Richmond foxes while Suffolk chickens out and a Welsh council prefers being financially Caerphill to keeping library open.

Editorial

The first publicised action of the Suffolk Council, after it took back control of its libraries services from the non-profit Suffolk Libraries, is to “postpone” Mama G events this Summer, citing security concerns. This is not something that the non-profit would likely have done itself, after all it was probably the one that booked Mama G in the first place, and it was well known for being forthright and imaginative in its programming. Not so Suffolk Council who appear to be giving in to Far Right thugs.

Caerphilly, on the other hand, appears to prefer putting its money into reserves rather than keep running ten libraries. It hopes that some non-profits can run some of them. The union and others are not impressed, claiming it’s a move back to Victorian times. On the other other hand, there appears to be good news investment wise for Staffordshire Libraries, whose council appears to prefer keeping its libraries open.

Finally, I loved the news from Richmond about a fox being found in the library, apparently lounging in one of the chairs. Now there’s a good image for the “Story Garden” Summer Reading Challenge.

Changes by local authority

• Ceredigion – Overall opening hours cut of 10 hours, some reductions and others increase.
• York – £390k refurbishment for Acomb Library.

National news

• Banned Book Week UK to return in October 2025 after hiatus – BookSeller. “, a “week to celebrate the books that have been challenged, removed or silenced, and to stand with the people who write, sell and share them”, will return from 5th to 11th October 2025 after a hiatus since the pandemic. “
• CILIP supports national year of reading – CILIP. “CILIP is looking forward to being part of the government’s National Year of Reading 2026, launched earlier this month at 10 Downing Street by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. The campaign aims to revive reading for pleasure across the country and strengthen children’s literacy and life chances.”
• Great British Energy to cut energy bills for community facilities – Gov.uk. “Libraries, fire stations and care homes in local communities will benefit from cheaper energy bills through Great British Energy community funding as part of Plan for Change” … “awarded mayoral authorities a share of £10 million in grant funding to roll out clean energy projects at the centre of communities – including rooftop solar on Merseyside care homes and on leisure centres and libraries in Yorkshire”
• Green Libraries Week 2025: Libraries across the UK Sow the Seed of Climate Action – CILIP. “Running from Monday 27 October to Sunday 2 November, the theme for this year’s national campaign is ‘Seeds of Change – Make a Difference with Your Library’. The spotlight for 2025 is on encouraging libraries at all stages in their sustainability journey to celebrate their climate action – no matter how big or small.”
• How Tom Gates got a child with vision impairment hooked on the Summer Reading Challenge – Reading Agency. “n partnership with The Reading Agency, The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) is encouraging children with vision impairments to get their reading vibes on this summer and take part in the challenge using books in large print, audio and braille from RNIB’s online library.”
• It’s Back. Summer Reading Challenge 2025 – GLL / Better.  Bromley, Dudley, Greenwich, Lincolnshire and Wandsworth are all doing Story Garden.
• Making the case for VR in libraries – Arts Professional. “Gemma Greig-Kicks from The Space, illustrates how a new digital project is opening doors to new audiences and possibilities.” … “bringing a range of digital experiences to library audiences in Bradford, Cambridgeshire, Coventry, Leeds, Manchester, Newham, Nottinghamshire, Somerset and Sunderland.” … “. The vast majority of library services reported fresh faces through their doors – a genuine marker of success.”
• Rediscovering libraries: new insights on engaging non-users – DCMS Libraries. “The findings from this report commissioned by DCMS offer a wealth of insights for libraries seeking to re-engage non-users. By understanding the barriers that prevent people from using libraries, the services that could attract them back, and the distinct segments of non-users, libraries can develop targeted strategies for increasing engagement. As libraries continue to evolve in the digital age, these insights will be crucial in ensuring they remain vital community resources for years to come.”
• Starting LGBTQIA+ Conversations at the Library – Popnolly. A guide to displays and other promotions.
• What Factors Influence a Culture of Reading? – Library Stuff. ” Last week the DfE announced the National Year of Reading 2026 … ” – looks at what is needed.

