Bristol Libraries faces cut off up to half of its budget
Editorial
I had hoped headlines like that would be a thing of the past now that the Government has changed but it turns out it is not to be. I will leave it at that.
Changes by local authority
- Bristol – Up to £2.4m out of £4.7m budget to be cut
- Dudley – School Libraries Service moves into Halesowen Library, replacing subscription service.
- Norfolk – Kings Lynn and Yarmouth libraries to reopen this year in colocations
- Nottingham – Aspley, Basford, Bilborough libraries may be passed to volunteers rather than closed.
National news
- Better World Books 2025 Literacy Grants – Better World Books. “Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2025. This is an opportunity to secure funding to amplify your organization’s work and to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of literacy and education.”
- Library events (Beta) – LibraryOn. “We’ve built this feature to list public library events from across the country. It’s currently in ‘beta’, which means we’re testing how it performs with people. It also means we don’t have all library events listed here yet.”
- The Public Library Brand: refuge, joy, connection, purpose, and expansion – Ned Potter. “.library usage positively contributes to externally validated measures of well-being. Our research found that patrons experience refuge, joy, connection, purpose, and expansion through their library use.”
- Snowflake to tour West Midlands libraries – British Theatre Guide. “The Birmingham Rep, Polka Theatre and Little Angel Theatre production of The Snowflake will tour 18 libraries across Birmingham and the West Midlands during January and February 2025. The show ran at the Rep and the tour has been devised to give more families the opportunity to see the tale inspired by Benji Davies’s children’s book of the same name. Tickets will be free or at a low cost because of funding from Arts Council England.”
International news
- Afghanistan – Public Libraries: A Growing Hub for Knowledge and Research – Bakhtar News Agency. “s. Last year, the ministry purchased 10,560 books, supported by various organizations, to enhance public libraries across the nation. Looking ahead, plans are underway to establish six new public library branches in different provinces and to procure advanced machines for scanning and preserving historical texts.”
- Australia – From fitness to finance sessions, local libraries evolving as patrons soar – ABC News. “Library program attendance has almost doubled nationally in recent years, with more than 6.1 million participants in 2022-23.”
- New Zealand – Age-restricted library books you might need your ID to borrow from Auckland’s libraries – New Zealand Herald. “Tucked away out the back of the Auckland Central Library is a selection of 29 books that, in the eyes of New Zealand Office of Film and Literature Classification (NZOFLC) moderators, could “cause injury to the public good” if not restricted to those over a certain age.” … ““Book bans and restrictions in New Zealand are rare, but when they’re applied, it’s about balancing the protection of readers, especially young people, with the importance of freedom of expression”
- Turkey – ‘A space specific to women’: Women’s library opens in Kurdish-majority Diyarbakır, Turkey – Medya News. ““We set out to create an area specific to women,” said Berivan Gülşen Sincar, co-mayor of Kayapınar Municipality, during the opening ceremony of the Library of Women’s Works on Tuesday in the Kurdish-majority city. The library aims to preserve women’s contributions.”
- Ukraine – Kremlin Sends Another Batch of Propaganda Materials to Libraries in Temporarily Occupied Mariupol – Sprotyv. “More than 1,000 copies of propaganda literature have been delivered to libraries in the temporarily occupied Mariupol from St. Petersburg. However, these so-called “institutions” can hardly be described as libraries. The Kremlin has transformed Ukrainian libraries into centers for Russification and tools for brainwashing the local population”
- USA – Digital audiobooks lead growth in library circulation for the second year – Audio Publishers Association. “Digital audiobooks account for 70% of adult audio circulation and 56% of youth audio circulation in libraries.”
- “Hopefully, we can sit together and discuss what we consider is appropriate”: Inside Two Years of Nonstop Hell for Alpena Public Library – Book Riot. ” a loud reminder that it’s not buying personal copies of banned books nor distributing banned books via buses or vans or even Little Free Libraries which will solve the problem and save these public institutions of democracy. It’s showing up to board meetings, showing up at the polls, and using your voice to loudly push back against propaganda and bigotry intended to destabilize and defund public goods. Library workers have been seen as expendable and sometimes downright invisible, especially in an era of increased demands and stagnant, if not shrinking, budgets.”
