Going ape

Editorial

Public library services up and down the country are wrestling with what to do now Covid restrictions have been lifted while Covid is still very much present. From what I can tell by talking to people and from media reports, most services appearing to be returning to more like 2019 but with more hand sanitiser, staff still behind screens asking (but not telling) public to be masked, and hand sanitiser remaining obvious. There’s more variety when it comes to physical events – libraries are finding the risk assessments a bit difficult being they’re unprecedented – but a number are restarting them, including inside libraries.

The big news this week, though, is not Covid related. It’s about a very inappropriate monkey costume used for a Summer Reading Challenge event. The costume is adult enough (including the male reproductive organ, I kid you not) that I will not include it here. The incident has been covered worldwide, with so much that there is a separate section below. Read about it in detail there if you wish. One of the key lessons for councils from this, unstated in the reports, is that it doesn’t matter to the public if their library service is outsourced or not. When push comes to shove, the public will still blame the council for its mistakes, even though the council may be genuinely unaware of the problem until the same time as the public and quickly acts upon it when they do notice it. Thus outsourcing comes with an unavoidable, and by the look of this story, pretty random and unpredictable, risk to reputational damage for the local council.

Finally, it’s worth noting the fight continuing in Glasgow about some very serious potential job losses from their outsourced organisation for libraries and leisure, Glasgow Life. Up to 500 jobs are at risk there due to lack of income over the pandemic. It is noticeable there also that the local council, and even the Scottish Government, have got flak for something neither of them are directly in charge of.

It looks like, in fact, when it comes to outsourcing. sometimes the public do give a monkeys.

Changes by local authority

• Conwy –  Colwyn Bay Library may move to the local authority building at Coed Pella

National news

• Libraries Connected launch new awards scheme for library staff – Libraries Connected. “The awards are linked to the Universal Library Offers and Promises and the judging panel will include those leading these areas of work nationally. The awards are open to individuals or teams” ..  Overdrive are sponsoring to pay for all the winners will get a free ticket (with accommodation) to attend both days of the annual Libraries Connected seminar in October. We’re also putting on a special awards dinner with (hopefully!) a VIP to present the awards to them in the evening. 

“Public libraries offer free resources for study and learning. This includes media literacy skills, through channels such as online courses and information sources, and providing quiet spaces for study and reflection that people may not have at home. Libraries also provide opportunities for people to develop core online skills, such as the ability to analyse information confidently and safely.” (Nickie Aiken, Conservative, London and Westminster)

“I thank my hon. Friend. She is quite right; there could not be a better campaign for the summer. We have put £1.9 million of support into the reading scheme that she mentions. But of course there is £200 million going into the holiday activities fund, and there could not be a better, more useful, happier way of occupying your time on holiday than reading a good book.” (Boris Johnson)

Hansard 14 July

• Online Media Literacy Strategy – DCMS. Public libraries have their own small section in the new document, including “Public libraries offer free resources for study and learning. This includes media literacy skills, through channels such as online courses and information sources, and providing quiet spaces for study and reflection that people may not have at home. Libraries also provide opportunities for people to develop core online skills, such as the ability to analyse information confidently and safely.”

“Libraries play an important role in communities and already offer training and support to the public to help them access technologies and navigate the online environment. The strategy will provide a training programme for frontline library workers who interact with members of the public every day to teach them about information literacy.”

Digital Minister Caroline Dinenage

The Rainbow Monkey Incident

• Actor in monkey costume with fake penis and bare bum was invited to library to encourage children to read – Independent. The Summer Reading Challenge “is all very wholesome stuff … until now.” … “Goodmayes Library in Redbridge, East London ruined everything by inviting an actor in a rainbow monkey costume with a fake penis and bare bum to the launch event, and created an absolute s**t storm.”. Arranged by Redbridge Vision, not council. Council Leader complains and event is stopped, apologies made. Libraries says they were not aware of monkey costume at time of booking, theatre group have “retired” costume. However, previous tweet exchange between Redbridge Libraries and Exeter Library suggests at least some in library service knew about the costume. “Sorry but we are just thinking about the brainstorm meeting that led a library to think a ‘Rainbow Dildo Butt Monkey’ was the best character to get children to read. Nope, we can’t image how on Earth it happened so we welcome whistle-blowers who wish to come forward.”

