Not at your leisure?
Editorial
From 2010, as libraries underwent budget stress the like of which they’d never seen except in wartime (and perhaps not even then), there were a lot of experiments on how to run them cheaper. One of these models were volunteer-run libraries, which now number in their hundreds. Another model were library trusts, of which all four (Devon, Northern Ireland, Suffolk and York) are still with us. And then there was the idea of saving money by having libraries run by a for-profit company (I was never sure how that was supposed to work), which had but one, unsuccessful, example.
Yet another idea was, and is still, being tried – the library service run by a leisure trust. Leisure centres, swimming pools, theatres and the like. This has been more hit and miss, with some apparently doing well, such as Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL, trading as “Better”) which has taken over five services in a decade. But an increasing number – not so well.
To my knowledge there are 22 single-council leisure trusts running libraries within the UK, with more than half being in Scotland. But there used to be 30, with 8 having been returned back to council control, with the last one of these – Flintshire – ending this week. And there may be more. At least one – Aneurin Leisure Trust (Blaenau Gwent) has recently announced it’s in serious financial difficulties.
Please email me your news, comments and offers of large amounts of money via ianlibrarian@live.co.uk
Changes by local authority
- Birmingham – Revised cuts proposed: “14 libraries to be open 14-21 hours per week (previously proposed at 14), 4 co-locations 14-21 hours (inc. 2 may be closed and re-located), 7 libraries to stay open only if someone else runs them, 10 libraries to be open for 28 hours per week (previously proposed at 35), Library of Birmingham would be only library open “full-time”. Other organisations looked for to help fund/run libraries.”
- Blaenau Gwent – Aneurin Leisure Trust in financial trouble.
- Flintshire – Council takes back ownership from Aura from 31 October, local authority trading company formed.
- Hartlepool – £250k refurbishment of Seaton Carew Library.
- Somerset – Job losses expected.
- Surrey – Redhill Library to reopen in Summer 2026 after RAAC remedial work.
National news
- Consultation on the proposed rate per loan for the 2023 to 2024 Public Lending Right scheme year – DCMS. “The British Library Board has proposed a rate per loan of 11.76 pence for payments in the 2023 to 2024 scheme year. This is a reduction of 1.93 pence, from 13.69 pence (in 2022/23). This reflects the slightly raised amount of funding available (but the PLR fund remains relatively unchanged), and an increase in the estimated number of loans of books registered for PLR.”
- Developing a library strategic response to Artificial Intelligence – Elucidate. “AI is ‘the defining technology of our generation’ according to a recent joint statement by the UK and US governments. We all understand that it is likely to impact library and information work profoundly, so it is important to try and be more than reactive and think strategically about the opportunities and problems it is creating. The article poses nine key questions for consideration, and reflects on some answers that might support a more strategic library approach to AI. “
- Introducing the first ever Michael Rosen Day – Michael Rosen. “Join us on Tuesday 12 November for a day of poetry, stories and creativity to celebrate 50 years since Michael’s first book. With bespoke resources and activities for children of all ages, we want to see as many schools, libraries and other settings across the country getting involved and getting creative, with all things Michael.”
“Public libraries are funded by local authorities and each local authority is responsible for assessing the needs of their local communities and designing a library service to meet those needs within available resources. I will work with my colleagues in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to get local government back on its feet after fourteen years of savage and drastic underfunding. We will do the basics right, providing councils with more stability through multi-year funding settlements and ending unnecessarily expensive competitive bidding for tiny pots of money.”
