Library cuts to be Scotched?

Editorial

Don’t mess with Scottish public libraries, that’s the message that Glasgow council and the trust, Glasgow Life, it employs to run them, has been receiving loud and clear since it became obvious that some would not immediately reopen after lockdown. The main reason for the unpopular decision has been that leisure trusts have taken a hit from lack of income and also the amount of money given to councils is too low to make the extra payments to overcome this. Glasgow is not alone in this, with Peterborough’s Vivacity having go give up on libraries last year and Live Borders saying they don’t have the money to reopen every library this year. So, why do I say “don’t mess” specifically with Scottish ones? Well, the response has been noticeably very loud in Glasgow, with many protests, relatively huge press coverage and everyone, including the First Minister, getting involved. And now the Scotsman has started a big campaign as well. It’s also obvious that Scotland is generally more left-wing than England when it comes down to these things. Whether that will be enough or not is not clear but it all rather makes me want to move up North.

In other news, it’s good to see environmental concerns being given priority in Trafford, and in Greenwich, with the introduction of biodegradable library cards. For a service that is traditionally green, having their main symbol that every user carries being plastic is increasingly an issue and it’s to be hoped others will follow suit. Let’s also note that Trafford is starting to get a name for itself as an innovative trailblazer as it was one of the first to get rid of library fines a couple of years ago. Finally, there’s been a couple of digital crimes reported this week – a denial of service attack in the USA and, perhaps even more worryingly, a phishing email in the UK.

Changes by local authority

• Borders – Limited opening hours due to funds.
• Southwark – New library on Aylesbury Estate in 2022.
• Tameside – Droylsden Library moves to new building.
• Thurrock – Grays Library at Thameside to be closed, moving to smaller space.
• Worcestershire Library – Redditch Library to move.

Ideas

• Biodegradable library cards – Trafford.

National news

• The best libraries in London – Conde Nast Traveller. The only public library on the list is Canada Water Library.
• ‘Our libraries can save us. I know they can. We just have to save them first’ – Damian Barr – Scotsman. “Newarthill Library saved my life. It was safe and warm when home was cold and chaotic. Nothing bad ever happened in the library …” … “Our libraries are a sanctuary open to all for the benefit of all and we forget this at our peril. Especially now. ” … “Since 2010, the UK government has chosen to close 800 libraries. Yes, chosen. Cuts don’t just happen. “

“Our libraries can help power a sustainable recovery from Covid and the inequalities it has revealed and exacerbated. Our libraries can save us. I know they can. We just have to save them first.”

Damien Barr, writer an broadcaster

• Scotland’s libraries need our support – Catherine Salmond – Scotsman. “Each week, we will shout loudly about all our libraries bring and why they must always be protected. We will raise awareness and be critical of any potential decisions which may threaten their futures.”
• Scottish library hours remain reduced post-lockdown – BBC. “Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) figures show there is still no reopening information for 61 of the country’s 481 public libraries.” … “Galashiels Library, in the Borders, reopened this month having been shut since the first lockdown. However, it is only open a third of the hours it used to be. Lisa Haddow, who heads the service for Live Borders, said they did not have the funds to offer a full service this year.”. Has table showing how many open in each library service in Scotland.

• Specification for the review and development of the Welsh Public Library Standards. Via email. “The Welsh Government, through its Culture and Sport Division, is inviting Expressions of Interest for the review and development of the Welsh Public Library Standards. The Project is anticipated to be conducted between September 2021 through to March 2022. The quote is now live on Sell2Wales, but viewable through invite only.  If you would like to receive an invitation to quote, please e-mail Carys.Dawson2@gov.wales The deadline for final submissions of quotations is 17:00 on Monday 6 September 2021.”
• Support our Libraries: Closures, funding and Covid recovery in Scotland – Scotsman. Long article. “Scotland is the only country in the UK to have a libraries strategy. Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said it had “communities at the centre of its focus … And yet the cast iron gates of Whiteinch remain locked” … “If narrowing the attainment gap is at the top of the party’s agenda, why is the library at Hillhead – an area of relative affluence – open, but the libraries in Whiteinch and Maryhill – areas of relative deprivation – shut?” … “the pitfalls in using ALEOs like Glasgow Life to run cultural services have been exposed.” and “we have a local government funding settlement that does not support libraries in what they want to do. ” … “Many Scottish libraries are flourishing. They have adapted to modern needs with computer suites and activities like book groups, sewing bees and social history talks.” … “the council has no intention of shifting its responsibility for running libraries to volunteers.”

