Archive for April, 2025

Editorial

So I’ve just had today a couple of Teams meetings with two very different people, one American and one a Londoner, asking in their various ways about the state of English public libraries. Leaving aside the sheer nerdiness of me enjoying doing such things on a Bank Holiday Monday, the thing that united both conversations was both asked how libraries are nationally organised and co-ordinated. When answering the question, I always include the phrase “herd of cats”. I also may say something linked to the quote attributed to Gandhi about when he was asked about what he thought of Western civilization, to which he allegedly answered “I think it would be a good idea”.

But, the thing is, however atomised the British service is, with a prosperous library service often not having communication or indeed knowledge of the bordering poverty-stricken library service adjoining it, it’s a lot better than it was. The internet has meant that librarians can easily find out what’s going on and organisations like Libraries Connected (the clues in the name), CILIP and even the British Library are helping to share knowledge and to ever so gently try to herd things along. And this is a good thing. I remember when the British Library did barely anything in this regard and there was no Libraries Connected. The library world now seems to be full of best practice webinars and knowledge-sharing, There’s even inter-service meetings and get-togethers. This may be a huddling response to the current situation, much like you see penguins do in cold weather but I think it’s more than that. It means that library services can learn from each other and benefit from economies of scale.

Do you know what’s stopping cats taking over the world? Lack of organisational skills. So it’s good to see we’re getting more linked and co-ordinated, albeit in fits and starts, in the public libraries sector. Meow.

Changes by local authority

• Pembrokeshire – Town Council to fund Neyland Library for five years.

National news

• J.K. Rowling (as Robert Galbraith) longlisted for the Dagger in the Library Award 2025 – Rowling Library. ” J.K. Rowling, writing under her pseudonym Robert Galbraith, has been longlisted for the prestigious Dagger in the Library Award from the Crime Writers’ Association for 2025. The longlist features ten accomplished crime writers who have built strong relationships with libraries and their readers”
• MP slams ‘incongruous’ fire brigade decision to ban book swaps on London Underground – Independent. “Labour MP for Walthamstow, Stella Creasy, has said that it “seems incongruous” to remove community bookcases from London Underground stations due to the fire risk when newsagents selling paper products remain.”
• Queering the kids’ section – Critic. “It would be near-heresy to suggest that libraries, these cosy spaces, those agents of positive change, are complicit in harming the young. This may explain why the announcement of this year’s Carnegie Medals shortlist announced has slipped — so far — under the radar.” … “This could explain why Birmingham Libraries has ignored guidance that Homebody is for 14+ readers, and put the book in its junior section. Other authorities — Derby and East Cheshire — have done the same” … “Libraries present themselves as fit for purpose. We are led to believe the work they do is suitable and appropriate. Dig deeper though, and it’s clear how heavily they have invested in a toxic ideology.”
• The right-wing threat on censorship is real – Funding the future. “Right now, the moves will be limited. But expect something the left has used to good effect to become a key feature of congressional campaigns, and that is clicktivism. You can just see there being campaigns created to demand that material of the above sort be removed from libraries and schools. It would be all too easy to do. And it worries me, for precisely that reason.”

• Trump-style book censorship is spreading – just ask British librarians – Guardian. “For all its talk of free speech, the Trump administration seems remarkably comfortable with censorship.” … “when a Catholic school in Croydon invited Simon James Green, a prominent gay children’s author, to give a talk. The US anti-LGBT website Catholic Truth ran a campaign encouraging readers to contact the school and protest against the event” … “One survey conducted later that year found 26% of librarians had “occasionally” been asked to censor materials” … “Most of the requests to remove books came from parents, and almost all of these requests related to books that explored LGBT+ themes. ” … “Over the last three years, drag queen story events – a popular format involving considerable amounts of glitter and storytelling aimed at children – have been targeted by protests organised by Turning Point UK, a British offshoot of the far-right US political organisation, and by the white nationalist group Patriotic Alternative.”
• UK libraries facing growing calls to remove LGBT+ books – Independent. “LGBT+ charity Stonewall has raised concerns after new research seen by The Independent revealed that the vast majority of book removal requests in UK school libraries have been focused on LGBT+ content.”

