The Baroness Twycross To Do List

Editorial

Based on fifteen years of watching the minister vaguely to do with public libraries fulfil their brief, I would like to offer the below list to the new temporary incumbent, Fiona Twycross, as to my expectations. For added fun and excitement to any reader of this other than Fiona (hi Fi!), please feel free to use this to help make your own DCMS Bingo sheet and see how many of these you can tick off in the brief time that she will be in office:

• Fiona will make an announcement a,bout how much she personally, and the government generally supports libraries, probably in video form, to the Libraries Connected annual conference.
• When answering questions in the Lords about closures of libraries, the baroness will:
  • point out that it it is a local matter and that such cuts are nothing to do with central government
  • say that the government is being generous in providing the Libraries Improvement Fund and probably list one or two examples.
  • She may also mention “record” amounts being given to local government, while at the same time not mentioning that this is either because of the rise in social care or because of inflation.
  • Bonus points if she says how lovely she found the last library she visited so good, despite the pervasive smell of new paint.
  • Extra bonus “this government is the same as the last government” points if she welcomes the contribution of volunteers who are now doing the job of the unaccountably now absent paid staff that once worked there.
• The baroness will make one, possibly two, visits to a public library and be photographed in them. At least one of them will have benefited from the Libraries Improvement Fund or in her own constituency.
• The baroness will not intervene about the high cost or the unavailability of eBooks to the public library sector.
• If asked, she will say that the fact that a baroness from House of Lords has been given the job rather than one of the current 403 Labour MPs has nothing to do with the low importance given to the sector by government.
• The baroness will not accept the need to intervene in any council cutting libraries. She will accept whatever reduced provision is still made, and any consultation that has been done, as legal and still representing a comprehensive and efficient service.
• In the unlikely event that new amounts of money or attention are given to the sector, this will mainly be for publicity purposes and will be mentioned repeatedly in parliamentary answers. On no account will it make an appreciable difference to the sector or solve anything structurally, on a national scale, or on a long-term basis.
• She will still do as much in the 10 to 14 months she will do in the job as Ed Vaizey did in ten years.

Fiona, if you’re reading this, and want any more pointers about what else you will not be doing for public libraries in your short time in office, please let me know.

Changes by local authority

• Brighton and Hove – Council services to move into Jubilee Library and Hove Library.
• Scottish Borders – Earlston, Eyemouth, Coldstream, and Hawick libraries under threat.

National news

• Arts, culture and creativity to have central role in VE and VJ Day commemorations – Wired-Gov. Arts Council England funding. “In partnership with Libraries Connected, Our Freedom: Then and Now will support 60 arts centres and libraries to create powerful, public moments of reflection and connection that honour the past while inspiring the future.”
• Baroness Twycross – Gov.uk. Fiona Twycross becomes minster with public libraries in her portfolio, replacing Chris Bryant MP.
• Greater Manchester Festival of Libraries 2025 – University of Manchester. “This year’s Festival of Libraries is headlined by Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Poet Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who will be joined by a host of authors, poets, historians, performers and more.”
• Help shape CILIP’s new strategy for 2026–2030 – CILIP. “CILIP is developing a new strategy for 2026–2030, and we’re inviting the voices of our members, partners, and wider community to shape a future where libraries and knowledge services thrive and lead in a fast-changing world. This is not just a strategy for CILIP — it’s a strategy for the future of our sector.”
• Major NHS App expansion cuts waiting times – Gov.uk. “To assist elderly and more vulnerable patients, the NHS is now offering the public support in how to access online health services including the NHS App at 1,400 libraries across England. “
• Ten great Records about Libraries – LibFocus. List of ten library-related songs. “Perhaps my favourite library song is Karen, the B-Side to Lee Remick, the first single from the Go-Betweens, released in 1978.
  This is a real paean to the librarian’s readers advisory skills.”
• The time is now for allies to step forward and take a stand – CILIP. ” In the UK we might not have as serious a situation regarding the attempted censorship of books depicting LGBTQ+ people as they do in the USA, but as soon as we give in to censorship, we have failed as librarians.”
• Turning the page: Keeping Scotland’s libraries open – Holyrood. Paisley Central Library has events space on roof, with the library helping to revitalise the town. “according to the 2023 Scottish Household Survey libraries are the most frequently visited cultural places in the country, with 16 per cent of adults visiting at least once a week, and more than a third visiting at least once a month” … “cross-party consensus on the value of Scotland’s libraries”. But cuts still happening.
• Unlocking eBooks project – CILIP. “As part of the project, a review of evidence relating to academic, research and public libraries was conducted and produced by Inflect Partners Ltd, with an advisory group from across the sector and representation from the eBooks SOS Campaign.“

