Ian Anstice

Editorial

So now we know. After far-too-long-a-time calling the proposed web presence for English public libraries “The Single Digital Presence”, it’s been decided that the official name will be “LibraryOn”, presumably pronounced like “Librarian”. Well, it could be worse, it could have the word “hub” in it. The logo looks a bit dated to my eyes but, again, there’s far worse out there. And, yes, Libraries Connected, I’m looking at you. So now all that needs doing is to, um, actually deliver. LibraryOn is still in the beta testing stage and does not promise to be as universal as some had hoped but it will be great when it’s actually online and publicly advertised. I had wondered sometimes if that day will ever come, and still do occasionally, but this is a vital next stop.

In other news, Arts Council England have announced big funding decisions, securing BookTrust and boosting library services such as Gloucestershire and York Explore. That’s all good. Elsewhere, I’m loving the pavement illusion in Dublin, a new wood-lined interior for a library in London and the adult reading scheme in Nottinghamshire (especially the video). And, finally, Warm Spaces continues to be a huge thing for libraries, with more services announced, although some just seem to be the normal public library offer.

Finally, a new DCMS report says positive things about public libraries. We will see what this means in practise but it at least doesn’t suggest negative stuff. And at a time when councils are again looking at deep cuts, this is welcome.

Changes by local authority

• Cumbria – Millom Community Hub / Library opens.

National news

• BookTrust awarded £17.3m and recognised as National Portfolio Organisation by Arts Council England – Book Trust. “BookTrust’s new status as an NPO is an endorsement of the transformative power of reading and an investment in the creative development of young people. The £17.3m funding from ACE, spread over three years, will play a key part in the national strategy to deliver better outcomes for children through culture and creativity.”
• East Lothian and Inverclyde libraries triumph at SLIC awards – Bookseller. “East Lothian scooped the Library Service Excellence Award for its activities on the theme of “championing the local community”.” … “Inverclyde triumphed in the Project of the Year category for its focus on sustainability ahead of and linked to the COP26 Summit in Glasgow last year. “
• Government urged to negotiate with public sector workers over pay – Public Finance. ““We’ve got nurses, librarians and teaching assistants going to food banks – we’ve got a hospital that’s set one up for its staff. People can’t afford to feed their families. If I’d have said this would happen 10 years ago no-one would have believed me. That’s now a reality.””
• Green Libraries Webinar – CILIP. Friday 25 November, 1pm. “The Green Libraries Webinar is an hour long meet to showcase the recent work we have published for the Partnership. We will discuss the Partnership’s aims, what work is currently going on and what has taken place earlier this year. We will hear from two libraries that were featured in our case studies and what work they are doing for their library services to be more sustainable and have an impact in their communities. There will be a short Q+A towards the end.”
• Libraries Celebrating Black History Month – DCMS. “Each October, libraries across the country mark Black History Month through events and recommended reading.  Here are just a few examples.  It is a longer read than usual but we wanted to highlight the variety of activities libraries run to bring together their communities.”: Staffordshire, Gateshead, West Sussex.
• Library chiefs call for DCMS to ‘stem the tide’ of service cuts – BookSeller. “Library chiefs have called for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to “stem the tide” of service closures and staff cuts by providing more support, with several libraries across the country under threat due to rising inflation and increased energy costs. Nick Poole, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP), told The Bookseller the organisation is “deeply concerned about the current fresh wave of reductions in library services being proposed in a number of local authorities, including some of the most deprived wards in the UK”.”

• LibraryOn – LibraryOn. “LibraryOn is a not-for-profit initiative and we put libraries and library ethics at our heart. Funded by Arts Council England, LibraryOn is also managing a £1.1m local grant programme. Co-designed with library services, the grants will help libraries improve their own online presence. While LibraryOn is in development, we will provide information here about its progress.”
• New drive to get books by black authors into libraries – Voice. “The ‘Mark My Words’ campaign will gift libraries titles for both adults and children and will include both fiction and non-fiction books by black authors. “
• Parliamentary report calls for government to support and modernise libraries – Guardian. “Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee report says libraries are ‘an important part of a community’s infrastructure’” … “The report, titled Reimagining where we live: cultural placemaking and the levelling up agenda put together by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, recommends that the government should “support the development of a network of hubs providing cultural spaces, workspaces and free, fast internet access in places most in need of levelling up in order to modernise library service provision”
• UK councils slashing services to meet £3.2bn budget shortfall – Guardian. Libraries specifically mentioned, with the example being the Wirral.
• The Yorkshire libraries where you can borrow anything from power tools to party supplies – Great British Life. “this library lends everything from hand tools and powertools, to sewing machines, lawn mowers, carpet cleaners, ladders, party supplies, camping equipment and air mattresses — anything that people use infrequently (say once a month or longer) but would otherwise have to buy new and store at home.”

International news

• USA – Book banners are weaponizing legitimate resources: book censorship news, October 28, 2022 – Book Riot. “Part of the reason these book banning attempts are spreading so far and so quickly is because they share lists online, such as in Facebook groups or shared Google Drive folders, making it easy for a book being banned in Montana today to pop up in a California school board meeting the next day. They share images, rhetoric, out-of-content quotations, and other fodder for the fear machine, and it seems to only collect more targeted books as it goes.” … “Book banners are searching out lists online that are aimed at finding good sources to teach age-appropriate sex ed, or lists of books starring Black main characters, or lists of LGBTQ-friendly picture books, or lists of books to teach social-emotional learning — and they’re using these resources as book banning target practice.”
  • Library Launches a Locally Sourced Music Streaming Platform – EveryLibrary. ” Known as Crescent City Sounds, this platform features 30 local albums spanning genres like brass, soul, hip-hop, jazz, and more. Better yet, the service is free.”

Warm Spaces

• Calderdale – Cost of living: Calderdale libraries double up as ‘warm banks’ this winter – Halifax Courier. “As well as warmth, each site will be offering warm refreshments and free activities.”
• Essex – A Warm Welcome awaits this winter at Essex Libraries – Essex Council. “Additional support will include extra clubs and activities such as advice sessions, arts and crafts and a homework club”

“They think they’re just having fun. That’s very important – children don’t need to know their parents are stressed”

Alexandra Mitchell, 28, on visiting Chelmsford Library

• Cost of living: ‘My children have no idea we’re here to keep warm’ – BBC. Essex. “Having a regular place you know your child can explore and be safe, and be entertained and be warm, is really important,” she says. As a single parent, she cannot afford to take them to a café or to soft play, because everything is “extortionate” at the moment.” …. “Adult education provider, ACL Essex, is working with the library to offer free courses on how to save money on energy bills and cooking on a budget.” … “part of £50m of funding that we [the council] have set aside”
• Lambeth – Lambeth: “Warm spaces” partnership plan to open libraries & community centres for people struggling to heat their homes – Love Lambeth. “Fourteen warm spaces have already opened in the borough including in all our Libraries, and Lambeth is opening more in community centres, estates, and faith groups across the borough. They will also offer a range of services suitable for the space including welfare, debt, income, benefits, and health advice, blood pressure checks, activities for children and others.”
• Norfolk – Norfolk Libraries to provide free warm spaces during the cold winter months – Norfolk Live. Libraries across Norfolk remain open for all and provide a space for people to sit in comfort and access a variety of services on offer. These include reading, doing a jigsaw, playing a board game, or joining in Just a Cuppa or activities.”
• Lincolnshire – Libraries across Lincolnshire becoming designated ‘warm spaces’ – Lincolnshire Live. “”In addition to expanding our activity sessions, we have also invested in more comfortable seating and are hugely grateful to Brakes for their generous donation of tea, coffee and biscuits.” Each library has extended its programme of activities, which now range from reading and crafting groups to board game sessions, yoga classes, and activities for parents and babies.”
• Newham – Council opens welcoming Warm Havens across Newham – Newham Council. “Operating according to the Warm Havens charter developed with residents and voluntary sector partners, the dedicated safe and inclusive spaces will give practical help for anyone needing respite due to the cost of living crisis.” includes 10 libraries.
• Portsmouth – Cost of living: Portsmouth opens up warm spaces – BBC. ” include community centres, libraries and churches”
• Southampton – Cost of living crisis – Where you can get a warm welcome in Southampton – Southampton Council. Libraries “Open to all during usual opening hours.” [! – Ed.]

Local news by authority

• Bath and North East Somerset – Spread some Christmas cheer and Gift A Book – Bath and North East Somerset Council. “Bath & North East Somerset Council’s libraries service is calling for donations of new or nearly new books for its Gift A Book campaign, which last Christmas saw around 3,500 books donated by residents and charities.”
• Brighton and Hove – Council cannot confirm there will be no cuts to libraries – Argus. ““This indicated potential budget shortfalls of £13 million in the best case, to £21 million at the midpoint, up to £31 million in a worst-case scenario,” said Councillor Martin Osborne, on behalf of the council.”
• Caerphilly – Popular ‘Managing Money’ event returns to Caerphilly library – Caerphilly Council. “The second Managing Money MOT Day run on November 30th, will include a wide selection of organisations including Caerphilly School Uniform Exchange, Citizen’s Advice, Furniture Revival and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and is looking to replicate its success from September.  There will also be a fantastic budget cooking demonstration with Mrs Shopland, who – along with her talented A-Level Hospitality students from St Martin’s School – will be showing what can be done with Christmas leftover food.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Northwich Library stabilisation work begins this week – Northwich and Winsford Guardian. “Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) has engaged historic building conservation specialist Recclesia Ltd to undertake the first phase of the work.  They will be working alongside structural engineers, specialist scaffolding engineers, Historic England and qualified health and safety advisors.”
• Cumbria – Millom Community Hub opens with new library for town – ITV. “The Millom Community Hub will now host a library and the town’s adult learning, health and wellbeing team. Copeland Borough Council and Millom School reception will also be based in the hub. New technology and free Wi-Fi has been installed at the library, as well as shelving and a comfortable seating area. A dedicated space for teenagers and a children’s library is also part of the new hub.”

