The most busy time
Editorial
Here’s bumper edition of the Public Libraries News, being a summary of the last few weeks rather than just one. This is due to me taking a couple of Sunday mornings off and an unfortunate food allergy attack. Wishing you all the best at this most busy time of year for public libraries.
Changes by local authority
- Barnsley – Penistone Library refurbished/co-location
- Bromley – Chislehurst Library refurbished
- Coventry – Holbrooks Library closed, moved to Dementia Partnership Hub
- Leeds – Ardsley and Tingley Library to be moved into youth/community centre, Calverley Library will move into Mechanics Institute, Halton Library being refurbished.
- North Somerset – Worle Library, Pill Library, and Winscombe Library likely to be closed.
- North Tyneside – Mobile stopped.
- Suffolk – Ipswich Library refurbishment plans
- Worcestershire – Tenbury Library has staff-less hours added
National news
- Arts Council England grants platform glitches continue – Classical Music. “The self-styled national development agency for culture pauses applications for National Lottery Grants amid technical challenges” … “ongoing problems with its grants platform Grantium” … “The delays come as ACE confirms the current National Portfolio investment programme will be extended up to 2028 – two years after the initial deadline.”
- Book of gender critical essays pulled from National Library display after staff complaints – Scotsman. Librarians can censor too. “The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht, which opposes former first minister Nicola Sturgeon’s gender self-ID law, is understood to have received four nominations in a public vote.”
- Chief of UK’s professional body for librarians defends Drag Queen Story Hour as ‘inclusive and creative’ – Scene. “The head of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) has spoken out in defence of Drag Queen Story Hour, describing it as a “creative, centuries-old storytelling tradition” that fosters inclusivity and literacy, following criticism from a government minister. Louis Coiffait-Gunn, CEO of CILIP, issued a robust response after Gordon Lyons, Minister for Communities in Northern Ireland, labelled a recent event held at Holywood Arches Library in east Belfast as “not appropriate for children” and said it “should not have taken place”.”
- Ed Jewell reflects on one year as Libraries Connected President – Libraries Connected. “Funding has never been far from the surface in many of the conversations I have had” … one head of service says “we can’t be in this situation forever, we need to collectively look at the bigger picture, we need bold, creative solutions that look beyond current arrangements and systems of working” … “Some of the most uplifting conversations I have had have been with those people who are coming in to use our libraries” … “Some of the most interesting conversations I have had this year, though, have been with the people who do not use us.”
- Five for Friday – Interesting things about mobile libraries – Artefacto. Five facts, and more, about mobiles.
- Libraries Connected Volunteer Diversity Survey 2025 – Libraries Connected. “This survey aims to help us understand the diversity of people volunteering in public libraries. Your responses will directly inform a Volunteering Management Strategy, which will guide how we support and strengthen volunteer involvement across the library network. “
- Libraries in Wales turn the page with £900k digital platform – Wales 247. “A pioneering all-Wales library digital platform that brings together all 22 Welsh authorities on the same system for the first time has also recently launched. The £900,000 project – led by Cyngor Gwynedd – is helping libraries join up digitally, making it easier for people to access services more conveniently.”
- Requesting library data via Freedom of Information – Library Data. “The ideal situation for library data would be for services to adopt an open by default policy for data, and publish in standardised formats under an open licence”
- Summer Reading Challenge 2025: Are you taking part? – CBBC.
- Summer reading challenge launched across Wales libraries – Deeside. Story Garden. “The Welsh Government has provided funding for the scheme through the Books Council of Wales, which draws over 33,000 children and young people annually.”
- This accessible, local service is saving Brits £1,473 a year – Better. “by utilising services such as book loans, digital resources, and free Wi-Fi or hotdesking spaces, showing that libraries don’t just enrich lives—they deliver real financial benefits.” … “A study of 2,000 UK adults reveals the wide-ranging social, emotional, and financial value of libraries in communities, encompassing everything from helping people find employment and connect socially to learning new skills and supporting parents. The survey found that, despite common assumptions that library use is declining, half of UK adults report having visited a library within the past year, including 1 in 10 who have used one in the last week, demonstrating the enduring relevance of these spaces.”