International news

• Canada / USA – Dismay as cross-border library caught in US-Canada feud: ‘We just want to stay open’ – Guardian. “Under the new rules which go into effect in October, Canadians will need to go through a formal border crossing before entering the library. The news, met with disbelief from patrons and staff, followed a closely watched visit by the US secretary of homeland security, Kristi Noem, in March. Touring the library, Noem said “USA number one!” and then hopped over the black tape separating the two countries and said “51st state” when she landed in Canada. She repeated the joke – echoing Donald Trump’s recent fixation on annexing Canada – three times.”
• Europe – Europe Challenge. “The Europe Challenge is an annual programme that brings together teams from libraries and communities across Europe to address today’s most pressing social, digital, and climate challenges by developing, sharing and implementing creative solutions with support from the European Cultural Foundation and its partners.”
• Global – Six beautiful libraries from around the world – BBC. Most aren’t public libraries but oh my goodness.
• India – No sharp shushes or ‘finger on the lips’, community libraries reimagine reading spaces – Hindustan Times. “Turning the idea of a library on its head while adhering to the core mantra of learning as fun, this one in south Delhi’s Khirki Extension is among the more than 230 across India. Connected to the Free Libraries Network , they have reimagined libraries as community spaces that encourage engagement between children through activities, stories, drama, sports, conversations, and a lot of reading.”
  • Community Libraries Are Spreading Across Rural India – Reasons to be cheerful. “Uttar Pradesh alone has merely 200 public libraries, but almost 98,000 villages at last count. “. Mobile and little libraries (one or two rooms) are expanding.
• USA – Wildflower seeds are available at public libraries – – Del Norte Prospector. ” Generation Wild has been working to get indoor kids outside with wildflowers by distributing more than 120,000 free seed packets across the state.”
  • Banned Together – IMDB. Movie: “Visionary teenagers, public protests, threats, criminal charges, and drama-filled school board meetings: this is the explosive world of “Banned Together”, the first feature documentary about fighting book bans and censorship in the U.S”
• Library director resigns under pressure from board, anti-LGBTQ activists – KUNR. Nevada.

Local news by authority

• Blackburn With Darwen – Bright new Spring display at Blackburn Central Library – Lancashire Telegraph. “As part of a wider project celebrating the joy of reading, the library’s windows have been transformed into a lively “Spring into Reading” display—an eye-catching celebration of books, learning, and the season’s renewal. The striking artwork is the result of a marketing and training initiative led by Cath Ford, who has worked closely with library staff through a series of workshops.” … “The project is part of Rekindle, a national Arts in Libraries programme designed to place libraries at the heart of cultural experiences for rural, peri-urban, and underserved communities.”
• Bradford – Just one third of Bradford library users are men – review – Telegraph and Argus. “Encouraging more men to use Bradford’s libraries and creating a City of Culture legacy are among the goals of the district’s library services over the next five years” … “A recent review of the library service found that despite a decrease in staffing levels and funding, the service has seen a big rise in the number of events held in libraries in the past five years.” … “Since April, the service has faced further cuts – last year, Bradford Council approved £175,000 cuts and reduced opening hours.” … “More than £800,000 has been invested in the library service in the five-year period, with 10 out of the 12 Council-run libraries being refurbished.” ACE- funded project to attract more males.
• Bromley – Bromley Central Library to host first World Book Night – News Shopper. “The event will include the giveaway of 150 ‘quick reads’, creative writing workshops, and a Q&A session with local authors. There will also be a painting taster session, a talk on the history of Bromley, and a start-up marketplace showcasing local entrepreneurs.”
• Carmarthenshire – Carmarthenshire libraries and schools come together to promote Reading Well for Dementia – Tenby Observer. “The sessions, held in March, were part of an initiative funded by the Books Council of Wales and brought together care home residents and schoolchildren in an inter-generational setting.”
• Coventry – Three libraries to be relocated despite concerns – BBC. “Coventry City Council has approved plans to move the services in Bell Green, Coundon and Holbrooks at a meeting on Wednesday. Hundreds of residents had signed petitions and objected to the proposals following fears of reductions to footfall, staff and books. The cabinet member for finance, councillor Richard Brown, said the relocation would save £625,000 per year.”
• Croydon – New shared reading group to begin at New Addington Library – Inside Croydon. “The Reader, a national charity, is starting a shared reading group in Croydon next week.”
• Cumberland – Library shut suddenly amid serious building issue – BBC. “Cumberland Council said Carlisle Library, in The Lanes shopping centre, would be closed until further notice. Posting on social media, the local authority said it hoped to issue an update after the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. The library is currently undergoing a £3.3m renovation.”

