Dictator, Scottish cuts and Libraries Change Lives

Editorial

Some more information about the awful dismissal of Carla Hayden as USA Librarian of Congress. From what can be gathered the abbreviated timeline went something like this:

• Far right person calls the Librarian of Congress “woke” on social media
• Trump reads this while scanning his phone and immediately tells someone to sack Carla Hayden
• Carla is dismissed within an hour. She has no other communication or meeting apart from the two sentences in the sacking email.
• Defending the dismissal, Trump’s cronies say that she put dodgy stuff in the children’s library, having not bothered to check and find out that the Library of Congress does not actually have a children’s library.

Wow, that’s serious dictator stuff and suggests that no librarian is safe in their position in the USA. But I guess that shouldn’t really come as news. The main hope now is such populists don’t take over control here.

UK news is downright reassuring in comparison. Aberdeen has completed it’s announce big-cuts /public-backlash/announce-it’s-not-closing-any libraries-while-still-reducing-their-budget cycle. And, also in Scotland, Edinburgh is cutting £345k. Scotland used to be seen as less severe in their cuts than England/Wales but I guess now not so much. South of the border though, Peterborough is waving the austerity banner by not allowing it’s libraries to buy books – you know, those things that are quite important in libraries – for over six months.

All this happened during Libraries Change Lives Week. It’s not an event with, let’s face it, big public exposure. Indeed, looking at the news, only a few libraries did a media release and they didn’t do much for it. But the public is not really the main point of the Week, it’s trying to persuade those people that really matter – the politicians. And there we have some good news, with the libraries minister actually visiting a library. I understand too that Fiona Twycross has actually used libraries in the past so she’s already beating the previous politician who was in that post. And there’s calls for the Government to actually spend some money on libraries too. Which is nice.

Changes by local authority

• Aberdeenshire – Previously announced closures will not take place: Cruden Bay, Inverbervie and Newmachar libraries will move into primary schools; Balmedie, Strichen, Cairnbulg and New Pitsligo libraries will be volunteer; Boddam will move to new location.
• Edinburgh – £345k cut but opening hours will slightly increase.
• Peterborough – No new books from September 2024 to end of March 2025 due to council spending freeze.

National news

• How Britain’s 1980s Anti-Gay Laws Impacted a Generation of Young LGBTQ Readers – Literary Hub. “Reading about book bans in the US, I couldn’t help but see the parallels. The battle between those arguing for diversity and LGBTQ representation in children’s books, against those who want to remove them from school bookshelves and public libraries, was all too familiar to anyone who had grown up in the UK. Back in 1983, British newspaper, The Daily Mail, brought a scandal to their readers’ attention. A children’s book, Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin had been found on the shelves of a public library in London.”
• If books could kill: The poison legacy lurking in libraries – BBC. “Victorian bookbinders used arsenic as well as mercury and chrome to create striking covers. And unlike domestic items, books have survived in archives around the world, creating a 21st Century problem from 19th Century fashion.”
• ‘I live in double-decker bus that’s also a library’ – BBC. “”I want to bring literacy to areas that no longer have libraries and also go to festivals and provide a bit of a community space for some people to connect. “That’s the point of the library and the books, to give people a reason to come along and then they can connect with people in the local community and with me and all the work that I do.””
• Join the celebrations for Libraries Week – DCMS Libraries. “During the week, policy and decisions makers are visiting library services across the England to meet with library staff and users, tour facilities, and hear first-hand how the library is supporting people “
• Letting libraries crumble is attacking the vulnerable – Herald. “It’s not just short-sighted to let them crumble; it’s attacking the vulnerable. If we’re serious about building a fairer, more equal Scotland, we need to stop treating libraries like optional extras. They are – and always have been – lifelines.”
• National Library of Wales missing 2,200 items – BBC. “A spokesperson said the increase is due to “new stock checking processes”.” [No mention if this is due to theft – Ed.]
• OSA & Alumni Reunion 2025, Fri 20th – Sun 22nd June – Aberystwyth Old Students Association. Annual reunion for students in university with large librarianship contingent.
• Reeves urged to fund libraries, parks and social centres in left-behind areas – Guardian. “Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods calls for spending on ‘mission critical’ local regeneration schemes” … ““Red wall” Labour MPs are urging Rachel Reeves to fund grassroots “social infrastructure” such as parks, community centres and libraries, as well as high-profile transport projects, to ensure voters in left-behind areas can benefit from growth. The Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (Icon), chaired by the Labour peer Hilary Armstrong and supported by a string of backbenchers, has identified 613 “mission critical” local areas.” … “The North Durham MP, Luke Akehurst, said: “Investing in social infrastructure such as community centres, parks and libraries, would start to plug my constituency back into the national economy, which it has been excluded from for far too long.””
• The role of libraries in building a sustainable economy – DCMS Libraries. “Libraries Week is celebrating the vital role libraries play in building a sustainable economy. The Business & IP Centre’s National Network, based in libraries across the UK, drives and sustains economic growth by offering free impartial business support to local entrepreneurs.”
• Scottish Book Trust: The value and impact of Scotland’s public libraries – North Edinburgh News. “Scottish Book Trust has undertaken an independent research project, led by our Research and Evaluation Manager Éadaoín Lynch, to report on the value and impact of our public and school libraries – and showcase how they are intrinsic to removing inequity across many intersections of Scottish life.”
• Scottish libraries becoming endangered warns charity – TFN. “Libraries in Scotland have become endangered because of repeated cuts by councils and government, a charity has warned. Almost 100 libraries have closed since 2008, research by the Scottish Book Trust shows.”
• Three library books have been returned…20 years late – BBC Newsround. “‘Please forgive me!’ the final line of the note read.”
• Why London councils want more Spending Review cash – BBC. “At Chipping Barnet library, elderly and vulnerable adults meet for a weekly singalong, external run by the Alzheimer’s Society, which receives funding from Barnet Council.” but cuts a problem: “One of the areas impacted is its library service, which Barnet has promised to keep open. However it is reducing opening hours at four libraries, including Chipping Barnet, to save money.”