International news
- Australia – Two of the world’s 10 most beautiful libraries are in Australia – New Daily. “Australia’s oldest public library, State Library Victoria, came seventh in the list, praised for its “stunning neo-classical design”, Corinthian columns and grand portico.”
- From tents to VR headsets: Sydney’s library of things you can borrow instead of buy – video – Guardian. “has over 700 mostly donated items in their catalogue. Members borrow via a click and collect system across four location”
- New Zealand – On homeless people in libraries – News Room. “Libraries are no longer elite bastions of order and quiet, hidey-holes for restful reading and reflection. They now exist on the frontline of homelessness, social exclusion, mental health, and the epidemic of loneliness.” … ” library lifers now face an ethical, often unspoken, quandary. I’m all for everyone using libraries, including outcasts, tramps, itinerants, and the homeless. So proclaims my socialist self, the one who migrates to the library from a heated home, well-stocked kitchen, and my own bathroom. Yet when confronted with certain uncomfortable realities, another less generous voice querulously asks: surely there is a limit to the democratisation of these repositories of knowledge”
- Love Your Library – Public Libraries New Zealand (PLNZ). “Love Your Library is aimed at advocating on behalf of public libraries in NZ by demonstrating our value, stories and impact. We also have our highly successful Fine Free Aotearoa campaign as a subsite” see New Survey Confirms Public Libraries Are Cornerstones of Kiwi Communities and Demonstrating the Value of Libraries Across Aotearoa.
- Syria – Preparation underway to open one of the largest libraries in NE, Syria – ANHA. ““Shler Publications,” headquartered in Qamishlo, Jazira, is set to open a public library after eight years of dedicated work in NE, Syria. According to Raman Hassi, an administrator at Shler Publications, the library building has been fully renovated and will include the publishing house’s office, a silent reading room, a hall for study and discussions, a children’s corner, and a cultural café.”
- Turkiye – Library completed in Turkey’s quake-hit area with donations from Japan – NHK. “The library has roughly 1,200 books. It is expected to help quake-affected children further their studies. The facility was constructed using more than 4.47 million yen, or around 30,000 dollars, in donations raised in a collection drive launched across Japan’s southwestern region of Kyushu right after the quakes. The campaign was organized by a group represented by Murat Ensici, a Turkish resident of Fukuoka Prefecture in the region. He said he is grateful to many people for making the donations warm-heartedly.”
- USA – Trump has fired the head of the Library of Congress, but the 225-year-old institution remains a ‘library for all’ – so far – Conversation. “Following Hayden’s dismissal, Trump appointed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, his former personal lawyer, as acting librarian of Congress.”
- Boston Public Library aims to increase access to a vast historic archive using AI – NPR. “AI companies help fund these efforts, and in return get to train their large language models on high-quality materials that are out of copyright and therefore less likely to lead to lawsuits.”
- How a public library’s summer game took over a Michigan city – NPR. “Summer for thousands of people in Ann Arbor, Mich., means scavenging for hidden codes around the city and voraciously reading books to collect points. It’s part of an enormously popular game that’s been a triumph for the public library that runs it. “This summer, we have 16,000 active players and more than half of them are adults,” says library director Eli Neiburger. Not bad for a library that serves about 150,000 people. It’s such a local sensation that one couple even got married while playing what’s known in town as “The Summer Game.”” … ” Users earn points by solving puzzles, learning about local history and exploring neighborhoods. Points can be redeemed in the library shop for T-shirts, umbrellas and other merchandise, such as a very popular stuffed plushie animal that’s updated every year. “
- Meet Me at the Library: Reclaiming Public Libraries as Civic Infrastructure – Next City. “Join Shamichael Hallman, author of “Meet Me at the Library,” for a webinar on how public libraries can help bridge divides and foster stronger, more connected communities.”
Local news by authority
- Angus – Monifieth’s new library is set to welcome the public to official opening event – Angus World. “After more than 40 years on the town’s High Street, the library has opened in its new home within the Monifieth Activity Centre (MAC), next to the popular Blue Seaway playpark.”
- Barnsley – Community art project at Darfield library will run into the Autumn – Rotherham Advertiser. Until Green Libraries Week. “It is being headed by eco-conscious artist Louise Ann Wright and aims to celebrate local creativity, community involvement and the environment. A series of workshops will take place to give residents an opportunity to get involved – exploring nature and sustainability through art.”