Chris Bryant, The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport
- Leisure centres, pools and libraries facing threat of closure as ‘no fat left to cut’ for councils – Cambrian News. “Council chiefs warned of “no fat left to cut” with leisure centres and libraries across Wales facing the threat of closure due to “unprecedented” financial constraints. The Senedd culture committee took evidence on 24 October as part of an inquiry on the impact of cuts on the arts, culture and sport.” … “WGLA warning of a £432m funding gap across Welsh council services”
- Libraries to offer warm spaces for third year running – Arts Professional. “Libraries Connected said it is partnering with the Warm Welcome Campaign, which began in 2022 when energy prices rose because of the war in Ukraine. The first warm spaces will open next week after the clocks go back at the weekend. “
- Rebecca Lawrence appointed as new Chief Executive of the British Library – British Library. Previously in Crown Prosecution Service, Policing and Crime, Civil Service. “She brings skills and experience from more than 25 years at the forefront of reforming and delivering public services, with particular strengths in leadership and digital transformation. “
International news
- 9th IFLA Green Library Award 2024 Results – IFLA. Winner is “The Missoula Public Library exemplifies sustainability through its innovative programming and green practices.”, second is “The Stadtbibliothek Paderborn / Paderborn City Library renovated a 460-year-old building, and upcycled scrap by products for furniture.”
- Afghanistan – Taliban issue list of 400 banned books to libraries – Amu. “The banned books reportedly cover a wide range of subjects, including those related to the Shia branch of Islam, modern governance, political freedoms, and figures like Ahmad Shah Massoud, a prominent resistance leader. Titles exploring democracy, social and civil rights, art, literature, and poetry are also among those targeted.”
- Australia – The enduring importance of public libraries in the digital age – SBS News. “More than just a place to borrow books, modern libraries have reinvented themselves to fit into the digital age. One library in Sydney – shortlisted as one of the world’s best- says demand for its services has never been higher.”
- France- When 50 Librarians Biked Across France – School Library Journal. “Cyclo-biblio – a library-to-library bike tour designed by and for librarians” … “a volunteer-led nonprofit with an organizational team of librarians scattered across France from the Loire Valley to the southern part of the country. The goal? A rolling unconference providing exposure to multiple libraries”
- Sweden – Sweden’s libraries caught in a political row about drag story hour – Conversation. “Drag story hour is “nothing other than indoctrination and sexualisation of children”, claimed Sweden Democrats politician Jonathan Sager during a session of the local parliament in Kalmar, southern Sweden, in 2022. He was reacting to plans to organise a drag story hour event at the local library, where drag queens would read to children, challenging norms of gender and sexuality. He called (unsuccessfully) for the event to be cancelled.” … “Sweden is experiencing a backlash against drag story hour events.”
- USA – Public libraries level the playing field for students and job seekers – Seattle Times. “Community members can gain valuable skills at the library to set them up for success inside and outside of the classroom. KCLS offers free learning resources for students in grades K-12 through Study Zone. This volunteer-driven program includes tutoring, homework help, math clubs, programs to practice reading out loud and English language learning classes. College students and adult learners may access free online learning support, get assistance with résumés and cover letters, finish high school through the library, and find entrepreneurial training to launch a small business.”
Local news by authority
- Bath and North East Somerset – Celebrations of counties libraries continue with the history of Keynsham Library – Journal. “will also celebrate the library’s ten year anniversary of its current building.”
- Bedford – Bedford among worst areas in the East of England for library access – Bedford Today. “The ONS’ figures show Bedford had five open libraries as of August, or one for every 38,000 people in the area.”
- Birmingham – Full list of Birmingham libraries and how revised proposals could impact each one – Birmingham Mail. “Revised proposals have provided the clearest idea yet of what the future could hold for every library”. 14 libraries to be open 14-21 hours per week (previously proposed at 14), 4 co-locations 14-21 hours (inc. 2 may be closed and re-located), 7 libraries to stay open only if someone else runs them, 10 libraries to be open for 28 hours per week (previously proposed at 35), Library of Birmingham would be only library open “full-time”. Other organisations looked for to help fund/run libraries.
- Small Heath Library joy as cuts battle could be won – Birmingham Live. “A Birmingham library appears to have fended off a threat to its opening hours after a community campaign. Small Heath was among sites which could have been hit by Birmingham City Council cuts after the authority declared itself effectively bankrupt. But now it could maintain its current weekly 28 hours and operate as a library community hub for Ladywood. Hubs provide library and early intervention and prevention services. Residents are being asked for their views and councillors will decide in January.”
