Here to stay?
Editorial
There’s been enough time since Austerity started in 2010 to note some long-term results in the sector. Suffolk Libraries celebrates ten years as a Library Trust this year. It seems to be going well and certainly most of what I see from that service is good and positive. The other library trusts – notably York Explore and Libraries Unlimited (Devon) – also seem to be doing well. Leisure trusts have had a more mixed picture, with Falkirk, Northamptonshire, Peterborough and Wigan all having to return to council control due to various problems. Others have suffered during lockdown – leisure trusts rely on income from leisure centres etc – but have survived.
But the real standout has been volunteer libraries. Focusing just on longevity and not getting distracted by other issues, then the thing one notices is how few have failed in the last decade. Just one or two out of out of the (probably) over 600 have had to close over the time. And some of the first in Buckinghamshire have been open over fifteen years now. That’s a surprising survival rate compared to expectations in 2010 where it was assumed many would not be round for long. It suggests, rather, that they may be here to stay.

Changes by local authority
- Sheffield – Stocksbridge Library to move into new co-location
- Stoke on Trent – Cuts in opening hours reversed after consultation
Floating or dynamic stock.
I recently asked on Twitter if library services use a floating stock system. This is where books are kept at the library where they end up (for example, for reservations) rather than send them back to a “home” library. See this page for some more info on this. The responses on Twitter totalled 4 doing dynamic and 20 doing static. A couple of others do a hybrid system where receiving library keeps the book if they want it, send it back if not.
Comments:
- Several library services have moved to static stock as it lead to build-up in some branches. On the other hand, it was reported that floating stock automatically moves books around and so refreshes libraries without any extra work (indeed, less work as they’re not returned back) and increases serendipity.
- Some do a mixed system: for example “We keep them but send them back if less than two years old” and “we send non-fiction back for special collections but keep fiction if we have a stock gap”
- New Zealand said poorer areas lose out if dynamic because wealthier borrowers reserve all the books.
National news
- £750,000 funding announced to boost libraries and museums in Wales – Wales 247. “The funding, which will be delivered as part of the Transformation Capital Grant Scheme, will support Wales’ local libraries, museums, to develop and revitalise their facilities, with a particular focus on widening access, partnership working, decarbonisation, and developing sustainable services.”
- Arts Council future under review by government – BookSeller. “The review will look to identify a minimum of 5% savings for each organisation.”
- Bookbug Week aims to inspire ‘an early love of books’ – The National. “Bookbug, Scottish Government funding for which over 2022/23 has been increased by £1.7 million, is developed in partnership between the national literature and literacy charity the Scottish Book Trust, local authorities, libraries, children’s publishers and health trusts across the nation, and provides free books to every baby, toddler, three and five-year-old in Scotland.”
- Five tips to enhance your institution’s civic engagement by working with public libraries – Times Higher Education Campus. “Good two-way public engagement can connect communities, inspire learning and stimulate curiosity. So what better partner than libraries to support higher education institutions to engage the public with their work and build on civic engagement strategies?”
- Green Libraries – CILIP. “CILIP has announced the Arts Council England funded Green Libraries Partnership, a multiyear research and development programme to enable public libraries in England to address Environmental Responsibility.”. Various links and events.
- Handbook of Library Appliances – Library Association / Project Gutenberg. 1898 handbook to what library furniture is available and how to use it. Fascinating [and disturbing – I recognise some of this furniture – Ed.]
- How well do you know your libraries? Quiz – OUP Blog. “Were you born to be a librarian? Are you a library fan? Or do you just like a bit of trivia? Whatever your reason it’s time to prove to us how well you know your libraries with this short quiz.” [I only got 4 out of 8 so I guess the jury is still out on me – Ed.]
- Libraries Connected publishes draft accreditation scheme for public libraries – Libraries Connected. “Libraries Connected has now embarked on the next stage in the process: identifying a sponsoring body that can manage, assess and promote the public library accreditation scheme.”
