Going Sloughly

Editorial

Another quiet week, with the sound of Covid recovery broken only by the announcement of cuts in one service – they’re going to happen, they do not know the precise details. On the plus side, there’s a lovely short programme on reading, with lots of library references, from the BBC. If one is interested in what is going on internationally, and I feel we all should be, we can read about what’s going on in the USA and be grateful that, at least. we don’t work in libraries there. Oh boy, if we thought our society was divisive, we ain’t got nothing on the Americans. Finally, I’d like to pay tribute to #uklibchat, which has been providing a superb platform for people to share their professional experiences and thoughts for a decade. Well done to all those involved. And thank you.

Changes by local authority

• Slough – Consultation on cuts. Various options including closing two libraries to be considered.

National news

• Action Counters Terrorism for UK Libraries – Libraries Connected. London, Tuesday 2 November, 10am to 4pm. “In partnership with Libraries Connected, the National Counter Terrorism and Security Office (NaCTSO) will be delivering an ACT Corporate day at New Scotland Yard for public library services throughout the UK.”
• Angela Rayner Points Out A Very Obvious Problem With Nadine Dorries’ Endorsement Of Libraries – Yahoo News. “Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, noted that hundreds of libraries have closed since the Conservatives were voted into power back in 2010, after the newly appointed culture secretary Dorries endorsed them on Sunday. Dorries tweeted: “It doesn’t matter where you’re from – a library card is a ticket to anywhere in the world.”
• CILIP’s Skills for Leadership – Manage, Motivate and Influence – CILIP. 28 and 29 October, webinars.
• A fond farewell to #uklibchat – UKLibChat. “We have made a decision to say goodbye to #uklibchat and end on a high with our 10 year anniversary. We will be hosting two last chats and will close the doors at the end of 2021. As we do so, we wanted to give people an opportunity to share what they’ve appreciated and look back on our history a little.”

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce loan schemes at libraries for electronic devices to encourage citizens to become more digitally capable. Lord Taylor of Warwick

… Whilst this is not a matter for the department to require, we understand that the provision of portable devices to lend is something library services are increasingly delivering. We know that at least a quarter of library services in England already provide portable electronic devices for loan, generally targeted to those more likely to be digitally disadvantaged. ​​I learned about an example of this at Manchester Central Library in my visit during Libraries Week. Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay.

Libraries: Electronic Equipment – DCMS written question

• Inside Culture: How We Read – BBC iPlayer. Takes a good look at how people read, including many references to libraries. “In Edinburgh, author Ian Rankin gives voice to the words of Scotland’s secret book sculptor, whose intricate artworks, created from the pages of novels, were made in support of libraries, books, words and ideas. ” Liz Lochhead says ” if a community has a public library then it perceives itself as having some worth in the eyes of others “
• Libraries and the environment – Library data blog. “How could digital waste apply to library activities?” amongst other things.
• New book celebrates Wales 34 Carnegie libraries – National. “In his book, Griffiths also repeatedly makes comparisons between “church and chapel buildings in Wales” and Carnegie libraries, which were “built close to the heart of their communities, acting as community centres and meeting places… freely available havens for quiet contemplation or self-improvement”. If the cultural and social parallels between chapel and library are clear from this description, the book’s many illustrations also serve to underline architectural similarities.”
• Working Internationally for Libraries – CILIP. Full project report. ” the project focused on English public libraries to develop a programme of activities including grants for international collaboration projects and an international conference that featured ideas and inspiration from across the world.”

International news

• USA – Hawaii Libraries Face Patron Pushback While Upholding Vaccination Mandate – Library Journal. ” an executive order requiring all state facilities, including libraries, to require proof of vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test for visitors 12 or older to enter. Since the mandate took effect on September 13, library employees throughout Hawaii have been contending with patron reactions ranging from gratitude to anger—including hurled library cards, vandalized cars, and a lot of frustration.”
  • Prosecutors In Wyoming Considering Charging Librarians For Stocking Books – Huff Post. “Prosecutors in Wyoming are evaluating whether to file criminal charges against officials at a public library for stocking books some say are obscene in sections for children and teenagers. For weeks, Campbell County Public Library officials have been facing a local outcry over the books and for scheduling a transgender magician to perform for youngsters, an act canceled amid threats against the magician and library staff.”
• USA / New Zealand – From New Zealand to Gardiner: City hires new library director with experience all over the world – Central Maine.

