After 15 years, it’s time to do something else

Editorial

I started Public Libraries News back in 2010, when the word “austerity” was being used for the first time and eBooks were just coming in. My daughters were 3 and 6 years old. Yesterday I took the youngest of them to their new university for the first time and I recently attended the graduation of my eldest. Unfortunately, though, austerity is still with us and does not appear to have changed.

Writing PLN, as it appears to have become known as, was at first a professional development activity as I simply did not know what else was going on in other library services. Then, in short order, it became a campaigning one as the first mass library closures were being announced. After that, it became more part of my identity and, to be honest, a source of personal pride. Now, though, with the hope of the new Labour government being smashed as they continue cuts, it’s all a bit samey. And, of course, it would be nice not to sacrifice every Sunday morning to doing the blog. In short, doing PLN is no longer fun and being it’s a voluntary activity, I have been asking myself for a while if I should continue doing it. Having now become an official Empty Nester, the answer is clear. it’s time to move on.

So, thank you to all of you who have read and contributed to Public Libraries News. The website will continue for a short while but there will be no further updates to it. Wishing you all the best. It’s been an honour to do the website and to meet and talk to so many inspirational library figures and I am sure I will miss that. But the downsides now outweigh the upsides so …

Goodbye.

Changes by local authority

• Durham – New library/leisure centre for Bishop Auckland
• Haringey – Muswell Hill Library will reopen in late September
• Gloucestershire – Gloucester Library reopens on university campus in October
• Hounslow – Cranford Library to close, to move into community hub

National news

• GLL shortlisted for National Award for Library Innovation – GLL. “shortlisted in the finals of the SEUK Awards in the ‘Social Enterprise Innovation of the Year’ category for its ‘Literary Foundation”
• Library bodies wrangle censorship question but warn of deeper issues – BookSeller. “For Coiffait-Gunn, the debate – across the spectrum of libraries, from school to public – coalesces primarily around trans rights. “When people talk about censorship, they’re talking about trans rights,” he says. “That’s about 80% of the issue, from what we see. We’re not in this place in America where parents or public-library users are complaining about books about race or something like that. “
• National Library in Edinburgh announces U-turn on gender-critical book “censorship” – Deadline. “the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh has announced that it will reverse its decision to pull a gender-critical book of essays from a centrepiece display. The library decided to pull the anthology from a display celebrating 100 years since the library’s founding last month after complaints from the institution’s LGBT staff network. “
• Welsh headteachers speak out against libraries – Nation Cymru. “In a bold stand against the creeping menace of literacy, a headteachers’ union has bravely denounced Plaid Cymru’s pledge to put a library in every primary school. The plan, which would cost the taxpayer a ruinous £1 million over four years (less than a month’s worth of subsidy for Cardiff Airport), has been dismissed as “short-sighted” and a “red herring.” The National Association of Head Teachers Cymru insists that every school already provides “access to books”, and that the money should be directed to more pressing educational concerns than reading.”