- Opportunity to Tender: Impact and Evaluation of Public Library Services in East of England – Libraries Connected. “We are looking for an expert individual or agency who can lead research on the social value of libraries “
International news
- Australia – National Simultaneous Storytime coming soon – Libraries Connected. ” Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops, and many other places around the country. ”
- ‘I want to change the country’: Albanese – Sydney Morning Herald. “Marrickville Library became a backdrop to tooting car horns, dozens of selfies and several rounds of applause this morning as Anthony Albanese made his first appearance in his inner-west Sydney electorate since winning the election last night.”
- Global – Recent Report from IFLA: How well did copyright laws serve libraries during COVID-19? – IFLA. “The short answer to this question from a report recently published by IFLA appears to be: not very well at all. The report documents a worldwide survey of 114 libraries, 83% of which said they had copyright-related challenges providing materials during pandemic-related facility closures. “
- A Brief History of Library Cats – Mental Floss.
- USA – Texas librarians face harassment as they navigate book bans – Texas Tribune. “Librarian Suzette Baker said she faced a hard choice last year when her boss asked her to hide a book on critical race theory behind the counter.” … “She spoke up, telling her supervisors that the library was facing a censorship attack.” … “Baker was fired for insubordination”. Others “have already quit, and others are considering it.”
- Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel get loud for libraries as honorary chairs of Library Card Sign-up Month 2022 – ALA. ” Tony Award-winning performer, actress, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist Idina Menzel and her sister, author and educator Cara Mentzel, have been named honorary chairs of Library Card Sign-Up Month.”
- Libraries Help Veterans Transition to Civilian Life – EveryLibrary. “… there is no one-size-fits-all veteran archetype. Veterans are found at nearly every demographic level of America. They and their families have long found libraries to be great resources when they move somewhere new, a one-stop-shop of community information and events to help them adjust. So, libraries want to continue offering support beyond the term of duty.”
Local news by authority
- Bedford – Town Centre Jubilee Trail Launches Today – Bedford Council. “Bedford Central Library will be hosting talks on royal visits to Bedford and royal occasions in Bedford with a local historian, and displaying items with a royal theme from the Heritage Library collection during an open morning.”
- Bolton – Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – this is how Bolton will be celebrating – Bolton News. Library ” tea parties, crafts, and story time.”
- Bradford – Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan to attend Sisterhood poetry event in Bradford – Telegraph and Argus. “Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan – a writer, poet and educator born in the city – is attending the Sisterhood Poetry open mic night at Bradford Libraries.”
- Cheshire West and Chester – Ellesmere Port library to welcome ‘Five Days Missing’ author – Standard. Caroline Corcoran at Little Sutton Library.
- Ellesmere Port Library celebrate 60th anniversary – Standard. Events included the Council Leader reading at a class visit, the local mayor cutting a cake at an anniversary coffee morning and a murder mystery in the evening.
- Cornwall – Cornwall Libraries work with Living Memories Online for Jubilee – Packet. “Living Memories Online is working alongside Cornwall Libraries to ‘bring the past to life’ by showcasing a collection of archive films that show life and historical moments over the decades, as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.”
- Coventry – Carved reading bench to get people in Coventry reading – BBC. “It was commissioned by the city’s library service as part of the One Million Reads campaign, which is aiming to get people in Coventry to read 1,000,000 books by the end of May.” … “There are eight audio recordings saved in the bench, totalling around eight minutes in total and she said it was “beautiful when you see it.””
- Devon – Our library really is the jewel in Ottery’s crown – Sidmouth Herald. The recent history of the library, including its move to new premises. “Undoubtedly the Ottery library is what we could call a real ‘success story’ with its Information Office and public toilets all under the same roof, full disable access and meeting the requirements of all members of the local community with their wide range of activities.”
