A Challenge for Summer Reading

Editorial

It may seem to be a strange time to talk about the Summer but, as a small but select bunch of library staff know, the brochure for Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) materials arrived last week. It’s a big moment. One gets to look through to see the theme (embargoed so no news of that here) and what’s on offer.

The SRC is by far the biggest promotion for most library services offer and is the only real national library promotion that the average man on the street – if they’ve been a parent or a child in the last 25 years – will know about. Medals and certificates are handed out in their hundreds of thousands and the Challenge is the key thing in libraries during August, which is the busiest month in the library year.

But it’s not all wonderfulness. The last few years has seen first one then several then a significant number of library services cease purchasing the Reading Agency material. This, due to never-ceasing demands on the budget, is often due to the cost but also due to the materials themselves. The SRC, you see, has remained largely the same since it started 25 years ago. One still has a pack that one has puts stickers in after reading books/visiting the library and one still receives a certificate and medal for “completing” after, normally, reading six books. This was revolutionary back in the heady days of 1999 but not so much now. Some librarians get bored with doing the same thing year after year, even if the kids (who, after all, change every few years) don’t. And it’s increasingly obvious that the SRC is losing its appeal for older primary school children, who have so many more options available to them than they did in the pre-digital turn of the century.

The challenge for the Reading Agency is how to respond to this. They’re not a huge organisation and they don’t have much of a budget. And it’s hard to see what would appeal to older primary school children, at least in the price range feasible for local library services. To their credit, though, they are noticeably being more involved in getting feedback from libraries – who are, basically, their customers – and have responded to some of the suggestion in the materials for 2025.

But is it too little and too late? Is there anything actually else that they could do? It’s certainly easier to criticise from the outside than to actually create the resources and some of the materials I see from library services producing their own SRC are decidedly below par. although others are good. So I hope that this is the start of a turnaround for the SRC. Because it’s still the best public promotional campaign libraries have.

I just wish it was a more exciting theme.

Please send any comments, views, remarks, news or chocolate assortments to ianlibrarian at co dot uk. Thank you.

Changes by local authority

• Bedford – Library of Things to open in Bedford Central Library
• Derby – Volunteer libraries to be managed by Sporting Communities non-profit.
• East Lothian – Opening hours cut in several libraries
• Kirklees – Dewsbury Library to move to near town hall, despite public opposition.
• Slough – Cippenham and Langley may close (2 out of 4 libraries in service)

National news

• Basic library cleaning – Library Data Blog. “Download the basic libraries dataset – enhanced “
• Big Tasty Read: Book Recommendations – Reading Agency. “Big Tasty Read: Feast on a great read! The Reading Agency and BBC Arts are looking for suggestions of adult books with food as a key theme for a new campaign, The Big Tasty Read in 2025. Find out more and submit your suggestions by 11 December. Librarians can also support the selection of the books by volunteering to read and review the submitted titles. Apply by 11 December. “
• Creating Safer Libraries – Guidance Note – Libraries Connected. “Creating Safer Libraries, originally published in October 2023, offers clear, concise guidance on preventing, managing, and responding to disruptive and anti-social behaviour in public libraries. The 2024 updates include information about external communications and social media as well as additional links to guidance and useful organisations.”
• Engagement with UK public libraries is on the rise – SW Londoner. “The DCMS’ Annual Participation Survey showed a 6% rise in physical visits to public and mobile libraries, increasing from 19% in 2022-2023 to 25% in 2023-2024.”
• Librarians in plea over ‘never before seen cuts’ – BBC. “The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals Scotland (CILIPS) has written to Finance Secretary Shona Robison warning of cuts at a level “never seen before”. A number of cash-strapped local authorities have proposed permanent closures, staff cuts and reduction in opening hours. Libraries earmarked for closure include 13 in Aberdeenshire, seven in Moray and five in Perth and Kinross. Councils say fewer people are using libraries and they are accessing books and information in new ways. However, six facilities were saved in North Lanarkshire in October, after the council reversed an earlier decision to close them.”
• Library guide to Bluesky – Ned Potter. “Bluesky has reached a critical mass, with enough users leaving Twitter and joining the platform for it be considered a legitimate X-replacement. This shift makes it worth considering setting up an account for your institution.”
• Scotland’s Libraries at Risk – CILIPS. “CILIPS have written to the Scottish Government to ask for urgent financial support for our public and school libraries following a series of severe cuts proposed by local authorities. These proposals include the closure of over 60% of branches in some areas. In addition to this, our school libraries have seen continued loss of staffing and resources as well as significant deprofessionalisation. We believe this is unsustainable.”
• A warm welcome in South London’s libraries and leisure centres this winter – London Daily News. Lists Warm Libraries offers in Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Lewisham, Merton and Wandsworth.

