239,000 reasons to hope

Editorial

The library week was dominated by first the horror at the setting ablaze of Spellow Lane Library during the far-right/racist/opportunist riots and then by the hope caused by a huge local, national and international response to a fundraiser for it. Famous authors and celebrities donated large amounts of money (the largest being £5,000 from author Matt Haig) as did loads of library lovers and locals. The result was that, as of now, £239,000 has been raised compared to the initial £500 target.

This should give all of us hope. There is something visceral about an attack on a public library and it has given nearly a thousand people a chance to register their disgust at what went on. What will be done with the money is quite the question: the building will have insurance but this amount of money can make a difference even then. One hopes that something really positive, that helps those in the local area, comes from this.

In other news in this week’s post, I had not noticed before but there are no less than eight libraries under threat in the London borough of Enfield and another in Peterborough. Additionally, Cheshire East has reported initial success in getting local councils to help fund the libraries it has announced it did not have sufficient money for. Finally, there are a couple of criticisms of current public library culture, both suggesting a move back to focusing on reading, quiet study and education.

Oooh, and also there is the first ever book giveaway for this newsletter. The first five readers who email Neil Jurd OBE at neil@neiljurd.com will get sent a copy of “The Leadership Book” by Neil Jurd OBE. Gosh.

Changes by local authority

• Enfield – Bullsmoor, Enfield Highway, Enfield Island Village, Bowes Road, Southgate, Winchmore Hill, Oakwood and John Jackson libraries may close in 2025.
• Peterborough – Woodston Library may close

National news

• The Concept, Experience and Inspiration of Bibliotherapeutic Service in British and American Public Libraries – Library Journal.
• Green Libraries Week 2024 – the map – Libraries Week. “Library partners, spread the word and let people know what your library is up to for Green Libraries Week by adding your library to the map”
• Stop-Verify-Correct: How to combat misinformation online and beyond – CILIP.
• Why It’s Time for Libraries to Step Up and Help Young People – Shout Out UK. “Unfortunately, in areas such as the North East of England, libraries appear to have become hubs for computer use rather than reading. While free access to digital resources is vital, so is access to traditional print novels and a quiet place to read — something which children may not have at home.”

“The Public Library system [needs to be]revised to back the education system rather than being a social centre. This was its original purpose following on from the Mechanics Institutes, the Chartists and the Luddite era. Library history shows that the Public Library has moved from a working-class to a middle-class institution in its development.  Education, Information, Research and Recreation are still at the heart of Public Library purpose. The emphasis on these four services changes according to the times we live in. Public Libraries need to move from the current emphasis on recreation to support education and provide information for society. I see no prospect of this being implemented by CILIP, the Arts Council or the DCMS all of whom misunderstand Libraries at a fundamental level. The Library Profession has also contributed to its own downfall to which the irrelevant CILIP conference bears testimony. Furthermore, the fragmented, volunteer run and unstaffed libraries are in no position to respond to the changing social circumstances. The problems are more sociological and anthropological than political.”

Glyn, received via email

Spellow Lane Library

• Books for Spellow Lane Library – Go Fund Me. £239,000 raised as of Saturday 2pm including £5,000 from author Matt Haig, £500 from Frank Cottrell-Boyce and £500 from Nigella Lawson.
• CILIP statement on the fire damage at Spellow Hub Library in Liverpool – CILIP. “This shocking incident is a new low during a week of worrying news from many parts of the country. The violent actions of this extreme minority group illustrate the need for exactly the kind of services provided by trained staff in public libraries such as Spellow – informing citizens with a broad range of trustworthy information and helping develop literacies for the modern world. We hope the new government invests in such services and reverses 14 years of funding cuts”
• City vows ‘we will not let hate win’ after riots – BBC. “Cousins Esme Mullen and Connie Brown, who live in Walton, have placed posters and drawings on the boarded-up library which read: “We will not let hate win – Walton is stronger when we stand together”. Esme told the BBC she wanted to help build the library again because she likes to read books while Connie said “we should never live in hate”. Frank Brady, who lives over the road from the library, said it was an important part of the community. He said: “It is so important that it keeps going because of the road itself.””
• Far-right rioters loot shops and set fire to library and food bank in shameless day of disorder – Independent. Context.

