Archive for April, 2024

Editorial

A few news pieces catch my eye today. The first is an ex-magistrate sating in the Mail – where else – that libraries could be turned into court venues as they are under-used public buildings. Words fail me sometimes. Sadly, they don’t fail the Mail. Then we have the normal US madness of censorship, with 17 states now considering imprisoning librarians for their stock choices. There’s also a heart-rending story from that torn country about a child, are regular visitor to a library, whose parents decided to play the story-time song at the funeral. Oh my.

The thing that really caught my eye though was news from Ireland. The government there is spending – get this – £21 million to provide 11 new libraries and 12 new mobiles in rural areas. That’s twice as much as the Libraries Improvement Fund right there. But then scale that up to take into account the relative populations and you’d have, if it happened in the UK, £210 million in capital expenditure with 110 new libraries and 120 new mobiles. Then lift your jaw off the floor. Ireland led the way a few years ago in national publicity and national initiatives like removing all fines and now it is apparently reaping the benefits.

National news

• All rise. Former judge says ‘pop-up courts’ should be set up in pubs, libraries and supermarkets in bid to restore faith in criminal justice system – Daily Mail. Dame Anna Rafferty said that ” Covid had boosted technological advances within the courts, with laptops and tablets being used by court officials meaning the process can be easily moved from location to location.”. Including sex offence cases. ” Look for buildings in daily use but with slack, or buildings just sitting there.'”
• The experts: librarians on 20 easy, enjoyable ways to read more brilliant books – Guardian. “In the age of digital distractions, it is easy to struggle to find the time and headspace to get lost in literature. How can you get back into the habit? Librarians share the best ways to rediscover reading, make it a regular habit – and their tips for the most unputdownable books.”
• “It’s a Lively Place”: The Impact of Public Library Clubs for Adults on How Attendees of These Clubs Perceive and Use Public Libraries – Public Library Quarterly. “Participants tended to be using library services more often – and in different ways – due to their attendance of library clubs. Interviewee believed that the library had become more relaxed over time, and that the purpose of public libraries went beyond a focus on books. These findings suggest that library clubs might lead to attendees expanding their ideas of the role libraries can play in their lives”
• Leading children’s reading charity, announce the BookTrust Storytime book of the year for children under five – Book Trust. “Children’s book Are You a Monster, by Guilherme Karsten and published by Happy Yak has been recognised as the best new book for sharing with young children”
• One Day author David Nicholls says he’s ‘really furious’ over library closures: ‘Access to libraries changed my life’ – Independent. “Nicholls spoke about his views on education in the UK, stating that he gets “very angry” about libraries closing and “the way the arts are not accessible”.”
• UKeiG CPD Zoom Course: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and beyond: video marketing for libraries – CILIP. 16 May, online.

International news

• Belgium – A celebration of Belgian libraries for World Book Day – European Council, Council for the EU. Mechelen public library is in 17th-century baroque monastery.”, ultra-modern library B3 in Liege.
• Europe – Writing Competition – How A Library Changed My Life – Win Prize of EUR 500 – European Cultural Foundation. “Submissions must be in English, with a maximum of 3,000 words in length. Five winners will receive a cash prize of 500 EUR, be published in The Europe Challenge publication and have the opportunity to travel to Amsterdam to do a public reading of their winning piece at our event and book launch in September 2024. The deadline for submissions is 20 May 2024 at 12.00 (noon) CET. Winners will be informed via email in June 2024.”
  • Georgians arrested over cross-Europe thefts of rare library books – Guardian. Nine people arrested after either breaking into libraries and stealing books or replacing them with replicas. Europol says “In total, the criminal group is believed to be responsible for the theft of at least 170 books, causing financial damages amounting to around €2.5m [£2.1m] and an immeasurable patrimonial loss to society”
• Ireland – Minister Heather Humphreys announces €25 million to deliver new public libraries across Ireland – Irish Independent. “The funding will provide 11 new public libraries and 12 new mobile library vehicles across the country” … “The new libraries will be based in old buildings that are no longer in use” … “This goes to the heart of what we are working to achieve under our five-year rural development strategy, ‘Our Rural Future’.””
  • “The more they learn, the more they understand”: Irish Travellers and public libraries in the Republic of Ireland – The Irish Library. “Many of the disadvantages Irish Travellers face may be countered by public library provision; we decided to examine the extent to which the information needs of this group are met by Irish public libraries in a qualitative and exploratory project, in which five Irish Travellers, two settled persons working with Traveller organisations, and a public library professional were interviewed.”