- Palisades Branch Library goes up in flames – Fox LA. Video.
Local news by authority
- Bristol – Bristol library closures seem inevitable despite fewer potential cuts than feared – Bristol Live. “Permanent closures of some of Bristol’s 27 libraries seem inevitable, despite the fact that savage proposed cuts could be less severe than feared, a city council meeting heard. Plans unveiled last week to halve the service’s current £4.7million budget would have left just seven to ten branches, plus the Central one, the council’s finance sub-committee was told.”
- Caerphilly – Leisure centres and libraries at risk of closure as council warns of £47 million black hole – ITV. see also Library Service review – Have your say – Caerphilly Council.
- Ten libraries still under threat despite opposition to council reforms – Nation Cymru. “Sites in Aberbargoed, Abercarn, Abertridwr, Bedwas, Deri, Llanbradach, Machen, Nelson, Oakdale and Pengam may all still be subject to closure. The council is likely to push ahead with the reforms despite a clear majority of respondents disagreeing with the proposals during a recent public consultation.”
- Cheshire West and Chester – Cheshire West library events to boost health and wellbeing – Standard. “The initiative, which runs from January 20 to January 26, 2025, aims to enhance mental and physical wellbeing with their range of activities. In collaboration with multiple partners such as Age UK, Brio Leisure, and Citizens Advice, the Library Service has ensured an inclusive event. From workshops to wellness walks and even volunteering information days, there will be something for everyone.”
- Two Cheshire libraries to welcome crime writers and novelist – Standard. “Little Sutton Library will host Trevor Wood and Rob Parker, crime writers, while Neston Library will feature a conversation with Jasper Fforde, novelist.”
- Croydon – Croydon Tories close libraries – Socialist Party. “Croydon Tory council closed the doors on four libraries in November. The council announced that this closure would allow it to increase the opening hours and offer more services at the remaining nine libraries. They have also been forced to put on a shuttle service for residents whose local library has closed down, to ferry them to the nearest library. It’s only for particular days, but it shows the pressure councils are under from residents not to make cuts.”
- Denbighshire – Denbighshire Libraries launch 25 Book Challenge in 2025 – Free Press. “Participants will be encouraged to read books from 25 different genres and themes. The task will be set out in book bingo style, with categories such as prizewinning novels, books set in different countries, and works by Welsh authors. Bingo sheets can be picked up from local libraries. Readers will win incentives like a bookmark and a tote bag for reading 10, 20, and 25 books, while stocks last.”
- Derby – Sponsorship appeal for children’s literacy event – Marketing Derby. “Derby Libraries, which is part of Derby City Council, is looking for businesses to sponsor a children’s literacy event this summer.”
- Derbyshire – Library users encouraged to get ready for system switchover – Derbyshire Council. New library management system.
- Devon – Pop-up children’s library launches in Princesshay as roof works take place – Devon Live. Exeter Central Library: “A pop-up children’s library is launching in Princesshay during essential roof works at the main library. Work is scheduled to begin on January 27 and is expected to last approximately three months.”
- The Devon County Council plans to move Seaton library – Mid Week Herald. “Council has announced plans to move Seaton Library from its current Queen Street location to a re-purposed premises central to the town, in partnership with Seaton Town Council.”
- Dudley – Dudley Schools Library Service moves to Halesowen Library – Stourbridge News. “The service was based in Dudley and was not previously accessible, but it will now be located at Halesowen Library – allowing teachers to browse and select items themselves rather than ordering and having them delivered as happened in the past.”. New system replaces an annual subscription service.
- Falkirk – Query over what future holds for Falkirk’s Hope Street library building – Falkirk Herald. Library may be moved into co-location. “if councillors agree to the proposals it leaves a question over the future of the Hope Street building which was gifted to the townspeople by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.”
- Glasgow – Opening of new Parkhead Library delayed due to ‘issue’ – Glasgow Times. “The opening of the new Parkhead Library has been delayed due to an ‘issue’. The facility was due to move into the new Parkhead Hub in Duke Street, which will bring together a range of community health and social care services, including the library. This move was due to happen on January 20 but now, Glasgow Life has announced that the date has been pushed back, due to a technical commissioning issue.”
