Good news, plus award shortlists

Editorial

Barnsley have opened a nice new library, the Library @ the Lightbox, which looks nice and another Scottish service, East Renfrewshire, has gone fines-free. I understand that I have missed a few more libraries doing this north of the border and soon a majority of Scottish services won’t fine people for returning a book late. If so, that would be a point those south of the border, where the movement is slower, although still very much moving forward. In other positive news, Libraries Connected have announced the shortlists for several awards, including some interesting initiatives, plus a webinar (in the excellent marketing series) and a tender for digital learning. There’s also a couple of very nice new libraries in the international section.

On the normally bad news front, we have our regular guests in Essex and Glasgow. However, even in those two there is some hope, with Essex Council – if they are to be believed – appearing to promise to have turned a new leaf, although often what a council means by “no libraries will close” and “run by county council” turn into rather disappointing reality, with some services in the past translating this as a visiting paid member of staff a day or two per week and the rest of it being volunteers. We’ll see how good Essex is at clear statements soon when they do a formal announcement. In Glasgow, there’s hope that the Scottish Government’s announcement of £1.5 million libraries funding will largely go straight to them, although one imagines this would be rather annoying for the other Scottish councils and trusts who have perhaps managed their finances differently in the last few years.

Correction: In the last post, I implied that the Government intervened in Northamptonshire Libraries. This is not the case. In the words of the person correcting me: “This may give the wrong impression since HMG did not intervene with regard to the library service in the county (that was down to Mrs Justice Yip at the JR) but rather with regard to the entire County Council.  Representations were made to HMG at DCMS but they did not produce any result and complaints raised were shelved.”

Changes by authority

• Barnsley – New Barnsley Library “Lightbox” opens.
• East Renfrewshire – Goes fine-free.

National news

• Diverse Libraries: webinar series – National Literacy Trust. “Join us for a free webinar series, open to all library staff or teachers based in primary or secondary schools, public or community libraries across the UK.”. 9 December, 30 March, 25 May.
• Invitation to Tender: Information and Digital Learning Module for library staff – Libraries Connected.
• Leading Libraries Exploring Leadership: Invitation to Apply – Libraries Connected. “Are you a leader in your library service? You may be surprised! Think about all that you do in your day-to-day role. Have you put forward an idea for a project, improved a library session or involved new users?” … “The course is designed for those in the earlier stages of their career who want to develop their leadership skills. In line with our ambition to develop and retain a diverse and thriving public library workforce which reflects our society, we aim to recruit a diverse cohort of 20 people. “
• Libraries Connected Awards 2021
  • Children’s Promise Author virtual school visits (Wokingham), youth engagement team (North Yorkshire), used school uniforms (Staffordshire), women’s refuges (South Gloucestershire), multilingual/feed and read/online events (Greenwich). rhymetimes in outside public spaces (Sutton).
  • Culture and Creativity Digital arts (Dorset), Local history (Norfolk), Cinema (Wakefield), Adult learning (Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea), trail (Shropshire), social isolation (Gateshead).
  • Health and Wellbeing shortlist – Manchester (“age friendly” hour during lockdown), Suffolk (food boxes), Kirklees (Libraries of Sanctuary, loneliness cafes). Somerset (health information online, training). Greenwich (lending of footballs), Redbridge/Kirklees/Newcastle (Death Positive).
  • Information and Digital – Online video events (Kingston Upon Thames), Facebook groups (Staffordshire), digital help (Solihull), diversity (North Yorkshire), vulnerable and isolated (Merton), Makaton story times (Hampshire).
  • Reading shortlist – Libraries Connected. Gloucestershire (Facebook book chat), Derbyshire (newsletter), City of London (book recommendation quiz), Portsmouth (Bookfest online), Staffordshire (Facebook book chat), Hampshire (telephone calls to home users, Reading Friends)
  • Vision and Print Impaired People’s shortlist – Libraries Connected. Transcription (Kirklees), online listening group (Derbyshire), home library service (Derbyshire), talking newspaper (Shetland),
• ISNI Press Release, September 2021: The International ISNI Information Day 2021 – ISNI. “This event marked the tenth anniversary of the International Standard Name Identifier (ISNI) – an ISO standard which has been embraced by multiple professional communities over the past decade, and is now one of the most trusted sources of identification and disambiguation for public identities (including individuals and organisations) worldwide.”
• Marketing the Library webinar 2: Producing creative campaigns – Libraries Connected. “This is the second of three webinars in our Marketing the Library project. It will explore the power of creativity and share techniques and tools for coming up with new and original campaign and marketing ideas.”
• Save Our Libraries: ‘Libraries should be communal living rooms for people across Scotland’ – Scotsman. “The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has published its four-year strategy for Scotland’s libraries, putting them at the heart of the Covid recovery. Here, its CEO explains why they should be ‘communal living rooms’ to benefit all, particularly low income families.”