• Devon – Devon’s libraries quietly reinvent themselves with seed swaps and fridges – Devon Live. “Parents with newborns can weigh their babies in a calm, welcoming setting – without the need to book in at a GP surgery. They can also stick around for Bounce & Rhyme , a free singing session designed to entertain little ones and offer a chance for new parents to socialise.” … ” … “Several sites now run Repair Cafés , where volunteers help fix everything from toasters to trousers, and Seed Swaps are also growing in popularity. These allow people to bring along excess fruit, vegetable, flower or herb seeds and take home something new to plant – helping local wildlife in the process. Food waste is tackled head-on through Community Fridges , available at a number of branches, which offer free surplus items donated by supermarkets. Alongside these are school uniform and fancy dress swaps, set up to ease financial pressures on parents – particularly around Halloween and World Book Day. Libraries in Honiton and Tavistock have partnered with Active Devon to offer free cycle training sessions.”
  • New spring and summer arts events at Barnstaple Library take ‘Pride of Place’ – North Devon Gazette. “This is now the third time Libraries Unlimited – which runs the libraries in Devon and Torbay – has hosted the Pride of Place themed season at locations across the county. In Barnstaple it will offer the North Devon community a wide ranges of events and activities from tango lessons to nature journalling and creating origami blossoms from old books, as well as photography exhibitions and live theatre performances.”
• Harrow – Libraries, high streets and arts block set for upgrade as £800k secured for North London borough – My London. “Local authority and community library services will also receive a £100,000 investment, which will include creating more meeting rooms and neurodivergent friendly libraries, with the aim of increasing the number of users by 6,000.”
• Inverclyde – Drop in at Port Glasgow Library to share VE Day stories – Greenock Telegraph. “Residents can bring in photographs, medals, and other mementos to be digitised by library staff. The council is particularly interested in stories about relatives who served in the war and how families celebrated VE Day.”
• Isle of Wight – World Book Night 2025: Island Libraries invite everyone to celebrate reading (updated) – On the Wight. “Three libraries—Ryde, Lord Louis in Newport, and Sandown—will be hosting community events to mark the evening. Activities will run from 6pm to 8pm and include a book swap and informal chats over light refreshments, provided by the Friends of the Library groups.”
  • Ryde Library set to re-open children’s section following renovation – Island Echo. “The Isle of Wight Library service secured a £150,000 grant from Arts Council England’s Libraries Improvement Fund in 2023, which was shared with Cowes Library to improve facilities and accessibility at both locations. Renovations at Ryde Library began at the end of February, and included the installation of a new accessible toilet for library user groups and a complete refurbishment of the children’s library.The Friends of Ryde Library generously funded new furniture and shelving, which have now been delivered and installed.”
• Islington – ‘I visited the tiny library in a 100-year-old Islington phone box that lights up at night’ – My London News. Little free library. Architect-designed, child-friendly.
• Leicester – Campaign launched to save Leicester libraries from closure threat – Leicester Mercury. “A bid to save Leicester libraries and community centres from possible closure and cuts has been launched by opposition councillors. The Leicester Conservative group has branded the proposed cuts “an absolute disgrace”, adding that the service was a “lifeline” for local communities.”
• Norfolk – Norfolk Council owed more than £100,000 in late fines – North Norfolk News. “Late fines had been reintroduced for books across Norfolk’s libraries last year after they had been suspended during Covid. The data revealed that the council had collected more than £70,000 since late fines were reintroduced.”
• North East Lincolnshire – Library services review enters its next phase – BBC. “It follows a survey last year that asked people how they used library and archive services, and what they wanted to see in future. The consultation covers four of the five libraries in the borough, in Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Waltham.” … “The council said the review was launched because there had been a decline in library visits since the pandemic of more than 40%. It added that there were economic and social advantages of bringing services together under one roof.”
• Northern Ireland – Convicted child sex offender allegedly used public libraries to flout internet ban – News Letter. “William Maher, 37, appeared before magistrates in Belfast charged with eight separate breaches of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order. The SOPO was imposed in May last year as part of a sentence imposed for communication with two young boys.”
• North Northamptonshire – Finish date for £6.8m-budget Kettering Cornerstone roof replacement project announced as library and art gallery to be made watertight – Northants Telegraph. “Kettering residents will have to wait until August 2026 for their art gallery and library to reopen more than five years after work first began – and with a total price tag of £11.3m. A timeline published by North Northants Council has revealed scaffolding erection work is set to begin on April 28 (2025), a process that will take just under four months.”
• Pembrokeshire – Funding support agreed for Neyland Library – Pembrokeshire Council. “Neyland Town Council has agreed to a five-year funding agreement to support the continued professional operation of the library, with opening hours unchanged. Neyland Library was opened in June 2021 and has 13 hours a week of staffed opening, but customers can use unstaffed access anytime from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week, all year round.”
• Slough – Slough libraries: petition to be debated by councillors – Slough and South Bucks Observer. “A petition signed by more than 2,000 people against the possible closure of Langley and Cippenham libraries is set to be debated by councillors next week.” Opening hours and usage had been cut in the two libraries since 2019.
• Suffolk – The Reading Quest starts here! Volunteers needed to support Suffolk’s summer literacy campaign – Suffolk Libraries. “Reading Quest replaced the Summer Reading Challenge literacy campaign and last year over 6,200 children took part. ”
  • Suffolk Libraries’ charity set to decide on future – Ipswich Star. Paywall. “The charity that has run Suffolk Libraries for the last 13 years is preparing to decide whether to wind itself up or carry on in a new form after the end of next month.”
• Tameside – Festival of Libraries Returns for 2025 – Tameside Council. “Greater Manchester Festival of Libraries is returning for 2025 and as always Tameside Council will be playing its part to the full. This vibrant celebration of libraries and their vital role in communities across the city region takes place from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 June. Tameside has three great events lined up including the highly popular Look for a Book activity during the summer half-term break (23 May to 1 June)”
• Warrington – ‘Nothing off table’ as pupils voice opposition to Westbrook Library closure plan – Warrington Guardian. “The pupil asked: “Outside of school, where will the children of Westbrook be able to walk to locally with their family and friends to support their mental health and wellbeing, connect with others, read books, learn, develop a love of reading, relax, attend activities, complete their homework and choose books that they can take home – all for free – if Westbrook Library closes?” Responding to the full question, Cllr Higgins said: “I would normally then say thank you for the question but I couldn’t see a question within this statement.””
• West Sussex – Big cheer for our library volunteers – West Sussex Council. “The service currently has 334 active volunteers across 13 different roles in our 36 libraries and out in the community, and in the last year alone collectively gave around 16,500 hours of their time to help others.”
• Wokingham -Lions look for laptops – Wokingham Today. Libraries provide space for laptop donations to charity.