- Blaenau Gwent – Operators behind Bedwlty Park on brink of financial collapse – South Wales Argus. “The perilous financial position that Aneurin Leisure Trust (ALT) finds itself in will be laid before Blaenau Gwent councillors at a meeting of the county borough’s council’s Partnerships scrutiny committee on Wednesday, October 23. At that meeting leisure chiefs are expected to present the trust’s performance report for last year which shows they posted a £888,000 deficit for 2023/2024. ALT had an income of £7.749 million but an expenditure of £8.637 million.”
- Brighton and Hove – Half of Brighton and Hove residents do not have a local library – Argus. “Analysis from the Office for National Statistics shows 49 per cent of people in the city had a library within a 15-minute walk of their home. Despite this, 93 per cent were within half an hour of a library and every resident could reach one within an hour’s walk.”
- Bromley – The London borough where the fewest residents have easy access to a library – My London. “Analysis from the Office for National Statistics shows 44 per cent of Bromley residents had a library within a 15-minute walk of their home – the lowest proportion in London. Despite this, 89 per cent were within half an hour of a library, and 99 per cent of residents could reach one within an hour’s walk.”
- Buckinghamshire – Half term fun for families in Bucks – Buckinghamshire Council. “a short ballet that tells the story of Windrush”, list of library events.
- Caerphilly – Have your say on plans for major changes to library services – Caerphilly Observer. “The futures of 12 libraries across the county borough could be under threat as the council attempts to save money and rationalise its resources.” … “It has proposed focusing its energy into six sites, which will be developed into “hubs” for community services as well as the usual library offer.”
“We have just written our fifth letter in a month to the DCMS about the impending disaster in Croydon. As we said in the last newsletter, this cash-strapped borough is pushing the strangest library “plan” we think we have ever seen. In brief, it will close four libraries, redeploy the staff to work wonders at the remaining libraries and “mitigate” the loss of the four with plethora of highly unlikely “outreach” activities that don’t yet exist, in places that have not been identified (let alone secured). The libraries are to close in early November. The non-existent “outreach schedule” will not be launched until April next year. We are getting distressing messages from local people who can’t find out what is going on, and will be severely affected by the closures.” Croydon – Library Campaign newsletter.
- Cheshire East – Cheshire East admits library cuts could impact vulnerable – Nantwich News. “while CEC is hoping to work with local businesses and community groups across the borough to provide warm places for residents who can’t afford to heat their homes, only one appears to have signed up so far. The Union Street Baptist Church in Crewe is the only one of the 17 venues listed on the council’s website as a “warm place” which is not a Cheshire East library.”
- Campaign group backs council tax precept increase ‘subject to contract’ for Bollington residents – Macclesfield Nub News. “Campaigners in Bollington have implied their support to a new proposal to prevent Bollington Library’s hours being slashed, should the public get behind it too. As reported by Macclesfield Nub News yesterday, Bollington Town Council has begun consulting its residents on proposals to save the town’s Library from having its hours reduced by 66% from January next year under Cheshire East Council’s Libraries Strategy.” see also Library friends back hours funding plans – Macclesfield Express. Friends of Bollington Library.
- Cheshire West and Chester – Winsford Library holding event to celebrate 50th birthday – Northwich and Winsford Guardian. “Winsford Library first welcomed members of the public through its doors back in August 1974. An official opening ceremony for the building, in High Street, took place on October 30 that year.” [I worked here for 20 years and I think I took the featured photograph of the library when there – Ed.]
- Devon / Torbay – Making libraries more inclusive and accessible with virtual tours – Libraries Unlimited. “To do a virtual tour simply head to our website, choose the library you would like to visit, click on that page and scroll down to find the virtual tour. We have this for all 54 of our libraries”
- Libraries open for the vulnerable this winter – Radio Exe. Donate or exchange clothes, community fridges, events and groups.