• ‘Fight back’: Wrecked Liverpool library stands defiant against UK riots – Reuters. “Seeing a library be damaged in the riots was just so heart-breaking,” McCormick said. “Never did I imagine that (the fundraiser) would go as far as it has. I think it’ll be lovely to see when it’s restored back to its former glory.”
• Generosity for fire-hit library after riots ‘humbling’ – BBC. “Councillor Ruth Bennett said the donations alongside offers of the use of buildings to hold activities which were planned for the library over the summer showed the “very best of the people of Liverpool and beyond”.” … “Ms Bennett, cabinet member for finances, resources and transformation, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our residents, partners and people from right across the country.”
• Liverpool library torched by far-right rioters receives £50,000 in donations in one day for books – Independent. “Firefighters fought the blaze even as an engine’s rear windscreen was broken by a missile thrown by a rioter.”
• Liverpool library torched by far-right rioters raises repair funds – Guardian.
• Minister pledges support on visit to riot-hit library – BBC. “The business secretary has said the government will support businesses affected by the riots which have taken place across the country after three girls were stabbed to death in Southport. Jonathan Reynolds visited Spellow Library in Walton, Liverpool which was set alight amid violence and disorder last Saturday.” … “A 69-year-old man, who armed himself with a wooden cosh and joined a “mob” which took part in the destruction of the library, was jailed on Thursday for two years and eight months.”
• Mother thanks judge after sons jailed over library burglary during riots – Sky News. “The pair pleaded guilty to burglary with intent “to steal from the Spellow Lane Library Hub, in Walton, which was opened last year to provide support for one of the most deprived communities in the country and included a food bank.” … “She said they just got “carried away” and their behaviour was “very out of character”, adding: “We’ve never had riots before.”

• Shameless thugs set a library and foodbank ablaze, target middle eastern cafes and set fire to looted shops as anarchy descends in flashpoints across Liverpool, Hull, Manchester and Belfast – with more violence expected today – Mail. “Shocking photos from this morning show the burnt out interior of the library, with bookshelves tipped on their side, and glass surrounding the remaining computers. ” [No mention of where all the anti-immigrant hate came from – Ed.]
• Spellow Lane Library sees hundreds of authors donate backlists after riots destruction – BookSeller. “Over 150 members of the books community – including Tracy Chevalier and Diana Beaumont – are donating backlist copies to the riot-hit Spellow Lane Library as part of crime writer Marnie Riches’ Reading Not Rioting campaign.” … ““There’s certainly going to be tens of thousands of pounds of stock sent in.. It’s been an enormous response,” she said. “In tandem with the crowdfunder it’s been a good way for the bookish community to express their outrage at the rioters and sympathy with the library and its readers.” “
• ‘We are not the far-right’ insist protesters setting fire to libraries and migrant hotels – News Thump. “As violent protests entered their third night across the UK, many of those who took to the streets have insisted that this is not a ‘far-right protest’, and any similarity to the tactics of the Nazis is purely coincidental.” … “the Nazis burned books, not libraries. Which is very different. If you can’t tell the difference, I can’t help you.”