• Ukraine – “It’s never too late to learn.” How libraries help older people overcome fear and master computer technology – UNDP.

• USA – 17 States Are Considering Laws That Would Imprison Librarians – Vanity Fair. “Ron DeSantis has been forced to limit certain Floridians to only one book-banning attempt per month.”
  • Beloved Bunny’s Death Shows How Libraries Help Parents – Ms Magazine. “rather than forcing children to think a certain way, libraries help us find our words in life’s most challenging moments.”. When a child passed away who was a regular attender at story-time, ““They sang the goodbye song from story-time” at the funeral.
  • Does The Future of Libraries – or Narrative Itself – Include Books? – Indiana Public Media. Podcast. Book issues down. Non-fiction section “irrelevant” in age of the internet. More library events. “more librarians now have a performance mindset”. People are still reading but doing it digitally. Libraries “are for bringing people together in a free and open space”.
  • It’s Time to Take a Hard Look at Public Libraries – Cato. “Like local post offices, neighborhood libraries once served an important community function but are now becoming increasingly irrelevant. And, as with post offices, libraries continue to receive funding because they enjoy support from a relatively small but vocal segment of the population, while the rest of us are usually too reluctant to question their utility.”
  • The Week in Libraries: April 26, 2024 – Publishers Weekly. “a deadline looms for federal library funding; the FCC votes to restore net neutrality rules; Maryland passes a law designed to discourage book bans; and why Alabama librarians are feeling exhausted”

Local news by authority

• Barnsley – Book festival attracts more than 3,000 visitors – Rotherham Advertiser. “saw locals enjoy a packed schedule including 49 library and six partner events and 42 authors and artists.”
• Birmingham – Future of Birmingham’s libraries sparks row as campaigners pledge action – Express and Star. “Asked why steps were not taken to notify ward councillors and communities in good time of the consultation programme, cabinet member Saima Suleman responded: “There were some online consultations that were registered last week which I believe councillors were not informed of.” … ” in Hall Green, residents gathered once again on Saturday for a ‘read-in’ at the local library – following similar events elsewhere in the city. The demonstration was attended by over 100 people, spanning all ages and backgrounds, as well as authors and renowned woodcarver Graham Jones.”

• Caerphilly – “A library is a space where you can boost people’s confidence” – Caerphilly Observer. A look at Bargoed Library. Library has a mission. ““Most of our staff are Masters or PhD educated, but choose the vocation of helping people.”. Activities help loneliness, well-being. “if Rhymney library wasn’t there, there wouldn’t be anything there. There is a community centre, yes, but [the library] was a lynchpin to culture within the community and always has been.””
• Devon – Charity celebrates share of £1 million fund – Kingsbridge Today. Benefact Group “The £1,000 donation made as part of the Movement for Good Awards “
• East Riding – East Riding Libraries to hide books around the county for World Book Night – Scarborough News. “Hints for locations where books are hidden will be posted on their social media channels for people to track down.”
• Greenwich – Greenwich library workers plan further walkout to address ‘appalling’ pay and working conditions – MyLondon / Yahoo. “Unite workers’ union members working in libraries in Greenwich have arranged a 24-hour strike for April 30 after the union claimed employer Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) had failed to negotiate an appropriate resolution to an ongoing dispute.”. Dispute is over better pay and conditions and the use of zero hours contracts (60% of national staff). But “the trust did not feel that Unite’s campaign reflected the genuine concerns of its staff and it believed that it was manufactured to reflect the union’s national and political agendas”

