Archive for June, 2025

Changes by local authority

• Argyll and Bute – Library closures put on hold, likely to become volunteer in future
• Borders – £2.5m cut for leisure inc. libraries, consultation.
• Bradford – 68% cut in funding and 74% cut in book budget since 2010
• Isle of Man – Family Library closure confirmed
• Liverpool – Breck Road and Dovecot libraries run by non-profit may close
• North Northamptonshire – Raunds Library current non-profit arrangement ending, new non-profit sought
• Warrington – Westbrook Library to stay open for two years while “self-funded alternative offer” is developed.

National news

• Developer plots revamp of Richard Gilbert Scott building on Ridgmount Street – Fitzrovia News. “It was originally constructed in 1965 to designs by Richard Gilbert Scott of the firm Sir Giles Scott, Son and Partner. The main section along Store Street housed the National Central Library and the Library Association occupied the eastern end of the site. In 1991 what is now the University of Law moved into the larger Store Street part. The Institute for Fiscal Studies also occupies part of the Ridgmount Street wing. Fiala+Nemec’s new design for 7 Ridgmount Street would see the top floor of the existing five-storey building demolished and two new storeys constructed with the addition of roof terraces to provide amenity space for office workers.”
• Life in the Soviet Union taught me to cherish Britain’s miniature libraries – Prospect. “The contents of the ex-phone boxes differ with location. Cambridgeshire sarcophagi are often filled with books in foreign languages, dictionaries and nonfiction. (I once spotted a neatly bound copy of a dissertation in one of them.) The red cabins of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire are normally resplendent with battered Mills & Boon paperbacks and, for some obscure reason, almost ubiquitously, novels by Virginia Andrews. A revealing socio-demographic survey could be conducted, or a dissertation written, about it, even if the latter would itself eventually end up in one of the sarcophagi.”

International news

• USA – Supreme Court OKs fee that subsidizes phone, internet services in schools, libraries and rural areas – Seattle Times. “The justices, by a 6-3 vote, reversed an appeals court ruling that had struck down as unconstitutional the Universal Service Fund, the charge that has been added to phone bills for nearly 30 years. At arguments in March, liberal and conservative justices alike expressed concerns about the potentially devastating consequences of eliminating the fund, which has benefited tens of millions of Americans.”
  • A Delicate Dance – American Libraries. Looking at how to fight state and government rules while still keeping one’s job. “ways that staff members could take part in fighting for their beliefs while not jeopardizing their status as government employees, such as by getting involved in the intellectual freedom committees of their state library associations, contributing Book Résumés, and volunteering on city boards and committees.”
  • Trump administration could change the way we read, from book bans to author talks – USA Today. “Hazelwood, who is originally from Italy and now resides in the U.S., was booked for several international appearances before she canceled because “it’s not possible for me to safely travel outside and then back inside the US” … “Canadian bestseller Louise Penny canceled her American tour stops in March because of Trump and “the threat of an unprovoked trade war against Canada” in regards to tariffs”. Suspicions that American authors are finding events at universities cancelled if they are not ideologically aligned with Trump. “”It actually occurred to me, maybe I should hold off and wait until Trump is out of office before I try to sell my book because I don’t know if publishers are afraid of publishing books by people of color”

