Editorial

Some interesting stuff from the communication departments of various councils this week:

  • Aberdeenshire announced library closures as a fait accompli with no apparent consultation with local politicians.
  • Ealing have announced that “building on the success” of their previous volunteer libraries staying open, the best things is for six more to be volunteer-staffed.
  • East Lothian announce “temporary” opening hour cuts over the Winter.
  • Nottinghamshire confused the public with how they described cuts to their service.
  • Sheffield celebrated a decade of volunteer libraries.
  • Stoke on Trent announced increases to opening hours and services (after cutting them earlier this year) but only if volunteers can do it.

The danger with putting the most shiny interpretation on things is that it may mislead the public or be seen as patronising. It also shows, presumably unintentionally, how little value is attached to paid library workers. The frequency such press releases result in angry responses and, in some cases, the need for apologies, is notable.

What could be done instead is researching what to do fully then giving the news in a clear factual way, with evidence and no bias.

Um, hang on. That’s exactly the sort of thing a librarian would do …

Changes by local authority

National news

  • Aberdeenshire and Moray library cuts plan ‘another nail in coffin’ for communities – Press and Journal. “Authors, including Shetland writer Ann Cleeves and Bookseller of Inverness author Shona MacLean, told the Press and Journal why they love libraries and why they are so vital”. Aberdeenshire local councils “kept completely in the dark about the cost-cutting measures which could see 13 facilities close within weeks ” … “In Cruden Bay, more than 200 people have already signed a petition calling for a rethink” … “for best-selling author Neil Lancaster, libraries are not only about books, but are community lighthouses, enhancing the towns and villages where they are based.”

 “Without libraries, I wouldn’t be a writer. There would be no Vera or Shetland on our screens, selling all over the world and bringing money and tourists into our country. More importantly, I probably wouldn’t be a reader.”

Ann Cleeves

“Great hour on @BBCRadioScot this morning about the value of libraries. So many members of the public and campaigners articulated it brilliantly, and CILIPS were happy to contribute too. Go back to the start of this and enjoy an hour of library support”

Sean McNamara, Twitter.
  • How the Reading Landscape is Changing – Reading Agency. “By embracing digital development, and evolving reading habits, we can unlock new creative possibilities and inspire more people to read, write, and engage with stories and information. We’re in exciting times as the future of reading unfolds before us. Ask a child if they enjoy reading for pleasure and they may say no. Ask them if they enjoy gaming and they are likely to say yes. Bridging the two can offer new possibilities.”
  • Inclusive Public Libraries: How to Adequately Identify Accessibility Barriers? – Studies in Health Technology and Informatics. “there is a need for library specific guidelines addressing the organization and presentation of the collection, signage, and to understand what users need to be self sufficient in the library when it is open outside opening hours and no staff is present.”
  • I would have been stranded on my walk without Scotland’s libraries – their closure is devastating – Scotsman. Lists several occasions when she has worked in a library and seen how valuable they are – with children, bullying, loneliness, community. “I could go on with stories like this that show how libraries in towns and villages around Scotland don’t just provide books. They are a lifeline for communities.”
  • Only posh people will be writing books if you close down libraries, warns romance novelist Colgan – Daily Mail. Jenny Colgan “pointed out some of the country’s leading writers, including herself alongside Val McDermid and Sir Ian Rankin had been ‘library kids’ growing up.” … ” ‘I would say “no libraries, no authors”, because that’s where it starts.”
  • Reading `picnics’ and campfire projects win library funding – Scottish Government. “As Book Week Scotland opens, it has been announced that 17 projects will benefit from the 2024-25 funding round through the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF). Among these, the S’More Reading For Mental Health initiative which operates at Fraserburgh, Inverurie and Mintlaw Academies in Aberdeenshire will benefit. It uses campfire-themed kits with tents, replica campfires, and nature toys to create a calming atmosphere for storytelling sessions and has been awarded £12,260. The Craigie Book Blether at Edinburgh’s Craigentinny Primary gets £3,200 to help foster a reading community …”
  • World Book Night – World Book Night. Bids accepted for free Quick Reads books.