• Derbyshire – Sandiacre: Car still embedded in library 24 hours after crash – BBC. “A car that drove through a library wall is still embedded within books 24 hours after the crash in Derbyshire. The building, at the junction of Albert Road and Doncaster Avenue in Sandiacre, was badly damaged on Sunday morning. The vehicle remains inside while structural engineers assess the extent of damage to the building.”
• East Riding – ‘The Pirates of Christmas Island’: A brand new festive family musical coming to East Riding Libraries – East Riding Council. “Tickets available now from £5.00 (babes in arms go free)”
• Gloucestershire – £750,000 boost for Gloucestershire Libraries service from Arts Council – Glos News. “Gloucestershire Libraries will receive £250,000 a year over the three-year period to help continue its development to provide an ambitious and forward-thinking service for everyone in the county.”
• Guernsey – 140 years of the Guille-Allés Library – Bailiwick Express. “n 1882 they made the dream a reality, creating an iconic Guernsey institution that continues to serve the community today. The exhibition telling the story of the Guille-Alle´s Library opened last night with artefacts on show including one of the rarest, and most expensive books in the world. Visitors to the library can learn more about the origin story and view a vast collection of books and items including James Audubon’s The Birds of America – a collection of hand-coloured prints of every species of bird in North America. “

• Hertfordshire – Hertfordshire’s Community Libraries – Hertfordshire Council. List of the 13 libraries the council no longer pays staff for but instead relies on volunteers. “The county council library service still maintains the buildings, buys the stock, and keeps the IT systems up to date. Library teams provide lots of training and support, as do our highly skilled and committed volunteer steering groups.” …”Why not visit one of these lovely spaces this year?”
  • Hertfordshire Performing Arts Library – Hertfordshire Council.
• Kirklees – Kirklees Libraries first in the UK to win Quality 4 Health and Wellbeing award – Kirklees Together. “They have received the award in recognition of the work of frontline staff and volunteers to improve the health and wellbeing of residents through a targeted programme of outreach activities.”
• Norfolk -Books on wheels: Look back at Norfolk mobile libraries through the years – Eastern Daily Press. Pictures of the mobile library service in years past.
• North Yorkshire – Football fever is about to take over Harrogate library with the arrival of Harrogate Town AFC’s official mascot – North Yorkshire Council. “The library has teamed up with Harrogate Town AFC and Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation to host football-themed activities with prizes, and children can have their photograph taken with the mascot.”
  • Newcastle Building Society opens branch in Knaresborough library – York Press. ““The offer of financial services has significantly increased footfall into Knaresborough library and is encouraging new visitors through the doors.””
• Nottingham – No decision yet on closing three Nottingham libraries as campaigners demand clarity – Nottingham Post. “The authority first revealed at the start of the year that it was planning to close three libraries to save £233,000. But a “restructure of frontline services” means that £154,000 has already been saved to date and that shutting the three libraries would now only save £79,000.”

“With soaring inflation and rising costs in fuel, energy, food and mortgages, Nottingham City Libraries have clubbed together to host ‘Cost of Living Cafes’ in their libraries this November. This will give residents the opportunity to meet organisations who can help with energy use, money matters, wellbeing and much more. Plus, tea and coffee will be available as well as children’s activities.”. Free tea and coffee, lego and colouring for children.

Nottingham – Cafes bring communities together in cost of living crisis – Email update

• Powys – Could your child design the new library card for Powys? – Powys Council. “The competition is open to anyone aged between 4 and 16years old and will be split into two age categories: primary school children (aged 4-11), and secondary school children (aged 11-16), with a prize for the winner of each category. One of the winning designs will be chosen to create the new library membership card.”
• Shropshire – Library’s spooktacular success for Halloween – Shropshire Council. “A Halloween themed party at Market Drayton Library attracted more than 1,000 people through the doors to enjoy a host of seasonal activities – the biggest number ever. The annual Halloween event at the Shropshire Council-run library has gone strength to strength and more and more people are adding it to their social diaries. Hard-working staff and volunteers organised face-painting, games and crafts and a town trail to encourage people to get out and about and explore.”

• Solihull – 1921 census available for free at Solihull libraries – Solihull Council. “Residents who are not already library members can sign up at their local library for free – only proof of name and address are required. “
• Suffolk – Woodbridge Library launches new STEM book collection with Science Fun Day – Suffolk Libraries. “The books and the science event were funded by a generous donation by Brafe Engineering which has its head office in Woodbridge.”. 300 people attended Fun Day.
• Wakefield – Wakefield Council launches new programme for teens at library – Wakefield Express. “Reading Well For Teens” collection
• Waltham Forest – Studio Weave adds wood-lined community space to east London library – De Zeen. “Architecture practice Studio Weave has added a wood-lined community centre to Lea Bridge Library in east London, with a red-concrete colonnade that references the original grade II-listed redbrick building.”
• Warrington – Penketh library set to reopen following £120k refurb – Warrington Guardian. “The transformation of the Honiton Way building includes redeveloping the frontage, replacing external woodwork as well as improvements to the internal decoration and shelving of the LiveWire-run library.”
• Wiltshire – Gadgeteers boost Summer Reading Challenge in Wiltshire Libraries – Salisbury Journal. “The council says 6,206 children across Wiltshire registered for reading challenge – an increase of 39 per cent from 2021. And 3,831 of the children who registered returned to collect their final rewards which included a medal and certificate.”
• York – Arts Council funding boosts culture and creativity at Explore York Libraries and Archives – York Explore [press release]. “Over the next three years, as an Arts Council investment organisation, Explore will be funded to deliver opportunities for people to enjoy even more brilliant, fulfilling culture and creativity in our trusted, welcoming spaces. In these challenging times it matters now more than ever. Explore will be joining up with other Arts Council funded organisations in York – such as the Theatre Royal, Pilot Theatre, National Centre for E”arly Music, Next Door But One Theatre and York Museums Trust – to bring great cultural experiences into our libraries and unlock new creative talent.”

Editorial

Apologies for missing a week – these posts are done on Sundays and last weekend I was in South Wales when my father took a fall and so accompanied him to Accident and Emergency. From 5pm to 7am. Anyway, enough about me. Away from the pantomime revolving-door farce-tragedy that is the Prime Ministership where I am sure someone in Downing Street will sort out A&E queues any day now, in public libraries the main story has been Warm Spaces. What this means varies in different services, with some just publicising what libraries would be doing anyway while others are offering refreshments and advice and a very few extending their opening hours. This extra string to the library bow when arguing for a fair share of council funding may be coming just in time. After all, those severance packages and £115,000 per year payments afterwards to ex-Prime Ministers are beginning to mount up and someone has to pay. Let’s hope it’s not public library services.

Changes by local authority

• Barnet – Hendon Library stays in current location
• Cheshire West and Chester – Northwich Library to temporarily move into museum.
• Monmouthshire – Now fines-free
• North Northamptonshire – Irchester Library taken over by volunteers / parish council.
• North Somerset – Nailsea Library to move into former bank.
• Redbridge – Opening hours review.

National news

• Access – PMLG. Summer 2022 edition. Several interesting articles.
• Being an Engaged Citizen – Facet Publishing. “John Vincent shares the importance of libraries in these trying times and how they can help us all become more engaged citizens.”
• Blind and partially sighted library users (World Sight Day 2022) – DCMS Libraries. Review of RNIB services and link to public libraries. New “Library Engagement Manager”. “The RNIB is extremely excited to be setting up this partnership form of working with libraries and is working in partnership with Libraries Connected”

• Booklist promoting trans surgery for young teens sparks parental fury – Telegraph, behind paywall. “National library scheme includes a book describing a teenager’s breasts as ‘fatty lumps that need to be gone’” compare with New Reading Well Collection Promoting Mental Wellbeing For Teens – Bedford Council and A statement on Reading Well for teens – Reading Agency. “The list of published titles has been created through a rigorous selection process with health experts including clinicians, experts in the field, partners from across the sector and has been co-produced with teenagers aged 13 to 19 years old, ensuring that it speaks authentically to the needs and interests of users. “
• East Lothian, Highland and Shetland services will compete with Inverclyde – Greenock Telegraph. Public library award. “Competition organisers say it has been shortlisted for its efforts to help close the educational attainment gap by working closely with local schools to improve literacy.”
• How to find your nearest ‘warm room’, as community spaces pop up across the country – Country Living. “Staffordshire library has also announced it will be offering people free cups of tea and coffee to help bring some cheer over the winter months, as part of its new Here to help campaign.”