Local news by authority

• Argyll and Bute – Three Argyll and Bute libraries set to remain, says council – Helensburgh Advertiser. “Council spokesperson this week said that plans for the closure of Cardross and Tarbert were on hold, while discussions were taking place over Rosneath Library’s future.” Tiree not funded. ““In relation to Rosneath, Tarbert and Cardross, our funding was not uplifted ” … “Moving forward we will be exploring community-type volunteer-led delivery models. Currently, there is no timeline for cessation of service.””
• Barnet – Summer activities in Barnet Libraries – Barnet Post. Not Story Garden. “Children will receive a reading journal when they join, full of activities to complete as well as space to record what they read. Those who read six books before 6th September, will be awarded a certificate and badge and they’ll discover the identity of the mysterious Book Crook, who’s been stealing books from Barnet’s libraries”
• Bedford – Summer Reading Challenge 2025 launches at Bedford Borough Libraries: “Story Garden” inspires young readers – Bedford Council. Story Garden.
• Borders – Under-threat public halls among venues announced for drop-in events to help decide their future – Greatest Hits Radio. “Scottish Borders Council has this afternoon (Monday) announced details of a series of drop-in events, to allow the public to have their say on the future of many of the region’s libraries, leisure centres and public halls. A report by independent consultants last month recommended closing more than 30 buildings operated by Live Borders and cutting more than 50 jobs in a bid to find annual savings of more than £2.5 million.”
• Bradford – Bradford’s library book budget falls to 31p a head – BBC. “Bradford Council has 31p per person to spend on new books for the district’s libraries – 73p less than the national average – according to the latest figures. The cash-strapped authority had made almost £6m in savings across its library service since 2010 having suffered a 68% reduction in overall funding during the austerity years. Spending on books and materials had fallen even further, it said, dropping 73% over the same period.”
• Brent – £1m makeover forces Brent library to shut temporarily – Harrow Online. “The work will soon start on the £1.14m renovation of Kilburn Library on Salusbury Road after the plans were first approved by Brent Council’s Cabinet in April 2023. The local authority is still working on “temporary alternative arrangements” for residents to access key services whilst the refurbishment is taking place.”
• Brighton and Hove – Up to three libraries face being shelved – Brighton and Hove News. “A “sustainability plan” is due to be published and if Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet agrees – it will go out for consultation. The plan is being prepared for publication after the council said that it was looking to cut £250,000 from its annual £3.7 million libraries budget over two years.”
• Camden – Camden champions lifelong reading with new strategy and summer challenge – Camden Council. “Developed in close partnership with The Reading Agency and Camden’s Libraries Service, and shaped by valuable local voices, the Camden Reading Together 2025–2030 strategy sets a shared vision to make Camden a place where everyone, from babies to older adults, can discover and nurture a passion for reading.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Chester libraries encouraging adults to read two books – Standard. “The Cheshire West and Chester Council Libraries Service’s initiative is part of the ‘Adults Read Two’ event. This follows last year’s successful summer reading challenge aimed at promoting adult reading. Participants aged 16 and above need to read two books between July 5 and September 7.”
• Cornwall – Cornwall kids invited to join summer reading challenge – Packet. Story Garden. “In 2024, more than 8,500 children across Cornwall, accounting for 15 per cent, took part in the challenge.”
• Cumberland – Just one week left to take part in survey on future of Library Service in Cumberland – Cumberland Council. “More than 1,000 people – both current library members and non-users – have already taken part in the survey which closes on Friday, July 4. It asks a variety of questions, including asking for feedback on things like library buildings, digital services, interactions with staff, and ideas for the future.”
• Derby – Summer Reading Challenge brings free family fun to Derby libraries – Derby Council. Story Garden.
• Devon – Anna Turns becomes patron of South Hams libraries charity – Ivy Bridge Today. “Environmental journalist, author and broadcaster Anna Turns, is Libraries Unlimited’s newest charity patron.” … “Anna has joined as a patron at a key time, as the first Summer Book Quest – The Deep Sea Adventure – launches on July 12, and they recently announced Together for Tomorrow, their £1.5 million climate project funded by National Lottery Community Fund.”
• Dudley – Celebrating Dudley Archives volunteers – Express and Star.
  • Dudley libraries to launch summer reading challenge – Dudley News. Story Garden.
• East Lothian – East Lothian parliamentarians visit John Gray Centre – East Lothian Council. “Douglas Alexander, Lothian East MP, and Martin Whitfield, South Scotland MSP, attended the event to express the importance of libraries in assisting local communities, skills and people’s lives. The visit was a part of the Libraries Change Lives campaign, which is run by CILIP, the UK’s library and information association.”
  • Children’s summer reading challenge launched – Step into the Story Garden – East Lothian Council.
• Gateshead – Gateshead Libraries honour Chopwell’s mining heritage – Gateshead Council. “Gateshead Libraries are taking part in a free festival marking 100 years since the Chopwell Lockout. The ‘Little Moscow’ festival, organised by local community groups and funded by the National Lottery’s Heritage Fund, will see 6 weeks of commemorative events take place throughout the village this summer. “
• Highland – Loch Ness community of Dores opens new miniature library after £3000 National Lottery funds boost – Inverness Courier. “As dozens of public libraries close yearly across the UK, a small Loch Ness-side community is bucking the trend – by opening one of their own.”
• Hillingdon – Crime writing stars draw audience to Hillingdon reading festival – Hillingdon Times. “Those attending the inaugural Hillingdon Libraries Crime Festival had books signed and heard first-hand accounts from nine acclaimed authors. They included the Rev Richard Coles, along with Mark Billingham, SJ Bennett, Fiona Cummins and Elly Griffiths.”
• Hull – Children’s literature festival returns to city – BBC. “With a theme of “What if….” The Big Malarkey Festival will return to East Park in Hull on Saturday 28 June and Sunday 29 June. Organised by Hull Libraries, the family friendly event will include writers, dancers, illustrators, poets, actors and musicians.”
• Isle of Man – Struggling community library confirms closure date – BBC. “The Isle of Man’s Family Library has confirmed it will close at the end of next month after a long struggle to keep it financially viable. The charity-run community library will shut on 31 July due to expected losses of £100,000, blamed on rising costs and declining incomes. Director Kurt Rosen said people would have until 18 July to borrow books, including from the mobile library and delivery services, before the final two weeks would be spent retrieving all stock.”
• Leicester – Fears over switch to volunteer-run libraries – BBC. ” users have told the BBC they fear no volunteers will be prepared to take over the buildings, which means they could be forced to close. The council said the proposals did not amount to a closure programme and no decisions had been made. A consultation on the proposal runs until 29 June.”

“To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the guidance entitled Libraries as a statutory service, published on 21 February 2025, whether her Department was informed by Leicester City Council of its plans for a consultation on the future of its library service before that consultation was launched.” Shockat Adam MP Independent, Leicester South … response was DCMS met with Leicester on 24 March.

• Liverpool – Liverpool MakeFest Celebrates a Decade of Creativity at Central Library – Culture Liverpool. “Liverpool MakeFest returns on Saturday 5 July for its 10th anniversary, promising a vibrant, hands-on celebration of creativity, innovation, and imagination.”
• Leaf through a summer of stories – Liverpool Express. Story Garden.
• Liverpool libraries could face closure in ‘hammer blow’ – Birkenhead News. “Alt Valley Community Trust (AVCT) has said it may have to close two sites it operates if it does not receive grant funding from Liverpool Council. According to AVCT, the city council has said that it will not provide cash that supports the operation of Breck Road and Dovecot community libraries if the £80,000 disputed contribution to the lease at the Anfield site is not paid by Monday, 30 June. They described this as a “hammer blow”. However, the local authority said it had been pursuing “substantial debt across multiple services” owed by AVCT for a number of years. As a result, it will not sustain existing grants – thought to be more than £50,000 – unless debts are repaid.”
• Monmouthshire – Go-ahead for former library to be used as mosque – BBC.
• North Northamptonshire – North Northamptonshire libraries launch the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge – North Northamptonshire Council. Story Garden.
• Search is on for new partner to run town’s library – BBC. “The library in Raunds, Northamptonshire, was one of those threatened with closure by Northamptonshire County Council in 2018. It was taken over by a community trust and Creating Tomorrow College. A call has gone out for “expressions of interest” in taking on the library’s lease and running the service” … “A partnership was then set up between Raunds Community Library Trust (RCLT) and Creating Tomorrow College (CTC). CTC took on the lease and RCLT organised the volunteers who ran the day-to-day operations of the service. A spokesperson for the council said the Creating Tomorrow College was now seeking to exit the lease “as the library no longer fits with their strategic business model”.” see also Expressions of interest sought to take on the running of Raunds Library – North Northamptonshire Council.
• North Somerset – Enter the Story Garden in libraries this summer – North Somerset Council.
• Threat of closure looms for North Somerset libraries – Somerset Live. 12-week consultation in July. “Although nobody said out loud in the meeting that the savings would mean some of the district’s libraries closing, council reports have made it clear that this is what is being considered. With two thirds of the library budget spent on staffing, the report said that any savings would result in “reductions in services.””

