Public libraries in the public eye

There were two big national news stories concerning libraries this week. The one is the number of requests to school libraries to withdraw books, with many ending up being removed. This is strongly reminiscent of what is happening in US public libraries, although on a far smaller and less organised scale. The big difference is that a major political party here isn’t supporting such censorship, although I suspect Mr Farage wouldn’t be against and also parts of the Conservative Party.

The other big story, which really blew up this week, is the anti-racism training being planned for Welsh public librarians. The particular part of the training which has really annoyed some commentators is that which covers avoiding buildings with links to slavery in the past, or at least acknowledging that they have such links.

Regardless of what one thinks about these developments, both stories together show that the stock decisions and training policies of public libraries are now in the public eye far more than I ever remember them in the past. This awareness, and desire to get involved, in what was normally seen as, well, not even something to know about at all, shows the politicisation of the sector, whether we like it or not.

Do you have an opinion or a story you’d like to share? Please email me at ianlibrarian@live.co.uk

Changes by local authority

• Birmingham – More details on £2.3m cut: 10 libraries to remain full-time; 14 to be “part-time”, 4 to close and “co-locate”, 7 to close if others do not pay for them, 1 (Spring Hill) to definitely close.
• Derbyshire – £910k cut between 2024 and 2029: 10% cut in opening hours, reduce mobile/home library service, co-locations, volunteers.
• Newport – £159k cut over 2 years. Pill Library closed. £46k cut in book fund (now £136k). Bettws and Malpas libraries to move into co-locations.

National news

• Books are being banned across Britain. We are not as tolerant as we pretend – Telegraph. “The Index on Censorship discovered that 28 of the 53 British school librarians they polled had been asked to remove books – many of which were LGBTQ+ titles – from their shelves. It appears that pressure had come from parents and, on some occasions, teachers too. For a society that’s meant to be modern and tolerant, these findings are depressing: the culture wars are failing to subside, and we seem to think nothing of using our children’s education as an ideological battleground.” see also School libraries ‘censored’ as survey reveals 28 librarians ‘asked to remove books from shelves’ – BookSeller. and Dozens of UK school librarians asked to remove LGBTQ+ books, survey finds – Guardian.
• British Library reveals £400,000 plan to rebuild after “catastrophic” ransomware attack – Stack. “It has issued a £400,000 tender looking for contractors to take part in Phase 1 of its “Web Foundations” project, which involves rebuilding the website to ensure it is “robust, scalable, sustainable, and secure.””

• CoP: AI for public libraries with Phil Bradley and Somerset Libraries – LibraryOn. “The feedback from this session was overwhelmingly positive, with genuine enthusiasm from attendees for the opportunities AI could bring to the sector.”

• The Dublin award’s place in the Irish literary scene – Guardian / Letters. “The award develops interest beyond Ireland but, by doing that, must contribute to the wide interest in “native” Irish writing. Unfortunately, only one UK public library nominated a novel for the 2024 award (thank you, Norfolk Library and Information Service). Here in the UK, we don’t need a competitor for the Dublin award; we do need more libraries to nominate books.”

• Librarians being told not to arrange meetings in ‘racist’ buildings – Daily Mail. “Libraries across Wales have been given the task of promoting ‘anti-racism’ as part of a £130,000 project. Local librarians are being taught ‘critical whiteness studies’ as well as how to deal with problems such as the ‘dominant paradigm of whiteness’, the Telegraph report.” … “The Gladstone Library in Hawarden and The Goronwy Owen primary school in Anglesey were both flagged as examples due to their names linking to slavery.” see also Librarians attending ‘whiteness studies’ to avoid ‘racist’ venues – Spectator. “Just when you think the equality and diversity police can’t get any madder, they do. ” and ‘Woke’ training in Wales urges librarians to avoid holding meetings in ‘racist’ historic buildings – GB News. “Alka Sehgal Cuthbert, the group’s [Don’t Divide Us] founder and education expert, said: “Libraries are places associated with rationality, enlightened thinking and public service for the general public. “They are not the playthings of those whose preferred radical politics means that librarians have to assent to false and wholly negative beliefs about the country in which they live, and by extension, also about its people. “This is the opposite of public service.” and British Libraries Advised to Avoid Meetings in ‘Racist’ Buildings, Confront ‘Dominant Paradigm of Whiteness’ – Breitbart. Over 100 comments inc. “Drag queen story hour will not be a big hit with the replacement population”