International news

• Australia – Strengthening Library Teams: Safety & Resilience – Jane Cowell. “Building psychosocial safety and resilience isn’t a one-off project — it’s an ongoing commitment. By embedding regular check-ins, coaching conversations, and collaborative problem-solving into your library’s culture, you’ll not only address emerging risks but also create a thriving, supportive environment where your team can do their best work.”

• USA – Parks, libraries, museums: here’s why Trump is attacking America’s best-loved institutions – Guardian. “truth is only trouble for the would-be autocrat.”
  • A Case for Libraries’ Survival in the Internet Age: Mass Digitization of Literary Works and the Legality of Controlled Digital Lending – Columbia Journal of Law and the Arts.
  • Fired US librarian of Congress details callous dismissal in new interview – Guardian.
  • Lawmakers did not seek Hayden’s firing as Librarian of Congress – Politico. President Trump saw a tweet and fired the Librarian apparently without any actual thinking. House Press Secretary says ““There were quite concerning things that she had done at the Library of Congress in the pursuit of DEI and putting inappropriate books in the library for children,” but the Library of Congress does not have a library for children.
  • Press 1 for Engagement – American Libraries. “Public art that “talks” to passersby. Scavenger hunts that scamper through community landmarks. Through the power of play—and mobile media—programs like these can help public libraries connect with patrons and share local stories.”