• Northern Ireland – Libraries: Almost one million NI books not back on time – BBC. “Fines for overdue library books in Northern Ireland were removed in October 2021. As of March this year nearly 3,000 books were overdue for more than a year.” … “Libraries NI made £73,510 through charging for overdue items from 2018 to 2019. However, after deducting administration costs, the income made by Libraries NI was £7,260 for that period.” … “two-thirds of overdue books are returned within two months.”
  • Paedophile jailed for repeatedly going to libraries across NI to use internet – Belfast Telegraph. Offender used public library computers to get around ban on him going online, although he was only using news websites.
• North Somerset – North Somerset Libraries celebrate World Book Night – North Somerset Council. “the libraries team have worked with the North Somerset UK Resettlement team and Community Learning to give books to people who have recently arrived in North Somerset and are learning English.”
• North Yorkshire – Young volunteers needed for Summer Reading Challenge at libraries across North Yorkshire – could it be you? – Harrogate Advertiser.
• Nottingham – Arts Council funding helps renovate library garden and resource centre – Nottingham Council. Hyson Green Library “With Arts Council support, the garden has undergone a stunning makeover, featuring captivating mosaics crafted by local artist Sophie Robins.”

• Redbridge – Temporary closure of Fullwell Cross Library – Redbridge Council. Refurbishment due to LIF funding.
• Renfrewshire – Revitalizing Paisley: award-winning library project breathes new life into town centre – Design Concept.

• Shropshire – Consultation launched to support decision on future of Schools Library Service – Shropshire Council.
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries launches new Reading with Dementia project – Suffolk Libraries.
  • Women with learning disabilities star in menopause film – BBC. “Ace Anglia, based in Stowmarket, has worked with Suffolk Libraries to share what happens before and after periods stop. The film features women supported by the organisation. Nicole Smith, from the libraries’ Menopause and Me Project, external, said the aim was to “reflect different experiences” and to show people they were not alone.”
• Surrey – Work set to start on new Community Hub in Weybridge – Surrey News. “he Weybridge Hub will include a modern library, a space for targeted youth support, accessible community spaces for hire and other commercially lettable space within.  The lettable space  will be 328 sq.m. (approx. 3,530 sq ft). “
• Torbay – Libraries puzzle night is a piece of genius – Torbay Weekly. “Nineteen members of the community and library staff got together and formed 5 teams. Each team were given the same 500 piece puzzle to complete and the fastest team were the winners.”
• Warwickshire – Exciting day of free events at Rugby Library to celebrate Shakespeare’s plays – Warwickshire World.
• West Sussex – Free books on the menu for meals on wheels clients – West Sussex Council. World Book Night books given out.
• Worcestershire – 350 books gifted to vulnerable children for World Book Night – Worcester News / Yahoo. “Several locations and organisations were involved, including refugee community groups, Cranstoun, Action for Children, and Redditch Nightstop.”

Editorial

In a shocking expose from the ever-balanced and fair Fox News, we discover that American public libraries are drug-infested sex dens. This must come as something of a surprise to their users. Also, to their library staff too, it seems, as many have taken to Twitter to ask where these libraries are (including, suspiciously, wanting their precise addresses, presumably for private research purposes).

After we have stopped laughing, it’s worth considering where this headline is coming from. It’s from the classic exaggeration/slander/don’t-look-behind-the-curtain realm of propaganda. To impose one’s views on a democratic country, there needs to be a reason, and this is it for libraries: we are a bunch of pro-drug gender extremists that need to be controlled. It’s nothing to do with freedom of speech, heaven’s no, it’s protecting the children. Thankfully, it has not quite come to this in this country, but it’s getting closer each day. Heck, it’ll probably be an item on officially-not-a-news-channel GB News any day now.

Changes by local authority

• North Northamptonshire – Higham Ferrers volunteer library opens.
• Shropshire – Oswestry Library refurbished with interview pods and mobile shelving due to £237k LIF funding in 2023.; School Library Service to be closed.
• South Gloucestershire – Original cut of £473k reduced to £273k: £25k cut to books, 40 hours opening cut. Management cuts, enquiry service closed.