International news

• Japan – Rethinking the role of Japan’s libraries – NHK. “Some communities around Japan are being forced to close some, or even all, of their libraries due to a decline in use or funding. But innovative solutions are giving libraries new roles in communities.”
• New Zealand – ‘I haven’t heard a librarian say ‘shush’ in 20 years’: how libraries are about more than just books – RNZ. “Libraries in New Zealand are no longer just for books. They are learning hubs, language schools, havens for the homeless and support centres for those who have nowhere else to go for help.”
• USA – How Libraries Are Faring Under the Trump Administration Amid Detrimental Funding Cuts – Time. Long article on the effect of the cut in IMLS funding and push to censor. ““I think that messaging coming from the federal government is just going to embolden people to say, ‘See, we, we were right,’” he says. “We knew what you guys had on your shelves was bad because now the federal government is taking it out of service academies and removing it from military based libraries.””
  • ‘Free for All: The Public Library’ explores the revolutionary spirit of libraries – People’s World. “a new documentary presents a compelling case that the American public library has always been at the heart of democracy.”
  • Hennepin County Promotes Free Gun Locks at Local Libraries – CCX. “a free gun lock giveaway program” in local library. [Good grief – Ed.]
  • Librarians are dangerous – Enthusiast. Propaganda piece for public librarians, with morale-boosting lists and graphics.
  • NYC librarian quits after endless parade of nude nutjobs, unhinged patrons, and a thug who threatened to ‘cut off her f–king toes’ – New York Post. Rise in mental illness, and gun ownership, meant it was not worth it any more. “Even the possibility of a macabre ending apparently didn’t disturb her supervisors, Coffey said. “If you are severely hurt at work, or even God forbid … it be fatal, your job will be posted by the end of the week. And that’s the reality of it,” a supervisor allegedly said during a December 2023 meeting, according to the lawsuit.”
  • Tales of the forgotten and overdue library books – The Runner. “Once you miss that window of “reasonably late,” the only rational thing to do is pretend it never happened.”
  • Your Library: In today’s interconnected world, libraries offer a sanctuary of privacy – Johnson County Post.

Local news by authority

• Argyll – Councillor adds his voice to Tarbert Library closure opposition – West Coast Today. “Kintyre and islands councillor Alastair Redman has added his voice to the growing opposition to the closure of Tarbert Library by LiveArgyll.” Paywall.
• Brent – Brent Libraries – Impact of The Libraries Improvement Fund – DCMS Libraries. Previous LIF funding refurbishes “tired” Harlesden Library.
• Brighton and Hove – Disability campaigner on why he wants to be Brighton councillor – Argus. Independent candidate says “I will campaign against reduced opening hours at Hove Library and the closure of community libraries.”
  • City’s customer service centres to be moved to libraries – Argus. “the council’s customer service centres will move from their current locations in Bartholomew House and Hove Town Hall to new help desks at Jubilee Library and Hove Library.”
• Bromley – Local librarian bringing Bromley’s history to life – Yourworld. “A  librarian from south London is helping to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the London Borough of Bromley with a quirky presentation on five notable buildings in the area.”
• Buckinghamshire – Aylesbury Library Weeklong Closure – Bucks Radio. “Aylesbury Library will be closed from Monday, 28 April to Friday, 2 May for building improvement works.”
• Camden – Camden celebrates the official reopening of West Hampstead Library – Camden Council. “This is our third library decarbonisation project since 2021, following Swiss Cottage and Highgate libraries, contributing to Camden’s Climate Action Plan.”
• Cumberland – Survey launched on future of Cumberland library services – Times and Star. “The results of the survey will feed into Cumberland Council’s Libraries Fit for the Future (FFF) Project, which aims to futureproof the area’s library services”
  • Library reopens after ‘building issue’ resolved – BBC. “Cumberland Council announced over the weekend that Carlisle Library, in The Lanes shopping centre, would be closed until further notice. In an update on social media on Tuesday, the local authority said library staff and contractors had worked to “quickly” remedy the problem. The library is undergoing a £3.3m renovation.”
  • Cumberland libraries to host Author talks and other events – Whitehaven News.
• Devon – Exeter children’s library is getting a big makeover – Exeter City Council. “including a brand-new sensory area, floating mezzanine and activities for older children, thanks to funding from the Clore Duffield Foundation”
• Doncaster – A new deal for Doncaster libraries? – Doncaster Free Press. “As Doncaster goes to the polls to elect a new mayor, one of Labour’s worst, destructive policies needs reversing yet none of the candidates mention it. Yes, I am talking about Doncaster library service. In 2008, Doncaster had twenty five libraries run with council library staff on hand to educate and boost literacy. They were well used. Fast forward to 2025 and we only have four staffed libraries for the entire city.”
• East Riding – Hunt for hidden books to mark World Book Night – BBC. “The county’s library service will provide clues on social media to the locations. People who discover the books are being asked to post about it online. Last year more than 270 were found.”
• Haringey – A few standout highlights in Haringey libraries this week – Haringey Council. Photographic exhibition, reading hour, free World Book Night book, SF film festival, knitting and crochet.
• Havering – Libraries Shut When Councillors Don’t Turn Up….. – Havering Daily. “Seven councillor absences shut our libraries for good – a motion to save South Hornchurch and Harold Wood libraries was defeated by the casting vote of the Mayor. Emergencies aside, councillors need to turn up, says Mark Whiley, Coordinator of Barking, Dagenham and Havering Green Party.”
• Inverclyde – Library in Greenock has re-opened after ‘smell of gas’ reported at the building – Greenock Telegraph. “Southwest Library, on Inverkip Road in Greenock, was closed following a reported smell of gas at around 2.30pm today.”
• Lambeth – Lambeth libraries to ballot from 30 April – Workers Liberty. “Libraries staff in Lambeth council, south London, are being asked if they are willing to strike to save jobs in the service. The indicative ballot came back with over 90% yes vote and turnout, and the union, Unison, is recommending a yes vote. Ballot notice will be issued on 23 April. The ballot will be open from 30 April to 21 May.”
• Leicester – Libraries and community buildings information packs – Leicester Council. For each library, shows opening hours, floor plans, photos of each area, visitor stats, regular events, operating costs, user profile, display energy certificate.

