An encouraging year, in the end

Editorial

So this is the time of year when I traditionally look back on the last twelves months and see if I can spot any themes. Ones that stand out to me this year are:

• Public libraries have bounced back quite a lot this year from Covid, with normal service being resumed in almost all and, crucially, many people coming back to use them. Statistics are far between and contested but it looks like fewer numbers than in 2019 but perhaps in line with other physical retail and the continued decline in usage we’ve seen for over a decade. But thankfully, people are using libraries once more. Phew.
• Warm Libraries. Public libraries and councils moved fast after Martin Lewis tweeted about the need for “warm banks” as well as “food banks” this winter. Scores of library services registered as welcoming spaces for those who needed heating, with many offering hot drinks and coffee on top of the more traditional library and council services. This will hopefully strengthen the sector in the eyes of budget-holders next year. Libraries, which are neutral, free and more importantly in thousands of local communities, are the ideal thing for stuff like this. So far as I can tell, actual take-up of libraries as refuges was limited but it shows the speed the services can pivot and their utility.
• Intolerance comes to the UK. Fresh off the well-funded push towards censorship in the USA against anything that doesn’t tie in with conservative beliefs – mainly LGBT and especially anything Trans – we saw a series of vocal and sometimes violent protests against Drag Queen Story Time and, less in the news, more attempts by the public to ban certain titles. These protest letters were often copy and pasted from US or US-influenced webpages. While instances of successful actual censorship were small but not non-existent in the UK, the many protests at the story-times may well have an impact in 2023. We’ll see.
• Budget cuts were strongly threatened last year but in the end, with some notable local exceptions, did not make a huge impact on services. There are similar worries, possibly with more reason, in 2023.
• Libraries of Things made an increasing impact, in a couple of incarnations. Tool (and other things0 libraries started in a few branches and, perhaps more interestingly, other things such as coats were starting to be donated and given out as well. The trend towards giving other items, such as feminine hygiene products, increased as did the providing of some novel services, such as sunshine-lights.
• After what feels like an age, at least the name of the Single Digital Presence – “LibraryOn” – was announced. The job in producing it is being done very thoroughly (just the naming took a significant time) so one hopes it’s going to be worth it when it comes.
• The continued government distractions meant another one (or was it two or three? Don’t know) ministers in charge of libraries coming and going. They don’t do much anyway – saying nice things but giving very little else. More funding for the sector is evident from Arts Council England, though. The recruitment of an ex Mail journalist as a chair of a new libraries working group made shivers tun down my spine but it’s too early to tell if she’ll go full bold-exclamation-mark when it comes to more serious work. Certainly, though, don’t expect much government funding or hands-on intervention. But do expect increasingly encouragement of volunteers, charities, and anything else that may replace actual proper funding of the sector.

Anyway, wishing you all the best in 2023! Public libraries are stronger now than I had any right to expect when I started these editorials way back in 2010 and this is down to the wonderfulness of them as a concept (and that’s pretty darn brilliant) but also the people who work and fight for them. Thank you. Now on to the next twelve months.

National news

• Government to spend £4.5m towards ‘an anti-racist Wales’ – Western Telegraph. “Our national and local museums, galleries, libraries, theatres, and sporting venues need to be inclusive of black, asian and minority ethnic people and places.”
• Libraries keeping residents warm this winter – Rhyl Journal. “The scheme, Croeso Cynnes, offers people a place to read, chat, or even play games across libraries in all six counties.” Hot drinks and biscuits.
• New Year Honours list 2023 in full: Everyone who got an MBE, OBE, CBE, knighthood and damehood this year – I. Knighthood – Roland Keating, Chief Executive of The British Library. MBEs or BEMs for – Stephen John Bleakley. (Northern Ireland). Susan Crowley ( Somerset); Zoey Dixon (Lambeth), Alan Garnsworthy (Hackney); Sylvia Knights. Trustee, (Suffolk); Hilary Marshall (Ascel).
• Nicola Sturgeon’s government warned libraries facing ‘slow death’ as borrower numbers plummet – Scottish Daily Express. “According to research, in 2011-12 the number of books borrowed was 21,380,156 – but by 2018-19, that fell to just 14,690,455.”
• The Reading Agency: 20 Years of Transforming Lives Through Reading – Reading Agency. History of the organisation.
• UK Libraries turn into ‘warm banks’ to provide heating and hot beverages for free amid energy crisis – Upworthy. “”People started signing up fairly slowly and then word spread. We’re over 1,000 listings on the map now and they’re still coming in thick and fast.”

