Editorial

One of the things that has keeping me going since the dark financial days began for the public libraries sector in 2010 was the belief that, one day, the government would change and things would get better. Well, fourteen years later, the party in government has changed, but the Budget has changed nothing for public libraries and so I was, at this stage, only half right. The money set aside for local government is demonstrably insufficient to keep them from cutting services.

OK, well, at least the adults are in charge for a bit – I don’t think the new Prime Minister is the type to start a culture war or party if a new pandemic hits – but this is going to be little consolation for library services still facing cuts that can only be met by closing hours or reducing opening hours or staffing. So, for however long it continues, we’re now in the age of Labour austerity, whether the term is accepted yet or not. Woohoo.

So what is there to look forward to? Well, the Budget is billed very much as the medicine needed to get the country well again. So let’s hope the government notices signs of recovery soon, or its more pro-public service members gain more more traction. Because Kemi Badenoch strikes me as an unlikely saviour.

Please contact me with your views, comments, corrections, news and pictures of that cake with a model library inside via ianlibrarian@live.co.uk

Changes by local authority

National news

  • 1,400 libraries now offering people support to use NHS App – NHS. “More than two in five public library services (64 out of 151) in England have already signed up to offer the service with several more expected to join in the coming months.”
  • Black History Month Spotlight – Into the light: Pioneers of Black British Ballet exhibition – DCMS. “Funded by a £245,500 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Into the Light: Pioneers of Black British Ballet is a unique partnership between creative agency Oxygen Arts and Libraries Connected, which will take the exhibition to 25 libraries across the country.”
  • CILIP Statement on Budget 2024  – CILIP (press release). “CILIP welcomes the attempts of the government to deliver greater stability to the public finances, for our members working in both the public and private sectors.”

“Just had a quick scan through the main budget document and can’t see Public Libraries mentioned at all, if you’ve spotted something please let me know.”

Alan Wylie.
  • Distress and the DCMS – Library Campaign. “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).”
  • Don’t be fooled: austerity is here to stay under Labour – Morning Star. “Everything we’ve seen so far from Starmer and Reeves indicates that they remain committed to the economic orthodoxy of cuts imposed by the Tories – which is why we need to revitalise the anti-austerity movement … “
  • GLL Literary Foundation – Better. “The GLL Literary Foundation is an organisation, operated by charitable Social Enterprise GLL, that has been established to support authors to continue to write, share stories, and inspire young readers.” … “GLL recognises that we are uniquely positioned to support the success of early-career authors by bridging the gap in author training and experience in the areas where we deliver public library services. In 2024 the GLL Literary Foundation was founded to combine the knowledge, expertise, and support of our team of librarians, event managers, our Start Up Programme, and our 100+ libraries.”
  • Global Book Market 2024 shaped by strong fiction, declining non-fiction and slower price increases – Nielsen. “While the fiction segment saw increased revenues in 14 of the 16 territories surveyed, and children’s and young adult books also showed growth in nine regions, non-fiction struggled” … “. Although average prices continue to rise in 12 of the surveyed territories, such as in the UK by 1.9% to £9.02, 12 regions are seeing lower price increases or even falling prices”
  • Green Libraries Conference 2024 – CILIP. “Join library professionals from academic, school, public, legal, and all sectors at the British Library Knowledge Centre on Monday 25 November for a day of discussion and insight on ‘Every library a Green Library’.”
  • Parliamentarians, library representatives and allies come together to celebrate the role of libraries in changing lives by creating opportunities – School Libraries Association. “Author John O’Farrell, British Library Chief Librarian Liz Jolly, and key library sector representatives joined politicians in a packed parliamentary Terrace Pavilion yesterday to celebrate the positive impact of libraries across society, in particular how Libraries Change Lives by Creating Opportunities.”
  • Protect library funding: CILIP writes to every political representative in 19 local authorities – CILIP. “CILIP has encouraged councillors, MPs, and Metro Mayors to protect public library funding, ahead of the national Budget on 30 October and local budget discussions. The campaign highlights the immense value public libraries bring to their communities and the statutory duty to consult citizens properly about changes. CILIP has written to 807 Councillors, 90 local MPs, and all 11 Metro Mayors for 19 councils across England and Wales, where local authority budget pressures could put their public libraries at risk of closure or a reduction in service provision.” see also CILIP appeals to councils under pressure to close libraries ahead of Budget – Bookseller and Libraries at risk of closure due to council funding problems, campaigners warn – Morning Star. ““We know we’re at an incredibly difficult moment where tough decisions have to be made, and so we urge national and local government to prioritise investing in public libraries,” Ms Coiffait-Gunn said.”
  • Public Library Usage: England – Hansard. ” the Government are publishing DCMS-commissioned research by Ipsos on barriers to library usage by the general public.” … “We are sharing the findings to ensure that library services across England can actively consider how they might act on the results”
  • Reeves told she will have to raise further £9bn to avoid UK public service cuts – Guardian. “Casting doubt on Labour’s claim to be turning the page on austerity, the IFS said Reeves could be forced to top-up her spending plans by an additional £9bn after the next financial year to avoid ushering in real-terms cuts to unprotected Whitehall departments, including councils, the justice system and prisons.”