International news

• IFLA Statement on Libraries and Artificial Intelligence – IFLA. “How can these developments impact both everyday practices and the broader social mission of libraries? IFLA’s new statement sets out some key principles.”
• India – Libraries in India make youth’s dream of progress come true – Rappler. “In South Gujarat’s Adivasi areas, a network of community-funded libraries is helping bridge the gaps left by the education system”

• USA – Siouxland Libraries Reports Growth and Community Usage – Sioux Falls. “a 35.3 percent increase in meeting room bookings, a 78 percent increase in study room utilization, and a 32.7 percent increase in digital material checkouts. Additionally, library visits have reached nearly half a million.” … “the library system’s dedication to providing diverse programming and engaging digital content has contributed to this success. ”
  • Books and brews: Douglas County Libraries partner with local brewers – KDVR. “Local craft breweries and coffee shops have partnered up with Douglas County Libraries to put on the “Douglas County Libraries’ 2024 Brew Tour.” The event, which runs until Sept. 30, invites the community to visit local libraries and engage in the Douglas County brewing culture all while participating in events that can earn rewards and prizes.”
  • Local Republican Party look to ban books at public libraries – ABC News 4. Youtube.

Local news by authority

• Barnsley – Updated library hopes to inspire local children – Barnsley Chronicle.
• Birmingham – Anger over Birmingham libraries cuts and closures plan as defiant campaigners say ‘not over yet’ – Birmingham Live. “There’s been a fierce and defiant response to a Birmingham City Council proposal to shut five city community library buildings and leave the fate of seven others in the balance as part of massive cost cuts, with campaigners pledging to press on to fight downgrades.”
  • Have your say as libraries consultation final phase launches – Birmingham Council. “Under our new proposals, we have shared what the future of our library service could look like, with our recommended option providing 28 building-based libraries funded by BCC which includes a Community Library Hub in each constituency. There is also potential for up to 34 Library based buildings with the inclusion of Partner led Libraries.”
• Bromley – Help shape the Bromley Central Library – Bromley Council. “The news follows proposals to relocate the Bromley Central library into the heart of Bromley town centre, with the council seeking residents’ views on newly developed proposals following a survey held earlier this summer.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Children Today expands inclusive initiative in Cheshire – The Standard. “”We’re incredibly excited to be building on the success of our previous event and already have some fantastic authors lined up, with more to be confirmed, as well as collaborating with the Cheshire Education Library Service team and Cheshire West libraries to deliver another exciting programme of events.”
• Cornwall – Library membership at 10-year high – council – BBC. “Cornwall Council said library membership had grown faster than at any time in the past 10 years as people of all ages were encouraged to explore beyond the bookshelves. In the last year, there were more than 22,000 new borrowers and more than 1.5m books were loaned from libraries across the county, the authority said.”
• Derbyshire – Heritage day to celebrate library’s 120th anniversary – BBC. “Ilkeston Library was opened on 24 August 1904 by the Duke of Rutland, with crowds filling the Market Place to see it open its doors for the first time.”
  • Derbyshire council launches consultation into planned library changes to save nearly £1m – Derbyshire Times. “draft Derbyshire Public Library Service Strategy for 2024 to 2029 – entitled A Modern Library Service for Derbyshire – and it has launched a 12-week public consultation which will run until November 2 to consider views before making any final decisions.”
• Essex – Colchester Library temporarily closes for new look and children’s centre – Essex Council. “Colchester Library will close from Monday 2 September 2024 until next summer for refurbishments.This includes an interactive Children’s Imagination and Literacy Centre. It will have fun equipment and materials to help children read and learn.”
• Leicestershire – Schools and libraries get ‘lightning-fast’ broadband – BBC. “Connection speeds will also be boosted in seven libraries in Desford, Fleckney, Lutterworth, Market Bosworth, Sapcote, Sileby and Stoney Stanton”