International news

• Australia – Community Storytelling in Libraries – Jane Cowell. “To help us tell the stories of the good that libraries do in the community we need to build our community storytelling skills. For us at Yarra Plenty Regional Library local Melbourne storyteller Lara McKinley helped some of us identify, practice and use new storytelling skills. The top 5 basic skills we learned …”
• Canada – One of the World’s Most Beautiful Libraries Was Born Out of Tragedy – Yahoo News. Architect was a Japanese-Canadian citizen in WW2 internment camp. ““Canada’s aspiration to achieve unity and a unique identity through its policy of multi-culturalism,” wrote Moriyama, “lies not only in mere tolerance and acceptance of diverse ethnic and community groups.”
• Russia – Moscow libraries pull books by Stephen Fry and Haruki Murakamai after “LGBT propaganda law” – I. Subscription required.
• Singapore – Makerspaces: What They Are and How You Can Benefit from Them – Medium.
• Ukraine – Exchange with Ukrainian Libraries – Libraries Connected. Webinar, 26 January, 1pm. “The event will introduce the Universal Library Offers, and we will then hear from Ukrainian libraries about their extraordinary work to support their communities in the war.”
• USA – Huntsville City Council privatizes public library operations despite pushback from residents – Houston Public Media. “The decision to enter into a 10-year contract with Library Systems & Services came a few months after Huntsville city officials ordered library staff to remove a “Read With Pride” display highlighting books with LGBTQ+ themes.”
  • 5 Ways Libraries Used to Be Hardcore – Cracked. “Libraries Sterilized or Even Incinerated Books, and Laws Kept the Sick From Borrowing”, “During the Depression, Librarians Went Out on Horseback to Bring Books to Mountain Folk”, “Librarians Put on Uniforms and Went to War (as Librarians)”, “Police Arrested People in the Middle of the Night Out of Their Beds for Overdue Books”, “J.P. Morgan Locked the Nation’s Financiers in a Library Till They Agreed to Bail the Country Out”
  • American Library Association President: Librarians Are Facing Harassment – Teen Vogue. “We are seeing unprecedented levels of book banning right now. There is this small minority of people who want to ban books and they’re not suggesting individual titles, they’re coming in with huge lists of books that for the most part they haven’t even read. They are trying to silence diverse voices and ideas and using public libraries as a pawn in this fight.”
  • ‘Guardians of Divinity’ demonstrators face off with over 100 Drag Story Hour supporters outside NYC library during reading event for children: Group said ‘leave kids alone’ before ‘being pelted with projectiles’ by counter-protesters – Mail.
  • How Valuable Are Libraries? Here are the Numbers – Medium.
  • St. Paul libraries face moment of reckoning – Star Tribune. “libraries are working to balance their traditional role of connecting people with the information they need to live better lives while improving security at a time when people’s struggles with mental illness and drug use are showing up in library spaces.”

Local news by authority

• Bexley – Peter Craske: Partnership working is delivering two new libraries in Bexley, and delivering real value for money for residents – Conservative Home. “n Sidcup, we have just opened the Storyteller – a new home for the town’s library, complete with a cafe – and in the New Year, it will be the home of a new three-screen cinema run by the Really Local Group.” … ” in 2023 we will open a new library in Thamesmead, in partnership with Peabody. This new library, with amazing views across Southmere Lake to the Thames, will be part of a wider community building, The Nest.”
• Birmingham – Birmingham’s libraries declare amnesty on late fees – Birmingham Council. “an amnesty on fees for books returned late at all city libraries will run from December 2022 until 31 March 2023.  Fees will not be accrued during this period.”
• Bolton – Masterplan:  Bolton Library multi-million pound development – Bolton News. “£4.43m renovation, backed by the government’s Towns Fund and the council. Now the site has been cleared, work can begin to create a new café, an expanded children’s area, improved social spaces, updated digital facilities and the addition of a mezzanine floor.”
  • Bolton Council leader delivers New Year’s Day message – Bolton News. “The extension and refurbishment of the Market Hall is now underway, as is, a £3 million investment in our Library. It will look fabulous when it reopens. This investment in our library service is the biggest in a generation and underlines our commitment to put libraries at the heart of our community.”
• Bradford – Children’s designs for new Bradford library card – Yahoo News. “To celebrate its anniversary, Bradford Libraries invited children in the district to enter a competition to design a new children’s library card. Entrants were encouraged to create designs that reflected what libraries meant to them – books, reading, going to the library as a child, meeting authors, story-time; using PCs; class visits; summer reading challenges and special moments. The competition, open to Bradford children from four to 11-years-old, drew a total of 454 entries from acro”ss the district, representing 47 primary schools.”
• Brighton – These are the most borrowed books from Brighton libraries (how many have you read?) – Yahoo News. Richard Osman, JK Rowling and Jeff Kinney.
• Buckinghamshire – Bucks libraries to offer fines amnesty to help with cost of living – Bucks Free Press. “Buckinghamshire Council announced an amnesty for library fines for a limited time only to help residents feeling the brunt of the cost of living crisis. During January and February in the new year, the Council- run libraries across the county are taking part in the initiative”
• Cambridgeshire – £400 of funding for Warm Spaces at Huntingdonshire libraries – Hunts Post. “The money will be distributed by Cambridgeshire Libraries to all Huntingdonshire Libraries so they can buy refreshments and supplies for an activity for people to do at the Warm Spaces. “

