It’s still austerity, but now with less champagne
Editorial
There’s a lot of news this week. On the plus side, we have a few libraries completing refurbishments and, a really big one, a U-turn from Bristol meaning that all of its libraries will remain open. On the downside, there’s fears over the continued operation 3 Argyll libraries and 3 Havering libraries. And then we have big cuts to opening hours at Nottingham (which, to be fair, is an improvement on the original plans to close 12 out of 15 branches), 39 hour lost at Wakefield and a 20% cut in Pembrokeshire. As a final punch to the face, North East Lincolnshire have admitted spending more than seven-eighths of the money allocated to refurbishing (and reopening floors of) Grimsby Central Library on making the shopping centre nicer instead.
It’s important to remember that there is a trend in council announcements – first off the Council announces scary big cuts then it has a rethink (often brought on by protests) and comes up with a second, or even a third, reduced reduction. So some of what has been announced this week will end up not as bad eventually and, of course, as Bristol shows, may go away entirely. But the cuts announced are big enough to show that we are still in Austerity – it’s just not the Champagne Austerity of 2010-24 but rather a dour, semi-regretful, but no less severe, Labour version.
Changes by local authority
- Argyll and Bute – Cardross, Rosneath and Tiree under threat
- Bristol – Threats of cuts/closures removed.
- Harrow – Pinner Library temporarily closed due to asbestos
- Havering – 3 libraries (Harold Wood, South Hornchurch, and Gidea Park) may close in £288k cut
- North East Lincolnshire – £3.7m out of £4.2m to be spent refurbishing Grimsby Central Library spent on shopping centre instead: library only open on two floors.
- Nottingham – 206 hours opening hour cuts, volunteers encouraged.
- Pembrokeshire – 20% cut proposed: Milford Haven smaller library or volunteer; Pembroke reduced hours; Pembroke Dock reduce hours.
- Wakefield – 39 hours per week opening hour cut proposed.
National news
- Poet Laureate Simon Armitage embarks on the next leg of his 10-year library tour – BookSeller. “The next stage of his tour will be held from 3rd to 11th March 2025, marking the halfway milestone of his project. It will include a series of free live-poetry readings in libraries, with different special guests in each location.”
“My experience of reading and writing began in the village library where I grew up, then in the nearby town library, then in libraries at various places of study and teaching. I want to pay my respects to these unique institutions. By planning readings up to a decade in advance, I’m being optimistic about the future of our libraries and challenging those authorities who would consider closing them down.”
Simon Armitage
- Sport centres and libraries across Wales are at risk of closure as council cutbacks bite – ITV. “ampaigners in Blackwood have been gathering in an attempt to save Cefn Fforest Sports Centre – one of several facilities set for closure by Caerphilly Council.”
- Tackling digital exclusion and health literacy: How libraries can help bridge the gap – NHS. “We want to provide library staff with the tools and support they need to help people access their NHS account either using NHS.uk or the NHS App. By empowering librarians, we can assist more people in managing their health online. This partnership has the potential to improve health outcomes by ensuring no one is left behind in the digital world. Libraries, already community hubs, are in a perfect position to help bridge the digital health gap and support better healthcare access for everyone. You can see the list of participating library services on the NHS Knowledge and Library Services website.”
International news
- Canada/UK – Public Libraries and Crisis Response During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Nature. UK had big decline in book issues and not as big rise in e-loans; Canada stressed their new community role (“still open and here for you”); Scotland stressed digital role; some adoption of digital services but many older people “chose not to engage with them”.
- Canada – Safety concerns on the rise at Greater Victoria libraries – Oak Bay News. Because there are fw “free spaces” in towns, libraries are seeing a focus in dealing with those with complex issues. “in August 2021, there were 28 reported incidents across the system with nine of them at the downtown central branch on Broughton Street. In August 2024, there were 80 reported incidents overall, with 52 of those at the central branch, an almost three-fold overall increase, and more than five times the incidents at the central branch.”
- Indonesia / Philippines / USA / Turkey – Disaster Management in Libraries and Cultural Heritage Preservation – Nature. Philippine libraries face numerous disasters but only minority have a disaster plan; most literature on disaster management in libraries is from the USA; Indonesia – plan focuses on conservation of collections; Turkey earthquake showed need for counselling.