- Doncaster – Doncaster joint best area in Yorkshire and the Humber for library access – Doncaster Free Press. “Analysis from the Office for National Statistics shows 51 per cent of Doncaster residents had a library within a 15-minute walk of their home – the joint-highest proportion in Yorkshire and The Humber.”
- Dorset – Verwood Library to close for essential building works’ – Daily Echo. “Verwood Library will be closed to customers for six days while essential building works take place next month. The library will be closed from November 18 – 23. New technology will be installed which will allow library members to use library facilities beyond staffed opening hours.” … “The upcoming works are funded by Arts Council England and are part of a wider project to launch extended access at four Dorset libraries.”
- Weymouth library’s annual fancy dress fundraising quiz – Dorset Echo. “The Friends of Weymouth Library group has organised its annual fundraising quiz at the library on Great George Street on Wednesday, November 20 at 7pm. Spot prizes will be given out for colourful dressing up in addition to cash prices for the winning teams. There will also be a raffle on the day. Tickets cost £12 for a team of six and all proceeds go towards helping the library buy items and run events not in their usual budget.”
- East Dunbartonshire – New project set to help library visitors check out some winter sun – East Dunbartonshire Council. “Visitors to four local libraries will have the chance to borrow a lamp which replicates the physiological benefits of real sunlight. The lamp is included in a ‘Wintering Well Box’ also containing a book, information, activities and access to an online course to help tackle the effects of seasonal affective disorder”
- East Riding – Temporary banking hub opens at library in Hessle – BBC. “The temporary facility at Hessle Library and Community Centre has been opened by Cash Access UK – an organisation set up to protect access to cash. It offers a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks can carry out regular cash transactions. Cash Access UK said the hub was open from Monday to Friday and would remain available until a new permanent banking hub opened.”
- Edinburgh – Wikipedia could be blocked in Edinburgh’s libraries after school pupils access porn – Rayo. “Access to Wikipedia could be blocked in Edinburgh’s libraries after it emerged children were able to view inappropriate content. An IT error meant filters were not enabled on computers accessed with a child’s library card, allowing for pornography and violent videos to be viewed.” but concerns over Wikipedia: “its more than six million English articles cover a wide range of topics, including those which may contain explicit language and adult themes related to sex and violence.” [Because of course kids have no access to TV, mobile phones … Ed.]
- Essex – Colchester Library closure ‘affecting southern residents’ – Gazette Standard. “Councillor Lee Scordis has penned an open letter to Essex County Council asking for additional mobile library availability while Colchester Library is being renovated. “
- Flintshire – New company to take over Flintshire’s Library and Leisure Services – Dee Radio. “Flintshire County Council has set up a Local Authority Trading Company to take over from the current provider Aura when the contract comes to an end on October 31. A long-term contract was offered to Aura earlier this year, however, Aura declined to sign” see also Aura run leisure centres and libraries to close for four-day transition as council takes over – Deeside and ‘Disaster’ fears as not-for-profit’s leisure services contract comes to an end – North Wales Live. “It comes despite more than 3,700 people signing a petition to try and prevent Aura Wales from going out of existence.” and Nearly 3,800 signatures urge Flintshire Council to renew Aura’s contract for vital leisure and library services – Deeside.com.
- Hampshire – Most residents don’t have library within 15 minutes walk, data shows – Andover Advertiser.
- Haringey – Have fun in a Haringey library this October half term – Haringey Council. Black History Month themed. Maasai bracelet, Cuban singer-songwriter, history, etc.
- Hartlepool – Work to start on library transformation – Hartlepool Council. “Work is about to start on the main phase of a quarter of a million pounds of improvements to Seaton Carew Library, securing its future and making it an exciting space for the whole community. Hartlepool Borough Council is turning the tired and draughty 1970s building into a welcoming, accessible and vibrant Community Hub offering a much wider range of services.”