“Local Labour MP Wes Streeting asked how “anyone involved – including your staff – thought that a costume described by one national journalist – with depressing accuracy – as a ‘Rainbow Dildo Butt Monkey’ was appropriate for family audiences around our libraries and public realm, let alone a festival aimed at promoting literacy amongst children.”

• Actor in bare-bottomed monkey costume appears at event to encourage children to read – Mirror.
• Willy bad: Actor in bare-bottomed monkey costume with fake penis appears at event to encourage children to read – Sun.
• Exeter Library sorry over Instagram post of a man dressed as a monkey with a sex toy – Devon Live. “xeter Library has since apologised, admitting that the costume was ‘inappropriate’ and that they ‘deeply apologise for the offence caused'” … “Exeter Library were not involved in any way in the organising of this event. We commented on a post regarding this event in some haste, without appreciating the true nature of the show. We apologise for misreading the situation and commenting in a positive way. We pride ourselves on offering children fun, exciting and appropriate activities that celebrate inclusion and diversity. We are investigating this incident to ensure staff follow our policies at all times including on social media.””
• Hey kids! Bare-bottomed monkey man with fake penis teaches kids to read – Star News (New Zealand).
• Library apologises after ‘dildo-wearing rainbow monkey’ booked for kids’ reading event – Daily Star. “In a video, the ‘monkey’ runs out from the library on the street with two other performers holding a placard. Footage shows the character’s fake genitalia flapping in all directions as he danced around”
• Library apologizes for performer in a monkey costume with a false bottom and a fake penis attached to it – Boing Boing (USA).
• London borough apologises for having actor in bare-bottomed monkey costume with mock genitalia encourage kids to read more books – Russia Times. “This does not, however, appear to have anything to do with party politics”
• London library apologises for bringing actor dressed in bare-bottom monkey costume to children’s event – Evening Standard. “One parent said: “Someone needs to lose their job over this.” A second asked: “This is unbelievable. Have we completely lost our moral compass as a society?””
• London: Library brings a performer in monkey costume with hanging genitalia, exposed buttocks, says it was to ‘encourage kids to read’ – OpIndia (India)
• MP slams ‘if you’ve got it, flaunt it’ comment on explicit monkey costume – Ilford Recorder. “In a letter written on July 12 to Vision’s chief executive Iain Varah, Ilford North MP Wes Streeting demanded “consequences for this appalling lapse in judgement”.” … “Ilford South MP Sam Tarry added the incident was “deeply upsetting and completely unacceptable”.”
• Parents’ disgust as actor in rainbow coloured monkey costume with fake penis and nipples appears at library event encouraging children to read – Daily Mail.
• Parents Furious After Library Uses Actor In Monkey Costume With Fake Penis To Encourage Kids To Read – Comic Sands (USA). “The fact that all attention for the wholesome event was hijacked by the whacky primate was just plain bananas.”
• Redbridge Council launches investigation after actor in monkey suit with fake penis encourages kids to read – News Australia. “Furious parents complained about the incident to UK news publishers The Sun and the Daily Mail.”
• Redbridge Libraries under fire for inappropriate costume – Guardian series.
• Watch: Rainbow Monkey Dildo Story Hour at London Library ‘Reading Challenge’ for Kids – Breitbart. “A London library sparked intense backlash after it hired a self-described anti-racist carnival troupe with a performer dressed up as a monkey with a large dildo hanging between his legs for a children’s reading event.” … “The Redbridge Library features a slew of woke content on its YouTube page, including regular drag queen story hour-style video”