- Glasgow tea and coffee on offer at libraries as people invited in from the cold – Glasgow Live. “ibraries provide cosy spaces known as ‘welcome places’ for residents looking to drop in for heat – as fuel poverty is a major problem the city.”
- Halton – Runcorn and Widnes libraries to host World Book Day hubs – Runcorn and Widnes World. “Children will be given the opportunity to exchange their £1 World Book Day book token for a £1 book of their choice – for free.”
- Herefordshire – New name for library group – Ross Gazette. “The Ross Library Development Group has transitioned from a position of saving the library in June 2011 to where it is today, as being a supportive role for the town’s library and all that it offers to the community.”
- Isle of Wight – Library to fully reopen next month after maintenance and refurbishment – County Press. “The Lord Louis Library in Newport began repairs on October 14, and was expected to be finished by the end of December. Ahead of the grand reopening, the library will be closed on January 30, January 31 and February 1.”
- Lewisham – This Lewisham Station Library Faces Imminent Closure – Londonist. “since May 2022, the free library (which Michael is keen to point doesn’t work under the same concept as a book swap, because it doesn’t work on a book-for-book basis) has proved immensely popular. Michael reckons the turnover of books in the last two-and-a-half years is in the ballpark of 200,000.” Now the railway station wants removal due to fire concerns.
- Lincolnshire – Health Information Week at Libraries – Spalding Voice. Including NHS App training.
- Norfolk – Opening dates near for King’s Lynn and Yarmouth libraries – Eastern Daily Press. “Replacement libraries in Great Yarmouth and King’s Lynn will be included in new, multi-million-pound community hubs which are being built inside former town centre shops.”
- Get hands-on with technology at your local library throughout February – Norfolk Council. “DigiFest is an annual celebration of digital creativity in Norfolk libraries throughout February. With free events for children and young people aged up to 16, there is something for every aspiring digital mind. “
- North Yorkshire – ‘Slipper Social’ at Bedale Library to help prevent falls – Darlington and Stockton Times. “Free slippers will be on offer at a special event to help prevent slips, trips and falls later this month.”
- Nottingham – Fears over ‘two-tier’ Nottingham library service with volunteers to run some sites – Nottinghamshire Live. “Nottingham City Council has confirmed it wants to stop running some of its libraries and claims it has already received interest from voluntary groups about taking them on. A leading campaigner says he is “very disappointed” by the city council’s decision, which is set to affect more than 20 staff and caused 17 councillors to walk out of a Nottingham Labour meeting on Thursday (January 16).”
- Some Nottingham libraries set to be run by volunteers as part of city council budget cuts – Nottingham Post. “Nottingham City Council has decided that it wants volunteers to run some of its historic libraries instead of them closing for good, Nottinghamshire Live understands. A fiery meeting of the Nottingham Labour group on Thursday (January 16) reportedly saw members vote to hand libraries in Bilborough, Aspley and Basford over to the voluntary sector.”
- Perth and Kinross – Hundreds attend protest against proposed Perth and Kinross library closures – Daily Record. “Over 300 campaigners gathered outside Perth Museum on Saturday, January 11 to protest against the proposed closure of five Perth and Kinross libraries”
- Could 10% council tax rise help save Perth and Kinross libraries from axe? – Courier. “Councillor Jack Welch was one of a number of local and national politicians who attended Saturday’s demonstration. The Strathmore ward councillor said the council’s SNP administration was open to safeguarding library services. And he said a better than expected government funding package for next year, coupled with a potential 10% council tax rise, could make that achievable.”
- Peterborough – ‘Visit our library before deciding on its fate’ – BBC. “Woodston Library in Peterborough is at risk of closure after the city council announced budget cuts, including a proposal to reduce the current 10 static libraries it looks after down to three. Jennie Story, from Friends of Woodston Library, invited all 60 city councillors and MPs to attend on Saturday, to see how “important and needed the venue is”.”
- Portsmouth – Portsmouth Libraries to host NHS App drop-in sessions – Portsmouth Council. “Portsmouth Libraries will be hosting sessions throughout the year in partnership with local GP practices. Having staff from their GP practice present will mean patients can get full access on the NHS App, there and then, including being able to access their GP health record. HIVE Portsmouth’s Digital Champions, who are volunteers willing to share basic IT skills with their community, will also be on-hand to provide support at the sessions.”