• Peterborough – Campaigners book appeal success for threatened Woodston Library and summer holiday events launch – Friends of Woodston Library press release. “We have been overwhelmed by the support given to our book appeal and the free events for local children we are organising over the holidays.”
• Plymouth – Former Plymouth library transformed into homes for rent – Plymouth Herald. “Eight energy-efficient homes have been completed in Ford for social rent. Plymouth Community Homes (PCH) transformed the former North Prospect Library site located at Greatlands Place to deliver the properties in partnership with Plymouth City Council and Homes England.”
• Reading – Images released of Reading’s new central library – Greatest Hits Radio. “In the library there will be a substantial area dedicated to children, which will be decorated with a lush forest and animal theme with plenty of books as well as interactive games. There will be ample space for the much-loved rhyme-time and other performances.”. Computer images and floorplans.
  • ‘Reading loves reading’ summer of activities for children – Reading Chronicle. Story Garden, Mini and “New Book Bingo Challenge – for teens and adults. Yes, grown-ups, this one’s for you too! Read three books, visit the library three times, and you’re in the running for a prize.”
• Sheffield – Libraries open a new world for the old and young alike – Yorkshire Post Letters – Yorkshire Post. ” It is such a shame our area no longer has a library of its own, the council library staff having long since gone from Newfield Green and Gleadless Libraries” … “Does anyone else in Gleadless think we should have a properly staffed council library put back in the area for the benefit of old and young alike?”
• South Ayrshire – Ayrshire library set to temporarily close as new heating and air conditioning unit installed – Daily Record. “Alloway Library is set to close for two days next month for essential maintenance. The facility will be shut on July 7 and 8 to allow for a new heating and air conditioning system to be installed.”
• Suffolk – Library service restored after catalogue issues – East Anglian Daily Times. “The issue was first reported on Tuesday by the independent provider that runs the Spydus software. This left Suffolk Community Libraries users unable to reserve and renew items such as books, films and other services. As a result, the service renewed all customer loans which are due back imminently until Friday, July 4.” see also Suffolk Libraries website crashes after council handover – East Anglian Daily Times.
• Warrington – Library closure plans scrapped by council following public response – Liverpool Echo. “Westbrook Library is set to remain open, according to revised plans announced by Warrington Borough Council. In March, the Labour-run council had proposed to close the library due to its lower performance compared to other libraries in the town and the need to reduce rental costs. The council pointed out that Westbrook Library is the only community library in Warrington not situated within a council building, which means the council has to pay rent. This proposal was made amidst significant financial challenges facing the Labour-run council.” but “Westbrook Library will remain open. Over a two-year span, the council will strive to develop a self-funded alternative offer for the venue as a library and community centre.”
  • Pupil protest leads to U-turn on library closure – BBC. “a demonstration by children from St Philip’s Westbrook Primary School in April and backlash in a consultation on wider cost-cutting plans for to the council’s libraries service.”
• Worcestershire – Free family fun this summer with Worcestershire Libraries & National Trust Croome – Worcestershire Council. Story Garden.

Editorial

Not much happening in libraries this week – just the normal council doublespeak, refurbishments and echoes from previous cuts. And my oldest daughter is home from Bangor, where she has just finished at university, so I’m not going to worry too much about writing too much and going to speak to her instead. Have a good week everyone.

Changes by local authority

• Surrey – Epsom Library refurbished.

National news

• CILIP responds to Spending Review 2025 – CILIP. “welcomes the ambitions set out in the Spending Review 2025 to drive productivity” … but … “CILIP is concerned that information professionals, including knowledge managers, librarians, and data specialists, have been overlooked as a strategic asset in delivering these goals.”
• Local authorities “in danger of becoming social care providers with a couple of libraries attached”, says former Deputy PM, urging centralised funding  – Care Home Professional. Damian Green.

“To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will (a) grant libraries the right to archive eBooks and (b) ensure perpetual access to licensed works.” [the answer can be summarised as “no” – Manuela Perteghella Liberal Democrat, Stratford-on-Avon

“Today I am pleased to announce additional funding to support up to 350 communities, especially those in the most deprived areas—funding to improve parks, youth facilities, swimming pools and libraries, and to support councils in fighting back against graffiti and fly-tipping, including in Blackpool South, Stockport, Stoke-on-Trent Central, Swindon North, and Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend.” Rachel Reeves The Chancellor of the Exchequer 

• New Reading Well for Families collection Launches in Libraries 10th June – Bury Council. “The Reading Agency, in partnership with Libraries Connected and Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) Cymru, is proud to announce the launch of Reading Well for families, a new booklist available across public libraries in England and Wales from today. The scheme recommends helpful reading to support the mental health and wellbeing of families during pregnancy and the early years (from conception to age two).”
• TownsWeb Digitisation Grant Returns for 2025 – Towns Web Archiving. “Since launching the grant, we’ve awarded over £150,000 to support the digitisation of more than 120 collections.”

