Cipfa, cuts and woohoos

Editorial

I’m always a bit bemused by the release of the annual CIPFA figures. For one thing, they tend to be released late (this one about 11 months afterwards). They’ve also lost their comprehensiveness – only 43% of library services responded this time. And then of course they’re impossible to get at, unless you’re a library service or very rich. Finally, there’s the analysis of them. The current one appears not to overly notice the big increase in usage was because libraries were open after Covid again or that income was a bit down because, well, the public wasn’t coming in. But, and it pains me to say it, they’re the best we have. Until library services get it together and produce something themselves or the government starts making reporting compulsory then we have to use the imperfect statistics. We just need to be aware of how bad they area and not rely on them or, actually, use them much.

I’m sorry to see the main cuts reported this week being in Scotland. That nation has had a notable better time of it than England in the previous decade. However, it’s great to see the threat of closure lifted from the Wirral and also that York has gone fines-free (and has even removed reservations charges). Woohoo. A final woohoo goes to the creativity of library services: I’ve been doing this newsletter for way over a decade and I’m still spotting new ideas coming out of the sector. I can’t wait to see more. Hopefully about how to get good statistics …

Changes by local authority

• Aberdeen –  Cornhill, Cults, Northfield, Ferryhill, Woodside and Kamhill “decommissioned” due to £280k cut.
• Sheffield – Possible staffing cuts
• West Dunbartonshire – Dalmuir, Balloch, Duntocher, Parkhall and Faifley to be closed or relocated in cuts / redevelopment plans.
• Wirral – All nine threatened libraries will stay open.
• York – Fines-free, no charge for reservations.

Ideas noted

• My First Library Card –  specially designed for 0-5, part of My Firsts promotion to inspire young children to visit, join and regularly use their local library (Hertfordshire)
• Photographic Voter ID help – (Cheshire East)
• Stimkits – Lendable resources for children with autism (North Yorkshire)
• Teddy Bear Trail – fundraising for libraries (Jesmond volunteer library)

National news

• 500 Words: BBC Breakfast to relaunch children’s writing competition – BBC. “It is fantastic that the competition will be supported by the Queen Consort and we do hope teachers and librarians across the UK will get involved in this chance to help find the writers of tomorrow,” “
• Cost-of-living crisis: one in five parents spend less on books for their children – Guardian. “One in five parents and carers are spending less on books for their children because of the cost-of-living crisis, and a quarter have asked children to borrow more books from the school library, new research has found.”
• The Guardian view on children’s reading: a gift that should be for all – Guardian. “the borrowable book is such an important part of the reading ecology. Yet libraries have long been in the frontline of cuts to public services, and those in schools have fared worst of all. While prisons in the UK are legally obliged to have libraries, primary schools are not. The result, according to one survey, is that one in seven have no library space at all.”

“Today is world book day. The First Minister is well known as a self-identified avid reader so, as she leaves office, how does she feel about being responsible for closing more public libraries than any of her predecessors?” Stephen Kerr Conservative

“I am proud of the support that the Scottish Government gives to libraries. Many libraries in my constituency and across the country had to close during the pandemic, but I have watched them reopen and become vital parts of local communities. I will continue to support libraries, and I will continue to support everything associated with the wonderful world of books. Perhaps I even look forward to having a bit more time to read books in future.” Nicola Sturgeon Scottish National Party

They Work For You

• The LibraryOn grants programme – LibraryOn. £1.1m. “Grants range from £10,000 to £70,000. They will be offered to applicants across the country, ensuring a balance in those library services benefiting, from small to large, rural to urban, and those with varied levels of digital literacy and activity.”
• Over 12 million books borrowed as part of Summer Reading Challenge 2022 – BookSeller. “here was a year-on-year increase in the number of children that completed the challenge, with 309,287 completing it in 2022 compared to 233,755 in 2021.”
• Queen Consort talks reading with Children’s Laureate for World Book Day – News.com.au.
• Reading during the school holidays really does make a difference – Reading Agency. ” In 2022, The Reading Agency saw 723,184 children engaging in over 95% of library authorities across the UK.”
• Roald Dahl ebooks ‘force censored versions on readers’ despite backlash – Times / paywall. Ebooks automatically changed to new wording.
• Spending on British libraries falls 17% as in-person visits soar – Guardian. “Spending on libraries in Britain has fallen by 17%, according to new statistics, despite in-person visits increasing by 68% since the pandemic. Figures released by CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, show that in 2021/22 £9,982 was spent per 1,000 people on libraries by central and local government in England, Scotland and Wales. This was down from £11,970 in 2020/21 and £12,646 in 2018/19.” see also Library visits and loans recover post-pandemic but funding still dropping, CIPFA data shows – BookSeller. “43% response rate” to CIPFA survey.
• World Book Day: ‘Why I’ve given away 6,000 free books’ – BBC. “The 28-year-old has always loved reading, and she would often find herself in the library near the East London estate where she grew up.”