• More black books please – The Voice. “According to one poll, 38% black people were more likely to have visited a library between 2019 and 2020 in comparison to 30% their white counterparts. Despite these figures, many black parents say their local libraries are failing to have books that reflect the communities they serve. “
• Reading Friends 2021-22: Reach and Impact – Reading Agency. “In 2021-22, 3,728 people were supported in 72 library authorities to connect 44,054 times. “
• Stamford to Sutton (and beyond); visiting library branches across England – DCMS Libraries. Baroness Sanderson (independent chair of an advisory panel to help develop a new strategy for public libraries) visits libraries on fact-finding mission: Wimbledon (business co-working run by a CIC, independent recording studio), Yeovil (NHS health checks), Deepings (volunteers), Devon (library trust, 3D printers), Redbridge (co-location with gym, run by Culture Trust). Like books but libraries not “set in aspic”, “it was fantastic to visit Sutton Library for the launch, last Friday, of TLC Discover, the new digital library from The Libraries Consortium.”
• Updates on the Single Digital Presence – British Library. Name decided on and will be shared soon. Research shows nice pictures, recognising library staff and listing what is free are important.

International news

• Australia – ‘Free, non-judgemental, accessible’: How your local library is a sanctuary of health and wellness – SBS Bangla. ““We want libraries to be places where everyone feels welcome and that way we can use the library to reduce social isolation and improve mental wellbeing.””
  • Library fines are still a thing?? – Public libraries in the lives of people experiencing homelessness. Analyses fines-charging library services. “This could mean that people experiencing homelessness and/or poverty are less likely to use their public library in the ACT, NT and SA than in the other states to avoid getting library fines.”
• Bangladesh – Sustainable Development Goals and Public Libraries: An Exploratory Study in a Developing Country – Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology.

• Philippines – Readiness of Public Libraries in Developing a Financial Literate Individual – Taylor and Francis Online. “Public libraries’ readiness to serve their users can be observed in terms of their collection, web presence, services, and programs.”
• USA – The relationship between the development level of American public libraries and the output of science and engineering publications – Sage Journals. “The two interact and promote each other.”
  • Have we forgotten what a public library is for? – Washington Post / Opinion. “In August, people in Jamestown, Mich., just outside Grand Rapids, signaled with their votes that they would rather defund — and possibly shutter — their only public library than keep books with LGBTQ themes on the shelves.” … “Libraries fill a role central to any functioning democracy: upholding the rights of citizens to read, to seek information, to speak freely. As champions of access, librarians are committed to curating collections that allow everyone who enters the library to see themselves in the books and resources the library provides. “
  • Miami Opens Health Library – Library Journal. ” Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) in Florida officially opened the Westchester Library Health and Wellness Information Center.”
  • Proposed Missouri rule would restrict minors’ access to ‘age-appropriate’ materials in state libraries – News Leader. Freedom-loving Republicans seek to censor books they disagree with, without using the word “censor”.
    Spice of Life! Adding Variety to a Library of Things – Web Junction. ” Springvale Public Library recently launched their Spice Library, a project that grew from their 2022 summer reading program that focused on exploring world cultures and religions. “

Webinars

• Better World Books UK Sustainability Webinar – Better World Books. Tuesday 1 November, 11am. “Better World Books aims to lead by example through our own environmental actions, and we would like to share with you some of the ways in which we strive to achieve this.”
• Media literacy activities and resources for librarians – Guardian Foundation. Thursday 24 November, 2.15pm. “In this special session for librarians we will share structured activities that you can adapt and replicate with families and young people as well as ready-to-go individual resources and ideas. Join us to gain inspiration and exclusive resources to use in your library.”
• #NotOurJob (Winspiration) – eradicating sexual harassment in libraries – CILIPS. Friday 25 November, 11am “The latest research that evidences the reality of sexual harassment in libraries, with even one incident being one too many. We’ll learn about your legal rights and the responsibilities of employers.”

Warm Spaces

• Martin Lewis backs guide for libraries wanting to become winter ‘warm banks’ – Guardian. “… he commissioned the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (Cilip) to create a guide titled A Warm Welcome, which sets out tips and guidance for libraries who want to offer themselves as warm banks. In the introduction, Lewis said he was “both saddened and gladdened to quickly hear from a few councils and libraries already planning” to become warm banks when he tweeted.”
• Warm Spaces: Inside a hub amid the chill of energy bills – BBC. A look at one in a Cardiff Library. “Part of the reception desk has been set aside as the Warm Spaces base, with free hot and cold drinks on offer, which staff will make for anyone who wants one, notwithstanding the existence of the cafe just across the room.”
• Libraries across England become designated Warm Spaces – GLL (press release). “65 libraries across England have been designated Warm Spaces by GLL …  food service company Brakes, has agreed to donate free tea, coffee and biscuits to all 65 locations.” … “All the participating libraries are also expanding their programmes of free onsite activities, which again will be open to anyone who wishes to visit.” … ” we have also invested in more comfortable seating”

• Bristol – Bristol warm places scheme welcomes first residents – BBC.
• Cardiff – New scheme sees Cardiff libraries open as ‘heating hubs’ to tackle cost of living crisis – Cardiff Tab. “will offer residents a place to go during the day to enjoy a free hot drink and heating, as well as the opportunity to explore other support schemes that the hubs offer, and meet other members of the local community. This scheme will be offered daily during normal opening hours.”
• Devon – Devon’s libraries offer warm welcome spaces this winter – Devon Live. Community fridges, baby weighing, and clothes rails (for donated clothes) in several libraries.
• Okehampton Library offers warm space to public to help with rising energy prices – Okehampton Times.
• East Riding – Funding available for organisations and community groups to establish welcoming places across the East Riding – East Riding Council. Libraries open as Warm Spaces.
• Gloucestershire – Library offers warm space during the colder months – BBC. Fairford Library.
• Hampshire – NFDC announces pilot of warm banks as Hampshire County Council to open libraries for those struggling with energy bills – Advertiser and Times.
• Herefordshire – Free warm spaces launched in Herefordshire amid rising costs – BBC. “Residents will also have access to free wi-fi and computer access at the libraries included in the scheme.”
• Knowsley – Prescot Library among Knowsley warm hubs – St Helens Star. “… the council will be opening the doors of all of its libraries for six days a week from November 1.” … ““We will be extending our opening hours for all five libraries from next month, ensuring our residents can access warm spaces, which also includes free access to PCs and WiFi.”
• Leeds – Leeds warm spaces: The full list of everywhere you can go to keep warm for free this winter – Yorkshire Evening Post. Libraries “providing free hot refreshments and activities”
• Leicester – People struggling to heat their homes invited to keep warm in Leicester libraries – Leicester Mercury. “People in Leicester struggling to heat their homes this winter are being invited to keep warm at their local library. The offer comes from Leicester City Council, which said its libraries could play a crucial role in helping those in difficult circumstances as the cost-of-living bites harder. All 16 of the city’s libraries will act as ‘warm spaces’ when temperatures start to drop. “
• Lincolnshire – Lincoln libraries, churches and community centres offering ‘warm spaces’ – Lincolnshire Live. Lists when “warm rooms” are available, including at libraries.
• Oldham – Oldham Council criticised for closing ‘warm banks’ on Sundays – Oldham Times. “The warm bank area, located near the library entrance, consisted of tables, five chairs and free tea and coffee”. Liberal Democrats say ” “This is simply not good enough.  It is unimaginative and half-hearted.  The cost-of-living crisis doesn’t take Sunday off. “, Labour councillor says “criticism should be aimed at the Tories”
• Plymouth – MP urges council to open public spaces as heat banks to keep Plymouth warm – Moorlander. “… call for an extension to the opening hours of libraries, community centres and other public buildings during the working day, evenings and weekends to provide emergency heating space for residents.”
• Newcastle – Health and Wellbeing in your Libraries – Newcastle Council. Lists all the services, including Warm Spaces.
• Sheffield – Cost of living crisis: Phone app helps Sheffield people to stay warm – BBC. “It lists libraries and community centres that are participating in the Sheffield Welcoming Places scheme.”
• Somerset – Somerset County Council offering winter living support – BBC. “The £700,000 package includes help to find foodbanks, more mental health support and a network of warm places so people can escape the cold. The network will include libraries, some churches and some town halls.”
• Staffordshire – Burton Library being used as place to stay warn during cost of living crisis – Staffordshire Live. 43 libraries involved. “Staffordshire Library Service has also teamed up with Morrison’s supermarket and Lakeland Dairies this winter to offer a free hot drink at some venues.”
• Sutton – Helping People with Warm Spaces – Sutton Council. “Our wonderful Warm Spaces volunteers, who I spent some time with earlier this week, are at four of our libraries …”

Local news by authority

• Barnet – Historic Hendon Library to remain and be refurbished after Council listens to local residents – Barnet Council. “Barnet Council has decided that the historic Hendon Library will remain in its original location and be refurbished, preserving the library’s heritage and traditional features. The council listened to hundreds of residents who expressed how important the building is to the local community and the history of the area.”