International news

• Australia – Perth library trials social worker program to help people in need – ABC. “The City of Cockburn is trialling a social worker program at Success Library, after noticing an increase in people using libraries as a safe space. The WA Local Government Association is calling on the state government to increase funding for libraries to better reflect the services they offer. “
• USA -Drawing Up Community for Comics in Libraries – Publishers Weekly. “Comics have long established themselves in libraries with steady circulation rates, bringing patrons to branches to pick up the newest in a favorite series and to commune with fellow fans at library-sponsored events and clubs. Sims has personally made it his mission to transform the library so it “grows with the community’s needs,” he says. This work includes building book collections that speak to and reflect the experiences of patrons of color.”

Local news by authority

• Aberdeen – Changes in library opening hours – Aberdeen Council. “Five libraries in Aberdeen are to see their opening hours revised, including at weekends and evenings.  “
• Aberdeenshire – Arrangements for continuation of library services agreed – Aberdeenshire Council. “The new arrangements for the Cruden Bay, Inverbervie, Macduff, and Newmachar libraries were supported by Aberdeenshire Council’s Communities Committee on Thursday (Jun 5), alongside a wider update of work underway in other communities. “
• Birmingham – Birmingham Council accused of ‘disingenuous doublespeak’ after major change to key service – Birmingham Live. ” opening hours for ‘council-led statutory library provision’ total 763 hours per week – a 27 per cent reduction from 1,049.” … “A council’s post on social media about the change said the city’s library and neighbourhood advice services had been “transformed”.” see Changes to Saturday opening hours of library buildings – Birmingham Council.
• Bromley – West Wickham Library set to reopen with new facilities – News Shopper. “West Wickham Library will reopen to the public on Friday, June 27, following extensive works that include a modern café, business lounge, and an expanded children’s library with outdoor space.”
• Caerphilly – Councilor suspended from Labour group for opposing library closures – Nation Cymru. Cllr Brendan Miles. ““I believe I made it clear at joint scrutiny that the planned closure of libraries on August 31 was harsh and unnecessarily disruptive for groups who use the buildings.” see also Council ‘could be in breach of legal duty’ if it shuts libraries – Nation Cymru.
• Cheshire West and Chester – Volunteers sought for libraries for Northwich and Winsford – Northwich Guardian. “youth volunteers are to promote the reading challenge and to promote reading in general over two months.”
• Devon – Library charity launches ‘Cancer Care Collection’ – Teignmouth Today. “The Cancer Care Collection consists of 43 physical books made up of a mixture of adult, young adult and children’s books.”
• East Riding – Live ‘n Loud returns to East Riding Libraries in 2025 – East Riding Council. “Live ‘n Loud at Flemingate will return, bringing free entertainment to the centre of Beverley. Jellyfish Theatre will be performing ‘The Dragon Wagon’ on the green, and a circus skills workshop will be provided by Magic Carpet Theatre …”
• Edinburgh – Ratho nursery pupils enjoy Julia Donaldson adventure – Edinburgh Council. Ratho Library. “Each child who attends the early years centre adjacent to the new library was given a copy of Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book by publishers Macmillan Children’s Books to celebrate its opening.”
• Fife – Summer Reading Challenge 2025 launched in Fife libraries – Central Fife Times. “Mr Coelho, a celebrated poet, author, and playwright, joined OnFife Libraries and more than 2,000 schoolchildren for the virtual event.” Story Garden.
• Glasgow – Partick Library celebrates 100 years telling locals to ‘come in’ and see how much has changed – Glasgow Live. “These days, the Glasgow Life facility is more than just a place to read books; it’s a resource anyone can visit, a place to socialise with others in the west end community. However, 100 years ago, the local landmark was very different. The library would have been a place to be on your best behaviour, rather than somewhere to go for fun.”
• Isle of Man – Library facing closure ‘a lifeline to families’ – BBC. “In May, directors of the Isle of Man’s Family Library said the facility would close on 31 July due to expected annual losses of £100,000 as a result of rising costs and declining incomes.” … “Since full funding was pulled by the then Department of Education in 2011, following a revision of the island VAT income, the services have been run as an independent charity.” … “As well as the Douglas facility, the charity also operates a mobile library in rural areas, with a home service available for those who are housebound.”
• Manchester – Manchester’s Central Library and Town Hall to close this summer for ‘major upgrades’ – The Manc. “The ICT project will update the Local Area Network (LAN) and the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), ensuring that the Central Library and the Town Hall Extension have a flexible ICT network providing ‘seamless connectivity’.”
• Monmouthshire – Join Monmouth Library’s Hooked on Books Reading Group – Monmouthshire Beacon.
• Newham – Newham Libraries – celebrate a blockbuster month – Newham Council. “Hot on the heels of the award for Library of Sanctuary, Newham Libraries picked up another prestigious title, named as winners in the ‘Information and Digital’ award at the Libraries Connected Awards. The award recognises the work of Natasha Nelson, Shibu Raj and Muireann Mcmenamy in the digital inclusion team – which has been working to break-down barriers that stop residents accessing online and digital services.”
  • Grassroots repowering of London sees solar boost for libraries – National News. “Ms Begum was encouraging residents, a third of whom are muslim, to become investors in the solar panels for three local libraries – putting up a minimum of £50 ($67) with the possibility of a three per cent return every year. The initiative, which raised its £120,000 target in three months, was part of Repowering London, an NGO that won the Ashden Awards for climate solutions on Wednesday.”
• North Lanarkshire – Airdrie Library embracing the future with launch of state-of-the-art immersive room – Daily Record. “The immersive room, open by appointment, offers a fully interactive 360-degree digital experience.”
