A decisive end to austerity but what about public libraries?

Editorial

The massive spending combined with tax cuts in last week’s not-a-budget and energy subsidies definitively marks a huge break between Truss and previous Conservative leaders. However, none of the money spent is primarily for public services and the huge increase in government debt it implies means that there will be fewer pounds available for public libraries in the future. Indeed, even if Labour get into power in two years time then such debt severely limits their options too. On the other hand, the sustained cuts to public libraries since 2010 and the increased expectations places upon them (such as the recent “warm bank” scheme) also means that it’s hard to see how the Government could seek to balance the books by further reductions to the sector. So it’s hard to see what the future holds but I suspect it doesn’t mean as rosy an investment as that recently given to the highest paid.

Changes by local authority

• Cheshire West and Chester – Northwich Library closed until restoration work completes in 2023.
• Wokingham – Carnival Hub Library opens

National news

• Content ideas & inspiration for your library newsletter – Artefacto. “Newsletters are a fantastic option for marketing and communicating directly with your users. But it also means competing with a lot of other email noise to get people’s attention. Our inboxes are busy. Creating engaging content, from the subject onwards, makes a big difference in establishing a connection with your audience, and that’s what all of our examples have in common. They tend to have a particular focus or theme… “

• Cost-of-living crisis: how libraries plan to support the vulnerable this winter – Libraries Connected. “A snapshot survey of over 50 library leaders, carried out by Libraries Connected this month, revealed that nearly 60% are actively considering taking part in a “warm bank” scheme, with many hoping to provide additional support such as hot drinks and advice on managing bills. Almost half (47%) plan to work with local partners such as churches, charities and community groups to support the vulnerable. Only 4% of library leaders expect to receive any extra funding for this activity, however. That makes it uncertain if, or for how long, they will be able to provide it” see also ‘Warm bank’ libraries call for extra funds – LocalGov. “Library services have warned that without additional funding they will struggle to cope with the extra demand of people looking for somewhere warm to spend time in this winter.”
• Green Libraries Events – CILIP. “Events and activities under the Green Libraries Partnership and wider sector events on sustainability and climate action.”
• Save the Dates for our 2022 Reading Partners Roadshows – Reading Agency. “The virtual roadshows are an opportunity for library, prison and education sectors to hear from our publishing partners about their latest titles, meet authors, and have the chance to ask questions about promotional opportunities”
• Update on the Single Digital Presence – British Library. Extra people taken on, with more vacancies being advertised. The actual name of the SDP is now down to a shortlist.

Public Library People – NAG needs you!

Would you be interested in helping guide the direction of travel for NAG? Contributing to the discussion around how we can best serve our Membership and grow the organisation? Our Executive Committee is split into groups to ensure even representation of the membership and this year we will have vacancies in the groups for Public Libraries, Commercial Members and Special Libraries. If you work in one of those sectors, we would be delighted to hear from you. We are particularly keen to get more public library representation on the NAG Exec Committee; please do get in touch if you’re considering it and you would like more information on any aspect of the role.

We are restructuring our sub groups and teams for 2022/23 so it will be an exciting time to be involved. Our plan is that sub groups will have more autonomy to plan and organise then report back to our full Executive Committee leading to more flexibility and shorter full Exec meetings. In general, most subgroup and Exec meetings are virtual to enable greater participation. Full Exec meetings are usually on Mondays via Zoom. For physical events and meetings we offer full travel expenses to help enable our Exec members to attend. If even the cost of NAG Membership is a barrier for your organisation, we would be happy to offer discounted or even free membership in exchange for your time serving on Exec, especially for public library people. Our AGM date for 2022/23 is 7th October in central London. Do save the date if you’re interested in joining us.

Best wishes. Jennie and the NAG Exec Team

Email from National Acquisitions Group nag.office@nag.org.uk

• Volunteering in Public Libraries – 10 years update – Northumbria University Newcastle. Survey. “This research aims to investigate how volunteers are being used in English public libraries building on previous doctoral research undertaken in 2012 to understand how things have changed over the past decade of austerity measures and local authority budget reductions. “
• Webinar: Libraries in partnership with heritage and archives – Libraries Connected. “This webinar will explore how heritage and archives can deliver against all the universal offers and support the work of libraries beyond culture and creativity. “
• Winners of the Our Year, Our Card competition announced – Literacy Trust. “Read Manchester and Manchester Libraries are very happy to announce our winners of the Our Year, Our Card library card design competition. Our Year aims to put children at the centre of life in Manchester as we continue the recovery from Covid, and the competition gives them a chance to submit their own artwork and highlight their abilities.”