• Liverpool – Attorney General donates books to riot-hit library – BBC. “Attorney General Richard Hermer, who is the government’s chief legal adviser, said the damage inflicted on the library and subsequent renovation efforts had shown the worst and best of the country.”
  • Library fundraiser exceeds £250,000 – BBC. “A delegation, including Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, parliamentary colleagues Dan Carden and Kim Johnson, and Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council, visited the library earlier this month to assess the damage.”
• Newport – Call for ‘innovative solution’ rather than close library in deprived area of Wales – South Wales Argus. “The closure of Pill Library in Newport on August 28 is just one arm of the city council’s strategy to cut costs within its book-lending services.”
• Nottingham – Families protest at Sherwood Library over reopening delays – West Bridgford Wire. “Frustrated families and campaigners staged a protest outside the new Sherwood Library to demand it is finally opened after a series of delays.”
  • Nottingham City Council leader warns another ‘bankruptcy’ notice could be issued if cuts not made – Nottinghamshire Live. “On top of a raft of other service and job cuts, the council is now proposing to close the Basford, Bilborough, Radford-Lenton libraries and Aspley Library in a bid to save £1.5m in its libraries service.”
• Peterborough – Peterborough residents rally to save library from threat of closure – Peterborough Telegraph. “Woodston Library has been placed on a list of assets Peterborough City Council is considering disposal of to save money.” … “Woodston Library Friends has now been formed as residents seek to secure a bright future for the library.”
• Reading – Project to relocate Reading library slammed over poor maintenance – Reading Chronicle. “A neighbour who uses the Reading Central Library has accused Reading Borough Council of poor maintenance and throwing away ‘tonnes of books’ as part of the upgrade project.” … ” “The council haven’t even funded having the Central Library windows properly cleaned.”
• Somerset – Wellington library will be a “wonderful hub for the community” when it reopens – Wellington Today. “The town will see its library reopen in a number of weeks once the £900,000 revamp project of its Fore Street base comes to an end.” see also Somerset town will be without its library for three weeks – Somerset Live.
• Southwark – Dulwich Library to refurbish to attract young people – Southwark News. “Eleven to eighteen-year-olds are being surveyed about how it could be improved to suit their needs. The results of the survey will contribute to the development of ‘teenage areas’ across other Southwark libraries.”
  • Southwark residents urged to donate their electricals – In Your Area. “Environmental solutions company Veolia in partnership with the London Borough of Southwark and Community TechAid has unveiled new drop-off points for any unwanted tech devices, across Southwark. The donation points are easily accessible, and located at all Southwark libraries and the Reuse and Recycling Centre.”

• Stoke on Trent – Library development plans resubmitted – BBC. “Stoke-on-Trent Council blocked plans to renovate City Central Library in Hanley last year, criticising a “poorly designed, disproportionate and dominant” extension, as well as raising concerns over residential amenity, traffic and fire safety.”
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries recommends Wizzie app to help children with learning – Suffolk Libraries. “Suffolk Libraries has partnered with the creators of ‘Wizzie’ – a new, free reading companion developed in Suffolk which can improve vocabulary, pronunciation, spelling and comprehension through reading.”
• Surrey – Surrey Libraries invite all residents to experience the transformation of their local library, a welcoming space for everyone – Surrey News. “Everyone is invited to visit their local Surrey library, with the launch of Surrey County Council’s ‘It’s My Library’ promotional campaign. Some of our biggest libraries have significant and exciting building projects underway that will continue into 2025. We are ensuring that they are great places for all residents to use year-round. Every library provides free access to high-speed internet, computer workstations and digital tools ensuring that all our residents can stay informed and connected.”
• Thurrock – Meet our Summer Reading Challenge volunteers – Thurrock Council. “What I like most about being a volunteer is the meeting new kids and hearing what they are enjoying about the books they’re reading. I’m also lucky enough to be working with the great library team.” “