Editorial

There was a time when it looked like all public libraries would go fines-free sooner or later. Now, that seems a bit optimistic. It’s sad to see that Stoke on Trent are reactivating fines for the first time since Covid. This appears to be fundamentally an income-generating move. Which is, sadly, fair enough, considering the cuts that many library services are going through. In other austerity news, Leicester have announced that they’re closing, or passing to volunteers, six libraries while consolidating funding in their remaining ones, including introducing staff-less hours. And Bradford have reduced their opening hours and Havering are closing some of its libraries. Yay though for Blackburn With Darwen which is upgrading a library/theatre and also those library services which are showing off their Libraries Improvement Fund works from the last round. And of course there’s the next LIF round coming.

Perhaps, though, there needs to be another less politically-loaded word being used other than “austerity” in that last paragraph but it’s a challenge. The political orthodoxy since at least 2010, Labour and Conservative, is that spending needs reducing in order to reduce debt. This is opposed to the view that one can spend one’s way out of recession, ideally by investment, as championed by Keynes and Roosevelt, with a side-order of World War Two rearmament. The obvious flaw, though, to the current ideology is that it’s blatantly not worked for 15 years and has included some of the lowest earnings increases since the Napoleonic Wars combined with precious little debt repayment. At least, when one invests, one gets wealthier front-line workers and better services out of that. The current alternative is neither that nor, evidently, repayment. Doesn’t seem all that sensible or adult to me. So I’ll stick with “austerity”. As` also the Government, sadly, appears to be doing.