Local news by authority

• Brent – Former council leader thanks Brent library campaigners on 10th anniversary of closures – Kilburn Times. “Ten years ago six highly valued community libraries in Brent were closed by Brent Council. Paul Lorber, former Liberal Democrat council leader and library campaigner has paid tribute to the “hundreds of local volunteers” who have maintained the closed spaces and brought them back to the community. “
• Gloucestershire – Gloucestershire library shortlisted for award – Planet Radio. “Bishop’s Cleeve library managed to get 4000 children in Gloucestershire reading as part of their summer reading challenge. They also rolled out a scheme providing reading packs – full of literary resources and books – for vulnerable children in the county. The David Vaisey Prize ceremony takes place today – with the winner awarded £5,000 and £1,000 to the runners up.”
• Highlands – Bookbug stories and rhymes sessions run by High Life Highland libraries short-listed for Scottish Library and Information Council award after going online during coronavirus crisis lockdown – Ross-shire Journal. “The SLIC Award celebrates the commitment and creativity of Scotland’s library services and shortlisted High Life Highland for its work moving Bookbug sessions – stories and rhymes for young children – online during lockdown.”
• Manchester – Chorlton and Longsight libraries to get revamp – About Manchester. “Libraries in Chorlton and Longsight are the latest Manchester libraries set to get a re-vamp as part of the council’s ambitious £6m Libraries 2023 strategy.” … “Now, under latest plans to further improve the city’s libraries – announced this week to coincide with National Libraries Week – Chorlton Library will be completely transformed and restored, whilst over at Longsight Library, library users are going to benefit from a complete reconfiguration of the building along with other improvements that will help open up the building to more people and broaden the services it provides.”
• Norfolk – Anger at ‘unfair’ plans for library expansion to swallow community garden – Norwich Evening News. “Norfolk County Council has drawn up plans to build an extension to Sprowston Library in Recreation Ground Road which would result in the loss of the sensory garden finished just before the pandemic. The town council has said it is strongly opposed to the application due to the loss of the garden.”
• Northamptonshire – A ‘much loved and vital community hub’ to celebrate three decades since opening its doors – Northampton Chronicle. “To mark the anniversary, there will be a series of activities taking place at the library throughout the day including a giant birthday card for members of the public to sign, birthday cakes from the WI and entertainment from the ‘Big Sing’,”
• Redbridge – Redbridge Libraries to Receive Huge Digital Upgrade – Redbridge Vision. Bigger screen sizes. “The Public PCs are available now at Redbridge Central Library and will continue to be rolled out across the rest of the service this Autumn. “
• Renfrewshire – Jack Carlin hopes new campaign can inspire cyclists – Gazette. “The ideas process open until Sunday, November 14 and can be submitted online at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/YouDecide or via post boxes placed in libraries, leisure centres and Morrisons supermarkets across Renfrewshire.”
• Slough – Two Slough libraries could be axed in bid to ease financial pressures – Royal Borough Observer. “A 12-week consultation could be launched from October 28, if cabinet members decide to give the go-ahead at next Monday’s meeting. According to the library services consultation report, it states the current service is “not affordable”, and the Labour-run council is eyeing up cuts after it was forced to freeze all non-essential spending over years of high borrowing and accounting errors.” …. “There are five proposed options that residents can comment on including closing both Langley and Cippenham library buildings but maintain the staffing and hours at the Curve and Britwell.”
• Wandsworth – New library: Wandsworth Town Library(England – Naple Sister Libraries. “29 European public libraries participating”