International news

• Australia – Ipswich opens Australia’s first dedicated public children’s library – Ipswich First. “This is not like the libraries of yesteryear, the focus is very much on interactivity and engaging our young people as they learn, explore and play. “Specially designed for children from birth through to age 12, the library holds more than 35,000 items, innovative technology and digital experiences, with two life-sized dinosaurs calling the library home.”
• Germany – Discover a wonderland – Designing Libraries. ” the new Children’s Library is to be characterised by constant buzz and movement. It is a docking station for learning and experiencing new things. There is always something going on here, new ideas to discover, new friendships to make. A walk through the Children’s Library is designed like a discovery journey through wonderland. It is inspired by the structure of a classical drama.” … “With wooden legs and extensions at the top in creative shapes and colours, the bookshelves look like a mysterious fairytale forest. Another special feature is that they are set at some distance from the wall, providing children places to hide.”
• Lithuania – Magical Midsummer (St. John‘s Day) carpets by Panevėžys Elena Mezginaitė Public library (Lithuania) – Naple Sister Libraries.
• Norway – Oslo’s new library opens June 18 – Designing Libraries. “The new library’s doors will be open every day of the week, from morning to evening on weekdays. It will also be possible to return books 24 hours a day to an unmanned delivery kiosk.”
• USA – Abolitionist Library Workers Want Library Access for All. That Begins with Getting Cops Out – In These Times. “There is a growing national movement of abolitionist library workers who want law enforcement out of libraries” including “demanding the library cancel its private security contract and reallocate the money for social workers”. “Cop Free Library is also lobbying the city council for the reopening of public bathrooms at libraries to better serve New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and reduce their contact with police.”
  • Nancy Pearl Receives National Book Foundation’s 2021 Literarian Award for Outstanding Service – Library Journal.
  • Nello Moa: Librarian by day ‘El Mero Rockstar’ by night – Oak Cliff Advocate. “It’s no surprise that he’d like to incorporate music into the library’s program, along with other performing arts, such as dance and poetry.”
  • T-shirt asking ‘What’s more punk than the public library?’ raises $100K for D.C. branch – Washington Post. “When supporters of D.C.’s Mount Pleasant Library printed shirts that said “What’s more punk than the public library?” earlier this year, they thought they would sell 50. Instead, they’ve sold 7,000, made $100,000 and started a viral campaign that is redefining a community resource typically associated with shushing.”

Local news by authority

• Argyll – Live Argyll extends library opening hours in Helensburgh and Cardross – Helensburgh Advertiser. “hours have been extended at two local libraries as the facilities gradually return to pre-Covid operations.”
• Barnsley – New town square unveiled as the Glass Works prepares to open – Glass Works Barnsley. “The £200m development will be launched in phases over the next six months, with the opening of the new public square on Thursday 9 September marking the first major milestone.”

