Ian Anstice
Public librarian since 1994, user of public libraries since my first memories ... and a keen advocate of public libraries and chronicler of the UK public libraries scene. Library manager since 1998, winner of Information Professional of the Year 2011 and Winsford Customer Service "Oscar" 2012 and 2014, honorary CILIP fellow 2015, CILIP Wales Library Champion of the Year 2016.
Homepage: https://www.publiclibrariesnews.com
Posts by Ian Anstice
Feb 28th
521 libraries (461 buildings and 60 mobiles) currently under threat or recently closed (List below) out of 4517 in the UK (CILIP figures)
Summary
Local News – all news is representative and not comprehensive
Blackburn with Darwen – Josephine Cox speaks against library cuts – Lancashire Telegraph
Blackburn with Darwen – Josephine Cox speaks against library cuts – Lancashire Telegraph
Bradford – “no obvious justification” for library closures – Telegraph and Argus
Brent – Lobby Brent Council – Save Kensal Rise Library
Essex – County’s mobile libraries are more popular than ever – This is Total Essex
Essex – Protesters to hold mass borrow at Brentwood – This is Total Essex
Manchester – Bishop of Manchester blasts government cuts – Manchester Evening News “
“It is just not right to cut spending here more than in wealthier areas. Manchester, with its very real problems, is proportionately worse off. It is completely lacking in compassion.”
“It is just not right to cut spending here more than in wealthier areas. Manchester, with its very real problems, is proportionately worse off. It is completely lacking in compassion.”
Somerset – “grave” cuts announced – Weston Mercury
National News
About books – 26 Fruits
Are libraries stacked against the Free Market? – Huffington Post (USA) “Complementary or competitive? Who cares? We need both.”
British undergrads face more than £11m in library fines – Times (paywalled)
From a member of CILIP – Good Library Blog
“Listening” dog to boost children’s literacy in Staffordshire libraries – This is Staffordshire
Liverpool to bear brunt of cuts – Guardian [wrongly describes libraries as “discretionary”]
Public Libraries and Adult Learning – Walk You Home
Will Britain ever buy into the Big Society? – Gair Rhydd
List of cuts by authority (click on name of authority for link to relevant report)
NB. From 2012, the MLA will be abolished – the Arts Council will take over its role for libraries with a budget of £3m rather than £13m. The Book Trust has also had its funding halved (from £13m 2010 to £6m in 2012). Therefore, libraries start 2012 with more than £10m less, regardless of any further cuts. There are 151 authorities in England, 206 in the UK.
Library campaign list is here
Aberdeen – 8 (out of 16)
Aberdeenshire – some, (brief mention here seems to suggest all but this very unlikely)
Angus – 4 libraries closed this year (April) to be possibly replaced by a mobile. More info here
Argyll and Bute – 3 libraries and mobile library.
Barnet – some – public consultation here
Barnsley – 3
Bedfordshire – 1 mobile to go
Bexley – 3 and 1 mobile (3 from a list of 5 will go, plus one mobile) (this is the five) (£1m – 16% cut) (merge with Bromley?) (5 could be unpaid)
Birmingham – 39 (three libraries lose hours so Tower Hill can remain open) (school library service to close)(all branch libraries under review, £200m super library being built)
Blackburn with Darwen – 1 mobile (reduced opening hours) cut, opening hours reduced, bookfund cut.
Aberdeenshire – some, (brief mention here seems to suggest all but this very unlikely)
Angus – 4 libraries closed this year (April) to be possibly replaced by a mobile. More info here
Argyll and Bute – 3 libraries and mobile library.
Barnet – some – public consultation here
Barnsley – 3
Bedfordshire – 1 mobile to go
Bexley – 3 and 1 mobile (3 from a list of 5 will go, plus one mobile) (this is the five) (£1m – 16% cut) (merge with Bromley?) (5 could be unpaid)
Birmingham – 39 (three libraries lose hours so Tower Hill can remain open) (school library service to close)(all branch libraries under review, £200m super library being built)
Blackburn with Darwen – 1 mobile (reduced opening hours) cut, opening hours reduced, bookfund cut.