• Camden – Move over Hay-On-Wye! Alan Bennett among star-studded line-up for Primrose Hill library book festival – Camden New Journal. “The library is about books. Books are our core and we would like to continue to be known as a library that cares about books, and also a library that cares about the community.” … volunteer library celebrates ten years of opening. ““I remember Pat Callaghan [deputy leader of the council and then-ward councillor] saying the main thing is not to lose the building. And that is what happened: We didn’t lose, it is a great space.” She added that there were plans in progress to create a “warm bank” at Primrose Hill.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Northwich library services move to museum as council issue update on building works – Cheshire Live. “During the summer, Northwich Library was forced to temporarily close for a structural investigation after movement was found in a wall at the rear of the building. While the historic building on Witton Street is stabilised and then renovated, library services are being relocated to Weaver Hall Museum.”
• Cornwall – Cornwall libraries host half-term pirate parties for children – Cornwall Council. “The sessions, which are taking place throughout the week and are free of charge, are being hosted by The Get Creative Team who are working on Treasure Island, the Hall for Cornwall’s Christmas show. There will be plenty to keep your little ones entertained including a selection of mini pirate discos, island story time, crafting with the captain and a terrific treasure hunt.”
• Cumbria – Barrow Library marks 100 years with Centenary Day celebration – Mail. ““There were children in fancy dress, face painting, and there was a saxophonist, Emma, who entertained us and the children enjoyed it and the parents had a good time.”
• Devon – Libraries double up as cinemas across Devon – North Devon Gazette. £3 per screening. “we’re keen to make film screenings a regular feature in our libraries. With screenings planned for some of our smaller libraries, we’re keen to reach our more remote communities too.” Arts Council England funded.
• East Lothian – County library service looking for SLIC double success – East Lothian Courier. “East Lothian Library Services has been nominated in the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC) 2022 awards, which recognise outstanding services of libraries in the community. The awards are split into two categories – one for service excellence and the other for project of the year – with East Lothian one of only two national services nominated in both categories.”
• Hackney – Save Hackney Library Services – stop the cuts – Megaphone. “plans to cut a significant number of libraries staff jobs. The result would be a reduced presence with less staff for users to interact with, riskier to effectively prevent or manage health & safety issues, and make temporary closures more likely in the event of staff shortages. It’s also especially unfair that the senior management team received an additional £50k funding only for that to be paid for by further staff cuts.” 944 signatures at time of reading.
  • Hundreds sign petition to stop job cuts at Hackney libraries – East London Lines. “The planned cuts come as the council is considering different ways to save £300,000 in 2023/24. It spends £5.6m a year on its library services, with £3m in staffing costs.”
• Kirklees – Going for gold at Cleckheaton Library – Kirklees Council. ” Cleckheaton in Bloom, a voluntary group, have been working tirelessly to improve the large, beautiful outdoor space.”
  • Refurbishment programme continues at historic Cleckheaton Library – Telegraph and Argus. Windows to be replaced.
• Leeds – Make your health the priority this November with Leeds Libraries Wellbeing Festival – Leeds Council. “Hosted by Leeds Libraries, Sound Mind begins on 5 November at Leeds Central Library and all its events are either free or low cost. The programme includes free taster sessions featuring singing, life-drawing, playing a musical instrument, creative writing and yoga.”. Includes rapper. Pay what you want.
  • Meet the seven year old keen reader already fundraising for his local library – Yorkshire Post. “Eight-year-old Drupta Vangapally from Whinmoor has raised £150 for new books after becoming concerned about the future of the Whinmoor Library in lockdown.”

• Manchester – Brand new children’s library to open in Manchester thanks to partnership with Z-arts – Manchester Council. “The new library occupies a dedicated space on the first floor of Z-arts and features a bright and colourful design that was co-created with children and their families, brought to life by talented designer and craftsperson, Louise Ryder.”
• Monmouthshire – Library fines being scrapped in Monmouthshire – South Wales Argus. “The council said it is taking the decision to ensure money isn’t a barrier to people accessing the library service and says it will have no negative financial implications for the authority. According to a report, in the three years leading up to the Covid pandemic, Monmouthshire collected £21,498.96 in library fines – working out at around £7,000 a year. That was despite fines being capped at a maximum of £15 per item, with charges set at 20p for every day an item was overdue, or 10p a day, or £7.50 maximum, for pensioners, children and other concessions. However, the report says, as fines were mostly paid in cash, administrative and security costs associated with banking and collection marginally exceeded the income, so continuing with fines wasn’t considered viable.”
• North Northamptonshire – Irchester Library set to open under community management – Northamptonshire Telegraph. “Irchester Parish Council has signed the lease on the library property and volunteers will be taking on the running of the library.”
• North Yorkshire – Starbeck and Bilton community libraries set for 10-year council deal – Stray Ferret. “The original leases of five years were introduced as the new model was unique and unproven. However, it has been a great success so we are proposing to introduce longer leases which will avoid costs around future renewals.””
  • North Yorkshire Libraries launch iPad giveaway for one lucky eBook reader – Scarborough News. “all eBook borrowers will be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad, donated by the eBook supplier, BorrowBox.”

• Northern Ireland – Book Week: Hundreds of events held across Northern Ireland – BBC. “a number of special programmes will be aired on television and iPlayer featuring familiar faces from the BBC choosing their favourites books. Book Week encourages a conversation about reading and using libraries. Speakers at events include the Reverend Richard Coles, author Colin Bateman and Prof Teresa Cremin. The Connor Philips Show on BBC Radio Ulster will come live from Omagh library on Wednesday, which is Love Your Library Day. The interim director of BBC Northern Ireland, Adam Smyth, said: “Book Week is a celebration of the joy that reading and libraries can provide.”
• North Somerset – Plans to secure future of Nailsea Library – North Somerset Council. 125 year lease. “The council is announcing plans to relocate the library to 6-8 Colliers Walk, formerly occupied by HSBC bank, and keep the facility in the town centre. The relocation is planned to take place before next summer.”
• Peterborough – Libraries begin amnesty for overdue book fines – Peterborough Matters. “During this period there will be no fines and library accounts will be cleared of any debt to allow users to start borrowing again. The reason for this amnesty period is hope to collect some of the over 22,000 overdue library books on loan to residents across the city, as well as wanting members to start accessing library services again.”. Until Mid November, when fining customers will start again.
• Portsmouth – People’s Network celebrates 20 years of connection – Portsmouth Council. “Free internet access has been available since the People’s Network launched in 2002 when a £283,000 lottery grant meant over 70 computers were installed in all nine Portsmouth libraries with ‘super-fast’ internet access. Currently, there are 116 public-use PCs across the libraries, with another 79 PCs at locations across the city, including The Learning Place, community centres and youth clubs. The library computers have been used for 1,053,570 minutes, in the last six months alone.”
• Redbridge – Help us improve our library service by telling us what you think about our proposed opening hours – Redbridge Council. “Redbridge Council is inviting residents to give us their views on new opening hours for libraries across the borough. Feedback will inform final changes, which will take effect from January 2023. The new opening hours have been suggested based on current user data showing when libraries are at their busiest. “

“Pre-pandemic data shows our libraries are much quieter in the early mornings and the evenings. The proposals would provide consistency across the library network by opening all libraries at 10am. We also find that popularity often closely matches the opening times of nearby shops, where libraries are situated close to high streets and shopping areas. “

• Richmond – Richmond celebrates Libraries Week with activities for all ages – SW Londoner. “Libraries Week also marked the launch of Richmond Library Service’s partnership with the London Ukulele Project where ukuleles will be available to loan from the library free of charge.”
• St Helens – Approach to library closures was ill thought out – St Helens Star. Letter. “Council’s decision to review their intention to close several libraries within the borough and cancel the proposed closing date of October 31 will come as welcome news not only to library users but library staff whose jobs were presumably at some risk.”
• Shropshire – Shropshire libraries get behind teen reading programme – Shropshire Council.
• Stoke on Trent – Grandma hits out at council after finding library shut – Stoke Sentinel. Council says people were consulted in opening libraries only every other Saturday. “The new library opened last month following the completion of the multi-million pound refurbishment of Tunstall Town Hall. It was open yesterday and for the rest of the year will open on October 22, November 5 and 19, and December 3 and 17. Councillor Lorraine Beardmore, cabinet member for culture, said: “The new modern Tunstall Library is fully equipped to benefit all of our service users. Tunstall Library is open every other Saturday and also until 6pm one night a week to assist those in the community. Also, our other libraries are open on alternate weekends so there is always a library in the city that can be accessed on a Saturday.”

• Tameside – Tameside Libraries: So Much More than Books – Tameside Council. Other council services available. [But none anywhere near as good as free book lending – Ed.]
• Warwickshire – Council launches You Can Online initiative to support digital inclusion in an increasingly online world – Warwickshire Council. Digital device lending in libraries.
  • Harbury Village Library as a community recycling hub – Community Managed Libaries National Peer Network. Electric vehicle charging, repair cafe, recycling boxes, food bank collection point, electric toothbrush recycling (!), marigold gloves (!), bra bank, blister packs, inkject printer cartridges.
  • Kenilworth Library marks the completion of refurbishment works with celebratory launch event – Warwickshire Council. “We now have a larger lighter library space and can offer more activities for children and adults whilst delivering a better service for our customers.”
• West Dunbartonshire – Summer triumph for West Dunbartonshire libraries – West Dunbartonshire Council. “Throughout the summer break, children of all ages participated in 83 programmes at six branches and two outdoor locations, including Bookbug, Story time, arts and crafts projects, STEM-related activities, and activities linked to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge’s “Gadgeteers” theme.”. 1094 attended events, 554 new members.
• Westminster – Westminster City Council announces the expansion of its Digital Skills programme in partnership with Community Fibre – Westminster Council.
• Wiltshire – Blue plaque for Eglantyne Jebb – Marlborough Council. Founder of “Save the Children” has blue plaque on Marlborough Library, which she attended when it was a school.
• Wirral – Two libraries to be saved if councillors approve negotiations to transfer ownership – Liverpool Echo. “Negotiations will begin with Pioneer People and St Stephens Church set to take over Pensby and Prenton Library if councillors approve recommendations next week.” … “In case agreements aren’t made to move to negotiations, the council will look at selling or renting the libraries for commercial purposes. It will also look at other viable business plans for the libraries. The council also hopes to transfer Higher Bebington Library to the Co-Op Academy but the library is at risk of demolition if no agreement is reached by December 9.”
  • Wirral Council: Nine libraries face closure by end of October – BBC. “Libraries, in Hoylake, Irby, Pensby, Prenton, Wallasey Village, Woodchurch, Higher Bebington, Bromborough and New Ferry, will be shut by the local authority on 30 October as part of £20m cuts, Wirral Council said. Bromborough Campaigner Ruth Molyneux said people “feel betrayed”. The council said it hoped seven of the libraries could be taken over by community groups or organisations.” … “Ms Molyneux and Green Party Councillor Jo Bird sought to get the library designated a warm hub going into the winter but the council rejected this arguing it did not have the funds to operate it”
• Worcestershire – Relocation of Redditch Library to be discussed at next week’s Overview and Scrutiny Performance Board – Worcestershire Council. “The Board will be discussing the current proposals, before they go before the Council’s Cabinet next Thursday. The meeting will be taking place at Redditch Town Hall from 2pm on Tuesday 25 October. “
  • Reading Well for Teens campaign in Libraries – Worcestershire Council. “These books promote mental wellbeing and help to break down common misconceptions and barriers around mental health issues and topics”
  • The Summer Reading Challenge – Worcestershire Council. 2296 started. “This year 1,653 children finished the challenge, reading 6 books or more! 114 children signed up to become new members of their local libraries and children taking part in the challenge borrowed a total of 136,652 books and 3,162 eBooks/audiobooks. Across the summer 2,528 young people attended Summer Reading Challenge events at their local library and a total of 92 young volunteers (all under 24) helped the children with the challenge. “
• York – Annual Review – York Explore. Glossy and up-beat report.

