From the heart: Public Libraries News restarts

Editorial

Yeah, it’s been a while since my last post. Back in late April I was walking the dogs before going to work, rushed as always, when I had a heart attack. This greatly annoyed my dogs as it meant their walk was cut short. Thankfully, I got back to the house before my wife left for work, meaning she was able to call 999, an ambulance came immediately, I was operated on in an hour and walking again the next day. Thank heavens for the NHS.

Recovery took way longer than I thought, with me coming back to work on phased return in late August’ me having to cancel a lot of my hobbies (pantomime being the main one) and the dogs getting even more annoyed at the lack of walking. Thankfully, I have recovered enough now to do Public Libraries News again. Obviously, I’ve missed half a year so it’s going to take a while to catch up on that. This post is just the last week. What I will do is just update for changes and ideas. If anyone would like to help, and thank you to one kind volunteer already, I can send you the daily Google Alerts – as few as you like – to check for me. But it will be done. Because this website, and public libraries generally, have a firm place in my heart, however dodgy that organ may prove to be in other ways.

Changes by local authority

• Devon – All 4 mobile libraries cut.
• Essex – New Loughton Library planned
• Hampshire – Cut in book fund expected.
• Glasgow – School Libraries Service closed.
• Hillingdon – Uxbridge Library to be moved into Civic Centre
• Lambeth – Brixton Library and Streatham Library being refurbished and improved.
• Neath Port Talbot – “Library of Things” opens in Sandfields Library.
• Peterborough – Stanground, Thorney and Eye libraries under threat.
• Shropshire – Whitchurch Library closed due to being unsafe.
• Southend – 2 libraries may close, 3 of the 4 remaining may have hours reduced.
• Suffolk – Consultation
• Wandsworth – Refurbished Wandsworth Town Centre Library opens
• Westmorland and Furness – Ulverston closed due to electrical problems, Roose Library still closed due to fire in May
• Wokingham – Twyford Library will move into former Old Polehampton Boys School building

National news

• British Library tech failure nine days after cyber-attack – National News. Disruption expected for several weeks. Librarians “are actively working with the National Cyber Security Centre and cyber security specialists to address the situation and to restore services”
• The Importance of Public Libraries: Environmentalism and Community – Student. “Undoubtedly, the best way to read in an environmentally conscious way is by getting a library card.”
• Inside UK’s ‘vital’ libraries providing ‘warm banks’ as cost of living bites and households struggle – Big Issue. “Gainsborough is one of the 93% of public libraries across England, Wales and Northern Ireland planning to offer free, heated space in the colder months, according to Libraries Connected. More than three quarters (79%) of those surveyed expect demand to match or exceed last year, when soaring energy costs prevented many people from switching the heating on.”
• The Reading Agency reveals inspiring line-up of authors for the life-changing Quick Reads programme – Reading Agency. “The Reading Agency has announced the six best-selling authors championing Quick Reads for 2024. They are Kia Abdullah, Malorie Blackman, Matt Cain, Kit de Waal, Jo Nesbo and Karen Swan.”

REVEAL: Reinforcing Ethics and Values for Effective Advocacy for Libraries – CILIPS. ” a review of the key concepts related to advocacy, ethics, and values, the project outputs also include the ten-video series below and other materials such as infographics to support the themes explored. All materials are made available free for use …”

• Why are libraries hiding gender-critical books? – Spiked. Free Speech Union writer says “Does being a gender-critical writer put you on par with Hitler? According to Calderdale Council in West Yorkshire, the answer is yes.”. Article says CILIP “is now pushing a form of soft censorship as part of its guidance to libraries across the country.” … “The last thing the public needs are more patronising attempts to police what we read.”

International news

• Global – UNESCO-IFLA advocate libraries in advancing inclusive Knowledge Societies and sustainable development at the WLIC 2023 – UNESCO. “Libraries are foundational to building inclusive Knowledge societies and preserving our shared heritage”
• Ireland – Clare Readers Festival: Celebrating Irish Authors and Writing in Clare Libraries this November – Clare Council.