International news

• Canada – Toronto libraries are fighting for ‘intellectual freedom’ with new collection of exclusively banned books – CP24. “The collection features 50 adult, teen and children’s books that have been banned, challenged or censored across North America. “
• USA – As LGBTQ book challenges rise, some Louisiana librarians are scared to go to work – PBS. “Scrutiny of libraries, books, teaching materials and curriculum has become a central issue for conservative politicians around the nation. In Florida, the education department has launched a statewide effort to review reading materials provided to children in schools, following a law that went into effect last summer that can impose harsh penalties on any educators who provide books deemed inappropriate. Librarians in Missouri were forced to remove books from shelves under threat of criminal charges last fall. Virginia established a tip line encouraging parents to report teaching materials about critical race theory, but it quietly shut down the effort last year.”
  • Call to Action for Digital Content – Good E Reader. “a March of Action for libraries. In response to the growing concern about fair access to digital rights, including ebooks, audio books and other digital resources, the coalition is hosting a series of virtual Congressional briefings in March 2023 regarding the future of digital rights for libraries.”
  • From letters to airplane tickets; this librarian has collected over 400 items in books left by visitors – First Post. “Starting from grocery lists, postcards, polaroid photographs, airplane tickets, notes, recipes, concert tickets, and even love letters, Sharon has seen it all and has now turned it into her passion. The woman who works at the Oakland Public Library in California also runs an independent page on the library’s website where all the forgotten mementoes are uploaded for public viewing.”

Local news by authority

• Aberdeen – Aberdeen budget: Crime writer Stuart MacBride says closing six libraries ‘impoverishes chunks of city’ – Press and Journal. “People in Cornhill, Cults, Northfield, Ferryhill, Woodside and Kamhill will all see their local branches “decommissioned” as part of a major savings drive. Shutting them will save £280,000 as the council seeks to fill a black hole of almost £47 million across the next year.” … “Local authority leaders blamed falling usage and changing habits for axing the buildings during yesterday’s bruising budget meeting.”
• Bradford – What is happening in Bradford Libraries for World Book Day? – Telegraph and Argus.
• Brent – ‘Staggering’ plans for £2m Brent Civic Centre revamp slammed – Brent and Kilburn Times. “Works will include changing the main entrance, expanding the libraries, creating more private spaces, replacing the spiral staircase, and addressing acoustic issues. The Liberal Democrats tried to use a ‘call-in’ to ask the cabinet to look at the decision again but this was unsuccessful.”
• Cheshire East – Nantwich Library to the rescue – Voter ID – no problem = Nantwich News / Letters. “the library will take a digital photograph (at no cost) using their webcam. The resident can complete the Voter ID form then and there, and the library will help send it all off for them. No problem. So, if you need a voter ID certificate, the library is there to help (and whilst you are there, you could always get a library card and hire a book or two).”
• Denbighshire – Library service turns the page to new electric chapter – News From Wales. “a Peugeot e-expert van to cut down on the home library service’s carbon emissions.”
• Gwynedd – £60,000 boost to improve library – Cambrian News. Penygroes. ” from the Welsh Government’s Library Transformation Capital Fund.” … “The funding has allowed the service to create a space to better display books, and the public computer section has been moved. The Children’s Section has been transformed”

• Herefordshire – New Chapter For Library – Herefordshire Council. “The Broad Street building will
  become home to a state-of-the-art museum and art gallery. It will open in the spring of 2025. Meanwhile, a completely new library will take up residence at Maylord Orchards shopping centre in spring 2024.
• Hertfordshire – Visit to Stevenage Central Library by Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho – Hertfordshire Council. “Joseph was delighted to be presented with his very own Hertfordshire Libraries My First library card and joining certificate. This card has been specially designed for our youngest customers aged 0-5 and is part of the Hertfordshire Libraries My Firsts promotion to inspire young children to visit, join and regularly use their local library. Visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/MyFirsts and your local library to find out more.”
• Inverclyde – Brush up on digi skills with new free Inverclyde Libraries course – Greenock Telegraph.
• Manchester – Inside Manchester’s beautiful hidden gem library with a secret entrance behind a pub – Manchester World. Private, £223 to join.
  • Manchester Central Library – What a brilliant, brilliant place – Manclibraries Blog. “We’ve been looking at responses left on our survey machine at Manchester Central Library over the last 18 months. There are some great comments and really interesting responses …”
  • World Book Day: Manchester commuters offered free books – BBC.