International news

• Canada / USA – 7 sent back to Canada after using library lawn to enter U.S. from Quebec – CTV News. Library is on the border. “Surveillance videos released by the Border Patrol shows the car drive by the Haskell Free Library and Opera House on July 4, nearly hitting a car as it turns onto a street in the Vermont community.” … “The Haskell Free Library was deliberately built straddling the border in the early 20th century so people from both countries can use it”
• Denmark – Copenhagen: How can a library be a social inclusion place against racism? – Biblio Project. “The Human Library – or “Menneskebiblioteket” as it is called in Danish – was created in Copenhagen in the spring of 2000 “
• Kenya/Tanzania – Why our public library facilities and services need improving – The Citizen. ” I will compare my experience of the Kenya National Library Services with that of Tanzania, based on cost of the service, facilities and use of technology. ” … “The state of the toilets at the main library in Dar es Salaam is shocking. There is no running water, the hand-washing sinks are blocked”
• USA – Right-Wingers Are Taking Over Library Boards to Remove Books on Racism – Truthout. “Some locales are making opposition to critical race theory — either through books or community lectures and discussions — their core focus, but other locations are adding virulent opposition to comprehensive sex education and LGBTQIA+ acceptance in a trio of concerns. ”
  • Goodbye, ALA – April Hatchcock.” I’m more convinced than ever that ALA has always been and will always be centered on promoting the “neutrality” of white supremacy and capitalism. Despite the endless working groups and task forces aimed at the contrary, there is no interest in changing the organization. “
  • How and Why to Team up with your local librarian – America Walks. “Working with public librarians, these disparate institutions convene downtown walking tours, install art installations along walking trails, take kids on birding trips along rails-to-trails corridors, enhance the walkability of communities by installing amenities like community gardens, and even build new libraries that are more accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists. “

