Petitions, computer problems and Carnegies
Editorial
The power of local public protest to cuts in public libraries never ceases to amaze me. A campaign to save libraries in Lanarkshire managed to get 8,500 signatures, which is quite amazing by the way, resulted in Cambuslang staying open and smiling pictures of local people in the newspaper. Kirklees also has a petition in the thousands but it’s less clear if there will be a happy ending there for the 47 library staff who may lose their jobs if the cuts go ahead. But if there’s no protest then such reductions certainly will go through, so it’s worth a placard or two.
In other news, it looks like the change of computer system in LibrariesWest has caused big problems, resulting in official apologies being issued. There’s pretty big investment announced in Australia, a country which appears to genuinely value their libraries. Then there’s the sad stories of cuts in Birmingham and other councils. Finally, the two articles about what to do with old Carnegie Libraries prompts some sadness. There are 660 such libraries, or were, in the UK but with closures and moves, quite a few are undergoing changes of use. But there’s hope at last for at least one in Bradford, which has been derelict for a while. Can’t see that happening in Australia.
Changes by local authority
- Rotherham – Swinton Library and Civic Hall “neighbourhood hub” opens.
- Rutland – £950k to turn Oakham, Ketton, Ryhall and Uppingham Libraries into “community hubs”
National news
- 2024 Yoto Carnegies Ceremony Highlights – 2 minute video.
- Basic dataset for Libraries – Arts Council England. Updated list up until December 2023. “The Libraries Basic Dataset is intended to capture permanent instances of libraries, local history libraries, and archives from 1 April 2010 to 31 December 2023. It is also intended to capture the number of mobile libraries. It is possible to use this data to gain a national overview of the number of libraries and archives within local authorities in England, and some basic information about them. Data accurate as of May 2024.”
- GLL Libraries promote Summer Reading Challenge – GLL. Marvellous Makers.
- Participation Survey 2023–24 annual publication – Gov.uk. “Total engagement in the arts (91%) was the highest, whilst library engagement was the lowest (30%).”
- Public libraries in England: Work towards a new national strategy – House of Lords Library. “This briefing provides a summary of work over recent years towards a national library strategy, including Baroness Sanderson of Welton’s independent review of public libraries. It has been prepared ahead of Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay’s (Conservative) debate scheduled for 12 September 2024 on whether the Labour government plans to publish a new strategy for public libraries.”
- System problems affecting book lovers at libraries across the Vale and beyond – Blackmore Vale. “New IT system is causing problems for library users in Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and beyond. The system, which manages library stocks, lending, borrowing histories and more, has been installed at hundreds of outlets which are part of the LibrariesWest group” … ” people trying to return or check out books, or perform other actions, have found the system not working, including crashing or freezing.”. LibrariesWest say “we have been having repeated issues with our new Library Management System running slowly, crashing and generally not performing as we would expect. “We appreciate this is causing significant disruption in using our services and we would like to apologise to you for the negative impact this is having on your customer experience.”
International news
- Reading as a Social Act : 15 Micro-Libraries in Urban and Rural Settings – Arch Daily. “Public libraries have transformed into contemporary community centers, offering various social engagement opportunities while utilizing minimal urban space. Emphasizing the importance of building a sense of community, these institutions prioritize connecting individuals with common interests.”
- Australia – Victoria invests in public libraries – Government News. “The state government has invested more than $48.2 million in Victoria’s 283 public libraries this year as part of its Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, which was established to help councils and regional library corporations fund infrastructure and minor works.” – Victoria has 7 million population so equivalent for UK would so this is around $450 million / £228 million.
- Greece – We Need Books. “We are Athens’ first multilingual lending library and multicultural center. We house an ever growing collection of over 14,000 books in over 60 languages, a children’s library, and a serene little garden. We aim to make our library a friendly atmosphere where migrants, refugees, children, locals, visitors, students, and pensioners come to read, have conversations, work or participate in our various language lessons, artistic workshops and cultural activities.”
- Ireland – ‘Meet a Farmer’ at Offaly library this August – Offaly Live. [For some reason, I find this very funny but I don’t know why – Ed.]
- Israel – Approved in final readings: Reregulation of public libraries’ activity and sources of funding – Knesset News. “It is proposed to replace the Public Libraries Law -1975, with a new law that would be adjusted to the current situation and would regulate issues such as the appointment of a public libraries council, defining its roles, and streamlining and regulating its activity, as is customary in updated legislation pertaining to public councils. It is further proposed to regulate the budget of the activity of public libraries, and determine that the government will allocate a sum of NIS 100 million [£21m – £125m to UK population] towards this activity, annually, beginning in 2026. This amount will be linked to the Consumer Price Index beginning in 2027.” Currently, there are some 680 [4000 equivalent in UK population terms] public libraries in 220 local authorities..