Blackpool – 2
Brent – 6 (out of 12) (talking to private company LSSI)
Bridgend – 3 (may not be able to reach Welsh Assembly library standard) (opening hour cuts at most)
Bromley (link is on page 7) – 8 (out of 15) (KAB talking books cut)
Buckinghamshire – up to 14 to close or be staffed by volunteers (extra time given to look for volunteers) (this article says 11)(£688k cut)
Bury – 1 (1 other reduced hours) – Manchester Evening News
Caerphilly – (“rationalised”)
Calderdale – Some? (£350k cut inc.12 jobs, £200k stock)
Cambridgeshire – 13 (36% cut in funding, £445k in 2012, £3.2m by 2016, closures down from previously reported 19) (mobile services already “slashed”) (£1.1m cut) (school library service closed)
Camden – several plus one mobile library (£2 million cut)
Cardiff – (no closures, cuts to be considerd on 4/3/11)
Carmarthenshire – 5 in 2011, 18 in 2012 therefore 23. (improvements in Llanelli and Carmarthen)
Central Bedfordshire – one mobile library to go
Ceredigion – (£1m “relocation” of Aberystwyth, £100k to be spent on Cardigan)
Conwy – 7 (out of 12) (review under way)
Bromley (link is on page 7) – 8 (out of 15) (KAB talking books cut)
Buckinghamshire – up to 14 to close or be staffed by volunteers (extra time given to look for volunteers) (this article says 11)(£688k cut)
Bury – 1 (1 other reduced hours) – Manchester Evening News
Caerphilly – (“rationalised”)
Calderdale – Some? (£350k cut inc.12 jobs, £200k stock)
Cambridgeshire – 13 (36% cut in funding, £445k in 2012, £3.2m by 2016, closures down from previously reported 19) (mobile services already “slashed”) (£1.1m cut) (school library service closed)
Camden – several plus one mobile library (£2 million cut)
Cardiff – (no closures, cuts to be considerd on 4/3/11)
Carmarthenshire – 5 in 2011, 18 in 2012 therefore 23. (improvements in Llanelli and Carmarthen)
Central Bedfordshire – one mobile library to go
Ceredigion – (£1m “relocation” of Aberystwyth, £100k to be spent on Cardigan)
Conwy – 7 (out of 12) (review under way)
Cornwall – 2011 cuts confirmed – (£1.5m cut, 90 hours lost, merge with Registrars/One Stop Shops)
Coventry – (opening hours cut, more fees)
Croydon – Up to 6 (public gets to choose which), (£690k saving)
Croydon – Up to 6 (public gets to choose which), (£690k saving)
Cumbria – (review under way, no closures yet, 3 of 6 mobile libraries closed in 2010)
Darlington – (£250k) off budget
Denbighshire – (Rhyl has reopened after £300,000 refurbishment; no closure or merger plans, although ‘this may be reviewed”)
Denbighshire – (Rhyl has reopened after £300,000 refurbishment; no closure or merger plans, although ‘this may be reviewed”)
Derbyshire – (Opening hours to be cut)
Doncaster – 14 safeguarded for one year (the other 12 are safe) (may also be taken out of council control) (over 50% cut in funding)
Dorset – up to 20 (out of 34) to close or be given to community groups (£143k off bookfund). Dorset is the sole council to receive an actual increase in funding for 2010/11. (£800k cut for libraries)(council confirms £800k cut but gives three months extra time for consultation)
Dumfries and Galloway – 7
Doncaster – 14 safeguarded for one year (the other 12 are safe) (may also be taken out of council control) (over 50% cut in funding)
Dorset – up to 20 (out of 34) to close or be given to community groups (£143k off bookfund). Dorset is the sole council to receive an actual increase in funding for 2010/11. (£800k cut for libraries)(council confirms £800k cut but gives three months extra time for consultation)
Dumfries and Galloway – 7
Ealing – At least 2 possibly more
East Sussex – (£313k cut) (less books bought)
Edinburgh – (£550k cut)(possible cut in mobiles)
East Sussex – (£313k cut) (less books bought)
Edinburgh – (£550k cut)(possible cut in mobiles)
Essex – 2011 confirmed (extensive opening hours cuts, 21 jobs to go) (no cuts to mobiles)
Falkirk – (transferred to Trust)
Flintshire – 5 and at least one mobile
Gateshead – some (school library service, music library, AIRS talking newspaper under threat)
Gloucestershire – confirmed 10 branches and 6 mobiles to close or be run by volunteers. 8 libraries open 12 hours per week rather than previously proposed 3.5 [previously, up to 18 and 6 mobiles – 10 to close or go to volunteers. 7 to close if they don’t find a partner (43% total cut in funding). (Cinderford saved)(revised proposals here) A further 11 reduced to 3.5 days a week. 100 library jobs to go say UNISON, 40 FTE to go says council, inc 36 managers cut to 9, 3.5 FTE librarian posts cut (to 10)]
Greenwich – 1 (could be turned into a Trust) (school library service closed)
Hammersmith and Fulham – 2 (to be run by volunteers) and 1 mobile (record office to have £70k cut from £88k, volunteers, presumably no professional archivists, reduced hours) (£310k cut)
Hampshire – 13 mobiles (58 FTE jobs to go) (and mobile libraries cut within two miles of each branch, this report says 18FTE to go)(libraries merged with IT/property etc) Source of number of mobiles is UNISON Hampshire, No extra overtime or weekend pay
Haringey – (staff cuts)
Harrow – (34 FTE to go)(self-service machines to increase)
Hartlepool – 2 (out of 7) to close (another to merge with community centre, all library’s hours cut)
Herefordshire – (new Ledbury Library delayed) (no branches to close but mobile library review)
Hertfordshire – 5 mobiles (2011 Confirmed – opening hours to be cut by one third – from 2236 hours down to 1575) (mobile libraries cut) – At least one library (Borehamwood) faces a 40% cut. (£580k cut in first year, £1.4m after) (cuts confirmed) (some mobile stops saved)
Highland – (Wick Library to close and merge with school library) (may move to being in a Trust) (this report says no closures) (suggestion that professional staff are being lost – a source is needed).
Hounslow – initial plan to close 8 cancelled after public consultation, £300k cut in bookfund, some libraries may still be at risk as cuts “postponed”.
