Archive for June, 2024

Editorial

There have been many different new types of library governance since austerity began in 2010. We’ve seen Leisure Trusts taking over (a mixed picture), private companies (failure), local charities/parish councils taking them over and volunteers (at least 621 and rising, proving surprisingly resilient). A different type of Trust, though, has had – at least from my inexpert eye – been entirely successful. This is the Library-only Trust (Devon’s “Libraries Unlimited”, Suffolk Libraries and “York Explore”) which apparently have been able to combine providing traditional library services with a great deal of innovation, fund-raising, and an ability to stand up for themselves against councils keen on budget cuts. Not having to go through council publicity departments, whose eyes are often elsewhere, they are also very good at raising public awareness.

There are downsides to them of course but then there are – sometimes in spades – with council-run services. Just this week, if you don’t believe me, look at the poor library staff at Dorset, where many are losing their jobs at the moment while the council is trying to downplay the whole thing. Or in Birmingham, with a huge number of libraries are at risk. Or in Buckinghamshire which is looking to get rid of nearly a third of its staff and replace them with (checks notes) automatic doors and keypads. Such cuts have not happened in the Library Trust Three yet. I trust they will at least put up a fight, like York did, if such things are mooted. So, why are there not more? Well, it takes quite a different type of management skill to run one and a council will to give up control. A lack of trust, if you will.

Let me know your views by emailing ianlibrarian at live.co.uk.

Changes by local authority

• Buckinghamshire – £555k cut – 25 to 30% cut in staff but staff-less opening will increase hours by 50% or more.
• Bury – Radcliffe Library to be closed before move into new “civic hub” in 2027: no temporary home found for it as yet.
• Glasgow – £4m refurbishment Elder Park Library reopens.
• Highland – Ten mobile libraries reduced to seven, of which five are standard Transit vans.
• South Lanarkshire – 7 threatened libraries reduced to 5 – Halfway, Cambuslang, Greenhills (East Kilbride), Blantyre and Hillhouse (Hamilton). Cambuslang will stay open for 2 years.
• Staffordshire – Eccleshall Library now run by parish council, was run by Rotary since 2019.

National news

• Coelho and Becker on their Yoto Carnegie wins – BookSeller. “Coelho’s relationship with libraries goes all the way back to when he was a child himself, visiting the library to discover new books, study for his exams and meet up with friends. He also got his first Saturday job at his local library, and worked at The British Library when he was studying at university. As a writer, Coelho is constantly visiting libraries for festivals and events, most recently as part of the Library Marathon—one of his laureate tenure projects—through which he sought to encourage people to visit their local branch.”
• Our message to the next government – Libraries Connected. “But public libraries cannot function effectively without adequate funding. This is why we are calling for fundamental reform of local government financing from the incoming UK government. Fair and sustainable local authority funding will enable libraries to fulfil their manifold roles: inspiring lifelong learning, supporting health and wellbeing and enriching our economic and cultural life.”

International news

• Collection of Library case studies – ADELE. “As part of the ADELE project, we collected 100 case studies of digital innovation in public libraries. These best practices have been compiled and made public with the aim to initiate the integration of technology into non-formal education activities within public libraries. ” Excellent list of innovation across Europe, neatly categorised and presented. See also here.
• Canada – Canadian libraries more inclusive than those in the U.S. – Standard Freeholder. Canadian librarians looks worriedly south while extolling diversity in Canadian libraries.
• Ireland – Exciting New Libraries Promotional Campaign Features Interactive QR Code Illustration – Dublin City Council. “a specially commissioned illustration that doubles as an interactive QR code. This creative initiative invites the public to explore and enjoy the vast digital resources offered by Dublin City Libraries, completely free of charge. ” … ” Embedded within it are clues to the titles of 100 books”

• President Higgins condemns “censorship” attempts by far-right groups targeting libraries – Gen. ” those who intimidate library staff and destroy books “hide behind the mask of ‘protester’, but must be called out for what they are: vigilantes attempting to censor, some of whom are committing criminal offences”.” … “In one instance last year, the Cork City library had to close for one day to protect library staff and patrons after a small group of far-right nationalists blocked the entrance with a banner.”

• New Zealand – Libraries cut hours as councils face double-digit rates hikes – RNZ. “”As a result of, in many cases, double-digit rate increases being considered by councils, lots of services provided by the councils are under duress”
• USA – LGBTQ+ librarians grapple with attacks on books – and on themselves – Independent. Librarians being physically attacked and having to cope with censorship. “When we see attacks on those books, we have to understand that those are attacks on those kinds of people as well”. Pro-censorship “Moms for Liberty” argues they are not anti-LGBTQ but rather anti-sexually implicit. Louisiana requires parents to agree to if their children can read certain kinds of books. Staff “frequently misgendered” deliberately.
  • How one county is reimagining libraries, from teaching kitchens to woodworking shops – CBS. “The Richard library has its own teaching kitchen, where patrons can learn about culinary techniques. It also comes with a fully equipped woodworking shop, a seed library and a “library of things,” with shelves filled with items like instruments, games and toys.”
  • Huntington Beach library privatization bidder withdraws proposal – Orange County Register. LS&S withdraws bid so privatisation postponed.