• Library @ the Lightbox – Barnsley Glassworks. “The Lightbox challenges our perceptions of what a modern library should be. It’s a place to learn, explore, meet and make connections in a warm and friendly space. Over four floors there are a range of digital services, including cutting-edge virtual reality, a training suite complete with a 65-inch interactive touch screen, tablet computers and advanced printing and photocopying facilities. The fully-accessible building also includes a sanctuary room for people with autism and provides meeting space for a number of organisations, including a Music and Memories Group, supported by the Alzheimer’s Society and designed for people living with dementia. Visitors can access a range of health and wellbeing services such as counselling and support for parents, including drop-in sessions with midwives and health visitors. The rooftop terrace has amazing views of the bustling town centre. The multi-purpose events space has the capacity to host large events, workshops and group activities. Books are at the heart of it all, expanding horizons through fact or fiction and friendly staff to help borrowing easy. For younger library members, digital technology and interactive story times with innovative software bring exciting stories to life through images, lights and sounds, helping to develop speech, language and reading. Library @ the Lightbox is open six days a week. Library users also benefit from self-service access out of hours and on Sundays – making the Lightbox easy to enjoy.”
• Blaenau Gwent – Councillors to discuss use of libraries as council hubs – South Wales Argus. “The report says that the main type of help being asked for is on Council Tax, benefit application, blue badge applications, to report issues and to pay for services.”
• Bristol – Meeting spaces in libraries – Designing Libraries. “Nooks are mobile, quiet, focus pods that are designed to provide a feeling of wellbeing and calm without causing isolation, and a useful addition to the ranges currently on the market for libraries designing workspaces and meeting spaces. Nook is also an internationally certified autism resource.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Libraries launch children’s ‘Climate Champions’ creative writing project – In Your Area. “Cheshire West and Chester Libraries have partnered with literary arts organisation, Read Now Write Now, Arts Council England, and libraries in the Liverpool city region. The workshops are all themed around climate change, and will involve online writing workshops, recorded workshops, and learning resources available for schools to use.”
• Croydon – The restoration of Norbury Library – Designing Libraries. “A welcoming new café, and accessible community facilities supported by the installation of a new lift. A vibrant new children’s library for young readers and families. Technology-enabled workspaces, helping students, small businesses and residents get online.”
• Derbyshire – Interested in running a library? – Derbyshire County Council. “As part of our strategy for libraries, we aim to transfer the following 20 of our 45 libraries to community management. These libraries are: Borrowash, Brimington, Clowne, Creswell, Duffield, Etwall, Gamesley, Hadfield, Hayfield, Holmewood, Killamarsh, Melbourne, Old Whittington, Pinxton, Somercotes, Tideswell, Whaley Bridge, Whitwell, Wingerworth, and Woodville. We’re already working with organisations at some of these libraries, and are still looking for groups at others”

• East Renfrewshire – East Renfrewshire plans permanent library fines amnesty while banning late fees – Herald. “East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Trust (ERCLT), the charity delivering sport, leisure, arts and culture services in the region for the local council is looking at wiping all existing fines and says it aims to have these removed “as soon as possible”. The abolition of fines in all Scotland’s libraries is being pushed by campaigners as part of a move to make them the heart of a pandemic recovery.”

“We want our libraries to be welcoming community spaces, where people return to use our resources, enjoy reading and discover new books. Late fees can prevent people from coming along and they can also adversely affect those most in need of a public library service.”

Scott Simpson, East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Trust head of libraries and information services

• Essex – New plans to be revealed to revive county’s libraries – East Anglian Daily Times. “After a huge public outcry and a star-studded campaign, the plan to keep the reprieved Essex libraries thriving will be unveiled next month. Essex County Council had planned to close 25 of its 74 libraries in 2018 before making a U-turn a year later.” … “The county council now plans to publish its draft strategy on the future of libraries in Essex in October, and it has been praised for its “act of genuine repentance” three years after its heavily criticised closure proposal.” Deputy leader says ““The libraries will be remain open and they will be run by county council staff.”
  • Essex County Council public libraries consultation – Echo. “The county council says the current administration sees the development of library services as a priority.” … “Cllr Lousie McKinlay, deputy leader and cabinet member for communities, said: “I want to see libraries at the heart of our communities. That is why we plan to invest in, enhance and protect the library service.””
  • Loughton campaigners take to the streets to save libraries – Epping Forest Guardian. “They claim the plans will lead to a much smaller library space and put “property developers before people”. The project, led by Essex Homes, promises to replace the 1970s-built library in Trapps Hill, which the council says “will soon require extensive and costly maintenance”, with a brand-new library and up to 38 flats.
  • “New borrowing scheme launches in Essex Libraries – Essex County Council. “You can now check out more than books at our Libraries as we pilot the Essex Library of Things. We now have a catalogue of items ranging from a drum set to a pressure washer available to reserve and borrow free of charge. All you need is to be over 18 and have a Library card. You can then reserve the item and collect from one of five libraries or the mobile library service.”
• Glasgow – Glasgow City Council bosses admit concern over size of funding pot to reopen closed venues – Glasgow Evening Times. Council “will make a “strong” pitch to the Scottish Government for money to get libraries open, but admitted there are concerns over the size of the fund. Depute council leader David McDonald said the city would make a “compelling” case to “get as much money as possible” from a £1.25m pot.”
  • Glasgow campaigners: Library support cash will not be enough – Herald. “The sum on offer could  resolve Glasgow’s immediate issues but what about the rest of Scotland. “It doesn’t solve the problem with Glasgow Life or even if the five affected libraries were open what about all the other venues and groups affected. “There also remains the issue of how Glasgow’s city government has treated some of its most deprived communities.”
  • Glasgow libraries are more lifeline than leisure facilities – Glasgow Evening Times. “The fact the government is directing people to their local library highlights the importance of libraries within walking distance for people in communities. They are more than places to borrow books and they have been for a long time.”
  • Glasgow libraries could re-open, as council pledge to make ‘strong pitch’ to ‘small’ fund – Glasgow Live. “First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a £1.25m fund to ‘help get and keep libraries open’, but a councillor said that was ‘on the small side to say the least’.”

