Ian Anstice

Editorial

When I was growing up, back in the 1970s and 80s, the definition of a public library was a simple thing. It was a quiet building with books in, which meant they were made of paper, they could be taken out for free and there were paid library staff. I think many people would say that role has now radically changed. The book room now hosts a wide variety of, often quite loud, weekly groups and probably has at least some link to other council services. The “paid” library staff bit has gone in over 600 libraries. An Ealing councillor says below (although she has an agenda due to cuts there), the role of libraries has changed and needs to change. Another, more worrying, post is from a teenager, also this week, points out that libraries are seen as old fashioned and there’s no need to go into them as everything is on the internet. Even Libraries Connected don’t lead with any mention of books in a recent submission to government but rather focus on them being “free, safe, universal spaces, often in prominent locations, with strong links to local civic and voluntary organisations”.

There is much truth in these comments. I like the libraries I go into to be buzzing with activity. Those libraries I walk into, thankfully not in my council, which are “just” books are often underfunded and sometimes, let’s be frank, have the stench of death around them. But let’s not get carried away. The main reason people go into libraries is the books. The death of the book has been prophesised, even announced, several times since Public Libraries News starts but it’s still very much present. So, the challenge for public libraries is to do both. To be both a provider of good quality book stock and be a, let’s face it, council/community centre, at the same time. And that’s difficult because those roles can be conflicting, as anyone who has tried to study while a children’s session is going on can well attest. It’s even more difficult when the budget means it’s hard to adjust. But one may as well howl at the moon and wish for free chocolate. The reality is that technology and society has changed since I was a child watching with wonder as library assistants flicked over serried ranks of book tickets. And we need to change with it.

The good news is that this is challenging to old fogeys like me but it’s also fun. Planning, bidding and building new services is exciting and really rewarding when they work. And there’s no alternative. So, yes, libraries are now more than books, and that’s good, but they’re never without the books.

Changes by local authority

• Gateshead – Birtley Library refurbished, Blaydon Library being refurbished.
• Glasgow – Cardonald Library, closed since 2023 due to RAAC, will be repaired.
• Oxfordshire – Henley Library refurbished.
• Rotherham – Wath Library being rebuilt

National news

• Co-Chair of CILIP’s Public and Mobile Libraries Group – CILIP. Vacancy. “In July 2024, PMLG launched as an online community – the first of its kind at CILIP. Since then, we have had over one hundred people sign up and CILIP believe that the online group will benefit from having dedicated leaders and champions to guide PMLG members and expand our network.”
• Help shape CILIP’s new strategy for 2026–2030 – CILIP. “CILIP is developing a new strategy for 2026–2030, and we’re inviting the voices of our members, partners, and wider community to shape a future where libraries and knowledge services thrive and lead in a fast-changing world.”
• Libraries Connected launches second round of Peer Mentoring Scheme – Libraries Connected. “This year the scheme is open to Heads of Service and Emerging Leaders who may consider applying for a Head of Service role within the next 12 months or have current responsibility for a major project or large-scale change “
• Libraries Connected submits evidence to Commission on Community and Cohesion – Libraries Connected. “we believe that public libraries are and should remain central to efforts at community cohesion. Libraries have a unique place in our communities. They are free, safe, universal spaces, often in prominent locations, with strong links to local civic and voluntary organisations. As one of the few public spaces left that are universal, open to all and free, they have particular potential to bring local people together and make connections.”
• ‘Section 28 made me feel alone growing up, we need to fight returning censorship’ – Yahoo Entertainment. Simon James Green on talking in schools. “With the way the world is at the moment we’re back again to a place where some people are, sadly, trying to ban LGBT books from school libraries. They’re saying there’s no place for them, they shouldn’t be in there, and making up all sorts of lies basically about the content of the books to justify banning them. So we’re back in the place where Section 28 is almost back in force in some places in the world. I think it’s really important to give young people a warning about that, first of all, but also the tools they need to fight and to push back against that sort of censorship.”
• Why Don’t Young People Use Libraries Anymore? – Headliners. ” for many young people today, they’re more of an afterthought than a must-visit spot. With phones, social media, and easy access to information online, the idea of spending time in a library seems outdated.” … “Many young people feel that libraries haven’t kept up with the times. They’re designed for quiet reading, but in a world where we’re used to working in coffee shops, chatting in group study sessions, and having everything at our fingertips, the traditional library experience just doesn’t cut it anymore.” … “Even though most young people don’t go to libraries, that doesn’t mean we don’t want them to exist. In fact, when asked, loads of us had ideas on how to make them better.”

“Right now, libraries are fading into the background. They’re still there, but most young people aren’t using them. If they don’t evolve, they risk becoming completely irrelevant. But if they adapt, if they become places where people want to be, rather than places they have to go, then maybe libraries can make a comeback. Until then, most of us will stick to our phones.”

Megan, 17

International news

• Canada – Peterborough Library Workers Ask: “What Is a Library Without Librarians?” – Business Wire. “Following a city council demand for $120,000 in budget cuts, the Peterborough Public Library management has informed workers they will be laying off three of the library’s four full-time unionized librarians.”. Professional librarians being replaced with “one Outreach Coordinator and a less qualified programming position”
• Germany – Successful “Night of the Libraries” at the public library – Hof. “With over 150 enthusiastic visitors, the first “Night of the Libraries” in the Hof public library was a complete success. Under the nationwide motto “Knowledge.Share.Discover.” the library opened its doors late into the night. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Illumat, a very special wish-granting machine powered by human intelligence. Children in particular were blown away: from Hello Kitty and Easter bunnies to a flying guinea pig, the most imaginative wishes were lovingly put on paper. But adults didn’t miss out either: even world peace was delivered, albeit initially only on paper.”
• India – We get the libraries we deserve – Navhind Times. History of Goan libraries. “We need to remember the contribution of all those small institutions that have helped reading across Goa, modest and sometimes struggling to stay afloat. We definitely need to have more of those. To get those, citizens need to ask, remind, cajole and demand.”
• Sweden – The importance of libraries – Umea University. “Sweden, like every country, has certain groups represented in libraries more than others, so this conversation is always necessary, in every nation, region, or community.” … “Children who visit libraries, and who may have special needs, or are at risk, find safety and are seen by librarians. And of course, you can find yourself amongst the community that books can create.”
• USA – Being a librarian was already hard. Then came the Trump administration – Guardian. ““You don’t get paid enough to meet your basic needs. Your autonomy at work is consistently under threat. People who think that they know better how to do your job are trying to get the power to push you out of your position”
  • Dismay as cross-border library caught in US-Canada feud: ‘We just want to stay open’ – Guardian.
  • Libraries, which inspire, inform and welcome all, are now expendable – Seattle Times. On the fallout from cuts to the national funder for libraries, IMLS.
  • Majority of attempts to ban books in US come from organised groups, not parents – Guardian.
  • Mississippi orders deletion of race and gender databases in state libraries – Guardian.
  • National Library Week 2025 lands amid book bans, budget cuts, job losses – Orange County Register. ““We’re celebrating National Library Week – and it’s a crazy time to be celebrating anything,” says Hohl. “But I want to make sure that everyone understands that the role of the library is that we’re here for everyone. We’re free for everyone. It’s a safe space, it’s a healthy environment.”

News by local authority

• Bedford – Library spotlight: Dyslexia-friendly books – Bedford Council.
• Carmarthenshire – Carmarthenshire libraries host dementia awareness events – South Wales Guardian. “sing-along and reminiscence sessions to raise awareness of the Reading Well for Dementia collection.”
• Ealing – Libraries beyond books – BookSeller. Ealing councillor writes guest post. “The old adage about libraries being hushed, book-filled sanctuaries is long dead. As everyone in the library sector can attest, libraries have been evolving. Yet, with the rise of new technologies and the fluctuations in library attendance and book loans, coupled with a squeeze on council budgets, libraries have faced the brunt of local government cuts. It doesn’t have to be this way. At Ealing Council, we understand that libraries are vital to our local communities, but to thrive they must change. That is why we have invested nearly £1m, with support from UK Shared Prosperity funding, to transform our libraries in Northolt, Acton and Southall to become creative, cultural community hubs.”
• Essex – Council reorganisation in Essex could close down local libraries – Essex Live. “Plans to overhaul local government in Essex by replacing the county’s existing two-tier council system with unitary authorities has sparked concerns from campaign group Save Our Libraries Essex (SOLE) that the service could be seen as an easy target for the new councils to save money.” … “The proposal involves scrapping Essex County Council, the 12 district and borough councils, and the Southend and Thurrock councils and consolidating their responsibilities under regional super authorities.”
• Gateshead – Birtley Library set to reopen after refurbishment – Gateshead Council. “As part of the library’s refresh, the space has new lighting and decoration. Shelving and furniture has also been upgraded to create improved space for community activities and book borrowing. A new children’s area also features designs by local illustrator and artist Gemma Kooman … When the venue reopens, it will also be home to an Active Travel Centre operated in partnership with Sustrans”. Paid for by UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
• Glasgow -Repair work to begin at library after RAAC discovery – Glasgow Times. “Cardonald Library closed in September 2023 after the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was discovered in the roof.”
• Greenwich – Greenwich Libraries amnesty asks readers to ‘start a new chapter’ and return overdue books by May 31st with no fines – London Daily News. “Greenwich is a borough of avid readers – our library service is one of the most popular in the country – issuing up to 1,360,000 items each year. “Its success depends on our book stock being freely circulated so the maximum number of library members have the opportunity to read them. “Our amnesty invites those who have unreturned books to ‘start a new chapter’ and bring them back in – without the fear of fines.”
• Inverclyde – Nursery kids agree top up tap at Kilmacolm Library a ‘novel’ idea – Inverclyde Council. “Children from Kilmacolm Nursery in Inverclyde recently quenched their thirst for learning at a Scottish Water Top Up Tap located just outside the village’s library. At an event held last week to celebrate the tap, the eager learners were told about the importance of hydration and topping up from the tap with a refillable water bottle.”
• Leeds – Using data to understand and improve book borrowing for children in Leeds – Nesta. “we analysed library data to explore geographic and demographic differences in children’s book borrowing and its correlation with NHS speech and language service referrals” … “identified a small handful of areas in Leeds that had much lower borrowing rates of children’s books compared to the rest of the city. Several of these areas were also underserved by their current library provision”
• Leicester – ‘Libraries are more important than ever’ say readers amid proposed £2 million cuts – Leicester Mercury. “Leicester residents have been left wondering “where does all the money go?” after proposals to cut libraries and community centre services emerged. Earlier this week, Leicester City Council unveiled plans to cut more than £2 million in spending on the services.” … “Beanie1057 wanted to know what had happened to the promise of ‘warm spaces’ when energy bills increased. They said: “So what happens to the ‘warm spaces’ created when heating bills doubled?”… “Reader redcat2 said: “At a time when parents will be struggling more with household budgets, libraries are more important than ever. They are one of the few places parents can still take a child that is both entertaining and educational and free”
• Liverpool – The Reader launches new Shared Reading group in Spellow Library ‘open to everyone, regardless of background or literacy levels’ – Culture Liverpool. “It was originally due to start in 2024 after Spellow Library reopened last March but was put on hold following damage caused by devastating riots which swept across the city and UK last summer triggered by events in Southport.”
• North East Lincolnshire – Library to stay shut for ‘some time’ after leak – BBC. “Grimsby Central Library will remain closed for “some time” to allow asbestos to be removed. The building closed at short notice in March after a water leak “created a risk of asbestos disturbance”.”
• Northern Ireland – Plans for Belfast Central Library redevelopment in limbo amid resource pressures as officials work to ‘resolve issues’ – Belfast Telegraph. Paywall.
• Oxfordshire – Refurbished library officially reopens – BBC. “Henley library has a new heating system, lighting, double glazing, contemporary furniture, and a dedicated work and study space with charging points.”
• Rotherham – Wath library to temporarily relocate as work on new building forges ahead – Rotherham Council. “a new two-storey building will be built on the site of the existing library, as part of a £9.9m community and commercial development being delivered by the Council in the local area.” New Wath Library will open in 2027. “not only will the new library in Wath be pleasing on the eye, but it will also provide people with somewhere to enjoy events and all the cultural benefits that come with a comfortable, well-equipped, modern library.”
• Slough – Essential to the community’: Slough fights back against library closures – Hyphen. “Libraries are essential to the community. Langley library is within walking distance of eight schools, which means young people often come here to hang out with friends after school. It’s more than just a place to get books — it’s a social space”
• Somerset – Library closing to allow for tech upgrade roll out – BBC. “Somerset Council confirmed that Taunton Library, on Paul Street, will shut on Wednesday as work is undertaken to “strengthen security” and “improve Wi-Fi capabilities”.” Reopen on Friday.
• Suffolk – Crime fiction festival returns with ‘all-star line-up’ – East Anglian Daily Times. “Skulduggery in Stowmarket is set to return to Stowmarket Library for the seventh year on April 26. The annual event celebrates thriller writers, featuring six best-selling and award-winning authors.”
• Thurrock – Easter fun at Thurrock libraries – Thurrock Council.
• Warrington – School pupils take part in protest to save library – BBC. Westbrook Library. “Members of the St Philip’s Westbrook Primary School council walked to Westbrook Library with staff – as well as local councillors – on their break as part of a campaign to keep it open.”
  • Community celebrates transformation of Culcheth Library gardens – Warrington Council. “The library building was reopened in November 2023, following a £400,000 refurbishment. Since then, the Friends of Culcheth Library, with support from the community, have led a number of projects and fundraising events to improve the library’s outdoor space. This collective effort has culminated in a stunning garden makeover, creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for all.”
• Warwickshire – Check out Warwickshire libraries with the county’s Child Friendly Bear – Warwickshire Council. Bear promotes children’s services in the council. “The Bear’s first stop is Warwickshire Libraries, a network of community and council-managed venues across the county. Each library features creative spaces where children and young people can learn, play and discover something new. “
• Westmorland and Furness – Call for young volunteers to support Summer Reading Challenge – Westmorland and Furness Council. “All volunteers are given training before the challenge starts and if they are working towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award or similar, their logged hours can be counted towards it.”
• Wirral – Reader Letter: ‘Out of touch over Wirral library closure plans’ – Wirral Globe. “proposed closures of libraries in deprived and crime ridden areas of Wirral proves, beyond doubt, that the council is totally out of touch with the desperate needs of unprivileged children and people of Wirral who are again being abandoned, while Wirral Council squandered millions of pounds on failed projects.”
  • Update on council plans for Wirral libraries closure – Wirral Globe. Originally, “the council’s budget proposals in January included keeping six libraries including the four central libraries in Wallasey, Birkenhead, Bebington, and West Kirby as well as Moreton and Heswall, with the rest to close or move into community hands.”. However, ” these plans have now changed and fewer libraries may close as a result.” … “Later this year, the council will have to go public on its plans and make sure it properly engages with the public throughout the process. As part of this, the local authority will set up a library committee with councillors from all four political parties promising to meaningfully ask people for their opinions.”
• York – Local History Month at Explore York Libraries and Archives – York Press.