Inverclyde – some
Isle of Wight – 5 (out of 11) (£100k offered as temporary extra)
Islington – some (£250k cut)
Kent – some (volunteers to be asked to run some) (83 FTE to go as self-service comes in)- Isle of Thanet one of areas hardest hit (School library service closed)
Falkirk – (transferred to Trust)
Flintshire – 5 and at least one mobile
Gateshead – some (school library service, music library, AIRS talking newspaper under threat)
Gloucestershire – confirmed 10 branches and 6 mobiles to close or be run by volunteers. 8 libraries open 12 hours per week rather than previously proposed 3.5 [previously, up to 18 and 6 mobiles – 10 to close or go to volunteers. 7 to close if they don’t find a partner (43% total cut in funding). (Cinderford saved)(revised proposals here) A further 11 reduced to 3.5 days a week. 100 library jobs to go say UNISON, 40 FTE to go says council, inc 36 managers cut to 9, 3.5 FTE librarian posts cut (to 10)]
Greenwich – 1 (could be turned into a Trust) (school library service closed)
Hammersmith and Fulham – 2 (to be run by volunteers) and 1 mobile (record office to have £70k cut from £88k, volunteers, presumably no professional archivists, reduced hours) (£310k cut)
Hampshire – 13 mobiles (58 FTE jobs to go) (and mobile libraries cut within two miles of each branch, this report says 18FTE to go)(libraries merged with IT/property etc) Source of number of mobiles is UNISON Hampshire, No extra overtime or weekend pay
Haringey – (staff cuts)
Harrow – (34 FTE to go)(self-service machines to increase)
Hartlepool – 2 (out of 7) to close (another to merge with community centre, all library’s hours cut)
Herefordshire – (new Ledbury Library delayed) (no branches to close but mobile library review)
Hertfordshire – 5 mobiles (2011 Confirmed – opening hours to be cut by one third – from 2236 hours down to 1575) (mobile libraries cut) – At least one library (Borehamwood) faces a 40% cut. (£580k cut in first year, £1.4m after) (cuts confirmed) (some mobile stops saved)
Highland – (Wick Library to close and merge with school library) (may move to being in a Trust) (this report says no closures) (suggestion that professional staff are being lost – a source is needed).
Hounslow – initial plan to close 8 cancelled after public consultation, £300k cut in bookfund, some libraries may still be at risk as cuts “postponed”.
Inverclyde – some
Isle of Wight – 5 (out of 11) (£100k offered as temporary extra)
Islington – some (£250k cut)
Kent – some (volunteers to be asked to run some) (83 FTE to go as self-service comes in)- Isle of Thanet one of areas hardest hit (School library service closed)
Kingston – (50% adult bookfund cut)
Lambeth – 4 branches (out of 11) and 2 mobiles (setting up a trust “which will give you a chance to run libraries”)
Lancashire – 2 mobile libaries (plus 16% staffing cut)
Leeds – Up to 20 (out of 52) – council says 20 closures are not about cuts but to make service viable.
Leicestershire – NB This information is under doubt. I have received a call saying this article relates to Leicester. Article, though, seems to be indicate it is Leicestershire. No libraries are down for closure according to his article, although they could all/some be transferred to a trust or privatised (merge of lending/reference- 14 FTE jobs lost).
Leicestershire – (£250k cut in bookfund and hours)
Lewisham – Confirmed 2011/2 5 (41% cut – £800k)
Liverpool – some (£500k / 28% may be closures / cuts in opening hours)
Lambeth – 4 branches (out of 11) and 2 mobiles (setting up a trust “which will give you a chance to run libraries”)
Lancashire – 2 mobile libaries (plus 16% staffing cut)
Leeds – Up to 20 (out of 52) – council says 20 closures are not about cuts but to make service viable.
Leicestershire – NB This information is under doubt. I have received a call saying this article relates to Leicester. Article, though, seems to be indicate it is Leicestershire. No libraries are down for closure according to his article, although they could all/some be transferred to a trust or privatised (merge of lending/reference- 14 FTE jobs lost).
Leicestershire – (£250k cut in bookfund and hours)
Lewisham – Confirmed 2011/2 5 (41% cut – £800k)
Liverpool – some (£500k / 28% may be closures / cuts in opening hours)
Manchester – 5 (plus no libraries open on Friday or Saturday)(£394k cut) (end of homework clubs)
Merthyr Tydfil – some
Milton Keynes – 2 (Feb 2011 – closures delayed for 12 months)
Moray – some – (previously marked as no public libraries closing but council has appealed for volunteer groups to run them, may move to being in a Trust, another article here).
Milton Keynes – 2 (Feb 2011 – closures delayed for 12 months)
Moray – some – (previously marked as no public libraries closing but council has appealed for volunteer groups to run them, may move to being in a Trust, another article here).
Newcastle – (12 jobs lost, £245k cut) (8 libraries to be semi-staffed “library express”)
Newport – 7 (“No closure plans; considering how to ensure “21st Century provision”)
Norfolk – (£1.5m over 3 yrs proposed cut inc opening hours cut, staffing cut, bookfund cut, less mobile visits)
Northern Ireland – 20 (cut in bookfund, 15 to 25% cut in hours, recruitment freeze, removal of buildings budget (denials up to 30 could close)
Northamptonshire – Up to 8 libraries originally under threat,. Libraries given a reprieve but still apparently under longer term threat. (Cuts to management and support).