“those who criticise ALEOs [Arms Length Organisations such as Glasgow Life] are missing the point; that, until Covid, ALEOs made it possible to plug the funding gap. “The question is not: “Are they fit for purpose? ” but: “Are local government settlements fit for purpose?””

David McDonald. deputy leader and chair of Glasgow Life

• Yorkshire comic festival launches donation drive for libraries and schools – BookSeller. “The team at Thought Bubble Festival, a week-long celebration of comics and illustration across Yorkshire, will categorise the comics and donate to schools, libraries and charitable organisations across the UK. The festival runs from 8th–14th November.”

International news

• Belgium – Public library in Mechelen named among best in world – Brussels Times. “The Predikheren was praised by the jury for combining sustainable materials, technology, and digitisation with its unique architecture, as well as for its efforts to be a hub and valuable resource for locals.”
• International – Minecraft library provides gamers with “a safe haven for press freedom” – De Zeen. “Non-profit organisation Reporters Without Borders has built a virtual library in the video game Minecraft to give gamers access to censored books and articles. Named The Uncensored Library, the virtual library houses articles banned in countries including Egypt, Mexico and Russia.”
• Ireland – Dublin Festival of History set to kick off next month – Dublin People. “The festival, organised by Dublin City Libraries in partnership with Dublin City Council Culture Company and now in its ninth year, will be a mix of in-person and online events, and it will play host to a European, UK and domestic line-up of speakers and panels.”
• USA – Impact Live, Virtual Public Library Event – Gale, 29-30 September. Online conference.
  • Boston Public Library Hit by Cyberattack – NBC Boston. “the Boston Public Library experienced a systemwide technical outage due to a cybersecurity attack, pausing public computer and public printing services, as well as some online resources,” the library said in a statement. “Affected systems were taken offline immediately, and proactive steps were taken to isolate the problem and shutdown network communication. There is currently no evidence that sensitive employee or patron data has been disclosed.””
  • Denver Public Library cards will now get you free access to the Denver Tool Library – Denver Post. “The popular Denver Tool Library typically charges $120 for an annual membership” … “Cardholders will be able to check out 10 tools, including three power tools, for up to a week from the popular lending program. Like any book or physical media at the library, the agreement requires DPL cardholders to borrow one of five tool-library membership passes that are held by DPL”