• USA – ‘Book-banning crusade’ across the U.S.: What does it cost American taxpayers? – USA Today News. “”Your taxpayer dollars pay the salary of the employees who are spending some of their time, or much of their time, reading books that have been challenged by just a handful of activists in your district,” according to EveryLibrary” … “During the first half of the 2022-23 school year, PEN America found 1,477 instances of books being banned, affecting 874 unique titles, an increase of 28 percent compared to the prior six months”
• Hip-hop culture preserved in Atlanta libraries and museums in honor of 50th anniversary – WABE. “an expansive collaboration between archivists at libraries, museums, colleges and universities nationwide is taking place to document and present hip-hop history for the engagement of local communities”
• Libraries and Homelessness – Psychology Today. “It is not hyperbole to say that public libraries save lives, especially for people experiencing homelessness”
• Radon kits are now available for checkout at all Georgia public libraries – 11 Alive/Youtube.
• Tennessee officials are gunning for LGBTQ+ library books with sinister ordinance banning ‘public homosexuality’ – Pink News. All LGBTQ+ books potentially bannable under wide Tennessee censorship law.
• The Week in Libraries: November 10, 2023 – Publishers Weekly. USA digest. Book banners “lose big” in local public library ballots despite fierce and repeated attempts.

Local news by authority

• Aberdeen – Aberdeen libraries adventure-bound for Book Week Scotland celebrations – Aberdeen Council. Talks from authors and an artist.
• Bromley – ‘Wendy’s House’ pops up in Orpington Library in tribute to Wendy Cooling – BookSeller. “Orpington Library is to host the UK pilot of “Wendy’s House”, a project set up in memory of Bookstart founder and author Wendy Cooling. The library in Orpington, Bromley will feature pop-up tents where children can explore a selection of books – including some by Cooling herself.”
• Buckinghamshire – Aylesbury Vale libraries to be used as warm spaces again supporting people through winter – Bucks Herald. “Not only can you relax in comfort, anyone seeking a bit of company can meet with others and our staff are on hand with information and advice on a range of topics. The initiative worked so well last year that we are keen to ensure that everyone knows they are once again open to all.””
• Coventry – Coventry library awarded energy saving award – Planet Radio. “Coventry’s Central Library has been recognised in a national awards scheme for the way it is cutting its use of fossil fuels and preparing to go Net Zero. The Library has received an Energy Management Award following a two-year project to cut carbon use.” … “The changes are set to create an annual saving of £60,000 for the first year alone.” … “The Award in the EMA Energy Efficient Project of 2023 category was made by the Energy Managers Association”
• Devon – Children enjoyed Africa event at Crediton Library – Crediton Courier. “The children learnt about the culture and explored different objects through hands-on fun activities led by Kate Paiano from Tiny Travels.”
  • Devon County Council: Mobile library service set to be axed – Mid-Week Herald. “A petition to save the four mobile libraries had secured more than 9,000 signatures, including those of famous local authors Michael Morpurgo and Michael Rosen. But Councillor Roger Croad (Cons, Ivybridge), cabinet member for public health, communities and equality, said he had decided to make the “very sad decision” to recommend the closure of the service based on the decline in usage and its ongoing cost to the authority.” … see also Devon mobile libraries axed despite celebrity backing – BBC.
  • New drive to create bespoke community libraries – Devon Council. “The community libraries will be developed as an alternative to the current mobile library service which is faced with falling numbers of users and rising costs.”
• Dorset – Dorset Council works with library workforce as it enters latest phase to implement new strategy – Dorset Council. “The strategy was created in collaboration with customers, local communities, employees, businesses, partners, and councillors, with no proposed branch closures or reduction in overall operating hours. “
• Dudley – Ex-journalist to talk about debut novel at Dudley Library – Halesowen News. New local author.
• East Dunbartonshire – Can you find out ‘whodunnit’ at a Christmas night with a difference? – East Dunbartonshire Council. Murder mystery at Kirkintilloch Library by professional murder mystery company. ” all part of the new Library Lates initiative by East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust (EDLCT)”
• Essex – New Loughton Library receives planning permission – Essex Council. “Plans will be paid for by the development of 38 apartments above.” … “a brand-new library to replace the existing tired facility”
  • More than 370 winter warm hubs set for Essex – BBC. “74 of its libraries would remain open for people to access.”
• Glasgow – Glasgow Life: Schools to pay the price for educational library cut – Glasgow Life. School Libraries Service closed.
• Hampshire – Cuts to road maintenance and fewer books in libraries among proposals by Hampshire County Council – ITV. “it faces a £132 million deficit from April 2025” … “Proposals to reduce library stock levels, with a view to potentially reducing physical stock held in libraries “
