Warm banks and drag queens

Editorial

Two main news subjects this week. The first is the suggestion of using libraries as “warm banks” for those who can’t afford to heat their homes. However, a couple of articles point out that libraries may hardly be in a position to provide such warmth if more funding does not become available. Indeed, it’s pointed out that libraries, with their big spaces and limited council budgets, face a heating crisis of their own this winter.

The other story is, still, that of Drag Queen story-times. It looks like there have been small groups of protesters at basically every event this Summer that they new the time and location of, with other (normally larger) groups of counter-protesters turning up too. Regardless of how one feels about the issue, and there are librarians on both sides, any library service thinking of similar events next year will know to include how to deal with insults, protests and possible need for arrests when they do so.

Changes by local authority

• Powys – Going fines-free.

National news

• Calls to turn empty Eldon Square shops into warm places for people who can’t afford heating bills – Chronicle. “North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll had earlier branded the idea of people keeping warm in libraries “both Dickensian and farcical”. The Labour mayor said: “Thanks to austerity, my local library is now a community enterprise, run mostly by volunteers. There’s two swimming pools run as social enterprises, how will they cope with rising energy prices? They did everything right – communities stepped up to provide services that should have been funded from taxes, and now they’re getting hammered again.”
• Energy price cap: Libraries and museums prepare for surge in people seeking warmth amid soaring energy bills – I. “Some local councils are gearing up for demand for their services to peak this winter amid the cost-of-living crisis, but say they can only provide a “sticking plaster” for the problem.” see also Libraries are being turned into ‘warm refuges’ to help people who can’t pay for heating – Time Out and Libraries and museums form national network of ‘warm refuges’ amid energy crisis – Metro.
• How council library services can support children and families in the earliest years – Local Government Association. “there is much work that already takes place within council library services to support children and families in the earliest years, as well as partnership working across council and health partners.”

• Soaring energy bills may close libraries, leisure centres, nurseries and small businesses, warn leaders – I. “Soaring energy costs this winter will push community facilities to the brink with leisure centres, swimming pool, libraries, nurseries and small independent shops forced to consider closing temporarily or for good.” but “the public library network gives councils and government a key facility in almost every community and some libraries are gearing up to act as warm spaces and advice centres during the winter months.”
• Libraries Connected responds to media discussion of libraries as ‘warm refuges’ – Libraries Connected. “Public libraries have always offered a warm safe space to those who need it, but the energy crisis means demand is likely to be much higher over the colder months. Our research shows that over 80% of library leaders expect an increase in people using libraries to keep warm this winter.” … ” library budgets will be even more stretched over the coming months. This money has to be found from somewhere. “
• The ultimate guide to photographing libraries – Designing Libraries. “Photography is all about light and the best light is to be found early in the morning or in the late afternoon… Keep it all as simple as possible – most well designed new build libraries are strong enough on their own to be graphically interesting… Download the full Essential Design Guideline publication from this page.”

International news

• Canada – These Ontario libraries say more people borrow items and return them on time after overdue fines dropped – CBS News. “An interesting thing happened at the Kitchener Public Library in Ontario after overdue fines were eliminated: More people started returning their borrowed items on time.” … “”Just the basic concept that libraries are not going to pester you for a few bucks really seems to have encouraged usage of our resources,” … “In retrospect, we have even noticed that monetary donations are up from those who do end up with overdue materials”
• USA – Idaho librarian resigns over political climate of ‘extremism’ and ‘militant Christian fundamentalism’ – Independent. Partial paywall.
  • Building Connections Is A Librarian’s Superpower – Princh. “Librarians have proved to be at the forefront of informational media literacy education, dynamic collection builders, defenders of the freedom to read and advocates for our students and library spaces. Of all these stereotype busting abilities, the one I believe to be the most powerful is the ability to build connections. “