Local news by authority

• Cumbria – Cumbria Library Service issue library membership renewal email fraud alert – Times and Star. “Cumbria Library Service, which is part of Cumbria County Council, said that they had been made aware of some members receiving emails asking for a library membership renewal payment. They re-iterated that their library membership is free and that they would never ask for payment.”
• Denbighshire – Lateral Flow Device test available at Denbighshire libraries – Wales 247.
• East Riding – ‘Festival of Words’ to make return in East Riding – Press. “The main festival will take place from October October 15 – 23, with additional events scheduled in the lead up, plus a varied programme of children’s events too.”
• Leeds – Leeds Leodis archive seeks help over old photos – BBC. “The Leodis website features 62,000 photographs taken in the city across the decades since 1860. Local history librarians have picked out a small selection of images hoping to jog people’s memories and reveal more about several mystery photographs. Andrea Ellison, chief librarian, said people’s contributions created “a rich tapestry of voices not always heard”.”
• Newham – Children in Newham find refuge in reading thanks to libraries project – Newham Recorder. “Newham Libraries has sent membership cards to more than 38,000 children in a bid to make sure all youngsters enjoy reading. The plan for all children in Newham to gain access to books was rolled out as lockdown eased and the summer term began.”
• North Yorkshire – Uncover cryptic wartime messages at Scarborough library – North Yorkshire County Council. ““To house such a unique exhibition is a great coup for Scarborough library. Our staff and volunteers have bounced back “
  • Libraries showcase crafty quilters’ lockdown memories – North Yorkshire County Council. “The community project was run by Ryedale Carers Support, a voluntary organisation helping carers and older people throughout the district.”
  • Library set to close for energy efficiency work – Gazette Herald. Malton. “Government public sector decarbonisation funding will fund improvements to a number of County Council buildings, particularly for the replacement of windows.”
• Perth and Kinross – Name our mobile library vans – Perth and Kinross. “Our mobile libraries have been offering a service throughout Perth & Kinross for 100 years. To celebrate this we would like you to name our vans. The winning names will be displayed on the vans. “
• St Helens – Residents urged to help shape the future of St Helens Library Service – St Helens Reporter. “With a positive response so far though a mixture of comments made via a survey, as well as a number of virtual sessions and in-person popup events, residents and community groups with a passion for libraries are being asked to give it one last push “
• Sheffield – Pictures unearthed that reveal decades of history inside Sheffield’s Central Library – Star. Some pictures, including launch of Betamax video collection and all the library staff as air raid wardens.
• Slovenia – Library, the heart of the city: the green library Conference at Ljubljana City Library (Slovenia) – Naple Sister Libraries. “In the City Library of Ljubljana, we have the renovated Šentvid Library since 2014, which is located in an area that is almost half covered by a green, forested area. The main motto of the renovated library was: “We live in harmony with nature.” With it, we outlined the concept of a green library. Šentvid Library participated in the competition for the best green library – IFLA Green Library Award and achieved an extremely high ranking – one of the five runners up – by presenting its realization of the green library concept. We wanted to give a new impetus to the Green Library by organizing an international conference, which would connect professional efforts on this topic in Slovenia and the wider region. “
• Southwark – Name your new library on the Aylesbury Estate – Southwark Council. “The Aylesbury Estate is getting a new library along Thurlow Street. The library is expected to open early next year. We would like your help in naming your new library.  You can select one of three named suggestions.  You also have the option to give your own suggestion.”
• Suffolk – Top 20 children’s books in Suffolk revealed as 6,000 smash reading challenge – Bury Mercury.
• Tameside – ‘They don’t make buildings like this anymore’: Town says goodbye to 84-year-old library – Manchester Evening News. ” its doors will be closed for the final time this weekend, ahead of a move to new facilities next door in September.” … “”Of course we’ll miss it. It’s a fixture of Droylsden – but it’s a tired building and it’s time to move.”
• Thurrock – Thurrock Council planning to dispose of Thameside Complex in Grays – Time 1075. “The Thameside Complex is home to a theatre, library and museum and has supported many local community groups over the years. “
• Trafford – Biodegradable library cards coming to Trafford – Messenger. “The council is introducing the eco-friendly cards across its 12 libraries. The cards are being brought in to replace the plastic versions. Bosses at the town hall are trying to cut down on the use of single-use plastics.”
• West Lothian – Return to normal service for libraries – Daily Record. “Due to demand, Click and Collect will remain, and customers will be contacted when reserved items are available to pick up from a designated collection point, at any time during library opening hours.”
• Windsor and Maidenhead – Repair Cafe in Maidenhead Library teaches make-do-and-mend – Maidenhead Advertiser (partial paywall). Fixes lampshades to scooters to laptops.
• Worcestershire – Library move to the town hall preferred choice of Borough Council Leader Matt Dormer – Redditch Standard. “The library building is earmarked for demolition under plans put forward by the Towns Fund Board to create a new public square where it is currently situated. However the borough’s opposition Labour group have voiced fears over the future of the service should the demolition go ahead.” … ““Until I am provided with the details of the future library provision, I am opposed to the current demolition plans.”
  • County’s libraries praised for Covid service – Worcester Observer. “libraries have offered essential services during the pandemic and continue to play a vital role supporting communities. They were open for all but the first lockdown, providing essential digital services for those without access to a computer or the Internet at home. A Digital Library Hub ensured customers could enjoy services online while staying safe at home. As Covid restrictions lift, libraries continue to provide essential services – supporting people and businesses as they adapt and recover from the impact of the pandemic”
• Wrexham – Discover a whole world of inspiration at Wrexham libraries – The Leader. “The big challenge we have is to reach more residents with Wrexham Library Outreach Service. We want your thoughts on how your Outreach Library Service will reach you in the future. “