At least let Libraries keep the money we already have
Editorial
I remember the first Save Libraries Day, back in 2011. It was a huge grass-roots explosion of events and protests back in the days when cuts to libraries was a shocking surprise. That day was soon co-opted by public library services to promote the sector and, I notice, in the recent review it was suggested that the date be moved to be more public-relations friendly. So, another year, and another austerity. This week’s post includes serious cut announcements by Birmingham and Croydon. So it’s not a surprise that campaigners are getting antsy again and Alan Wylie, who was there in the beginning (and the original instigator Alan Gibbons), are calling for national protest again. Question is, will this country, which has now had over a decade of getting used to libraries being cut, go for it?
The solution to the sector’s major problem, but not the only one (the others being major technological and societal change, accelerated by a global pandemic), has been neatly and humorously summarised by the I as “Give us some ****ing money.”” This simply won’t happen under the current Government. The Sanderson Report didn’t even try to list it as a suggestion. Indeed, what the sector is looking at now is more cuts, made worse by inflation (and the decision to spend any spare money on tax cuts rather than maintaining services). So “Let us keep at the least the money you haven’t taken away previously” may be more accurate. Less amusing, though.
Changes by local authority
- Aberdeen – Extended opening hours at five libraries
- Birmingham – £2.3m cut. Up to 25 libraries under threat, 11 more to become co-locations, 47 out of 221 staff to be cut.
- Croydon – Consultation on cuts: Proposals to close 4 libraries (radmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead, and Shirley); extend hours in six to partially compensate, reduce library services by co-location in 3 (New Addington, Purley and South Norwood)
- Edinburgh – Consultation.
- North Lanarkshire – £1.6m upgrade to Motherwell Library.
- Southampton – Cobbett Road Library to reopen, run by a local radio station.
National news
- The best of times, the worst of times for public libraries – CILIP. Isobel Hunter: ” if you wind back 20 years where you had chief librarians. Now you look at our members and you don’t always have the word library in their job titles.” … “It feels like the best of times because there’s amazing innovation happening in public libraries, and the worst of times because the financial environment for local authorities is really hard” … “One of the options presented to councils 10 years ago was outsourcing their libraries. Asked if this was being discussed again she said: “Not at the moment. But spinning out is always on the table when councils are pressed by immediate and long-term funding pressures.”
- Ex-pat left life savings to two Scots libraries – BBC. “Letitia McKell bequeathed more than £350,000 to libraries in Motherwell and East Kilbride when she died in 2001”
- Jo Cornish to be Interim CEO of CILIP – CILIP. “Jo, a Chartered Fellow of CILIP, with a background in public libraries, has accumulated eight years of experience at CILIP, gaining extensive knowledge of membership needs, priorities, and the organisation’s offerings.”
“”Baby Bushka, the 8-woman strong Kate Bush experience of your dreams is headed to the UK + Ireland on Tour this Autumn! They are looking to add some intimate literary acoustic concerts featuring their re-writes of Kate Bush songs using famous poems, like this version of Hound of Love with Francis Thompson’s Hound of Heaven. Or this T.S. Eliot mashup “Running Up That Street with Prufrock” Please contact them at ilovebabybushka@gmail.com if you’re interested in booking them. “
Email received.
- A method for library data storytelling – Library data blog.
- NAG’s 14th Collection Development Seminar and Public Library Forum – National Acquisitions Group. “NAG’s 14th edition of the highly successful Collection Development seminar takes place at the Friends House, 173-177 Euston Rd, London NW1 2BJ, on Thursday 16th May 2024 alongside our separate Public Library Forum. For this edition, the topic is “Rise of the Machines.” NAG invites papers from those that can share knowledge, best practice, experiences and reflections around the impact of technology.
- On the matter of the British Library cyber incident – Ciaran’s Crispy Cogitations. The hackers are Russian so unlikely ever to be punished; BL not considered that important a target to protect but it’s impact and vulnerability make such targets tempting; recovery was very slow.
- Sanderson Report shows that libraries are part of something bigger – CILIP. “Nine minutes of BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting house was dedicated to the plight of libraries and the huge range of services they provide, recognising that libraries were taken for granted and misunderstood.”