• The Week in Libraries: June 21, 2024 – Publishers Weekly. “Targeting books in public schools and libraries is purposeful. Create a frenzy over lies and disinformation about the content in libraries and classrooms, then profit by claiming students are being indoctrinated”

Local news by authority

• Barnsley – Barnsley Libraries announces new creative commissions to increase cultural access and engagement across the borough – Barnsley Council. ACE funds mean new mural, ceramicist, dance, artists for green issues and Black History Month and an “artistic” project in Royston.
• Birmingham – Community libraries face reduced opening hours from next month – B31. “Birmingham Community Libraries are currently in a transitional period as we consult on the new libraries model amalgamating with the Neighbourhood Advice service.” Reduction in hours due to fewer staff.

• Bolton – Maxine Peake says libraries are more than just for borrowing books after refurb – Bolton News. “And if they’re trying to cut everything here, it is because they are scared working people will educate themselves. “Because libraries teach us to ask questions, and to explore, so we should be teaching people this.” Maxine called libraries a “safe haven” for people in Bolton.”
• Bradford – City library reopens after ‘nature’ revamp – BBC. “Manningham Library in Bradford was one of just six in the country to get funding from Natural England for its Culture Nature project, which aimed to turn libraries into “thriving hubs for nature enthusiasts”.” … “Large graphics showing local green areas and parkland have been put up at the library, as well as details of how visitors can best access them. Other improvements included a children’s sensory space, ceiling repairs and meeting equipment, Bradford Council’s library service said.”

• Buckinghamshire – Taylor Wimpey unveils new outdoor libraries to enhance reading skills – Bucks Herald. “Celebrating literacy in the local community, the new libraries, which are currently being installed at Aston Reach, Franklin Park, Coopers Grange, The Heath, The Vale, and Stortford Fields, will offer residents a diverse range of books suitable for all ages, and will give them chance to discover new and old stories.”

• Bucks Council to replace librarians with self-service machines in cost-cutting measure – Bucks Herald. £555k cut. “The savings plan – dubbed ‘library flex’ – will be introduced at eight county libraries: Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Chesham, Hazlemere, Marlow and Princes Risborough.” … “The council claims that this will allow it to cut staff hours by 25-30 per cent, while increasing public access by 50 per cent or more. At High Wycombe Library, services will now only be delivered from one floor in a bid to reduce staffing, while at Burnham, the council will try to increase volunteer numbers to save money.”

• Bury – No site found for temporary library in Radcliffe amid redevelopment – Bury Times. “The present library is to be converted into a £1.7m Enterprise Centre with work set to start in September.”. Radcliffe Library will move into new “civic hub” in two years time.
• Ceredigion – Cuts may force libraries away from town centres – BBC. “Ceredigion council is considering relocating Aberaeron and Lampeter libraries, which it said would save £70,000 out of a total budget reduction target of £5.8m.”
• Conwy – The library bans issued in Conwy since 2021 – and why – North Wales Pioneer. 15 bans: antisocial behaviour, abuse towards staff, inappropriate behaviour, damage to property.
• Cumberland – People banned from Cumberland libraries for abuse and indecent images – Times and Star. 11 bans since start of 2021. Antisocial behaviour, abusive, viewing inappropriate images, misuse of computers. No new bans in 2024.
• Dorset – Dorset library staff leaving amid changes to service – Dorset Echo. “The council says it is unaware of any job losses at this stage, but the Local Democracy Reporting Service has information which suggests that at least twenty mainly experienced, staff are to leave the service in the coming weeks.” … “New staff being employed from now on will have different job descriptions to existing staff to encompass a wider work role on pay grades between £23,893 and £25,119 for full-time posts, pro-rata for part-time positions.”. New “Library customer advisors” will also answer council enquiries.

“As many of you know we will shortly be losing 5 skilled and experienced staff due to redundancies. I would like to thank Jo (Library Manager) Liz (Library Assistant) Penny (Library Assistant) Andrea (relief librarian) and Julia ( relief librarian). Between them they have clocked up nearly 60 years working at Swanage Library, it will be very sad loss to the library and the community.”

Dorset – Swanage Library Friends.