- Essex – Memory Cafe opens in Harwich Library for dementia patients – Clacton and Frinton Gazette. “The new space has been opened in Harwich Library, in Kingsway, Dovercourt, and will be available to anyone affected by the condition, their loved ones or care partners.”
- Falkirk – Larbert Library to host fun day for all the family – Falkirk Herald. “”Our ‘Libraries are for Everyone’ fun day is the perfect chance for people who have never been to the library, or haven’t used us in a while, to find out all the great stuff we do. We want everyone to know that libraries are welcoming, free and that they’re definitely not the quiet places they used to be.””
- Flintshire – Events across Aura Libraries in Flintshire – The Leader. Mindfulness, Makaton and Mama G.
- Glasgow – Glasgow Southside library to close for ten weeks as repairs planned – Glasgow Live. £183k repairs. It will return to pre-pandemic hours when reopened.
- Leeds – New installation and free activities at Leeds Central Library bring to life the fascinating story of the Cottingley Fairies – News Anyway. “As well as the installation, there will be a programme of events and art workshops with a fairy theme for both adults and children.”
- Nationally known poets at Otley’s celebration of verse – Wharfedale Observer. “The scheme, curated by the official Town Poet, Matthew Hedley Stoppard, was a season-long festival of poetry in partnership with Otley Town Council, Prince Henry’s Grammar School, Leeds Libraries, Leeds City Council and Otley Courthouse, and boasted a variety of literary activity.”
- Manchester – Free copies of Lenny Henry’s children’s book hidden around Greater Manchester as part of library festival – Manchester Evening News. “Copies of The Boy With Wings are being hidden in various locations until May 22, with clues released by libraries to give families a headstart.”
- Norfolk – Norfolk’s US Military heritage celebrated at American Library grand re-opening – Norfolk Council. “The American Library, based in Norwich’s Millennium Library, has undergone a transformation to bring the history of the 2nd Air Division to a new generation.”
- Northamptonshire – Mixed fortunes for county’s at-risk libraries – NN Journal. “Raunds Community Library Trust says another organisation has lodged an objection to the plans due to the way the council has handled the process. “
- Latest chapter in Raunds Library saga as council U-turn opens bidding process – Northamptonshire Telegraph. “An announcement that a volunteer-run community library threatened with closure had formed a partnership with an educational trust has sparked a bidding war for the building and service.”
- Northamptonshire LibraryPlus is delighted to announce the relaunch of Study Happy for 2022 – North Northamptonshire Council. “Starting in May, libraries across the county will provide dedicated areas and tailored resources for students to help them in their productivity and support their wellbeing. As well as free Wi-Fi and tablet use, the libraries will have a selection of stationery, and refreshments available, together with a variety of relaxing activities for revision breaks including games, fidget toys and even play dough.”
- North Yorkshire – Scarborough Library Asks “What Would Make You Use it More?” – This is the Coast. “The library team conducted an initial survey in the library and on social media, asking people what three things they wanted to see. The many suggestions covered accessibility, reading and study spaces, activities, exhibitions, meeting spaces, facilities for young people and much more. With these suggestions as a starting point, the library has launched a follow-up survey to learn people’s priorities for how they want to use the space and layout of the library.”
- Nottingham – Campaigners say threatened community libraries should be funded ahead of Central Library – West Bridgford Wire. “A campaigner fighting proposals to close three Nottingham libraries is ‘over the moon’ after the city council confirmed an opening date for the new central library – but said the services up for closure should be funded first instead.”
- New pictures of £10.5 million Nottingham Central Library as opening announced – West Bridgford Wire. “Careful management of the city’s property portfolio and successful sales have made the development affordable from within the Council’s capital programme.”
- Popular poet in Bulwell to speak against library closure plans – Dispatch. Henry Normal “Henry stressed that libraries were important focal points for local communities and he added that every book enabled the reader to immerse himself in a world of knowledge and imagination.