• Cheshire West and Chester – Council changes to improve access to customer services – Standard. “ask the contact centre to book an appointment to see a customer service adviser, or drop-in to one of the Resident Assistance Points located in some council buildings and libraries across the borough.”
• Cumbria – Cumbria great big read promotes reading for pleasure at schools – Mail. “Cumbria Great Big Read, founded by Marie Wynn, started three years ago to promote reading and listening for pleasure at home and school. For World Book Day, on Thursday, March 2, Cumbria Great Big Read will host another ‘great’ big read for primary school children and a ‘great’ big listen for nursery children between February 1 and April 30 next year.” Schools tie-in with Usborne.
• Denbighshire – Denbighshire libraries keep young and old residents warm this winter – Journal. Hot drinks.
• Derbyshire – Winner announced in libraries’ short story competition – Quest Media. “Derbyshire was the theme and libraries were looking for stories of no more than 55 words, in whatever style the writer wished. More than 100 entries were received.”
• Devon – Okehampton library members now able to access more audio and ebooks – Okehampton Today. Borrowbox and Libby.
  • Warm scheme highlights the importance of Kingsbridge library – Kingsbridge Today. “Kingsbridge library have recently been registered as a Warm Hub as part of a national Warm Hub scheme. The designation of this draws attention to just how central the library is to Kingsbridge and the surrounding areas, lying at the heart of the community and acting as a space where local people can feel safe and welcomed.”
• East Dunbartonshire – Tackle the winter blues in your local library – East Dunbartonshire Council. “ight therapy lamps have been found to help lift mood, boost concentration, restore natural energy and treat the symptoms of SAD. East Dunbartonshire Libraries are the first Scottish library service to offer this as part of library membership.”
• East Lothian – Help wanted to find Christmas crab on the loose in Haddington Library – East Lothian Courier. Children’s competition. “”Please keep an eye out! His wife & 80,000 children are worried sick”
• East Sussex – Newhaven library to undergo major refurbishment – Sussex Express. “The library will receive improvements to the main layout with new seating and upgraded children’s areas and study spaces. Refurbishments will include larger areas for computer use, with private pods giving the public confidential space to hold virtual job interviews or get one to one support.”
• Essex – Win an animal experience with the Winter Reading Challenge – Your Harlow. “Everyone that completes this year’s Winter Reading Challenge will be automatically entered into a prize draw. The winner will receive a day at the zoo and the chance to get closer to some of the animals, learning more about them with the help of the Animal Care Team.”
• Hackney – Hackney’s libraries put out call for unwanted toys ahead of January gift appeal – Hackney Citizen. “The toys can be dropped off at public libraries across the borough as part of Hackney’s gift appeal from 3-24 January. Hackney Council will pass the donations on to charities and education centres so the toys can be played with again. It is hoped the appeal will also keep toys out of landfill and encourage people to think about the circular economy. Residents can also donate or take coats from racks at libraries as part of a clothes swap campaign designed to help people weather the cost-of-living crisis.”
• Hampshire – Hampshire County Council’s library service receives recognition – Gazette. “received recognition for its work to provide a safe and supportive space to people from all communities. Hampshire is the first county-wide library network to gain the Library Service of Sanctuary Award, which has been granted by City of Sanctuary UK.”
• Kent – Folkestone library in Grace Hill closed as a safety precaution after flooding causes water damage – Kent Online. “the building will have to remain shut until the end of January when the situation will be reviewed.”
• Liverpool – Liverpool services that could be slashed as council looks to save £73m – Liverpool Echo. “Since the proposals were first outlined – which included a potential hike in council tax, increasing fees and charges as well as a review of its libraries and fitness centres – a number of public consultations have been launched as the Cunard authority looks for some input on areas it can cut from.”
• Manchester – Manchester’s Central Library warm hub and how it’s helping people in cost of living crisis – Manchester World.
• Midlothian – Midlothian library service selected for pioneering ‘Lend and Mend Hub’ project – Midlothian Council. “Gorebridge Library in Midlothian has been selected as one of the first in Scotland to host a ‘Lend and Mend Hub’, as part of a trailblazing pilot project, managed by the Scottish Library and Information Council”