Local news by authority

• Bolton – Covid-19 rules to remain in Bolton Council buildings and services – Bolton News.
  • Anger as Farnworth and Horwich libraries set for school holiday closure – Bolton News. “Building work starts on July 26 at Farnworth library, where the council’s library and museum service is developing a partnership with Bolton College to deliver a community learning programme.” … “On the other side of the borough, Horwich Library is temporarily closing because urgent repairs are being carried out on the roof.”
• Bradford – Bradford Council services prepare ahead of lockdown easing on 19 July – Telegraph and Argus. “it will continue to encourage library users and staff to wear face masks, observe social distancing and use the hand sanitiser provided. Limits on the numbers of people allowed in libraries will be lifted, but the Council is asking people to continue to respect social distancing.”
• Conwy – Have you say on Conwy consultation over relocation and new library plans – North Wales Pioneer. “Conwy County Borough Council will close its survey on the Library and Information 2021-2026, which sets out its approach to improving library services, at the end of this week. The draft strategy includes relocating Colwyn Bay Library to the local authority building at Coed Pella, plans for a community hub in the west end of Abergele and outreach services in rural communities.”
• Croydon – Croydon Social Enterprise receives national recognition – Sutton and Croydon Guardian. “GLL, the charitable social enterprise that operates seven sports and leisure facilities on behalf of Croydon Borough Council, has been recognised as one of the UK’s Top 100 social enterprises in the NatWest SE100 Index 2021” … “GLL’s social enterprise credentials stretch beyond its sports and leisure operation into the world of libraries – and GLL is now the UK’s largest and most innovative library operator.”
• Denbighshire – Denbighshire children urged to take part in Summer Reading Challenge at their nearest library – Rhyl Journal.
• Derbyshire – First county community-managed library set to open its doors – Derbyshire County Council. “Woodville Library is to be the first of our libraries to transfer over to community management as part of our innovative Libraries for Derbyshire strategy”
• Dorset – Friends of Weymouth Library welcome reopening of services – Dorset Echo. “Borrowing, browsing, information, computer use are now available and opening hours are back to pre-pandemic times.”
• Durham – Record free storytelling keepsakes at Durham libraries – Northern Echo. “County Durham Libraries, run by Durham County Council, has teamed up with Featherbed Tales to bring a new kind of storytelling where readers can record themselves as the narrator.”
• East Riding – Changes to East Riding Library Services from Monday, 19 July announced – Pocklington Post. “Some library sites are re-instating social groups over the summer, and most libraries (space and government guidance permitting) will have a social activity programme starting in September, including book groups, bounce and rhyme sessions for pre-school children and carers, Knit and Natter groups, and Reminiscence sessions.”
• Essex – George the Bookworm to embark on tour of Tendring libraries – Clacton Gazette. “George the Bookworm, suitable for children aged between five and 10-years-old, is coming to libraries in Harwich, Manningtree, Brightlingsea, Frinton, and Clacton. The free, 45-minute show, created by the Grand Theatre of Lemmings, will see cheeky and adorable bookworm George lead a host of activities based on stories.”
• Flintshire – Become a Wild World Hero with Flintshire libraries – The Leader. “Follow a Story Trail or solve the treasure hunts or join us for ‘Fit Fed and Read’”
• Glasgow – Still Game star Gavin Mitchell says libraries are a right not a luxury as campaign to reopen Maryhill site continues – The Herald. “For Mitchell libraries are a place of solace and comfort and he says he wouldn’t be where he is today without them. Growing up he was a regular visitor at Springburn library which he describes as an escapism for someone with such a love of books.” … “He has been supporting the Save Maryhill Library campaign since it was revealed it wasn’t one of the libraries with a reopening date as we emerged from lockdown. “
  • Glasgow librarians call for council to give ‘urgent reassurance’ over jobs – Glasgow Evening Times.
  • Glasgow library campaigners say fight will go on despite hopes of local victory – Herald. ” “I really get quite emotional when I talk about it. Libraries belong to the people of Glasgow and are much more than just a place to read books. They are a refuge for many. From Book Bug clubs for parents with little ones to cancer support services housed in libraries these were face to face services which supported people before the pandemic.”
  • Glasgow Life told to rectify ‘dire situation’ affecting city’s massive library service – Glasgow Life. “Head of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland (CILIPS), Sean McNamara has written to the charity after it was revealed it intends to cut its workforce by 20 per cent, putting 500 jobs are on the line.”
  • Unions lodge grievance over Glasgow Life job cuts – BBC News. Up to 500 jobs under threat due to reduced income over lockdowns. “Unison, GMB and Unite say the arms-length charity has failed to properly consult staff about the plans. Glasgow Life said the job cuts would be made “over time” and would not involve compulsory redundancies.”
• Gwynedd – Gwynedd libraries host summer fun – North Wales Chronicle. “”Every child who joins the challenge will receive a bag full of resources including a ticket to watch an online film of the creatures in our libraries in association with Creature Ark and a nature activity booklet created by Wild Elements while stocks last.”
• Hertfordshire – Hertfordshire initiative that transforms stories into art set to continue after boost of almost £50,000 – In Your Area. “The workshops form part of Hertfordshire libraries’ My Story Project, which began in 2019. They give participants the opportunity to express their stories of adolescence and change through painting, music and other creative art forms.”
