Essex, St Helens, Northants and the National Literacy Trust

Editorial

Potentially big news from Essex, with the new leader of the council saying that no libraries will close. This comes after the council announced that up to 25 branches could close or go volunteer back in 2018 and a substantial, and very well-organised, campaign movement being formed in reaction. The new announcement doesn’t rule out volunteers so campaigners there are still very much on the alert. Meanwhile, being two or three years earlier in their cuts cycle, St Helens council has launched a library review, noting a reduction in usage in the last decade and is actively looking for thoughts on/from alternatives such volunteers and parish councils to bridge the gap. Finally, Northamptonshire, has announced – reportedly with four days notice – that Kettering Library is being closed while it is having a GLAM makeover, with no substitute being as yet in place.

Away from service-related news, it’s great to host a short interview with Fiona Evans of the National Literacy Trust about their call for evidence on primary school libraries. Public libraries have very close links to primary schools and so I would encourage you all to consider responding by giving the Trust your thoughts. And also, the Trust are obviously on our side so we should be on theirs too. Time to reach out.

Changes by local authority

• Essex – No libraries will close.
• Gloucestershire – Dursley Library co-located with visitor information centre.
• Northamptonshire – Kettering Library closed for long-term building work, with no alternative as yet in place.
• St Helens – Library review focuses on reducing cost and on alternative service provision.

An interview with Fiona Evans, Director of School Programmes, National Literacy Trust

Who are you and what is this thing you’re doing? 

The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity dedicated to raising literacy levels in the UK. Our mission is to give disadvantaged children and young people the literacy skills to succeed in life. This year, we are working with Penguin Random House to look into the provision of primary school libraries through a Primary School Library Review. This project is looking into the role of primary school libraries before, during and post COVID-19 and will imagine what the future of primary school libraries could look like.  

To understand the current provision within primary school libraries and make recommendations to government, the Primary School Library Review is holding a call for evidence to gather views on this important topic from across the sector. The design of the consultation has been supported by a steering group from across the sector of; The Open University, BookTrust, CILIP, The Reading Agency, CLPE, School Libraries Group, and the School Library Association. The final report will be launched in the Autumn at an Literacy All-Party Parliamentary Group event.  

How important do you think reading is for children? 

We know that reading for pleasure is incredibly important for children; research has shown that children who enjoy reading don’t just do better at school, but have increased mental wellbeing among other benefits. In fact, OFSTED has recognised the vital role that reading for pleasure plays in improving literacy levels. School libraries are an essential tool in this. National Literacy Trust and Nottingham Trent University research found that children using their school library were more likely to read for pleasure and had better reading and writing attitudes – this difference was especially marked for those eligible for free school meals. 

Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success, more so than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational background or income. Libraries are an important place to foster this lifetime love of reading, and will be crucial in the post COVID-19 academic recovery.  

Are primary school libraries totally paid for just by schools at the moment? Any other sources of funding? 

At the moment, there is no ring-fenced funding for primary school libraries, which means many struggle with adequate funding. One in eight primary schools don’t have a library, with this doubling in schools with a higher proportion of children on free school meals. 

There are a number of initiatives that support primary school libraries, including Puffin World of Stories which is a collaboration between the National Literacy Trust and Penguin Random House. The project has supported over 200 primary schools so far, giving them 300 new books, bespoke training, audiobook downloads and colourful resources.  

How can public librarians get involved in the Review? 

We would love to hear from the public library sector about the ways that they currently work with primary school libraries, and any ideas they have about what the future of this provision could look like. So far in our call for evidence, we have heard from primary schools that work closely with their local public libraries, organising class visits and joint projects and would like to hear more about other initiatives and ways of working together.  

We currently have an open call for evidence, you can see the full scope here and either fill out this form or email your response to Policy@LiteracyTrust.org.uk.   

Is there anything else apart from this that public librarians should be aware of from the National Literacy Trust? 

If you want to hear more about our projects and resources then you can sign up to our mailing list here. You can also visit our website to find out more about our other research reports and work.   

National news

• Building cultural infrastructure across England – Arts Council England. £5m Libraries Improvement Fund. “Libraries sit at the heart of our communities, providing a safe space for residents while offering services such as reading groups and back to work programmes. The Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF)  has a budget of £5 million  for 2021/22 which will help libraries to deliver these services and reach their local communities.  A grant could be used to refurbish a library to make it more suitable for delivering cultural events like plays and writing workshops, or health and wellbeing classes. Or it could support the improvement of library buildings by increasing baby-changing facilities or purchasing furniture or equipment.”
• Building excellence in the cultural sector – Arts Council England. Bids for the Library Improvement Fund may benefit from taking into account this document on how to develop a capital project.
• Library Campaign Zooms in on a Publicity Campaign for Libraries – Library Campaign. “Hear Nick Poole (Chief Exec of CILIP) talk about their advocacy work and National Libraries Week (4-10 October 2021) and then a general discussion about how friends groups can advocate / publicise libraries.”
• Plea to save libraries as pandemic sparks new round of cuts – Express. “The crucial community hubs have been hit hard by a year of building shutdowns on top of slashed funding and staff cuts. Pressure groups last night said the situation is critical, with further council cutbacks of around 14 percent in the pipeline. Laura Swaffield, chairwoman of the Library Campaign charity – which fights to save the institutions – said libraries were more important than ever and battled to offer crucial services during lockdown.”
• Public Library Work in a Pandemic – #uklibchat. Monday, 7 June 2021, 7.00 – 8.30 pm. Twitter conversation to discuss the impact of Covid, including reopening, anxiety, digital and the retention of new services when libraries reopen.
• Quarter of libraries shut despite lockdown easing – BBC. “More than a quarter of Scotland’s libraries are still closed a month after they were allowed to reopen. And there is concern that some of the 123 public libraries across the country that remain locked will not return. Some have not opened their doors in more than a year, and many areas are only offering reduced or remote services such as click and collect.”