International news

  • Canada / USA – Urban Libraries Council Survey Shows Positive Trends, Challenges for Libraries – Publishers Weekly. “The survey captured a range of trends in patron engagement from 115 ULC member libraries, “representing nearly 2,300 locations and serving over 87.5 million people” for 2023.” … 24% average increase in visits in 2023, 11% increase in the average number of digital resources accessed, a slight increase (3%) in FTE staffing levels in 2023. But in-person visits still a third down on pre-Covid, two-thirds down in computer usage.
  • Denmark/Norway – The public library “for all”? A typology of the ranging notions of “for all” in public libraries in Norway and Denmark – Journal of Documentation. “The analysis shows that although for all is used as an argument by both advocates and opponents of the principle of neutrality, there are different notions of who constitutes for all. In total, five ranging notions of for all are identified …”
  • Europe – If Librarians Ran Europe – Europe Challenge. “The Webinar Series showcases the work of libraries and communities participating in The Europe Challenge, offering a dynamic online Marketplace of library initiatives, ideas, and inspiration.”
  • Japan – Japan libraries to trial book sales amid decline in bookstores – Kyodo News. “Some public libraries in Japan will trial sales of new books from fiscal 2025 to fill the void caused by a nationwide decline in the number of physical bookstores, industry officials said. The program is aimed at increasing opportunities for people to buy books, particularly the elderly who may be unfamiliar with the process of using online shopping sites.” … “The trial will be funded by the two companies which are currently selecting candidate libraries. They expect to expand the system if demand for book sales is strong”
  • USA – Confronting Shiny Object Syndrome in Libraries – Katina. “Every few years a new shiny object takes over calls for proposals, grant application themes, and social media commentary. Some last longer than others, while some quickly fade from memory.”
  • Vatican City – Pope to librarians: May your libraries be oases of encounter – Herald Malaysia. “Addressing participants in a Vatican Apostolic Library conference, Pope Francis emphasised the role of libraries as guardians of cultural heritage, urging librarians to foster peace, openness, and human connection in addressing global challenges like inequality, conflict, and ‘cancel culture’.”

Local news by authority

  • Aberdeenshire – Aberdeenshire residents launch fight to save ‘irreplaceable’ libraries amid closure plans – Aberdeen Live. “The council blamed low footfall and unsuitable buildings for the drastic decision. However, the unexpected announcement has caused uproar. Hundreds of residents affected by the shock closures have been quick to take action to reverse the move. A number of online petitions have been created for individual libraries, while another has been set up on behalf of all 13 venues. It comes after Aberdeen City Council created fury by permanently closing six libraries through brutal budget cuts last year.”
    • Council ‘regrets’ handling of library closure news – BBC. “Live Life Aberdeenshire, which delivers services for the council, said on Friday the sites would close by the end of the year due to reducing usage. It said 18 libraries in “main towns” would remain open. However there was a community backlash about a lack of consultation. BBC Scotland News has learned a final decision will be taken by councillors before the end of the financial year, so some buildings may remain open into 2025.”
    • Cruden Bay residents back petition to save library from closure – Press and Journal. “Leader of the opposition, SNP councillor Gwyneth Petrie, said: “Despite being told, time and again, that local voices and place planning matters, we are hit with yet another raft of closure announcements without any community consultation, and without even our local members in those areas being informed of the decision.”
  • Cambridgeshire – Singing librarian says online reaction ‘crazy’ – BBC. Closing time announcements are sung by music student. “”Some days people will clap… other days it’s just crickets and complete silence.””
