the Lee Hub will take over running the facility in 2021, with the building to be transferred to Gosport Borough Council’s ownership.”
• Kirklees – Kirklees Libraries 8,000 + Lockdown Book Drop – Kirklees Together. “We decided that we could safely get our withdrawn library books that were currently in storage, out to people and the community through our links with third sector settings, volunteers and community action groups. We offered boxes of Kirklees Library Books in good condition, currently withdrawn from the library service. The books were quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours before being available for collection. Some books were delivered by Kirklees Community volunteers and included both fiction and non-fiction titles. The books were not intended to be loaned and returned, just given away.”
• Manchester – £110k digital inclusion scheme helps 400 Manchester residents get connected – Manclibraries Blog. ” The digital champions will be people who already form part of the council’s digital inclusion telephone support service, including staff from Manchester’s libraries, Citizens Advice, community organisations from across the city, and volunteers.”
• Neath Port Talbot – Neath Port Talbot residents get free access to books and magazines – Wales 247.
• Norfolk – New rules announced for Norfolk libraries – Lynn News. “A limit is being re-imposed on the number of times items can be renewed, while the maximum number of books that one user can borrow is also being cut.”
• North Yorkshire – Malton library ready to reopen following its refurbishment – Gazette Herald. “This refurbishment brings customers a range of benefits, not only in the form of excellent library facilities, but also a flexible space to allow the community to make best use of the venue and online access to an expanded range of county council and district council services.”
  • North Yorkshire libraries make access to self-help books for those raising children – Craven Herald and Pioneer. “The Family Matters collection comprises books on subjects ranging from potty training and toddler tantrums to communicating with troubled teens.”
  • South Craven Community Library at Cross Hills offers help to parents – Keighley News.
• Nottinghamshire – Covid-19: Nottinghamshire tier 3 to feature 9pm alcohol rule – BBC. “Public buildings such as community centres, libraries and town halls are allowed to remain open to run activities such as childcare and support groups, but not for private hire, birthday parties and other social events”
• Oldham – Oldham Libraries ‘book up’ residents’ spirits – Saddleworth Independent. “Despite restrictions our team continued to provide a range of services, including weekly Rhymetime events, swapping the Children’s Library for Facebook Live; virtual author interviews and live performances online. Between 23 March – 16 August, the libraries’ staff produced 30 videos, which generated more than 10,000 views and organised 37 live events, attracting a further 3,671 viewers.”
• Pembrokeshire – Free online resources from Pembrokeshire libraries -Pembroke Today. “Libraries across Pembrokeshire might be closed currently, but the service is always open with a fantastic range of online resources.”
• Sheffield – Why Sheffield residents are campaigning to restore a historical and ‘much needed’ library – The Star. ““We, the undersigned, petition Sheffield City Council to list the handsome Tinsley Carnegie library building, and to apply for funding to reactivate it for its originally intended purpose, to provide a much needed free library for the area of Tinsley.””
• Solihull – Latest on Solihull library services – what’s now open and what’s still shut – Birmingham Mail. Summary of what services are available in which library and opening hours. “baby steps” being taken to full opening.
• St Helens – Black communities in St Helens to tell their stories as part of arts project – The Reporter. ACE funded.
  • Council commissioned projects to feature at UK’s longest running LGBTQIA+ arts and culture festival – St Helens Star. Several projects.
• South Gloucestershire – Bradley Stoke Library reopens for browsing – Bradley Stoke Journal. “Filton Library has not been able to reopen due to essential building work being carried out”
• Staffordshire – How poems helped Denise and Monica build a lockdown friendship – National Lottery. Reading Friends; “a UK-wide programme that uses reading as a way to start conversations and connect people”
• Swansea – Culture goes online to help residents through firebreak – Wales 247. “While library sites are closed many services will still be available online. Members can download free e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines.”
• Warwickshire – Whitnash and Lillington libraries reopening – Leamington Observer.
• Worcestershire – Further services begin to resume again at Worcestershire libraries – Malvern Gazette. “Meeting rooms will be available to book again at some libraries from November 2. Maximum capacity levels will be reduced to ensure they are Covid-secure and new procedures in place to allow rooms to be used safely. November will also see the return of Storybubble sessions for families at some of Worcestershire’s libraries.”