- Kent – Matthew Munson: Libraries, a ghost tour and dad and son time – Isle of Thanet News. “you’d better believe we spent four days this week writing in libraries.”
- Manchester – Manchester Libraries gain funding to help communities connect with nature – Manchester Council. “Manchester is among twenty-six English public library services that have received funding to launch new projects this month to help their communities build stronger connections with nature.” … “The seed libraries would provide up to 3 packets of free seeds to customers signing up to the scheme. People would be encouraged to allow their seeds to grow to maturity and flower, then collect and return resultant seeds to the seed library for others to access.”
- Milton Keynes – Milton Keynes residents less likely to have a nearby library than almost anywhere in England and Wales, new figures show – MK Citizen. “Analysis from the Office for National Statistics shows just 20% of Milton Keynes residents had a library within a 15-minute walk of their home – one of the lowest proportions in the country. Despite this, 56% were within half an hour of a library, and 98% of residents could reach one within an hour’s walk.”
- Newham – Newham Libraries to launch inaugural Festival of Stories: A celebration of community narratives – Newham Council. 11-22 November. “The festival will feature 50 free activities across multiple libraries, showcasing prominent speakers and authors such as Dame Zandra Rhodes, Paterson Joseph, Tom Percival and Vaseem Khan.”
- North Ayrshire – National group ‘deeply concerned’ at proposals to close six Ayrshire libraries – Daily Record. “Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIPS) in Scotland have sent an open letter to North Ayrshire Council urging a change of course.”
- Northern Ireland – Children ‘are the future of NI libraries’ – BBC. “The week-long event is being jointly hosted by BBC NI, and Libraries NI and it has become an annual event for almost a decade.” see also Comment: Why we need to defend the public library as we celebrate Book Week NI – View Digital. “The role of the traditional “librarian behind the counter” is under threat in a drive by some UK councils to cut staff hours using self-service checkouts. Officials in some local authorities are proposing that libraries can be operated at times without any professional librarians, relying on self-service technology, smartcards for entry and CCTV. This has been criticised as a “mad idea”, limiting access to librarians’ advice and expertise for the young, vulnerable and many elderly people.” and Communities Minister encourages local library visits during Book Week NI – Democratic Unionist Party. “Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has visited Larne Library to help highlight the benefits of reading more as part of this year’s Book Week NI.” and DfC must address under resourcing of libraries, says Mulholland, in recognition of Book Week 2024. – Alliance Party. ““When the Department for Communities outlined its key objectives for delivery for the 2024/25 period, there appeared to be little to no specific mention of libraries in its plans, and this is incredibly concerning”
- North Tyneside – Community Hubs and Libraries: A New Name, A New Purpose – North Tyneside Council. “North Tyneside’s Customer First Centres have been given a new identity to better reflect the range of services on offer. All six locations have been rebranded as Community Hubs and Libraries and new signage is being installed at each one. The change is part of a larger plan to make these venues the heart of our communities, offering everything from digital support to health advice and skills training, all in one place.”
- Nottingham – Why Nottingham library closures may not be a done deal as final decision looms – Nottingham Post. “Councillor Linda Woodings, who holds the finance portfolio at Nottingham City Council, is reported to have said at a recent meeting of library protestors that the planned closures are “not a done deal.” Many off-the-cuff things have been said by councillors keen to placate campaigners at meetings over the years. Yet this reported comment so close to the final plans for Nottingham’s libraries being confirmed may represent more than a platitude. Very recent history, coupled with changes to libraries underway in other parts of Nottinghamshire, suggest that a full closure of the four libraries may yet be avoided.”
- Nottinghamshire – List of Nottinghamshire libraries that could be downgraded amid ‘significant changes’ – Nottinghamshire Live. “A group of Nottinghamshire libraries could be downgraded amid “significant changes” in demand. Plans have been revealed that will see 28 areas across the county being home to a ‘library access point’ rather than a full library.”