- Penistone Library set to be transformed into new community hub – where to find alternative services – Council. Co-location with multiple services. “The new library will include an enhanced children’s area, new furniture and shelving throughout and improved access to the Dransfield Collection, a significant local history resource for Penistone.”
- Bolton – ‘Hollywood style’ sign part of plans for library relocation – Manchester Evening News. “Council is inviting residents to share their views on the future location of Farnworth library with a proposal to move it to Farnworth Green, close to the town centre.” … “The plans have been submitted as part of the Libraries Improvement Fund.”
- Brighton and Hove – Local government reorganisation drop-in sessions – Council. Sessions in libraries.
- Bromley – Newly refurbished Chislehurst Library opening again – Council. “Chislehurst Library will be the fifth library to re-open as part of the £11m initiative to modernise libraries across the borough through repair works and replacement of fixtures and fittings that have reached the end of their useful life. The upgrade work at Chislehurst Library includes a new roof installation, replacement of all windows and a new heating system. An accessible public toilet has also been installed, with redecoration works also taking place, including a new children’s mural.”
- Caerphilly – Caerphilly council’s expressions of interest in libraries – South Wales Argus. 10 libraries to close on 31 August. “The former Abertridwr, Nelson, and Llanbradach library buildings were made available for transfer, and each received significant interest.” … “The council has expressed delight at the response” to the CAT opportunities.
- Library users reassured over service cuts – Nation Cymru. “Users of so-called ‘tier two’ libraries in Caerphilly County Borough have been reassured they will not have services cut in favour of larger hubs. The council will make sweeping changes to its library service at the end of August, including the closure of ten sites.”
- Coventry – Coventry Holbrooks Library relocating and will have ‘improved facilities’ – Coventry Live. ” Holbrooks Library will be based at the Dementia Partnership Hub. It will be closing on Holbrook Lane on August 28.” … “it will now be a dementia-friendly library with improved access and facilities for all.”
- Croydon – South London council doubles security at libraries it shut after squatters trashed one – My London News. “Croydon Council has doubled security at its four closed libraries after squatters broke into the Broad Green site earlier this month. The cleanup drew further criticism after books were left strewn across the pavement outside. Mayor Jason Perry has apologised for the “disgraceful scenes” and pledged it “will never happen again”, but residents and campaigners say the damage was entirely avoidable.” … “The council says the break-in happened before staff could remove books and furniture to other branches” see also Library books dumped on pavement ‘unacceptable’ – BBC and Outrage as hundreds of books dumped on south London streets after controversial library closure – Standard and Booked: Mayor Perry deceives over destruction of library stock – Inside Croydon. “while the building had indeed been occupied by squatters after the library closure late last year, in fact it was contractors working for Perry’s dysfunctional council who trashed the library’s stock of books, dumping them in massive piles outside the library when conducting a clearance last week”
- Derby – Spondon Library reopens following refurbishment – Council. “The library has been completely transformed into a modern, comfortable, and energy-efficient hub for the community.”
- Devon – Devon joins national call to explore freedom 80 years after VE Day – Devon Live. “part of a UK-wide arts initiative”. 3 libraries are “hosting workshops, exhibitions and community art projects as part of Our Freedom: Then and Now , a national campaign led by Future Arts Centres in partnership with Libraries Connected and supported by Arts Council England.”
- Lego robots take over Devon’s libraries – Exeter City Council. “Libraries Unlimited, with support from Devon County Council, has introduced the hands-on Lego robotics and coding workshops in libraries across Devon and Torbay, funded through the Library Improvement Fund from Arts Council England.”
- Top children’s authors back Devon libraries to inspire young readers – Devon Live. “Authors Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre have become patrons of Libraries Unlimited, supporting work to inspire a love of reading among children”
- Dorset – ‘Sensors’ rolled out at Dorset libraries and toilets – Dorset Echo. “The new technology, already in use at Dorchester Library, tracks movement and usage patterns anonymously at entrances, desks and help counters to show which areas are most used, how long people stay, and where improvements might be needed.” … “The sensors are part of the “Internet of Things” (IoT) and connect to Dorset Council’s LoRaWAN network, a low-power, long-range system designed for connected devices. The council emphasised that privacy is fully protected.”