Rather than have an editorial this week, I was grateful to Dr Anjna Chouhan of Warwickshire Libraries for giving a few lines on being an NPO Creative Producer and on how she became a board member of the Arts Marketing Association.

A Few Questions with Dr Anjna Chouhan, NPO Creative Producer (Area Librarian). Warwickshire County Council and new board member with the Arts Marketing Association

How did you get into working in libraries? I stepped into libraries after working as an academic in a museum. The world of libraries is so exciting and public facing, engaging, and has fantastic community networks. When Warwickshire Libraries was given NPO status, it felt like an ideal opportunity to be part of the library sector and champion its vast potential for cultural impact.  

What is a “Creative Producer”? In the context of Warwickshire Libraries, it’s someone who designs events while shaping and delivering strategy, as well as content across multiple platforms.

How important do you think the Arts are for Libraries? The arts enrich libraries’ existing offerings. They have the power to engage and inspire, forging communities, uniting stakeholders, and creating impactful encounters across all ages and backgrounds.

Which project are you most proud of? Our annual Park Life Reads festival stands out. In 2024, we held the event in a Nuneaton community centre, bringing together creatives, environmentalists, and literary enthusiasts alongside wellbeing experts. The results were remarkable: over 30% of the audience were first-time library engagers, 96% reported feeling happier, and 100% felt more confident participating in cultural activities. We also provided 200 free lunches and 100 free ice-creams, making the event truly accessible.

Should libraries be more involved in marketing? Messaging around libraries is absolutely needed, so it would benefit the sector enormously to be better aware of networks and marketing support, like that offered by the AMA.

How can the Arts Marketing Association help? Whether it’s social media support, branding or general copy writing, the AMA is an incredibly valuable resource for libraries.

They provide training, support and advocacy for cultural marketers, with over 4,300 members from cultural organisations including libraries such as us at Warwickshire Libraries, The British Library, Suffolk Libraries, Libraries Unlimited and Gloucestershire Libraries.

How can librarians put themselves forward to be on a board / does someone approach you ? / how does it work? Being on a board is an honour and a significant responsibility. Organisations expect members to contribute both expertise and time. In my experience, opportunities arise through different routes. I’ve responded to open calls for board members at the AMA and gone through an election process. In another instance, I proactively approached a charity not actively seeking members. My advice to librarians: stay alert to opportunities and don’t hesitate to reach out to organisations about which you feel passionate.

Thank you to Dr Anjna Chouhan and the Arts Marketing Association for agreeing to this short interview.

Changes by local authority

• Argyll – Tiree, Tarbert, Cardross and Rosneath closed.
• Hounslow – Libraries to be combined with council and other services.
• Newcastle – Opening hours cut
• North East Lincolnshire – Grimsby Central Library temporarily closed due to leaks.
• Warrington – £300k cut. Westbrook Library to close, Orford and Woolston leisure centres to lose their “designated library spaces”.

National news

• GLL Literary Foundation’s launch event celebrates children’s authors – GLL. “Children’s authors, librarians and notables from the publishing world gathered at Battersea Library in South London yesterday (20th March 2025) to celebrate the launch of the GLL Literary Foundation.” … “Each of the successful authors will receive a bursary of £750 alongside in-kind support worth up to £4,000 each, that includes being partnered with a local librarian mentor who will help deliver a series of author events and provide networking opportunities with local booksellers, publishers, literary festivals and schools. “
• How libraries can support blind and partially sighted communities  – Reading Agency. “With funding from the Ulverscroft Foundation, we partnered with Vision Norfolk to run co-production groups with blind and partially sighted participants to support Reading Friends – our reading connection programme. These sessions gave us valuable insights on their experiences with reading and libraries. Here’s what we learned – and different ways libraries might apply these insights as part of Reading Friends group activities and more widely.  “

• Labour civil war erupts as Lisa Nandy set to be ousted for ‘not working hard enough’ – Daily Express. Minister ultimately in charge of public libraries brief. “, a source said: “Lisa seems to work about two days a week on her portfolio.” She has also been criticised for reportedly being interested in the “sport” part of her brief in running the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.”
• Libraries in the digital age – BBC. Podcast. “What is the purpose of libraries in the era of the internet and AI? Whether at a school or in a community, libraries used to be key providers of information and enjoyment for many. But now, in a digital age, more books and periodicals are available online than even the biggest library can hold. If terabytes of text can now be stored on a single laptop, do we need to think differently about the way we access and navigate books? Could well-designed AI tools be trusted to make sense of this information abundance in a similar way that a good librarian can?”

International news

• Canada – Celebrate Canadian Children’s Book Week at local libraries – Saugeen Times. “Canadian Children’s Book Week (CCBW) occurring the week of April 21, is a national celebration of books and reading, bringing authors, illustrators, and storytellers to communities across Canada. What is a better way to recognize our incredible local authors then by showcasing them at our local Libraries?”
• Tanzania – 4 mln Tanzanians to benefit from new digital library system – News.Az. “to conveniently access books, journals, and educational materials from home”
• USA – Alabama board defunds local library in first action under new book ban law – Guardian. “The Alabama public library service board of trustees recently voted to withhold state funding from the Fairhope public library after complaints from conservative parents about books in the teen section. In the same meeting, the board voted to immediately dismiss the executive director of the state library agency, who had been planning to resign.”

Local news by authority

• Argyll – Four libraries to close in Argyll as locals fight to save services – Herald Scotland. “Live Argyll currently runs 13 libraries across Argyll with Capbeltown, Cardross, Dunoon, Helensburgh, Lochgilphead, Oban, Rosneath, Rothesay, Tarbert, Tiree, Tobermory, Sandbank and Islay Mobile Library all under their guidance. The business plan for the trust for 2025 to 2027 now lists just nine libraries with Tiree, Tarbert, Cardross and Rosneath all missing. West Coast Today reports the discovery was made when an applicant for the position of library assistant at Tiree was told the post had been withdrawn.”
• Bromley – Author Michael Braccia to launch new novel at Dudley Library – Dudley News.
• Cheshire West and Chester – First glimpse of what new Northwich Library will look like – Northwich and Winsford Guardian. “The work included asbestos removal, floor joist replacement, and timber frame repairs but has now been completed. The next phase will see the building redesigned – with CGI images of what it could look like being published online by Cheshire West and Chester Council.”
• Cornwall – Sensory story bags introduced at Cornwall’s libraries – Cornish Times. “Sensory story bags, designed to engage people with sensory needs, are now available to borrow from Cornwall’s libraries. Cornwall Library Service has bought a collection of sensory stories created by Joanna Grace, founder of The Sensory Projects.”
• Cumberland – Council seeks public input on Cumberland libraries – News and Star. “Cumberland Council plans to launch a public survey and host a series of engagement events to gather views on and explore the future of library services in the region.”
• Contractor appointed for major transformation of Carlisle Library – Cumberland Council. “This major redevelopment, funded by the UK Government’s Carlisle Town Deal, represents a £3.3 million investment in the city’s cultural and educational future. The project aims to revitalise Carlisle Library into a cutting-edge learning and community hub, offering state-of-the-art facilities tailored to modern users’ needs”
• Ealing – Celebrating libraries: cornerstone of communities – Ealing Council. “At a time when some boroughs are having to reduce their library services, we are committed to their future and continue to look at innovative ways to offer more than just books. That’s why we chose to invest £900,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Funding allocated to us by the government, for extensive refurbishments at Northolt and Acton libraries and the Dominion Centre in Southall …  Next week, we’ll be celebrating their fresh new look at reopening events in the libraries” … Making four libraries volunteer-run has “given communities an opportunity to get more involved in creating and running their local library in the way they decide” … Northolt Leisure Centre Library and Jubilee Gardens Library to be come volunteer as well.
• Join the celebrations at new-look libraries – Around Ealing. “DJ workshops, dancing, live music and art activities will all be on offer – free of charge – to celebrate the reopening of 2 local libraries and the Dominion Centre after a revamp.”
• Essex – Harwich Library transformation to finish this summer for 50th anniversary – Tendring District Council. “The £1.16 million transformation of Harwich Library is on course to finish this summer in time for its 50th anniversary. Harwich Library will expand by 182 sqm and sport two new classrooms for up to 40 learners, which can be used by community-based providers.”
• Hartlepool – Welcome to Seaton Carew Community Hub – Hartlepool Council. “Featuring a fresh new look, upgraded facilities and a wider range of activities and services, this latest member of the Community Hubs family will be officially opened on Wednesday 2nd April at 10am.”
• Highlands – Lochaber libraries blaze a trail for fundraising week – West Coast Today. Paywall.
• Hounslow – Hounslow to transform local libraries into Community Hubs – Hounslow Council. “Community Hubs” and Libraries to be combined.
• Lancashire – The membership of Lancashire libraries – Library Storytelling. An in-depth look at who uses Lancashire libraries and the use of data in analysing membership.
• Manchester – First images: Chorlton Library to reopen after year-long restoration – Manchester Council. “An iconic building in the heart of Chorlton, this Grade II listed library has gone through a complete transformation to enhance the existing structure and refurbish the building. This process has unveiled long-hidden architectural treasures at the same time as upgrading facilities, to ensure it stays relevant for the next 100 years.”
• Newcastle – Library opening hours cuts ‘will hit new writers’ – BBC. “From April, Newcastle City Library will close at 14:00 BST on a Saturday, rather than 16:00, as part of savings to “deliver a balanced budget”, the local authority said. Gateshead author Annie Doyle, who writes historical family saga novels based on her nana’s life growing up in the North East, said her “writing journey” began at the library.”
• Newham – In praise of Warm Havens – We are Newham, we are helping – Newham Council. “5,000 additional visits to libraries during the extended opening hours” … “Some residents said they came to the library for the warmth and the unlimited hot drinks available at no cost. They also appreciated being able to use other services such as free Wi-Fi and phone charging. Others commented that they hadn’t had a hot drink since the previous day due to a lack of money, and they found the service extremely helpful.””
• North East Lincolnshire – Water leak temporarily closes town’s library – BBC. “Grimsby Central Library has been forced to close temporarily after water leaked onto the premises following a period of rainfall overnight this week. North East Lincolnshire Council said an inspection revealed urgent remedial work was needed and the service would be “relocated as soon as possible”.”
• North Northamptonshire – Year-long library roof repairs due to start – BBC. “Work to replace the roof on a Grade II listed library building will start next month and take more than a year to complete. The roof of Kettering Library and Art Gallery in Northamptonshire was damaged during heavy rain in 2023. North Northamptonshire Council earmarked almost £7m for the repairs and local firm Messenger will be using Collyweston slate from the county for the repairs.”