- Council considers ‘tiered’ library service – BBC. “In a new 10-year strategy, external, council bosses said they would allocate 12 sites in key population centres as “hub libraries” offering a wide-range of activities and services.”
- Reading – Reading’s Southcote Library set to be completely demolished – Reading Chronicle. “The Southcote Library building has been empty since 2018 when books and other services were moved into the nearby Southcote Community Hub.”
- Library access in Reading among the best in the country, new figures show – Reading Chronicle. “54% of Reading residents had a library within a 15-minute walk of their home – one of the highest proportions in the South East. Meanwhile, 93% were within half an hour of a library, and every resident could reach one within an hour’s walk.”
- Somerset – Council could make up to 450 employees redundant – BBC. “Somerset Council has opened a formal 45-day consultation on compulsory redundancies. The potential job losses are in addition to the 195 voluntary redundancies announced earlier this year. The news comes as part of the council’s plans to restructure and rein in its projected budget overspend by saving £30-£40m by April, to avoid going bust.”
- Staffordshire – Read all about it! 16 qualified librarians across 43 Staffordshire libraries – Stoke Sentinel. “A senior county councillor has said Staffordshire has a “gold-plated” library service after the number of qualified librarians was questioned. More than 25 of Staffordshire’s 43 libraries are now community-managed services, where day to day running is carried out by a community group while the county council remains responsible for providing books, other stock and IT services and paying utility and maintenance costs.”
- Half term family learning fun available in libraries – Staffordshire Council. “Families can drop-in and get stuck in, with everything from playing 1970s number games, such as Connect 4 and Skittles, making a lavender bag and making fruit kebabs and bread from scratch.”
- Stirling – Huge response to Stirling libraries survey as deadline looms – Daily Record. “Almost 1,700 people of all ages have already taken part in a survey as part of a consultation on the future of Stirling Council’s libraries.”
- Surrey – Library to reopen in summer after Raac work – BBC. “Redhill Library in Warwick Quadrant will reopen following a full refurbishment and works to address the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete discovered in 2023. The newly-refurbished library will have a children’s area, meeting rooms, a public computer and study area.” … “The library is also temporarily moving to the Belfry Shopping Centre from its stopgap site at Consort House.”
- Warrington – Warrington twins with Ukraine library – Warrington Council. “The borough has been twinned with a library in the city of Chortkiv, located in western Ukraine, on the banks of the Seret River. It forms part of a national initiative led by Libraries Connected, which is seeing more than 20 areas in the UK twinning with Ukraine libraries to share information, exchange skills, connect audiences, develop joint initiatives and celebrate UK and Ukrainian language, literature and culture.”
- Westmorland and Furness – Libraries call for shipyard memories to bring history to life – Westmorland and Furness Council. ” calling on Barrow Shipyard workers and local veterans to share their memories, stories, and items as part of their Memory Lane Project.”
- Wiltshire – Free thermal cameras lent in home heat loss scheme – BBC. “Wiltshire Council has made 11 devices free to use from libraries across the county. The camera can be used with a smartphone or tablet and a special app, external. Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling said being able to fix cold spots in the home is especially important this winter as energy bills continue to rise.”
- Woking – Temporary Woking library closure – Woking News and Mail. “It will be closed until November 3 and a click and collect service will be available on site so customers can still return items and collect reservations.”
- Worcestershire – Councillors fear for future of libraries in Worcester – Worcester News. “St John’s councillor Richard Udall and Warndon councillor Jill Desarayah both fear their libraries are under threat. However, Worcestershire County Council has said it is looking to increase library provision. The councillor spoke after statistics showed three-quarters of Worcester residents do not have a library within walking distance.”
- Helping children and young people to reach their potential – Worcestershire Council. ““Worcestershire Libraries were instrumental in helping me connect with the community, they offered me spaces to perform, access to poetry workshops, and even introduced me to a broader audience than I ever could have reached on my own.” Caleb’s role as Young Poet Laureate taught them invaluable life skills. “
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