International news

• Public libraries’ role in supporting Ukrainian refugees: A focus on Hungary and Poland – Journal of Librarianship and Information Science. “The study underscores public libraries’ role in addressing community needs, rooted in their core values of inclusivity and community engagement. However, their effectiveness hinges on inclusion in community-level efforts, awareness among new groups and securing economic and political support”
• India – Floating libraries help rekindle reading habit among boat passengers in Kerala – The Hindu. “More passengers in Kerala who commute on boats operated by the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) will soon be able to enjoy their rides by reading short stories, novels, poems, and other literary works.”
• New Zealand – Meet the metalhead makerspace librarian – Wellington Government. “he spends his days helping the public with their laser cutting projects, 3D printing, coding, robotics, sewing, weaving, music recording and virtual reality pursuits. ”
• USA – Advocates react to Utah ban of 13 books in schools and libraries: ‘It’s a tragedy’ – Guardian. “Utah is first in the US to outlaw titles statewide they deem ‘indecent’ as free speech advocates worry about impact” … “Utah ordered 13 books to be removed from public school classrooms and libraries” including “included Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur and Forever by Judy Blume” … “The banned materials must be “legally disposed of” and “may not be sold or distributed” per the guidelines” … “this law now puts librarians and teachers and school board members in legal jeopardy just for having highly regarded and award winning works of literature on high school library shelves”
  • As LGBTQ library material comes under fire, California may ban book bans – Cal Matters. “Fresno County is about to appoint a library review committee that critics say will censor children’s books. But a bill before the Legislature would outlaw such groups in California.”
  • BuildingWork references local culture in small Washington library – De Zeen. Beautiful small library built. “Among the elements honouring the Swinomish Tribe is a traditional story pole at the library’s entrance.”
  • The Week in Libraries – Publishers Weekly. “the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has weighed in on Iowa’s SF 496 with a mixed decision; Utah bans 13 books from all public schools in the state, six of which are by Sarah J. Maas; and Kelly Jensen of ‘Book Riot’ offers a how-to guide to fighting book bans.”