- USA – Overdue copy of George Orwell’s ‘The Road to Wigan Pier’ returned to library 50 years later – and it ‘smelled downright awful’ – New York Post. Another week, another library-book-returned-really-late story.
Local news by authority
- Aberdeenshire – Aberdeenshire residents fighting to keep libraries open amid shock plans to close 13 buildings – Aberdeen Live. Petitions, consultation.
- Argyll and Bute – Fears for the future of libraries – Lochside Press. “Fears have been expressed for the future of another library in Argyll and Bute – with a councillor admitting ‘there is no money. The future of Cardross Library was discussed by community councillors, with the facility having been temporarily closed on staffing grounds. Leisure trust LiveArgyll, which operates libraries on behalf of Argyll and Bute Council, has said that Cardross Library has been closed since Tuesday, January 7, while Rosneath’s library has been closed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and Tiree Library has been closed since November 12.” see also Community fears grow over future of closed Cardross Library – Helensburgh Advertiser.
- Blackburn with Darwen – Town library upgrade to improve its historic looks planned – Lancashire Telegraph. “The demolition proposal aims to improve the look of the 117-year-old heritage Grade-II listed building and improve its links to the town centre, the Market Hall and Town Hall. Blackburn with Darwen Council has applied to itself for planning permission for the removal of a single-storey outbuilding and small brick outrigger, the removal and replacement of a fire escape staircase and any required remedial works a the library and theatre in Knott Street.”
- Bristol – Council saves libraries from closure amid cuts – BBC. “Ms Mack said libraries would continue to receive the same funding this year. “We have listened to the public and prioritised saving certain services,” Ms Mack told BBC Points West.”
- Bromley – Beckenham Library reopening following refurbishment – Bromley Council. “Works at Beckenham have created a new customer toilet with baby changing facilities, new windows and improved electrics throughout the library and have reinstated the original art deco entrance, to allow for a warm welcome to visitors from 5 February. Additional study space is also being provided as the library reopens, with a dedicated section for students, plus an expanded children’s library, and new bookable room for local use.”
- Cheshire West and Chester – Cheshire West libraries to host Health and Wellbeing Week – Northwich and Winsford Guardian. “The library service has partnered with various organisations, including Age UK, Brio Leisure, Citizens Advice, Employment Directions, Healthbox, Healthwatch, Health Rangers, Koala Northwest, Poverty Truth, the Road Safety team, and Snow Angels.”
- Cumberland – Library closes for month as works go ahead – BBC. “Works to Carlisle Library, in The Lanes shopping centre, were expected to take 10 to 12 months, Cumberland Council said. As well as structural work such as rewiring, the authority said the facility would be transformed into a “modern space” with a children’s zone, study spaces and adult learning classrooms.” see also Turning the page: Carlisle Library’s next chapter – Cumberland Council. “funded from the UK Government’s Carlisle Town Deal with additional investment from Cumberland Council”
- Denbighshire – Denbighshire Libraries Launch an Adults Reading Challenge – Wales 247. “The ’25 Book Challenge’ will encourage readers to step out of their comfort zone and try reading books from 25 different genres and themes in the form of book bingo”
- Devon – New chapter for moorland bookworms – Mid-Devon Advertiser. “Many communities across Devon lost their access to library facilities early last year when Devon County Council shelved its four mobile libraries due to declining demand and budget cuts” … “But after a successful trial of the service before Christmas, residents of six villages across Dartmoor can use a special travelling post office library card to reserve and collect books from Stuart’s travelling post office.”
- Dudley – Lye Library reopens – Dudley Council. “Funded by a grant of £144,715 from the government’s Libraries Improvements Fund, administered by Arts Council England, work has included installing VR headsets, improving the seating and creating more flexible communal space with moveable shelving and new flooring.”
- Essex – Campaigners condemn “privatisation” of Loughton Library space – Save Our Libraries Essex. “Campaigners at Epping Forest SOLE have condemned what they say is the “privatisation” of the upstairs space at Loughton Library. The area that was formerly a popular study space, has now been taken over by a private company, Workary, which is hiring out space at the library for a fee.”