  • Cheshire East – Updated strategy for Cheshire East’s libraries to be considered – Cheshire East Council. “Following significant engagement with town and parish councils, ‘top-up’ funding has provisionally been agreed for Alderley Edge, Bollington, Disley, Handforth, Macclesfield and Poynton libraries. When combined with existing town council support for Crewe and Nantwich libraries, this equates to local council investment in library services of more than £166,000, which delivers 41.5 library opening hours each week. Subject to committee approval, the Libraries Strategy 2024-28 will go live from 1 January 2025.”
  • Cheshire West and Chester – Date set for Cheshire town library’s roof replacement works – Cheshire Live. “The library will remain open as normal during the works with disruption being ‘kept to a minimum wherever possible’, the council says.”
  • Ealing – More community-run libraries proposed – Ealing Council. “Building on the success of the 4 libraries in Northfields, West Ealing, Perivale and Hanwell, which have been managed by community groups since 2020, the council believes that the following libraries should also be community-managed: Jubilee Gardens, Southall; Northolt Leisure Centre, Northolt; Greenford Library; Wood End (currently under construction in Greenford)” [Really impressive Double-speak from Ealing here, making removing paid staffing sound like an opportunity – Ed.]
  • East Lothian – Five East Lothian libraries have their hours slashed – East Lothian Courier. “In September, East Lothian Council announced that Dunbar, East Linton, Gullane, Haddington, Musselburgh, Ormiston, Port Seton and Wallyford residents would lose opening hours at their libraries due to a “recruitment freeze” and the need for “financial savings”.  Now, the local authority has announced that the East Linton, Gullane, Ormiston and Port Seton libraries, as well as the library in Longniddry, face a further reduction in opening times, with “temporary winter opening hours” being applied from Monday until February 28.”
  • Edinburgh – Have your say on plans for Edinburgh libraries – North Edinburgh News. “Your feedback will inform our plans for the next five years.”
  • Gateshead – Gateshead Libraries receive fantastic response to customer survey – Gateshead Council. “Our Gateshead Libraries team recently ran their annual customer survey. It’s something they do every year to hear feedback from those who use our libraries on what they love about our spaces, and importantly, what could make them even better. It’s open to everyone no matter how regularly they come through our library doors and for whatever purpose. This year, the team were delighted to get responses from 1,092 residents – 166 more than last year. “
  • Glasgow – Glasgow protest at ‘high risk’ Cardonald Library after RAAC closure – Glasgow Live. “The library, along with two other buildings, was closed by Glasgow Life in September following the discovery of dangerous RAAC concrete – protesters are demanding the library be re-opened.”
  • Hammersmith and Fulham – Hammersmith Library closing for three weeks – Hammersmith and Fulham Council. “Hammersmith Library will be closing for three weeks from Monday 25 November while essential maintenance works take place.”
  • Hampshire – Two parties show interest in the former Horndean Library – Petersfield Post. Library was closed in 2021.
  • Lambeth – ‘LiBARary’ launches in Brixton to meet UK demand for books in bars – Lambeth Council. “Brixton Brewery will be home to a pop-up mini library in the taproom – not just to give people a space to read while they meet and drink, but hosting book clubs and events featuring some of the city’s best literary talent. The LiBARary will include books for visitors to tuck into with a drink, anytime, courtesy of Book Stop Brixton- with anyone donating a book to the LiBARary eligible for a free pint.”
  • Liverpool – ‘Hate will never win’ as library torched by rioters to reopen – Echo. Spellow Library. “the city council has now confirmed the hub will reopen on Thursday, December 12. To mark the occasion, the local authority is calling on councils around the country to join Liverpool in solidarity on the day.” see also From fire to light – a spotlight on unity marks re-opening of arson-hit library – Liverpool Council. “Any organisation which wants to get involved in the lighting up moment can email cultureliverpool@liverpool.gov.uk and they are encouraged to share their photos on social media using #SharetheLight #Spellow #Libraries.”