Northumberland – some
North Lanarkshire – 1 (closed March 2010)
North Lincolnshire – (£15k opening hour cut, £30k Bookfund cut)
North Norfolk – some (c. £1m reduction)
North Somerset – 1 closed, 2 proposed, volunteers may run libraries. Weston Mercury update
North Yorkshire – 24 (out of 42) to close or be staffed by volunteers, 9 mobiles to go off road, surviving libraries could have funding cut to share out with any community-run libraries established. (£2.3m cut from £7.5m total)(£650k to keep libraries open a bit more, inc. from bookfund)
Nottingham – 1 (3 libraries to close, 2 new ones to open) (computer use to be charged)(1 library closed)
Newport – 7 (“No closure plans; considering how to ensure “21st Century provision”)
Norfolk – (£1.5m over 3 yrs proposed cut inc opening hours cut, staffing cut, bookfund cut, less mobile visits)
Northern Ireland – 20 (cut in bookfund, 15 to 25% cut in hours, recruitment freeze, removal of buildings budget (denials up to 30 could close)
Northamptonshire – Up to 8 libraries originally under threat,. Libraries given a reprieve but still apparently under longer term threat. (Cuts to management and support).
Northumberland – some
North Lanarkshire – 1 (closed March 2010)
North Lincolnshire – (£15k opening hour cut, £30k Bookfund cut)
North Norfolk – some (c. £1m reduction)
North Somerset – 1 closed, 2 proposed, volunteers may run libraries. Weston Mercury update
North Yorkshire – 24 (out of 42) to close or be staffed by volunteers, 9 mobiles to go off road, surviving libraries could have funding cut to share out with any community-run libraries established. (£2.3m cut from £7.5m total)(£650k to keep libraries open a bit more, inc. from bookfund)
Nottingham – 1 (3 libraries to close, 2 new ones to open) (computer use to be charged)(1 library closed)
Nottinghamshire – (22 out of 28 libraries to have their opening hours cut, 80 FTE jobs to go, 50% off bookfund, 1 library already closed.
Oldham – (increase in volunteers, merging, cuts)
Oxfordshire – (£300k extra found – strong rumours libraries to be “saved”) (apparently confirmed 2011 but subject to review in Summer) 20 – (£2m) list of those under threat here, Oxford Central hours extended to 7 days per week . also, Record Office cuts.
Oldham – (increase in volunteers, merging, cuts)
Oxfordshire – (£300k extra found – strong rumours libraries to be “saved”) (apparently confirmed 2011 but subject to review in Summer) 20 – (£2m) list of those under threat here, Oxford Central hours extended to 7 days per week . also, Record Office cuts.
Plymouth – some – £370k cut 2011 £480k 2012 £620k 2013 – 9 FTE (10%) cut to staffing, reduction to opening hour, increased computer charging, less security. No closures 2011 but 5 claimed as under threat for future years – Stoke, Southway, Ernesettle, Eggbuckland and West Park
Powys – (cuts, decision in March)
Redbridge – 5 out of 12 may close, another may relocate (£2.3m cut). Goodmayes saved.
Renfrewshire – 1 (1 library to move into smaller sites in community centres)
Richmond – 1 (£351k cut) (service may be privatised) Heathfield due to close in March.
Rochdale – 1 (some library managers to to go in first phase of cuts)
Rutland – (6 libraries to have reduced hours, staff cut)
Salford – 3 – some libraries to move to sports centres or provide space for community groups (2 to have reduced hours)
Sandwell – some
Sefton – 3 (consultation here) (or is it “just” an opening hours cut?)
Sheffield – (30% cut expected, £2.5m) (no closures, opening hours reduced) (33 FTE, mobile reduction)
Shropshire – 2 and 3 mobiles(reference library to merge with central library)
Somerset – 2011 Confirmed – 11 (out of 34) (£1.35m cut) will be closed/offered to community groups over 2 years. 4 (out of 6) mobile libraries will also go. 25% cut in funding. Full (revised) plans here (20% cut in opening hours). Rethink on mobiles may happen – article here. Public will be asked for “voluntary contributions”.
Southampton – 2 (charges increase)
Powys – (cuts, decision in March)
Redbridge – 5 out of 12 may close, another may relocate (£2.3m cut). Goodmayes saved.
Renfrewshire – 1 (1 library to move into smaller sites in community centres)
Richmond – 1 (£351k cut) (service may be privatised) Heathfield due to close in March.
Rochdale – 1 (some library managers to to go in first phase of cuts)
Rutland – (6 libraries to have reduced hours, staff cut)
Salford – 3 – some libraries to move to sports centres or provide space for community groups (2 to have reduced hours)
Sandwell – some
Sefton – 3 (consultation here) (or is it “just” an opening hours cut?)
Sheffield – (30% cut expected, £2.5m) (no closures, opening hours reduced) (33 FTE, mobile reduction)
Shropshire – 2 and 3 mobiles(reference library to merge with central library)
Somerset – 2011 Confirmed – 11 (out of 34) (£1.35m cut) will be closed/offered to community groups over 2 years. 4 (out of 6) mobile libraries will also go. 25% cut in funding. Full (revised) plans here (20% cut in opening hours). Rethink on mobiles may happen – article here. Public will be asked for “voluntary contributions”.