- Dudley – HIV and AIDS exhibition on display at Dudley Library – Dudley News. “HIVstory manager, James King, said: “We have teamed up with The London Archives to preserve over 100 interviews that we have recorded over the years.”
- Punk in Public at Dudley Library – Express and Star. “Led by Mellow Racoon, an independent alternative rock label based in the Black Country, activities will include an instruments workshop, talks, and music by multiple bands.”
- Dumfries and Galloway – We Make Music Instrument Libraries project, Ewart Library – Great British Life. “hanks to a collaboration between Dumfries Music Collective (DMC), and the Dumfries & Galloway Instrumental Music Service, people from right across the region can now borrow musical instruments, just like borrowing a book.”
- Gateshead – Blaydon Library to reopen with extended offer for all the family – Council. “Blaydon is the fourth and final library to have been refurbished as part of the council’s Transforming Libraries project, thanks to funding from the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.”
- Haringey – Haringey libraries delving into South Asian heritage and some summer reading – Phoenix. Arts and crafts plus a chance to “map our local South Asian resistance histories in Haringey and beyond”
- Havering – Romford Central Library opening remembered in pictures – Romford Recorder. “Romford Central Library was opened to the public on July 3, 1965, debuting revolving entrance doors and a separate children’s library.”
- Isle of Man – Discussions on future of family library ongoing – BBC. “The Isle of Man’s Family Library closed its doors on Thursday after directors said it was expected make losses of £100,000 due to rising costs and declining incomes. Signage attached to the exterior of the facility on the Westmoreland Road site in Douglas has now been taken down.”
- Kent – Kent Libraries launch Summer Reading Challenge 2025 with fun-filled activities across the county – Council. Story Garden, plus “nature-themed crafts, interactive storytelling, and hands-on workshops.”
- Update on Folkestone Library – Temporary plans and long-term options – Council. “Because long-term solutions take time to plan and deliver, we’re intending to enhance the current temporary library and bring back a full range of library services to the town centre in a new location. Work on this is well underway, and we’ll be sharing more details with you very soon.”
- Lambeth – Over 160 publishing professionals, writers, and illustrators sign a letter condemning cuts to Lambeth’s library service – Brixton Buzz. “It was compiled by local award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola (Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2020, Illustrator of the Year, British Book Awards 2022), who has also designed a poster for campaigners (above). Signatories range from well-known local figures to national names such as Adam Mars-Jones, Stella Duffy and Francesca Simon. Lambeth’s annual libraries budget was suddenly cut in February by £1 million (out of a total £4.5m – about the same in cash terms as the 1984 budget, thus reduced two-thirds by inflation). There is no allocation at all for new books in the 2025-26 budget. As the book fund was frozen last November, this means there has been no book fund for nine months.”
- Leeds – Leeds Council approve plans to relocate Ardsley-Tingley and Calverley libraries to new locations – Yorkshire Evening Post. “The plans will see Ardsley and Tingley Library relocated from Bradford Road to the Tingley Youth and Community Centre on Smithy Lane, while Calverley Library will move to the Mechanics Institute on Thornhill Street. It comes following a four-week public consultation for both sites, generating over 200 responses in total. 64 per cent and 70 per cent of respondents respectively commented expressing their support or understanding of the need to relocate.”
- Library to close for major refurbishment – BBC. “Leeds City Council said the work at Halton Library on Selby Road followed calls from users to have the centre modernised. The £870,000 scheme will include a new entrance and meeting spaces, improved internet speeds and better access for people with disabilities.”
- Lincolnshire – Summer Reading Challenge fun at Gainsborough Library – Lincolnshire World. “More than 2,000 children across the county have already signed up to take part in the fun challenge at core libraries, which has the theme ‘Story Garden'”
- Liverpool – The fight to keep two libraries in two of Liverpool’s most deprived areas: ‘It would be a grievous blow’ – Big Issue. “A charity took on two libraries when Liverpool City Council couldn’t afford to keep them open a decade ago. Now a row over funding threatens to leave deprived communities without them” … “The community libraries at Dovecot Multi Activity Centre (MAC) and Breck Road in north Liverpool are operated by Alt Valley Community Trust (AVCT), who stepped in a decade ago to run them when they faced closure because the council couldn’t afford to run them. Liverpool City Council pays £55,000 to fund the libraries every year. Now campaigners say they are facing being defunded over unpaid debts. The council said the trust owes them “substantial debts” over multiple services, including £80,000 on the lease for the Breck Road building.” see also Library closure would be ‘a great loss not only for the community, but for all the people that use it’ – Liverpool Echo.