“Equivalent to a 20% increase in Council Tax …”

Common Futures on what’s missing in the Budget

International news

  • Canada – Chow announces plan to open all Toronto libraries 7 days a week – CBC. “This is a seven per cent increase to the [Toronto Public] Library budget, which results in a 14 per cent increase in overall open hours, effectively doubling the return on investment,” a report to the library board says. “This is achieved by leveraging and maximizing the full capacity of TPL’s resources and the existing infrastructure.””

“It is cost effective! You pay for the building whether it is open or not. By opening more days, you maximise the value of your investment in library buildings.”

Diane Edmonds MBE on Toronto
  • France – Local libraries are changing – Ministere de la Culture. “A guitar to borrow, a coffee room to set up, a digital creation laboratory equipped with a 3D printer and a vinyl cutting machine, a digital film platform … The State supported almost 600 schedule extension projects between 2016 and 2023, which allowed these establishments to open on average almost 10 hours more per week … Nearly 1,300 libraries are equipped with video games”
  • USA – Deeper budget cuts for Hawaii libraries means fewer services – Hawaii News Now. “Already reeling from cuts during the covid pandemic, Hawaii’s library system is facing fewer staff positions and reduced hours of operation.”

Local news by authority

  • Barnet – Creative Communities events in Barnet libraries – Barnet Post. ” The project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. ” … “This month, events at local libraries include Lego and Chit Chat, for adults to socialise while creating and building with bricks and a belly, and a Bollywood dance workshop. There’s a session with Mind on mindfulness for relaxation and stress reduction.”
  • Barnsley – The Washing Line Project embarks on the last leg of its community library tour to start more conversations about domestic abuse – Barnsley Council. “our unique domestic abuse art installation”
  • Bexley – Sidcup library, cinema, and café win award for being the best public building – News Shopper. “A library, cinema, and café have won an award for being the best public building. The Sidcup Storyteller has been named ‘the best public or community building’ in the regional Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence awards.”
  • Caerphilly – Public consultation of future of Caerphilly libraries opens – South Wales Argus. “The futures of 12 libraries across the county borough could be under threat as the council attempts to save money and rationalise its resources.” Council needs to cut £45m.
    • Petition started to save village library – South Wales Argus. Llanbradach: 215 signatures “The signatures of what is a fifth of the entire population of the village were collected within just two days of the petition’s launch.”
  • Cornwall – More than 8,400 children in Cornwall took part in reading challenge – Voice.
  • Coventry – Stop Coventry Labour cutting our libraries – Socialist Party. “Coventry Labour council is consulting on its proposal to move four libraries – Canley, Coundon, and Bell Green – from their purpose-built buildings, into smaller buildings. Holbrooks Library will be moved into a dementia centre.” … “The council should make no cuts, and demand that the Labour government coughs up the money to pay for it.”
  • Devon – Poetry project sparks young voices in Devon’s local libraries – Devon Live. “Children from five Devon primary schools have enjoyed the chance to write and deliver live performances of their poetry. The youngsters have been working with prize-winning children’s poet James Carter in a week-long project rolled out by the Somerset Literacy Network (SLN).”
    • Libraries offer warm spaces this winter – Mid-Devon Advertiser. “Free warm clothes, hygiene banks, community fridges stocked with free food, and welcoming groups and events are amongst a wealth of offerings to be found in libraries across Teignbridge this winter. “
  • Dorset – Verwood Library to close for essential building works’ – Salisbury Journal. “Verwood Library will be closed to customers for six days while essential building works take place next month.”
  • Dudley – Three in five Dudley residents do not have a local library – Stourbridge News. “Despite this, 94 per cent were within half an hour of a library, and every resident could reach one within an hour’s walk. The ONS’ figures show Dudley had 14 open libraries as of August, or one for every 23,300 people in the area.”
  • Dumfries and Galloway – Story ends for librarian Cath – DnG24. Cath Aitken. was aged 16 when she started at Ewart Library in February 1977 and is retiring after 48 years.
  • East Dunbartonshire – Libraries offer light lift for low winter mood – Health and Care. “A new initiative will offer 100 ‘Wintering Well’ boxes to people in four local libraries across the region as part of research into the mental and physical effects of long dark winters.”
  • Edinburgh – City libraries gain from UNESCO City of Literature conference – Edinburgh Reporter. ” 36 visiting cities donated books to the Edinburgh Children’s Library, all different and all written in the original language of each city. It is traditional for visiting cities to donate books to their host city.”
  • Essex – Colchester Library temporarily shut until 2025 – Gazette Standard. “Whilst funding of £337,500 is being put into a new ‘Children’s Imagination and Literacy Centre’, it is at the loss of a study space and research hub for so many people. Having access to spaces like ‘The Local studies and Quiet Study zone’ upstairs was great for when College was overwhelmingly busy. Colchester Library have stated that other libraries such as Wivenhoe and Sudbury library will have extended opening and closing dates. However, as a college student, this is sadly not a suitable alternative.”