Southampton – 2 (charges increase)
Southend – some
Southwark – (school libray service closed)
Stoke – 2 and 1 mobile library, (ends RNIB service)
Suffolk – confirmed 2011 £350k this year, 29 (out of 44) to be “divested” 2012/13 – (consultation here, £2m cut)
Stoke – 2 and 1 mobile library, (ends RNIB service)
Suffolk – confirmed 2011 £350k this year, 29 (out of 44) to be “divested” 2012/13 – (consultation here, £2m cut)
Surrey – 11 and 5 mobiles (Feb 2011 -delayed while consultation takes place) (petition for mobiles here – future still in doubt 25/2/11) (Lib Dems against the move)
Sutton – some (£935k off £6m p.a. budget) (school library service to close)
Swansea – some
Thanet – some
Thurrock – Confirmed 2011 £350k cut, staffing reduction (20% cut in hours if work more than 15 hours), all to close on Mondays.
Swansea – some
Thanet – some
Thurrock – Confirmed 2011 £350k cut, staffing reduction (20% cut in hours if work more than 15 hours), all to close on Mondays.
Tower Hamlets – (staff made to reapply for their own jobs -23 library staff replaced)
Trafford – (mobile library to be staffed by volunteers)
Vale of Glamorgan – mobile library reduction considered
Wakefield – at least 2 , new central library but local closures
Walsall – some (previous article had called them safe but under review, may close in 2012)
Wakefield – at least 2 , new central library but local closures
Walsall – some (previous article had called them safe but under review, may close in 2012)
Waltham Forest – some
Wandsworth – 1 (York Gardens – description of council proposals here) mention in Guardian here plus reduction in hours in others. Council papers here.
Warrington – (2011 Confimed) 2 and 1 mobile library confirmed . More info here. Journals stopped also, £25k off staff. £10k off reference.
Wandsworth – 1 (York Gardens – description of council proposals here) mention in Guardian here plus reduction in hours in others. Council papers here.
Warrington – (2011 Confimed) 2 and 1 mobile library confirmed . More info here. Journals stopped also, £25k off staff. £10k off reference.
Warwickshire – 16 (out of 34) (council agenda here, 30%, £2m cut from £7.4m budget over three years) – official report from council here, (£2m already cuts since 2006, staffing already cut by 63 FTE 24%), special county map of closures here.
West Dunbartonshire – 3 (some staff losses too)
West Sussex – Some (5 FTE lost, some librarians pay reduced to library assistant)
West Dunbartonshire – 3 (some staff losses too)
West Sussex – Some (5 FTE lost, some librarians pay reduced to library assistant)
Western Isles – (cuts in opening hours by one day per week and during Summer)
Westminster – 1 (St James’s Library to close) (Marylebone may never reopen)
Wigan – Up to 15 out of 17 (£1.1m cut off £4m budget)
Wiltshire – 10 (plus reductions in hours in all but one of the others, more cuts next year) (26 FTE posts have gone in Dec 2010 inc. 9 out of 13 community librarians)(cuts include a £940k library opened Dec 2010)(self-service in all)
Worcestershire – some (Pershore library to move out of town centre) , contact centres may combine with libraries
York – (libraries to be “hit”)
Westminster – 1 (St James’s Library to close) (Marylebone may never reopen)
Wigan – Up to 15 out of 17 (£1.1m cut off £4m budget)
Wiltshire – 10 (plus reductions in hours in all but one of the others, more cuts next year) (26 FTE posts have gone in Dec 2010 inc. 9 out of 13 community librarians)(cuts include a £940k library opened Dec 2010)(self-service in all)
Worcestershire – some (Pershore library to move out of town centre) , contact centres may combine with libraries
York – (libraries to be “hit”)
Authorities which have announced there will be no library closures (2011 financial year)
Anglesey – 4 libraries earmarked for closure have apparently been (temporarily) saved. Brighton. Barking and Dagenham. Blaenau Gwent, Cardiff, Cheshire West and Chester. Cornwall – (90 hours cut, £1.5m cut, one stop shops/Registrars merging into them, book supply being done differently to save money, no guarantee for 2012) (23% cut in library budget, 102 hours p.w. cut). Coventry (but less opening hours, fees to rise). Derby. Devon (may have reduced opening hours, less mobile stops, no new Exeter Library – although this article suggests mobile library service has improved). BBC article confirms no closures. (“brutal” cuts to Exeter Record Office). Doncaster (14 under threat in 2012) Edinburgh (£550 cut) (pledge to keep open is for the lifetime of the administration). Essex(but other cuts – see list above). Haringey . Harrow (some increase in hours, more self-service but less staff). Gwynedd. Highland (but other cuts – see list above). Hillingdon. Hull (number of libraries actually increasing here). Kirklees. Lancashire (but staffing cuts) Leicestershire (but opening hours and bookfund cut – £250k). Lincolnshire. Medway. Merton – (£118k cut – 2 libraries will have reduced hours but reprieved from threatened closure). Neath Port Talbot Newcastle. Norfolk – no closures but staffing cut, bookfund cut, opening hours cut, less mobile visits). North Ayrshire. North Lincolnshire. North East Lincolnshire. Nottinghamshire – no plans to close any branches but massive reductions in opening hours. Oldham Pembrokeshire. Plymouth (opening hours to reduce, managers to go).Plymouth (but major cuts, closures possible 2012/3) Poole. Portsmouth. Rhondda Cynon Taff: Rochdale: Southampton. Staffordshire (free internet access also retained). Sheffield (cuts in opening hours). Slough (3 new libraries opening here, usage significantly up). Swindon. Torfaen (but one closed April 2010) Trafford – (but mobile library staff will be replaced by volunteers). West Berkshire (£200k cut). Windsor and Maidenhead. Wirral (plus £1 million investment) Wrexham (libraries increasing)
All Quiet on the Western Front
Feb 27th
521 libraries (461 buildings and 60 mobiles) currently under threat or recently closed (List below) out of 4517 in the UK (CILIP figures)
Summary
Well, not, “All Quiet” but still one of the quietest weekends for library news for quite a while. Expect more confirmed cuts next week though, especially in Warwickshire. HarperCollins have said ebooks lent at public libraries should self-destruct after 26 loans, to much disgust by librarians and users. One commenter asks if HarperCollins want print books to be burnt after 26 issues too.