• Medway – Celebrate International Women’s Day at Medway’s libraries – Medway Council.
• Middlesbrough – Self-service comes to Middlesbrough Libraries – Middlesbrough Council. “The self-service technology is provided by Lyngsoe Systems thanks to funding made available to Middlesbrough Libraries from The Arts Council.”
• North Yorkshire – Harrogate district libraries launch sensory resources for children with autism – Your Harrogate. ” launched Stimkits, which get their name from the practice of ‘stimming’, a word used by people with autism to describe self-stimulatory behaviour. Six kits have been purchased to be used across the county’s libraries to create a relaxed and safe space. They include a blackout pop-up tent, lights and various handheld sensory items.”
• Sheffield – Bullied at the library – Critic. A view of the recent library talk. “It has now been confirmed, as I suspected, that I was being “guarded” for my protected belief that humans cannot change sex”
  • Budget: fears over cuts to Sheffield Central Library staff – Star. “Reading Sheffield, a community history group, sent a letter to councillors and senior officers urging a rethink of a range of plans to save money in the upcoming budget. They are of the understanding that half of library and information officers and management were at risk, as well as almost all of the support staff who care for visitors and deal with building repairs.”
  • Removing late weekday openings of Sheffield’s libraries would be the wrong thing to do – Yorkshire Post Letters – Yorkshire Post. “Under the new proposals the only library open in the city on Thursday will be the Central one. The only library in the city open past 5pm on any weekday again will be Central Library. I’d encourage everyone to object to the proposals to remove late and Thursday opening using the consultation”

• Staffordshire – Library staff and volunteers shortlisted for national awards – Staffordshire Council. “Projects that help promote learning, health and wellbeing through reading and a scheme which provided extra support for people settling in the county from Ukraine, are amongst the activities shortlisted.”
  • Business start-up advice now available at libraries – Staffordshire Council. “Each library has its own Staffordshire Start-up Hub where visitors can access self-employment resources including books, fact sheets, business plan templates and information. During March, additional drop-in advice sessions will also be held at selected Libraries.  Self-employment coaches from Business Enterprise Support (BES) will be on hand to provide one-to-one advice and talk through people’s ideas. “
• Suffolk – Art exhibitions, author events, live music and more! Suffolk Libraries Day line-up confirmed – Suffolk Libraries. “Our main event this year is our popular Online Book Festival … We’re also excited to announce two live music performances taking place”

• Measuring our impact: Independent research into our social value – Suffolk Libraries. “Our latest impact report Suffolk Libraries, An impact analysis of services of Suffolk Libraries January 2023 by independent consultants Moore Kingston Smith estimates that every £1 spent on Suffolk Libraries’ services creates £6 in ‘social value’. This is based on a comprehensive study of the wide range of services and activities Suffolk Libraries provide and further discussion with people who benefit from them. The report also found Suffolk’s libraries generated £41m worth of social value and saves NHS services in Suffolk a whopping £542K per year.”
• Swindon – Swindon library visitors drop post Covid as e-loans soar – Swindon Advertiser. “In the year ending in March 2020 there were more than half a million personal visits to the five libraries, which lent 532,000 items and there were 16,758 e-loans, of things like digital audio books, e-books and e-magazines. This far in 2022-23, which still has more than a month to run, personal visits have numbered 188,000. That’s well under half the pre-pandemic total, with 224,000 items being borrowed. In the meantime e-loans have multiplied six-fold to 93,471 this year.”
• West Dunbartonshire – Libraries face closure or moving location under West Dunbartonshire Council budget proposals – Glasgow Live. “Dalmuir Library could be moved within Dalmuir community centre under proposals to plug West Dunbartonshire Council’s £21.6 million budget gap. Balloch, Duntocher, Parkhall and Faifley libraries also face being co-located or closed.”
• Wirral – Wirral Council: Plan to close nine libraries scrapped – BBC. “The local authority, which faces a £32m budget gap, also u-turned on plans to cut back on playgroups, the maintenance of parks, and street cleaning.” … “Greens leader Pat Cleary said: “Promoting an excessively pessimistic budget gap has inevitably led to heightened and unnecessary stress for staff and residents.”
  • York – Residents invited to have their say on Acomb Explore – York Explore. Consultation on new library.
  • York libraries to scrap all fines for overdue books – Yahoo News. “Even library books that have been gathering dust at the back of a shelf at home for years – and which you’ve occasionally felt guilty about not returning – will no longer incur a fine when you bring them back.” … “As well as removing late charges, the library service will also scrap the 25p fee for reserving books. ‘These changes are all part of work to improve the experience for library customers which will also include the launch of an app to make borrowing even easier, and brand-new self-issue machines being installed in all York’s libraries during March,’ Explore says.”
  • Date set for library re-opening – Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Ward. “The library closed on 13th February in response to concerns about the low temperature in the building, caused by a combination of winter weather and ineffective heating. A new boiler is being installed along with new convector heaters and new radiators. It has been confirmed that Listed Building Consent is not needed for these internal improvement works.”