“Oundle Library is still in an awful state of disrepair nine months after the fire. The staff room is a shell. Although the library is open, there are no computers or printing in the building. If any printing is needed, it is brought by car from Corby Library. There’s been almost no noticeable moves to make things better.” North Northamptonshire – Oundle Library – Email received.

• Oxfordshire – Library managers receive recognition in national awards shortlist – Oxfordshire Council. “Jake Tilling, Witney Library Manager, and Karen Seymour, Hook Norton Library Manager, have been nominated for their work around the council’s Every Contact Count (MECC) initiative. MECC is a national programme aimed at improving health outcomes through everyday conversations with residents.”
• Oxfordshire library set to reopen after refurbishment – Oxford Mail. “Henley Library will be open for residents from 9am on April 8 after it underwent an extensive refurbishment. The library, under Oxfordshire County Council, has been made more environmentally sustainable with new heating systems, lighting, and double glazing.”
• Pembrokeshire – New library management system for Pembrokeshire Libraries – Pembrokeshire Council. “Pembrokeshire Libraries has joined an all-Wales Public Library Service consortium.  The change of supplier has been supported with grant funding by the Welsh Government. The new service will improve the quality for customers and costs less than the existing system. Benefits of the new system include an enhanced online catalogue with a user-friendly interface, improved account management, easier access to e-books, e-audiobooks and other digital assets as well as a calendar of events”
• Pembroke and Pembroke Dock library hours cut amid budget savings drive – Narberth and Whitland Observer. “Pembroke and Pembroke Dock libraries are to see their opening hours cut in a bid to reduce service costs that has also prompted a short-term rescue for Milford Haven Library.”
• Slough – Langley and Cippenham libraries protest planned at Slough council – Slough and South Berks Observer. “A protest to save Langley and Cippenham library buildings from closure is set to take place at the doors of Slough Borough Council next month, a councillor says.”
• South Gloucestershire – New children’s area at Emersons Green Library unveiled- South Gloucestershire Council. “Work on the children’s area was completed earlier this month, and the new space is ready to welcome young readers into a vibrant, and resource-rich environment which will serve the community for years to come.”
• Suffolk – Formal challenges to Suffolk County Council libraries takeover rejected – Suffolk News. “Following last week’s meeting, two ‘call-in’ requests were submitted by the Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent (GLI) group as well as the Labour group — both have now been rejected. Call-ins are formal challenges to council decisions which need to be approved by the authority’s monitoring officer.” … “Opposition councillors at the council have no confidence that it will be able to run our library services in any long-term or sustainable way. “They had an opportunity to listen to the people, step back and think again, but refused to take it.” Cllr Harley added it was unclear whether libraries would remain open once councils as we know them in Suffolk ceased to exist, due to devolution and local government reorganisation.” see also Council library takeover challenges blocked – BBC.
• On this day: Online exhibition shows how libraries adapted during pandemic – East Anglian Daily Times. “On this day in 2021, the East Anglian Daily Times reported that an online art exhibition provided a unique insight into the experiences of libraries before and during the Covid-19 crisis. Suffolk Libraries collaborated with illustrator and printmaker Sandy Horsley, who dedicated a year to visiting 13 Suffolk libraries, capturing unseen moments between customers and staff.”
• Thurrock – Enjoy a knit and natter at Thurrock libraries – Thurrock Council.
• Warrington – Plans to stop using library spaces in Orford and Woolston hubs – Warrington Guardian. £300k cut to libraries. “Westbrook Library would close and volunteers would run some libraries for some of the time. However another part of the scheme would see Orford and Woolston lose their designated library spaces.”
• Views sought on proposed changes to Warrington’s library service – Warrington Guardian. “A tiered system is being proposed for Warrington’s libraries, alongside the proposal to close Westbrook Library.” … “Instead books would be available in the concourses of the hubs. Similar to how Great Sankey and Bewsey and Dallam currently operate. The council also said ‘commercial’ operatives could use the big spaces in both building which would be created as a result.”
• Warwickshire – Warwickshire Libraries to introduce quicker and more user-friendly online system in April – Warwickshire Council. “The new library management system will provide an improved user experience with several new features, including a new Library App which will enable customers to use a digital library card, making issues and renewals much more efficient.”
• Westmorland and Furness – Ulverston Library’s inauguration plaque is looking for a new location – NW Mail. “Westmorland and Furness council has assured people that the plaque will remain in place during work to remove external signage on the building. Work to the former library on King’s Road, was due to start yesterday Thursday, March 27.

Editorial

Good grief, there’s a lot going on in Suffolk. You’ll remember that the council there has decided to bring back libraries into full council control, after it being run by a non-profit, Suffolk Libraries. Well, it looks like this is not the most popular decision, with over 20,000 signing a petition in protest and existing library volunteers declaring they will not continue helping out if the non-profit goes. Also, it turns out the change will cost £1.8m, which Suffolk Libraries points out, would secure the service under them with no reductions for three years. There’s also concern that whatever the councillors say, future austerity, and devolution, will force cuts on the service. In response, the council is promising extra investment and accusing the trust of being run by fat cats. The final decision will be made on Tuesday.

Awards are a great way of publicising library services, as well as highlighting the wonderful things they do. The British Book Awards have proven this again this year, with the help that there were joint winners and also some highly commended. Which is just showing off. But the best kind.

In other news, it’s sad to see Brighton and Hove, which I associate with good things library-wise as well as a rather bohemian outlook on life, thinking about cutting services but, on the other hand, good news in Knowsley where the temporarily extended opening hours have been confirmed long-term.

Changes by library authority

• Brighton and Hove – Up to three libraries under threat
• Knowsley – Lengthened opening hours confirmed.

National news

• The British Book Awards 2025 Library of the Year regional and county winners revealed – BookSeller. “Ten libraries and library authorities, from across the UK and Ireland, have been crowned regional and country winners at The British Book Awards 2025, celebrating those that make reading more accessible and inclusive. Lewisham, Manchester and Midlothian Library Services are among those to make the final cut from the 36 shortlisted finalists.” … “That there are joint winners, and four high commendations, speaks to the tough decisions the judges had to make.”. Winners include ” All Star Book Club designed for adults with Down syndrome”; “‘Winchester GoLD’ programme supporting adults with learning disabilities led to 40% of those attending signing up to the library”; ” Gaelic and British Sign Language sessions”;  a creative project engaging Afghan refugees with flower pressing to create bookmarks; Summer Reading Challenge training; Blue Peter Book Club Live programme; Imagined Worlds festival, a series of events celebrating sci-fi and fantasy; 21 Book Challenge for adult readers”
• Carnegie Medal for Writing Shortlist 2025 – The Carnegies.
• Many families may not feel welcome at library storytimes – here’s how to ensure everyone benefits from them – Conversation. “In theory, storytime sessions at local libraries should be part of the solution.” … However, it may be that because these sessions tend to be designed and delivered by confident, experienced readers, and attended by families who already engage with books at home, parents who did not have this advantage may feel less welcome or even uncomfortable.”
• Public Libraries Forum 2025: 40 Years of NAG – Looking Back, Looking Forward – National Acquisitions Forum. “NAG’s Collection Development Seminar and Public Libraries Forum event will take place at the Leeds Marriott Hotel, Trevelyan Square, LS1 6ET, on Thursday 15th May 2025.”
• Public library byelaws – Gov.uk. “These model library byelaws, supersede those published in August 2017. They are intended to help public libraries deliver their service within a safe and comfortable environment, to safeguard library property and to make libraries places everyone can enjoy.”
• Sadiq Khan demands book exchanges reinstated in Tube stations amid fire safety row – Standard. “I’ve seen the difference they make, by speaking to commuters around Highbury & Islington, Oval and other parts of the network. TfL and LFB are responding to my request, and I’m hoping there’ll be a very swift announcement that this decision has been u-turned.”” see also Tube station book swap ban ‘ridiculous’ – BBC.
• Stars of the Shelves Author Visits Helping Children Connect with Literacy – Welsh Libraries. ““Stars of the Shelves” is the latest project run by The Book Council of Wales and funded by Welsh Government. The purpose of the project is to invite authors to hold workshops for school children in libraries throughout Wales. The project runs until the end of March 2025 and over 25 authors from Wales will have had the chance to hold sessions to approx 4,500 children in 75 different libraries across Wales.”
• Toy library scheme ‘would help struggling families’ – BBC. “Friends of the Earth Cymru, Early Years Wales, and an existing toy library have jointly written an open letter to the Welsh government calling for its support for the scheme.”
• Working with IT: Library Guide for the Year Ahead – Lorensbergs. “With the right IT support, libraries can explore how they might develop the underlying library offer, how they might advance digital access and skills development overall. Can they do it better? Can they be more ambitious in who they help and with what tasks or skills?”

International news

• USA – Struggle for control of public libraries in full swing across the Deep South – Southern Poverty Law Center. “No one used to envision libraries as battlefields. But in 2025, that’s what they have become. Across the South over the last decade, control of what happens on bookshelves has turned into a pitched battle, with white supremacist and Christian nationalist groups on one side facing off against an unlikely coalition of progressives, educators, Black leaders and drag queens on the other.” … “more than a third (36%) of the 4,218 books banned during the 2023-2024 school year featured characters or people of color. Measuring only history books or biographies, that number rises to 44%. ”
  • Behind the stacks: research exposes sexual harassment of library workers – University of Alberta. “Only seven per cent of workers report never being harassed by patrons, say researchers who have identified “pillars of resistance.””
  • Statement on Trump’s Attack on Federal Funding for Libraries – EveryLibrary. “The Executive Order states that IMLS must be reduced to its “statutory functions.” It also requires that “non-statutory components and functions …shall be eliminated to the maximum extent…”. We are extremely concerned that the wording of this E.O. could result in cuts to the core functions of IMLS. The Administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have used similar E.O.s to dismantle the other federal agencies.”