International news

• China / UK – Push in UK to turn page on books ban – The Standard. “Hongkongers in Britain have launched a campaign calling for people to donate “banned books” in Hong Kong, which will be stored in libraries in the United Kingdom. The UK-based expatriate association group said many books can no longer be kept in Hong Kong public libraries after the passing of the national security law.”
• USA – To patrons who place holds (and don’t pick them up) – Book Riot. “Even if a patron has lost interest in a subject after placing a hold on it, it still gives staff information about what people in the community are thinking about. “

Local news by authority

• Aberdeen – More libraries in Aberdeen to reopen doors to readers – Evening Express. “Kincorth and Woodside Libraries will be welcoming readers back for browsing, borrowing and computer access from Monday.”
• Aberdeenshire – More Aberdeenshire library services become available following easing of restrictions – Grampian Online. “A Book to Browse service has been introduced at a number of larger libraries, which will allow customers to book to go into the facility for up to 30 minutes to browse and borrow resources.”
• Borders – ‘Long overdue’: Live Borders brought to book over closure of region’s libraries – Planet Radio. Service one of last in Scotland to reopen. “The charity which operates them has previously indicated a phased reopening will begin on August the 16th – although it states earlier opening may be possible in certain circumstances. Euan Jardine, who’s Executive Member for Wellbeing, Sport and Culture at Scottish Borders Council, says it’s long overdue.”
• Bradford – Clayton and Wyke libraries open to the public in Bradford – Telegraph and Argus. “Clayton and Wyke libraries have now joined the ever growing list in opening for essential IT use, bookable study space, browsing and self-service issue and return, as well as continuing the Order and Collect service.”
• Devon – Jobs – Libraries Unlimited. Includes Reading Development Manager £32k full-time.
• Essex – Essex County Council leader: ‘We will not close the county’s libraries’ – Basildon Echo. “The new leader of Essex County Council says there will be no library closures –a stark U-turn after years of turmoil and one of the council’s most controversial plans. ” … “The council’s new leader, Kevin Bentley, has now announced no libraries will close at all. Save Our Libraries Essex – the main campaign group against library closures – believe that the threat of many libraries morphing into community hubs manned by volunteers remains.”
• Gloucestershire – New visitor information centre launched in Dursley Library – Gazette. “The Visitor Information Centre will be run by the library under a partnership agreement with Dursley Town Council for an initial trial period to the end of October this year, which could be made permanent if it is a success.”
• Gwynedd – Click and collect library link to launch in Harlech – North Wales Chronicle. “Click and Collect Library Links have been set-up by Gwynedd Libraries to make it easy for the county’s people to order and collect books from the Library at a location close to them, without having to travel to their usual Library.”
• Inverclyde – All six libraries in Inverclyde have now re-opened – Greenock Telegraph.
  • Villagers Mark A Decade Of Kilmacolm Library – Inverclyde Now. “The facility opened on 31 May 2011 as part of the new Kilmacolm Community Centre, also known as The Cargill Centre, following a £2.2million restoration of the former Victorian school building which was part-funded by Inverclyde Council. Over the past decade, the library has welcomed on average of 25,500 visitors each year and issued more than 160,000 books.”
• Kirklees – Nostalgia with Margaret Watson: Full of character and charm – Batley and Birstall News. “the man who was to become Dewsbury’s first borough librarian in 1889, was also called W H Smith” … “he was allowed to stay in his position until the ripe old age of 83”. Children’s library: “It was a special place where children could go into their own library without an adult to accompany them, and choose any book they wished. We moved around in silence.”
• Lambeth – Lambeth Libraries announces Children’s Book Festival and other events for June 2021 – Brixton Buzz. “we have something for everyone whether you’re celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride, the Windrush generation, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, Refugee week or are a lover of authors and great writing.”
• Northern Ireland – Covid-19: Looking forward to hugs, pints and a trip to the library – BBC. “Orla McKeating cannot wait to get back to books and to her children’s story telling groups. The Belfast-based entrepreneur takes her eight-year-old son Elliot to the library regularly. “My son is really into reading and we go a lot with him,” she told BBC News NI. She said she is looking forward to seeing how libraries will reflect issues which lockdown has brought to the fore, such as “more mental health awareness and diversity”.”
• North Yorkshire – The ‘six weeks’ volunteer who has clocked up 21 years’ service – North Yorkshire County Council.
  • Filey school gets set to convert double decker bus into library – Scarborough News.
  • Harrogate library turns back the clock on historic landmarks – North Yorkshire County Council. Then and now photos of local area.