- Work to start on new £10.5 million Nottingham library this summer, council announces – Nottingham Post. “the library would consist of three floors and include an extensive book collection, high-quality children’s library with a storytelling room, as well as a café and a reception area which can be converted into a performance space.”
- Portsmouth – Portsmouth chosen for first live-streamed reading of Michael Morpurgo’s new book for Queen’s Jubilee – Portsmouth City Council. “Best-selling children’s author Michael Morpurgo will read his brand-new book written for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, via a live-stream from Portsmouth Central Library, from 10.45am – 11.45am on Monday 23 May 2022.”
- Portsmouth pupils have the chance to meet author and Blue Peter star Konnie Huq at a special event – The News. “The TV star will attend a Reading Sparks event at Portsmouth Central Library on May 26”
- Powys – Free iPads will help residents get online – My Newtown. “The ‘internet ready’ iPads are available to borrow for four weeks at a time. Each iPad holds a sim card with a mobile data allowance for anyone without a home Wi-Fi connection.”
- Sheffield – Competition launched to name Stocksbridge’s new town centre hub building – Welcome To Stocksbridge. “One of the key projects in the £24.1 million plan for Stocksbridge is to build a new Library and Community Hub building which will house a range of facilities, including high quality, managed workspace.”
- Carnegie Letters (part one) – Reading Sheffield. The origins of Tinsley Library.
- Stoke on Trent – Council U-turn over Stoke-on-Trent library opening times in £280k shake-up – Stoke on Trent Live. “Plans to slash library opening times compared to pre-pandemic levels have been revised – following public opposition. Stoke-on-Trent City Council had proposed to reduce the opening hours of its six libraries, among a raft of other changes, saving £280,000 as part of this year’s budget cuts. During a public consultation on the proposals 60 per cent of people said they did not agree with the proposed opening hours – although most supported the overall strategy. Much of the opposition came from users of Bentilee Library, which was set to be cut to just two days a week under the original proposals, as was Meir Library.Now council leaders have amended the plans in light of the consultation responses. While the overall opening hours across the six libraries will be similar to what was originally proposed, Bentilee and Meir libraries have seen their hours increase”
- Suffolk – Corrin and friends from Chantry group complete cycling adventure for good cause – Ipswich Star. “Members of the Chantry Library’s Men’s Group completed a 300-mile cycling trip and raised more than £500 to support Suffolk Libraries. Corrin Eaton, a founding member of the Men Can Talk social group at the Chantry Library, and others completed a three-day biking and camping adventure which started from Chantry Library and covered 44 libraries across Suffolk.”
- Dubrovnik library returns long-lost book to UK library after almost 64 years – Dubrovnik Times.
- West Sussex – New reminiscence packs added to West Sussex Library Service collection during Dementia Action Week – West Sussex County Council. “The new reminiscence packs will be available from Friday, 20 May, as Dementia Action Week draws to a close.”
- York – Clifton Explore Library Learning Centre Development – York Explore. “A new Explore Library Learning Centre at the heart of Clifton, Where you come in wanting one thing, but go out with so much more. A friendly, accessible, safe space, where you will always feel welcome, A library with great books to borrow, the place you meet up with friends, A workspace with Wi-Fi connection, a place to learn something new, A flexible venue for events and groups, hobbies and meetings, A place you can trust for advice when life changes or challenges you. Help us to create your library in Clifton shaped by your needs.”
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about 2 years ago
Is this a success?
– Public libraries used by less than 10% of the population.
– Professional staff reduced by more than half
– The library service no longer able to produce reliable figures
– No national library website or eBook offer.
when the audit commission, 20 years ago predicted that unless management operated differently the library service would be closed, their criterion was that there would be less than one book loan per person per year. We passed that some time ago. That effectively meant that there is no national public library service.
It may look wonderful in Cheshire, but it doesn’t in most other places. One of the largest impediments to improvement has always been that senior librarians assume that the whole service is as good as they think it is on their own patch, and so they have resisted calls for change. If that hadn’t happened, so much could have been done.