National news

• CILIP Appoints Louis Coiffait-Gunn as new CEO – CILIP. “Louis was introduced to public libraries at a young age as his grandmother was a librarian in a neighbouring village. As he currently finishes a period of parental leave, he has continued this tradition by taking his baby to storytime at libraries across Hackney.”
• CloudLibrary finds a new home in OCLC – Bibliotheca.
• Fun Palaces Workshops – Fun Palaces. Various workshops on who to involve, what they are, where and how, funding, sustainability and advertising.

Libraries, join the Blue Peter Book Club this May! We are inviting librarians to join this online workshop at 4pm on 16 April 2024 to hear about how you can get involved in the Blue Peter Book Club and encourage children in your library to explore the world of books together. There are some exciting things lined up for the Book Club in May with opportunities for public, community and school libraries to join in, and we want you to be the first to hear about them. Join us in this webinar to find out more about the Book Club, the selected books, and how your library can take part and support children to earn their book badge. The webinar will be recorded and shared to catch up on. Register today – https://bit.ly/3PLG0AU

The Reading Agency, by email.

• Sir Roly Keating to step down as Chief Executive of the British Library in April 2025 – British Library. “Under Sir Roly’s leadership, the Library has undergone a transformation in its public impact and its visibility across the UK and internationally. With a focus on openness, creativity and innovation, his tenure has seen the establishment of major new partnerships including the Knowledge Quarter around its London HQ, the Business & IP Centre National Network and the Living Knowledge Network of public and national libraries across the UK.”
• The vorfreude secret: 30 zero-effort ways to fill your life with joy – Guardian. ““Making a regular trip to your local library is a great way to insert vorfreude into your life””
• ‘Weathervanes of their Communities’ – The Sanderson Review, public libraries and information literacy futures – Edinburgh Napier University. “Recent independent reviews of public library services in England have argued for a more comprehensive and cohesive strategy to promote the many benefits of these services. However a critical lack of quality data to support these conclusions, particularly on the impact of information literacy formation, means that such reviews are in danger of missing further opportunities to develop the wide and varied roles public libraries play in their communities.”

International news

• Pakistan -Tall tales but no dessert: the storyteller of Karachi and his ice-cream cart library – Guardian. “About 15,000 children have attended more than 700 Kahaani Sawaari storytelling sessions since the project was launched in 2021. Erum Kazi, GoRead’s programme director, says parents have told her how their children have developed a love for reading since the scheme began”
• Ukraine – Send a mobile library to Ukraine – Crowdfunder. “To date over 600 public libraries and 2,000 school libraries have been damaged or destroyed by Russian troops” … “When we asked our partners in Ukraine how we could help, they said they needed a mobile library. With a mobile library they could continue to provide a service when their library buildings have been destroyed or damaged.”. £10,000 needed for reconditioned mobile library: £160 given at time of accessing webpage.

• USA- ALA Releases State of America’s Libraries 2024 Report – American Libraries. “ALA recorded 1,247 attempts to censor materials and services at libraries, schools, and universities in 2023. Of the 4,240 unique titles that were challenged or banned in 2023, here are the top 10 most frequently challenged”
  • Analysis: A Statehouse rite of spring — a showdown over libraries – Idaho Ed News. “The 2024 legislative session is ending the way the 2023 session did. And the way the 2022 session did. With a showdown over libraries. Something that has become an informal rite of spring at the Statehouse. On Wednesday, the Senate and the House passed a bill that would require school and public libraries to take steps to keep obscene materials away from minors. House Bill 710 now goes to Gov. Brad Little, who vetoed a library bill at the end of the 2023 session.”
  • MAGA Rage Targeting Local Librarians Is Getting Uglier – New Republic. Podcast.

• Post Covid futures planning for libraries: Part 2 – From planning ideas to implementation – Charleston Hub. “there is simply no way to gather data or evidence from the future until it arrives.” Various tools used.
  • The Week in Libraries: April 12, 2024 – Publishers Weekly. Wave of book banning “unprecedented”. Idaho law to move material parents challenge to other sections. Alabama fires library staff and withdraws funding to libraries who do not do likewise. Missouri removal of books challenged in court. Texas librarian is taking court action after being sacked for refusing to remove book.