International news

• Global – Advocating Public Libraries by the SDG – IFLA. A look at how libraries are using the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Indonesia – Libraries as Literacy Champions: an Indonesian Case Study – IFLA. “Indonesia’s libraries have placed the fight to ensure universal literacy at the heart of their work. Hardly a photo is taken of a library event without people making an L-sign with their fingers to symbolise literasi (literacy in Bahasa Indonesia). This case study looks at the structures in place to support this work, the philosophy behind it, and the initiatives carried out.”
• Iran – Information literacy in public libraries from the perspective of public libraries’ policymakers; an exploratory study – Research Information Science and Public Libraries. “ The present paper aims to conduct an exploratory study on the status of information literacy in upstream documents and curriculums of Iran public libraries institutions for public libraries.”

• USA – Pandemic stresses increasing burnout among librarians – UWM Report. ” The new expectations put on libraries during the pandemic increased the burnout rate among librarians, a profession that already suffers from high rates of mental illness,”… “Librarians were treated like frontline workers without being labelled as such, Phillips said. They were expected to be at work a month after everything shut down in 2020. During the pandemic, libraries have provided masks and COVID-19 tests as well as books and enrichment activities.”
  • The Battle to Save Democracy Starts at the Local Library – Bloomberg UK. “As efforts to ban books in the US grow, so do attacks on libraries. There’s a reason anti-democracy extremists keep targeting these crucial civic institutions.”

“The battle to protect democracy is a global struggle playing out at the local level, and libraries have landed on the front lines. These are places that help people to understand the wider world and move beyond their political and social bubbles. At a time when democratic norms are under sustained attack in the US and around the world, the need for openness to new ideas is greater than ever. “

Blomberg UK

• Public Libraries as Centers for Play: A Survey and Case Examples – ProQuest. “The authors surveyed public libraries to learn about the opportunities for play they offered and children’s freedom to engage in such play without adult supervision.”
• ‘We’ve moved backwards’: US librarians face unprecedented attacks amid rightwing book bans – Guardian. “From active shooter trainings to cancelled bookmobiles, librarians are caught in the crossfire of a conservative censorship craze”

Local news by authority

• Bath and North East Somerset – Tell us what young children need from library services in B&NES – Bath and North East Somerset Council. “Parents and carers of children aged zero to 11 are being invited to have their say on what they want from library and information services in Bath and North East Somerset in a survey launched today”
• Bolton – First look at how central library will look after spectacular £3.7million revamp – Manchester Evening News. “Spectacular images have been released of how Bolton central library is set to look after a £3.7M refurbishment. Bolton Council has revealed the concept images of the new building, which will be closed for the next 12 months as work progresses.” … “The council said book borrowing and promoting reading remains a core priority of the library, however the refurbishment will help to change how communities use libraries, such as taking part in creative activities, accessing the internet and using digital equipment.”… Children’s library divided into three: “The first section will be for under 5s with a dedicated area for play and exploration. The second and third spaces will be for older children and young people to develop their experience and joy of reading.”

• Camden – Kentish Town Library of Things celebrate its first birthday – Camden Council. ” the library has so far already saved an estimated 8.8 tonnes of carbon and avoided 4.6 tonnes of waste being produced.” … “Over 500 people from across the borough have now borrowed nearly 700 items, ranging from cleaning, DIY and gardening tools to items for cooking and events.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Northwich Library restoration project is underway – Northwich and Winsford Guardian. “A new temporary home for library services and events in the town has yet to be indentified while the restorationis carried out, however a decision on a location is expected in October.” … ” Once the external stabilisation work is completed this winter and the internal redesigns are finalised, internal rebuilding work will begin in 2023.”
  • Cheshire West public buildings to be used to help residents stay warm – Northwich and Winsford Guardian. “A number of councils are rolling out warm spaces, also known as warm hubs or warm banks, in the face of rocketing energy costs. They can include buildings such as libraries and community centres where people can spend the day free of charge and keep warm.”
• Devon – Libraries in Devon turn to Fun Palaces bursting with free events – Devon Live. Several libraries taking part in Devon and Torbay. “This year’s line-up will include pyrography, DJ’ing, rope making, creative writing, lyric/song writing, family history and gardening. Fun Palaces is a free, nationwide campaign for culture at the heart of every community.”
• East Riding – East Riding Libraries to host events with Artery Live in Bridlington this autumn – Scarborough News. “Ticket prices range from free to £6,”