- Somerset – Free library service to deliver books to lonely residents – County Gazette. “A free service delivering books to the housebound is being promoted to lonely residents. Somerset Council’s Home Library Service (HLS) is run by the council and a team of volunteers.”
- Southend – Southend Libraries hosts literature, photography, and family history events – Southend on Sea Council. “The Council is excited to announce two fascinating events as part of Southend Libraries’ 2025 schedule, catering to lovers of literature, photography, and family history.”
- Staffordshire – Libraries now offering people support to use NHS App – Staffordshire Council. “People who need that little bit of extra help to download and register on the NHS App can now do so at a library in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The support is available at eight Staffordshire libraries, with several more expected to join in the coming months.”
- St Helens – St Helens libraries to host ‘Baby Rhyme Time’ sessions – St Helens Star. “Participants can enjoy a variety of activities that incorporate the NSPCC’s Look Say Sing Play campaign, including the use of rhymes, instruments, and toys.”
- Stirling – Stirling Council urged to rethink budget cuts that will see libraries lose 25 percent – Herald Scotland. “The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland (CILIPS) has now written to the council to request a change in approach and believe the 25% cut could have a disastrous effect on libraries in the Stirling area.”
- Suffolk – Explore the forest of stories: Our new early years reading programme – Suffolk Libraries. 0-5 years reading promotion. “The group of animals and their forest surroundings will feature in a beautiful map and set of stickers which families can collect from libraries for free from 13 January so they can begin their adventure in the Forest of Stories.”
- Sunderland – Library move opens space for museum and gardens – BBC. “Sunderland’s Museum and Winter Gardens will have extra room when the city’s library moves to the Culture House development on Keel Square in the autumn.”
- Tameside – Tameside Council launches ‘The big friendly book return’ – Tameside Correspondent. “Tameside Council has launched ‘The big friendly book return’ – an initiative encouraging residents to return long-lost or well-loved library books. The program, aimed at children’s books borrowed from Tameside Libraries, begins immediately and offers amnesty for all overdue or damaged items. Simply drop them in the dedicated Big Friendly Book Return box at your local library or hand them over at the counter and your account will be cleared – no questions asked.” [And presumably ignore the Big Friendly Escape Arrows” taped on to the floor in the picture – Ed.]
- Torbay – Torbay libraries offer free clothes, food, and events – Torbay Today. “Free warm clothes, hygiene banks, community fridges stocked with free food, and hundreds of welcoming groups and events are amongst a wealth of offerings to be found in libraries across the resort. Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs libraries in the county, is rolling out its Cold Days, Warm Libraries campaign for the third year running.”
- Westmorland and Furness – Temporary library service opens in Barrow – Westmorland and Furness Council. “A temporary library service has opened today (Wednesday) in place of the closed Roose Library in Barrow. Roose Library had to be closed due to fire damage caused following a suspected arson attack. Since the library building’s closure, Westmorland and Furness Council has been considering a number of options for a temporary library in place of the closed Roose Library, while it engages with the community on a long-term, permanent library offer.”
- Council launches surveys to help shape future of library services – Westmorland and Furness Council. “The council is inviting everyone, current library users and non-users, adults and children, to share their views on what matters most to them, ensuring that our libraries continue to meet the diverse needs of our community.”
- West Sussex – West Sussex Libraries celebrate 100 years of service – Argus. “The county council adopted the Public Libraries Act 1919 on February 13, 1925, paving the way for a network of libraries in the county.” Events include an ACE funded “Library of Possibilities and Wonders virtual reality (VR) experience.”
- Wirral – Birkenhead Central Library to host ‘info marketplace’ for Health Information Week – Birkenhead News. “The event is part of the Health Information Week … national campaign promoting high-quality information for the public that takes place from 20-26 January 2025″
- Worcestershire – Primary School Library Visit: Fostering a lifelong love of reading – Worcestershire Council. “In 2024, Worcestershire’s libraries hosted 502 school visits, providing over 16,000 pupils with focused sessions that support national curriculum objectives.”
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