Local news by authority

• Birmingham – Birmingham City Council leader issues stark warning on future of city’s libraries – Birmingham Live. ““We’ve seen some really good examples of partnership working already around libraries – my own library in Glebe Farm, Tile Cross has been delivered for the last six or seven years now in partnership with one of our local voluntary organisations. It’s actually opened up a whole series of other activities that now take place in the Glebe Farm Library which has almost become a bit of a community hub.””
  • Inside the battle over the future of Birmingham’s libraries amid budget ‘pushback’ – Birmingham Mail. “hundreds of residents of all ages protested by holding “read-ins” at libraries in Acocks Green and Kings Heath, which Mr Simpson said “shows the level of anger and concern” within communities.”. Overall, cuts are bewildering, but ” When you bring it down to what it means for your high street, people can see this is something we need to stand up and express ourselves about,””
  • Reason Birmingham Library is turning orange tonight revealed – Birmingham Mail. “It’s to mark Vaisakhi in the city. The spring festival, also known as ‘Baisakhi’, celebrates the founding of the Sikh community.”
• Bolton – Bolton’s libraries were the fun place to be in 1980 – Bolton News. “We have been into the archive and chosen a selection of photographs from 1980 which show some of the many varied events which ere held at libraries around the town to stimulate young imaginations.”
• Bristol – Bristol Lib Dems’ election campaign promises changes to buses, libraries and schools – Bristol Post. Election in May. Lib Dem’s “six missions for Bristol which includes improving access to dentists, providing more special school places, investing in libraries, and calling for bus franchising. They have also promised to plant one million trees over the next decade.”
• Calderdale – Applause for librarian who has been working for Calderdale Council for an impressive half a century – Halifax Courier. Linda Smith started at 16, just weeks before Calderdale Council was formed.