Local news by authority

• Angus – Library fund open for applications for community projects – Angus County World. “The annual Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) has opened for applications, with libraries across Scotland set to benefit from a share of funding of £450,000.”
• Barnsley – Barnsley Libraries selected to take part in Europe Challenge programme – Council. “Barnsley Libraries has been awarded a place on the Europe Challenge for 2025/26, joining an international network of libraries and communities working together to tackle some of Europe’s most pressing challenges through creativity and collaboration. The Europe Challenge is a programme initiated by the European Cultural Foundation. It brings together libraries and communities to address Europe’s key transitions—social, digital, and green—by implementing creative solutions in their local areas.”
• Birmingham – Refurbishment works set for 10 libraries amid safety fears – Hits Radio. “the council wants to carry out work after acknowledging several libraries were in a “poor state of disrepair”. “The proposal is to roll out a programme of works to refurbish and upgrade up to ten libraries to bring them up to a reasonable condition and extend the buildings’ life”: Handsworth, Northfield, Mere Green, Quinton, Small Heath, Acocks Green, Erdington, Kings Heath, Hall Green and Perry Common. see also Leaking roofs and broken boilers – inside Birmingham’s libraries as repairs due at last – Birmingham Live.
• Bradford – Food-themed events to encourage people to use Bradford’s libraries – Telegraph and Argus. “Throughout September, libraries across Bradford will host a mix of free events, including author talks, writing workshops, food-themed crafts, film screenings, and cooking sessions.”
• Brighton and Hove – Council removes children’s library campaign poster – BBC. “Sarah Craven-Antill, from the The Save Rottingdean Library Campaign group, said she was “dismayed” the poster had been removed. Councillor Alan Robins, cabinet member for sport, recreation and libraries, said: “The poster was removed as we want to keep our libraries a neutral space while the consultation is live.” Ms Craven-Antill said she had written a message on social media asking “young people to make posters supporting the campaign”.”
• Caerphilly – ‘Hang your heads in shame,’ residents hit out at library closures – South Wales Argus. “Oakdale Library is among ten libraries marked for closure under Caerphilly Council’s new ‘hub’ scheme. According to the council the closures will bring way for ‘more modern’ community hubs that still have books and library services but also offer extra support for help with jobs, money, health, and learning.”
• Ceredigion – Cabinet approves changes to library opening hours – Cambrian News. “The recommendations were unanimously approved cabinet on Tuesday and was praised by the council leader, Cllr Bryan Davies, who said: “Many authorities are looking to close libraries and this shows a support for the service.””
• Durham – Construction starts on new leisure centre and library – Newton News. “The creation of a new leisure centre and library for Bishop Auckland has reached its first major milestone. Durham County Council has held an official ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of the town’s new leisure centre and library, which will see the current facilities replaced with a new, modern community hub.”
• Edinburgh – Edinburgh Libraries photo competition celebrates gardening and the city’s parks, gardens and green spaces – Edinburgh News. “It was part of the ongoing Edinburgh Collected project, a website run by Edinburgh Libraries where people can upload their memories and browse through other people’s.”
• Enfield – Eyesore’ £18,000 mural Labour council painted without permission sparks war with locals who have branded it ‘hideous’ – Daily Mail. “The mural, by artist Albert Agwa, now faces an uncertain future after it emerged that planning permission should have been sought beforehand due to the library being located in a conservation area. The council has since submitted a retrospective application.”
• Gloucestershire – Opening date revealed for Gloucester Library’s brand-new facilities at University of Gloucestershire City Campus – So Glos. “Relocation plans were approved for the library to move from its current home on Brunswick Road in Gloucester to the University of Gloucestershire‘s new City Campus premises in September 2022, with a grand opening taking place from 9am on the Saturday to welcome visitors in style.”
• Haringey -Muswell Hill Library to reopen after extensive refurbishment – Ham and High. “Muswell Hill Library will officially reopen on Monday, September 29, after extensive refurbishment—marking the first time all nine of Haringey’s libraries will be open since before the Covid-19 pandemic.”
• Hounslow – Meadowbank Community Hub and Library set to open this autumn – Council. “Cranford Library is moving to Hounslow Council’s popular Meadowbank Centre, which will become Meadowbank Community Hub and Library. The new Community Hub and Library, which is less than 500 metres from the current location of Cranford Library, will open in October. “
• Kent – Library moved to another temporary location – BBC. “Folkestone Library was forced to leave Grace Hill in December 2022 after the condition of the building sparked safety concerns. Services are now based at Shepway Youth Centre but will move to Sandgate Road by the spring if a change of use planning application is approved, Kent County Council said.”
• Leeds – Help stitch history: Contribute to Leeds’ new threads of freedom tapestry – Council. “Leeds Libraries are inviting residents to help create an inspiring new tapestry that will become a lasting part of the city’s cultural heritage. As part of the national campaign Our Freedom: Then and Now, the Threads of Freedom project has received funding to work with communities across the city to produce a collaborative textile artwork. This new piece will be displayed alongside the much-loved Leeds Tapestry on the first floor of Leeds Central Library. “