Local News – all news is representative and not comprehensive
Cambridgeshire – Group to help save library – Haverhill Echo
Cambridgeshire – Huntingdonshire libraries at risk – £445k cut 2011, £3.2m by 2016 – Hunts Post
Croydon – £110k executive salary advertised, could have saved a library – This is Croydon Today
Dorset – council refuses £3m-saving HQ deal with Duchy of Cornwall – Dorset Echo “One could also argue that sort of money could keep libraries open”
Stoke-on-Trent – councillors explain why they missed meeting that closed two libraries – This is Staffordshire “I needed to work on my business. I’m coming to the end of my term, I’m standing down in May.”
Suffolk – council has no mandate for their plans – James’ Blog “Suffolk County Council have confirmed since then that within three years they intend to provide no library services themselves and employ no staff”
Warwickshire – Agenda sheet for 1st March council meeting to close 16 libraries – Warwickshire Council
Cambridgeshire – Group to help save library – Haverhill Echo
Cambridgeshire – Huntingdonshire libraries at risk – £445k cut 2011, £3.2m by 2016 – Hunts Post
Croydon – £110k executive salary advertised, could have saved a library – This is Croydon Today
Dorset – council refuses £3m-saving HQ deal with Duchy of Cornwall – Dorset Echo “One could also argue that sort of money could keep libraries open”
Stoke-on-Trent – councillors explain why they missed meeting that closed two libraries – This is Staffordshire “I needed to work on my business. I’m coming to the end of my term, I’m standing down in May.”
Suffolk – council has no mandate for their plans – James’ Blog “Suffolk County Council have confirmed since then that within three years they intend to provide no library services themselves and employ no staff”
Warwickshire – Agenda sheet for 1st March council meeting to close 16 libraries – Warwickshire Council
National News
Day of action for libraries – Artists of the Resistance (missed blog from 5th Feb)
Design for Life – Save our Libraries – Voices for the Library – a campaign to get “A Design For Life” by the Manic Street Preachers (first line – “libraries gave us power”) to no.1 in the music charts.
Day of action for libraries – Artists of the Resistance (missed blog from 5th Feb)
Design for Life – Save our Libraries – Voices for the Library – a campaign to get “A Design For Life” by the Manic Street Preachers (first line – “libraries gave us power”) to no.1 in the music charts.
Gravy Train – Good Library Blog
Harper Collins want library Ebooks to self-destruct – Slashdot (see comments in article)
Harper Collins puts 26 loan cap on library ebook loans – Library Journal
HarperCollins v. Libraries Round 1 – Escapism through books
I found more than I ever imagines in libraries – Scotland on Sunday “The thing is, these places are not luxuries to be given up as councils try to safeguard frontline services from brutal cuts – they ARE frontline services and they must be protected.”
Models for the alternative governance and outsourcing of public library – CILIP
Publishers slowly warm to library ebook lending – Network World
Singer Guy Garvey blasts library-killer Cameron – News of the World (behind paywall) “”It’s appalling to claim you want the Big Society one minute but close down libraries the next.”
Something children love and need – An Awfully Big Blog Adventure
There is no conspiracy, Glenn Beck – New Statesman [UK Uncut] “What kind of world are we living in, where wanting local libraries and schools to stay open is now “extremism”, worthy of police crackdowns?”
True Brit – New York Post “Local governments responded exactly the way you’d expect: They announced that cuts in their grants had forced them to reduce hours at libraries and take away bus passes from the elderly.”
Harper Collins want library Ebooks to self-destruct – Slashdot (see comments in article)
Harper Collins puts 26 loan cap on library ebook loans – Library Journal
HarperCollins v. Libraries Round 1 – Escapism through books
I found more than I ever imagines in libraries – Scotland on Sunday “The thing is, these places are not luxuries to be given up as councils try to safeguard frontline services from brutal cuts – they ARE frontline services and they must be protected.”
Models for the alternative governance and outsourcing of public library – CILIP
Publishers slowly warm to library ebook lending – Network World
Singer Guy Garvey blasts library-killer Cameron – News of the World (behind paywall) “”It’s appalling to claim you want the Big Society one minute but close down libraries the next.”
