Too little Trust?

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.”