There has to be another word for what’s happening in the USA though. Cutting funding to public libraries, is in the right playbook but encouraging censorship is something else. And there’s even concerns expressed in Canada – apart from the ones about them being invaded by the USA (last seen in the worst-case Fallout game timeline) – that the tariffs will increase costs of books and other library goods/services. Yes, definitely another word is needed there.

Changes by local authority

• Blackburn With Darwen – Investment in Blackburn Library and Library Theatre.
• Leicester – 6 libraries (Evington, Knighton, and Rushey Mead, along with the Tudor Centre, Eyres Monsell Community Centre, and Gilmorton Community Rooms) may close or turn volunteer.
• Stoke on Trent – Returns to fining adults.

National news

• Don’t bank on it: Major banks telling customers to use pop-up services in libraries and churches as they shut 254 branches – Sun. “Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland, which are all part of Lloyds Banking Group, will shut at least 254 bank branches in 2025 and 2026”. Colchester: “Lloyds customers can speak to a Community Banker at the local library on a Wednesday once a fortnight”
• How Reading Sparks is Inspiring Young Readers – Reading Agency. “a fun programme that mixes science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) with creativity and reading. ” … “These are special projects that shine a light on cool areas of STEM. Our first spotlight was robotics and coding, using Lego – specifically, something called Lego Spike Prime.”. A look at the pilot ptojects.

• The importance of public libraries for older adults: Supporting wellbeing later in life – CILIPS. “as a cognitively and emotionally enriching activity, books offer a vast array of choice for older adults to pursue their personal interests and preferences. Yet for these benefits of reading to be realised, older adults need to have access to quality books to support and enrich later life – highlighting the essential role of public libraries.”
• Library resource pack: Dying Matters Awareness Week – Hospice UK.
• Meet the passionate volunteers saving our libraries – and the users who depend on them – Lancs Live. “At Mill Hill a team of around 15 volunteers man the desk and ensure the library runs smoothly. The building is often packed with youngsters after school and locals can come along for a brew and a biscuit.”
• ‘Meta has stolen books’: authors to protest in London against AI trained using ‘shadow library’ – Guardian. “Meta has stolen books so that their AI can reproduce creative content, potentially putting these same authors out of business”
• Miniature libraries are popping up across the UK, boosting community book sharing – Country Living. “To celebrate Penguin’s 90th birthday, 90 new Little Book Stops will open around the country — and there’s still time to nominate your local town or village.”
• To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to help public libraries expand outreach work – They Work For You. Answer is that they can apply to Libraries Improvement Fund, “such as electric tuk-tuks in Portsmouth”

International news

• Australia – ALIA National Simultaneous Storytime 2025 – Australia Library and Information Association. “Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 25th successful year …”
  • Beyond books: the surprising things to borrow from public libraries – Northern Daily Leader. Paywall.

• Ireland – Why Irish Libraries offer so much more than books – Times. Paywall. “Irish investment in libraries is mentioned by every library staff member I speak to, particularly in contrast to Britain …”

• USA – Elon Musk’s DOGE teams cut critical funding from America’s libraries, officials say – CBS. “Wednesday night, word came that more than a dozen Institute grants were terminated — “seemingly at random,” the union said. Three states, California, Connecticut and Washington, received the first termination notices for their state library grants, according to a statement from the union” see also Libraries are under siege: How Trump’s cuts put community hubs in peril – USA Today.

• Building and Sustaining Homeschooling Centers at Three U.S. Public Libraries – Information Today. “public libraries are increasingly a place where homeschooling families spend time and seek resources to aid in the education of their children. In this article, three public libraries (one located in New York and two in California) will share information regarding the programs, resources, and policies they have developed to serve the growing needs of this community.”
  • Rightwing groups across US push new bans to limit ‘obscene’ books in libraries – Guardian. “Critics say bans would hinder rights as proponents would impose their beliefs on others who don’t share their views”
  • Trump’s attack on libraries was predictable. Its consequences could be devastating – Guardian. “To understand why this matters so deeply, it’s crucial to recognize what IMLS actually does. Established in 1996, it is the primary federal agency providing crucial financial support to libraries and museums nationwide. It invests hundreds of millions of dollars annually to help institutions develop literacy programs, workforce training, digital resources, cultural preservation and civic engagement initiatives. Cutting this funding is more than just budget trimming. It means dismantling essential community infrastructure.”
  • US Naval Academy removes 400 books from library in anti-diversity purge – Guardian. Any book covering diversity, equality or inclusion removed on Trump’s orders.