Editorial

It’s Libraries Week so there’s a lot going on in libraries, although far less than there was a few years ago when it was started more as a protest against library cuts than a celebration of the sector. Those cuts may not be a thing of the past as talks from the Prime Minister suggests a willingness to consider cuts to the public sector in order to pay for tax cuts to business and the wealthy, but nothing is confirmed as yet. Finally on the subject of cuts, St Helens, which announced they were planning to close seven libraries, has backtracked perhaps only temporarily due to a backlash. Other councils meanwhile are utilising their libraries as warm spaces if people find it difficult to heat their homes. Finally, the culture war over gender still hasn’t blown over, with Hertfordshire being criticised for daring to have an alien as a pro-reading mascot. One activist criticised the decision that the alien should be described as “they/them” while the library service pointed out in return that it’s, well, an alien.

Changes by local authority

• St Helens – Plans to cease funding seven libraries postponed by further consultation.

National news

• Ayub Khan MBE reflects on 100 days as Libraries Connected President – Libraries Connected. Diary.
• Carbuncles and King Charles: was the royal family’s meddling supertroll right about architecture? | Architecture – Guardian. “Birmingham city centre was damned as “a monstrous concrete maze,” with a library that looked like “a place where books are incinerated, not kept”. The brutalist National Theatre on the South Bank was “a clever way of building a nuclear power station in the middle of London”. The British Library looked “more like the assembly hall of an academy for secret police”.”

• Culture Minister unveils new funding to support Scottish libraries – National. “Culture Minister Neil Gray unveiled the £450,000 funding package, as part of the 2022/23 Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF), on Wednesday while visiting Rutherglen Library.”
• Dozens of libraries in England and Wales may become “warm banks” for people who need shelter. – Literary Hub. “There’s no shortage of reasons to love libraries, and here’s another: a new survey from the UK shows a significant number of them are planning to serve as “warm banks” this winter for people who need to take shelter from the cold.” … “Libraries shouldn’t have to do this. (Who am I to say all this? Just someone who loves the library.) Still, when they do—and they inevitably will, because these problems aren’t going anywhere anytime soon—they deserve what we all do: the time, financial resources, and supportive climate to do their excellent work, serving everyone who walks through the door.”
• Libraries to offer shelter to the vulnerable during UK’s cost of living crisis – Guardian. “Libraries in England and Wales are responding to the cost of living crisis by abolishing daily late fees for books and getting ready to become “warm banks” to help the vulnerable this winter.”
• Libraries – working in partnership with heritage and archives – Libraries Connected. Webinar, 6 October, 2pm. “A webinar that will explore how heritage and archives can deliver against all the universal offers and support the work of libraries beyond culture and creativity.”
• Little Wartime Library – CILIP PMLG. Free “with Kate Thompson author of The Little Wartime Library. The event will be a pre-recorded zoom interview with Kate featuring illustrations, chat and soundbites, with 15 minutes for a live Q&A .”
• Please Miss, there’s an elephant in the Library – CILIP ILIG. Zoom, 26 October. Sri Lankan librarian explains what she did when an elephant walked into the library. “She explains how she overcame prejudice and obtained funding for the School in the Sky. “
• Reading Friends impact overview 2021-22 – Reading Friends. “Read about the difference Reading Friends has made, working with public libraries in 2021-22. This is an overview ahead of the full impact report.”

International news

• Australia – Pop-Up Libraries Are Helping Melbourne Move on From Lockdowns – Bloomberg UK. “Small pop-up libraries have taken over abandoned shops in areas that were aching for some love following the crippling impact of six lockdowns over 19 months. Where a mens’ retailer once stood in the boutique clothing and cafe mecca of Little Collins Street, changing rooms have been transformed into cozy mirrored reading booths.” … “While the success of the library project — about 40,000 people have visited them since the program’s launch at the end of last year — isn’t solely enough to revive the center, the council is betting that it’s a sign of a comeback.”
• Canada – Libraries play important role in promoting democracy – Toronto Star. “Another important part of a healthy democracy is access to unbiased information to help people engage and make informed decisions. Toronto Public Library, like public libraries everywhere, continues to support a vibrant democracy by supporting civic engagement and providing access to information.”
• Canada/USA – Aging in (Third) Place with Public Libraries – Public Libraries (PDF). “We are excited by the
  possibilities a movement from library as third place to library as social infrastructure facilitates”
• Ireland – Fingal reactivates libraries’ Twitter account after Green Party complaint – Sunday Times. “The council temporarily suspended the account last Wednesday after a councillor complained it was following prominent people with known gender-critical views. The account was following the bestselling author JK Rowling, the barrister Allison Bailey, Maya Forstater, a British business and international development researcher and Genspect, an international alliance seeking care for gender-distressed young people, which says it has concerns about the “gender affirmative” approach.”
• USA – The strain of censorship on public libraries – 1A. “What future do public libraries and library workers have in this climate of unprecedented censorship? And what role do larger, out-of-state libraries play in combatting it?”
  • Provision of health-related information for immigrant patrons in public libraries in a large US city – Emerald. “Public libraries can help immigrants adjust to life in the USA, including maintaining health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to understand how immigrants use public libraries and how library staff provide health-related information and services for immigrant audiences”

Local news by authority

• Blackburn With Darwen – Children’s festival, in aim of improving UK’s literacy levels, is back for 2022 – Yahoo News. “The festival director, and founder and patron of Blackburn with Darwen Libraries said: “We are all so excited about meeting the children ‘in person’ once again. “We ran a complete virtual festival in 2020 which was a great success, reaching over 3000 children and families but nothing can replace the interaction of meeting in person.”
• Bracknell Forest – Borrow a tablet from your local library – Bracknell Forest Council. “Bracknell Forest Libraries are introducing a tablet loan scheme to boost digital inclusion in the borough.”
• Bradford – Getting creative to transform Keighley Library – Keighley News. Arts Council England funded project. “”Keighley Library is one of the pilots for our new service model which sees us tailoring each library to the needs of the communities served. We have been working closely with the communities of Keighley to find out what they really want to be happening, both creatively and culturally, in their library.”
• Brighton and Hove – Lots on offer for Libraries Week – Brighton and Hove Council. Stencilling, webinar on OED, and various other events.
• Buckinghamshire –  ‘Dismayed at proposed library cuts’ – Bucks Free Press / Letters. “Last week I saw a notice informing the public that the authorities propose removing all hard copies of all the magazines and newspapers from all the libraries. Yes, that means all hard copies of your paper The Bucks Free Press will be cancelled too.  I thought you and your readers would like to know.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Cheshire West libraries to become ‘Warm Hubs’ as crisis worsens – The Standard. “”Libraries have always provided a safe space and warm welcome to our communities. We know how much people are already struggling with rising prices across the board, and this network of warm hubs is just a part of our response.”
  • ‘Significant’ renovation needed to save treasured Cheshire library – Cheshire Live. “Structural investigations are being carried out at the premises with more in-depth inspections to take place in the coming weeks. New scaffolding will be put up to stabilise the building in preparation for a full refurbishment of the building. Cheshire West and Chester Council is working to identify a temporary home for library services and events. A decision on the location will be made in October.”
• Derby – Normanton library celebrates with a week of events – Derby Council. “Normanton library is holding a series of events to celebrate its diverse offering and service beyond books.”
• Devon – Libraries open their doors to support local residents this winter – Devon Council. “Libraries across Devon and Torbay will provide warm welcoming spaces, where people are welcome to join and spend time in the library, and to use the free WiFi and computers if they wish to. There are many free events and groups that people can attend, and some libraries will be hosting sessions providing help and advice about energy efficiency, debt advice and other topical subjects.”
  • Pop up library on Exeter High Street – Exeter Council. “The former GAP store has been transformed into an art studio in which local sculptor James Lake is creating a life-size cardboard tree. The piece will take around six weeks to finish – from Tuesday 20 September to Monday 30 October – and will eventually be installed in Barnstaple Library. While the sculpture is being created, the shop has become an interactive public space, and passers-by are being invited to watch James at work and take part in a variety of drop-in workshops and exhibitions. There is also a pop-up high street library for people to sign up to the library, browse and borrow books.”
• Dorset – Future of Dorset’s libraries up for discussion again – BBC News. “Dorset Council is seeking opinions from users following its first review into libraries earlier in the year. That received more than 7,500 responses and found support for libraries to become “family hubs” – places of work or somewhere to seek advice – as well as a venue to borrow books. The latest consultation runs until 22 December.”
  • Dorset libraries cut emissions to save £40,000 a year – Dorset Echo. “The measures – that range from highly efficient LED lighting to advanced building management systems – form part of the council’s response to the climate and ecological emergency and are expected to save over £40,000 a year in electricity and gas costs and reduce annual energy use by more than 275,000 kilo-watt hours (which is over a quarter of the energy used last year across all 15 sites).”
• East Renfrewshire – East Renfrewshire libraries host Halloween costumes and welly swaps – Barrhead News. “East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure libraries will be hosting two “swaps”, one for wellies and one for Halloween costumes, as part of The Root Cause project which launched earlier this year.”