• North Somerset – Council considering almost £500,000 of library cuts – BBC. “Funding for libraries in North Somerset could be cut by almost £500,000, according to the local authority. North Somerset Council will spend around £2.25m in the next year on its library services, but it said it must make cuts of at least £443,000 over three years starting from 2026, a cut of around 20%.”
  • North Somerset’s libraries – help shape the future – North Somerset Council. “the council is proposing to launch a public consultation this summer, asking residents for their views on the future of local libraries. The council’s Cabinet will decide whether to move forward with the consultation at a meeting on Wednesday 18 June.”
• Northern Ireland – Libraries NI launch Big Summer Read – Northern Ireland World. “Libraries across Northern Ireland are inviting children of primary school age to take part in this year’s Big Summer Read, a 66-day challenge designed to get young people reading for at least 15 minutes a day throughout the school holidays.”
• Northumberland -‘Petal Library’ launches in Hexham Library to reduce waste – Hexham Courant. Seed library. “the Seed Library was ‘received very positively and is well used already’, and she hopes the Petal Library can help to reduce waste.”
  • Libraries attend to the business of economic growth – Northumberland Council. “Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) North East” highlighted.
• Oxfordshire – Libraries staff win prestigious award for making the most of every day conversation – Oxfordshire Council. “Library managers in Witney and Hook Norton have scooped a prestigious award for Oxfordshire County Council linked to a programme that focuses on making the most of everyday conversations with library users. Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is a programme that has seen library staff seek to improve the health and wellbeing of local people by signposting them to important services as a result of chats that happen in libraries.”
• Salford – The Partnership Between Salford Libraries and Salford Jobcentres – DCMS Libraries. “partnership between Salford Libraries and Salford Jobcentres” … ” Salford Libraries regularly provide their schedules to local jobcentres” about jobs clubs, skills workshops, etc. Jobcentre uses libraries for sessions such as ESOL. Training library staff in understanding benefits.
• Shropshire – Shropshire Libraries launches Reading Well for families collection – Shropshire Council. ” The collections have been bought with donations from the Friends of the Libraries groups in Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Oswestry, Bridgnorth, Market Drayton and Church Stretton.”
  • Drug-taking and vandalism spark library fence plan – BBC. “A security fence could be erected at a town’s library to protect staff and users following years of anti-social behaviour near the site, according to council documents. Shropshire Council has applied for planning permission to install the 3m-high barrier to the rear of Oswestry Library.”
• Staffordshire – Young readers invited to explore the Story Garden at Stone Library – Little Bit of Stone.
• Suffolk -Woman thought BEM honour was jury summons – BBC. “Charlotte Clark, 47, has worked at Suffolk Libraries in Southwold and Reydon for the past 22 years.” leading numerous initiatives.
• Surrey – Epsom Library welcomes community with week of activities to celebrate refurbishment – Surrey Council. “urrey Libraires is holding a Taster Week at Epsom Library to celebrate the completion of its extensive refurbishment. Running from Monday 16 – Saturday 21 June, the week will offer a variety of activities for the whole community to enjoy. Residents are invited to explore the newly transformed library, now a vibrant and modern Library Hub in the heart of Epsom town centre.”
• Telford and Wrekin – Telford and Wrekin Council launches app for e-books from libraries – UK Authority. “The move has come with an update of the council’s digital library to make over 2,500 e-books and around e-magazines available.”
• Thurrock – Call goes out for young volunteers to help share the experience of reading at Thurrock libraries – Your Thurrock.
• Vale of Glamorgan – Penarth Library secures funding of over £78,000 – Penarth Times. “Penarth Library is set for a major upgrade following the award of £78,452.94 in funding from the Welsh Government’s Cultural Transformation Capital Grant Programme. The grant will be used to refurbish the library’s first floor, transforming it into a modern, versatile space that better serves the local community.”
• West Dunbartonshire – West Dunbartonshire Council Joins National Campaign to Commemorate 80 Years Since WWII’s End – West Dunbartonshire Council. “Clydebank Library and Museum was one of 80 venues around the UK awarded £15,000 to participate in the Our Freedom: Then and Now campaign. The campaign, led by Future Arts Centres in partnership with Libraries Connected, will involve working with local communities to develop activity throughout the year.”
• West Sussex – Trailblazing Worthing librarian honoured with blue plaque – West Sussex Council. “Marian Frost was a trailblazer and passionate innovator who dedicated her life to championing books and the power of libraries. Starting as an assistant librarian in 1897, by 1919 she was running the largest public library in the country at Worthing, staffed entirely by women. The plaque was organised by the Worthing Society …
• Wirral – Two senior Wirral librarians look back over their 21-year partnership with Shared Reading charity The Reader – Birkenhead News. “Liverpool-based The Reader started working on a five-week Get Into Reading pilot project in 2002, initiated by the charity’s founder and now retired director, Dr Jane Davis.”

Editorial

So many stories caught my eye this week that the editorial is going to have to just focus on the ones that will benefit from being framed. First off, we see the national continuing falling out of the council love affair with arms-length services, with the formal ending of the Suffolk Libraries non-profit and the withdrawal of plans for outsourcing libraries in Derby. I never thought back in 2012 when I was somewhat cynical (perish the thought) that I’d be genuinely regretful of the ending of Suffolk Libraries but they’ve impressed more than just me over the last decade – see their entry here and compare it to others on the same page for a hint as to why.