• Falkirk – In pictures: Libraries are for Everyone fun day in Larbert – Falkirk Herald. “As well as launching this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, there were activities for all ages in the Hallam Road venue. Youngsters were able to enjoy Bookbug sessions, Storytimes, coding workshops, retro gaming and Lego, while the crafts for adults and children proved popular. The free event also included a cartoon workshop and teen book group.”
• Glasgow – Historic library to reopen after £4m restoration of listed building – STV. “A historic A-listed Glasgow library and community hub is due to reopen following a £4m restoration project.” … “The upgrades include a full interior and exterior refurbishment which provides improved library and community spaces, a new community kitchen and more bookable areas for people to use.”
• Gwynedd – The library bans issued in Gwynedd since 2022 – and why – North Wales Chronicle. 5 bans: computer misuse, antisocial behaviour, intimidation.
• Highland – Fears of ‘death’ of mobile libraries as yellow vans disappear in Highlands – Scotsman. ” a fleet of 10 yellow mobile libraries – plus a spare – has now been reduced to seven vans. Of these, five are standard Transits, which are now packed with crates, carry fewer books and have to be loaded and unloaded.”
• Kirklees – Kirklees Libraries Win Award for Supporting Isolated Residents with their English Language Skills – Kirklees Local TV. “Kirklees Librarians Ambreen Aziz, Becky Longwood, and Mazhar Iqbal have won the Libraries Connected Reading Award which recognises their work in running weekly English Talk sessions for Kirklees residents.”
• Lincolnshire – Final chapter for library in working phone box – BBC. “a notice from BT, posted on the phone box on Monday, requested the literature be removed. The notice praised the “creative” efforts of those behind the scheme, but said that the payphone was still in use.”
• Norfolk – Norwich man banned from libraries and shops in Norfolk – Eastern Daily Press. ” items such as alcohol, wire cutters, cash and two charity boxes were stolen from shops and libraries in Norwich, Gorleston and Dereham.”
• North Ayrshire – Three Towns: Petition launched to oppose library cuts – Ardrossan Herald. “The appeal is being made by Three Towns locals Catherine-Anne Tierney and Linda Cameron, who form part of a group of around ten mothers who use the library resources on a daily and weekly basis.” … “A Herald source has claimed that proposals rubber-stamped at the authority’s budget meeting in February will see the vital service slashed.”
• North Northamptonshire – Progress made on Kettering Library roof project – North Northamptonshire Council.
• Nottingham – Two Nottingham buildings win at RICS East Midlands regional awards – West Bridgford Wire. “Nottingham Central Library won both the Community Benefit Project category and Public Sector Project category.”
• Nottinghamshire – Life changing Notts libraries – Mansfield 103. Libraries Changing Lives campaign. Promotional copy from Inspire.
• Oldham – Konnie Huq celebrates libraries and literature in Oldham – Oldham Times. ” “I think it’s really important, especially in current times, that libraries are supported and continue to flourish and continue to be a place where people feel that they’re welcome.” … “She said she believes reading and visiting libraries are crucial for young people in today’s day and age.”
• Renfrewshire – Free activities and prizes in Renfrewshire’s libraries – Gazette. “The libraries also reward young readers with incentives such as free swim passes for OneRen swimming pools and cinema tickets, sponsored by Consilium Contracting Services, for one winner in each library.”
• South Lanarkshire – Campaigners fighting to save Lanarkshire libraries welcome ‘phenomenal’ news that services will remain – Daily Record. “Campaigners who handed a petition with 8500 signatures over to council leader Joe Fagan on Tuesday have welcomed the news that Cambuslang Library will remain open for the next two years .” … “nitially seven libraries were at risk but that number was reduced to five – those in Halfway, Cambuslang, Greenhills (East Kilbride), Blantyre and Hillhouse (Hamilton). It was then revealed then that those affected would be kept open for three months using money from the council’s £1 million “Community Fightback Fund”, while options were explored to reprovision some activities in alternative venues.”
• Staffordshire – New chapter for successful community library – Staffordshire Newsroom. “Eccleshall Parish Council has agreed to run the market town’s popular library from August as part of a five-year arrangement with Staffordshire County Council” … “The library has been managed by Eccleshall Mercia Rotary Club since 2019 and Catherine Mann thanked the Rotarians and local volunteers for their excellent work.”
  • Library to temporarily close for revamp – BBC. “Staffordshire County Council said the project would see the ground floor of the building repurposed into a “vibrant, multi-purpose, accessible and inclusive space”. The £1.3m scheme will also create a mini-theatre and an area for children”
• Stoke on Trent – BBC’s The One Show meets Tunstall Library user Sharon who’s learning to read for first time – Stoke on Trent Live. “The library featured in the latest episode of The One Show which was shining a light on the work of Read Easy North Staffs. The charity pairs people who struggle to read with their own personal trained coach. They then meet twice a week for short sessions at local venues such as libraries and community centres.”