International news

• Global – Weird and Wonderful Libraries Around the World – Mind Food. New book ” ‘Hidden Libraries’ by Lonely Planet takes you on a completely new journey to discover 50 of the most unique and unusual libraries across the globe.”. Looks at Future Library (Norway), Lonely Library (China) and Beach Library (Bulgaria)
• Australia – Free gifts for kids with First 5 Forever – Bundaberg Now. “Running from December 2024 to March 2025, children aged five and under can collect a different gift each month from libraries across the region. Gifts will be available from the library counter on the first business day of each month and while stocks last.”
• Norway – Inclusive Public Libraries: How to Adequately Identify Accessibility Barriers? – Universal Design. “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.”
• USA – Can libraries help solve our connection crisis? – Reimagining the Civic Commons. ” the role of the library as a connector across differences is more important today than ever, particularly now that we walk around with a “library in our pocket” (our cellphones) and spend more and more time interacting digitally.”
  • The 2025 Guide to LinkedIn for Libraries: Latest Tips To Get More Organic Reach – Super Library Marketing. “40 percent of libraries say they post to the platform, a jump of 20 percentage points in a year.”
  • Libraries & Well-Being: A Case Study from The New York Public Library – New York Public Library. ” new report as part of an ongoing collaboration to study and advocate for the role of public libraries in the communities they serve.”
  • LibParlor Online Learning is live(!) & takeaways from launching a big project – ACRLog. “LPOL is a free, openly-available “living” curriculum for library workers who want to develop their research skills.”