Local news by authority

• Berkshire – Berkshire: Arrests made during drag queen story hour protests – BBC. “Thames Valley Police said two men were arrested in Wokingham and Woodley, Berkshire, in connection with public order offences.” … “About 50 protesters gathered at Oxford County Library on Tuesday while an estimated 300 people joined a pro-LGBTQ+ rights counter protest to put a “protective ring” around the building.”
• Birmingham – ‘Warm banks’ to be set up across Birmingham for people struggling to heat their homes – Birmingham Mail. “Birmingham city council confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) today that the Labour -led local authority is currently mapping plans to identify spaces where people can go to keep warm, access services, and spend time with other people.”
• Blackburn with Darwen – Millionaire benefactor’s historic items on show in town’s library – Yahoo News. Includes “An ornate casket containing the freedom of Darwen and a silver gilt and enamel key were given to Scottish-American millionaire industrialist Andrew Carnegie in 1908 when he came to open its new book collection.”
• Carmarthenshire – Eloise Williams to visit Carmarthen and Llanelli libraries – South Wales Guardian. “Eloise Williams will take children on a storytelling adventure …”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Neston Library Celebrates Ukrainian Independence Day with Traditional Food, Music and Children’s Entertainment – About My Area. “included tasters of Ukrainian food and featured young musicians entertaining visitors with some traditional music”
• Coventry – Coventry Libraries – a new home for digital culture – DCMS Libraries. “The year as City of Culture allowed Coventry’s libraries to secure funding from Arts Council England and opportunities to work with partners at a new level to collaborate on Digital Spaces – an ambitious multi-strand digital culture programme.  It was delivered in partnership with The Space (a digital agency established to help promote digital engagement across the arts and culture sector) and the British Film Institute.”
• Devon – Libraries transformed into market places in heart of Devon communities – Devon Live. “Libraries in Exeter, Paignton and Barnstaple are being turned into mini marketplaces throughout the year. Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs the 54 libraries across Devon and Torbay, is launching a new scheme to give sellers and small home-grown businesses the chance to rent Retail Carts in library buildings. Prices start from as little as £25 a day, and it’s hoped it will give sellers a cost-effective opportunity to showcase their products to local communities.”
• Edinburgh – Edinburgh libraries and community centres could become ‘heat banks’ – Midlothian View. “SNP councillor Euan Hyslop is calling on officials to “identify all public buildings in the city which could be used as warm spaces for public access.”

• Hertfordshire – Local libraries to host healthy advice sessions – East Herts Council. ““Our libraries already offer fantastic support and do so much for their communities to promote health and wellbeing, we are delighted to have the opportunity to engage with local people in this way.”
• Kent – Kent County Council urged to use churches and libraries as warm banks in winter amid cost of living crisis – Kent Online. Labour shadow cabinet member wants warm banks. “Suggested “warm bank” venues include churches and libraries to allow people to go sit, play games, use computers and engage in other activities for free.”
• Kirklees – The secret’s out, Kirklees Libraries awarded grant to develop environmentally sustainable garden – Kirklees Council. Part of £40k from the Green Libraries Partnership granted nationally. “The grant will be allocated to develop an unused area behind the library located on Town End, Golcar. It will become an accessible, environmentally sustainable garden with native plants to create habitats for local wildlife and will include an edible and sensory garden feature for the local community to use. “
• Lambeth – Lambeth Libraries and Archives celebrate the borough’s Heritage, September 2022 – Brixton Buzz. “Clapham and Streatham Libraries will be opening on Sundays again from 4 September onwards. ” … “one of 15 authorities that had been successful in getting an award from the Green Libraries Grant Fund. Our project, which will run until the end of October, will show how an environmentally friendly lifestyle can also help save you money.”
• Newcastle – Newcastle Libraries’ Mission, Vision and Values – Newcastle Council. “We promote reading for pleasure, learning and creativity through empowering people to access information, knowledge and culture, enabling them to participate fully in society.”
• Norfolk – Mobile library services in Norfolk to be cut by 50% – Lynn News. “The budget for mobile library buses in Norfolk has been proposed to be cut in half. Norfolk County Council have said on their website that the cuts are due to facing higher costs and demand for services. If the cuts are made, £200,000 will be cut from the existing budget of £422,000.” see also Hundreds have their say over fate of Norfolk’s mobile libraries – Eastern Daily Press. “Halfway through a consultation which will help determine the fate of the service and more than 750 people have given their views.”
• Northern Ireland – New Enniskillen library has no set timeframe for construction as yet – Belfast Live. “Plans were first lodged last year to demolish the existing building on Halls Lane and replace it with a brand-new state-of-the art library. Construction of the new £470,000 building was set to commence in mid-2022 and due to be completed by December 2023.”
• North Yorkshire – Top authors appearing at Scarborough library – North Yorkshire Council. “Tickets are £4 and are available to buy at Scarborough library”

• Oxfordshire – Supporters and protesters turn out at Oxford drag queen kids’ storytime – BBC. “About 50 protestors outside claimed the show sexualised children. An estimated 300 people joined a pro-LGBTQ+ rights counter protest to put a “protective ring” around the library.”. Parents attending said “They [the protesters] clearly haven’t done any research or know what they’re talking about or spoken to any trans or gay people.”” see also Oxford library forced to limit access during drag event protest – Oxford Mail. “Around 20 demonstrators held a large banner which read “groomers welcome”, shouted “shame” at the counter protesters and said the event was for “paedophiles and groomers”.” … “the county council decided to close access to library unless attendees had advance tickets, in order ensure the safety of the performer and the young children attending.” and Pictures: Protests outside Oxfordshire County Library – Oxford Mail.