• Suffolk – Chantry Library launches children’s story competition to remember a much-loved staff member – Suffolk Libraries. “‘Sally’s Stories’ is a children’s story writing competition being launched to encourage local children to use their imagination and creativity to come up with their own story.”
  • Introducing Move It – Suffolk Libraries. “The equipment you can borrow includes: 4kg and 6kg kettlebells, a dumbbell set, resistance bands, mini pedals, wobble cushion, weighted hula hoop, rounders set and football and cones. Other items such as swing ball, skipping ropes and yoga mats are also available from a previous initiative.”
    • New pop-up library launched in Beck Row, Suffolk – East Anglian Daily Times. “Finance for this new project comes from Section 106 development planning money via Suffolk County Council.” … “”Suffolk Libraries Local pop-up library sessions have been a success elsewhere in the county and enable us to bring a slice of library life to local communities where there is not an existing library branch.”
    • What happens in the library? Please help us to pass the message on – Suffolk Libraries. “Creative workshops for young people, lively singing and storytimes for toddlers, social meet-ups for adults and even free exercise sessions – it’s all going on at Suffolk Libraries! This is the message behind our new campaign to let Suffolk residents know ‘what happens in the library’. We want to get the word out to even more people so they can benefit from our many free services and activities. “
• West Dunbartonshire – Summer Reading Challenge 2023 [sic] – West Dunbarthonshire Council. Webpage about 2024 challenge has wrong date at top. Non-Reading Agency. ” The West Dunbartonshire Council primary school with the biggest improvement in completion rate from the previous year will receive a beautiful trophy, fabulous books, and a special prize for their school”. Those completing the local challenge will entered into mystery prize draw.
• Westmorland and Furness – Council responds to library shutting for The Coro events – The Mail. “The Coro has been used as a temporary library space since the building on King’s Road was closed last year due to issues with the electrics during routine statutory checks. On Friday June 7, the library was closed between 11am and 2pm due to an event taking place in the building. The library closed for four days over the May bank holiday due to Printfest taking place in the The Coro.”
• Wokingham – New library opens in former school building – BBC. “The former Old Polehampton Boys School, in Twyford, Berkshire, has been leased to the council by Polehampton Trust after sitting empty for many years. The library space has high ceilings, large windows, a specially-designed children’s area and an extension which offers an accessible entrance and additional space.”
• Worcestershire – Worcestershire libraries announce new digital skills learning programme – Evesham Observer. “Worcestershire County Council’s Library Service is excited to announce the launch of the new Learn My Way digital skills learning programme, provided by Good Things Foundation. The programme offers a variety of self-led courses which can be accessed on a mobile, tablet or computer.”

Editorial

A fair bit about censorship in the UK this week, although from a different slant to what we are used to from the USA. Over here the articles are from several generally right-wing newspapers, and whatever GB News is, complaining about the ease with which children’s books can be banned. One ban is because of the use of the word “n*****” and the classic Fungus the Bogeyman ban is due to the use of the “g******g”. Both words, to be fair, especially the n* one, that few would push for protection of. The articles are warning that we have library censorship in the UK but it’s more covert than in the USA. And of course another crucial difference is that the censorship is from what is seen as from the left-wing rather than from the right. A similar line of argument is also in an article this week from an ex-school librarian who has resigned due to not wanting to put what she considers overly woke books on the shelves for children. On the other hand, there is the anonymous and unverified source from Hampshire Libraries which says that Pride displays are not being allowed to be publicised due to one complaint. Put together, these complaints suggest that British libraries may not be entirely up the intellectual freedom fight. And that the media will be unforgiving.

Which is unfortunate, because CILIP clearly thinks this is very important. The CILIP ten pledges to the public and the incoming government which “sets out how CILIP, and the profession we represent, will keep libraries and their place in society as a trusted and essential service at the top of the new Government’s agenda”. The relative importance of various items is curious. “Access to culture” is half of the very first pledge, jammed together with the completely different “to deliver trustworthy information”. You’ll be glad to know that reading does get a mention, but at only number four as “the right to read”, again jammed together with the not-the-same-thing “and intellectual freedom”. However, there’s no mention of the word “book” or indeed even “ebook”, presumably because these are seen as the tool and not the use. As a call to arms, as you can probably tell, I think this is somewhat lacking and suggests campaigning-by-committee. But if I see a party leader, or indeed any politician of any level, waving it around then I’ll be glad to be proved wrong.