“Cllr Liam Robinson is writing to councils, asking them to light up one of their libraries on Wednesday December 11 in a show of solidarity, hope and joy. By having a light, or a lantern in a window, or illuminating the outside of a building, this will shine a light on libraries as places of sanctuary, knowledge and community.”

Liverpool Echo
  • Monmouthshire – Sponsor a Book initiative launches at Monmouthshire libraries – Monmouthshire Council. “Residents can now sponsor books at Monmouthshire libraries through our partnership with Friends of Caldicot Library. The new scheme allows locals to contribute directly to their library by sponsoring new titles, ensuring the shelves remain vibrant and well-stocked for all community members.”
  • Moray – Resurrected Moray library campaign group prepares for another battle – Press and Journal. “Moray Save our Libraries helped save three sites from closure when it was formed in 2013.” … “In 2013, Rothes, Portnockie, Findochty, and Hopeman libraries were all closed despite strong opposition from the Moray Save Our Libraries group. However, the campaign succeeded in saving three libraries in Cullen, Dufftown, and Burghead. Now, more than ten years later, the group reconvened at Elgin Library on Monday evening to prepare for another battle – this time, to protect those same three libraries, along with others in danger of closure.”
  • Norfolk – New poetry project launches across Norfolk libraries to celebrate Norfolk as a county of welcome – Norfolk Council. “Service has teamed up with Creative Arts East on a multi-lingual Words of Welcome Poetry Exchange, launching this month in all 47 libraries across the county. The project aims to celebrate Norfolk’s cultural diversity and showcase it as a place of welcome, by inviting library visitors to read specially commissioned poems on the themes of welcome and sanctuary, and respond with their own ‘words of welcome’. ”
  • Nottinghamshire – ‘Confusion’ over plans for county libraries – BBC. “It included reclassifying sites as either a “hub library”, “community library”, or “library access point”, depending on the size. Council documents, however, say feedback indicated the new names have caused confusion, and they now plan to reinstate a numbered system, with libraries placed in tiers 1 to 3.”. Strategy document described by local author as “fairly vague and confusing” and “There’s a curious omission of any mention of paid staff running libraries”
  • Perth and Kinross – Protesters gathered outside Scone Library campaigning to save it from closure – Daily Record. “Over 200 protesters gathered outside Scone Library on Saturday, November 9 eager to save it from potential closure.”
  • Sheffield – Sheffield celebrates 10 years of volunteer-led libraries – Yorkshire Bylines. “Library volunteers from all over Sheffield gathered together to celebrate and reflect on a decade of hard work in their community” … “Sheffield’s libraries are no longer just places to read and borrow books – they have become vital hubs for the community, offering services to everyone from babies to the elderly. These libraries now provide facilities for schools and young people, low-cost groceries for families in need, fitness classes, and table tennis.”
  • Slough – Slough Borough Council threatens library service cuts – Slough Observer. “A first public draft of the council’s next spending plan includes what it calls a £60,000 ‘service reduction’ to libraries in its children’s services budget. Slough Borough Council told the Observer that councillors will discuss ‘potential options’ for library services at a meeting next month – but didn’t say what those possible changes might be.”
  • Staffordshire – People asked for views on town library refurbishment – Staffordshire Council. “People in Leek are being asked for their views on how their town library could look after a refurbishment at three information drop-in sessions.” … “Staffordshire libraries service has carried out successful refurbishment projects across the county, most recently Burton and also Newcastle, Stafford, Lichfield, Tamworth and Codsall.”
  • Stirling – Drymen’s ex-library set for new lease of life as hotel accommodation – Daily Record. “The neighbouring Winnock Hotel has submitted an application to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners for a change of use of the premises at 12 The Square from Class 10 (public library) to Class 7 (hotel).”
  • Stoke on Trent – Call for volunteers to help boost library hours – BBC. “The city council said it wanted to increase opening hours at all six of its public libraries and deliver additional services. The libraries already offer services such as book loans, IT facilities, digital support sessions and activities for children, families and adults. Under the proposals, a book delivery service for people who struggle to leave their homes would be expanded, and new services such as befriending would be introduced, the council said.”
  • Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries Christmas toy appeal relaunches to help struggling families – East Anglian Daily Times. “The Be Kind to a Kid appeal aims to make Christmas special for Suffolk families by distributing donated new toys to children in need. Last year, the initiative received 2,500 toy donations, which were distributed to more than 20 charities and organisations working with struggling families and children. Suffolk Libraries is partnering with BBC Radio Suffolk as part of its Warm Welcome cost-of-living support campaign.”
  • Warwickshire – Children’s book by Warwickshire Libraries staff member achieves national recognition – Warwickshire Council. “Warwickshire County Council is delighted to share that a children’s book edited by Dr Anjna Chouhan, National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) Creative Producer at Warwickshire Libraries, has achieved national recognition. The children’s book, Shakespeare’s First Folio: All The Plays, has been shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year, which is due to be announced on 28 November, and highlighted as one of the best children’s books of 2024 by the Telegraph as an engaging introduction to Shakespeare’s works.”
  • Wirral – Final Christopher Salmon Poetry Competition announced – Birkenhead News. “Organisers have announced the launch of the 15th and sadly what will be the final Christopher Salmon Poetry Competition. “
  • Wokingham – Libraries break new ground – Wokingham Today. “Wokingham Borough’s libraries have become the first group of libraries in the country to sign up for a scheme that gives families confidence about breastfeeding. Wokingham Borough Council has continued its partnership with the Breastfeeding Network to establish its libraries as breastfeeding friendly venues.”
  • Wolverhampton – Library restoration scheme under way in city – BBC. “Work has begun to improve Wolverhampton’s Central Library and adult education facilities as part of a £61m City Learning Quarter development.” … “The library is having its Grade II* listed facade restored, a new roof, remodelling, a new lobby and landscaping. The adult education base, the Alan Garner Centre, will also have internal remodelling and a link building connecting it to the library’s 1930s extension.”
  • Worcestershire – All libraries in Worcestershire to offer free warm spaces this winter – Worcester News.
  • Wrexham – Libraries are an integral part of our communities – Leader Live. MP for Wrexham says how important libraries are and how people can be involved with the consultation on cuts to them.