Local news by authority
“DCMS officials have met with Birmingham City Council officers to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities to provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ library service across the area as required by the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, and to advise on superintendence processes. However, the development of options for future library service provision in Birmingham is the responsibility of the Council.”
Birmingham – Chris Bryant – The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
- Bolton – Radcliffe Library to stay in current building during conversion works – Bolton News. “As part of the £40m Radcliffe regeneration project, the existing library building in Stand Lane will be turned into an enterprise centre to support businesses. Construction is due to start in the next two months and cannot be delayed, because the £1.2m secured from the government, complemented by £455,000 from the council, must be fully spent by March 2025. Only last month the council ruled out keeping the service within the present building during conversion due to health and safety issues.”
- Bradford – Plan to revive town’s former library building – BBC. Shipley Carnegie Library now derelict.
- New fears over future of Keighley Library – Keighley News. “Opening hours are set to be cut at the North Street building and other Bradford Council-run libraries across the district. And additional money-saving measures are being introduced, including the scrapping of national newspaper provision. In total, the council is looking to chop £175,000 from its libraries service. The plans have come under fire, amid concerns that more reductions in provision could follow.”
- Cheshire East – New council leader expects ‘tough challenges’ – BBC. “”Yes there will be decisions that will not be popular but we have to explain why those decisions have been taken and why someone is going to have a library that’s perhaps open for fewer hours than it was previously and move forward on that.”
- Angered residents tell councillors under-threat library is ‘more than just a public bookshelf’ – Cheshire Live.
- Concerns over plans to close tips and libraries – BBC. “Cheshire East Council, which is led by a coalition between Labour and the Independent group, has announced the emergency closure of three tips and is undertaking a review of libraries – which could see some opening hours slashed.” … ” the previous government’s austerity measures had put significant financial restraints on the council “
- Cornwall – LOTE 4 Kids – Storytime in 70+ languages – Cornwall Council. “an online collection of digital children’s books in over 70 languages. It allows children access to picture books that they can enjoy in LOTE – Languages Other Than English. “
- Derbyshire – The history of Carnegie Library in Long Eaton in Derbyshire – Derbyshire Life. “With its semi-circular pediment, tall side-panels, mosaiced illustration and words of wisdom, the central bay of Long Eaton’s Library must rank as one of the most original and eye-catching examples of Art Nouveau architecture to be found anywhere.” … “Regardless of this excellent provision, the best asset of the library is the staff, who are knowledgeable, pleasant and more than happy to answer queries.”
- Residents to have their say on library service cuts – BBC. “the county council agreed to ask residents for their views on the plans, which would reduce opening hours at all but two of the county’s 45 libraries, among other proposals. Announcing the cost-cutting plan to cut spending by £625,000 over four years, the council’s leader Barry Lewis pledged no libraries would close “on his watch”.”
- Dorset – A message to library customers affected by the new library software – Dorset Council.
- Dudley – Dudley libraries promote summer reading challenge – Express and Star. Marvellous Makers.
- Falkirk – Sessions at Falkirk area libraries show how technology can make life better – Falkirk Herald. “the sessions are being hosted by Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership to demonstrate the range of technology, apps, and devices which people can use in their own homes to aid their daily lives and wellbeing.”
- Fife – How kids can take part in Reading book challenge | Reading Chronicle – Central Fife Times.
- Gloucestershire – Gloucestershire Libraries challenges residents to get active – Forest Review. “The Library Challenge” … “receive a free challenge journal, with nine exciting sports-themed tasks. Stamps can be collected for each completed task and special rewards are available at each level including stickers, certificates and much more.” Multiple page journal.
- Hackney – Dalston Library to host monthly drop-in sessions for children and families with questions or concerns around education, mental health or the police – Hackney Council. “Hackney’s new ‘Community 1 Stop’ is launched by Hackney’s Improving Outcomes for Black Children and Young People Accountability Board, community charity PERM Inc. and Hackney Libraries. “
- Isle of Man – Children encouraged to keep reading during summer – BBC. Marvellous Makers.
- Kent – Kent History and Library Centre celebrates Shaun the Sheep coming to Maidstone – Kent Council. “The craft and chat group from Allington Library has risen to the occasion and spent the first part of this year knitting and creating to help raise awareness of the trail for the hospice.”
- Kirklees – Kirklees libraries: Thousands oppose library job cuts under revamp plans that include Mirfield Library – Dewsbury Reporter. “Under the plans, which have proved controversial, eight out of Kirklees’ 24 libraries would be community-run.” … “These proposals have been heavily criticised by the public, community groups, and councillors across the political spectrum.” … “More recently, a 3,120 signature-strong petition has been submitted to Kirklees Council objecting to the plans, which would also result in 47 jobs being axed.”
- Lancashire – Celebrating apprenticeship success in Lancashire – CILIP. “Lancashire County Council Cultural Services hosted a celebration event in recognition of their achievements, which covered apprenticeship awards in Library, Archives and Information, management, and leadership and maths amongst other awards.”