- Ambitious strategy for Liverpool’s libraries unveiled – Culture Liverpool. “ a bold and forward-thinking draft strategy that will shape the future of the city’s Library and Information Service over the next five years – and residents are urged to have their say on it. The draft Liverpool Library Strategy 2025-2030 sets out a clear vision to transform libraries into vibrant, inclusive, and digitally connected community hubs that support lifelong learning, wellbeing, and neighbourhood cohesion.”
- John Lennon’s childhood library could be your new home for £900,000 – Liverpool Echo. “In 2015, Liverpool city council claimed that the cost of repairing the Grade II listed building would be too high and that it didn’t have adequate disabled access. A campaign to save the library was launched, but ultimately could not halt the closure – despite a petition receiving more than 5,000 signatures.”
- Libraries expand to offer face-to-face services – Council. “The service has been successfully trialled at Parklands and Garston libraries since last autumn, and has now been rolled out to Norris Green and Allerton. These libraries now provide face-to-face services throughout their opening hours, with the aim being to roll this service out to all council-run libraries by March 2026.”
- Norfolk – Library locks its doors when open due to incidents – BBC. “Gorleston Library users must now use their library cards to access the branch on Lowestoft Road “most afternoons and evenings”, after eight incidents were recorded in 2025, Norfolk County Council (NCC) said. Meanwhile, a library in Great Yarmouth has had periods where toilets have been closed owing to antisocial behaviour and vandalism.”
- New King’s Lynn Library nears completion – Council. “Excitement is building as King’s Lynn’s Library takes shape behind the scenes – set to welcome visitors later this year. Located in the former Argos building, the ambitious project will transform the space and bring together a wide range of services across three floors.”
- North Ayrshire – Reading challenge where everyone can win prizes – Council. ” Make Your Mark Summer Reading Challenge” … “receive your Make Your Mark card, then collect stamps for joining the library, borrowing books, attending an event or visiting another library” … “The collector’s card has space for 12x stamps and there are goodies such as bubbles, trolley coins, pens, pencils, yoyos, puzzles and more to collect as you take part. There is no limit to the number of cards you can complete. The more books you read, the more likely you are to be one of our Star Readers. If you become a Star Reader you could win a book token at the end of the challenge.”
- Northern Ireland -Drag artist at library event says she is victim of ‘false accusations online’ – Standard. “A drag artist who took part in a storytelling event for children at a Belfast library which was targeted by protesters said she has been the subject of “abuse and false accusations online”. Lady Portia Di’Monte said the event at Holywood Arches Library on Friday had included a reading from The Chronicles of Narnia and Dear Zoo.” see also Lyons says library drag queen event ‘should not have taken place’ – BBC and DUP minister says drag queen storytelling ‘compromised perception’ of libraries being inclusive – Journal.
- North Tyneside – ‘Book bus’ axed due to decline in use – BBC. “The book bus has been visiting Tynemouth twice weekly since the closure of the library in 2020, and it also serves care home and sheltered accommodation residents. North Tyneside Council has now said that it will be scrapped due to low usage and that the vehicle has reached the end of its lifespan.”
- Forgotten poet of the Troubles back in the spotlight – BBC. “The plaque was unveiled at Falls Road Library for the Belfast-born writer who was celebrated in the US and at home for stark and compassionate poems that focused on the violence of the Troubles.”
- North Somerset – Librarians told not to express views on cuts – BBC. “All libraries run by North Somerset Council are under threat of reduced hours and three have been earmarked for closure. The move comes after the council announced it was axing its annual spending on libraries by £433k.” … “Worle Library, Pill Library and Winscombe Library are all under threat of closure under the plans, although one library in either Pill or Winscombe could be kept open.”
- Consultation launched over North Somerset libraries – Greatest Hits Radio. “A 12-week consultation launched inviting people who live, work, or study in North Somerset to help shape the future of the library service.”