• Hertfordshire – Library blasted for swapping reading bear mascot with gender-neutral alien – New York Post. “A mother w her baby daughter @HitchinLibrary @HertsLibraries Rhyme time (aimed at 0-5 year olds) messaged me: ‘Book Start Bear has been retired and replaced with Talia, a ‘trans’ bear, with they/them pronouns.’ ‘I cannot express how upset I feel. Why do children need this?’” Hitchin Library, one of the county’s libraries, hit back with a response. “Just to confirm – Tala isn’t trans, they are an alien.” “Tala is a storytelling alien from outer space, so neither male nor female,” the library added.” see also Outrage over ‘trans’ Herts libraries children’s mascot Tala – Watford Observer. Person who tweeted worry over new mascot “received hundreds of retweets and thousands of likes.” and Gender critical activist Maya Forstater rages over gender identity of cartoon alien – Pink News.
• Highlands – Highland libraries set to open new chapter in health and social care with a public access ‘Near Me in Libraries’ scheme pilot – Ross-shire Journal. “Building on the existing ‘Near Me’ video consulting service, which is already widely used across Scotland with around 45,000 consultations being held every month, the ‘Near Me in Libraries’ pilot results will set the groundwork to inform further rollout for public libraries across the Highlands, and the rest of Scotland.”
• Lancashire – Local college project aims to get people back into Lancashire’s libraries – Business Lancashire. “Lancashire Adult Learning (LAL), part of the Nelson and Colne College group, have reignited their Library Ambitions project, in the hopes that the local community will rekindle their love for Lancashire libraries. As part of the enterprise, LAL are running over one-hundred courses, all free of charge! This offer was taken on by thirty-five libraries last year and is available to all sixty-four sites in Lancashire.”
• Leicester – Learn something new during Libraries Week – Leicester Council. “Libraries across the city will showcase a varied programme of free events and activities, including computer skills, writing workshops, author talks and craft activities, plus free taster learning sessions from the city council’s Leicester Adult Education service.”
• Manchester – Manchester’s Libraries to celebrate Black History Month – Manchester Council. “This year’s headline event is the ‘We are Carnival’ celebration at Central Library on Thursday 27 October.  The event, run by the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre based in Central Library, will feature a live music session with a DJ, a book display, spoken word poetry by local artists, food and a craft session for families”

• North Yorkshire – Delve into the digital eBook library for chance to win an iPad – North Yorkshire Council. “all eBook borrowers will be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad, donated by eBook supplier BorrowBox.”
  • Victorian Crime on the North-East coast one of the highlights of Libraries Week – Scarborough News.
• Nottingham – Another major award for Broad Marsh Car Park, Bus Station and Central Library development – My Nottingham News. “It was named the Overall Winner after scooping the Sustainable Development of the Year and Commercial Development of the Year prizes at the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022.”
• Oxfordshire – Warm libraries to be offered to vulnerable – Henley Standard. “The council says it will offer warm places, such as libraries, to people who are not able to heat their homes adequately this winter.”

• Richmond Upon Thames – Celebrate your local libraries this Libraries Week – Richmond Council. “From performance storytelling to creating comics and digital library workshops there’s something for everyone.”
• Sheffield – Sheffield Libraries Podcast – Anchor FM. “From our librarians, archivists and fascinating friends, join us to delve deeper into the subjects, stories and collections that we find interesting, and hope that you will too…”

• St Helens – All St Helens libraries to stay open past October 31 as council reconsider closure plans – St Helens Star. “Council will review its decision to close six of the borough’s libraries after its decision caused a public backlash. Senior council members voted to back one of the biggest changes to the local library service at a town hall meeting in July, which would have seen the borough’s 13 libraries reduced to 7. The council announced that from October 31, 2022, it would no longer run libraries in Billinge, Garswood, Parr, Peter Street, Rainford, and Rainhill.” … “It has been recommended that a six-week public consultation should take place, with the results of this to be presented to a cabinet meeting next year, where a final implementation plan will be decided.”
• Stockport – Celebrate Libraries Week with events at Stockport libraries – Stockport Council. Two fun palaces plus other events.
• South Gloucestershire – Thousands of South Gloucestershire children celebrate reading challenge success – South Gloucestershire Council. “Six thousand children have taken part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge at South Gloucestershire Libraries, reading almost 100,000 books over the school summer holidays … South Gloucestershire Libraries also supported the Holiday Activity and Food Programme, which helps keep children fed and active through the summer break by working with South Gloucestershire Playscheme, Juice Community Project, Unique Voice and Fit for Sport to bring the Summer Reading Challenge to children taking part across the district.”
• Suffolk – Lowestoft Library joins the Wild Mural Trail – Suffolk Libraries. “The heron is the seventh in a series of murals painted by street artist ATM in the town on prominent buildings. “
  • Over £2,000 raised from successful cycle fundraising challenge – Suffolk Libraries. “Four keen cyclists took part in the Skyline London to Brighton cycle challenge on Sunday 11 September to raise money for Suffolk Libraries.”
• Tower Hamlets – Bethnal Green Library 100 Years Celebrations – Idea Store. “We will hold author talks, art events and other activities to show the outstanding impact Bethnal Green Library has given to our community over the last 100 years.”
• West Berkshire – Over 3,000 children took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge – West Berkshire Council. “2,969 children visited a West Berkshire library to take part in the challenge to read six books over the summer holidays, while over 200 more joined in digitally via the Summer Reading Challenge website. All of the children who completed their challenge received a certificate and a medal to celebrate their achievement. There were also 421 pre-school children that took part in a Mini Challenge and 751 people that took part in the Grown-Ups2! challenge. Those who completed the grown-ups challenge were entered into a prize draw to win a wifi tablet. “
• West Lothian – West Lothian author discusses mental health and drug addiction at library event – Edinburgh Live. “This event is part of West Lothian Council Library Service’s ‘Libraries can Do It’ project, which is supported by the Scottish Government Public Library COVID Recovery Fund.”
• Worcestershire – Library numbers up to 12,500 visitors as Redditch labour group battle to save it – Redditch Standard. “Plans put forward by Redditch’s Towns Fund Board – and backed with £4.2million in Government money – would see the current library building demolished and the facility re-located, with Redditch Town Hall the lead candidate as its new venue.”
  • Libraries hosting activities to celebrate Libraries Week – Evesham Observer. “a wide variety of activities will be taking place for children, businesses and Shared Connections groups.”
• Wrexham – Community ‘warm places’ coming to Wrexham libraries – The Leader. ““Initially, the warm places will be our libraries, but we’re hoping to add more community buildings as we progress. Anyone who wants to, is very welcome to come inside to be warm and comfortable in a friendly environment. These are very worrying times for many people, and we hope the warm places can help to ease some of the pressure our communities are feeling.””

Editorial

The last week has basically been a period of mourning for the Queen, with most, but not all, public libraries closed for the funeral on Monday. So not much news apart from that Martin Lewis has commissioned CILIP to create guidance on how best to set up warm banks. The speed with which the public libraries sector (notably Libraries Connected and CILIP) have seized on the warm banks idea is really impressive and is having instant political benefits. Council are realising that libraries – buildings with heating and, crucially, staffing already in place in local communities – are perfect for this sort of thing. This has taken the pressure off, and indeed added potential funding streams, to many public libraries which otherwise would be worried about the reduction in usage many have experienced compared to before lockdown. And, wow, there’s books in them too.

National news

• Drag queen called ‘groomer’ by vile protesters says anti-royal arrests expose a double standard – Pink News. “A drag queen who faced death threats from far-right protesters says it’s “insulting” to see police arrest anti-royal demonstrators when they did nothing to protect her.” … “Aida says one officer told her people are only arrested for breaching the peace “as a last resort”.” … “For Aida H Dee, the arrests prove something she’s suspected for a long time: “It’s one rule for us, another rule for them.””
• Nosy Crow to Launch U.S. Company – Publishers Weekly. ““Of course, the North American market is bigger,” Wilson said, “and there is a more lively and better-funded institutional market in the U.S. In the U.K, libraries are lamentably underfunded. “
• The Power of Pictures: the illustrations that inspired our new Writer in Residence Nick Sharratt – Book Trust. “, these are some pictures that really resonated with me as I was growing up. The memory of them is precious to me for numerous reasons. Were there pictures in the books you looked at that have the same kind of power for you?  I bet there were. And isn’t it important that all children have the opportunity to develop their own picture-linked memories like ours?”