Local news by authority

• Argyll and Bute – Frustration at closure of island’s only library – BBC. “Live Argyll, which runs community and leisure services on behalf of Argyll and Bute Council, shut the site in November after the sole librarian retired. The charity has published a business plan for the next two years, but Tiree’s library was not included on the list of its facilities.”
• Barnsley – Barnsley Libraries – Impact of The Libraries Improvement Fund – DCMS. “The Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF) will open for expressions of interest on Tuesday 6 May 2025 … To mark the publication of the guidance for Round 4, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the completed projects from earlier rounds starting with Barnsley Libraries who were able to upgrade their libraries with the support of LIF funding.”
• Bedford – Bookworms boost Bedford libraries to record-breaking February – Bedford Independent. “Love Libraries Month saw a record-breaking February in Bedford Borough, with more than 30,000 visits recorded across the borough’s libraries – and the highest-ever monthly footfall at Bedford Central Library since records began in 2022.” See Bedford Borough Year of Reading 2025.
• Blackburn With Darwen – Library Theatre with fascinating history set for major investment under £100m scheme – Lancashire Post. “A proposed double-storey extension – better linking the library and theatre, opening up the spaces for wider community uses … Improvements to the historic library that would focus on repairing and retaining the character and original features while helping to create more space … increased sustainability”.
• Bradford – Bradford libraries have reduced their hours from this week – Telegraph and Argus. “Libraries are reducing opening hours by an average of six hours per week, based on the preference of the public following consultation to focus reduced hours on Saturday and during the week rather than at lunchtimes.”
  • Library use rises as cuts to opening hours begin – BBC. “Each of the council’s 10 libraries has had its opening hours reduced by six hours a week, under changes introduced at the start of April. Yet a spokesperson for the library service said the buildings had been “diversifying” to serve modern community needs and the result was that visitor numbers had increased over the past few years. Christine May, the council’s head of libraries, said the sites were “no longer just places to borrow books”.”
• Bridgend – Bridgend’s Library Service Named Best In Wales – Awen Libraries. “Awen Libraries was selected for the success of its first-ever 21 Book Challenge, which has encouraged adults to explore new book titles and authors, discover a variety of new genres and expand their reading horizons.” … “While overall visitor numbers rose by more than 15% between 2022 and 2024, the number of books borrowed also increased by 45% in the same period.”
• Brighton and Hove – Hundreds back campaign to protect popular library from closure – Argus. “More than 1,400 people have signed a petition to try to protect Rottingdean library from closure.”
• Camden – Bafta-winning actor Lee Montague dies aged 97 – BBC. “Keats Community Library said they were “deeply sad” to announce Montague’s death, describing him as a “highly respected actor” who was also “vital to our success”.”
• Central Bedfordshire – Library Services Manager – Central Bedfordshire Council. Vacancy. Full time. From £53k.
• Cheshire East – Nantwich Library to stage benefits “support” drop-ins – Nantwich News. “Nantwich Library is to host a number of benefits and financial support drop-in sessions. They are aimed at helping people find out what you are entitled to as families across the borough face rising bills.”
• Devon – Devon toys and boards libraries an example for Cornwall to follow – Cornwall Live. Not a public library service but shows popularity of reuse: toy libraries at beaches.
  • Braunton Library named best in the South West for community and creativity – Devon Live. “From Lego clubs to floral bookmarks Braunton Library’s bold ideas and deep roots in nature just won it the title of regional library of the year” … “t triumphed over three other regional finalists—two of which, Bideford and Exeter, are also based in Devon and run by the charity Libraries Unlimited, which oversees the public libraries in Devon and Torbay.” … “The standout feature that secured Braunton’s regional win was its involvement in The Gatherers —a project celebrating the natural world and its role in mental health and community wellbeing. Residents were encouraged to collect flowers from gardens, allotments and hedgerows, with participants later pressing the blooms into bookmarks using old library books.”