• Devon – Devon libraries launch reading adventure for under-fives – Tavistock Today. “Almost 7,000 children have so far signed up to read 50 books on The Secret Book Quest, and we are hoping to reach just as many little ones with Libro’s Friends.”
• Flintshire – Flintshire Council strikes “short-term” deal with Aura for running of county’s leisure and library services – Deeside. “The authority is understood to be planning to bring the management of libraries, museums, and play areas back in-house, while exploring an “alternative delivery model” for leisure services.” .. ” the council had offered the company £1 million to continue delivering leisure services in the short-term from April, which would last for approximately three months. But proposals related to libraries, museums, and play areas were described as “less clear”, with Aura unwilling to use its reserves to fund services.”
• Gloucestershire – Library of Things helping Charlton Kings residents save money – BBC. “The Library of Things was launched by CK Futures – a division of the parish council – Vision 21 project Planet Cheltenham, and Gloucestershire Libraries. Residents can borrow pressure washers, carpet cleaners, tools and even chocolate fountains, alongside the library’s books.”
• Hackney – Stoke Newington Library’s refurbishment gets £500k funding boost – Hackney Citizen. “The cash will go towards a redesign of the library’s interiors, with the council hoping to kit it out with the “best facilities possible”. Those include improved reading rooms, study spaces, a new children’s area, and a cultural and digital hub. The community library service will also get its own integrated space.”
• Lancashire – Rawtenstall Library to close it’s doors for ‘investigation into staircase’ – Lancashire Live. “Rawtenstall Library will close for around four weeks from Monday, while investigative work is undertaken on the staircase. A precise schedule for the closure will not be given until the work begins. However, customers are being reassured that fines for overdue loans from Rawtenstall Library will be waived while the building is shut.”
• Monmouthshire – Borrowing a laptop as easy as borrowing a library book with Monmouthshire County Council – Monmouthshire Council. “The laptops that will be available were initially purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic to help pupils continue their learning remotely. Now, residents can use them to access online resources from the comfort of their own homes.”
• Norfolk – Norwich man threatened to kill library staff in The Forum – Eastern Daily Press. “Jamie Turner, 32, became violent and abusive when he was asked to leave the Millennium Library at The Forum in Norwich on January 7. Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told he assaulted one member of staff telling them: “If I see you in the street I’ll kill you.””
• North Northamptonshire – Doors open at new community library and well-being hub in Higham Ferrers – Northamptonshire Telegraph. First library provision in town since 2019.
• North Yorkshire – Discover Skipton’s hidden heritage with three new trails – Craven Herald and Pioneer/Yahoo. “The four trails produced for the HSHAZ programme join three other North Yorkshire trails based on collections from Harrogate, Scarborough libraries and one for Northallerton curated by North Yorkshire County Record Office on the ‘What Was Here?’ app, created by East Riding of Yorkshire Archives, which is free to download now on Google Play and the App Store. Check out the accompanying website at www.whatwashere.org.”
  • Blood Pressure Testing Introduced at Whitby Library – This is the Coast. “Whitby Library is offering a walk-in blood pressure point for the public to make use of which could alleviate the pressures on doctor’s surgeries.”
• Sheffield – Stocksbridge 519 library plan approved – BBC. “The three-storey building will replace the town’s existing library and community shop.” Existing library to be demolished to make way for £24m new build.
• Shropshire – Library to close for a week while council spends Arts Council money on new shelves – Shropshire Star. “Last year Shropshire Council was awarded £236,950 by Arts Council England to install new equipment that will make library spaces more accommodating and accessible to the wider community.” … “Shropshire Council has used the funds to purchase 1:1 interview pods with supporting technology, enabling private consultations with the public” … “It has also purchased new mobile shelving to create flexible space to accommodate health and wellbeing sessions offered through social prescribing and creative health models.”
  • Anger as school library service cut to save money – BBC. “Parents and teachers have reacted angrily to a decision by Shropshire Council to end a service providing schools with new books and learning material. The School Library Service has a catalogue of more than 250,000 books, artefacts, DVDs and online resources. Two-thirds of schools across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin pay to use it. Shropshire Council, however, has said it can no longer afford to subsidise the service. An online petition has been started by the head teacher of Christ Church CE Primary School in Cressage, which paid about £1,300 for the service last year.”
  • Whitchurch Library ‘pop up’ service expanded – Shropshire Council. “Library staff have been running a temporary ‘pop-up’ service on market day every Friday morning since Whitchurch Civic Centre was forced to close for safety reasons in September 2023”
• South Gloucestershire – What South Gloucestershire Council library cuts mean for your branch – Bristol Post. “The local authority is slashing £273K from its annual spending on the vital community facilities, including £25K for books”… “South Gloucestershire’s libraries will be closed for an extra 40 hours every week in total as part of huge cuts. But that is about half of what was originally proposed. This is becauser the authority managed to find some savings elsewhere to cushion the blow for the books budget, which was initially going to be slashed by a quarter – £50,000 – but will now go down by £25,000.”
• Suffolk – New Stoke Library Open Day – Suffolk Libraries. “The new library occupies a slightly bigger space and has new carpets and furniture with flexible wheeled shelving to make it easier to hold events and activities in the library.”
  • Suffolk Libraries shortlisted for national library awards – Suffolk Libraries. “The Be Kind to a Kid appeal was run by Suffolk Libraries in partnership with BBC Radio Suffolk in late 2023. All the county’s libraries acted as collection points for 2,500 donated new toys which were then passed on to over 20 local charities and organisations who then got them to families in need to ensure their children got an extra much-needed Christmas gift.”
• Surrey – Weybridge Library and Weybridge Centre co-locating as part of Hub plans – Elmbridge Council. “there will be a temporary relocation of Weybridge Library into the Weybridge Centre for the Community, while it undergoes a major refurbishment to create the Weybridge Hub, which is expected to open in Spring 2025. “
• Wakefield – Wordfest 2024: Popular celebration to bring hundreds of free events to Wakefield libraries next month – Wakefield Express. “Hundreds of free and exciting events, from author talks and storytelling, film showings and music, will be held in the district’s libraries and other community settings during the month-long festival celebrating words – which aims to encourage residents of all ages to explore their own creativity. The annual celebration has become a staple within the community, with a full programme that has been developed with community partners and features activities across the district.”