Local news by authority

• Aberdeen – New chapter for Cults Library as locals launch crusade to bring it back to life – Press and Journal. “Residents of an Aberdeen suburb have joined forces to ensure the story of Cults Library isn’t over quite yet… The venue was one of six libraries to be axed during “machete-wielding” city council budget cuts two years ago. Local authority chiefs closed them to save around £280,000 per year.”. Friends group trying to reopen Cults Library.
• Barnsley – Barnsley Libraries named one of the best libraries in the North at the British Book Awards – Barnsley Council. “Judges selected Barnsley for the fantastic work of our National Portfolio Organisation Team, who support exciting cultural activities across our libraries, including developing the travelling Story Shell with international artists Suzie Devey and Steve Messam, to encourage reading in new creative ways.”
• Brighton and Hove – Brighton’s Jubilee Library is one of the most popular in the country – Argus. “More than 3,000 new members joined Brighton & Hove libraries within the first two weeks and the library was visited 810,000 times in its first year, with 23,000 new members. Twenty years later, Jubilee Library is still bustling with activity and continues to be one of the top 10 most popular libraries in the country. Jubilee Library has been far more successful than originally projected. In the year before the Covid-19 pandemic, the library had a million visitors, twice the number originally projected.”
  • Up to three libraries may close, says council report – Brighton and Hove News. “Up to three community libraries could close while customer services look likely to be moved out of the town hall and into remaining libraries in Brighton and Hove. The possible changes are outlined in a report to Brighton and Hove City Council’s People Overview and Scrutiny Committee”
• Camden – Swiss Cottage Library celebrates 60 years with new children’s library and historic exhibition – Camden Council. “Last week, Camden Council celebrated World Book Day at Swiss Cottage Library by opening the redesigned children’s library and launching an exhibition commemorating the gallery space’s sixtieth anniversary. The event saw the unveiling of the new children’s library, a vibrant and engaging space designed to nurture a passion for reading and learning in young people. “. Some lovely photos.
• Derbyshire – Reduced library opening times to come into force – BBC. “The library service strategy unveiled by Derbyshire County Council in July aims to save £625,000 over the next four years. The changes, which were agreed after a 12-week public consultation, come into force on 31 March and will see all 43 council-run libraries open for at least 16 hours per week.” … “Reservation charges for book and talking book requests, where the item is either in print or in stock in Derbyshire libraries, are being ended, as are charges for borrowing talking books.”
• Devon – Exeter librarian shortlisted for top national award – Exeter Council. “Chris has championed the transformation of Exeter Library into a ‘cultural powerhouse’, curating an innovative and accessible events programme that engages and reflects the diverse needs of the community.”
• Dorset – Verwood Library members given ‘extended access’ – Hello Rayo. “I usually work from home and Extended Access means I can use the library from early until late when it suits me, which is great.”
• East Lothian – Letter of the Week: Keep our libraries safe from cuts – East Lothian Courier. “If there are to be further cuts, could the people be consulted as to where the cuts could be made by the council? Can I also make a point about alternative openings on Saturdays being almost a way to undermine any success of Saturdays.”
• East Riding – Major refurbishment work on library to start soon – BBC. “East Riding of Yorkshire Council said the ground floor of the building would be fully refurbished and refitted with equipment including 3D printers, embroidery machines and the latest game design software. The refurbishment is being funded through a £250,000 grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s libraries improvement fund and about £200,000 from the council.”
  • SpringFest: Book festival comes to East Yorkshire – BBC. “SpringFest, organised by East Riding Libraries, includes talks by authors and workshops in libraries from 15 to 22 March.”
• Enfield – Enfield Council Pushes Ahead with Library Closures Despite Opposition – UK News in Pictures. “Enfield Council argues that the move will save up to £560,000 per year in staffing and operational costs, while the sale of the library buildings could generate between £3m and £3.85m.” … “The decision has sparked strong criticism from opposition Conservative councillors, who claim the cuts are unnecessary and harmful to communities.”
• Hampshire – Winchester Library in running for National Library of the Year award – Hampshire Council. “A creative initiative to encourage reading among people with learning disabilities” … “The free 30-minute readings of classic and modern tales create a welcoming and safe space for participants to enjoy interactive storytelling, socialise, and unwind.”
• Knowsley – Live blog: Knowsley Council Budget Meeting – Knowsley News. “We are making a permanent commitment to our Stronger Communities Fund and with an allocate £250,000 every year to community projects.  We will also permanently extend our library opening hours so that we can continue to provide community hubs for residents.”
• Lambeth – Lambeth Libraries named as “book BAFTAs” finalists – Lambeth Council. “For Lambeth’s librarians, being shortlisted is a recognition of the unique and innovative way they manage the books they stock for the community to borrow: buying the titles customers ask for, so the books are as diverse as their readership”
  • Lambeth Council to slash £1M from library budget while betting on gift shops and room hire to fill the gap – Brixton Buzz. “Lambeth Council plans to reduce the library budget by £1M for the next financial year by reducing the book fund budget and not recruiting for the current 14 vacancies across the borough.”
• Lewisham – Lewisham libraries named London’s best at prestigious book awards – News Shopper. “Lewisham Libraries has been crowned the London winner of The British Book Awards 2025 Library of the Year.” … “targeting specific niches and passions in books, capitalising on the current boom in fantasy to create the Imagined Worlds festival.”
• Lincolnshire – Grantham and Bourne MP Gareth Davies reflects on Lincolnshire libraries in wake of World Book Day – Lincs Online. “As well as acting as centres of learning within our community, our libraries also act as a hub. When I visited Grantham Library, I was excited to learn about their efforts to open up more space to growing local businesses. Work led by Lincolnshire County Council at Grantham Library to create a new IT suite equipped with business software, as well as drop-in working zones with acoustic booths for meetings is due to start in the summer. This is an excellent initiative to both drive local economic growth and boost access to our library being championed by a number of our county councillors.”
  • Bra banks launched to support cancer research – BBC. “Bra banks have been set up at libraries across Lincolnshire in partnership with the charity Against Breast Cancer. Donated bras are sent for textile recovery, giving them a new lease of life and raising money for work on research, including secondary spread cancer.”
• Manchester – Darren Harte & Colin Hyde chat to David Govier Archivist at Manchester Central Library – Mixcloud. “about the digitization project preserving the archive of Piccadilly Radio.”
• Middlesbrough – Revamp of IT services unveiled at Thorntree Hub and Library – Middlesbrough Council. “State-of-the-art upgrades have been unveiled at one of Middlesbrough’s community hubs as part of an investment programme. Improvements at Thorntree Community Hub and Library mark the final phase of a three-year project made possible through the Libraries Improvement Fund. The Hub’s IT area has been redesigned to create a modern, vibrant space fit for purpose for the 21st century.”
• Monmouthshire – Vow never to shut libraries ‘on my watch’ – Monmouthshire Beacon. “Labour’s Mary Ann Brocklesby did say however libraries and community hub buildings could be reviewed individually to see how they could operate more “effectively and efficiently” which she said could lead to “some challenging discussions”.”
• Norfolk – Opening date announced for new Great Yarmouth Library – Norfolk Council. “Great Yarmouth Library is due to reopen at its new location, ‘The Place,’ on 6 May 2025, it has been announced today. This will mark a new chapter for the library, which will be housed in the former Palmers department store – a central and easily accessible location in the heart of Great Yarmouth.”
• Nottinghamshire – Nottinghamshire library charges up around 5% from April to cover rising costs – West Bridgford Wire. “The council has proposed a series of modest price and rate increases across various services, with some charges remaining unchanged.”
• Shropshire – Bridgnorth exhibition pays tribute to a female unsung hero of Shropshire – Daily Motion.
• Staffordshire – Ten Staffordshire libraries receive share of £5m libraries investment – Express and Star. “More than 25 of Staffordshire’s 43 libraries are now community-managed services, where day to day running is carried out by a community group while the county council remains responsible for providing books, other stock and IT services and paying utility and maintenance costs. The scheme sparked concerns in some communities when it was first proposed more than a decade ago, but it has been hailed for keeping libraries open across the county and providing community meeting space and facilities.”
• Stoke on Trent – Former library could be turned into flats – BBC. “Plans have been submitted proposing to create nine apartments in the old Fenton Library in Stoke-on-Trent, which has been vacant for 13 years. It originally opened in 1906 after it was funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie”
• Suffolk – ‘Council library takeover will make things worse’ – BBC. Library users express their views of council ending contract with Suffolk Libraries. “I can’t imagine them making improvements, I expect that they will do the opposite and things will get worse” … “My fear is things will close or change… sadly, it wouldn’t surprise me if they took it over and things like this would go” … “”I think since the libraries have been run as a charity for the last 12 years they’ve done very well. I can’t see any way to change it, and I don’t think it could be improved in any way” 
  • Agenda Item 6 – Provision of Library Service (Update) – Suffolk Council. Link to Item 6 (Provision of library service) on Tuesday’s Cabinet agenda, which will decide the fate of Suffolk Libraries. “Bringing the service in-house and providing one-off investment will realise back office savings and efficiencies which will enable the protection of frontline library staff and maintain the service in its current budget envelope.” … “There will be an estimated upfront one-off cost to bringing the service back in house in year 1 of up to £1.8 million which will be funded through surplus in external revenue grant.”. Move will “provide significant opportunities for greater integration of the Council support and services, relating to Children and Young People, Public Health Communities and Adult Social Care through the 45
    libraries and their staff.”
  • Bright future for Suffolk’s libraries outlined – Suffolk Council. “By integrating the library service into the council, we will be able to deliver more cohesive and accessible public services, connecting residents with vital health and social support. “These library spaces will continue to serve as community hubs, providing seamless integration with other public services and ensuring that Suffolk’s residents can access the help they need, when they need it. “This is a positive move for Suffolk’s communities and the future of our libraries.””
  • Can Suffolk’s library service recover from the current row? – East Anglian Daily Times. Paywall. “Get a grip – that’s our blunt message today to both sides in the increasingly acrimonious row over Suffolk’s library service.”
  • Council must re-think its plan to break-up Suffolk Libraries – East Anglian Daily Times. “This weekend, I was out as usual talking to residents across Suffolk Coastal – speaking to hundreds of people over the Saturday and Sunday. And the biggest thing that came up as a frustration locally? It is probably of little surprise that so many people wanted to tell me about their dismay at Suffolk County Council’s decision to end their contract with Suffolk Libraries, and to bring the services in house.”