Future shock is something that happens to me only occasionally on this blog but Singapore Libraries managed it this week. Unless it’s some sort of practical joke (do they have an equivalent of All Fool’s Day there?), they’re now offering augmented reality spectacles that, get this, read the text as you read it and produce AI images of the words at the same time. One wonders exactly what those AI images will be of course but wow what a great combination of a printed book and at least two pieces of cutting edge technology. Mind you, if it was going to come from anywhere, Singapore would have been my guess. I do wonder though how useful it will be to wear. I mean, talk about distraction. But wow, full points for being on the technological sharp edge. Mind you, I’m also impressed with the lower-tech idea from Devon of asking people to vote on their favourite book of the year, with resultant increases in engagement and issues, so I haven’t gone fully techy yet.

Then we have various ways of describing what a library service provides, some of which strike me as quite lovely. We have Sarah Jessica Parker calling them “sanctuaries of possibility” (darn it, that’s poetic), and from another far side of the world, “community living rooms” that “make us feel part of something bigger”. I love how the same thing produces such affection all around the world. Libraries are, after all, quite the spectacle.

Changes by local authority

• Derby – Council decides not to outsource libraries.
• Nottinghamshire – Gedling Library may move / be refurbished.

National news

• Disconnected Britain: The Hidden Gaps in Local Digital Support – Wired Gov. “Surveying more than 470 libraries, councils, schools, charities and community centres across regions including Dundee, Aberystwyth, Enniskillen, Portsmouth, Kidderminster, Easington, Wrexham and Plymouth, the study found that just 50 could readily provide information on digital inclusion services. That gap is more than statistical. It is structural. In towns like Easington and Plymouth, the absence of publicly visible support – whether for affordable connectivity, essential devices or digital skills – speaks to a deeper neglect. The infrastructure for inclusion simply is not there. Or worse, it is there, but invisible to the people who need it most.”
• Future of public libraries: Research briefing – House of Commons Library. Legislation and statutory guidance; funding; report/recommendations; usage; closures and service reduction.
• Successful projects for Microgrants third round revealed – Libraries Connected. Winning projects include free book for children, theatre, accessibility films to show how disabled and neurodiverse people can use libraries, refugee sewing group, storytimes outreach, autism boxes, interactive digital table (two projects, one for children, one for adults), book-like puzzle kits, dementia, nature project including bags, SEND school resources (two projects), outreach resources for adults, domestic abuse, refugee resources, mural, exercise equipment, baby enrolment, prison creative wellbeing, digital skills, adult education.
• World Book Day Public Libraries Focus Group – World Book Day Public Libraries Focus Group – World Book Day. “World Book Day 2026 planning is underway, and we want to hear from you. Join our focus group and share your thoughts with us”

International news

• Australia – Libraries are becoming ‘community living rooms’ keeping regional Australians connected – ABC. “there are more than 1,400 public library branches”. Some are very small, such as a large shed in one community with a small annual subscription. “Books really do bind, in more ways than one. They open doors, start conversations, and make us feel part of something bigger”. This is especially important in smaller settlements, says research, where the only other public space is for alcohol. Sessions include “Be Connected, an intergenerational program that pairs up older people with young readers, loosely based around the TV show Old People’s Home For 4 Year Olds.”
• Ireland – Clare Libraries offers Little Library Bags to all children starting school – Clare Council. “The Little Library Bag contains a selection of three picture books about starting school, information leaflets and about reading to children. The books and resources in the book bag, which is available in both English and Irish, support parents and their children in the transition to primary school.”

• Singapore – From page to reality: Singapore’s libraries bring stories to life with AR in partnership with Snap, Snap OS, NLB and LePub Singapore – Campaign Brief Asia. “The Augmented Reading experience provides a complementary auditory dimension to reading, playing ambient music and sound effects in real-time. This sets the mood and immerses readers in the story. The Augmented Reading Lenses work by scanning the book while the person is reading it, and uses text recognition and machine learning to provide audio and visual effects. “
• USA – Sarah Jessica Parker details her fears of book-banning, likens libraries to ‘sanctuaries of possibility’ – CNN. “in real life she’s an avid reader who holds books near and dear to her heart.” … ““Book banning doesn’t really accomplish much, except it just hurts people,” Parker told CNN’s Isa Soares. “Specific to libraries, I will simply say that many people in this country, including me, were raised in libraries, and they’re not just buildings with shelves, they are sanctuaries of possibility.” The “Sex and the City” star went on the describe how libraries are vital and free connections for many people to utilities such as Wi-Fi, heat in the winter or air conditioning in the summer.”
  • Library Collection Decisions Not Protected by First Amendment Says Fifth Circuit Court – Library Journal. “What started in Llano with pearl-clutching over Freddie the Farting Snowman has now resulted in a free-for-all pass for unencumbered suppression and removal of any and all books from public libraries. That is the logical endpoint for censorship, which is why it must be confronted loudly and unequivocally.””
  • Reading into the Importance of Public Libraries – Progressive. “I like to say that libraries are a promise we make as a community to the community.” … “We had a library here before we had electricity, before we had sewers, before we had garbage collection,” Moran says. “This is something that Madison has stood for for a century and a half—it’s not something that this community is going to stop supporting just because something happened at the federal level.””