Changes by local authority

• Bromley – Library £10m repair programme 2024/5 for Southborough, Beckenham, Burnt Ash, Chislehurst, Orpington, Mottingham, Petts Wood, Penge, Hayes.

National news

“Take a short break on Saturday afternoon, 15 June, to swap notes with other library supporters and chat to a best-selling author – in London, or online. It’s TLC’s mini-conference and AGM. It’s free, and open to non-members. The venue is Victoria library, 160 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9TR. It’s close to Victoria Coach Station and a short walk from Victoria station and tube (or take a 170, 185, 211 or C10 bus). Or, of course, just put your feet up at home… Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served from 1.30pm. The meeting starts at 2pm. 

We’re delighted to have as our guest Louise Candlish, best-selling writer of psychological thrillers – now shortlisted for this year’s Dagger in the Library award from the Crime Writers’ Association (pic below.) We already know her as a supporter of libraries, who will have insightful answers to your questions. We’ll then move on to discussing your concerns, and what The Library Campaign is up to, with a short AGM, finishing at 3.30pm. (We have vacancies for trustees. If you want to know more, contact us at thelibrarycampaign@gmail.com). Please register here – if you plan to attend online you must do so to receive the link.”

Email from the Library Campaign

• Are little libraries doomed to be filled with rubbish books? An argument with myself – The Spinoff. “Why does it feel so sacrilegious to throw away a book? And do the little free libraries that dot our suburbs primarily exist to assuage our guilt? ” … “Big public libraries are more pleasant to visit, have a bigger selection of books that people actually want to read, provide heaps of services to the community. And get this: they’re also free.”
• Fungus the Bogeyman and a Jules Verne classic are among the books banned from libraries after a single complaint – LBC. “More than a dozen books have been removed after members of the public complained about their content or because librarians deemed the books offensive. They include Briggs’s Fungus the Bogeyman, McKee’s Three Monsters, Verne’s Five Weeks in a Balloon, Chris Claremont’s The Uncanny X-Men and Victor Appleton’s Tom Swift series. Louise Cooke, emeritus professor of information and knowledge management at Loughborough University, said the increasing tendency to remove anything that could offend someone is “massively” dangerous.” … “Jo Cornish, interim chief executive of CILIP, said: “Our general view as a profession is that it’s better for the reader to have access to material, not proscribed by law, than it be banned.” article also covered in multiple other titles – GB News; Daily Mail; Daily Express; Times.
• How libraries changed from local sanctuaries to antisocial behaviour hotspots – Telegraph. “Colchester Library is just one of the latest reading idylls to be affected, with incidents including fires and physical assault” Good look at library, with lots of people saying how well they use it but main focus is on the bad behaviour of kids these days.

• Incoming ministers ‘will face UK public services on brink of collapse’ – Guardian. “The IfG said it was not plausible for the victorious party on 4 July to stick to current spending plans at a time when the performance of hospitals was arguably the worst in the history of the NHS, prisons were at crisis point, and councils were shutting libraries and cutting back on waste collection and social care.”
• Libraries Connected Awards 2024 winners revealed – Libraries Connected. “he winners were chosen by an expert panel including Lesley Parr, the award-winning author of children’s historical fiction. Parr was joined by judges from organisations including Arts Council England, The Reading Agency, the Queen’s Reading Room, the Guardian Foundation and digital book platform OverDrive, creator of the Libby reading app for libraries and Sora reading app for schools, which again generously sponsored the Awards. Celebrated crime writer Ann Cleeves – creator of the Vera Stanhope, Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn series – was chosen as recipient of the inaugural Public Library Champion award.”

• New Libraries Connected President Ed Jewell sets out his agenda – Libraries Connected. “Our communities need free, well-funded, properly staffed and dynamic public libraries if they in turn are to constructively engage with the challenges ahead; be that in dealing with immediate issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, mental health and educational attainment, or developing challenges, such as the advent of AI, climate change and the changing nature and make-up of those very communities. ” … “I want to ensure our funders and key stakeholders fully appreciate the potential that properly funded public library services can achieve. That libraries are natural partners within local authorities to work with, to deliver programmes that achieve broad educational, health and cultural ambition”
• Trust Libraries: 10 Pledges for libraries to a new Government – CILIP. Pledges are (1) Information and Culture (2) inform better decisions in government (3) Warm and welcoming spaces (4) Reading and intellectual freedom (5) learning (6) imagination (7) green (8) business (9) research and innovation and (10) ethical.
• We Make Music Instrument Libraries – North Edinburgh News. “Scotland’s flagship Tinderbox Orchestra announces Live in Libraries UK & Ireland Tour to spread a campaign that gets musical instruments into public libraries so people can borrow them for free, just like borrowing a book”
• Why I quit as a school librarian Progressive activism is now considered the norm – UnHerd. “I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I decided to quit my post as an assistant librarian at a private school, but it was most probably when Andersen Press defended its decision to publish a book intended for under-sevens that contained illustrations of men in fetish gear.”