• Eleventh-hour talks over Suffolk libraries contract – East Anglian Daily Times. “Last-minute talks have been taking place between Suffolk Libraries bosses and county council officials in an attempt to reach agreement about the future of the service.” but Council refuses to u-turn. Suffolk Libraries says “We were forced to defend ourselves as the situation has been misrepresented and we are concerned about such a big decision being taken based on misunderstood facts and figures.”
  • Historian from Ixworth, near Bury St Edmunds, backs campaign against Suffolk County Council taking back control of a library service – Suffolk News. Behind paywall.
  • Please don’t make a decision about the library service based on flawed figures – Suffolk Libraries. “The county council’s main reasons for the decision are apparently financial but there is growing confusion that it now appears they are willing to spend additional money to take the service back (up to £1.8m according to their paper).  If offered to Suffolk Libraries as part of contract negotiations this money would have ensured a successful award of a new contract and allowed the organisation to maintain the service and opening hours well into the future.”
  • Sudbury protesters anger against Suffolk library decision – East Anglian Daily Times. Partial paywall. “Library protesters have revealed they will stop volunteering for the service should Suffolk County Council take it back in-house. ” see also Sudbury protesters anger against Suffolk library decision – Sudbury Mercury. “Members of the Friends of Sudbury Library and Friends of Great Cornard Library stated they’re “not happy to be railroaded into things that we don’t have any decision over”.” … “If Suffolk County Council do take over the libraries, I will leave. I will not volunteer anymore.””
  • Suffolk County Council disappointment over Suffolk Libraries refusal to share costs information publicly – Suffolk News. “Cllr Philip Faircloth-Mutton, the lead for the change, said: “It is disappointing that the public won’t get to hear the full story and be privy to all the facts.”
  • Suffolk County council publishes open letter about libraries – East Anglian Daily Times. Behind paywall.
  • A Tory council wants to bring library services back into public control – yet people are furious? – Canary. “So, for more than 12 years now, Suffolk Libraries has operated 45 libraries across the county. And in that time, it has run it without reducing the service – and largely, bar for an increase in 2024, done so without more council funding.” … “The council’s decision has sparked an outcry from local residents, who’ve organised protests against the move” … “it’s common knowledge that the Council might be swept away in a couple of years should devolution come in. How can we trust the Council with our libraries if they are prepared to risk their future against this backdrop?” … ” however, the council’s argument that the shortfall from increased costs should land on the broadest shoulders – senior management – is sound. It’s especially so when one of those increased costs is the rise in the minimum wage.” … “Moreover, a Conservative-run authority known for cuts to other public sector jobs and services is hardly the pinnacle of trustworthiness”
  • An Update on Our Contract – Suffolk Libraries. Petition has 21304 signatures at time of checking.
• Warwickshire – Stratford-upon-Avon and Alcester libraries announced as Regional and Country Winner ahead of The British Book Awards 2025 – Warwickshire Council. “The service’s award nomination placed particular emphasis on Stratford-upon-Avon and Alcester libraries’ Chatterbooks for Reluctant Readers programme”
• Westminster – Welcoming and celebrating neurodiversity in our libraries – Westminster Council. Libraries provide sensory stay and play, quiet hour, neurodiverse book collection.
• West Northamptonshire – Councillor storms out of meeting during debate on protecting libraries – Cambridge News. “Council confirmed its commitment to protecting all local libraries and commended their contributions to the community” but “the wording was changed to remove the mention of creating a council ‘backstop’ for local [volunteer] libraries that may be struggling”
  • Revamped Northampton library to reopen after five years to give community ‘lifeline’ – Northampton Chronicle. “Kingsthorpe Community Library, in Welford Road, has undergone a complete revamp in partnership with the local parish council and the Northamptonshire Libraries service to bring the building back to life and welcome visitors in the coming weeks. Volunteers and staff have been busy stacking shelves with books and hauling in new furniture to get the venue ready for its new patrons.”

“So of the 36 libraries in Northamptonshire back in 2017/18 there is just one that is now totally lost, i.e. Far Cotton in Northampton itself.”

Email received

• West Sussex – Remembering West Sussex’s pioneering “rebel librarian” – Sussex World. “The tale of Marian Frost is a remarkable one, one researched by Katie Gledhill, lead manager with the library service. Frost was instrumental in persuading international philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to fund a purpose-built library in Worthing in 1908 – 17 years before the county service was established. Katie said: “Throughout her life Marian was a real innovator and she dedicated her life to championing books and the power of libraries.”
  • West Sussex libraries recognised in this year’s British Book Awards – Sussex World. “adult literacy classes which gave it the edge over some stiff regional competition, by training more volunteers to support adults learning to read.”
• Worcestershire – Library Connect Groups: Connecting people and building community – Worcestershire Council. “Library Connect Groups are informal meetings in libraries that bring people together over a common interest or shared experience. Many are run by volunteers …”

Editorial

The big news is this week is the shock decision of Suffolk Council not to renew the six-year contract of non-profit Suffolk Libraries. And I mean “shock”: the trust found out only 15 minutes before the public did and there was apparently no consultation with them or the many Friends groups beforehand.

So, what’s at play here? The libraries will again be part of the Council from 1 June, there are 45 libraries in the county, with 364 “frontline” posts and 56 others. Suffolk Libraries has been running the service since 2012 with no reductions in service with no increase, until last year, in initial council funding. Council funding was £5.9m in 2023/24, which has been increased to £6.6m for 2024/25 but Suffolk Libraries gained extra funding, and recorded an income of £9.9m according to its latest accounts for the year to the end of March 2024.

But also what’s at play is the viability of non-profits running public libraries in the UK. Including Suffolk, eight councils have returned libraries to the council fold since spinning them out since 2010: Falkirk, Flintshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Northamptonshire, the Library of Birmingham, Peterborough and Warrington. For single-council (ish) trusts, that leaves just a few including Devon’s Libraries Unlimited and York Explore (itself facing substantial cuts). Explore already looks a bit shaky. Libraries Unlimited must be feeling dismayed.

And as for Suffolk? Well, the situation is disputed. I think readers of my recent editorials will know my opinion of the Trust has changed but make up your own mind. Below, are the pros and cons (in no particular order) that have been quoted by everyone I’ve spotted for the move. You can read the article links in the special Suffolk session too.

For the move back to Council control

• The belief that all public libraries should be run directly by the Council – Unison, Library Campaign
• Council says Suffolk Libraries will reduce hours by 30% [Presumably to reach the lower budget provided by the Council compare with inflation? We don’t know – Ed.]
• Council says 33% of to the Suffolk Libraries budget was at “head office” and suggest this is wasteful, with money to be saved by making some of these staff redundant.
• The Council calls itself “safe hands” and casts doubt on the financial viability Suffolk Libraries.
• Return to in-house means more of the library budget should be invested in frontline services
• No libraries would close and there would be no reduction in opening hours.
• A total of £200,000 will be invested in replacing Suffolk’s aging mobile libraries and a further £157,000 for new books and on replacing public computers. This was in addition to the standard budget.
• Shorter-term proposal by SL would have breached procurement law.

Against the move back

• Trust says volunteers may be less willing to work for the Council than a charity
• Trust says decision will lead to loss of funding from external grants and fund-raising. Suffolk Libraries say that they have secured direct funding for several key projects including a long-term community arts programme and various other community and wellbeing services. “Hundreds of thousands of pounds and activities across Suffolk could be lost”
• Suffolk Libraries raised it’s own funds: £400k of its own money through fundraising in 2023/24 and SCC’s ability to match this figure to support the service will be severely restricte; Over £500k of rate relief on library buildings will no longer be available; Tens of thousands of pounds of money raised by library friend’s groups (and their time and support) could be lost; The forfeiting of the contract for prison libraries that contribute over £100k profit every year, offsetting some of the back-office costs. This appears to comfortable be more than £1 million if fully added up.
• Service costs £3m less than it did when SL took over (and the Council ran it) but offers more services.
• Decision “will potentially cost taxpayers at least £1m in the first year and potentially more in the long term”
• SL seen as innovative, “recognised as pioneers for change and are regarded as a leading force within the industry”
• Changing back to Council control will be expensive.

Changes by local authority

• East Lothian – Opening hours reduced for winter have been restored.
• Lambeth – £1m proposed cut
• North Lanarkshire – All three mobile libraries to be withdrawn from 3 March.
• Perth and Kinross – Cuts to libraries withdrawn, an additional £1m of funding to save five library facilities for the next two years.
• Salford – Salford Community Leisure in financial difficulty
• Suffolk – Bungay Library refurbished.

National news

• Can book fans turn the page on decline in reading? – BBC. “I can’t help but lament the closure of public libraries which have a very important community function.”
• CIPFA library research reveals rising income not enough in face of cost pressures – Public Finance. “The cost of running libraries remains a “significant challenge” despite income from the service rising by almost a fifth over the past financial year, ” … “revenue from libraries – including grants, overdue charges and fees for reservations and photocopying – rose by 18% to £978.90 per 1,000 people in 2023-24. Library use also continued to rise, with in-person visits per 1,000 people increasing by 13.5% and online visits by almost 37%, while the number of books issued also went up by 0.5%. However, CIPFA warned that the rise in income would not be enough to address cost pressures on library services, with total expenditure increasing by 2% to £12,732 per 1,000 people.” … “The survey also detected a falling off in staffing levels, with the number of paid library employees falling by almost 1.7% per 1,000 people, although volunteer numbers rose by 7%.”
• How public libraries break down barriers to digital inclusion – DCMS. “Public libraries play an important and inclusive role in making sure everyone has the equipment, skills and confidence required to access digital services which is recognised in the Plan.”

• Libraries Connected submits evidence to Parliamentary inquiry into council funding – Libraries Connected. “Libraries Connected has submitted evidence to the Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG) Committee’s inquiry looking at whether the local government finance system in England is fit for purpose. The evidence outlines the precarious state of local government finances, and the impact this is having on library services – including closures and cuts to opening hours, staff and book budgets. It argues that the current regime for identifying and responding to financial distress “incentivises short-term savings over long-term investment in communities”.”
• New Literary Foundation announces awards for children’s authors – GLL. “The newly launched GLL Literary Foundation has selected 17 children’s authors from across the UK to receive bursary placements for 2025 worth up to £4,000 each.”
• Public Libraries 2024: Netloan Survey Results – Lorensbergs. Concentrating on public access computers: “Councils are investing in the infrastructure with up to 40% of authorities planning a PC refresh in 2025-26″ … “PC use has remained constant in nearly 60% of libraries, with increases or decreases in approximately 20% of libraries in each case” … “Library footfall and/or event attendance are increasing in nearly 50% of libraries due to a range of factors including extra events, reopening refurbished sites, publicity, extended self-service hours, partnership services inclusion, and face-to-face support for council services”. 109 library authorities took part in the survey.
• Second round of Microgrants announced – Libraries Connected. £1-5k. “The 12 successful projects include a pop-up library at a Traveller site in Bristol, a manga exhibition in Northumberland, singalong sessions in a rural Cornish community and a scheme bringing older people together to play carrom, a tabletop game popular throughout South Asia.”

Suffolk

• Council to manage libraries after contract dispute – BBC. “Suffolk County Council said the charity had proposed unacceptable terms for the new contract and that the libraries would now be “in safe hands”.”
• County to bring libraries back in house – Local Government Chronicle.
• Crucial weeks ahead as Suffolk Libraries fights for future – Ipswich Star. “The chair of trustees of Suffolk Libraries, Sylvia Knights, revealed that supporters and volunteers from across the county had been in touch to express their shock and anger after Monday’s news that the contract would not be renewed.” … “”A lot of our volunteers have been telling us they want to come and support Suffolk Libraries but they’re not prepared to give up their time for the county council.”” … “Suffolk Libraries earns much of its income from other sources, including running prison library services and is also able to tap into other funding streams like Arts Council grants, Ms Knights  said.” … Unison in favour of move back to Council control ” opposed the moves to divest Suffolk Libraries when they were first proposed in 2011.”
• Fears Suffolk County Council can not afford libraries – East Anglian Daily Times. Registration wall. Several people record their worries.
• Libraries boss ‘incredibly shocked, disappointed and frustrated’ over Suffolk County Council decision to take control of service – Suffolk News.
• Libraries to come under Suffolk County Council control once again after negotiations break down – Suffolk News.
• Library charity ‘shocked and frustrated’ after losing £6m-a-year council contract – Third Sector.
• Sign petition to save charity which runs Suffolk’s libraries – East Anglian Daily Times. Registration-wall. “Suffolk County Council wants to take the library service back in-house and abandon the charity that has run it so successfully over the last 12 years. This is a costly disaster in the making.”

“The Library Campaign as always taken the view that public libraries should be run directly by  local authorities in order to ensure accountability. So we welcome the news that the service is being brought back to where it should be. The detail of the failed negotiations to let the IFS carry on is beyond our pay grade so we await with interest the Council’s plans. They say they won’t close any libraries and will put money into book buying. They also claim that the IFS proposed cutting opening hours by 30% and there was concern about the cost of its head office, which it said equated to 33% of annual staffing costs.”