Local news by authority

• Aberdeenshire – Views on future of Aberdeenshire libraries sought – BBC. “The council expressed “regret” last month over how it announced the planned closures of 13 library buildings, after a community backlash about a lack of consultation.” … “”Our aim through these discussions is to provide reassurance that our intention is to continue to provide an element of face-to-face contact with our communities in the future, albeit this might be in a different location or delivered in a different way.””
• Barnsley – Libraries and care leavers go from strength to strength in our latest performance report – Barnsley Council. “Barnsley’s libraries continue to attract visitors, with 13% more visits than the same time last year. Alongside our regular craft activities, the Summer Reading Challenge attracted 1,271 children to participate at their local library. ”
  • Barnsley Libraries shortlisted for a national award for pioneering oral history project – Barnsley Council. “Barnsley Libraries’ ‘Telling Stories’ project has been shortlisted for a prestigious ‘Fantastic for Families Best Age-Friendly’ Outreach Award.”
• Bedford – Borrow tools, games, cake tins and more: Library of Things coming to Bedford – Bedford Council. ” a new partnership with Share Bedford to bring a Library of Things to Bedford Central Library. This innovative service will launch in January 2025, offering residents the opportunity to borrow a wide range of items, from tools and gadgets to party supplies and outdoor equipment.”
• Cardiff – Strong performance from Capital’s library services in annual assessment – Cardiff Council. “The annual assessment found that Cardiff is in the top quartile of Welsh library authorities for attendance at events per capita and the total number of attendees has risen by 80% compared to 2022-23. The service is also in the top quartile for both adult and children’s issues, with adult book issues increasing by 16% and children’s issues by 5% compared to 2022-23.”
• Derby – 10 ‘crucial’ Derby libraries saved as organisation chosen to run them – Derby Telegraph. “Sporting Communities will create a trust to operate the library service and the organisation has already agreed leases with the city council, which will provide a financial support package to operate the community libraries.”
• Devon – Woman sexually assaulted outside Devon library – Devon Live. Teignmouth.
• East Lothian – Longniddry residents protest cuts to library hours – East Lothian Courier. “Saturday, with ward councillor Lachlan Bruce also showing his support. The concerned residents are campaigning to have recent changes to opening times – which saw Longniddry Library reduced to just one weekday and alternate Saturdays – reversed.”
• Gloucestershire – New scheme to start at Fairford and Tetbury libraries – Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Standard. Staffless opening hours.
• Hammersmith and Fulham – Happiness Hour a hit at Shepherds Bush Library – Hammersmith and Fulham Council. “These new interactive sessions use smart projectors to run dozens of games and activities.” … “the weekly sessions use smart projectors to offer a variety of activities with a range of benefits for both the young and old. This includes people with dementia, people with learning disabilities and more.”
• Haringey – Haringey libraries set to remain open with reduced hours – Haringey Council. “there are now proposals in place for a reduction in opening hours, with three out of the nine libraries in Haringey closing two days a week more than their current service model as part of a £675k cost-saving exercise.”
• Kirklees – Town’s library to be moved to new site – BBC. “Dewsbury Library would be shifted from its current site on Railway Street to the Walsh Building, next to Dewsbury Town Hall, where it would be set up alongside the town’s customer service centre, Kirklees Council said.” … “However, about 66% of the 301 people who responded to a council consultation said it was either “important” or “very important” that the library remained in its current location.”
• Merthyr Tydfil – Update issued on future of public libraries in Welsh county – Wales Online. “A report which went before full council summarised the assessment for Merthyr Tydfil’s library services in 2023/2024 which had been run by a leisure trust, but that has since been dissolved.” … “Merthyr’s library service meets 10 of the 13 core entitlements in full, two in part and does not meet one entitlement. Of the seven quality indicators with targets, Merthyr is achieving four in full, one in part and two were not achieved.” … “The entitlement that was not met was: “Libraries in Wales will ensure friendly, knowledgeable and qualified staff are on hand to help.” The report said that Merthyr Libraries had previously met this entitlement, but through financial constraints existing staff retired or left the service and were not replaced.”
• Moray – Moray Council attracts library closure protest – Grampian Online. Registration-wall.
  • Meet the Moray campaigners fighting for the future of their libraries – Press and Journal. “Leaders of the campaign to save seven libraries argue that these vital facilities have become an “easy target” for cuts.”
• North East Lincolnshire -Library could merge with leisure centre – council – BBC. “The draft proposals, to be consulted on next year, are part of a review of North East Lincolnshire Council’s libraries and public archive services. Plans also include a skills hub alongside the existing library service in Grimsby.”
• North Northamptonshire – Confusion over the future of town’s library – BBC. “In a post on Facebook, which has since been deleted, Raunds Library said it faced closure due to “financial pressures” on Creating Tomorrow Trust (CTT), its lead funding partner. A statement issued by North Northamptonshire Council insisted it was “business as usual for the library”, but CTT said it remained in discussion with the authority after a review of its arrangement to run the site.”
• North Somerset – Libraries at risk as North Somerset council tries to save £53m – North Somerset Times. “It is understood the proposed savings target for libraries is £217k in the financial year 2026/27, and £217k in the financial year 2027/28 and no savings are proposed to be delivered in the next financial year.” … “We’re currently looking at a range of options, including different delivery models, investing in outreach and reducing the number of library sites”
• North Yorkshire – Free slippers on offer at Pickering Library to prevent falls – Gazette and Herald. “North Yorkshire Council is working with North Yorkshire Sport to host slipper socials where people can collect a free pair of anti-slip slippers whilst chatting to other organisations that support older people.”