International news

• IFLA PressReader International Marketing Award Winners 2024 – IFLA. “We loved how the top campaign by Auckland Council Libraries embraced marketing with their “100 reasons to have a library card” campaign. The campaign was based on clear insight and defined audiences and objectives. Not only did this campaign deliver on its aims of recruiting new members with 61% of recent members joining directly as a result of seeing the marketing campaign – it also did a brilliant job of bringing to life the full breadth of library activities, using the community as advocates and delivering this in a fun and eye-catching way.” See 100 reasons to have a library card.
• China / Russia – Library sector seeks more cooperation to capitalize on AI influence – Global Times. “China and Russia are seeking more cooperation in facing the challenges and potential opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing to the library sector, officials and experts said at the Second China-Russia Library Forum held in Beijing.”
• Ghana – Kid author Sarah Kittoe to launch reading and writing clubs in schools across Ghana, Africa – Modern Ghana. Child author of four books gives money for libraries in Ghana and in the UK.
• Ireland – Summer Stars Reading Programme at Louth Library Service – Louth Live. “Summer Stars is a free national reading programme for children taking place in all public libraries, which encourages children to read for enjoyment during the summer. Once children sign up for Summer Stars they will receive a free Summer Star bag and activity pack. ”
  • New plan launched for Mayo library development – Mayo Live. “Improved opening hours, new libraries in Westport and Ballyhaunis, 365-day opening in Swinford and Ballina libraries, maker spaces and sensory rooms, and the recruitment of a county archivist are just a few of the big ticket items in the exciting new plan. The central focus of the plan is the promotion of reading and literacy, whether that be through class visits, the Summer Stars programme, the provision of book bags, book clubs for young and old and the hugely popular Children’s Book Festival held in October each year.”
• Nigeria – Repositioning Nigerian Public Libraries for Innovative Revenue Generation Strategies – Ayandokun and Onyemachi. Insufficient funding means libraries can no longer rely on State income for all their needs. Librarians need to be trained and allowed to look for other sources.
• Russia – ‘Russia now is like 1984’: Inside a Russian dystopian library – BBC. ““These books show our readers that the power of autocratic regimes is not forever,” Alexander explains. “That every system has its weak points and that everyone who understands the situation around them can preserve their freedom. Freedom of the brain can give freedom of life and of country.””
• USA (Censorship) – Book bans have become a powerful censorship tool in Colorado. Libraries and patrons hold the line – Rocky Mountain PBS. Interview with James LaRue. “all of a sudden, the people that said, “The national narrative is all about me,” became aware that all these books were finally showing up in the library that reflected these perspectives of previously marginalized people. And so they were like, now 97% of the collection about me is not enough, and it needs to be 100%.”
  • Seeking Sanctuary – American Libraries. “Public libraries establish themselves as book sanctuaries to counter bans”
  • Stop trying to restrict library books – Chronicle. Ohio. Under 18s need parent permission for certain books. see also New Ohio bill could restrict minors in libraries from seeing any book deemed ‘harmful’ – NBC 24 News
  • Texas library must reinstate books with ‘butts and farts,’ court says – Chron. “As more and more Texas school boards seek to censor books deemed too controversial or sexual in content, a conservative court in Texas ruled Friday that government entities, including public libraries, cannot just ban or censor books they disagree with.”. Popular picture book “I need a new butt” [UK – “bottom”] by Dawn McMillan had been banned.
  • The US librarian who sued book ban harassers: ‘I decided to fight back’ – Guardian. Louisiana librarian has published book on the fight against censorship in libraries. “Amanda Jones vividly remembers the time she received her first death threat. Hate, online bullying or photos sent to her house circling her face with red Biro like a target had been unsettling, but not uncommon. This was different.”
• USA (Other) – Deep Dive in Five with Sandra Hirsh on The Future of Libraries – SJSU News Center. “libraries and librarians who commit to innovation, stay ahead of emerging technologies, and strongly advocate their value will stand strong and tall with roots well-grounded as an essential community resource for learning, communicating, playing and working.” ”
  • Expanding Connection to Nature: The Outdoor Gear Library – Keene New Hampshire. New circulation system designed and implemented for Library of Things to ensure items kept together e.g. all the items necessary for a tent.