Library Campaign

• Stop Suffolk County Council wrecking our fabulous local libraries – Change. “For the last 12 years our libraries have been successfully run by a charity with Suffolk County Council’s financial support funding just part of the service.  But they are now under threat following a proposed move by the Council. The charity has transformed our libraries into true community hubs offering a wide range of services, particularly relied on by families, children and some of the more vulnerable members of our community. Remarkably, the service now costs £3 million pounds less now than it did in 2011 whilst offering so much more to local people. ” 3822 signed at sign of checking.
• Suffolk County Council to resume control of library service – East Anglian Daily Times.
• Suffolk Libraries plans to ‘fight’ decision to bring libraries back under council control – Rayo.
• Suffolk Libraries reaction to Suffolk County Council decision on future of the library service – Suffolk Libraries. ““We are incredibly shocked, disappointed and frustrated by this afternoon’s announcement by Suffolk County Council. It’s a bolt from the blue and in our opinion, it’s a staggeringly short-sighted decision. “Suffolk Libraries has done an amazing job of running the library service in Suffolk for 12 and a half years under very challenging circumstances.  We have successfully steered the charity to become a recognised pioneer for change within the library sector and we are now regarded as a leading force within the industry. We currently have one of the best run library services in the country which has saved millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money, increased the impact and value of libraries and ultimately made Suffolk a better place to live by offering residents access to a ground-breaking and diverse range of services and support. “Suffolk County Council’s decision will impact everyone in the county and indeed will send out worrying signals to the nation with regard to the future of libraries within the community. Even if you don’t use libraries, we believe the proposed change will be a very inefficient and costly process and the cost to the people of Suffolk is even higher. “We intend to fight this decision and will comment further once we’ve had a chance to fully digest the details from today’s briefing.””
• Suffolk’s 45 libraries to remain open and see new investment as Suffolk County Council plans to take service back in house – Suffolk Council. “an attempt to secure an external provider for a new six-year contract (with the option to extend for up to a further six years) which had to be abandoned due to difficulties in aligning submissions with the service requirements and budgets. ” Open letter to staff. Open letter to the public.

“We appreciate that this may come as a surprise to some, but want to assure you that this is happening to protect our valuable community libraries and the wide-range of services they provide.”

Suffolk Council

International news

• Belgium – Breakdown at Flemish libraries – lending system down – Brussels Times. “Since approximately 9:00 on Saturday morning, a significant number of the nearly 300 Flemish libraries have been unable to lend or return books due to a technical issue with the Wise lending system, according to Cultuurconnect, the organisation that provides the service to Flemish libraries.”
• Canada – CNA joins province’s public libraries as more N.L. groups ditch Musk-owned X platform – CBC. “there has been a drop off in user engagement on X”, “the discourse on the platform has shifted”
  • Book Banning in Canada Is Quiet, Systemic, and More Effective than Ever – Walrus. “Ontario progressives, no less than Florida conservatives, find in “child safety” a warrant to ban books. “
  • Opinion: Public libraries celebrate the freedom to read what you like – Edmonton Journal. “The mission of EPL is: We Share! We share expertise, information, technology, and space with Edmontonians for learning, connecting, creating, discovering, enjoying and enriching communities. “

• Ireland – Clare Libraries To Receive Laptops And iPads As Part Of €100,000 Investment – Clare FM. “This county has received a total allocation of €110,115 under the Libraries Capital Programme while will make new computers, laptops, iPads and other ICT equipment available in all 15 locations countywide.” … “The investment is part of a €1.3 million package and is intended to make libraries more digitally inclusive with a particular focus on young, elderly and disadvantaged people.” [£13m if sized for the UK population – Ed.]
  • Galway Libraries project wins gold at annual LAMA Awards – Galway Daily. “Galway Libraries developed programming that encompassed ‘Science from land to sea’ as the driving theme for programme delivery with workshops, interactive sessions, coding and VR experiences for children of all ages about the importance of marine life, biodiversity and the impact of pollution.”
• Spain/Catalonia – Why are fewer and fewer people going to read in public libraries? – Ara. “The authorities who make decisions on this matter would do well to know that fewer and fewer people are going to public libraries with the intention of reading: what they do is work on their own or a home computer, copy notes from a friend at school, chat – often in a very loud voice – and do what is now called “socialising” in the expression.”
• USA – Relocation of 30,000 Young Adult Books in Louisiana Library Shows Harrowing Impact of Moral Panic Over Obscenity and Vague Laws that Lead to Book Censorship – Pen America.
  • Georgia Senate again tries to expose librarians to legal consequences for giving inappropriate books to kids – Rough Draft.
  • Statement: Removal of access to and modification of data by authorities in the USA – CILIP. “the removal, hiding, and modification of data, research and other information resources by authorities in the USA is already starting to impede the vital work of UK library and other information professionals, as well as researchers and educators.”

Changes by local authority

• Aberdeenshire: Blog: Libraries are a vital support for people on low incomes – Poverty Alliance. “As part of the Taking Action on Rural Poverty project, the Poverty Alliance have been working alongside Aberdeenshire residents who live on a low income in rural parts of the shire to form a citizens panel of people who want to feed into the Council’s decision-making process. The panel is particularly keen to feed into the plans to close 13 libraries across Aberdeenshire, many of them in rural areas.”
• Birmingham – Save Spring Hill Library – Change. “Spring Hill Library is at risk of permanent closure. It was closed ‘temporarily’ for heating repairs in 2022 and Birmingham City Council promised to reopen it as a top priority but now say they can’t afford to. But there is hope. Campaigners have won the right to officially question the cuts to Birmingham’s library services, which have now been halted to allow for public scrutiny.” 73 signatures when checked.
• Blackpool – Library service secures funding to develop pilot with Spot On Lancashire – Blackpool Council. “We are thrilled to announce a partnership with Spot On Lancashire, funded by Libraries Connected and Arts Council England. This spring, three branches of our libraries will host professional performance shows, bringing theatre, and music from Canada and Argentina to the heart of our community.”
• Bolton – Bolton Central Library finalist in The British Book Awards 2025 – Bolton News. “Bolton Central Library has been named a finalist for Library of the Year in the North England category at The British Book Awards 2025.”. Recent ” £4.3 million investment from the Bolton Town Deal, provided by the Department for Levelling Up”
• Bromley – Burnt Ash Library reopens with new children’s space after revamp – News Shopper. “Burnt Ash Library has reopened following a revamp which includes improvements to accessibility and the children’s space. Burnt Ash Library is the latest in a string of Bromley libraries to undergo refurbishments in an £11 million investment to improve libraries across the borough, including West Wickham and Bromley Central Library.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – World Book Day vouchers swap at Cheshire West libraries – Chester Standard. [Yes, that’s me in the photograph – Ed.]
• Cumberland – Hard hats and hardbacks: Carlisle Library reopens, ready for construction to start – Cumberland Council. “Cumberland Council is pleased to announce that Carlisle Library will reopen its doors Monday 3 March, welcoming visitors back while construction work continues. During this phase, the first floor will be open to the public, featuring a fantastic fiction section, while the second floor remains closed for refurbishment. The council reminds visitors that construction will continue for the next 10–12 months, and some noise and disruption should be expected.”
  • ‘Community Hub’ launched at Workington Library to help improve access to services locally – Cumberland Council. “A ‘Community Hub’ designed to improve access to a range of local services in one place has opened in Workington on a pilot basis. The hub, an initiative led by Cumberland Council, is located in Workington Library with the idea being to support residents to access support as early as possible across a number of areas. “
• Devon – Local libraries’ costume swap for World Book Day 2025 – Muddy Stilettoes. 14 libraries.
• East Lothian – Libraries which suffered winter cuts to have hours restored – East Lothian Courier. “Last November, East Lothian Council announced that East Linton, Gullane, Longniddry, Ormiston and Port Seton libraries would have “temporary winter opening hours” applied until February 28, drastically decreasing the amount of time the facilities were open each week.” … “Now, East Lothian Council has confirmed that the cuts will be reversed, with new opening hours starting from Saturday.”
• East Riding – Libraries to host World Book Day costume swaps – BBC. “East Riding Libraries said, although it would host the swap scheme, it had no responsibility for the costumes but each one would be checked by staff for current EU fire safety labels”
• Essex – How to save libraries and what to do with them next – East Anglia Bylines. A look at the successful campaign against library cuts in Essex. “Residents can be grateful that libraries are evolving to stay popular and relevant. Essex did well to keep its full range of libraries.”
• Gateshead – Blaydon Library final to be refurbished as part of Transforming Libraries project – Gateshead Council. “Blaydon Library will temporarily close next month as the final of our four libraries being upgraded with Government funding. In 2024, both Crawcrook and Pelaw libraries re-opened with fresh-look facilities, and earlier this year, Birtley was temporarily closed as the third council library to undergo the same refurbishment works as part of the ‘Transforming Libraries’ project. Now, Blaydon is the fourth and final library to be refurbished”
• Hampshire – Winchester Library finalist for library of the year award – Hampshire Chronicle. “This recognition highlights the dedication and innovation of our team, particularly Library Team Assistant Rebecca Leadley, who on her own initiative, set up the Read Aloud program which has formed a key part of the recognition”
• Havering – Community Opposed And Unpopular HRA Budget That Closes Libraries Barely Scrapes Through By One Vote. – Havering Daily. “The £204million budget for 2025/26 will see council tax shoot up by 4.99%, council rents increase by 2.7%, and the closure of three much loved libraries.” …”Labour, Conservative and independent residents’ group councillors all proposed alternative budgets they said would prevent the closure of libraries in South Hornchurch, Gidea Park and Harold Wood.” …”Their closure will save the council around £300,000 a year – and avoid around £850,000 in repairs – though opposition councillors say the move will harm communities.”
  • Havering Conservatives Alternative Budget That Proposes To Save Libraries And Increase Police Officers Is Voted Down By HRA – Havering Daily. HRA is the ruling party in the borough: “Havering Residents Association”. ““When the HRA tell us they have no choice, clearly they have. These are political choices they want to make. We choose to save the libraries and put more police officers on our street.””
  • Labour Councillors Bid To Save Libraries Rejected By HRA – Havering Daily. “the administration of the Council refused to accept a proposal by the Labour councillors to keep South Hornchurch and Harold Wood Libraries open, at no additional cost to the council.”
• Hertfordshire – Harpenden Library reopens after ‘safety assessments’ – Hertfordshire Advertiser. “a spokesperson for Herts County Council libraries revealed it was shut due to “leaks over the weekend”
• Hull – Telecoms firm calls time on library in a phone box – BBC. Company says putting books in phone box is a fire risk.
  • Library that lends just about anything needs cash – BBC. “The Hull-based library offers everything from tools to toys. But it needs to raise £7,000 to pay for its premises and other costs.”
• Lambeth – Lambeth denies ‘burying’ a £1 million package of savings to libraries in 10 page spreadsheet – Southwark News. “Claire Holland, leader of Lambeth Council, said she was ‘proud’ of how ‘open and transparent’ the Labour authority was being about proposed reductions to the £4.6 million libraries service budget.” … “The council’s Liberal Democrat opposition said it was ‘concerned’ that the £1 million planned savings to the libraries service weren’t included in an earlier list scrutinised by councillors in December 2024.”
  • More than 1,000 sign petition against library cuts of £1 million as decision is “rubber stamped” by Lambeth’s Labour cabinet – and council leader Claire Holland says: “We need to be open with residents” – News From Crystal Palace.
  • Residents rally outside town hall against £1m cuts to library budget – London News Online. “Lambeth Unison and Friends of Lambeth Libraries took to the street outside Lambeth council’s building in Brixton Hill, holding T-shirts with printed messages reading “Don’t Steal Our Libraries, Lambeth”.” Measures include shaving £1million from library funding across the borough, almost a quarter of the £4.7million current budget for the service.

“There’s already kids sitting on the floor to study most weekends at Brixton library. Anyone in favour of cuts should go and explain to them why it’s the right thing to do. We need an expanded library service, not a reduced one.”