- Hackney – Council under fire for using casual library staff contracts – ‘in tension’ with its own policies – Hackney Citizen. “Hackney Council has been confronted over its use of casual contracts in the borough’s libraries, which critics stress is at odds with the Town Hall’s opposition to zero-hours contracts. On Monday (20 January), Unison members grilled the local authority on the ongoing impact of multiple job cuts resulting in a growing reliance on temporary “relief” staff.” … “The number of hours worked by relief staff is equivalent to nine full-time employees”
- Harrow – North London library forced to close after asbestos found in roof panels – My London. “Harrow Council has announced that Pinner Library will ‘open again soon’ but hasn’t given a firm date.”
- Havering – Havering library closures: Council blames funding cuts – Romford Recorder. “The council said it has been forced into recommending the closure of Harold Wood, South Hornchurch, and Gidea Park libraries due to financial challenges. The decision will be put before the council’s cabinet on February 5, after being reviewed by the council’s overview and scrutiny committee on February 3.” see also ‘These library closures are shameful and short-sighted decisions’. Romford MP hits out at Havering Council -Havering Daily.
- Leeds – Library tunes up to create city’s dynamic new music facility – Leeds Council. “Alongside recording, visitors will be able to join in taster sessions on instruments including drums, guitar and ukulele while a new bespoke performance space will be the stage for local artists, bands and orchestras to showcase their talents.”
- Manchester – Manchester Libraries launch brand new monthly podcast … Full Volume – Manchester Council. “A snappy 40-minute magazine show, listeners can expect a treasure trove of insider tips to exclusive interviews, the latest news to book reviews, and so much more every month. Presented by the Central Library’s Alan Lynch, the podcast has been something of a passion project for some time”
- New digital experience to launch in Manchester Libraries – Manchester Council. “Manchester’s bespoke programme will encompass a thrilling Virtual Reality (VR) tour which will showcase a rich collection of VR titles designed to captivate a wide audience. The VR tour will visit Manchester Central Library in June to coincide with the Festival of Libraries, and other libraries later in the year”
- North East Lincolnshire – Library refit money spent on shopping centre – BBC. “Most of the money earmarked to refurbish Grimsby Central Library has been spent on the town’s Freshney Place, a meeting was told. North East Lincolnshire Council was to spend £4.2m bringing the building back into public use. However, a council budget meeting heard that as the cost of the Freshney Place redevelopment has risen to nearly £50m around £3.7m of the library budget has been reallocated.”
- Nottingham – Dozens march down Mansfield Road in Sherwood community centres and library protest – Nottinghamshire Live. “The protest saw about 70 people march between Woodthorpe Park, opposite Sherwood Community Centre, and Sherwood Library, both on Mansfield Road.” … “Sherwood Library was closed in 2020 and is set to open in the summer. The facilities were, however, first expected to reopen in the summer last year, with protesters now asking for its immediate reopening.”
- The Nottingham library marking an incredible anniversary despite the cuts – Nottingham Post. Centenary: “The Meadows Library is one of the centres that is facing cuts and it will now close on Thursdays as well as Tuesdays, meaning they are now open 25 hours a week instead of 35. Volunteers say the library is still thriving though as they prepare to celebrate an impressive anniversary.”
- Scale of cuts to Nottingham libraries laid bare as council announces proposed opening hours – Nottingham Post. “Opening hours across Nottingham’s libraries are due to be cut by more than 200 hours a week under new plans. Nottingham City Council, which declared itself effectively bankrupt in 2023, is looking to cut just over £1.5m from its libraries service over the next two years in a bid to become more financially sustainable.” see also 13 job losses confirmed as part of Nottingham libraries cuts – West Bridgford Wire.
- Nottinghamshire – Be inspired in the new improved Hucknall Library – Marketing Nottingham. “The renovations provide upgraded spaces and facilities to allow for improved flexibility and enhanced use of the building as well as providing access to a customer toilet. Additional improvements include redecoration and recarpeting of public areas, a reconfigured layout to create more flexible spaces, and new shelving, furniture, and signage to provide a welcoming, modern environment. “
- Pembrokeshire – Temporary closure at Tenby Library – Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Observer. Shelving being replaced.
