Editorial

This week, we have the normal mixture of refurbishments (Stockport and Swansea) and cuts (Barnet, Birmingham and the Isle of Man). There’s also the fallout from the Westminster Hall debate, with several news stories appearing, mainly in the South West, about what the local MPs said. Most of this can be summarised as how important libraries are and how worried the MP is about the danger of potential cuts to them. There’s a big announcement of funding for Green Libraries too. Then there’s a statistical look at the library sector, which confirms that the great majority of library workers are white and female. It also shows that the usage of libraries has declined greatly since the halcyon days when I started this website back in 2010.

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My thanks to all the comments, private and public, about last week’s editorial. Using statistics and analysis from Tim Coates raised a few eyebrows but I thought it was interesting. I’m always on the look out for other analyses as well and so do let me know if you see any. One particular comment was, I thought, very enlightening, especially as it was from the former chief of CILIP, Nick Poole. He has been in a perfect place to see what is going on in public libraries and how they are perceived, so I hope he does not mind me quoting his thoughts in full below.

“From my many conversations with Ministers, it is clear that the sector faces a layered challenge:
1) things are bad but not as acutely bad as they are in other public services like the NHS, so attention in Government is limited;
2) local data and feedback shows that the public do not feel as alarmed about the changes in library services as the library sector does, which leads policymakers to think library representatives are asking for special treatment that is disproportionate to voter priorities;
3) the fragmentation of library sector development into localised fiefdoms makes it nigh on impossible to mount an effective national case, particularly when local leaders have come to view national positions as largely irrelevant;
4) Nobody has yet answered the unspoken question that has hung over public libraries – “what are you for now, now that we have the Internet”. I am not validating this question, but it dominates the thinking of those that aren’t all that invested in libraries per se.
I think there is still scope for a radical renaissance in the role of the public library as a trusted civic and educational space in the heart of communities, but the vision for this and the will to do it are not yet in place.”

My thanks to Nick. I find it weirdly reassuring that perhaps libraries are not actually seen as being deeply cut by those in power and, to be honest, compared to some other services we are not. There is a danger, which my public library obsession can lead me into, of pleading for libraries as a special case. Well, perhaps not a danger, but an awareness that many others are doing the same thing for their sectors. What is needed is a clear unified view of what public libraries are for (and boo if your immediate answer is “everything”) and how best to fit public libraries into the internet-rich brave new world. I’d love an answer in the comments to that one.

Changes by authority

National news

“After a change in the ministerial portfolios within DCMS, from 1 April 2025, Baroness Twycross has now taken up the role as Minister with responsibilities for libraries and she recently visited Harlesden and Willesden Green libraries.” Chris Bryant MP, They Work For You.

“The Minister for Gambling and Heritage is meeting with library sector organisations and leaders to discuss the challenges faced by public libraries and their thoughts on what government support would be helpful. Following this, the Minister will consider her priority policy areas in this remit.” Chris Bryant MP, They Work For You.

  • Rebuilding the library community in a post-Twitter world – Ned Potter. “Even beyond the ethical arguments against X, it has ceased to function effectively as a communication tool for libraries – the algorithm rewards conflict and suppresses links, and even when you do ‘good’ tweets … they don’t get any reach. It’s time to go.”
  • UK Culture and Heritage – Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre. A look at the creative sector: Notable points: 80% of library staff is female, second only to dancers. One-fifth of population uses libraries, considerably fewer than visited a museum or gallery. Considerably more women than men use libraries. Around 10% of library staff are non-white. Library sector has highest, just, amount of Christians amongst staff.
  • Westminster Hall debate: Future of public libraries – Parliament Live. Video of debate.
  • Written Statement: Cultural Transformation Capital Grant Programme 2025-26 – Welsh Government. “Since 2017, when its support was extended from public libraries alone to include museums and archives, the Cultural Transformation Capital Programme has invested over £10.5m in local culture sector delivery in Wales, supporting more than 80 projects.” … “The 2025-26 programme is a further investment in local cultural sectors and supports an additional 11 projects – two Archives, six Libraries and three Museums. The value of this year’s programme is just over £1.327m in 2025-26 and £453k in 2026-27.” … “Funding for Y Storfa relocation will contribute to the remodelling of the relocated Central Library in Swansea as part of the wider city centre hub programme. Funding will support the fit out of a new library space to create a flexible, accessible, vibrant and useful spaces with extended service availability.”