Local news by authority

• Aberdeenshire – Libraries threatened with closure to remain open after campaign by locals – STV. Cruden Bay, Inverbervie and Newmachar libraries will move into primary schools; Balmedie, Strichen, Cairnbulg and New Pitsligo libraries will be volunteer; Boddam will move to new location.
• Bolton – Two banned from Bolton libraries in incidents needing police – Bolton News. “Ten people were slapped with year-long bans from the library for anti-social behaviour incidents – including two where police were needed.” … “Over the last two years, a total of 27 anti-social behaviour incidents leading to a ban were reported in council-owned libraries. The council said that they only keep a record of anti-social behaviour incidents if it resulted in a banning letter being sent.”
• Caerphilly – Letter: Aren’t libraries just full of future hackers? – South Wales Argus. “Delyth Jewell MS put up a spirited defence for retaining all public libraries in Wales as well as in Caerphilly and hopefully she will be listened to. If libraries really want to cut costs they should stick to their original roles of just lending books and providing some reading spaces for those using the reference books that by their very nature have to stay on the premises.”
  • Children urge council to rethink library cuts – Nation Cymru. “Up to ten libraries could shut down at the end of August, in what Caerphilly County Borough Council calls a “bold new vision” to shrink the service and set up new “hubs”.”
• Camden – Refurbished Holborn Library opens as a vibrant neighbourhood space – Camden Council. “Holborn Library now houses multiple partners, including ShiftED, Wimbletech, Voluntary Action Camden, and a dedicated piano academy featuring instruments generously donated by the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. This collaborative approach is a pivotal step in offering a wider range of services and activities to the community, working together with the existing library provisions.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Plans revealed for refurbishment of Northwich Library – Northwich Guardian.
• Devon – Fond farewell to retiring Crediton Librarian Sue – Crediton Courier. “Members of the Sustainable Crediton Food Larder Group which runs the hugely successful Food Larder, which operates from Crediton Library, gathered to thank Sue for all she has done.”
• Dorset – Gillingham Library to close for week for building work – Daily Echo. “The closure is to allow for essential building work to be carried out in preparation for the installation of new technology. This will enable library members to use the facilities beyond the current staffed opening hours.”
• East Riding – A novel way to tie the knot: Celebrations at The Old Library – East Riding Council. “The Old Library, which was most recently used as a reference library” is now a place for weddings.
  • East Riding Libraries to celebrate pride this June – East Riding Council. “East Riding Libraries have partnered with local author, Chris Turnbull, and artist, Rachel Anderson, to bring fun and inclusive events into local libraries, encouraging artistic expression and pride in our identities.”
  • Thrillers celebrated as crime writers tour county – BBC. “Eight authors, including Hull’s Nick Quantrill, will be taking part in a series of talks as part of National Crime Reading Month.”
• Edinburgh – Cost-saving measures to help resolve a shortfall in libraries budget – Edinburgh Reporter. “The changes will see about £345,000 saved per year, helping to make up a £505,000 annual shortfall faced by the city’s library service. Edinburgh’s library service will aim to solve the remaining £160,000 in budget pressure through other interventions. In August 2024, Edinburgh councillors agreed that closures would not be considered to resolve library budget shortages. Across the city, 10 libraries in less socially deprived communities were selected to have two ‘transaction-only’ days per week, where the libraries will not host any events and only carry out day-to-day operations. Officers estimated that this will save about £180,000 per year.”
• Glasgow – Glasgow library unable to open due to ongoing police incident – Glasgow Times.
  • Star visited Glasgow library ‘because Billy Connolly told him to’ – Glasgow Times. History and description of Partick Library. ““I remember being here one night when Bill Nighy popped in,” she says. He was filming an Agatha Christie drama in the city, and was staying up at One Devonshire Gardens. “He was very nice. He said Billy Connolly had recommended he should visit the library, so he did, which I thought was lovely.””
• Gloucestershire – Gloucestershire Libraries receive £11,000 grant for Windrush Day 2025 celebration – Forester. ” £11,000 in government funding to host a wide-ranging programme of events and activities in celebration of Windrush Day 2025. The grant, from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, will support a series of creative projects running across the county.”
• Kirklees – Kirklees Libraries celebrate 10 years of volunteer contributions – Kirklees Council. “Since the volunteer programme began in 2015, hundreds of individuals have stepped up to support their local libraries. Their dedication has made a lasting impact on communities across the whole of Kirklees. To mark the occasion, celebratory events are being held this week at libraries across Kirklees, where volunteers will be treated to cake and awarded certificates, as a show of appreciation for all their efforts.”
• Monmouthshire – Celebrate libraries week at community hubs – Monmouthshire Beacon. No special events mentioned.
• Newcastle – Business support shows economic value of libraries – Newcastle Council. “Figures show each pound invested in the BIPC generates £2.53 for the local economy – an impressive 153% return on investment.”
• Newham – Newham Library Service awarded the prestigious Library of Sanctuary Award in recognition of work welcoming refugees – Newham Council. “The award recognises Newham Library Service for its work and ongoing commitment to the vision of being a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.”
• North Ayrshire – Dalry Library will be closed ‘until further notice’ – Ardrossan Herald. “It follows issues with water ingress identified at the building on The Cross.”
• Northern Ireland – Library events across ABC Borough to support Loneliness Awareness Week – Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Council.