Local news by authority

• Bromley – Southborough Library set for celebratory reopening – Bromley Council. “As well as complimentary refreshments, event attendees will be able to enjoy children’s crafts, outdoor games and admire Bromley Football Club’s winner’s trophy on display following their recent promotion to the English Football league. Children’s author Mo O’Hara will also host a storytelling session with activities based on her book, Honey’s Hive.”
• Buckinghamshire – Aylesbury Vale charity has ‘major safety concerns’ over proposed library redundancies and cuts – Bucks Herald. “The chair of the Friends of Buckingham Library, Roger Edwards, has penned an open letter expressing his concerns with changes to library services in Buckinghamshire.”
• Cheshire East – Campaigners hopeful of retaining existing library hours after fears of cuts – Northwich and Winsford Guardian. “Bollington Town Council’s working group on libraries has now met with Cheshire East officers and offered to contribute to the cost of keeping the library open on its present hours, subject to final agreement by the full town council. At present the library is open for 32.5 hours a week.” see also Library action group backs top-up proposal between Bollington Town Council and Cheshire East Council – Macclesfield Nub News and Ex-deputy leader criticises library cuts plan – BBC. “Craig Browne said he “strongly” opposed the proposals, which would see some libraries only receiving funding to stay open for one-and-a-half-days a week. Mr Browne stood down as the leader of the Independent group, which runs the council in coalition with Labour, in February.”
  • Have your say on future running of Cheshire East’s libraries – Alderley Edge.com. “Cheshire East Council has launched a six-week consultation on its draft libraries strategy, which includes asking for feedback on a tiering system for how library services would be run going forward and reducing the opening hours at Alderley Edge. The council must make savings in library services of more than £600k over the next two years to support the council’s medium-term financial strategy (MTFS) 2024-2028. The MTFS needs to achieve budget savings of £100 million to continue offering support to Cheshire East’s most vulnerable residents.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Design work begins on the renovation of Northwich Library – Silk Radio. Library as well as “an accessible first floor hosting the Work Zone and flexible activity and meeting spaces for all” … “it is anticipated that the library will reopen to the public in 2026.”
• Cornwall – New born Cornwall babies to be issued with library card after birth in new reading initiative – Voice Newspapers. “When new parents register the birth of their baby, the child will be given their own ‘my first library card’. Parents will be encouraged to use the card to sign up to their local library.”
• Enfield – Bid to stop Enfield Council closing eight libraries – Times series. “As part of a proposed new library strategy, eight libraries have been earmarked for closure, with declining usage and budget pressures cited as reasons to justify the move.”
• Lincolnshire – Libraries welcome a million visitors a year – BBC. “The authority said over two million items were borrowed from the service and more than 87,000 people attended activities such as story telling sessions, crafting and history groups. The figures represent a 16% increase in visits compared to the previous 12 months.”
• Nottingham – Read-in protests planned over library closures – BBC. “The Save Nottingham Libraries group said the read-in protests would see library members selecting books to read together “in a peaceful demonstration of solidarity”, adding they hoped to encourage new members to register at threatened sites. Demonstrations will take place from 09:30 BST on Saturday at Bilborough, with another scheduled for 09:30 at Basford on 17 August.”
  • Developer promises Sherwood Library will open as soon as possible – West Bridgford Wire. “The developer behind Sherwood Library has promised the new facility will open soon after more than 100 defects were found in the building.”
  • Window smashed during break-in at city library – BBC. “Radford and Lenton library’s office area was ransacked and one of its windows smashed at about 00:30 BST on Thursday, police said.” … ” it was unclear what was taken from the building.”
• Peterborough – Community hopes to save 73-year-old library – BBC. “Woodston Library on Orchard Street, Peterborough, was listed among Peterborough City Council’s assets at risk of being cut in order to balance budgets.” … “Council said a decision on the facility would be made in the next few weeks.”
• Reading – Why library in Reading is being moved to council offices – Reading Chronicle. “Questions have been raised about why Reading Borough Council is building a brand new library instead of refurbishing its existing purpose-built library in the town centre.” … “It comes after the council won £19.1 million from the government’s levelling up fund for a new arts centre and library. Of that cash, £8.6 million is being used to build a new library at the council’s offices in Bridge Street. But residents and readers have been asking questions about why levelling up funding wasn’t used to upgrade the library at its existing site.”
• Sheffield – Sheffield Post Office: Move in date confirmed as services set to return to Firth Park at local library – The Star.
• Southampton – Southampton libraries keep sanctuary status in aid of refugees – Dorset Echo. “Officially reconfirmed in May, the library was first granted this honour in 2020, underlining their continuous commitment to offering a safe and welcoming environment to asylum seekers”
• Suffolk – Please support Suffolk Libraries’ summer fundraisers – Suffolk Libraries. “Board member Belle Bradley and her partner Jacob Bathgate recently raised £830 doing a parachute jump at Ellough Airfield and CEO Bruce Leeke and Head of Finance and Infrastructure Mandy Wilkinson raised £1,164 completing the Orwell Challenge. This Sunday (11 August) weekend a local library user from Felixstowe, Tina Boniface is undertaking a daunting sponsored cycling challenge.”
  • Brand-new crime book festival announced at Bury St Edmunds Library – Suffolk Libraries. “The Body in the Library is a brand-new crime-themed book festival taking place on Saturday 7 September, featuring special events with bestselling crime and thriller novelists including Louise Candlish, William Shaw, and Jack Jordan.”
  • Over 5,000 children signed up for the Reading Quest so far – Suffolk Libraries. “The new Reading Quest summer reading programme has hit the ground running with 5,260 children already signed up and enjoying the various challenges. Nearly 1,300 children have signed up for a library card in Suffolk since 13 July and there have been nearly 77,400 loans of children’s books.”
• Torbay – Paignton Community Hub to offer free health checks at libraries – Torbay Today. Based on ground floor of library.
• Walsall – Discover the joy of reading on National Book Lovers Day – Walsall Council. Marvellous Makers, BorrowBox.
• Warrington – Lit Fest is a big hit – Warrington Council. “Newly released figures from Lit Fest 2024, which took place throughout June, show that over 700 people attended the headline events, with a further 200 people dropping into community libraries to take part in festival-themed activities.”
• West Dunbartonshire – West Dunbartonshire Libraries awarded funding to teach sewing skills – West Dunbartonshire Council. “The Threads of Change project, developed by libraries staff, are one of five council projects in Scotland to have successfully secured £1500 funding from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIPS) Green Libraries Scotland Grant Fund.”
• Worcestershire – Over 3,000 Children Sign-up to the Summer Reading Challenge – Worcestershire Council. Marvellous Makers.
• York – ‘Sparking a passion’ – York libraries to stage a fund-raising family fun day – York Press. “York’s independently-run library and archives service, is celebrating ten years of independence by inviting local people to join in some old-fashioned fun. The ‘Fun Day’ at York Explore central library on August 17 will also be a chance to raise money to support holiday activities for children and teenagers.” … “This summer, children can choose from more than 100 high-quality events, from interactive storytelling, marionette making and theatre performances to robotics and AI sessions. But they all cost money – hence the fund-raising element of the fun day.”