- How major council cuts will affect your local library – full list – Somerset Live.
- Three libraries in North Somerset “highly likely” to be closed – Rayo. “Libraries across North Somerset could soon see their hours cut back — and three are ‘highly likely’ to be closed outright — as North Somerset Council makes major cuts. The council has said it is ‘highly likely’ that Worle Library, Pill Library, and Winscombe Library will all be closed under the planned cuts. One library in either Pill or Winscombe could be kept open — but this would mean more cuts elsewhere.”
- Nottinghamshire – ‘We’re definitely not shutting any libraries’ says Reform County Council leader – Nottinghamshire Live. “Nottinghamshire’s libraries have been run and operated by the organisation, Inspire, since 2016, with a total of 60 across the county” … “he new Reform leader of the council, Mick Barton, says the new authority is “on the same page” as the previous administration” and wants to make libraries more “streamlined”.
- Peterborough – Library praises ‘heart-warming’ donation of books – BBC. “In June, Woodston Library in Peterborough, alongside St Augustine’s Junior School, launched a campaign to tackle the city’s low literacy rates ahead of the Summer Reading Challenge, a national initiative encouraging pupils to read six books during the summer holiday. Jennie Storey from Friends of Woodston Library said they had “books coming in from all over the country.””
- Plymouth – More holiday family fun in Plymouth – Council. Crafts in libraries. “£500 from the Rotary Club in support of their ‘book appeal’ to get children reading this summer … This follows a previous eight-month book buying ban by Peterborough City Council which resulted in shelves depleted of fresh and inspiring novels.”
- Banking meets books: Local library welcomes Santander – Council. “With Santander closing its Plympton branch this week, the library is stepping in to keep face-to-face banking alive in the heart of the community. Every Wednesday from 10am to 5pm, Santander customers can pop into the library and speak to a Community Banker as part of the new Santander Local service.”
- Reading – Lost library book found in Paris returned to the UK – BBC. “An eagle-eyed Parisienne found it on Metro Line 1 in the French capital a few weeks later and messaged the library to find out how to send it back. Library staff have now contacted the original borrower to reassure them the book has been returned.”
- Scottish Borders – Community claims council ignored bid for Carnegie library – BBC. “The 125-year-old Carnegie Library in Jedburgh was closed by Scottish Borders Council during the Covid pandemic. Despite talks taking place over a community asset transfer, the B-listed building has been put up for sale on the open market for offers over £140,000. Scottish Borders Council said its officers were continuing to engage with”
- Sefton – Restaurant plan for listed library moves forward – BBC. “Carnegie Library, on College Road, Crosby, has been vacant since being closed down by Sefton Council in 2013 as part of a “libraries review” and in an effort to save money. On Thursday, restaurant chain Moose Coffee confirmed it had completed the next step in its bid to take over part of the building”
- Over 2,000 children enjoy Summer Reading Challenge as they visit libraries across Sefton – Stand Up For Southport. Story Garden. Library staff have made “almost 60 school visits to promote the Challenge”
- Somerset – MP Anna Sabine joins mobile library across nearby villages – Journal. “MP for Frome and East Somerset joined the Somerset Mobile Library last week as it made its regular stops in Leigh-on-Mendip, Coleford and Stoke St Michael.”
- Library room named after inspirational Public Health leader – Council. “A room, named in honour of an inspirational member of Somerset Council’s Public Health team, has been opened at Yeovil Library. The Finnis Room is dedicated to the memory of Louise Finnis who led work on Public Mental Health with imagination, creativity and dedication. She sadly died only a few days after she retired”
- Southampton – Southampton City Council Library service invites local families to discover the joy of reading with the 2025 ‘Story Garden’ Summer Reading Challenge – Council.
- Southampton libraries transformed into ‘Story Gardens’ – Southern Daily Echo.
- Staffordshire – More than 8,000 children sign up for Summer Reading Challenge – Council. “This year’s challenge has over 1,000 more young readers picking up books and getting involved than at the same point last year.”
- School uniform markets return to Staffordshire – Hello Rayo. “The Pre-Loved Uniform Markets, run by Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries and Arts Service and The Salvation Army, will take place between Monday 11 and Friday 15 August at The Salvation Army’s centre in Hednesford.”