“Libraries are more than just a place of knowledge—they are the lifeblood of local communities, bringing people of all backgrounds together. However, in Leicester, the Labour mayor is looking to slash library services in some of the most economically deprived areas of my great city, and I know the same will be happening in other constituencies up and down the country. Cutting our library services disproportionately affects the most vulnerable in our society, so will the Leader of the House schedule a debate in which we can praise our public libraries and the work of our wonderful librarians across the country, and urge the Government to give more support to local authorities to protect those crucial services?” Leicester – Shockat Adam MP, Independent. Government response is local councils were given money.

They Work For You

• Manchester – Chorlton Library opens its doors after major renovation – Manchester Council. “The iconic building in the heart of Chorlton has been lovingly refurbished unveiling long-hidden architectural treasures including the reveal of the stunning dome in the library entrance not seen since the 1970s, flooding the library with natural light.”
• Norfolk – Norfolk Council owed more than £100,000 in late fines – Fakenham and Wells Times. “A Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by the BBC found that Norfolk County Council is owed a total of £114,000 in late book fines from library users. The data for overdue fees was made up to the year-end on February 4.”
• North East Lincolnshire – Road to be closed while library books are removed – BBC. “A road will be closed intermittently over the next three weeks while a North East Lincolnshire library’s collection is removed following a water leak. New Street will be shut to allow the books to be removed from Grimsby Central Library. The 1960s building has been closed since 28 March after the leak was found and will remain shut for “some time” while asbestos is removed, North East Lincolnshire Council said.”
• Northern Ireland – Convicted child sex offender teacher allegedly used public libraries to flout ban accessing internet – Belfast Live. “He is accused of using their computers without the approval of his designated risk manager (DRM). The eight alleged breaches occurred on dates between June 2024 and January 2025.”
• Nottingham – Defects delay new Nottingham library opening – Construction News. “A council and developer-builder are blaming each other for delays in fixing more than 60 defects at a new library building that was meant to have opened last summer.”
  • Sherwood Library opening delays continue – West Bridgford Wire. “The authority said on Thursday 24 April it is “disappointed” that despite previous assurances from the developer, it is still waiting on key dates for when critical jobs will be completed.”
• Rochdale – Bricktastic returns to Rochdale Central Library with a day of Lego fun – Roch Valley News. Free Lego event. “an impressive range of Lego displays, hands-on activities, and exciting competitions”
• St Helens – Former The Voice UK contestant to headline free St Helens event – St Helens Star. Free event as part of “On The Mic” series in library.
• Scottish Borders – Council to consider closing list of pools and libraries – STV News. “Libraries in Earlston, Eyemouth, Coldstream, and Hawick are recommended to be shut down or consolidated with other services.” … “Live Borders required £2.5m of additional council funding in the last financial year – over and above the annual £4.8m management fee – to keep services and facilities operating. “There is therefore a shared understanding, reflected in the independent consultant’s report, that the status quo in terms of services, facilities and funding is not viable”
• Somerset – Short-term closure for Yeovil Library and Yeovil Customer Service Point – Somerset Council. “From Monday 28 April, Yeovil Library will be the new home of Somerset Council’s Customer Service Point in Yeovil.”
• Southend – ‘Let’s Get Ready for School’ bags to help children feel ‘confident’ starting school – Echo News. “The Southend Libraries are now offering “Let’s Get Ready for School” bags. These bags, introduced by A Better Start Southend, are designed to prepare children and their families for the transition to school life. The bags contain three books, activity sheets, fun games, and top tips to help children get ready to learn.”
• Staffordshire – Staffordshire libraries to host events for VE Day 80th anniversary – Express and Star. “historic talks, crafts and creative writing sessions, exhibits and even a flypast by a Lancaster bomber.”
• Stirling – Off the Page Book Festival returns for 2025 with exciting events programme – Off the Page. Full details here.
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries’ charity set to decide on future – EADT. 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.”
• Telford and Wrekin – Interactive dance adventure The Story Detectives comes to Telford & Wrekin Libraries next month – Express and Star.
• Westmorland and Furness – Roof-climbing vandals targeting library – BBC. “an extended 2.5m (8ft) anti-climb fence.”
• West Sussex – West Sussex Library Service launches volunteer appeal – Argus. 334 active volunteers but “The council is now looking for more volunteers to help people in the community fulfil their potential.”