• Dudley – Dudley Libraries offer free Easter activities for children – Dudley Council.
• Ealing – Join the celebrations at new-look libraries – Ealing Council. “DJ workshops, dancing, live music and art activities will all be on offer – free of charge – to celebrate the reopening of 2 local libraries and the Dominion Centre after a revamp. Acton and Northolt libraries, along with the Southall Dominion Centre closed at the end of last year to undergo a £900,000 transformation.”
• Edinburgh – New temporary library proposed at Davidson’s Mains Primary School – Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. “A new temporary library is being proposed at Davidson’s Mains Primary School, providing Blackhall Library’s key services while plans are developed for a long-term replacement for the previous building at Hillhouse Road. Blackhall Library has been closed since September 2023, following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RACC).”
• Guernsey – ‘Major transformation’ for library’s study area – BBC. “The study facilities at the Guille-Allès Library in St Peter Port are undergoing a “major transformation”. A library spokesperson said a refurbishment of the Hayward Room had been carried out with the aim of making it brighter and more welcoming for students, remote workers and lifelong learners. The upgrade include new carpet, improved lighting and a new ceiling on the lower level.”
• Haringey – Celebrate International Children’s Book Day at your local library – Haringey Council. Crafts and events. “We have recently launched a new Library of the Month campaign. “
• Hartlepool – Hartlepool’s Seaton Carew Community Hub opens to the public after £250,000 renovations – Hartlepool Mail. “The library has a brand new layout including a communal space, adult lending library, children’s area, public computers and a meeting room.” £200k Libraries Improvement Fund. £50k from Council for the roof.
• Havering – Potential closure of the Gidea Park Library – Hansard. Petition debated: “The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to ensure that the Gidea Park library in the parliamentary constituency of Romford is not closed, but rather protected and enhanced as a centre of culture, learning, and local service provision for the people of Gidea Park.”. DCMS reply is that if public wish to report it as breach of statutory duty then they can do so.
  • Goodbye Gidea Park Library-Sad Day As Library Closes Its Doors After 60 Years. – Havering Daily. “Gidea Park Library closed its doors for the final time, after serving the adults and children in the community for over sixty years. “
  • Havering library closures: Librarian fears for community’s future – Romford Recorder. “Corinna Guthrie, a librarian for Essex Libraries, said she is “deeply saddened” by the closure of Gidea Park, South Hornchurch and Harold Wood libraries, which she worries will have an impact on different community groups in the borough. The libraries shut for good on March 31 after Havering Council recommended their closure at a cabinet meeting in February.” … “All three of the libraries in question hold a special place in my heart, and their closure has filled me with sadness, coupled with fear for the future of our communities.”
• Leicester – Leicester council plans £2.1m cuts to libraries and community centres – East Midlands Business Link. “The proposal includes transferring 11 facilities to community organisations while retaining 12 sites as “multi-service centres” and keeping the city’s Central Library.”. “Libraries in Evington, Knighton, and Rushey Mead, along with the Tudor Centre, Eyres Monsell Community Centre, and Gilmorton Community Rooms” may go volunteer. “With its library relocated, the St Matthew’s Centre may close, while the Fosse Neighbourhood Centre in Newfoundpool could be sold. The council plans to invest £1 million in the 12 sites it will retain, with five locations—including Beaumont Leys Library Hub and Highfields Library Hub—set to operate with staff hours 40 per week. Additional self-service hours will be available at select locations.”
  • Proposals for Leicester city libraries and community centres – Leicester Council.
• Liverpool – Liverpool Libraries have lots to do for all the family this Easter – Explore Liverpool.