- St Helens – Six new community libraries to open across St Helens borough – St Helens Star. “The libraries will be established across the St Helens borough after community groups secured nearly £25,000 in funding through the first round of the Community Libraries Grant Scheme, launched earlier this year by St Helens Borough Council.” … “four of the borough’s libraries – Garswood, Rainhill, Rainford and Parr closed as part of cost-cutting moves and modernisation of the service. Peter Street and Billinge libraries also did not reopen following periods of closure.” .. replaced by “book exchanges, computer and internet access, job search support, CV writing help, community cafes, board games, and youth services.”
- Suffolk – Plans submitted for huge refurbishment of Ipswich Library – Ipswich Star. ” the public library in Northgate Street could see a raft of changes including a new children’s library, more public toilets and makers spaces found throughout the building …”
- Swindon – Swindon libraries to host children’s summer events – This is Wiltshire. Crafts. see also Swindon libraries Summer Reading Challenge launched – This is Wiltshire. “Older children, aged 12 and above, can take part in a Book Bingo Challenge for the chance to win a £30 voucher.”
- Trafford – Sale Library to close for major refurbishment in September – Messenger. “The transformation will turn the library into a ‘state-of-the-art facility’ and include a permanent exhibition space for the Cosgrove Hall Films Archive.”
- Wakefield – “It’s more than just reading, it’s about bonding, learning, and growing together”: Wakefield’s biggest ever cohort of young readers graduate from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Wakefield Express. “nearly 70,000 books gifted to almost 2,540 children across Wakefield since 2017.”
- Warwickshire – Warwickshire Libraries bookmark design competition is back for 2025 – Council. “Whether you’re a budding illustrator, a comic artist in the making, or just love to doodle – this is your chance to shine.”
- Summer Reading Challenge 2025 – Still time to join – Council. “More than 2,500 children have already signed up”
- Westminster – Celebrating One Year of Community Hubs – With More To Come – Westminster Labour. “Labour-led Westminster City Council is celebrating the first anniversary of its first Community Hubs at Victoria Library and Charing Cross Library. Over the past 12 months, these vibrant spaces have become essential places for face-to-face access to Council services and activities and support provided by community and voluntary sector organisations.”
- Westmorland and Furness – Barrow Library to Host Creative ‘Our Freedom: Then and Now’ Project Marking 80 Years Since VE/VJ Day – Council. “one of just 20 libraries in the UK awarded funding to create an original local project and host a series of events reflecting on what “freedom” means”. Poet and ” 24 page comic book inspired by Barrow residents’ memories and stories of freedom”.
- Wiltshire – Wiltshire libraries introduce new apps to make it easier to get books – Salisbury Journal. Libby and Solus.
- Wirral – Council library decision paused as ‘disrespectful’ staff don’t turn up – Liverpool Echo. “An important decision concerning the future of Wirral’s libraries has been postponed after a key council officer failed to turn up to a meeting. A leading councillor said it was not good enough, disrespectful, and unacceptable” … “As part of this review, councillors requested information on the condition of each individual library so they can work out how much it is likely to cost keeping them open. However no council officer from the council’s assets department was able to attend the meeting to present the report.”
- Worcestershire – Libraries Unlocked Launches Next Week at Tenbury Library – Council. “Libraries Unlocked is a free membership upgrade that allows customers aged 15+ and local community groups to access the library outside staffed hours, from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday.”
- The Hive: Worcester library features on national podcast – Worcester News. “Professor David Green CBE DL, vice chancellor and chief executive of the University of Worcester, appeared on the Times Higher Education podcast Campus to discuss the city’s distinctive library and learning centre. The episode explored the library’s origins, design, and lasting impact on the community.”
- York – ‘Betty the cat makes a great mascot for the library’ – BBC. “Acomb Explore library has barely been open two hours and already there’s a team member sleeping on the job – and in full view of the customers too. Luckily for Betty the cat, napping is all part of her unofficial job description, as the self-appointed feline mascot. “She comes in pretty much every day – quite often she’ll see me parking up my bike or my car and she’ll come and meet me, waiting to be let in,” manager Fiona Reilly explains.” … “Staff dubbed her ‘The Great Catsby’ before discovering not only did she have a real name, but also a loving family and two feline siblings, living close by.”
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