- Witherick leaves Libraries Connected for ASCEL – BookSeller. “Witherick is an experienced charity executive and chartered librarian and will join ASCEL at the end of March 2024. Formerly regional development manager at Libraries Connected, and head of library service and customer experience at Libraries Unlimited, she has a background in leadership and delivering development projects and programmes. “
- You can’t put a price on the joy of libraries – I / Opinion. Lucy Mangan translates Isobel Hunter’s response to the Independent Review on public libraries as ” I think what is actually being said here is something along the lines of – “Branding campaign? Libraries laureate? National data hub showing the effects of libraries on communities? I’ll tell you what shows the effects of libraries on communities – libraries! Give us some ****ing money for libraries instead of laureates and posters and we’ll show you some ****ing effects!” Or, to put it more succinctly still – “Give us some ****ing money.””
International news
- Central and Eastern Europe – Occupy Library / Stelline Conference 2024 in Milan – call for proposals – Next Library. Theme will be “Libraries as spaces for digital transformation and community wellbeing”
- Ireland – Ukrainian books in Irish libraries: solace and shelter for refugees amid wartime upheaval – Irish Times. “190 Ukrainian bookshelves have already opened in libraries in 45 countries worldwide.”
- Dublin city libraries swap books for bass as teenagers can borrow musical instruments for free – Irish Independent. ” offers all those under 18 the opportunity to borrow guitars, bass guitars, amps, and drum kits in the same way as borrowing a book, with more than 100 instruments available at the Dublin City libraries.”
- Netherlands – Report From The Netherlands: “The Dutch Borrow Over Five Million E-Books Every Year” as Bibliotheek Turns 10 – Library Journal. “In the first year (2014), around 80,000 people borrowed a total of almost 810,000 digital books in this way. There are now more than 600,000 people who borrow books through the online library every year: a total of more than five million e-books and around two million audiobooks.”
- USA – Are You a Librarian in a Public or School Library? Or Do You Know One Who Might Be Willing to Talk with Me? – Reason. Website wants to talk to librarians with experience of stock weeding. [This is part of the debate about banning books vs. woke librarians, reply with care – Ed.]
- Books and looks: gen Z is ‘rediscovering’ the public library – Guardian. “Libraries have never been just about books. These are community hubs, places to connect and discover. For an extremely online generation that’s nearly synonymous with the so-called “loneliness epidemic” libraries are increasingly social spaces, too.” … “Coffee shops get so crowded, and you have to spend money to be there, but libraries are open for everyone”
Part of me thinks we’re rediscovering libraries not as something new, but for what they’ve always been: a shared space of comfort.”
Arlo Platt Zolov,s a 15-year-old who lives in Brooklyn
- “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” author Jeff Kinney hosts library benefit at his Plainville bookstore – CBS News.
- Idaho librarians contemplate leaving work — and the state — as a result of proposed legislation – Idaho Sun. “In an informal survey conducted by the Idaho Library Association, 60% of respondents said they are considering leaving the profession”
- Interview With “the memeing librarian” – Princh. “Through short videos and amusing memes, she’s been promoting how cool, fun, informative, and sometimes also radical libraries can be for the past 5 years. Dive into her insights on community awareness, library evolution, and the power of online platforms in promoting the library’s services.”
- The social media star helping people fall in love with libraries – Positive News. ” To his 600,000-plus followers on Instagram and almost 700,000 on TikTok, @mychal3ts is an ordinary man with extraordinary powers. From his first-rate reading recommendations to his sheer passion for advocating libraries as a tonic for a whole host of challenges.”
- This Week in Libraries – Publishers Weekly. LibLearnX summary. More pro and anti censorship moves.
Local news by authority
- Aberdeen – Five libraries to offer extended opening hours – Aberdeen Council. “The changes reflect demand on provision where nearby libraries have closed, as well as information gathered from library consultations and library developments in Torry Library within the new Greyhope School and Community Hub.”
- Bedford – Overdue library book returned 38 years (or 13,762 days) after it was taken out – Bedford Independent. Yawn.