- Milton Keynes – Free digital services drive half a million visits to Milton Keynes libraries – MK FM. “The city council, which opened MK’s tenth library in 2022, has today confirmed more than half a million visits were made to its libraries in the past 12 months, up by around 70,000 from the previous year”
- Norfolk – Applications to take on historic King’s Lynn Carnegie library are now open, announces Norfolk County Council – Lynn News. “The building has operated as a library since it opened in 1905, but that era will come to an end in autumn 2025 when its facilities are re-housed in the old town centre Argos premises on New Conduit Street.”
- North Somerset – North Somerset libraries creative workshop to design art installation – Weston Mercury.
- North Yorkshire – Library seed hub to help residents grow their own – BBC. “Voluntary group Grow is leading the venture at Scarborough Library, encouraging visitors to pick up free seeds when they come in to borrow books. The aim is to help residents grow their own food, flowers and herbs with the help of other library resources and a free online app.”
- Nottingham – 2,000 free books up for grabs in Nottingham as we launch Summer Book Giveaway – National Literacy Trust. “Running from Saturday 27 July – Saturday 31 August, 2,000 vouchers will be hidden across the city for children to find and exchange for a free book at their local library. This fun-filled holiday activity aims to get families outdoors and excited about books. Families can take the voucher to their local Nottingham City Library to exchange for one free book per child to take home.”
- Nottinghamshire – Newark Library reopens after maintenance and repair work completed – Newark Advertiser. “After a seven month closure for essential maintenance work and repairs following vandalism which saw the building damaged, Newark Library has once again opened its doors today ”
- Age-Friendly status for inspiring and inclusive libraries – Marketing Nottingham. “Beeston, Mansfield Central, West Bridgford and Worksop Libraries have been awarded Age-Friendly Standards status in recognition of the physical environment, cultural programme, staff awareness and behaviour, practises, and communications to provide a positive experience for all visitors regardless of age.”
- Orkneys – Library book returned more than 47 years late – BBC.
- Reading – How kids can take part in Reading book challenge – Reading Chronicle. Marvellous Makers.
- Rotherham – Swinton Library and Civic Hall opening – Rotherham Council. “The new library and Civic Hall neighbourhood hub will create a space for families and community groups to come together in a safe, modern environment.”
- Rutland – County libraries set for £1m refurbishment – BBC. “Rutland County Council has said it wants to turn its libraries in Oakham, Ketton, Ryhall and Uppingham into community hubs where people will be able to access extra services. The authority said the hubs would continue to house library services but also host health and wellbeing activities, adult learning and social events.” … Arts Council cash and a UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant to pay for the £950,000 project.
- Sandwell – Arts and reading fun at Sandwell Libraries – Sandwell Council. Marvellous Makers. “author events, storytelling, children’s theatre, dance performances”. Aardman Animations event.
- Somerset – Young readers challenged to become Marvellous Makers – Somerset Council.
- Southampton – Author Chris Packham honoured with mural and book collection at library – Southern Daily Echo. “In a venture spearheaded by Friends of Cobbett Road Library, artist Joanna Rose Tidey was commissioned to create a mural for the library.”
- South Lanarkshire – Cambuslang Library unveils new opening hours after being saved through community perseverance – Daily Record. “After the Save Our Libraries campaign helped keep the Cambuslang Library going, the library has since announced its new opening hours.” … “The library will be open from Tuesday to Friday every week from 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5pm.” 8500 signature petition.
- Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries is back at Latitude for 2024 – Suffolk Libraries. Activities in library tent from 10am-5pm for the three days.
- New Ipswich Library project is reaching out to local Romanian community – Suffolk Libraries. “The library’s new outreach project has received funding and support from The Europe Challenge which is helping to provide a range of new initiatives and activities. The project will include a Romanian film festival in September and has funded more Romanian language books and resources, and more support for Romanian speakers to encourage them to get a library card and visit the library. Ipswich has around 3,300 Romanian speakers and it’s the second most spoken language in Ipswich.”
- Warwickshire – Warwickshire Libraries invites families to enjoy nature, mindfulness, and storytelling at Park Life Reads event – Warwickshire Council. “The aim of the event, which is being delivered in partnership with The Big Local, is to celebrate the power of words and literature in a welcoming community setting. It will also encourage positive attitudes and engagement with nature, mindfulness, and wellbeing.” … “free activities including stop-motion animation, storytelling, a story-tent, lino printing, nature journaling, gardening, and poetry.”
- Wirral – Wirral Council considering relocating two libraries – Birkenhead News. ” The options were revealed by council officers as the local authority prepares to draw up options for its budget from 2025 onwards.” … “it has been known since the beginning of 2024 that the council was exploring possible relocation options again which could save £250,000.”
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