• Reading and ideology: the case of the free public libraries movement – Taylor Francis Online. “This article examines social debates on mass reading in Britain, linking them to the free public libraries movement of the mid-19th century.”
• Reading Well for teens launches in public libraries across England and Wales on 10th October 2022 – Reading Agency. “A new Reading Well for teens collection will launch in public libraries across England and Wales on World Mental Health Day 2022 (10th October). The scheme – run by national charity The Reading Agency – will support the mental health and wellbeing of teenagers, providing information, advice and support to help them better understand their feelings, handle difficult experiences and boost their confidence in a post-pandemic context.”
• The value of digital and physical library services in UK public libraries and why they are not interchangeable – University of Strathclyde. “This study reports on a series of focus groups of UK public library users to understand how the forced closure of UK libraries caused by the COVID pandemic and the increased use of replacement digital services affected their library use. We specifically focus on digital exclusion and whether this increased as the result of physical library services being inaccessible. “

International news

• Global – A monthly newsletter to explore all the magical facets of libraries – Of Course, Libraries. Free newsletter including “Stories about uncovered sides of public libraries; Interviews, opinions and facts; Inspiring projects and future trends; Thought-provoking things to read, listen, watch”
• Iran – Public libraries and crisis management: Iranian public libraries and the dust crisis – Sage Journals. “The findings show that public libraries can take on educational, cultural, executive, and informative roles in the pre-crisis stage, executive and informative roles in the during-crisis stage, and executive and documentation roles in the post-crisis stage.”
• USA – Book ban efforts surging in 2022, library association says – Independent. ““I’ve never seen anything like this,” says Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom.”
  • Banned Books Week Censors Dissent – Catholic Vote. “Banned Books Week has become a thinly veiled propaganda campaign. Ironically, in fact, it’s a campaign that is itself very much in the spirit of censorship, and demonizes Americans who dissent from Leftist dogma.” but ” parents simply want input on what books go on their schools’ shelves” … “The ALA expects parents and patrons to either celebrate progressive ideology or stay home. But every American taxpayer has a right to inhabit the public square and bring his or her convictions to the debate floor.”

• Huntsville residents push back after city removes ‘Read With Pride’ display from public library – Houston Public Media. “We are ashamed of and concerned by the fact that any city leader or employee would be involved in censoring a book display or the books themselves without due process and hearing from all sides on the matter,” Huntsville Texas Pride said in its statement. “The library is a place for everyone and one or two individuals should not and cannot be allowed to dictate what can or can’t be done in a public space based on their own beliefs or prejudices.”
  • Librarians go radical as new woke policies take over: experts – New York Post. “Libraries, for decades the ultimate safe spaces, have become ground zero in the ongoing culture wars, with battles over banned books, drag queen story hours and free access to porn raging all over the country … “The average person has no idea of this but librarians have been targeting children in recent years and trying to turn them into political activists,”
  • Library exhibit shows ‘glimpse of humanity’ in lost items in books – SBS. “Over a period of 10 years, a team of librarians has been collecting little items found in returned library books. There are now more 350 items which are being featured in a physical and online collection.”
  • US libraries face ‘unprecedented’ efforts to ban books on race and gender themes – Guardian. “The challenges came from conservative parent groups and others. In some cases, the group says, librarians and elected officials were threatened with violence by members of the Proud Boys and armed activists at school board and library board meetings.”

Local news by authority

• Buckinghamshire – Reader letter: What’s going to happen to our libraries – Bucks Free Press. “After lockdown I wrote to MP as libraries were far too slow to reopen and allow computer access again … Please bring all these much needed opportunities [such as events] back… as a council tax payer let’s do everything not to make this a winter of discontent.”
• Cambridgeshire – EverySpace project in two Cambridgeshire libraries moves step closer – Ely Standard. “Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC) has signed an agreement with Jan Kattein Architects to develop flexible and inclusive spaces at Cambridge Central and March libraries as part of the EverySpace project. A public consultation will take place shortly to determine designs for the spaces and installation work will begin in spring 2023.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – ‘Cheshire’s archives: a story shared’ drop in session – Birkenhead News. ” An online training programme has also been produced for library staff to help them develop their knowledge about the local history collections in their libraries and to support people who visit libraries to research family and local history.” … “The new service will see two new history centres being established in Chester and Crewe, alongside improved service delivery in libraries …”
• Coventry – More than 100 solar panels to cover roof of listed Coventry library – Coventry Telegraph. “A Grade II-listed building in Coventry will have its rooftop covered with solar panels in a council-backed bid to save carbon and cut energy costs. The city’s Central Library is set to have 148 black monocrystalline panels installed on the roof and will also get a battery storage unit.”
• Darlington – Makeshift library in this Darlington venue until Crown Street reopens – Northern Echo. While Crown Street is refurbished “customers will be able to visit the Dolphin Centre on Horse Market at various times during the week to select and collect books, join the library, and learn about services on offer.”

• Glasgow – Save our Venues : Vision for Glasgow public libraries to be drawn up after reopening – Yahoo News. “As well as books and computer access, libraries across the city could be used to also host toy and tool libraries and repair and skills workshops. A public consultation exercise is being carried out to find out what people want their local library to be able to do.” … ““An online public consultation process will take place, supported by the opportunity to access physical copies of the draft vision and make comment.”
• Hampshire – North Baddesley Community Library thanks visitors for book sale funds that help keep the centre open – Hampshire Chronicle. “A library forced to relocate due to unaffordable rent costs hosted a book sale at its new home to help keep the community base open.”
• Highlands – Sutherland bookbugs are up to the challenge – Northern Times. “A total of 1,032 children took part in Highland across 47 libraries, reading 5,260 books overall.”
• Lancashire – Lancashire’s libraries to open up as “warm hubs” for locals this winter – and the search is on for other buildings that could do the same – Lancaster Guardian. ” County Hall is also planning to extend other support available in its libraries, which could benefit those taking advantage of the warm hubs service, including digital, health and employment sessions. Meanwhile, county council officers are currently working with district authorities to collate information about voluntary, faith and community groups in their areas which could get involved with the main project.”

• Nottingham – Developers for old Nottingham Central Library ‘ready to be appointed’ – BBC News. “Nottingham City Council said it was ready to appoint architects to turn the Angel Row site, which closed in 2020, into “a flexible workspace for creative businesses”. A new library will be part of the Broadmarsh redevelopment, and is expected to open next year.”
  • Call for Nottingham’s under-threat libraries to be used as ‘warm havens’ this winter – Nottingham Post. “A campaign group is calling on Nottingham City Council to refrain from potentially bringing the axe down on three of its libraries so they can be used as “warm havens” this winter. Despite new Prime Minister Liz Truss revealing plans to cap energy bills at £2,500, many households will still struggle over the winter months, with bills having risen from £1,277 just a year ago. As such, libraries may therefore be the only places available for some to keep warm. ”
  • Former Central Library transformation takes a step forward – West Bridgford Wire. “The Angel Row scheme is being funded from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, following a successful bid for £12.5m by the council announced last summer.”
• Warrington – Warrington breathes life back into its libraries – Warrington Guardian. “Libraries Week kicks off on October 3, and it runs until October 9 – it is being run in Warrington by LiveWire across its locations … “
• Warwickshire – Which services are closed or reduced in Warwickshire on the Queen’s funeral day? – Stratford Observer. “All the county’s libraries will be closed”
• West Berkshire – West Berks library invites local authors to showcase their work – Newbury Today. “Newbury library will be holding an event in November to bring together writers in the West Berks area who have had work published, giving them a platform where they can showcase their work.”

Editorial

A new advisory panel has been established by the government to “help formulate innovative new policy ideas” for public libraries. One suspects that “increased funding and investment” will not be one of these policies but one never knows. The unpaid chair of the group, Baroness Sanderson (Conservative) is certainly saying the correct things like she aims to “help develop ideas as to how we may promote and protect our libraries into the future” and the very fact that an advisory panel has been established is good news: there’s been none since the Bonfire of the Quangoes back in 2010/11. On the other hand, the Baroness is an ex Mail on Sunday journalist so one suspects huge state investment is not on the cards.

One potential policy that has gained a lot of traction in the last couple of weeks – using libraries as “warm banks” – shows how public libraries can quickly take advantage of initiatives and changing conditions. The foreboding predictions for this winter – high inflation, huge energy price increases, continuing war in the Ukraine plus the fact Covid is still with us – suggest that the country is potentially entering as dark a period as few of us have ever experienced. Public libraries have always been there during such dark times before and it looks like we will continue to help brighten them again, especially if such things help the sector argue for sustained or increased funding.

Changes by local authority

• Shropshire – Barclays leases space at Bridgnorth and Ludlow libraries.

National news

• Baroness Sanderson to help develop new public libraries strategy – Gov.uk. “Experienced former journalist and government adviser will help generate new ideas to improve library service and provision” … “a new advisory panel and will be expected to provide a fresh, challenging and impartial perspective on libraries to help formulate innovative new policy ideas.” … ” attended by representatives from Arts Council England, Libraries Connected, and the cross-party Local Government Association.” and “British Library, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, local authority library services and community-managed libraries, as well as other government departments” [Elizabeth Sanderson is a Conservative peer, who worked for the Mail on Sunday for 17 years before being given her peerage in 2019 – Ed.]