- Birmingham – Birmingham – 25 community libraries in Birmingham at risk in massive council shake up to save millions – Birmingham Mail. “The council plans to turn 11 of the existing 36 venues into joint ‘library and neighbourhood advice service hubs’ – putting the other 25 under threat, we can exclusively reveal today. Some 47 jobs out of the existing 221 among librarians and support staff are set to go. The proposals have just been unveiled to staff. Just one council-run combined library and neighbourhood advice service is likely to operate in each of the city’s ten parliamentary constituencies, along with the flagship Library of Birmingham. They will be rebranded as ‘Community Living Rooms’.”
- Bolton – Bolton Library’s Family Fun Day a success after refurbishment – Bolton News. “Activities included a visit from Wanderers mascot Lofty the Lion, a disco, Octagon storytelling sessions, printing workshops, computer sessions and more”
- Families ‘can’t wait to take the kids’ as library gets ‘incredible’ transformation – Manchester Evening News. “The new children and young people’s library space is now split into three areas. The first is for under fives with a dedicated area for play and exploration. The second and third spaces are for older children and young people to develop their experience and joy of reading.”
- New Central Library opening a huge success – Bolton Council.
- Bradford – Self service counters: Fears self service machines in libraries will stop human interaction – Yorkshire Post.
- Central Bedfordshire – Libraries and leisure centres across Central Beds open up as warm spaces – Leighton Buzzard Observer.
- Croydon – Listening to residents to shape Croydon’s future library services – Croydon Council. “Proposals include longer opening hours including weekends, improved facilities in fewer library buildings, and more staff to provide a new outreach service.” … ” four library buildings; Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead, and Shirley are proposed to be closed.” … “Six libraries (Central, Ashburton, Thornton Heath, Norbury, Selsdon and Coulsdon) are proposed to be open five to six days a week, including Saturdays”. New Addington, Purley and South Norwood to become co0locations.
- Croydon could see 4 libraries close as ‘failing’ service sees visitor numbers plummet after Covid – MyLondon. “”Essentially we’ve got a failing service, it’s not delivering what it should be delivering despite the best efforts of our staff to make the best of a difficult situation.”
- Derby – Make a difference by volunteering at your local library – Derby Council. “In Chaddesden and Blagreaves, volunteers have hosted successful visits from local primary schools, encouraging children to join their library and discover a love of reading. Blagreaves volunteers also support events including councillor surgeries, community hub events and neighbourhood forums. Volunteers have started new groups in Spondon and Allestree, and give valuable support to Allenton’s Job”
- East Riding – East Riding Libraries offer a wide range of free activities this February half term for children and families – East Riding Council. “Sessions include the popular Lego Art, using specially designed Lego Art kits to make amazing pictures out of bricks. ”
- Gruffalo puppet events to be held in East Yorkshire – BBC. “The events, which feature puppetry, are part of celebrations to mark the book’s 25th anniversary. The sessions, being held at libraries and community hubs, are free but booking is essential”
- Edinburgh – Future Libraries engagement begins today – Edinburgh Council. “With the old Muirhouse library having been demolished in 2021, the new community hub at Macmillan Square is being developed in partnership with North Edinburgh Arts and will incorporate a creative arts space, our Early Years facility, employability support, six flats for social rent, and of course a thriving community library.” … ” With technological advances, changing public expectations and increasing budget pressures, we now need to consider what the future should look like for our library service and how it can best meet the needs of our city’s residents.”
- Gloucestershire – 10-year-old girl raises hundreds for struggling library – Wilts and Gloucrestershire Standard. “story last week on the Fairford & Lechlade page of the Wilts & Glos Standard about Lechlade Community Library needing financial help has prompted ten year old Ella Bacon to start fundraising to help the library reach its target for the refurbishment work needed.”
- Haringey – Haringey library cuts to pay for council to run leisure centres – Ham and High. “They provide a place for education, for technology and for community. It therefore came as a shock to find out that our Labour-run council has, as part of its budget, pencilled in a cut of over 30% to libraries over the next two years, shortening hours and leaving some buildings unmanned. Next year will see cuts of £700,000, which will lead to reduced hours across branch libraries at Alexandra Park, Coombes Croft, Highgate, Muswell Hill, St Ann’s, Stroud Green and Harringay.”
- Jersey – Jersey Library spent £20k on security guard – BBC. “A Freedom of Information request response from the Government of Jersey showed there had been more than 40 incidents of anti-social behaviour at the library in 2022.”