• FCC Adopts $200M Cybersecurity Pilot Program for Schools and Libraries – Benton Institute. Funding to provide protection to schools and libraries from hackers.
  • Looking for a book from another library? You may have a long wait. Here’s why. – Spectrum Local News. Maine. Delivery service which lost out on van contract is taking case to courts meaning who system of moving books between libraries is frozen.
  • Working for Well-Being – American Libraries. Help for the mental well-being of public library staff – therapy dogs, beekeeping, $150 lifestyle spending account. Also includes academic and other libraries.

Local news by authority

• Aberdeen – Volunteers commended during anniversary celebration – Aberdeen Council. “Volunteers who worked a combined 594 hours in libraries over the past year were honoured” … “Volunteer opportunities are available through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Saltire Awards, through work experience and for different events throughout the year”
• Angus – Centuries-old Angus archives could be moved in a near £300,000 Arbroath library move – Angus County World. “Angus Archives has been based in the Hunter Library beside the ancient Restenneth Priory on the outskirts of Forfar since 2005 and is home to documents charting eight centuries of Angus history. However, its 20-year lease expires in February and Angus Alive says it’s no longer viable for the archives to remain at Restenneth.”
• Bath and North East Somerset – Costume donations being sought for dressing up corners in libraries – Bath Echo. “Good quality, clean children’s fancy dress costumes are requested, such as princess dresses, mermaid tails, tutus and pirate, superhero, police, nurse and vet outfits. Accessories in good condition such as wings, tiaras, masks and hats will also be gratefully received.”
• Berkshire – Library set to be turned into flats – BBC. “A library that has stood for 39 years is set to be sold and converted into dozens of new flats. Reading Central Library opened in 1985, but now Reading Borough Council is seeking to sell it after it won £19.164 million from a Levelling Up Fund (LUF) grant. The funding will be used to establish a new library at the Civic Offices in Bridge Street.”
• Blackburn with Darwen – Children’s Literature Festival returns to borough for sixth year – Lancashire Telegraph. “It is organised in partnership between Blackburn with Darwen Libraries and the Children’s Literature Festivals charity, founded by local author Christina Gabbitas.”
• Blackpool – Workshops to open up world of virtual reality to Blackpool teens – Blackpool Gazette. Lottery funding.
• Bromley – Temporary library to open in Beckenham – Bromley Council. “This follows the recent temporary closure of Beckenham Library to allow for the refurbishment and repair works to be completed”
• Cambridgeshire – Cambridgeshire Libraries team wins 2024 Libraries Connected Award – Cambridgeshire Council. “Our winning team introduced two new library services to help people in the community, including Cambridgeshire-based asylum seekers, stay connected in a digital world – LendIT and the National Databank. This work also allowed them to lead a national conversation about digital inclusion and share best practice with libraries across the UK.” Lending Laptops and tablets and providing SIM cards.
• Cheshire East – Voters urged to prepare for the upcoming General Election – Cheshire East Council. “visit one of our Cheshire East libraries, where staff will be able to assist you with your online application”
  • Residents band together to fight possible Cheshire library closures – Cheshire Live. “About 120 people packed into the Civic Hall at Bollington to discuss how to fight controversial proposals to close the town’s library. Cash-strapped Cheshire East Council has refused to confirm or deny reports it is looking to close four of its libraries to cut costs.” … “The Friends of Bollington Library (FOBL) meanwhile are taking legal advice to help their fight and have said they will also be contacting the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.” see also Macclesfield MP hopefuls and 120 people attend meeting on uncertain future of Bollington Library – Macclesfield Nub.
• Dorset – Dorset’s library opening hours to change from 1 July – Dorset Council. “ased on feedback and identified community needs, we’ve updated our library opening hours. These new hours were published in July 2023 and will launch next month. We will also update our activities and events timetable to align with these new hours. The new opening hours will come into effect on 1 July 2024.” … “While some libraries may see a bigger change than others, overall, we have been able to keep almost the same number of weekly staffed hours, 630 instead of 631, across our library network.”

“All staff had to apply for their own or another job. They had to fill in a long, detailed application and then be interviewed … There are 40 (!) vacancies altogether on Dorset Council Jobs website for Libraries Customer Adviser posts, full time and part time.  The new hours are to start 1^st July – but [they’re] obviously never going to get new people in post by then are they?  Getting rid of casual staff but trying to keep them on whilst short staffed – and then not use them again … So it looks like staff decided they didn’t want to jump through the hoops of applying.”

