Singapore Libraries focus

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.”