  • Newby & Scalby Library Volunteers Recognised in Parliament – This is the Coast. “Newby and Scalby Library and Information Centre’s volunteers have been praised in the House of Commons for their “enormous work” in promoting children’s literacy.” … “The library, located on Scalby Road in Scarborough, is run by 7 trustees and approximately 60 volunteers.”
• Nottingham – ‘No guarantees’ that four at-risk Nottingham libraries will be saved from closure – Nottinghamshire Live. “A consultation signed by an “unprecedented” number of people, more than 5,000, saw several charities, organisations and other voluntary groups come forward to express an interest in continuing to run the four threatened libraries in partnership with the council.” but councillor has “now said that discussions with the organisations interested in taking on libraries may not amount to anything”
  • City library opening delayed until summer 2025 – BBC. “a spokesman for the authority told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the library service was now “working towards an opening date of summer 2025″.” … “Campaigner Des Conway branded the handling of the Sherwood Library project as the “nightmare on Spondon Street”.
• He added: “It means we’ve not had a library for four years and that’s totally unacceptable.””
  • Sherwood Library opening pushed back as Labour councillor claims people ‘deceived’ – Nottinghamshire Live. “the identification of over 100 snagging issues has caused repeated delays.” but councillor says “the library closure in Sherwood has been used as a saving already without a consultation process.”
• Nottinghamshire – New tier plan for organising Gedling borough library services approved – Gedling Eye. “A new plan for how to run libraries in Gedling borough has been approved – despite concern some will only be open for 12 hours a week.”
• Oldham – More than 23,000 people sought refuge at warm banks in Oldham last year – Manchester Evening News. ” Oldham libraries gave out 23,753 free hot drinks to people who needed them” … “The offer is available at all Oldham libraries, though the Central Library isn’t able to provide free hot drinks.”
  • Oldham – Children and Families Design our new Sustainable Library Card – Oldham Council. “Oldham Libraries are very pleased to be moving to 100% recycled and biodegradable library membership cards across all its 12 libraries.” … “Having tasked, an independent panel of creatives and environmental specialists, with judging over 200 hundred children’s and adult entries Oldham Libraries are now proud to announce the three winning designs”
• Oxfordshire – Goring Library reopens after six-week refurbishment – Oxford Mail. “The library, which reopened on November 16, has been given a complete redecoration, as well as some new additions, including moveable shelving to allow larger events to be held and charging ports. Surplus shelving and a counter from another library have also been repurposed to reduce the cost and environmental impact of the project.”
• Perth and Kinross – Perthshire library campaigners demand halt to ‘sham’ closures ahead of crunch budget talks – Courier. “The Save Our Rural Libraries campaign says it has written to councillors to express support for the proposed tax hike. But it says some of the additional funding should be ring-fenced to secure libraries for the future.”
• Powys – Library to close ahead of move to museum building – Powys Council. “Llandrindod Library is to close its doors for a month as it prepares to move a short distance and into the same building as Radnorshire Museum”
• Renfrewshire – Blockbuster first year for Paisley’s new central library – Renfrewshire News. “Television star Sean Batty and The Gruffalo both booked in to help celebrate a blockbuster first year for Paisley’s showpiece new central library. More than 115,000 visits have been made to the award-winning High Street venue, with almost 46,000 books borrowed, since it opened on November 30th last year. Almost 300 events have also taken place there, ranging from children’s storytelling sessions and talks by authors to technology tutorials to open new opportunities.”
• Salford – Pages of identity launches at Eccles library with a collection of Arabic literature – Salford Now. “Salford Community Libraries has collaborated with the Yemeni community association with the release of new book ‘Pages of identity’. Pages of identity is a new book collection across both Eccles and Pendleton library focusing on the Arabic language”
• Sandwell – Sandwell Police help board games group fighting loneliness – West Midlands Police. Games Drop-in group. “When officers heard the group – set up by Sandwell Libraries volunteers – needed new games, they asked their colleagues in Sandwell Police to help.”
• Shropshire – Need something special to wear this festive season? Oswestry library users can now borrow special evening wear thanks to new initiative – Shropshire Council. “, the project in collaboration with Shropshire Council’s Oswestry Library service launched on 25 November and will run for one month. During this time, attendees are invited to donate items to the shared wardrobe, browse a 200-item loanable festive collection, and provide feedback and pledge their support. “
• Slough – Slough Borough Council could close Cippenham and Langley libraries – Slough Observer. “In an announcement on Friday, December 6, Slough Borough Council said it is considering closing Cippenham and Langley libraries. If plans go ahead it means the number of libraries in Slough will be cut in half, with just Britwell library and The Curve left open.” … “A statement from Slough Borough Council said it considers that keeping four libraries open is ‘not affordable’ and making no changes would be ‘a risk to the council’s financial stability’.”
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries announces new Chair and Vice Chair – Suffolk Libraries. Chair is a long-standing library volunteer/supporter, deputy is a “sales and marketing professional by background who has worked exclusively in the private sector.”
• Wokingham – Former library to be used for new SEND hub – BBC. “The former Wokingham library in Denmark Street shut in September 2022 after the service moved to Carnival Place.”
• York – Residents invited to shape the future of library services – City of York Council. “The Council is calling on York residents, students and workers, other users and non-users, to participate in an early engagement exercise to help shape the future of the city’s library services. This exercise launches on 6 December 2024 and will remain open for nine weeks, closing on 7 February 2025.”