Editorial

It was lovely to see the reporting of Spellow Lane Library’s reopening this week. I remember the awful riots and how shocking it was to see a library being set alight. I also remember seeing the huge and generous public response to the arson, with huge donations being made. My tweet on the subject got 105,000 views, showing how close to the heart a stab at public libraries are. Since then, the funds raised and the rebuilding work has been wonderful to see, with there being national publicity for the reopening. I suspect many more than the 130 libraries reported nationally were lit up on the night in celebration.

Continuing the positivity, it’s lovely to see three big refurbishments and two new libraries opening, in addition to that in Liverpool. On the downside, Peterborough have failed to get into the Christmas spirit, with an announcement that up to seven out of its ten libraries could close and heaven knows what is happening in Merthyr Tydfil, which has reported it has lost a third of its opening hours and a third of its staff this year.

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

Changes by local authority

National news

  • Cheshire and Warrington devolution deal could be sealed by 2026 – Cheshire Live. Services in Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington could combine again.
  • Coming to the end of 2024 – Community Libraries Network. “we hosted vibrant mini-conferences in London, Swindon, and Sheffield bringing together library volunteers, staff, and supporters to share ideas, celebrate successes, and explore new ways to serve our communities …”. Newsletter celebrating the work of library volunteers.
  • Leading library and digital inclusion charities forge new partnership – Libraries Connected. “Libraries Connected, the membership body for public libraries, and Good Things Foundation, the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity, have announced a new agreement that will see them work together more closely on fixing the digital divide. The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at leveraging “each other’s strength, voice, unique positioning, expertise, and reach to jointly explore and advance solutions to exclusion in a digital and AI age”. The agreement commits both charities to working collaboratively on projects identified by library leaders and digital inclusion experts.”
  • Libraries face closure as councils grapple with budget challenges – Herald. Behind paywall.

“The First Minister will have received the many emails that have been sent to Mid Scotland and Fife MSPs and constituency MSPs in the region from Perthshire residents who are complaining bitterly about the threatened closure of five public libraries, in Scone, Birnam, Alyth, Comrie and Auchterarder. I hope that he will also recall his appearance before the Public Petitions Committee in 2017, when he gave a firm commitment to support library access for our young people. In a week in which new statistics show that two in five Scottish pupils require extra help with their learning, and when members of the public across Perth and Kinross are furious about the impending closures, given that their council tax is being hiked by 10 per cent, what does the First Minister believe should happen to keep those essential services open?” Elizabeth Smith MSP, Scottish Parliament.

  • Public Libraries and Their Rivals – Voluntary Libraries of Victorian Britain. “Public libraries developed slowly after the passing of the Public Libraries Act of 1850, which was not mandatory. Opposition largely came from those who objected to paying higher taxes and from publicans and brewers who feared that their trade would be affected by their customers spending leisure time in libraries. The result was that substitutes for public libraries were set up in many places; some were free, and some charged a fee. Examples include religious libraries, mechanics’ institutes, mutual improvement and co-operative societies, hostels (e.g. the Young Men’s Christian Association), and clubs.”

“Designing Libraries are going to produce quarterly newsletters on all things library design, including Case Studies, tips on design layout, themed pieces, such as green libraries, children’s libraries and outdoor spaces etc. Also a wealth of information on Library Design resources. If you would like to sign up for this newsletter, please use this link. You will also be able to access the newsletter directly on the website  – designinglibraries.org.uk”

Spellow

“A library is the repository of truth and those riots were started by lies. “There’s just something really medieval about burning a library. It’s an assault on knowledge and an assault on truth.”

Frank Cottrell Boyce

International news

  • Ireland – Library first to win Sanctuary award – Dublin Gazette. “Balbriggan Library was recognised for the consistent and innovative work that goes into making the library a champion for inclusion and welcome. ” First in Dublin to be awarded status.