Local news by authority

• Barnet – Book detectives – Barnet Post. Council launches their own version of the Summer Reading Challenge “For every book they read, children will get a special pawprint stamp in their reading journal and will receive clues from library staff to help reveal the culprit.”
  • Mobile library service to close – and opening hours at four branches to be cut – Hendon and Finchley Times. “Barnet Council’s mobile library service is set to stop in July – with four libraries’ opening hours also to be cut to save money. The decision to retire Barnet’s mobile library service, reduce the opening hours of four library branches, and to cease the supply of newspapers in libraries was made at a cabinet meeting on May 19. Around £250,000 will be saved, the council estimates, with a general “service restructure” also taking place.”
• Blackburn With Darwen – Blackburn with Darwen Libraries to become a Green Library Hub with £86k funding – Shuttle. “Thanks to a grant of over £86,000 spread across three years our libraries will lead the way in engaging local residents in environmental learning and grassroots climate initiatives. This funding will also support the delivery of environmental and engagement training, knowledge sharing, project evaluation, and impact measurement.”
• Bradford – ‘Social hub’ fears for Keighley’s historic library building – Keighley News. “”When I went into the library recently after it reopened following refurbishment, I was shocked. “Around 1,000 non-fiction books had disappeared. “Bradford Libraries is trying to turn it into a ‘social hub’, rather than the purpose it’s meant to serve.””
  • Acclaimed author Martin Impey to visit Shipley Library – Telegraph and Argus. “Martin Impey will come to Shipley Library on Wednesday June 11 as part of a regional tour of libraries in collaboration with the Association of Children’s Senior & Educational Librarian Yorkshire & Humberside, Peters Book Suppliers & Libraries Connected. “
• Caerphilly – No-confidence motion planned over ‘short-sighted’ library closures – South Wales Argus. ““Labour pretends to be a listening council but they really aren’t interested in the public’s views and just ignores them,” said Plaid Cymru group leader….” … Labour reply Plaid”is trying to score political points while ignoring a £29 million black hole in funding for this council.””

“If the 1983 purpose built Central Library & Archives had been refurbished without change of purpose, at an estimated cost of £4M, there would have been a total saving of c£15M. This could have been spent on the maintenance of the valuable branch library network and served the whole of Calderdale not just the central area … The new Library has a floor area one-third less than the previous Library and services are decentralised at Heath and King Cross.” – Calderdale – Email received.

• Cumberland – Making your Libraries Fit for the Future – Cumberland Council. Survey. “We want to understand what residents think about the library services we offer and how we might need to adapt them to work well in the future. You may or may not use the Library Service now – either way – we want to know what you think.”
• Derby – Plans to offload community libraries scrapped – BBC. “The community interest group Sporting Communities had been appointed to run the libraries and had been in discussion with the council about creating a trust to take over the sites, in a money-saving drive for the council. However, the authority said that it had become clear during negotiations that “outsourcing was not the best approach” to protect the libraries in the long term, which have in recent years been at risk of closure. The libraries will now remain in council hands and their futures will be considered at a later date.”
  • Statement on Community Managed Libraries – Derby City Council.
• Devon – Devon readers pick Lessons in Chemistry as top book in new library awards – Devon Live. ” voted the favourite book by library users across Devon and Torbay, securing the top spot in the inaugural Libraries Unlimited Book Awards. The awards, launched last November by the charity Libraries Unlimited, featured a shortlist of twenty of the most borrowed books from libraries across the region. Voters had the opportunity to choose their favourite through polling stations in local libraries and an online system.”

“People across Devon and Torbay really got behind this. Not only did people cast their votes, but we also saw an increase in borrowing the top twenty titles, so they could make an informed decision.”