• Nottinghamshire – Inspire: The best libraries in and around Mansfield, Ashfield and Bassetlaw – Chad. “Here are the Inspire libraries located throughout the North Nottinghamshire area, ranked based on Google reviews.”
• Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire library managers up for national award – Oxford Mail. “Witney Library’s Jake Tilling and Hook Norton Library’s Karen Seymour have been recognised at the Libraries Connected Awards for their efforts in the county council’s Making Every Contact Count initiative.”
• Pembrokeshire – Inspiring a love of reading with local authors – Pembrokeshire Council. “took part in the Books Council of Wales ‘Stars of the Shelves’ Initiative – to bring school children into libraries to meet local authors.” … “There was overwhelmingly positive feedback from the pupils who took part, and it is fantastic to see our young people fostering enthusiasm for reading and writing.””
  • Updates to Pembrokeshire library services ahead of change – Western Telegraph. “Pembrokeshire Libraries has joined an all-Wales Public Library Service consortium, with the change of supplier supported by Welsh Government grant funding.”
• Rutland – Rutland Council delays decision over controversial library closure but cash may have been found – Oakham Nub News. “Campaigners fighting to save their village library are feeling hopeful after a senior member of Rutland County Council said money to keep the library open ‘may have been found’. The authority had said a decision on the future of Ryhall Library would be made next week but has put out a statement to say it would be delaying the decision to ‘consider opportunities that merit further exploration with community leaders.’ ”
• Shropshire – Check out my threads! The local library where you can borrow a new outfit – Positive News. ““There’s something about the library,” she said.“It’s not an intimidating boutique or the busy, noisy high street. I’ve had people tell me that sometimes they’ll go into a shop and even the music makes them feel like they don’t fit in there. We want this to feel welcoming and accessible to everybody.”” … “registered as a Community Interest Company and moved the shared wardrobe to its new home at Oswestry library, run by volunteers and backed by a crowdfunding campaign and a grant from Shropshire council.”
• Staffordshire – Tour of prison poetry and artwork to visit Staffordshire Libraries – Staffordshire Council. “The ‘We Roar’ prison collaboration features work created by people in prison and will be available at Stafford library in May and Perton library in June. ”
• Stockport – New self-service printing launched in Stockport libraries – Stockport Council.
• Stoke on Trent – Libraries take another step in digital transformation with Wi-Fi printing – Stoke on Trent Council. “The city council was awarded £300,000 from the Libraries Improvement Fund, which is funded via Arts Council England, and part of this project has involved improving the printing facilities across the city’s six libraries.”
  • Stoke-on-Trent libraries bring back fines from today for first time since Covid – Stoke Sentinel. “”At the moment there is no clear evidence nationally on the impact of removing fines on membership, issues or stock retention. To note this is only for adult members not children, this is still fine free. It is always difficult to predict what income would be generated from fines.”
• Suffolk – Sudbury Town Council urges rethink on Suffolk County Council’s library service takeover due to local government reform – Suffolk News.
• Vale of Glamorgan – First Minister visits Barry Library Makerspace – Welsh Libraries. “The Vale of Glamorgan Council welcomed the Welsh Government First Minister Eluned Morgan and Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Jane Hutt to see the innovative facilities on offer at Barry Library. The visit highlighted the digital learning opportunities available to Vale residents at Barry and Penarth libraries – including the brand-new Makerspaces.”
• Warrington – Library could close as part of bid to save £30m – BBC. “Warrington Council is seeking to close Westbrook Library and also introduce a tiered system, which would see some libraries employing paid staff for fewer hours while others would have no on-site staff at all.” … “Libraries in Bewsey and Dallam, Birchwood, Great Sankey, Orford, and Woolston would become self-service, without “dedicated” library staff, the authority said.”
  • Hundreds of residents protest proposed closure of Westbrook Library – Warrington Guardian. “Between 150 and 200 people attended the first drop-in consultation about changes to library services on Friday, in Westbrook.”
• Warwickshire – Changes to Warwickshire Libraries online services to begin from 9 April – Warwickshire Council. “Warwickshire County Council’s library service is about to begin implementing a significant changeover of its online systems, including its website and app, from Wednesday 9 April – Tuesday 29 April 2025 … Due to unforeseen circumstances, Borrowbox will also now be unavailable during the changeover period to anyone who is not logged into this online service before 8 April … The new library management system will provide a quicker and more user-friendly experience with several new features, including a new Library App which will enable customers to use a digital library card, making issues and renewals much more efficient.”
• West Sussex – West Sussex authors top your ‘most popular’ list – West Sussex Council. “West Sussex residents nominated their most-loved authors and Griffiths, Austen and James were the top three in a list that spans such diverse genres as fantasy, crime fiction, children’s and horror, as well as domestic noir, historical romance and humour.”
• York – Where Did All the Libraries Go? – York Vision. “Transferring services online still doesn’t tackle the issue of accessibility for the people who utilise the technology support that in-person libraries provide, therefore cutting off these groups even more. The facilities libraries provide to communities, separate from those of book loaning, must be appreciated for any real change to be done. The government must see the benefits these centers provide so cuts can be reduced and, wherever possible, prevented.”