  • Dacorum residents invited to explore their inner creativity with Hertfordshire Libraries – Hemel Today. “These workshops are part of Hertfordshire Libraries’ My Story Project, which provides participants with opportunities to express their own stories of adolescence and change through painting, music and other creative art forms.”
• Isle of Man – Creation of Isle of Man national libraries board proposed – BBC News. “The Council of Ministers-commissioned document made several recommendations, such as introducing a “universal membership card” and allowing libraries to “provide other services”. It also recommended any new libraries board and the mobile library service be funded by government. A consultation on the report’s suggestions will run until 20 August.”
• Isle of Wight – Council-run libraries returning to normal from Monday – Island Echo. Fines amnesty extended until Autumn. ““Sanitise your hands on arrival, zap the NHS Test and Trace app or fill in a very small contact details form, and please continue to wear a face covering for your own safety and the safety of people around you.””
• Leicester – Go wild for this year’s summer reading challenge – Leicester City Council. “There’s also the chance to catch some free live theatre with a nature theme over the summer, thanks to Leicester Libraries’ collaboration with The Spark Arts for Children and Upswing. ‘Seasons’ will be a story told through acrobatic performance, suitable for the whole family. Performances will take place with the audiences sitting in tents, with one family bubble to each tent”
• Manchester – Manchester City Council joins forces with British Library to roll-out small business support across Greater Manchester – About Manchester. “Manchester City Council has joined forces with the British Library to roll-out small business support to Greater Manchester, Blackpool and Lancaster and turbocharge the local economy.”
  • Libraries to fully re-open after a long year – Manclibraries Blog. “Newspapers and magazines are soon to be reintroduced and regular events and activities, beginning with the popular Summer Reading Challenge activities for children and families as well as the popular story time for Under 5s, will return”
• North Yorkshire – Fantastic Mayan themed entrance welcomes youngsters to the Summer Reading Challenge at Scarborough Library – Scarborough News. “To celebrate the launch, our very talented caretaker Andy Field and volunteer Robyn have created a magical and mystical Mayan themed entrance way to the Junior Library at Scarborough Library.”
  • Buzz around new initiative at North Yorkshire libraries – The Press. “Libraries are abuzz with under-fives enjoying Buzzy Bee’s Honey Hunt, a free scheme that rewards young children who borrow books from the library with cards, stickers and a certificate.”
  • North Yorkshire Libraries: Scarborough’s children save lost time travellers – Scarborough News. “Scarborough Library seemed the obvious location for the time traveller to arrive, so each class arranged to perform their story at the library, in hope that the time traveller’s ‘time wardrobe’ would arrive safely.”
• Nottingham – Nottingham’s new Central Library opening delayed until 2023 – West Bridgford Wire. “Nottingham residents may not have a city centre library until at least 2023. Thousands of books and records from the former library on Angel Row are currently being stored at an industrial unit two miles from the city centre, next to Stonebridge City Farm. Nottingham City Council has already created a new state-of-the-art central library at the Broadmarsh bus station and car park, which was due to open in 2021. In March this year city council leader Cllr David Mellen confirmed the opening of the new library would be delayed until 2022, when the Angel Row building had been sold off to developers.”
• Pembrokeshire – Become a ‘wild world hero’ with Summer Reading Challenge – Western Telegraph. “Although we can’t offer activities in our libraries due to ongoing restrictions, we will be giving out activity packs for the children taking part to take home.”
• Peterborough – Free film screening at the Key Theatre if youngsters take up Summer Reading Challenge – Peterborough Telegraph. “Children who complete a book review at any of the city’s libraries will qualify for free admission with their family of up to six people to watch Jungle Book, Peter Rabbit 2 or The Witches in August.”
• Rotherham – Riverside Library reopens on Monday while other sites return to normal hours – Rotherham Advertiser. “Riverside Library will reopen its doors to the public on Monday for the first time in 16 months — but numbers will be limited “for at least two weeks” … “in order to “operate safely for customers and staff”.”
• St Helens – Peter Street and Garswood libraries to reopen – The Reporter. “The move means all libraries in St Helens borough are back to offering a normal service – except for Billinge Library which will remain closed until further notice for health and safety reasons because of a damaged roof.”

• Staffordshire – New libraries & arts project in Staffordshire to help bring communities together – Signal 1. “The project will support local artists and makers to take up residence in libraries across the county to help create new connections with communities.”
• Wandsworth – Battersea Library is chosen as launch venue for new Government Strategy – GLL (press release). “Battersea Library in South London was invited to host the launch of a new national Media Literacy Strategy today (Wednesday 14^th July).  Caroline Dinenage MP, Minister for Digital and Culture briefed a group of industry experts on the new £340k initiative that is designed to fight online disinformation. ”
• Wiltshire – Wiltshire children urged to pick up a book as Summer Reading Challenge returns – Greatest Hits Radio. “A few of the changes include: Libraries not being able to listen to the children talk about their books; Core materials being handed out in bags; Families encouraged to visit at the quieter times such as afternoons as there may be queues.”