Lambeth – Ben Rymer

• Lincolnshire – Council investment to create business hub at Grantham Library – Lincolnshire Council. “The exciting transformation will see a new IT suite equipped with business software added, as well as drop-in working zones kitted out with acoustic booths and ‘bubbles’ – the perfect place to host interviews and online meetings. Facilities have been designed with flexibility in mind, meaning the spaces can be used as additional study space for library users, as well as by local education providers, community groups, and more.” … “Grantham is the third library in Lincolnshire to benefit from the addition of business hubs”
  • Borrowers paid almost £16,000 in overdue fines to Lincolnshire libraries last year – with Grantham raising the most cash and Bourne the least – Lincs Online. “£15,919.42 was raised via late returns, although this was lower than the £17,085.12 secured in 2023, a freedom of information request showed.”
• Moray / Perth and Kinross – Councils halt plans to close libraries – BBC. “Perth & Kinross Council announced a 9.5% council tax increase and said the rise made it possible to assign an additional £1m of funding to save five library facilities for the next two years.” … “In Moray, a number of alternative provisions will be considered after the council halted the plans to shut seven out of its 11 libraries.”
• North East Lincolnshire – Civic society’s fears over future of Grimsby Central Library building – Grimsby Telegraph. “Members of a society committed to making North East Lincolnshire a better place to live are calling for a full restoration of the Grimsby Central Library building and clarification on the Council’s plans for the libraries in Grimsby and Cleethorpes. As North East Lincolnshire Council continues to “look at options” on how the building will be used in the future, the Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society has issued a statement to express their concerns.”
• Northern Ireland – Redeveloped Fivemiletown Library officially opened by Minister Gordon Lyons – Impartial Reporter. “the library has been rebuilt and extended, with its revamp including the installation of energy-efficient heating and lighting measures.”, sensory garden, flexible meeting space.
• North Lanarkshire – Council confirms they are scrapping a library service – Glasgow Times. “North Lanarkshire Council has decided to shut down the mobile library service. The three mobile libraries will be removed from service starting Monday, March 3.”
• North Northamptonshire – Contractor chosen for listed library roof repair – BBC. “The roof of Kettering library and art gallery in Northamptonshire was damaged during heavy rain in 2023. It will be restored by using Collyweston slate from the county by local firm Messenger. North Northamptonshire Council earmarked almost £7m for the repairs.”
• North Yorkshire – Mobile Libraries Offer Novel Approach To Bus Journeys – Yorkshire Times. “Harrogate International Festivals has once again teamed up with Transdev, which runs the Harrogate Bus Company, to bring a whole world of books to bus passengers. Over the past few years, the arts charity has provided more than 1,000 novels to create mobile ‘libraries’ onboard Transdev’s 36 buses travelling on the Leeds-Harrogate-Ripon route.”
• Rutland – Rutland County Councillor pleads with colleagues ‘not to be lean and mean’ over future of Ryhall Library – Lincs Online. “The cabinet of six will make a final decision in April about whether to close the library, as had been recommended by officers in January, or to keep the doors open.” … “The authority had set aside £70,000 to make improvements but has said estimated costs are closer to £250,000 which it cannot afford. Like most local authorities the council has to make millions of pounds of savings over the next few years to make sure its accounts balance.”
  • Campaigners continue fight for library – BBC. “Campaigners trying to protect their village library in Rutland have said the county council’s budget – just approved – offers them no assurance about its future. The annual budget, which included a council tax rise of 4.99%, was agreed by a majority of Rutland county councillors at a meeting on Thursday night. But the future of Ryhall library remains unclear. The authority says a consultation on its use is yet to conclude and plans will be drawn up after that point. Rutland County Council has planned a programme, using £950,000 of national grant cash to develop libraries into new “Living Well Centres”.”
• Salford – Council issues statement on cuts to Salford’s libraries and leisure centres amid finance problems – Manchester Evening News. “Salford Community Leisure (SCL) – the firm which runs sites across the city including Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Salford Sports Village, and a number of libraries – is struggling to keep up with rising costs of wages and inflation according to a new report from the council. The ‘significant’ problems stem from staffing and running costs going up, with recent pay awards costing the company £2.3m over the last three years.” … “Salford City Council today agreed to bail out the company with a one-off payment of £350,000 to cover management costs this year, but more cash could be needed as soon as next year to the tune of £1.5m.” … “SCL’s reserves – cash set aside for a rainy day – have been ‘wiped out’ to cover the rising running costs, the report stated, leaving the firm in a ‘critical’ situation.”
• Suffolk – Bungay Library improvement work nearing completion – Suffolk Libraries. “The project has been carried out by local builders, Sprake and Tyrell, thanks to funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) via East Suffolk Council, £39,000 raised by The Friends of Bungay Library with support from local charities, in addition to £70,000 from Suffolk County Council.”
• Swindon – Promoting Goan culture through books – The Goan. “As many as 55 books on Goa’s culture and history are being dispatched from Goa to Swindon as part of this project.”
• Thurrock – Thurrock’s top ten most-borrowed library books revealed – Thurrock Council. All are children’s books.
• Warrington – ‘Unequal’ funding is creating a ‘town of two halves’ Warrington councillors say – Cheshire Live. “dismay at the budget’s ‘unequal’ parking charges and the proposed removal of staff from libraries in the south, which he described as ‘partisan politics’.”
• Warwickshire – ‘We are thrilled that Rugby has been recognised’: Library makes competition finals – Warwickshire World. “Staff at Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon and Alcester libraries are delighted to be selected as finalists for Library of the Year at The British Book Awards 2025.”
  • A quicker and more user-friendly online experience is coming soon to Warwickshire Libraries – Warwickshire Council. “The new library management system will include an improved user experience for customers with several new features, including a new library app which will enable customers to use a digital library card, making the issuing of items and renewals much more efficient. From Wednesday 9 April, Warwickshire Libraries will enter a 14-day changeover period to prepare for the new library management system. The transition to all libraries operating on the new system will begin to take effect after the Easter weekend.”
• Warwickshire Libraries to host World Book Day® community token exchange hub to help reach more young readers – Warwickshire Council.
• Worcestershire – Worcestershire libraries to welcome authors to discuss books – Kidderminster Shuttle.
• York – Our ten most wanted books – York Explore. “Each month we will publish a list of our top ten most popular books on our website and we are asking you to consider buying or donating a copy. Please take a look at the list by clicking the button below. You will find details of how you can buy a copy for us or donate your own copy once you have finished reading it.”
  • York alternative budgets would save libraries from £600K cuts and drop ‘bin tax’ – York Mix. “Liberal Democrat opposition leader Cllr Nigel Ayre said his party’s proposals which include scrapping £600,000 cuts to the contract to run York’s libraries would help protect the city’s most vulnerable.”

Editorial

There’s a classic progression that happens when a council announces library service cuts:

1. Cuts are announced, normally involving lots of library closures
2. Protests against these cuts occur
3. Council reduces cuts, often changing closures to being run by volunteers or reductions in hours.
4. Cuts happen, with sometimes the protesters being co-opted as volunteers.

And, sadly, if you have stuck around the library scene long enough, as I have, then you see the cycle repeating. So, this week, Aberdeenshire is at (3); Perth & Kinross, Rutland, Coventry and Newport is at (2); Clackmannanshire is at (1, turning into 2). Meanwhile, Birmingham appears to be at (3) but when you look, the actual budgetary reduction is the same as before so basically no reductions have been made other than in their manner. The city has gone through the cycle a few times before so the heady days of the Library of Birmingham opening a decade ago appears to be well and truly gone. It’s notable as well that if a Scottish library cut is announced then the public protest, especially national Scottish protest, appears to be higher than South of the border. And heaven knows what’s going on in North Northamptonshire. This was one of the two councils created from the wreckage of Northamptonshire, and it looks like there’s still more destruction happening.

Right, now the good news. Thurrock has increased its opening hours due to Freeport funding, and Arts Council England funding is kicking in with a few places being currently refurbished. I’m also liking the report on eBooks, although its conclusions appear fairly self-evident. Anyone who has had to consider whether to buy a library eAudiobook or eBook for £50 or even £70 will know how painful digital lending is and it needs to improve, and this report will hopefully help do that.

Being less parochial, it’s sad to learn about the reduction in public library provision in Denmark but good to hear about things in Malaysia and to salivate over pictures of Swiss libraries. Hurricane Trump has started to hit US public libraries, with fears national funding will be stopped and what appears to be a purely revenge-driven sacking of the chief of National Archives. I also noticed a week ago that state cases against attempts to censor public library books have been entirely dropped. The storm is still growing there and we are likely to see more wreckage for quite a while to come.

Changes by local authority

• Aberdeenshire – 12 out of 13 closures, at least temporarily, stopped, although some libraries may be taken over by volunteers, Boddam Library will be closed, some others may also close.
• Birmingham – £2.285m cut: Overall library opening hours to be cut by one third, 7 libraries to be outsourced, 38 jobs to be lost.
• Clackmannanshire – 4 out of 5 libraries under threat
• Peterborough – Bretton Library floorspace to be reduced by one third.
• Thurrock – Tilbury Library opening hours increased due to FreePort funding.

National news

• In a world of overwhelming choice, I love the whittled-down book selection at my local street library – Guardian. “the library is the same – the masses of books too frequently inspires inertia” but a street library reduces choice and inertia. “I still buy the latest releases; I still use my library card. But there is something nice in the quietness of the local little library”
• Invest in libraries, invest in communities: the cost of cuts is too high – North Edinburgh News. Open letter from Alison Nolan, chief executive officer of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC). “Did you know that over the past decade, 53 public libraries across Scotland have closed their doors for good – without replacement?” … “No other community asset can deliver the vast economic and social benefits that a thriving public library service can, and so we would urge decision-makers to prioritise investment in their communities.” see also Library chief in plea to prevent council cuts` – We Love Stornoway.
• The National Archives to establish new hub for community-led research in the cultural heritage sector – Wired Gov. “This important work will connect our museums, archives, libraries and galleries more closely to the communities around them. Thanks to this grant from the AHRC, we’ll be able to support outreach work, so that more people are able to enjoy our cultural history.””
• Report: cheaper ebooks for libraries could “revolutionise the promotion of reading” – Libraries Connected. Arts Council England funded report. Increasing eBook lending increases access to reading [fairly obviously – Ed.], prolific book borrowers are also prolific book buyers. Call for more flexible licensing to allow eborrowing for book groups, author talks and literary festivals. Just 7% of registered library users are ebook borrowers.
• Val McDermid praises inspirational libraries ahead of campaign launch – National. “The author, who is best known for her Wire In The Blood series and Karen Pirie novels, was visiting the library in Kirkcaldy Galleries ahead of the launch of the Love Libraries campaign. The campaign, which begins on February 14 and runs until October, is designed to encourage more people to join libraries and make use of what they have to offer, and focuses on the benefits librarians bring to communities throughout the country.”