• Hillingdon – Ambitious plans revealed to move library in Hillingdon to new location – Harrow Online. “plans for the transformation and relocation of Uxbridge Library to Hillingdon’s Civic Centre in spring 2024.” … “The proposed upgrades for the central library, set to be reviewed by the Cabinet in December, include new amenities such as study pods, hireable meeting spaces, and a dedicated area for the popular Tovertafel interactive tabletop projections. The plans also retain exhibition and event spaces, a learning center with public computers, laptop charging points, a dedicated children’s library, and an extensive book collection.”
• Inverclyde – Events across Inverclyde for Book Week Scotland – Inverclyde Council. Storyteller, creating outdoor adventure comic, making prints from sweet wrappers, free Book Trust book.
  • Inverclyde Libraries recognised for commitment to local community – Inverclyde Council. “Inverclyde Libraries was praised for undertaking a strong consultation and engagement process which led to a highly impressive and comprehensive set of partnerships and libraries services.”
• Kirklees – Interactive sensory table support library users with dementia – Kirklees C”ouncil. Friends of Birstall Library allows for a “Mobii table, also known as the “Magic table”, is a motion activated projection system that projects pictures and images on the to table.”
• Lambeth – Lambeth: Library upgrades and improvements planned – Lambeth Council. “Brixton Library and Streatham Library are undergoing refurbishment and improvement work as part of Lambeth Council’s commitment to invest in our public libraries which have more than a million visits each year.”
• Leeds – Timeless tales and mythical dragons take library visitors on a storybook adventure – Leeds Council. “Fantasy: Realms of Imagination is inspired by a current exhibition also being held at the British Library and will feature a programme of events and activities through the exhibition.”
  • Rawdon Community Library celebrates ten years of independence – Wharfedale Observer. “In 2011, the library was earmarked for closure by Leeds City Council, along with 11 other libraries run by the local authority. Following a successful campaign to take over the running of the facility, Rawdon re-opened as a community library run by volunteers.”
• Moray – Elgin library set to host popular authors John D Burns and Eleanor Thom – Northern Scot. ““Moray libraries have hosted many acclaimed authors of both fiction and non-fiction writings in the past, including Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, and Kirsty Wark, Mairi Hedderwick, and Julia Donaldson. I hope we’ll see a big crowd of literary fans to welcome John and Eleanor to Elgin.””
• Neath Port Talbot – New ‘Library of Things’ scheme helps residents to save money and reduce waste – Neath Port Talbot Council. “The first ‘Library of Things’ scheme in Neath Port Talbot has officially opened at Sandfields Library, offering residents a chance to save money and reduce waste.” … “Popular items that are useful for occasional DIY projects and family events are available including a drill, wheelbarrow, jet wash, hose pipe, electric screwdriver, carpet cleaning machine, a tent and a gazebo.”
• North Ayrshire – North Ayrshire Libraries team award for work to tackle drug use – Ardossan Herald. “The project, co-designed with addiction specialists to repurpose library spaces, upskill and train library staff, and promote library services to new customers, was described as “brave, empathetic and visionary”.”
• North Somerset – North Somerset: Community ‘living rooms’ aim to keep residents warm – BBC.
• North Yorkshire – Libraries across North Yorkshire host self care week – Press. Various groups and events, including tie-ins with NHS. “”Public libraries are gateways to good health and wellbeing, and Self-Care Week gives libraries the opportunity to promote efficient use of the NHS by signposting people to reliable health information.”
  • Libraries Minister visits newly refurbished Scarborough Library – Gazette and Herald. “Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, Minister for Arts and Heritage at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, visited Scarborough Library to see the result of this year’s major refurbishment. The library reopened in May following a £450,000 improvement scheme, which has seen the building reconfigured to create a brighter, more attractive space.”
  • Newly refurbished Scarborough Library has windows smashed – BBC. “More than £450,000 was spent on renovations to the Grade II listed Scarborough Library. On Sunday night, a number of windows were smashed “causing thousands of pounds in repairs”, North Yorkshire Council said. Police said an 18-year-old man from the local area had been arrested and released under investigation.”
• Northern Ireland – Temporary closure of Coalisland Library announced for essential maintenance – Yahoo News.
• Nottingham – Council exploring possibility of merging some libraries and leisure centres to save money – Notts TV. “campaign to save the Basford, Aspley and Radford-Lenton Libraries from closure in January 2022, when the council planned to put them to the axe to set a balanced budget.”