Local news by authority

  • Aberdeenshire – Closing Aberdeenshire libraries will help the Council Budget, Tories warned – The National. Behind paywall.
  • Brent – Wembley Library reopens after £2 million makeover with more children’s spaces – My London. “A North London library has officially reopened after being temporarily closed as part of a £2m make-over of the council building. The changes include an expanded library collection, a children’s area, more quiet zones for study, as well as a new ‘Resident Hub’ to improve customer service for residents.”
  • Croydon – Council puts the ‘sham’ into ‘shambolic’ over 4 closed libraries – Inside Croydon. “Bradmore Green, in Old Coulsdon, Sanderstead, Shirley and Broad Green libraries all closed their doors last month, despite overwhelming public opposition, despite viable alternative plans, despite millions of pounds of developer levy funds unspent on the buildings’ upkeep, and despite some of the libraries being among the best-used in the borough. It was only after the closures that Croydon Council swung into action to try to find alternative uses for the buildings, with a poorly notified and very short-notice consultation period which, according to some reports, attracted barely any interest at all.” Article suggests council is not publicising or supporting volunteer takeovers so it can sell the buildings instead.
  • Edinburgh – Capital’s libraries launch Edinburgh 900 poetry competition – North Edinburgh News. “The competition celebrates the city’s rich history, culture, and community spirit and six winning entries will be featured on exclusive bookmarks distributed throughout the capital’s council-run libraries”
  • Essex – Costs of new library increases by more than £100k – BBC. Shenfield. “The council said “higher specification items” being used by contractor Essex Housing would “improve the value of the private residential units” above the new library. Once complete, the site will be home to a larger modern library, meeting room, new public garden, and outdoor learning space. The new development will also create flexible commercial space.”
  • Glasgow – Glasgow library to close for almost two years for major refurbishment – Glasgow Live. “Langside Library is to close on February 1 and will not reopen until late 2026 for works including interior and exterior renovations, and a new entrance on Battlefield Road.”
  • Gloucestershire – Pam Ayres opens refurbished Lechlade library at event – Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Standard. “Throughout December, each child that borrows a book from Lechlade Library will receive a free gift.”
  • Hampshire – Kingsclere Community Library receives £4,000 donation – Basingstoke Gazette. “Kingsclere Community Library, which has an annual budget of more than £10,000, is looking for core costs of £8,389. The Greenham Trust has donated £4,000 towards this amount and has offered to match £1 for each £1 donated for the next six months through The Good Exchange fundraising platform.”
  • Haringey – Council agrees to slash library opening hours – Haringey Community Press. “One of the key changes under the new option is both Hornsey and Marcus Garvey libraries being open on Sundays. Neither option one or two had all three of the main libraries open that day, with option two proposing all three were closed, and option one keeping just Wood Green open. “
  • Lancashire – Preston’s all new Savick Library is now open – Lancashire Council. “Based at the same location of the former Savick Library, which closed in 2020 before being demolished, the new library is being by run by Lancashire County Council’s library service to primarily serve the people of Ashton-on-Ribble. The new library features a vast collection of books, digital media, and educational resources, and is equipped with free WiFi, comfortable reading areas and a paid for printing service.”
  • Merthyr Tydfil – Update issued on future of public libraries in Welsh county – Wales Online. “during 2023/24, financial restrictions under the Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Trust meant that cutbacks affected stock purchase and staffing levels, which in turn meant reductions in service hours.” … “From an already low baseline in 2022/2023 total staffing has decreased by almost one-third and Merthyr Tydfil therefore fails to meet targets for total staff per capita and qualified staff per capita. ” 30% reduction in opening times.
  • Milton Keynes – New lease of life for Milton Keynes Central Library – MK FM. “The £3.6M project will address essential infrastructure issues which include making the building watertight and operational for the long term. Key facilities will also be repositioned and expanded to better accommodate the needs of families, children and adult learners. Once complete, the renovations will: Relocate the children’s library to the ground floor, making it easier to access for families and carers; Reconfigure event spaces to create additional classrooms for adult education, meeting growing demand; Replace the Central Library roof; Restore the lift, improving access for residents with mobility challenges.”
  • Moray – Tories apologise over library closure confusion – BBC. “The Tories, who lead the council but do not have a majority, announced on Monday that the plans “won’t be taken forward” and the facilities “have been saved”. However, three hours later, an amended statement was sent out, stating that the closure proposals were still on the table but the Tory councillors will not support them. The SNP described the latest developments as “incredibly chaotic and deeply embarrassing”.”