International news

• Denmark – The necessary nearness – an ode to bookmobiles – Christian Lauersen. A look at Danish mobile libraries. ” Currently, there are 15 bookmobiles in Denmark, down from 52 in 2000. The same trend can be seen in the number of library branches, where there were just over 1,000 branches in the 1980s, a number that Statistics Denmark reports has dropped to 420 in 2023.” … “in 2009, there were just over 13,000 weekly opening hours with staffed personnel, but this number had dropped to 9,400 weekly hours by 2023.”
  • Next Library Pilot Projects – The Changemaker Award 2025 – Next Library. “We’re seeking projects that ignite innovation and bring the Next Library concept to life between events. Whether it’s a brand-new idea or something you’ve already been experimenting with, it should have the potential to scale and inspire change in other libraries. Your idea should focus on practical, actionable change with a meaningful impact on your library’s community—something that can also be scaled or replicated across countries.”
• Malaysia – Public libraries now modern knowledge hubs – Sun. “Many centres feature cafes, lounges, activity spaces, auditoriums, gyms and jogging tracks: Librarians Association”
• Pakistan – Libraries fail to promote literary engagement – Express Tribune. “According to sources of the Express Tribune, out of 41 districts in Punjab, just 11 libraries are scattered across seven districts including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Bahawalpur alongside 100 e-libraries.”
• Switzerland – The most beautiful libraries in Switzerland – Swiss Info. “Libraries are thriving in Switzerland: the GGG City Library in Basel recorded over two million loans last year.” Those shown appear not to be public libraries but are rather nice.
• USA – National Library Lovers Month is a call to action by all Americans who value freedom – Davidson Local. “he Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an independent federal agency that is a primary funder for 123,000 public libraries and 35,000 museums in all 50 states and U.S.territories, has been called “unessential” by our current administration, and is threatened with elimination or with far-reaching cuts to staff, services, and funding sources.” … “Libraries are also under threat by organizations, such as Moms for Liberty (M4L), a well- funded organization bent on removing books and materials they consider unacceptable” … “I still love my books. But these days, loving the library means speaking out, making certain our leaders understand that the heartbeat of our American freedoms is our ability to learn, to know, to explore.”

• Barnes & Noble will open 60 new bookstores in 2025, breaking last year’s record as bookstore revival ramps up – Fast Company. “2025 marks a new era for Barnes & Noble and other bookstores thanks to a few factors, including digital fatigue, TikTok’s #BookTok, the loneliness epidemic, and a rise in so-called third spaces”
• Trump dismisses head of the National Archives – NBC. “President Donald Trump dismissed the head of the National Archives, a White House official said Friday night, following through on a vow last month to change the leadership atop the agency, which was involved in the criminal case that had accused Trump of mishandling classified documents.” Colleen Shogan says ““This evening, President Trump fired me. No cause or reason was cited.”. Archives had provided some documents to lawyers in cases against Trump.

Local news by authority

• Aberdeenshire – Aberdeenshire libraries to be saved as community groups rally to protect local services – Aberdeen Live. “Residents were quick to take action after Aberdeenshire Council’s unexpected decision to close 13 libraries was announced in November with five petitions set up which collectively gathered thousands of signatures.”. 12 out of 13 closures stopped, although some libraries may be taken over by volunteers, Boddam Library will be closed.
• Bedford – Year of Reading: We meet Library Officer Carly Spearing – Bedford Council. “We recently began a dyslexia-friendly section and we’ll be checking the success of that, there are large print books, digital books that people can borrow online, a growing selection of graphic novels and manga, and our choice of books in foreign languages is bigger than ever.”
• Birmingham – Campaigners to fight on as library cuts approved – BBC. “The city council plans to save £2.285m annually from next year by reducing overall library opening times by a third and outsourcing the running of seven sites. Jim Wells, from the Friends of Erdington Library, said his group would still be “campaigning very strongly” to get a cut in opening times reversed.”
• The ‘bankrupt’ Labour council spending £283m on gold-plated pensions – Telegraph. “Rubbish in the streets, library doors slammed shut and vital support services decimated from cradle to grave. These are just some of the symptoms of a tough period for the residents of England’s second largest city.”. Several library mentions, with the blame for cuts going to the council, not national cuts.
• Cheshire East / Cheshire West and Chester – Centres aim to boost interest in county’s history – BBC. “While construction is taking place at both sites, libraries across Cheshire will be providing access to local history books and maps as well as free online access to family history websites.”
• Clackmannanshire – MSP takes stand against Clackmannanshire library closures – Alloa Advertiser. Green MSP “has taken a stand in the Scottish Parliament against the planned closure of four out of Clackmannanshire’s five libraries.” … “could include closing Alva and Tullibody libraries.”
• Coventry – Residents slam plans to move Coventry libraries as crime fears raised – Coventry Telegraph. “Children could be at risk from organised crime and people turned away from services if Coventry libraries are moved, residents have claimed. Campaigners also slammed council “vanity projects” and called plans “absurd” at a meeting this week. Hundreds have called for the council to scrap plans to relocate four city libraries: Holbrooks, Coundon, Canley and Bell Green. Locals fear staff and resources will be lost if the services are forced to share space in family and dementia “hubs” and a leisure centre.”
• Cumberland – Shelf life extended: Library furniture finds a new home – Cumberland Council. “As part of the £3.3 million Carlisle Library transformation, Cumberland Council has partnered with The Rebuild Site CIC to donate old furniture and equipment for repurposing in local community construction projects. In line with its commitment to sustainability and supporting local communities, Cumberland Council has donated surplus library furniture to The Rebuild Site CIC.”
• Derby – Derby Libraries’ £130k National Lottery Heritage Fund to ‘increase visitors, engage youngsters in history’ – Derby World. “The money will fund a two-year project at Derby Local Studies and Family History Library to encourage greater use of the library and create a fun way for young people to engage with their local heritage.”
• Dorset – Sturminster Newton Library to close for improvement works – Dorset Council. “This closure is necessary to carry out essential building work in preparation for the installation of new technology, “Extended Access,” which will enable library members to use the facilities beyond the staffed opening hours. The “Extended Access” service is set to launch later this spring.”
• Enfield – Save libraries and street cleaning in Enfield – Socialist Party. “with a Labour government in place, instead of demanding the resources to reinstate those much-needed services, they are doubling down – library cuts of £630,000, and a proposal to close eight libraries.”
• Glasgow – ‘Gies Back Our Books!’ – campaigners in Glasgow demand local library is reopened – Herald Scotland. “The ‘Gies Back Our Books’ campaign, which was launched in November 2024, has been “driven by the frustration of waiting, waiting and waiting some more for any sort of communication” from either the council or its arms-length culture body, Glasgow Life, about the future of library provision in their community.”
• Havering – Closing Libraries Is A Crime-Any Councillor Voting For Any Library To Be Closed Is A Cultural Vandal – Havering Daily. “They are stealing from the impoverished parent who needs a safe, free educational activity for their kids during the school holidays. They don’t want to get on a bus, they want to be able to walk there because it’s free and they are finding the cost-of-living crisis a nightmare.”
• Isle of Wight – Isle of Wight library to close for several days due to work – Isle of Wight County Press. Arts Council England funding: The funding will allow Ryde Library to enhance its children’s library and install an accessible toilet.
• Knowsley – Free family fun in Knowsley’s Libraries this half term – Knowsley News. “oin storyteller Robin Simpson for a magical reading of the Gingerbread Man, with puppets, silly songs, and the chance to make your own gingerbread man puppet to take home.”
• Leeds – Storytelling festival launches in Leeds – BBC. “The Leeds Storytelling Festival is described by the council as “a city-wide celebration of storytelling designed especially for families and children”. The event is a partnership between Leeds Libraries, theatre company Wrongsemble and the Livewire Poetry group and runs from Friday until 8 March.”
• Newport – Leader of Newport City Council handed massive petition – South Wales Argus. “The petition, carrying 4126 signatures, called for the Council to keep Caerleon Town Hall and Caerleon Library open.”

“It’s now more than seven months since there was a fire at Oundle’s public library and the building only reopened to offer a reduced service on 30 September after there had been quite a public outcry at the delay. All these months later and still there is no sign of that situation changing because the building still has no IT. This means: No computers are available for customers to access the internet; No tablets for visitors to use to access e-library services (although this seems to be a county-wide issue now); Staff working on small and inadequate laptop computers; No self-service units for customers to easily borrow or return books.

Last year’s fire (12 July 2024) was originally said to have started in the IT cabinet in the staff room and the room’s contents were destroyed. The building’s electricity and heating system have been repaired but the work to restore the staff room cannot happen until someone decides where and how the IT will be installed. It’s a Catch-22 situation and until decisions are made and expenditure is approved the public library remains in limbo, only able to provide a partial service.

Oundle Library serves a large rural area across North Northants, yet the Library Service and North Northamptonshire Council expect residents to travel to Corby or Kettering to access computer services. And despite customers asking time and again about when the IT will be restored at the library, no-one is prepared to give a date or even tell people what progress is being made. The lack of information and engagement with residents is startling, and many people are beginning to wonder (again) if this is a signal that the library will never reopen to offer a full service or that this is a prelude to its opening hours being reduced. What makes the situation worse is that the leader of North Northants Council, Jason Smithers, is the councillor for Oundle Ward.”

North Northamptonshire – Email received

• North Tyneside – World Book Day 2025: Hundreds of Free Books on offer for Children in North Tyneside – North Tyneside Council. “North Shields and Wallsend Community Hubs and Libraries will be official token exchange hubs, giving away hundreds of books to encourage children to read.” … “To add to the celebrations, North Shields Library will host a special ‘meet the author’ event for local schools, featuring Jack Jackman, author of Maisie vs Antarctica.”
• Northern Ireland – Sight and hearing information points launched at libraries across Mid Ulster Council area – Northern Ireland World. Deafblind UK and Libraries NI “are introducing dedicated information points in libraries across Mid Ulster, linking people living with sensory loss to vital resources and guidance.”
• Perth and Kinross – John Swinney backs fight to save Perthshire libraries – Courier. “The First Minister says SNP-run Perth and Kinross Council could use additional Holyrood funding to invest in closure-threatened libraries.” … “The First Minister said he “stands firmly” with the Save Our Rural Libraries campaigners. And he is suggesting Perth and Kinross Council use the funding boost it’s about to receive from the Scottish Government to invest in library services.”
• Peterborough – Street-cleaning and libraries staff reject pay offer – BBC. “About 80% of GMB Union members at Peterborough Limited, which provides services including street cleaning and libraries, turned down the latest offer. Union regional organiser Gordon White said the salary was less than the Real Living Wage, of £12.60 an hour, and members felt “unloved and unappreciated”.” … “The company is wholly owned by the council and its services also include museums and leisure centres.”
  • Library group calls on council to bring in experts – BBC. “the Friends of Woodston Library group said the council did not have the “resources or experience” to carry out the assessment in house.” … “Woodston Library and others locations remain on the council’s community assets review, which lists buildings that could be closed, sold or repurposed.”
  • Plans to cut library size recommended for approval – BBC. “Plans to cut the size of a library so it can double as a dementia resource centre have been recommended for approval. Peterborough City Council wants to convert Bretton Library in the Cresset Centre to accommodate the facility, which needs a base as the authority is selling its current building. Campaigners have said the library would no longer be fit for purpose if its floor space is reduced.”

• Rutland – Rutland County Council starts consultation on future of Ryhall Library – Lincs Online. “Ryhall Parish Council and a new campaign group have joined forces and want to explore ways they could take over the building as a community run venture and have been critical of the way the Liberal Democrat authority have been handling things. But now the authority has said a consultation will begin next week to explore ‘alternative options for delivering library services in Ryhall.’” see also Children make banners to help save Ryhall Library from closure – Lincs Online.
• Stockport – Family fun this half-term holiday in Stockport – Stockport Council. Silent discos, crafts.
• Suffolk – Opinion: How can Suffolk Libraries survive council reform? – East Anglian Daily Times. Subscription-wall.
  • Chance to have say on plans to improve library – East Anglian Daily Times. “People are being asked for their views on proposed improvements to Great Cornard Library. Suffolk Libraries is conducting a public consultation on plans to redesign and improve the children’s library and reception area.”
• Thurrock – 500 local people enjoy Tilbury Library open day – Thurrock Council. “More than 500 people joined the fun at a special event celebrating new extended opening hours for Tilbury Library. Thanks to funding from Thames FreePort, Tilbury Library is now open six days a week, with extended hours on Tuesday and Thursday.”
• West Sussex – VR project set up for library service’s centenary – BBC. “West Sussex Library Service’s centenary project, titled The Library of Possibilities and Wonder, is aiming to offer an “immersive adventure”, transporting people into a world of virtual books.”