• Peterborough – Libraries and community centres in Peterborough set to be sold off – Yahoo News. Stanground, Thorney and Eye libraries under threat.
• Shropshire – Hunt goes on for new premises for Shropshire library shut for nearly two months – Shropshire Star. “The library in Whitchurch Civic Centre has been closed since September following the discovery of RAAC – reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete – roof beams in the building. Shropshire Council says its teams are working jointly to identify alternative sites for the library.”
• Southampton – Southampton City Council launches Warm Welcome Initiative for 2023 – Southampton Council. “libraries will be running between 30-50 free activities each week across the city. Activities will vary from arts and crafts, reading and games clubs, to IT support sessions. There will also be an opportunity to enjoy a free hot drink and snack.” … “Homework Help returns for 2023, where volunteer tutors from Student Hub (Southampton Hub) will be available to help children with homework queries.”
• Southend – Southend councillor launches save Kent Elms Library campaign – Echo News. “Council’s plan to tackle a £14million budget deficit – which could rise to almost £30,000 in coming years – two of the city’s libraries could close to save £200,000.”
• St Helens – Libraries axe is sad loss of lifeline for residents – St Helens Star / Letters. Letter disparaging cuts.
• Stirling – Businessman who helped fund £1million library for Scottish village – Herald. “Mr Graham’s love of his village led him to offer a large donation to Strathblane Community Development Trust to fund a badly-needed new local library. After three years of hard work, he proudly opened the Thomas Graham Community Library last April, named in memory of his great-great-uncle who had been a pioneering British chemist in the mid-1800s.”
• Suffolk – What do you want from Suffolk’s Libraries service in future? – East Anglian Daily Times. “The contract with our current provider ends in May 2025 and since that contract began, the needs of local people have changed. We are therefore taking this opportunity to seek views from the public about what is important to them, ahead of awarding the new contract. ” … “The value of the new contract will be circa £80m over 12 years and this means that we are required to undertake a competitive procurement process. ”
  • Meet Suffolk Libraries’ first ever Environmentalist in Residence – Suffolk Libraries. “Suffolk Libraries’ unique Environmentalist in Residence programme invites dedicated environmentalists to share their expertise, inspiration and love for our planet with library patrons of all ages. The programme is inspired by Toronto Public Library’s Environmentalist in Residence project and will bring passionate eco-advocates to the heart of the community.”
• Tameside – Tameside libraries provide safe, welcome spaces for residents – Quest Media. “Tameside’s eight libraries offer open spaces to people who walk through their doors. “
• Walsall – New library and nature centre unveiled – Express and Star. “The Greenway Centre has opened in the Ryecroft Community Hub in Blakenall with the purpose of promoting more active lifestyles, reading and climate action.” … “Funding for the initiative came from two government grants worth almost £6,000, topped up with £1,400 raised through crowdfunding.”
• Wandsworth – One week countdown to bigger and better Wandsworth Town Centre Library opening its doors – Wandsworth Council. “new-look, bigger and better Wandsworth town centre library” … “It will stock more than 40,000 books and a separate and well-resourced children’s library with its own separate toilets and baby changing area” … ” using heat pump technology with comprehensive insulation and other energy saving measures like double glazed windows “
• Warwickshire – Hublet help on offer at Warwickshire libraries – Leamington Observer. “free digital tablet devices available in most Warwickshire libraries for e-reading. They are now available to use at Leamington, Nuneaton, Rugby, Warwick, Kenilworth, Southam and Stratford libraries, and allow users to enjoy eMagazines, eNewspapers, eBooks, and other online eResources without the need to have or bring their own digital devices to the library.”
• Westmorland and Furness – Council issues update on Roose and Ulverston libraries – The Mail. “In regards to Ulverston Library, the investigations have confirmed that the issues with the electrics at the library building are ‘extensive.'” … “‘temporary alternative provision’ for Roose Library while the current building is out of action following the extensive fire in May this year.”
• Wokingham – New Twyford library begins to take shape in historic boys school – Bracknell News. Twyford Library will move into “former Old Polehampton Boys School building” next year.
• Worcestershire – Community Builder praises impact of Libraries Unlocked – Worcestershire Council. “Thanks to Libraries Unlocked, which has extended the opening hours at Droitwich Library, the CVS have been able to host volunteer events at the library to engage the wider community and offer support to Ukrainians living in the area.”. Staffless libraries: “Feedback from customers has revealed that the service is particularly popular with working people and working parents, people who prefer to use the library at quieter times and people looking to spend longer periods of time in the library. “