International news

  • Australia – Award judges resign after Queensland state library strips writer’s prize over Hamas tweet – Guardian. “At least four judges for the Queensland literary awards have resigned over the past 24 hours, protesting against the State Library of Queensland’s decision to withdraw a prestigious $15,000 fellowship from First Nations writer Karen Wyld over comment she made last year about the Gaza conflict.”
  • New Zealand – This Library in New Zealand Is Replacing Dewey With a System Rooted in Māori Tradition – 1000 Libraries. “They began planning groupings based on the Te Ao Māori classification system. This system reflects Māori atua (Māori gods), and the sections of knowledge, activity, and thought associated with each of these atua.”
  • USA – Opinion: An ode to public libraries – Wildcat. “Only later did I understand that the library had given us not just comfort. It also offered us possibility. In a world that often reminded us of what we lacked, the library reminded us of what we still had: a right to knowledge, to space and to dream. It was one of the few places that asked for neither money nor documentation, only curiosity and community. For families like ours, it was a sanctuary of health, safety and dignity — a quiet promise that our lives could grow beyond their margins.”

Local news by authority

  • Barnet – Edgware among four Barnet libraries facing reduced hours in major council shake-up – Harrow Online. “Barnet Council’s mobile library service is set to stop in July and the opening hours of four libraries will also be cut in a bid to save money.”
  • Bath and North East Somerset / Somerset – Somerset libraries are reaching crisis point and rural areas are hit hardest – Somerset Live. “Anna Sabine, the Liberal Democrat MP for Frome and East Somerset, said libraries in her constituency had become cornerstones of community life, offering far more than just books. She singled out Radstock Library, one of 11 community-run libraries in Bath and North East Somerset, as an example of how local initiative can keep these essential spaces alive—even when resources are scarce.”. Several other MPs quotes, from Westminster Hall libraries debate.
  • Birmingham – Council to close town centre library – BBC. “Sutton Coldfield library would shut on 27 June, due to what the local authority called “significant investment” required to address the building’s condition and health and safety concerns. The closure of the facility, based in the Red Rose Centre, would also allow it to redevelop the site, it added. A spokesperson said the authority remained committed to providing a library service across Sutton Coldfield and a mobile library service would continue.” see also An update on libraries in Sutton Coldfield – Birmingham Council.
  • Bournemouth Christchurch Poole – BCP library funding cuts ‘damaging’, says Tom Hayes MP – Dorset Echo. “The Bournemouth East Labour MP, Tom Hayes, has spoken in Parliament about the issues. He reflected on his childhood, which he said was spent in poverty while caring for his disabled parents, and the impact libraries had on his life. He said: “Plain and simple, I wouldn’t be an MP but for librarians. “It was a public library, right on my doorstep, that gave me a way to do my homework.”
  • Buckinghamshire – Preparations for Library Flex underway at Bucks Libraries – Bucks Radio. “Library Flex will increase the opening hours at seven of the main libraries by at least 20%, and Amersham Library’s hours will increase by 129%. Staff will be available during the busiest times, with self-service technology and security measures in place during quieter times. This model also allows for wider community use of library spaces outside of staffed hours. ”
    • Culture Catch Up: The Other Library On Tour – Buckinghamshire Council. “At each stop, the installation was available to interact with and enjoy. There were writer’s workshops with Sara Clifford that generated material to be added to the installation as it travelled across Bucks. Finally, at every stop, Freewheelers performed a 30-minute, multi-media show featuring dance, monologue and video.”
  • Caerphilly – Battle on to save South Wales libraries – Socialist Party. “Caerphilly Council voted on 14 May to close ten libraries and one of three threatened leisure centres, two to stay open with reduced facilities and shorter hours. Caerphilly Trades Union Council and local campaigners are working to link up the local areas for a fight to save them all”
    • List of libraries in Caerphilly borough that are closing – South Wales Argus. “Supporters of the at-risk libraries had held out for last-minute reprieve after backbench councillors called for any closures to be deferred, but those hopes were dashed on Wednesday May 14 when cabinet members pushed ahead with proposals. Some members of the public shouted “disgusting” as they left the council chamber, while a trade union representative called the decision “devastating” and alleged Labour, which controls the local authority, had “left the door wide open for Reform”.”