Something children love and need – An Awfully Big Blog Adventure
There is no conspiracy, Glenn Beck – New Statesman [UK Uncut] “What kind of world are we living in, where wanting local libraries and schools to stay open is now “extremism”, worthy of police crackdowns?”
True Brit – New York Post “Local governments responded exactly the way you’d expect: They announced that cuts in their grants had forced them to reduce hours at libraries and take away bus passes from the elderly.”
BookTrust 50% cut, Save Our Libraries Day 2012, fewer wails in Wales
Feb 25th
521 libraries (461 buildings and 60 mobiles) currently under threat or recently closed (List below) out of 4517 in the UK (CILIP figures)
– Oldham – libraries are safe.
– Anglesey – minus 4
– Bridgend – plus 3 – Blaengarw, Nanrymoel, Caerau – plus opening hour cuts
– Cardiff – no closures but cuts to be discussed on Thursday
– Islington – some may close (£250k cut)
– Medway – no closures
– North Lincolnshire – (hours cut, bookfund cut)
– Rochdale – no closures this year
– Worcestershire – Woodrow named as under threat, all being reviewed
– Anglesey – minus 4
– Bridgend – plus 3 – Blaengarw, Nanrymoel, Caerau – plus opening hour cuts
– Cardiff – no closures but cuts to be discussed on Thursday
– Islington – some may close (£250k cut)
– Medway – no closures
– North Lincolnshire – (hours cut, bookfund cut)
– Rochdale – no closures this year
– Worcestershire – Woodrow named as under threat, all being reviewed
Summary
The Government has announced its funding plans for the BookTrust – it’s not the U-turn that seemed on the cards after the public outcry just before Christmas. In fact it’s less 180 degress than 90, as 50% of funding is going to be cut (although the Welsh Assembly has said it will continue to be fully funded there). Speaking of Wales, its libraries appear to be suffering less badly from the cuts than England. Usage is increasing and a large proportion of authorities are not announcing large cuts.Wales – usage increasing, many less closing. BookStart. Perhaps they need the Save Our Libraries day proposed by Alan Gibbons slightly less than England, although it is worth pointing out that the cuts there in some counties (e.g. Flintshire and Carmarthenshire) would have been seen as catastrophic just two years ago.
A chance for fame for librarians – “We are interested in doing a portrait project on librarians and libraries in general as well as conduct a few short interviews. We were wondering if you would be able to help us find some librarians who would be willing to have their photo taken.We have worked with various publications including The Observer Magazine and have just finished a project on the recently established co-op The People’s Supermarket.” Haarala Hamilton Photography
Local News – all news is representative and not comprehensive
Birmingham – volunteers and “hub libraries” ring warning bells but Kings Heath safe- About My Area
Birmingham – volunteers and “hub libraries” ring warning bells but Kings Heath safe- About My Area
Bradford – library hours already eroded, now five face the axe – Keighley News
Brent – opposition group launches plan to save libraries – Harrow Observer
Camden – library cuts create “The biggest ever response to a council questionnaire” – Camden New Journal ““This library is the heart of our community and we would be devastated if it were closed. All sorts of people use it. After school, it is packed with kids reading books, playing games and doing homework, while the computers are full of people working and researching.”
Cardiff – Cathays sees surge in users after reopening – Wales Online
Central Bedfordshire – mobile libraries are targets – BBC
Croydon – opposition budget to suggest saving libraries – This is Croydon
Brent – opposition group launches plan to save libraries – Harrow Observer
Camden – library cuts create “The biggest ever response to a council questionnaire” – Camden New Journal ““This library is the heart of our community and we would be devastated if it were closed. All sorts of people use it. After school, it is packed with kids reading books, playing games and doing homework, while the computers are full of people working and researching.”
Cardiff – Cathays sees surge in users after reopening – Wales Online
Central Bedfordshire – mobile libraries are targets – BBC
Croydon – opposition budget to suggest saving libraries – This is Croydon
Doncaster – vociferous campaign to save Bawtry means closure is deferred – This is Retford
Doncaster – 3 tory councillors disciplined for voting to close libraries – Save Doncaster Libraries
Doncaster – I’d rather put off repairing roads than close a library – Doncaster Free Press
Dorset – three month reprieve for libraries – View Online
Gloucestershire – MLA and GCC say 15000 campaigners are not “real people” – FoGL
Gloucestershire – Lib Dems say use home cash to save libraries – This is Gloucestershire
Hackney – residents stuck on wrong side of digital divide – Hackney Citizen
Hammersmith and Fulham – £70k cut to record office, volunteers to help keep open, less hours – Council
Hammersmith and Fulham – public access to borough archives will remain after u-turn – Fulham Chronicle
Haringey – protest at cuts inc. libraries – BBC
Isle of Wight – campaigners against cuts have their say – IWCP
Isle of Wight – councillor budget speech on libraries– Ventnor Blog
Isle of Wight – rubberstamping closure of five libraries – BBC
Islington – “vindictive” cuts lead to £250k cut, poss closures – Islington Tribune
Kent – Save Kent Libraries – Facebook
Kent – Say hello to the new librarian (a machine) as Kent cuts jobs – This is Kent