• North Yorkshire – Young people in North Yorkshire encouraged to become Reading Challenge Volunteers – Harrogate Advertiser.
  • Libraries launch dementia ‘memory bag’ service – BBC. “Items such as old sports programmes and seaside posters are included, as well as gardening gloves, bean bags and a gym towel.”
• Nottinghamshire – Inspire libraries celebrate Libraries Change Lives Week and the role of libraries in sustaining economic growth – Nottingham World. “Inspire, who run culture, learning and libraries on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, is marking the week by showcasing the many ways it helps people stay well, get into work, grow skills, and start or develop businesses. “
• Peterborough – Peterborough libraries once again allowed to stock their shelves as book buying ban lifted – Peterborough Telegraph. “Peterborough Limited, which provides services for the council such as street cleaning, parks maintenance, school transport and libraries, implemented the purchasing freeze in October 2024 as the council made efforts to save money in the face of its budget deficit.” … “The Friends of Woodston Library have said that the self-imposed moratorium has led to library shelves desperately needing new, inspiring and engaging books in time for the summer holidays”
  • Appeal for new books to tackle low literacy levels – BBC. “Friends of Woodston Library in Peterborough has asked residents to donate new books, saying its shelves “desperately” need restocking in time for the summer holidays”
• Portsmouth – Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the invention of braille with Portsmouth Libraries – Portsmouth Council. “Portsmouth Central Library is hosting a day filled with events and activities in collaboration with The Royal National Institute of Blind People”
• Powys – Check out your local library during Libraries Week 2025 – Powys Council. No special events mentioned.
• Redbridge – Redbridge Central Library closed after WWII artefact found – Ilford Recorder. ” “An item in the building’s museum archives from the second world war was discovered in Redbridge Central Library today by a member of staff, who acted quickly and contacted the police, following our procedures to keep everyone safe.” [We can assume it wasn’t a teddy bear then – Ed.]
• Sandwell – Black Country history buffs descend on Tipton to enjoy memories of yesteryear – Express and Star. “Tipton Town libraries second annual Black Country Local History Fayre at Tipton Sports Academy was a success.”
• Sheffield – Sheffield deserves better than ‘charity shop libraries’ – Yorkshire Post letters – Yorkshire Post. Behind paywall.
• Somerset – Busy library launches homework club this month – County Gazette. “Children and young people are being offered the chance to do their school work a quiet space in Priorswood Library”
• Staffordshire – Perton Library invites community to learn about and enjoy science at fair – Express and Star. “As part of Green Libraries Month, Perton Library and Wild About Perton hosted their annual science fair for all the family on Saturday.”
• Suffolk – Opinion: Suffolk Community Libraries: Continuing the Service You Know and Trust – Suffolk Council. The councillor responsible for ending Suffolk Libraries and bringing the library service in-house says nothing has changes and, if anything has changed, it’s for the better. “Suffolk Community Libraries will now be able to align more closely with other council services and priorities. ” see also Suffolk Libraries move to county council – what it means – EADT.
  • Library temporarily closed due to flooding – EADT. “Southwold Library announced it was shut on Tuesday and says it will provide updates as soon as it can following the flooding at its site in Field Stile Road.”
• Warwickshire – Government Minister enjoys personal tour of Rugby’s cultural community – Warwickshire World. ” MP John Slinger welcomed the Minister for Heritage and Libraries, Baroness Twycross, to the town for a visit to the library, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum and St Michael’s and All Angels Church in Brownsover.” … “During the visit, the Minister and Mr Slinger visited the Makerspace and received a briefing from Ayub Khan, head of libraries, and Chris Ashton, area manager at Warwickshire County Council libraries. “
• West Sussex – Libraries centenary celebrated at Festival of Chichester – Sussex Express. “This year’s centenary of our West Sussex libraries has been proving the perfect chance to raise their profile. Russell Allen, head of libraries & heritage at West Sussex County Council, is delighted with the response – and will be sharing his thoughts in a special evening for this year’s Festival of Chichester. Russell, who has worked in libraries since he was 16, will be in conversation with Festival of Chichester chairman Phil Hewitt on Thursday, June 26 at 7pm.”

“First and foremost for this anniversary year we really wanted to raise our profile and to help people that maybe overlooked what we do in the community or had forgotten about their library card. We wanted to highlight our libraries and remind people that they are here for everybody, and I think we have really achieved that. We have gained new library members and we know people have dug out deeply buried library cards and started using the libraries again. We wanted to really connect with people and we have done.”

• Pioneering Worthing librarian who achieved national acclaim honoured with Blue Plaque – Sussex Express. “Marian Frost is believed to be the first female chief librarian in Britain and her role as a librarian, museum curator and art curator of national acclaim has been celebrated by The Worthing Society with the unveiling ceremony on Friday, June 6, as part of the centenary of West Sussex Library Service.”
• Wigan – Work can now begin to repair Wigan library – Wigan Today. “Ashton library needs extensive repairs particularly to the roof after dry rot was discovered. The grade II listed building shut its doors in July last year with most of its services relocating to the The Pavilion building at Jubilee Park.”
• Worcestershire – Library volunteering provides a new chapter for retiree Paul – Worcestershire Council. “Now a regular leader of the Language Café Connect Groups, Paul spends his time helping others improve their language skills in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The role has transformed his retirement years.”