• Powys – No more library fines if council agrees new plan – Shropshire Star. “On Wednesday, August 31, a delegated decision will be taken by the council’s cabinet member for a prosperous Powys, Councillor David Selby which will take away the financial punishment.” … “Traditionally fines were applied as a contribution to the costs of sending printed overdue reminders to customers. However, the Library Service no longer sends printed overdues because of the costs were prohibitive.””
• Reading – Drag Queen speaks out as protestors disrupt story hour tour – Reading Chronicle. ” the tour has reached over 1,000 children across the country. Speaking about the impact of the tour Aida has said: “I never had a role model as a child. Nobody told me H from Steps was gay. Nobody told me Alan Turing was gay. LGBTQ kids don’t get given the needed asset of a role model. I’m being the role model I wish I had when I was their age. “If these hateful people didn’t exist, then I would just be this fun, fabulous, Story Hour drag queen.” … “Drag Queen Story Hour has been opposed by Michael Manoel Chaves, a conspiracy theorist who runs the ‘Mad Mix Conspiracies’ Telegram channel.”
• Rochdale – Hundreds benefit as digitech library branches out – Rochdale Council. “A further 300 digital devices have been loaned to households through Rochdale Borough Council’s innovative digitech library. Hundreds more digitally excluded residents now have free access to laptops, internet data and support to get online. The digitech library is a partnership between the council, the voluntary sector and grassroots organisations to help tackle digital exclusion and poverty.”
• Somerset – Drag Queen Story Hour: 50 protesters descend on Somerset library hosting children’s event – Somerset Live. “Officers from the neighbourhood team attended Glastonbury Library following protests at similar events across the country, including at libraries in Bristol last month. About 50 protesters attended, including those in support of the event and those opposed to it.”
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries presents Sounds of Nashville: an evening of songs and stories – Suffolk Libraries.
  • Halesworth Library officially opens memorial garden in memory of former manager – Suffolk Libraries. “Ali [Hopkins] was a much-loved member of the local community but sadly died in early 2019. Halesworth Library launched a plan – supported by the Friends of Halesworth Library – to raise money to refurbish and improve the library’s small garden to commemorate Ali’s life and her contribution to the local community. ” see also Library commemorates former manager with new garden – Eastern Daily Press.
• Swindon – Travel through time in Swindon with free virtual reality events – Swindon Advertiser. “As part of the national Unboxed Festival, Swindon Libraries is one of only 15 UK library services chosen to host StoryTrails, which uses cutting-edge technology to bring local stories and places to life in completely new ways.”
• Warrington – How will libraries keep lights on this winter? – Warrington Guardian. “As eye-wateringly expensive as the domestic energy price cap is, at least there’s a cap. That’s not the case for all other businesses, local authorities, libraries and museums that will have to fork out the full whack.” … ” libraries and leisure centres in Warrington are run by LiveWire, a not-for-profit community interest company that saw its income drastically reduced when it had to shut up shop during the pandemic. Now I dread to think what LiveWire’s energy bill is like – I wonder just how much it costs to heat a swimming pool.”
• Wokingham – Arrests made at Drag Queen Story Hour UK protests – Bracknell News. Vehicle had registration plate obscured. “A 59-year-old man from Wokingham was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence at the Wokingham protest.”
• Worcestershire – Calls for planned Redditch library closure to be shelved – Advertiser. “It follows increasing public discomfort over possible proposals to demolish the existing library with no clear suggestion as to where current services provided would go.”. Suggestions library moves to town hall but “However Cllr Fry pointed out there would only be 321 square metres of unused space available at the Town Hall, while the existing library area covers 2,267 square metres, seven times more than the area available at the Town Hall.”
  • Your Turn to Learn learning programme visits libraries – Malvern Observer. “Several learning sessions are available across Worcestershire Libraries, where Creative Studies tutors are delivering Art and Craft tasters and discussing the upcoming Autumn programme.”