- Consultation launched on changes to Library Service – Pembrokeshire Council. “Working on the basis of a potential 20% savings requirement for the Library Service, the following changes are proposed”: Milford Haven smaller library or volunteer; Pembroke reduced hours; Pembroke Dock reduce hours.
- Perth and Kinross – Perth and Kinross Council will today be presented with petitions to save five libraries from closure – Daily Record. “Over the past few months, the communities of Alyth, Auchterarder, Birnam, Comrie and Scone have amassed around 4000 signatures to their petitions to keep their libraries open.”
- Peterborough – ‘Library closures could create cultural desert’ – BBC. “On Saturday, campaigners fighting to save under-threat Woodston Library in Peterborough invited all city councillors and the local North-West Cambridgeshire MP to attend a community event and see how “important” the venue was before any decision was made to shut it.”
- Slough – Councillors block bid to protect libraries – BBC. “Slough Borough Council, which is controlled by a minority Conservative administration, is consulting on proposals to close Langley and Cippenham libraries. Independent councillor Chandra Muvvala proposed a motion to dismiss the plans, but Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors voted to alter Mr Muvvala’s motion. Their amendment instead said the council’s cabinet would “consider the consultation” and “protect existing resourcing levels”.”
- Suffolk – Lowestoft Library announces plans for community garden – Lowestoft Journal. “The project at Lowestoft Library will see an unused outside area transformed into a vibrant space for food, nature, and wellbeing. The initiative, funded by the Culture Nature England programme, aims to provide fresh produce, a wildlife habitat, and a place for Lowestoft Library users to connect with nature. Library staff, who have been ‘guerrilla gardening’ on the roof for years, hope to use the space as an outdoor pantry with year-round fruit and vegetables for the community.” see also Volunteers needed to create library garden project – BBC.
- Ipswich County Library to host free writing for children workshop – Suffolk Libraries. “The library is one of several projects to win the ‘All Stories’ national competition to host a fully funded workshop to encourage and support aspiring writers from under-represented backgrounds.”
- Suffolk Libraries online book festival returns this February – Ipswich Star. “This annual event invites people to enjoy online author talks, explore different genres, and find new books from home. The festival will run from Friday, February 21 to Sunday, February 23 and feature live online talks with bestselling authors Stuart Turton, Becky Holmes, and Elly Griffiths.”
- Surrey – Crafts and poetry to celebrate Woking Library refurb – BBC. “The space has been kitted out with new furniture, more study space and new public toilets, and will be rolling out technology to allow out-of-hours use in February.” see also See inside refurbished Woking Library with new toilets and increased space – Get Surrey.
- Sussex – Councillor expresses anger over library attacks – BBC. “Between April and June, there were 45 examples of physical and verbal attacks on council staff – including eight in libraries. Between July and the end of September, there were 54 incidents. That included 21 in libraries. “It’s perverse when our staff are keen to help people, that they then find themselves the subject of abuse,” said Mr Crow.”
- Wakefield – Council accused of ‘picking on the libraries’ – BBC. “Normanton is one of 12 libraries in Wakefield which could see opening hours reduced in order” to help balance the books, with the council facing a £88m budget deficit over the next five years.” … “The proposed library opening hours would mean a loss of 39 hours across the libraries”
- West Sussex – West Sussex reaches historic milestone with library centenary celebrations – Argus. “West Sussex Library Service is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The county council adopted the Public Libraries Act 1919 on February 13, 1925, paving the way for a network of libraries in the county.”
- Windsor and Maidenhead – Library service ‘building’ on Lego club success following Legoland donation – Windsor and Maidenhead Council. “Lego club at Dedworth Library saw huge bags of bricks gifted late last month, and the donation has meant that more volunteer-led groups have been set up in the borough.”
- Wirral – Wirral Libraries to host ‘info marketplace’ in Birkenhead – Wirral Globe. “This free event offers visitors the opportunity to engage directly with various local health and wellbeing support groups, such as the Falls Prevention Service, Wirral Ways to Recovery, and Wirral Mind. Others include Diabetes UK, Age UK, Macmillan, and Wirral Met, among many more.”
- Worcestershire – Achieving a sense of purpose and building community connections through volunteering – Worcestershire Council. “Over 350 volunteers of all ages generously gift their time to Worcestershire libraries each year.”
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