Libraries in the Royal Borough of Greenwich have become the first in the country to move across to fully biodegradable library cards that are made in the UK, from ethically sourced materials. The borough’s 13 public libraries have begun issuing the new eco-cards this week and with over 121,000 library cards currently in circulation within Greenwich alone, the change will have a significant environmental impact – reducing the amount of plastic going to landfill.

GLL, the charitable social enterprise that operates Royal Greenwich’s libraries on behalf of the council, has partnered with manufacturing specialist Spectrum Plastics and Products to develop the new card – which is full colour, includes a barcode and is made from FSC ethically sourced cardboard. The scheme is the latest in a series of initiatives undertaken by libraries within the Royal Borough to minimise their environmental impact.  These include the recent refurbishment of Eltham Library, which included installing energy efficient lighting, using water-based paints – emitting minimal VOCs and upcycling furniture where possible.  New furniture was sustainably sourced and new carpeting partially made from recycled materials.

Greenwich – Royal Borough of Greenwich launches UK’s first ethically sourced ‘Eco’ library cards – GLL press release

• Lincolnshire – Amazing rabbit hutch library is spreading a love of reading in Lincoln village – Lincolnite. “From humble beginnings, the previously run down hutch has been painted, fitted with windows and adorned with fairy lights – and is now a thriving library with more than 300 books for adults, as well as children.”
• Northern Ireland – Macmillan Coffee Mornings as demand grows – Ulster Star. “‘Our relationship with Libraries NI is long-standing and a lot more than fundraising. The libraries are in the hub of our communities, accessible to all, providing cancer information and signposting on behalf of Macmillan.”
• North Yorkshire – Try something different at library’s activity fair – North Yorkshire County Council. “Members of numerous groups will showcase many activities, involving music, crafts, photography, games and much more. Visitors will be able to see the diverse array of groups and perhaps try some activities.”
  • North Yorkshire to extend free library computer access – Press. “library customers in towns across North Yorkshire will be able to use computers free for up to an hour a day, instead of just 30 minutes. “
  • Renfrewshire – Work to start on investment in Lochwinnoch Library – Renfrewshire News. “Renfrewshire Council is investing £86,000 in rewiring the popular High Street library, which is operated by Renfrewshire Leisure.”
  • Bookbug’s back at Renfrewshire’s libraries – Renfrewshire 24. “Children will be able to enjoy the reading programme in-person for the first time in almost 18 months from next Monday (September 13) as the safe return of services in the region’s libraries continues.”
• St Helens – St Helens libraries stage Heritage Open Day events – The Reporter.
• Solihull – Library opening hours to be extended across Solihull – Solihull Observer. “During September Solihull Council is planning to extend hours starting with The Core on September 6. It will be open on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm, Wednesday 10am and 5pm and Thursday from 9am to 8pm.”
• Suffolk – Heaven and Hell: Suffolk Libraries chief executive Bruce Leeke – East Anglian Daily Times. “With libraries being classified as a critical service by the national government the team has worked tirelessly to support the needs of Suffolk communities. This included over 11,000 calls to elderly and vulnerable people, delivering food parcels to those most in need, thousands of live-streamed sessions online to keep people happy and connected whilst stuck at home and delivering digital devices and 4G dongles direct to people’s homes.”