- Kent – Protests planned after proposals to sell-off buildings put 99 libraries in Kent at risk – Kent Online. “an immediate campaign by the Green Party to oppose the proposals.” … “The party’s prospective parliamentary candidate Hannah Temple will lead a “read-in” demonstration outside County Hall in Maidstone on February 19 starting at 8.30am. There will also be a number of localised protests at Maidstone, Wye, Dartford and Swale as well as others yet to be announced for February 17 and 18.”
- Kent County Council will not reduce number of libraries despite mounting financial pressures – Kent Online. ““We are continuing, as we have in the past, to monitor and review KCC library services to ensure they are sustainable in the future, looking at all the options. For example, the potential for sharing premises with other services, such as post offices or adult education, as happens now in some locations.”
- North East Lincolnshire – Have your say on the future of North East Lincolnshire’s libraries – Grimsby Telegraph. “Until Friday, March 22, North East Lincolnshire Council is asking people to complete a survey to help shape the future of several libraries in the area, including Grimsby Central Library, Cleethorpes Library, Immingham Library and Waltham Library.” … “The results of this first stage will be used to shape future proposals presented as a second follow up stage of the consultation”
- North Lanarkshire – Library celebrates multi-million-pound upgrade – North Lanarkshire Council. “The £1.6million investment by the council has also seen the children’s area doubled, new flexible learning and meeting areas created and the opening of a new MakerSpace. “
- North Somerset – North Somerset Libraries offer free online driving theory tests for learner drivers – North Somerset Council. Theory Test Pro.
- Nottinghamshire – Notts Libraries Partner With the British Library for Fantasy Season – Leftlion.
- Pembrokeshire – Poet Laureate books into Pembrokeshire library on his ten-year tour – Yahoo. “His H to K Libraries Tour launches in Harlesden Library, Brent, before making its way to Haverfordwest and on to Scotland before a finale in Haltwhistle Library, Northumberland.”
- Portsmouth – North End Library refurbishment – Portsmouth Council. “The library in Gladys Avenue will temporarily close for the refurbishment for two weeks from Monday 22 January, reopening on Monday 5 February. The main library floor will be completely re-carpeted and the shelves painted to brighten up the space. The children’s area will keep the same carpet and existing shelving, which is fairly new.”
- Portsmouth libraries hailed as a sanctuary for people seeking refuge – Portsmouth Council.
- Richmond – Vote on what you’d like to see in the new Library of Things – Richmond Council.
- Somerset – Somerset Council is owed more than £50k in library fines – Somerset County Gazette. “the authority permanently scrapped all charges to library users aged 17 and under, including fines for overdue items.”
- Southampton – Council confirms new partner as Cobbett Road library finally set to reopen – Bitterne Park. “Southampton City Council (SCC) has confirmed the appointment of a community radio station to run the Cobbett Road library, and new ‘pilot’ opening hours will start from Wednesday (January 31).”
- St Helens – Four libraries in St Helens will be closed today – St Helens Star. “Following approval of the St Helens Library Strategy for 2023-2028, four of the borough’s libraries – Garswood, Rainhill, Rainford and Parr – will no longer be maintained by the local authority after today, Friday, January 26.” … “The council says the strategy still aims to increase library membership”
- Wiltshire – There are more than books in our libraries – Salisbury Radio. List of services: warm packs (Warm packs contain a scarf, thermal hat and gloves, fleece blanket, hot water bottle and leaflet with advice and guidance if people are worried about money), numeracy events, BFI Replay,
- York – York: Row over proposed £600,000 cuts to library services – BBC. “Councillor Jo Coles, executive member for health, said services across the council had experienced cuts since 2010, with Explore “the one exception to this rule”. “We feel it is only fair that each service takes a share of responsibility for budget reductions,” she said.”
- More than 2,000 sign ‘Save York’s libraries from cuts’ petition – Press. “Lib Dem councillor for Haxby and Wigginton Andrew Hollyer said: “York residents have not been consulted on Labour’s heartless budget. “Perhaps this is why over 2,000 residents have come out in support of our petition. “We have four more weeks to save York’s libraries and I would encourage all residents to sign our petition to reverse this heartless cut.””
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