• Crediton Library closed on Mondays temporarily – Crediton Courier. “The move is temporary and comes amid “staffing disruptions”. The library has apologised for any inconvenience caused.”
  • Devon lifelines at risk as budgets face breaking point – Devon Live. “Public libraries across North Devon are under growing threat as councils grapple with mounting budget pressures, a local MP has warned – despite the essential role they play in education, wellbeing and social cohesion. Ian Roome, Liberal Democrat MP for North Devon and a former council leader, said libraries are being forced to do “far more with far less” as local authorities face impossible financial decisions”
• Dudley – 90th birthday celebrations at Lye Library – Express and Star. “Lye Library’s ninetieth birthday has been marked with a special birthday party that included stalls, displays, a cake, refreshments and balloons.”
• Dundee – Girl, 5, opens community library after local branch relocates – STV. “Ruby Jamieson came up with the idea after learning her nursery trips to borrow books had stopped when the library moved location.”
• East Lothian – Views sought on East Lothian Council buildings including Brunton Theatre – Edinburgh Reporter. “A new survey has been launched seeking residents views on the use of 29 buildings ranging from the RAAC-hit theatre to village halls, libraries and local offices.”
• Enfield – Enfield Tool Library to open at Palmers Green Library – Enfield Independent. “Enfield Council is teaming up with an environmental charity to create a ‘tool library’ to help residents save money … nstead of books, the shelves will be stocked with DIY supplies and electronic goods that can be borrowed for a set period of time. Enfield Tool Library will be operated by Forest Recycling Project (FRP), the charity which has run Walthamstow Tool Library in East London since 2020 and has amassed 550 members, 580 tools and issues around 4,000 loans a year.”
• Inverclyde – Inverclyde Libraries promotes its Books on Wheels service – Greenock Telegraph. A simple reminder to everyone about the service.
• Isle of Wight – Special Events At Island Libraries To Mark 250 Years Of Jane Austen – Isle of Wight Radio. Film screenings, talks, tea and quiz, dancing.
• Jersey – Charity hopes more people will learn Braille – BBC. “Ms Stafford was among those who attended an event organised by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and local charity EYECAN at Jersey Library on Wednesday celebrating 200 years of Braille.”
• Kirklees – Work begins to relocate town’s library – Business Desk. “Plans have advanced to relocate Dewsbury Library Hub to a new home in the town centre. Refurbishment work has now started at the library’s new location, with contractors Walter West Ltd appointed to carry out the renovation over a period of 12 weeks. This development forms part of a wider vision to relocate the library service from its current premises on Railway Street to the Walsh Building, next to Dewsbury Town Hall”
• Manchester – Manchester Festival of Libraries returns with a literary extravaganza this June – Manchester Wire. “All 133 of Greater Manchester’s libraries will be taking part in this year’s festival, which runs from Wed 4 Jun – Sun 8 Jun. The programme features a variety of literary events for all ages, including author talks, exhibitions, writing workshops, comedy shows and music masterclasses.”
• North Ayrshire – Summer fun for the kids in North Ayrshire’s libraries – Largs and Millport Weekly News. “Mary Poppins crafts, a film afternoon and board games are among the activities on offer in libraries across North Ayrshire during the upcoming summer holidays.”
• North East Lincolnshire – Campaigners attend meeting over libraries changes – BBC. “More than 100 people attended a public meeting over the future of libraries in North East Lincolnshire, a campaign group said. North East Lincolnshire Council wants to move Cleethorpes Library into the town’s leisure centre and turn Waltham Library into a community library run by volunteers. It is also considering moving Grimsby Central Library to a town centre hub.”
• North Yorkshire – Libraries launch memory bags to help those living with dementia – Your Harrogate. “Memory bags are now available to pick up from libraries across North Yorkshire, which include items, books, and activities for individuals or groups to improve their quality of life. The bags and their contents aim to promote conversations between people with memory loss as well as their family and friends. The bags contain a selection of books from the Reading Well dementia collection, jigsaws, and sensory items such as fidget toys and scents.”
• Northumberland – How mystery library service went unnoticed in village – Hexham Courant. “Joan Lamb, from Whitley Chapel, encourages others to use the Northumberland County Council library van during its regular visits. Despite physical challenges, Joan gathered friends for the van’s arrival last Friday, only for it not to show due to a breakdown. The mystery began when Joan, a member of the WI book club since her surgery, realised the van had been visiting Whitley Chapel regularly, unnoticed. Due to mechanical issues, the old labelled van was replaced by a small white transit van, going unrecognised and unused.”
• Nottingham – ‘Detailed discussions’ taking place with company to take on three Nottingham libraries – Notts TV. “Castle Cavendish, which oversees a £2.8m property portfolio comprising business centres, retail units, and office space, says it has been talking with Nottingham City Council about taking on management of the Basford, Bilborough and Aspley libraries.”
  • Company set to take on three Nottingham City Council libraries was interested in having another one – Nottinghamshire Live. ” The Labour-run authority has held firm and said it will keep control of the Radford-Lenton library, despite the council being under “immense pressure” to make savings in its library service.”
• Nottinghamshire – Public views sought on plans for new arts centre, leisure centre and library in Arnold – Notts TV. “Residents will be asked to share their thoughts on a significant project to create a brand-new arts centre, leisure centre, and library in the north of Arnold town centre. Gedling Borough Council is looking to build the new facility, which will feature a theatre, a new leisure centre and library, under its ‘Ambition Arnold’ project.” see also Gedling Borough Council launches two consultations: the transformation of leisure facilities and the vision for Arnold Town Centre – Gedling Council.
• Suffolk – What will council library takeover mean? – BBC. “Branding appears to be the main thing. Logos are likely to change, as are some contact details like email addresses. The council said there would be some new social media accounts with others rebranded and there would be a new website. People will not need a new library card, their current one will work, however when they expire different ones will be issued.” Council “said there would be an investment of “£200,000 in mobile libraries, with a further £157,000 for new books” … ” the jobs of frontline staff would be “maintained”, however there would be a review of the “back office in general”.” [56 posts are “back office” – Ed.]
  • Celebrating Suffolk Libraries – Suffolk Libraries. List of achievements since its start in 2012, starting with “Over this time Suffolk Libraries has kept all 44 libraries open – even opening a new 45th branch in 2022 – whilst constantly developing new and innovative services and activities at the heart of Suffolk communities. This has been done at the same time as saving millions of pounds of public money.”
  • Your library service is transferring to Suffolk County Council this weekend – Suffolk Libraries. Service will be renamed “Suffolk Community Libraries”. Books on loan extended due to expected disruption. Websites changed etc.
• Surrey – Library Gets Lottery Grant To Raise Awareness of Green Issues – Guildford Dragon News. “Guildford Library will receive Lottery funding amounting to £30,000 a year until 2028 to help create environmentally friendly spaces. The money has been granted to create a “green library hub” designed to help raise awareness of environmental issues and help people change their habits.”
• Torbay – Churston Library: The small library doing big things – Torbay Today. List of things going on including a miniature pony and a friends group.
• West Dunbartonshire – Mystery as Clydebank library book checked out over a decade ago turns up in Denmark – Glasgow Live. “Staff at the library were stunned when they opened the package to find the book accompanied by a latter [sic] from the Royal Danish Library in Aarhus saying it had been found during a clear up in one of their libraries.”
• West Sussex – West Sussex libraries centenary: what is your favourite book? – Sussex World. “we have invited some of our 2025 librarians to tell us about their favourite book.”
• Wolverhampton – Library’s windows smashed by vandals, police say – BBC. ” severals windows at the Low Hill Library in Kempthorne Avenue, which opened in 1930, were smashed over the past few weeks.”
  • First stage of city library improvements completed – BBC. “The first stage of improvements to enhance public facilities at Wolverhampton’s Central Library has been completed. The 1970s extension to the back of the library has been changed, providing two new first-floor offices, ground floor space for book deliveries, sorting and collections and other facilities.”
• York – Friends of Acomb Library formed at Acomb Explore library – Press. “Organisers say the friends group has been created to support the excellent work of the library which is one of 15 libraries in the Explore York group.”