  • Norfolk – Diss Library move for Norfolk County Council revamp gets pushed back – Diss Express. “Diss Library was set to move from Church Street into the Denny Centre, in Thomas Manning Road, on a 12-month basis, but this has now been pushed back.”
  • North East Lincolnshire – Protest over new chapter for libraries – BBC. “Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society will stage a protest later after raising concerns about the future of the building, which is in need of substantial refurbishment.” … “It comes after a reported 43% decline in the number of people visiting the area’s libraries between 2018 and 2024.” … “The council was awarded £4.2m in 2021 to refurbish the central library, including a potential Green Skills Hub. However, last month it said some of this money needed to be “reallocated”, external for a leisure project at Freshney Place shopping centre – with a decision due to be made at the council meeting.” but “£2m backlog of repairs” for library.
  • Northern Ireland – Brand-new Fivemiletown library opens in time for Christmas – Impartial Reporter. “, visitors will find a spacious ground floor featuring dedicated areas for adults and children, a computer study zone ideal for work or digital learning, and comfortable new furniture throughout.” … “The library is equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere and a Changing Places facility has been installed. “
  • Nottingham -City library opening delayed until summer 2025 – BBC. “Nottingham City Council revised the opening date for the new Sherwood Library in Spondon Street to the end of 2024 after work started to remedy 130 defects in the building. The defects included problems with a living wall, fire safety and a significant leak in the building’s atrium. However, on Friday, 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″.”
  • Nottinghamshire – New plan for organising Nottinghamshire library services has been approved – Worksop Guardian. No libraries to close, libraries to be split into three tiers. “All of my libraries closed, they all got moved into different buildings, they all had employees and now they’re all run by volunteers “
  • Oldham – Libraries to help Oldhamers stay warm this winter – Saddleworth Independent. “
  • Perth and Kinross – Perth and Kinross Council urged to hold fire on library cuts – Daily Record. “Campaigners hope “record” funding for local authorities next year and the 10 per cent council tax strategy voted through by Perth and Kinross councillors this week could keep libraries open”
  • Peterborough – Council publishes draft proposals to deliver balanced budget in 2025/26 – Peterborough Council. “Reduce the current libraries service from 10 static libraries to 3 static libraries, investing in a modernised Central Library and maintaining two additional core libraries (one in the north and one in the south), whilst supplementing this service with smaller self-service facilities in existing hubs (such as Family Hubs). This proposal is subject to separate statutory consultation” £314k per year cut.
    • Campaigner speechless over plans to shut libraries – BBC. “Jennie Storey, from the Friends of Woodston Library, said these were “crucial services” and called the decision “short-termism” … “”I was speechless. [The] council’s priority areas are for the elderly and children and we don’t understand why the council is not utilising these libraries to deliver these priorities. “Reducing them to three libraries – with the lowest literacy rates in the country – it does not add up.”
    • Library campaign group in ‘stalemate’ with council – BBC. “The Friends of Woodston Library group said the proposal that it be community-run for a year to test its future viability was “sprung” on them and that it does not have the funds to do this.”
    • Mothballing city lido among cost-cutting proposals – BBC. “A proposal to reduce the current libraries service from 10 static libraries to three would save £314,000 a year. The council said it would invest in a modernised Central Library and two additional libraries, with smaller self-service facilities in hubs across the city.”
  • Slough – Two libraries could close under council budget cuts – BBC. “Slough Borough Council announced on Friday it could close Cippenham and Langley libraries in Slough, Berkshire, next year.” … “It now says closing Cippenham Library, on Elmshott Lane, and Langley Library, on Trelawney Avenue, will allow it to “improve” services elsewhere. Britwell Library could be staffed rather than operating as self-service, it said, and the budget for new books would be shared between two instead of four libraries.”
  • Suffolk – Beyond the Bassline exhibition now touring Suffolk’s libraries – Suffolk Libraries.
    • New Compassionate Communities bereavement bookcases for libraries – Suffolk Libraries. “specialist bereavement book collections launched at Woodbridge and Aldeburgh libraries. Compassionate Communities is run in partnership with St Elizabeth Hospice with the aim of sharing books, information and support to help people of all ages understand and manage grief.”
  • Wiltshire – Wiltshire Council unveils its library strategy – Salisbury Radio. “The Wiltshire Council Library Strategy 2025-2030 was agreed at the council’s latest Cabinet meeting, which took place on 10 December.” … “A high proportion of older people use library services and therefore demand is predicted to increase in the coming years”