Email received anonymously from Dorset

• Dudley – Dudley libraries to host authors at first writer’s festival – Halesowen News. “Running from June 8 to 22, the new book festival will feature crime and thriller authors Lindsey Davis, Priscilla Masters, Natalie Marlow, Caz Frear and Angela Marsons; family saga authors Annie Murray and Joanna Toye; romance writers Miranda Dickinson, Sally Jenkins and Suzan Holder and fiction writer Mike Gayle among others.”
• East Riding – Get set to go Live ‘n Loud in local libraries – Bridlington Echo. “The festival runs from Monday 22 July until Saturday 31 August and includes a varied and exciting programme – featuring live music, forensics, activities, author visits and much more. “. Funded through Arts Council England.
• Guernsey – Woman recognised for improving library accessibility – BBC. “Jackie Burgess, the community and wellbeing lead at Guille-Alles Library in Guernsey, was named first runner up in the Vision and Print Impaired People’s category at the Libraries Connected awards.” … “Mrs Burgess has been recognised for spearheading the library’s Stories on USB service, which provides blind and visually impaired islanders with free audiobooks”

“Hampshire Libraries have instructed staff not to post any pride displays on social media, and a planned pride month promotion of books for teens has been removed from Borrowbox. Staff are disappointed, but cannot speak out publicly, both because they’ve been told the pre-election period applies. if you look at Hampshire Libraries Branches social media you can see the lack of posting, and look at Borrowbox to see there are no pride bookshelves”“

Hampshire – anonymous email

• Haringey – Hornsey Library adults’ section to re-open – Haringey Council. Section of library reopened after RAAC dealt with.
• Isle of Wight – Isle of Wight libraries offer free access to the British Newspaper Archive – On the Wight.
• Kirklees – Kirklees Libraries win award for supporting isolated residents with their English language skills – Kirklees Council. “Librarians Ambreen Aziz, Becky Longwood and Mazhar Iqbal have won the Libraries Connected Reading Award that recognises their work in running weekly English Talk time sessions for Kirklees residents.” 300 attended since 2018.
• Manchester – Top 5: Must-see highlights at the 2024 Festival of Libraries – Manchester Wire.
• Newham – £756,616 funding secured to progress Canning Town Old Library Transformation – Newham Council. Old library to be turned into community asset inc. archives.
• Northern Ireland – More than 30,000 library accounts suspended due to overdue books – Belfast Telegraph. Registration needed to read article.
• Somerset – Reopened toy library aims to reduce waste – BBC. Frome Library. “Run by local charity Purple Elephant, the Toy Library has more than 50 “play sacks” to lend out to children up to the age of six. Available to library members, the newly revamped scheme allows toys to be reused and help parents and carers save money.”
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries rewards its amazing volunteer champions for 2024 – Suffolk Libraries. ” Around 120 people came along to hear many moving and uplifting stories about the volunteers who were shortlisted with the winners then being announced and being presented with their certificates by a series of special guests … uffolk Libraries currently has 1,262 registered volunteers who dedicated an amazing 35,500 hours of their time in 2023-24 in various roles including running the Home Library Service, supporting library Friends’ Groups or the summer reading challenges and many other volunteering roles in libraries.”  
• Surrey – Call for children’s artwork for ancient trees book – BBC. “The book will be distributed across all 52 of Surrey’s libraries and to local schools. The competition runs until 4 September and templates can be collected and returned to any Surrey Library.”
• Tameside – Top-class Ballet is on its way to Tameside – Tameside Correspondent. “Black British Ballet’s performance of “Island Movements.”” … ““Island Movements” is a collaborative effort between Black British Ballet, Tameside Libraries, the Department for Levelling Up and Communities, and Near Neighbours (Bringing People Together).”
  • Libraries ACT on HiVis Mission to Support People with Sight-loss – Tameside Council. “This year’s theme is “ACT” which stands for accessibility, connection and tactile.”
• Thurrock – Dual-language children’s books – Thurrock libraries – Thurrock Council. “BookTrust has donated 350 dual-language children’s books to Thurrock’s library service. These are being offered to Thurrock residents for free from Grays library from Monday 17 June on a first-come, first-served basis”
• Walsall – New digital technology for Walsall Libraries as part of borough-wide improvements – Walsall Council. “The borough’s seven libraries, mobile library and archives service have been updated, thanks to a £202,349 grant from the Arts Council England Libraries Improvement Fund. Improvements have included various furniture pieces that create flexible work and study spaces, as well as new tables and chairs for children’s groups and activities.”
• Warwickshire – Warwickshire Libraries Celebrates Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month with community events – Warwickshire Council. “Warwickshire Libraries has commissioned Gemma Lees, a Romany Gypsy artist, performance poet, and journalist, to lead the roadshow project. ” ACE funded.
  • Celebrate National Crime Reading Month at Warwickshire Libraries – Warwickshire Council. “n a generous gesture to promote reading in the county, local author Penny Batchelor has gifted Warwickshire Libraries with 600 copies of her latest psychological thriller, The Reunion Party, which will be given away for free to the public. “
• Wokingham – Is there a book in you? – Wokingham Today. Creative writing class.