• Libraries and galleries to act as ‘warm banks’ for Brits struggling to heat homes – Mirror.
• Libraries step up to provide aid to hard-up visitors but fear for their financial future – BookSeller, paywall. Libraries help with higher costs by providing warmth, free access to info & leisure and providing info on how to gain assistance. Sandwell providing food, Brighton providing toiletries and sanitary products and nappies.
• Libraries under attack (again): the backlash against Drag Queen Story Hour in the UK – Book Riot. “I live in the UK, and am very much not delighted to share the unsurprising news that Rainy Bigot Island is keeping up with its cousins across the pond when it comes to terrorising drag queens and library users for running fun and educational story events.” … ” Piers Corbyn, brother of the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (who doesn’t share his conspiracy theorist views), has shown up to at least one protest; prominent media transphobes have stayed home, but criticised the concept of Drag Queen Story Time on social media, and notably refused to condemn the far-right presence protesting the events.” … ” the religious right and the nationalist right are joining forces to attack people who challenge their reactionary view of the world”

How can libraries continue to run Drag Queen Story Hour events and ensure the safety of attendees and performers? In the short term, some libraries have had to run interference, giving out false details of one location so that the anti-LGBTQ+ protesters gather there before running the event at a completely different place. While this has allowed events to run safely and without interruption, libraries shouldn’t have to resort to subterfuge to hold an event which, when all’s said and done, is simply an adult professional reading picture books to children. Libraries need to work closely both with groups like Drag Queen Story Hour, and with anti-fascist groups organising against far-right protesters, to ensure that these storytimes can be performed and enjoyed by all.

Book Riot

• Library Focus 2022 – BookSeller, paywall. “Our special report on the state of UK libraries covers the country from Stornaway to Southampton.”. Includes Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Bournemouth Christchurch Poole (using Minecraft), Norfolk, Brent, Staffordshire, Swansea (prisons), Barnsley, Northern Ireland (fines-free), Southampton (sanctuary),
• Money Box Energy Bill Special – BBC Sounds. Isobel Hunter from Libraries Connected appears. “we’ll hear more on the “warm banks” being set up by councils, community groups and libraries, for people to spend time in if they can’t heat their homes.”
• Serious concerns as almost a third of librarians asked to censor material – BookSeller, paywall. 21 of 82 librarians who responded to survey said they at least occasionally been asked to censor materials. “It follows a surge in protests outside libraries this year, most notably in response to the Drag Queen Story Hour tour over the summer” … “One librarian, who did not wish to be named, told The Bookseller that protestors, some of whom included members of far-right organisations, block-booked tickets on Eventbrite under “vile names”, making it difficult for the library to reserve places for customers who genuinely wanted to attend.”. Need policies to protect librarians.
• ‘Warm banks’ to be set up in museums and libraries for people who can’t heat homes – Telegraph. Paywall.

International news

• Canada – These Ontario libraries say more people borrow items and return them on time after overdue fines dropped – CBC. “Bernstein said research showed some people felt “shame or fear of huge bills that drives them away” and some felt they couldn’t enter a library to access computers, services or programs. Getting rid of fines means staff can focus on recommending books or helping people access services “rather than have awkward conversations about owing $5,” Bernstein said in an email.”
• USA – Romance Novelist Donates $50,000 to Embattled Michigan Library – I Love Libraries. “Romance novelist Nora Roberts donated $50,000 to Patmos Library in Jamestown Township, Michigan, after the library was defunded by the community in early August over LGBTQ-themed books. The donation pushed the cumulative total raised by two GoFundMe campaigns to more than $245,000—the amount the library was expected to lose next year due to the loss of taxpayer funding.”

Local news by authority

• Birmingham – Birmingham: Council maps out places for public to keep warm – BBC. “We are going to work with partners to map out spaces across the city where people can go to keep warm,” he added. “Whether that’s local community centres, places of worship or libraries, we want to help people to find places where they will be welcomed, free of charge.”
• Brent – Podcast Transcription Cricklewood Library – Community Managed Libraries National Peer Network. “explores the journey that Cricklewood Library has taken over the past 10 years, in order to reopen to the public in October 2021.” … “be there prepared for the long haul, it’s not going to be a short thing. You’re taking on something quite enormous. So, stay in power and reach out to the community.”
• Cheshire East – Community spirit – BookSeller, paywall. Working with Ukrainian refugees. “Library staff have been very active in their approach to the challenge and are accustomed to responding to multiple needs in creative ways”. Libraries deliver council services: “This is becoming increasingly valued and, by working in partnership with multiple services in a strategic way, our influence and reach is growing.”
• Dorset – Cost of living: Dorset ‘warm banks’ may help those who cannot heat homes – BBC. “The council is looking at whether to extend opening of places such as libraries.”

• Hertfordshire – Introducing Tala – a new character to inspire the newest generation of visitors to Hertfordshire’s libraries – Hertfordshire Council. Will replace BookStart Bear. “Tala will be the star of Hertfordshire libraries’ new promotion ‘My Firsts’ to inspire families with babies and young children to visit the library regularly, to borrow books and to join in with the variety of early years family activities, such as Rhyme Time. From 1 September, children from newborn to aged five who join the library will receive the new ‘My First library card’ and a special keepsake certificate.”
  • Would you like to volunteer in one of our Community Libraries? – Hertfordshire Council. Service has 300 unpaid workers in 13 libraries that would have closed if paid staff had been used, but other running costs paid for by council.
• Kirklees – Kirklees Libraries annual report is a 5 star read – Kirklees Council. Lists accomplishments, including awards and “New library at Birkby and Fartown with its dementia friendly design and safe space”
• North Ayrshire – Kilwinning Library chosen as pilot venue for ‘Near Me’ service – Ardrossan Herald. ” one of six libraries throughout Scotland now playing a key role in helping people access public sector services including health and social care across the country. The ‘Near Me in Libraries’ scheme builds on the existing ‘Near Me’ video consulting service that enables people to attend appointments remotely, wherever is convenient and appropriate.”
• Northern Ireland – Enniskillen library: Department cites ‘challenges’ to securing funding for upgrade – Impartial Reporter. “Last year a planning application was lodged for a new state-of-the-art library. The old library building was due to be demolished, and a brand-new building to take its place. Construction of the building was reported to commence in mid-2022 and was due to be completed by December, 2023. However, despite scaffolding and fencing around the perimeter of the building, it is unclear what work, if any, has taken place.”
• Powys – Libraries: Powys becomes latest council in Wales to drop fines – BBC. “The council hopes the move will bring users back to the county’s 18 libraries after a fall in use since the pandemic” … ” libraries also needed to do more to tell communities about what they have to offer, like free internet or kids’ clubs.”
• Shropshire – Town libraries are focus for Barclays’ digital training and financial advisors – Shropshire Council. “Two Shropshire libraries are supporting local people by opening up access to digital training and banking advice provided by Barclays Bank. In a new initiative the bank will lease space at two of Shropshire Council’s libraries – in Bridgnorth and Ludlow – where customers can seek digital support, financial advice and help managing their accounts.”
• Staffordshire – Thousands of children across Staffordshire take part in summer reading challenge – Lichfield Live. “More than 8,000 schoolchildren aged four to 11 have borrowed six library books on the theme of ‘gadgeteers’.”
  • Stafford libraries to host Pocket Film Festival – Express and Star. “The festival, running from September 13 to 18, will give audiences the chance to engage with film through short films, old classics, events with live musical accompaniment, new releases and archive screenings.”
• St Helens – Council’s libraries plans are ill-conceived and ill thought-out – St Helens Star. Letter: alternative libraries are not accessible to those in many areas: “The residents of Rainhill and those of Billinge, Rainford and Parr, whose libraries are also due to close, deserve better.”
• Suffolk – Suffolk’s libraries to offer ‘warm bank’ lifeline during cost-of-living crisis – Bury Mercury. “Suffolk Libraries, the charity that runs the county’s library service, has been speaking to local retailers about the possibility of offering free warm drinks and looking at funding for social supermarkets. ” … “‘Kindness racks’ will also be provided where people can donate warm winter clothes for people to collect. “
• Surrey – Surrey libraries the second most visited in UK – Surrey Council. ” libraries attracted over 550,000 visits last year.” … “period products available to be collected for free or donated at all 52 libraries. “
• Swindon – ‘With a new PM in place next week, we will see more action on cost of living crisis’ – Yahoo. ” StoryTrails very generously gifted Swindon Libraries some of the technology, so that this exciting work can continue within the local community. “

• Warwickshire – When Warwickshire residents will start to be fined for late library books and how much – Coventry Telegraph. “Warning notices have been placed around libraries across the county to pre-warn people the charges are coming back.”
• Wirral – Wirral Council to create ‘warm spaces’ in libraries and leisure centres – Liverpool Echo. “Cllr Williamson asked council officers to review all buildings including libraries and leisure centres and work with the NHS, police and fire service to establish other spaces that could be used.”
• Wokingham – Uncertain future for library building in Wokingham ahead of relocation – Get Reading. “Uncertainty surrounds the future of Wokingham ‘s current library building. The library on Denmark Street will close at 4pm on Saturday (September 3). The town’s new library will then open at the Carnival Hub on Wellington Road at 1.30pm on September 19. A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council said: “Following the move, residents will no longer be able to access library services from the Denmark Street building. “No decisions have been made about the future of the Denmark Street site at this stage and the council will be considering a number of options over the coming months.”
• York – Council working with venues to set up ‘warm banks’ in winter – Yahoo News. “There have been a number of organisations including our Explore libraries showing an interest in offering to be a warm place for people through the colder months.”
  • Big City Read 2022 – York Explore. “Our book is Kate Atkinson’s Behind the Scenes at the Museum and we will be giving away 5000 free copies of a very special edition of the book across York from 29 September to get everyone talking about books and reading.”. List of events.