International news

• Czechia – Summer Library under the Negrelli Viaduct in Karlín: A Space for Stories, Games and Creativity – Prague Daily. “Prague City Library has opened a temporary summer branch in one of the restored arches of the Negrelli Viaduct in Karlín – with a very special concept. Until 28 August 2025, the viaduct arch will be transformed into a miniature world for fans of fantasy, sci-fi and comics. In addition to thematically curated literature, there will be board games, role-playing games (RPGs), and creative hands-on activities.”
• South Korea – Seoul’s outdoor libraries draw 1 mil. visitors in 3 months, exceeding expectations – Korea Times. “Since its debut in 2022 as a public initiative to promote outdoor reading and cultural activities, the Seoul Outdoor Library has attracted more than 6 million visitors. The open-air libraries will halt operations during peak summer heat in July and August, with the second-half run set to resume on Sept. 5. User satisfaction with this year’s outdoor libraries reached an all-time high of 96.6 percent, up 5.3 percentage points from the previous year. The same percentage of visitors said they would revisit.”
• USA – Building presidential libraries shouldn’t be a ruse for funneling bribes – Freedom of the Press Foundation. “President Donald Trump’s presidential library has already received nearly half a billion dollars in known donations. This is a staggering figure considering a library may never be built. This begs the question, is Trump using the ruse of building a library as a vehicle for funneling bribes? If so, then a new bill introduced by Sen. Elizabeth Warren would help put a stop to the corruption and make presidential foundations more transparent.”
  • Kentucky – Challenges to materials at Kentucky libraries rose 1000% last year – but mostly in two counties – WKMS. ” local librarians tied many of the complaints to the Daviess County Citizens 4 Decency. The group has also, in recent years, testified to local government in efforts to stop drag performances from being put on in local venues and advocated generally for conservative Christian values.”
  • Massachusetts – Library cuts across Massachusetts deepen digital divide – Digwatch. “t has already lost access to 30 of 34 databases it once offered. Resources such as newspaper archives, literacy support for the blind and incarcerated, and citizenship classes have also been cancelled due to a $3.6 million shortfall.”