  • Cambridgeshire – Cambridgeshire’s most borrowed books revealed for 2024 – Hunts Post. “Richard Osman’s crime novels, “The Bullet That Missed” and “The Thursday Murder Club,” and David McKee’s children’s books, “Elmer and the Tune” and “Elmer and the Race,” all made the top 10. However, the most borrowed book of the year was “The Queen’s Knickers” by Nicholas Allan.”
  • Croydon – Croydon’s four closed libraries to reopen as community hubs – Sutton and Croydon Guardian. “The libraries at Broad Green, Bradmore Green, Sanderstead, and Shirley were closed to save costs and streamline the council’s services” … “Since 2019, Croydon’s libraries have seen reduced opening hours and budget cuts totalling £800,000.” New non-profits running services in buildings named.
  • Cornwall – What is the Summer Reading Challenge? – Cornwall Council. Advance publicity, Story Garden.
  • Devon – Retiring Crediton Library supervisor has ‘really loved’ job – Crediton Courier. 8 years in job. set up garden.
    • Case Study: Libraries Unlimited – Impact. “Over the past year, the organisation has made important in-roads on quantifying its impact initiatives by partnering with Impact Reporting to develop a bespoke measurement framework. This work shows that activities across the library network generated an estimated £23.9m in monetised social value throughout 2023/24. A figure that is expected to rise as their reporting framework evolves – capturing an even broader range of values and a more in-depth understanding of the role libraries play in shaping a happier, more equitable society.”
    • Devon Libraries and community groups unite for £1.5m climate action programme – Moorlander. “Backed by £1.5 million in National Lottery funding, the Together for Tomorrow project will harness the unique reach of public libraries and the strength of local partnerships to encourage sustainable living and practical climate action.”
    • Take part in library customer survey – Mid-Devon Advertiser. “Libraries Unlimited are inviting the general public to take part in its Customer Service Survey.”
  • Dudley – Writers, poets, musicians and performers prepare to descend on Dudley for festival – Stourbridge News. “Festival will be heading to libraries across the borough with an exciting programme of events. All literary genres will be represented, including crime and thriller, science fiction and fantasy, romance, family saga, historical, young adult, contemporary fiction and comedy as well as poetry, music and plays”
  • Edinburgh – We feel isolated since our homeless library lost its home – BBC. ” the Streetreads Library was a refuge when they spent more than five years living on the streets and in hostels. Managers of the service have been looking for a new home since January when the lease on a premises at a Methodist Church in Nicholson Square was not renewed.”
  • Glasgow – Plan revealed for Glasgow building which opened in 1915 – Glasgow Times. “The project includes a new accessible entrance from Battlefield Road, a platform lift and more toilets. An existing staff lounge is set to be transformed into a new community room, which will be available for hire, and iron gates will be installed at the Sinclair Drive entrance.”
  • Hampshire – Kingsclere Community Library receives £500 donation – Gazette. “The money was donated from the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Councillor Community Grant Funding Scheme.”. The library, run by volunteers, is “grateful for the support”.
  • Isle of Man – No plans to fund library from education budget – BBC. “The Isle of Man’s Family Library said the facility was set close its doors on 31 July due to expected annual losses of £100,000 as a result of rising costs and declining incomes.” … “It operates a mobile library in rural areas and a home service for those who are housebound, alongside running a library on Westmoreland Road in Douglas offering activities to young people, schools and adults.”
  • Leicester – Community hubs fear for future amid consultation – BBC. “Leicester City Council, which currently operates 13 community centres and 16 libraries across the city, is asking for the public’s views on a new “service model” operating from 12 multi-service centres and the Central Library.” … “the centres could be transferred to community organisations”
  • Norfolk – ‘Unearthed: The Power of Gardening’ display opens at Gressenhall before touring Norfolk libraries – Norfolk Council.
  • North East Lincolnshire – ‘Save our libraries’ meeting to be held in Lincolnshire – Rayo. ” Council is currently holding its second phase public consultation on the future of the area’s libraries and archive service.” … “There is now a proposal to merge Cleethorpes Library into Cleethorpes Leisure Centre. A permanent move for Grimsby Central Library, closed since March 28, is also an option being reportedly considered.”