• Northamptonshire – Kettering Library to shut as £3.9 million GLaM building works set to start next week – Northants Telegraph. “With no new temporary home for the library yet found, users of the facility face a trek to the nearest alternative lending outlet – all community-run libraries.”
• Rochdale – Virtual Lego club keeps budding architects entertained during lockdown – Rochdale Online. ““The plan is to go back to our in-person Lego clubs once social distancing rules have been removed, so the virtual club is a great way to keep it going on at the moment.””
• Sandwell – Browsing back at libraries in Blackheath and Oldbury – Halesowen News. “Blackheath Library and Bleakhouse library in Oldbury are open for people to browse – there is no need to make an appointment – but people won’t be allowed in unless they can show their library card.”
• St Helens – St Helens Libraries service faces review – and public urged to have their say – St Helens Star. “St Helens Borough Council’s cabinet this afternoon approved a draft strategy which sets out plans to “create a modern, inclusive library service over the next five years”.” … “”Some areas in the UK, such as Essex and Doncaster, have changed to a community-led management model, and the council keen to hear from individuals, community groups, parish councils and businesses to explore the idea of introducing this approach in St Helens borough.””
• Staffordshire – Protest over controversial library proposals in Burton town centre – Staffordshire Live. “Protests took place this weekend in Burton town centre amidst controversial plans to move the library into the indoor market.” … “Thousands use the library every week and it is one of the most popular libraries in the county. The council wants to move it into the market hall. We want them to reconsider.”
• Surrey – Surrey Libraries’ Summer of reading – Surrey Matters. Lists SRC activities.
  • Surrey becomes the first county in England to provide free period products – Surrey News. “Donation bins and collection boxes where residents can help themselves to pads if needed, can be found in selected libraries across Surrey.”
• Sutton – Sutton Council’s Cultural Services launches a video game for children, to raise awareness about misinformation – London Post. “The game has been launched with supporting educational resources for parents, carers and teachers. Both the game and resources aim to enhance digital literacy and introduce children to the skills needed to critically think about misinformation. NewsFlash! will enable pre-teens to analyse their research habits, develop skills for assessing the legitimacy of information consumed, and support better understanding of the impact of misinformation.”
• Wandsworth – Spine Festival Returns To Wandsworth Libraries – Better. “Wandsworth Libraries has special funding from Apples and Snakes (England’s leading spoken word poetry organization) to host SPINE arts festival, a series of workshops aimed at children, families, and schools in the borough. Throughout the month of June, a series of online events will be taking place– from artist-led workshops on Zoom, to theatre showings on the library website. Wandsworth Libraries are teaming up with Merton Libraries this year to programme events for children aged from 5 to 12 years.”
• Warrington – New Pop-up Museum and Library open for business in Golden Square – Warrington Worldwide.”These much-loved services have temporarily upped-sticks and moved over to the shopping centre to allow for essential maintenance work to be carried out on the historic Museum Street building and is free to enter and open seven days a week.”
• West Dunbartonshire – West Dunbartonshire libraries to reopen alongside council services – Dunbarton Reporter. “The local authority will soon re-open its libraries in Clydebank and Alexandria, and will also complete the integration of “one stop shops”, which provide a range of council services under one roof, with libraries.”
• West Lothian – West Lothian libraries buck national trend to fully re-open – Linlithgow Gazette. ” all 14 libraries in the county were now open- along with community museums. A library browsing appointment allows people to visit community museums housed in libraries or housed in the same buildings as libraries.”
• Windsor and Maidenhead – Libraries in Maidenhead and Sunninghill facing closure – Greatest Hits Radio. Library review said that “This could involve closing four libraries, including Boyn Grove, Old Windsor, Datchet, and Sunninghill.” … “Respondents were asked to prioritise their top 10 library services from a list of 20. A total of 914 people responded to this question. The results show that an online digital offer alone cannot meet the reading and learning, health and wellbeing, or creativity needs of communities and cabinet will consider these outcomes.”
• Wirral – Four Wirral libraries reopen as Covid-19 cases fall in borough – Liverpool Echo. ” people will be allowed to enter four of the borough’s council-run libraries to browse once again.”
• Worcestershire – Worcestershire libraries offer digital lifeline and support to adults with learning difficulties – Bromsgrove Standard. “30 adults with learning disabilities have been given a ‘Digital Lifeline’ by Worcestershire Libraries after receiving free Internet-ready tablets, connection and ongoing digital support”. 20 places on Digital Unite‘s Aspire programme.
  • Kidderminster Library no longer a rapid Covid test site – Shuttle. “The last tests will be available at the library on May 29, but the library will still be used as a collection point for self-test kits”