Local news by authority

• Blackpool – Sustainable health to be showcased in Blackpool libraries – Council. “Blackpool Council, in partnership with United Utilities and Better Start Blackpool, will host events at Langdale, Layton, Central and Revoe libraries. The events will feature free product giveaways and expert advice on dental health and early years care.”
• Bolton – Bolton Library to stage free dementia friendly film screenings – Bolton News.
  • Bolton Central Library wins prestigious Regeneration and Conservation Award – Council. “Bolton Council is proud to announce that Bolton Central Library has won the Regeneration and Conservation Award at the North West Regional Construction Awards 2025.” … “The judges described it as a brilliant project that has shown demonstrable impact within the local community whilst maintaining and returning the building to its former glory; and were thoroughly impressed that the project was able to be completed whilst the library stayed live.”
• Brighton and Hove – Share your views on the future of our libraries – Council. “The proposed changes to library services in Brighton & Hove include: Reducing the opening hours of Hove Library by 2 hours on Wednesday evenings and by 3 hours on Saturday afternoons; Closing Hollingbury, Rottingdean and Westdene libraries; Reducing the opening hours of Jubilee Library by 2 hours on Monday evenings and by 3 hours on Sunday afternoons”
  • ‘Library closing would be great loss for village’ – BBC. Rottingdean: “Ms Harris said she would feel “very deprived” if the library closed as it was “very accessible to me for my disability”. “I have two young children and we use it regularly,” she said.” … “A petition set up by locals calling for the library to remain open has received more than 3,000 signatures.”
• Caerphilly – Caerphilly libraries heading for closure may be saved – South Wales Argus. “Community and childcare groups could offer a lifeline to most of Caerphilly County Borough Council’s at-risk libraries, the local authority has said.” … “The council plans to shut down ten of its smaller libraries at the end of August as part of cost-cutting plans to make the service “sustainable and resilient”. The local authority will instead “focus resources on an improved offer at seven library ‘hubs’”” … “Committee members heard there is local interest in Community Asset Transfers of the council libraries in Aberbargoed, Abertridwr, Llanbradach and Nelson.”
  • ‘Disbelief’ ten libraries to close amid £5m ‘spare’ in council budget – South Wales Argus. “Caerphilly Trades Union said there is “disbelief” unspent cash has been funnelled into council reserves rather than used to keep libraries open.”
  • Library closure critic warns plans hark back to ‘Victorian times’ – South Wales Argus. “a series of imminent closures risks sending parts of the borough “back to Victorian times”, a critic has warned.”
  • Residents urged to join march to save area’s libraries – South Wales Argus. “ouncil workers will be among those who will be protesting, according to Unison. It is hoped youngsters will join the march dressed as characters from books, films or comics.”
• Cambridgeshire – Nurture your children’s imagination with the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge – Council. Story Garden.
• Ceredigion – Welsh county is shaking up its library service after budget cuts and it’s far from the only one – Wales Online. “Library service opening hours are set to be cut at some branches in Ceredigion, but no closures are anticipated and Aberaeron’s new facility at Penmorfa is set to enjoy an extension of around four hours.” … “The changes will bring about an overall combined reduction in opening hours of one hour bringing the total hours of provision across the four main libraries from 165.5 hours down to 164.5 hours per week.””
• Cheshire East – Esther McVey: ‘Cheshire East has priorities completely wrong’ – Northwich Guardian. “Council says it needs to make cuts to local services to balance its books, so why has it then chosen to spend nearly £2.4 million on three interim positions? ” … “We must remember these are all choices. Cheshire East is choosing to waste additional money on staffing bills. It is choosing to cut services like libraries and waste recycling centres.”
• Darlington – Darlington town centre to host free library takeover event – Northern Echo. “The Library Takeover event will take place on Wednesday, July 30, from 11am to 4pm and will feature live storytelling, performances, and a full day of free entertainment.”
• East Riding – Library reopens its doors after refurbishment – BBC. “Bridlington Central Library, in King Street, welcomed the public again on Monday for the first time since March. The ground-floor refurbishment includes new lighting, shelving and furniture, as well as a new junior library with a sensory area and a pirate ship bookshelf.”
• Essex – Fears local libraries will be closed down after Essex County Council scrapped – Essex Live. “Essex County Council has said local government reorganisation in Essex poses an “exciting opportunity for libraries” despite concerns that they could be closed down to save money. Campaign group Save Our Libraries Essex (SOLE), which successfully fought to stop the closures of branch libraries across Essex five years ago, warns that libraries could be seen as “easy targets” for cost-saving after the new system starts in 2028.”
• Gloucestershire – Gloucestershire families urged to join the Library Challenge this summer – Forest of Dean Review.
• Inverclyde – Libraries across Inverclyde are keeping little ones busy this summer with crafts – Greenock Telegraph.
• Kent – Kent chief orders staff to ‘remain apolitical’ – Local Government Chronicle. Paywall. “Kent CC chief executive Amanda Beer has instructed council officers to “remain apolitical” amid controversy over a proposed transgender book ban. In an email to staff, seen by LGC, Ms Beer called for “professionalism” as it is “the greatest strength” council officers have and advised…”
• Knowsley – Grow Your Imagination with the Story Garden Summer Reading Challenge – Council.
• Lewisham – Black British Book Festival have a library of solutions – Voice. “As public libraries across the UK face devastating cuts and closures, the Black British Book Festival (BBBF) is taking decisive cultural action to protect literacy, preserve access, and reimagine what a public reading space can look like. In partnership with Dell Technologies and with books donated by Pan Macmillan, BBBF will launch a landmark Black Book Community Library at Sydenham Library in Lewisham on July 26. “
• Lincolnshire – A million books and counting: Imagination Library transforms young lives in North Lincolnshire – North Lincolnshire Council. “Funded by North Lincolnshire Council, the Imagination Library means every child in the area can receive a free, high-quality book in the post every month from birth until their fifth birthday.”
• Manchester – Oasis Week at Manchester Central Library starts today – check out the Masterplan! – Council. ” the library has put together its own Masterplan of Oasis-themed programming, which is packed with live performances from Rock’n’Roll Stars, Supersonic film screenings, Liam’n’Noel look-a-like competitions, a head-shrinking Big Oasis Quiz, and much more. “
• Newcastle – I visited a dementia reading group and it’s changed how I think about the illness we’re all scared of – Chronicle. “For me, watching loved ones with the condition has made it something incredibly scary. But, not to downplay the devastating consequences it can have, my visit to a reading for dementia group at Newcastle City Library has forced me to re-evaluate.”
• Norfolk – Investigations ongoing after paint fight breaks out at library – Eastern Daily Press. “Two men were in an altercation outside Thetford Library, with a tin of paint being thrown near the entrance to the public building on Wednesday afternoon.”
• North Northamptonshire – North Northamptonshire libraries offer support for residents to connect to NHS App – Council. “Residents can drop into a local library and ask for support with the NHS App, or contact their local library in advance, via telephone or email.”
  • Picture special of £6.8m Kettering Library Cornerstone roof project – we look under the huge temporary tent – Northants Telegraph.
  • Tent installed for year-long library roof repairs – BBC. “Scaffolding and a temporary tent have been installed for work to replace the roof on a Grade II listed library building. The roof of Kettering Library and Art Gallery in Northamptonshire was damaged during heavy rain in 2023.”
• Nottingham – Update on Sherwood Library: Statement from Council Leader Councillor Neghat Khan – Council. ” I share the frustration of local people who want and deserve their library to be open. Residents have waited far too long, and I completely understand why hundreds have signed the petition calling for answers and action.” … ” we are now actively considering all legal options available to us” see also Temporary library could open in Sherwood amid delays to new facilities – Notts TV.
• Oxfordshire – Libraries to trial new pop-up bank branches – BBC. “Group to provide Community Banking Support. The service is due to end later this week, but similar plans are now being made for other libraries in Oxfordshire, as well as council offices.”
• Pembrokeshire – Pembrokeshire Libraries, Bug Farm join forces for reading challenge – Tenby Today. Story Garden. “the Bug Farm has generously provided 32 golden tickets.”
• Richmond – London library forced to briefly close after fox ‘made itself comfortable’ inside – Standard. “Twickenham Library staff were surprised to find the curious animal cuddled up on a chair inside the building on Tuesday.”