  • Nottingham – Parents desperate to see ‘lifeline’ library opened – BBC. “Jamie, 39, says he is frustrated the new Sherwood library in Nottingham – which was supposed to open in 2024 – has still yet to welcome book lovers. The city council says there are dozens of problems that still need to be resolved by the developer and it still cannot give a date for its opening. As a single dad working a minimum wage job, Jamie said being able to use a free facility this summer would take a “massive burden off” him financially.”
  • Rochdale – What’s On Rochdale: Look For A Book, outdoor art gallery and inspiring day of poetry – In Your Area. “Look for a book 2025 – a Festival of Libraries event with Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock PhD “
  • Rutland – Rutland County Council will decide Ryhall Library’s fate in September – Lincs Online. “under threat in its current location, as the county authority says it does not have the funds needed to make the necessary repairs to bring the 1970s building up to a standard needed to become part of its Living Well service.” … “The three other libraries that the authority runs in Uppingham, Ketton and Oakham will however undergo extensive work and should be ready by the end of the year.”
  • Slough – Slough council challenged to make libraries fit for purpose – Slough and South Bucks Observer. “Council leaders were challenged on how they will make Slough’s libraries ‘fit for purpose’ as they voted to keep Langley and Cippenham libraries open.”
  • Stockport – Stockport’s new library and cultural centre opens – Stockport Nub News. “Stockroom” is name for news Stockport Central Library. “It’s based on the Merseyway high street, in what was once vacant retail units (formerly Topshop and Mothercare). Visitors will be able to peruse the library, enjoy the cafe, and explore the building from 10am this morning. There will also be a huge range of events taking place at Stockroom over the weekend – including music from legendary DJ Mr Scruff. ” … “Downstairs is a cafe, an events space, the fiction section, and a children’s area. On the upper floor is the non-fiction section, the library archives, and another events space.” … “”This isn’t just a building. It’s a celebration of our town and the people who make it special.” … “Stockroom has been funded by a £14.5m grant from the government’s Future High Streets Fund – plans were first approved in 2021.” see also Library and events space opens in shopping centre – BBC.
  • Surrey – New library and community hub to open in summer – BBC. “Weybridge Library Hub in Church Street will replace the current library and will include new facilities as well as spaces for youth support services and community groups. A Surrey County Council (SCC) spokesperson said the new hub will open in August 2025.”
    • Surrey Libraries announced as one of the three Green Library Hubs to be funded by National Lottery Community Funding – Surrey Council. “As a Green Library Hub, Guildford Library will: Train library staff to become more knowledgeable about environmental issues and better able to help the community. Become a community space where people can learn about the environment and attend related events. Help people understand the climate crisis better by focusing on how it affects our local area and getting everyone involved.  Support and foster partnerships with local schools, and environmental organisations to make a bigger impact”
  • West Sussex – West Sussex Library’s Read On Scheme – Reading Agency. “The Read On scheme is about using volunteers to help adults learn to read at their local library. The scheme has demonstrated that there are people within the community who are unable to read or want to improve their reading skills.” … “Our pilot year has worked well and we have now embedded the scheme as a core part of our library service.”
  • Wirral – ‘I’m on my own with him but this place brings people together’ – Liverpool Echo. “Kym Griffiths has been bringing her son Logan to the St James library in the north end of Birkenhead since he was 15 months old.” … “Kym and Logan are one of the many people who turned out for an event to lobby Wirral Council to keep the library open.  The library is based in the St James Centre which is run by the North Birkenhead Development Trust but Wirral Council provides them with £19,000 to keep the library going.”. Council says cut is part of its plan to keep libraries “comprehensive and efficient”.
    • What people in Wirral are saying about planned library cuts – Wirral Globe. Council says cuts to existing libraries will mean “The proposed eight-site model will refocus available resources, providing the potential for future investment into both the digital offer and Wirral’s remaining suite of library assets.”
  • Worcestershire – Worcestershire’s Library Service at Home is changing lives – Worcestershire Council. “Run by passionate volunteers from Worcestershire County Council’s Library Service, this fantastic service that handpicks and delivers books is perfect for those who can’t visit a library due to health, mobility, or caring responsibilities.”