• North Yorkshire – Successful Reboot scheme needs more devices to meet demand – Craven Herald. “opportunity for individuals or organisations to donate laptops, tablets and other devices they no longer need.”
• Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire libraries announces ebook short story competition 2023 – Oxfordshire Council. “The annual competition, hosted by Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries service is a chance to discover new writers, original stories and unique voices from around Oxfordshire. The winners will have their story published as an ebook and eaudiobook on Oxfordshire libraries’ OverDrive platform, where they can be borrowed, read and listened to from anywhere.”
• Redbridge – Local people support plans for new library opening hours – Redbridge Council. “
• Sandwell – Library a warm space of welcome throughout festive season – Express and Star. Hot drink.
• Sefton – Iconic building to be ‘returned to its former glory’ – Liverpool Echo. “The Carnegie Library in Crosby was shut down by Sefton Council in December 2013 as part of a “libraries review” and a bid to save money. Last year it was announced that Cunard Construction (CC) Ltd wanted to return the building to full use for community groups, families, and local businesses.”
• Slough – Slough’s Moxy hotel, leisure centres, & libraries at risk of sell off – Slough Observer. “In order to reduce its £760m borrowing debt and bridge its financial blackholes, Slough Borough Council (SBC) is selling up to £600m of its property and land as well as make about £20m savings a year for the next few years.” … “In 2025/26, the libraries, such as the Curve, Langley, and Cippenham could go”
• Somerset – Libraries chief is recognised in New Year’s Honours awards – Wellington Today. Sue Crowley, chief of Somerset libraries – ““I feel I am accepting this award on behalf of all those who have worked and who will continue to work in our libraries ensuring they remain relevant, welcoming and fun places.”
• Southampton – Return of much-loved library on the cards as council ‘in discussions’ – Yahoo News. “Southampton City Council revealed that it’s in discussions with two community partners to support the running of a new offer at Cobbett Road Hub and Library. This comes after frustrated parents and residents called for the valued community space to be reopened.” Closed in 2021.
• South Gloucestershire – Blankets, socks and light-bulbs handed out to residents to help during cost of living crisis – Bristol Post. “Included in the packs are clothing such as hats, socks and gloves, as well as other items for the home including a blanket, an LED light bulb and tea bags. Packs have been available for men, women and children at the council’s One Stop Shops and libraries from December 22.”
• Staffordshire – Wombourne library to close for energy efficiency work – BBC. “A new lighting system will be installed at Wombourne library, which the county council said would “update the building and cut bills in the long run”.”
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries to host Chinese and British exhibition and events – Suffolk Libraries. “will highlight the rich history of Chinese British communities and the lasting impact of Chinese communities in the UK. The event is part of the Living Knowledge Network”
  • British Empire Medal for former mayor who helped save Bungay library – EDP. “Sylvia Knights, has been recognised in the New Year’s Honour’s list. Mrs Knights, from Bungay, is to receive the Order of the British Empire (BEM) honour for services to public libraries.”
  • Wellbeing is just one of Suffolk Libraries’ range of services – Great British Life. ““Sewing therapy, fashion shows, music gigs, baby weighing facilities. We have tablets and eReader devices available to borrow, and an eLibrary of eBooks, audio books, downloadable newspapers and magazines, free music and films. We have a Post Office in the library in Stradbroke, and Gainsborough Library sells low-cost health fruit and veg bags to local people every week.””
• West Sussex – Crawley library to remain open as essential maintenance to building is delayed – Sussex World. Broadfield “This is to allow the lighting, fire alarm, and CCTV to be replaced.”
• Wiltshire – Wiltshire Council reminds residents about Library warm spaces – Salisbury Journal. ” the library staff have assisted residents with energy advice and is a collection point for Warm Packs which includes a blanket and hot water bottle.”
• Worcestershire – Most Borrowed Books 2022 – Worcestershire Council. Crime remains top for adults, Walliams and Pichon for children, neurodiversity and mental health for teens.
• Wrexham – Have you ever worked in Wrexham’s libraries? – Wrexham Council. “all former staff (and a plus one) are invited to an informal reunion in Wrexham Library” for 50th anniversary of library.
• York – York community hubs open as ‘warm banks’ amid cost of living crisis – Press. “York Explore libraries have seen similar popularity, offering warm, safe spaces, an affordable cafe, and cost of living advice.”