• Somerset – Public libraries to offer patients interactive rehab – Wellington Today. “Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has teamed up with Somerset Council’s public libraries to offer patients access to a new interactive projector that projects games onto the floor, with the purpose of getting people moving about.”
• Southend – Southend Libraries invites families to take part in this summer’s free ‘Story Garden’ Reading Challenge – Council.
• Staffordshire – Community managed library receives £16,380 of National Lottery funding for creative adult wellbeing activities – Council. “Local volunteers at Holmcroft Community Managed Library in Stafford are celebrating after being awarded just over £16,000 in National Lottery funding. The funding will be used to set up a Creative Wellbeing Café for adults with the aim of improving their mental health and wellbeing through social and creativity activities. Friends of Holmcroft Library will use the money to run a two-year programme of regular weekly creative sessions facilitated by local artists.”
  • Families invited to meet Dr Dolittle through a story adventure at county libraries – Council. 35-minute story.
  • Find your top summer reads for free at Staffordshire Libraries – Council. “Staffordshire’s libraries are sharing their top book recommendations for the summer months and holiday getaways. Amongst their top picks are the ever-popular crime and thriller genres, which dominated the list of the most borrowed books for adults last year.  “
  • Library part of £5m modernisation project – BBC. ” Wombourne Library will be one of 10 larger libraries in the region to undergo extensive work in the next few years.” … “as  well as Wombourne, nine other libraries run directly by Staffordshire County Council, including Leek, Stone, Biddulph, Perton, Kidsgrove, Burntwood, Rugeley, Uttoxeter and Cannock, are in line for future investment.”
• Suffolk – Britain’s Got Talent Mama G has libraries events postponed – Bury Mercury. “A pride-positive pantomime performer says she feels “censored” as her upcoming shows at libraries have been postponed due to concerns of protests” … “However, she has now been told that by Suffolk Community Libraries – which are run by Suffolk County Council – that the events will be postponed until a risk assessment is carried out amid negative reactions and protests to similar events across the country.” … “A spokesman from Suffolk County Council referenced recent protests at libraries and children’s centres in Dundee, Reading, Cardiff, Bristol and North Walsham.”

“By cancelling this event, you’re only allowing the far-right to believe that their views are correct. “It’s definitely part of a momentum to the right in this country at the moment, and it this is definitely politically and economically driven.” Mama G

• Mystery artist back with new library exhibition – BBC. “The artist, known only as ‘The Hat’, gained popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic when various coronavirus-inspired works were left at locations across Suffolk.”
• Wandsworth – Balham Library’s dementia-friendly café celebrate their second anniversary – Council. “Members of the Forget-Me-Not group in Balham Library celebrated two years of dementia-friendly support in the community.”
  • July cabinet meeting update: libraries, events in parks, and the Winstanley Neighbourhood Regeneration – Council. “At a time when many councils are scaling back, Wandsworth is investing in its 11 libraries as vital community hubs … Over the next year, exciting plans include trialling longer opening hours, refurbishing the children’s libraries at Balham and Battersea Park, upgrading IT facilities across all libraries, reviewing study spaces, and introducing extra initiatives such as Maths and English tutoring, basic digital skills training and wireless printing. “
  • Wandsworth is changing the way its 11 libraries are used – Radio Jackie. “The authority is investing money into turning them into community hubs via its 5 year Libraries First! plan.”
• Wiltshire – Scrumptious! show to visit Wiltshire libraries this summer – Salisbury Journal. “The show was developed through collaboration with community groups in the North West, and explores childhood memories of trips to the seaside, sweets, ice cream, grandparents, hot summers, favourite places and making friends.”
• York – £390k boost for Acomb Explore library – Council. “The plans have been developed in response to direct feedback from local residents and have been funded in part by £100,000 from the council’s Future Libraries Investment Fund (£100k).”