• Lincolnshire – Palestine vigil activists urge Louth Library to sever links with Barclays – Lincolnshire World. Activitists “accuse Barclays of “directly helping Israel to fund its atrocities” in the war through its investments and loans.”
• Manchester – Finding ‘library allies’ key for Nibbies winner Manchester Libraries – BookSeller. “Neil MacInnes, head of libraries, galleries and culture at Manchester City Libraries, talks to The Bookseller about what drives the award-winning service. What impressed The British Book Awards judges about Manchester Libraries’ entry to the Library of the Year award 2025, revived after eight years, was the innovation, collaboration and wide reach of its Blue Peter Book Club Live programme, which made use of the Blue Peter brand to bring children and families into contact with libraries and reading.”
  • 8 in 10 Mancs want to see more investment in libraries – 9 best libraries in Manchester according to Tripadvisor – Manchester World. “New data reveals that library users are saving an average of £1,472.79 per year 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. New research from Better Libraries reveals overwhelming public support for greater investment in libraries across the UK, with particularly strong backing in Manchester.”
• Medway – National Literacy Day events as Medway’s libraries – Council. “Events include ‘Blind date with a book’ where adults can choose from a selection of books which have been wrapped up with only a short description, a battle of the book genres where residents can vote for their favourite genre with the winning one getting a special display, as well as storytime, craft and activity sessions.”
• Norfolk -Trouble doubles in county’s libraries – BBC. “Norfolk County Council said it had recorded 242 incidents at its buildings in the last year, compared to 115 the year before.” … “the library in Gorleston was having to be locked “most afternoons and evenings” after problems which the council said “typically involved groups of teenagers”.”
• Northern Ireland – Cullybackey man champions upcoming library events for people with sight loss – Love Ballymena. “He praised the upcoming ‘Go on NI’ technology sessions at Ballymena Central Library as an ideal starting point for those hesitant about using smartphones and tablets.”
• Northumberland – Manga exhibition visits to Northumberland Libraries – Council. ““This forward-thinking exhibition is to help engage with new audiences and encourage teens to visit and thrive in our library spaces but all visitors are welcome to discover why these works resonate with so many and why manga is now considered a truly global language of storytelling.”
• North Yorkshire – Skipton residents encouraged to take part in know your numbers week – Your Skipton. ” free self-service blood pressure checks will be available at Skipton Library during opening hours. Residents can also borrow a blood pressure monitor using their library card, with the equipment available from any North Yorkshire Council-managed library.”
  • Girl, 12, visits all 42 libraries in North Yorkshire – Northern Echo. “Kaitlin Clarkson, from near Masham, has read around 150 library books this year and decided to visit the county’s 42 libraries during the school break”
• Nottingham – Protest planned as campaigners ‘fed up’ over Sherwood Library debacle – Nottinghamshire Live. “The new library in Spondon Street has been plagued by dozens of problems, from changing contractors to over 100 defects, and a number of planned opening dates have come and gone. A ‘sit and read’ event will be held outside the library at 10.30am on Saturday (September 6), with residents having missed out on their summer reading challenge due to the facility not being open.”
• Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire short story competition to begin next week – Herald Series. Library service runs the competition. “Now in its 11th year, the annual competition is a chance to discover new writers, original stories, and unique voices from around Oxfordshire.”
• South Lanarkshire – Blantyre library closes ahead of leisure centre move – Daily Record.
• Staffordshire -Library to relocate as refurbishment work begins – BBC. “Leek Library will move to the adjoining Moorlands House while work is undertaken on the town’s Nicholson Institute.”
• Stoke on Trent – Parents invited to sign their babies up for free library card – Council. “Stoke-on-Trent Libraries have been awarded £3,925 from Arts Council England and Libraries Connected for the My First Library Card initiative. The scheme will see registrars invite families to sign their babies up to their local library from birth.”
• Surrey – Village library closes for masonry investigation – BBC. “Molesey Library first closed its doors on 29 August due to “unforeseen access issues”
• Tower Hamlets – New children’s library opens at Idea Store Canary Wharf – Council. “Tower Hamlets Council and Canary Wharf Group are working in partnership, spending £1.4m on improving and increasing the learning offer for residents, at Idea Store Canary Wharf.  The creation of a new children’s library separated from, and next to the main Idea Store is part of the overall investment. Attractive new features include additional space, new heating, cooling, air ventilation, lighting, and flooring. “
• Warwickshire – SEND community in Warwickshire asked to help shape UK’s first mobile sensory public library – Fosse 107. “The Discovery Den will be the UK’s first mobile sensory public library. “
• Wiltshire – Wall at town library in Malmesbury facing collapse – Standard. Council needs to “dismantle and rebuild a section of the leaning northern boundary wall of Malmesbury Library “