  • Greenwich – Eltham and Ukrainian libraries team up in celebration of literature and culture – London News Online. “The twinned libraries, Eltham Library in Archery Road, and Central Library in Kyiv, have come together as part of a new project run by the charity Libraries Connected. The move is part of a national initiative which has paired more than 20 libraries in England”
  • Hertfordshire – ‘Winter Reads’ challenge launches across Hertfordshire Libraries – Hertfordshire Council. “Following the success of last year’s challenge which saw 3,600 residents of all ages sign up, a new set of challenges have been devised to encourage reading for pleasure and attendance at a series of exciting events that are taking place across the county’s libraries. All those taking part are asked to complete six challenges. There is a choice of challenges available so those taking part can choose how tricky they would like their challenge to be. Challenges for adults can be found on a Winter Reads bookmark while children have a collector card. It’s super easy to take part and all you have to do is pick up a bookmark or challenge card from any library in the county from 1st November.”
  • Lambeth – Lambeth Libraries lists all its community activities for November 2024 – Brixton Buzz.
  • Leicester – Visit Leicester libraries for a warm welcome – Leicester Council. “The Warm Welcome programme runs from now until the end of March 2025, giving people the chance to use their local library as a ‘warm hub’ where they can enjoy a hot drink, meet new people, and try something new.”
  • Manchester – Free seeds to be given out in new nature scheme – BBC. “Residents will be given free packets of seeds and encouraged to join guided nature walks around Manchester as a part of a new scheme at libraries. Manchester City Council is teaming up with Natural England to establish seed libraries at eight locations around the city, and giving seeds to people who sign up.”
  • Midlothian – Letter – CILIPS. “we would be very concerned that community-led provision is likely to leave residents without a library service fully run and delivered by trained library professionals as they are legally entitled to, as well as potentially breaching equalities legislation.”
  • Northern Ireland – New look Killyleagh library opens to public – Newtownards Chronicle. “Library reopened its doors this week following a period of closure to facilitate a comprehensive refurbishment. The refurbishment includes the removal of the unused first floor of the building, the installation of an energy-efficient heating system, mechanical ventilation, and heat recovery system, alongside energy-efficient general and emergency LED lighting.”
  • Nottinghamshire – Notts County Council Seeks Opinions on New Ten-Year Library Plan – Leftlion. “Nottinghamshire County Council are now undertaking a public consultation – seeking views on their new ten year library strategy – but you’d be forgiven for not knowing this given the limited efforts to publicise this. And yet the draft proposals have noteworthy implications, in particular for libraries that serve smaller communities, one of which is my local library in Woodthorpe.” … “Based on the proposed new model of Library Access Points – which tellingly omits any mention of paid staff – this would mean Woodthorpe Library and many others becoming a book swap or community centre at best.”
  • Perth and Kinross – Scone residents holding protest against potential closure of town’s library – Daily Record. “The town’s booklovers argue – that with 750 new homes planned for the town – removing the “vital” reasonably modern and purpose-built facility would be “nothing more than short-sighted”.” … “Perth and Kinross councillors agreed at the 2024/25 budget meeting in February to allocate £191,000 to Culture Perth and Kinross to find “local solutions for library services” over the next year. It later emerged Scone had been added to a list of libraries under threat.”
  • Somerset – Library is running coat exchange again -Around Wellington. “Across the 12 libraries taking part this year, 546 coats have already been donated – with more than 200 already finding new homes.”
  • South Gloucestershire – Library staff hours reduced – Downend Voice. “South Gloucestershire Council has confirmed new opening times for libraries including Downend, Staple Hill and Emersons Green, as staffed hours are cut back.”
  • Suffolk – Glemsford Library celebrates a new home – Suffolk Libraries. “Glemsford Library’s ‘temporary’ home in Bells Lane is now officially the new permanent home for the library. The library moved out of the village hall two years ago whilst essential building work took place. The work took longer than planned and the library’s new home in Unit 1a Bells Lane, next door to the Spar ended up being such a success that it has now been confirmed as the permanent location for Glemsford Library.”
    • Gainsborough Community Library officially opens ‘garden room’ – Suffolk Libraries. “The garden room is an extension to the library and has created a new flexible space for community groups and customers using the library to use.  The new room has been built in the library’s garden but with the addition of new plants so this part of the library still feels green and colourful.”
    • Let’s Get Creative autumn Launch Pad events – Suffolk Libraries. “Let’s Get Creative’ is an online directory of free and low-cost creative and cultural activities available across Suffolk – a ‘library of experiences’. The ambition of the website is to make it easy for to find free or very low-cost cultural activities taking place on their doorstep”
Walsall – National Authors Day: We ask our library staff for their favourites – Walsall Council.