• Hertfordshire – It’s never too early to start your learning journey – Hertfordshire Council. Making black and white books for babies sessions.
  • CreatorSpace Out of the Box – Hertfordshire Council. “With your help, your children can learn about sequencing (events and instructions), direction and distance, commands and even functional loops”. 3D pens and Ozobots.
  • My Place to Connect – Herfordshire Council. Board games etc for Libraries Week. See also talks and walks.
• Highlands – Thurso library to take part in trial as a location for Near Me NHS appointments – John O’Groats Journal. “A number of libraries in Scotland have already begun to test the Near Me in Libraries scheme, which gives people without access to the internet a safe space from which to access digital services. High Life Highland’s Thurso Library will provide a private location for video appointments for people who cannot log on from home.”
• Inverclyde – Free tech sessions available at Inverclyde libraries – Greenock Telegraph. “People struggling to use their smartphone or get online on their tablet can book a free one-to-one session by calling their local branch.”
  • Hard of hearing can get batteries replaced at local library – Greenock Telegraph. “People who are hard of hearing can get their batteries replaced at local libraries. There are replacement slots taking place in all six libraries across Inverclyde.”
• Lincolnshire – Grantham Library to hold events to celebrate National Libraries Week – Grantham Journal. Events, including tie-in with local college.
• Newcastle – Libraries Week 2022 – Newcastle Council. Varied programme of events.
• Northern Ireland – Libraries NI and Fujitsu announce new £27m strategic partnership – NewsLetter. “The partnership is key to the success of Libraries NI’s mission critical e3 programme to ensure Libraries NI has the necessary ICT infrastructure and services to support the delivery of a diverse range of library services to stakeholders, including corporate and public users.”
• Nottingham – Work starts on transforming Nottingham’s Central Library – West Bridgford Wire. “The work involves turning the shell of the building – part of the new Broad Marsh Car Park and Bus Station complex – into a modern library, with the installation of new floors, lifts, electrics and plumbing.”
• Nottinghamshire – Councillors reject proposals to create ‘warm rooms’ in public buildings and libraries during winter months – Gedling Eye. “Under the proposals, put forward by the Labour Group on Nottinghamshire County Council, public buildings like libraries would be open for longer during winter months to offer struggling residents warm places to go. … But the ruling Conservative Group voted the proposals down at the full council meeting on Thursday “

“Cllr John Cottee (Con), portfolio holder for communities, also believed the ‘warm rooms’ scheme was not required because it’s “already provided” through the county’s network of 60 libraries. He said: “We already have these, but we don’t happen to call them ‘warm rooms’ because this would imply it’s their only purpose.”

Nottinghamshire

• Portsmouth – Check out more than books this Libraries Week – Portsmouth Council. “there is a particular emphasis on the cost of living” in events.
  • Children bound to enjoy the reading celebration at Southsea Castle – Portsmouth Council. “Thousands of primary school children and their families will celebrate a summer of experiments, discovery, and a world of literature at Portsmouth City Council’s annual Summer Reading Challenge celebration event”
• Reading – Reading Libraries Fines And Fees Abolished – Reading.co.uk. “The absence of income from fines, which is relatively modest, will be covered by increased income elsewhere in the service. “

“By removing fines we are sending a clear message that we want everyone to feel confident using their library, whether they are borrowing a book, joining in one of our social or activity sessions, or just want somewhere to sit and relax without having to spend money. “

Reading

• St Helens – Where you can see globe art installation in St Helens highlighting history of transatlantic slave trade – St Helens Star. One of the globes is at Newton Le Willows Library.

• Suffolk – 70 families collected food essentials at new pop-up food bank – Ipswich Star. ” more than 70 families went along to the event to help themselves with items donated by local residents as well as Ipswich businesses.”
  • Suffolk Libraries’ new community languages collection for children – Suffolk Libraries. “The new Community Languages collection includes titles in Turkish, Arabic, Romanian and Ukrainian plus many more. Ipswich County Library houses the largest collection, but if your local library doesn’t have books in your chosen language, our staff will be happy to reserve titles on your behalf to collect.”
  • Summer Reading Challenge another smashing success in Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries. “More than 7000 children took part in the challenge in Suffolk this year, which is about 600 more than last year. Almost 4000 children read six books and completed the challenge, and over 3100 children signed up for a library card over the summer holidays.”
• Sutton – Council calls for Warm Spaces volunteers – Sutton Council. “At four of Sutton’s Libraries – Sutton Central, Phoenix Centre, Sutton Life Centre and the Circle Library – trained Warm Spaces Volunteers will be on hand at specific times for a chat and to help direct residents to resources and organisations that can help them with the cost of living.” … “If you need to go somewhere to be warm and find out about local support, you are welcome in our libraries”
• Warwickshire – Get involved in free activities for all ages during Libraries Week – Warwickshire Council. “hosting a variety of free events that cater for all age groups, from talks by best-selling authors, to coding sessions and fun and creative children’s activities.”
  • Visit Warwickshire Libraries new Death Cafes for a curious exploration of death – Warwickshire Council. “These free group sessions provide the opportunity for local residents to engage in open conversations about death.”
• Wokingham – First look of Wokingham’s Carnival Hub library as it opens to the community – Berkshire Live. “The doors of a new Wokingham library have been flung open to the community. The newly-fitted Wokingham Library opened on Tuesday (September 20) in the Carnival Hub on Wellington Road.”