Lambeth – protesters occupy Town Hall against cuts in libraries – Guardian
Lancashire – 2 mobiles go – Clitheroe Advertiser
Doncaster – 3 tory councillors disciplined for voting to close libraries – Save Doncaster Libraries
Doncaster – I’d rather put off repairing roads than close a library – Doncaster Free Press
Dorset – three month reprieve for libraries – View Online
Gloucestershire – MLA and GCC say 15000 campaigners are not “real people” – FoGL
Gloucestershire – Lib Dems say use home cash to save libraries – This is Gloucestershire
Hackney – residents stuck on wrong side of digital divide – Hackney Citizen
Hammersmith and Fulham – £70k cut to record office, volunteers to help keep open, less hours – Council
Hammersmith and Fulham – public access to borough archives will remain after u-turn – Fulham Chronicle
Haringey – protest at cuts inc. libraries – BBC
Isle of Wight – campaigners against cuts have their say – IWCP
Isle of Wight – councillor budget speech on libraries– Ventnor Blog
Isle of Wight – rubberstamping closure of five libraries – BBC
Islington – “vindictive” cuts lead to £250k cut, poss closures – Islington Tribune
Kent – Save Kent Libraries – Facebook
Kent – Say hello to the new librarian (a machine) as Kent cuts jobs – This is Kent
Lambeth – protesters occupy Town Hall against cuts in libraries – Guardian
Lancashire – 2 mobiles go – Clitheroe Advertiser
Liverpool – Back office already cut enough, services (inc libraries) need sharing between councils – BBC
Liverpool – 3000 petition for Woolton as 50% cut in budget gets people worried – Liverpool Echo
Liverpool – Election candidates in spotlight – Liverpool Leader “The forum turned fiery when the fate of Liverpool’s branch libraries was discussed.”
Manchester – thousands will march against cuts, inc libraries – Manchester Evening News
Medway – none will close – BBC
North Lincolnshire – no closures, opening hours cut (£15k), boofund cut (£30k) – This is Scunthorpe
Nottinghamshire – “ruthless” cuts but libraries kept open, bookfund threatened – This is Nottingham
Oldham – libraries safe – BBC
Oxfordshire – Leader’s argument is “pathetic” – Oxford Mail – Leader had said to NHS psychologist who counsels dying cancer patients (and supports libraries) “I am only sorry that your love of library buildings, collections, reference books and maps does not extend to the human beings – young and vulnerable, old, disabled, with learning disabilities or mental health problems – who will have to endure extra cuts if we were to exempt libraries.”
Oxfordshire – Marston Book Festival to help show library still needed – Oxford Mail
Rochdale – no closures – Manchester Evening News
Stoke on Trent – Burslem and Fenton libraries confirmed as closing – BBC
Suffolk – public rally to oppose cuts inc. libraries – EDP
Suffolk – library campaign blog – James’ Blog
Suffolk – borough councillors demand libraries are saved – Evening Star
Suffolk – 200 protest at Saxmundhum proposed closure – BBC
Surrey – future of mobiles remains in doubt – Get Surrey
Walsall – none will close 2011, volunteers sought – Express and Star
Wiltshire – users angry at council silence – Salisbury Journal
Wiltshire – show of force in Aldbourne library to fight for closure – This is Wiltshire “One mother, Claire Ashley, went as far as to say she would have to stop her two children going to the library on their own if it was run by volunteers because she would be unsure who would be dealing with them.”
Worcestershire – Some may close inc Woodrow – Redditch Standard
York – libraries to be hit – BBC
Oxfordshire – Marston Book Festival to help show library still needed – Oxford Mail
Rochdale – no closures – Manchester Evening News
Stoke on Trent – Burslem and Fenton libraries confirmed as closing – BBC
Suffolk – public rally to oppose cuts inc. libraries – EDP
Suffolk – library campaign blog – James’ Blog
Suffolk – borough councillors demand libraries are saved – Evening Star
Suffolk – 200 protest at Saxmundhum proposed closure – BBC
Surrey – future of mobiles remains in doubt – Get Surrey
Walsall – none will close 2011, volunteers sought – Express and Star
Wiltshire – users angry at council silence – Salisbury Journal
Wiltshire – show of force in Aldbourne library to fight for closure – This is Wiltshire “One mother, Claire Ashley, went as far as to say she would have to stop her two children going to the library on their own if it was run by volunteers because she would be unsure who would be dealing with them.”
Worcestershire – Some may close inc Woodrow – Redditch Standard
York – libraries to be hit – BBC
National News
BookStart has had funding cut by 50% – BookSeller
BookStart has had funding cut by 50% – BookSeller
Britain’s “volunteer” program requires police applicants to work for a year for free – Washington Post (US)
Britons start to turn against “Big Society” says poll – Vision Critical
Campaigners launch legal challenge – Guardian
Evolution yes, closure no – IWR
Free books for a night, or forever – Independent (suggests World Book Night and library campaign should join forces)
Gibbons proposes National Libraries Day – BookSeller
Human rights lawyer who pursued British soldiers [for torturing] fight coalition cuts – Daily Mail – lawyer is challenging library closures in Glos and Somerset, MP Douglas Carswell claims “activist” “leftish agenda” to challenge under 1964 Libraries Act.
In the age of the Kindle, libraries are to be defended, not emptied – Caledonian Mercury
Libraries campaign event row intensifies – IWR
Libraries chief apologises to schoolgirl – Guardian
Library borrowing up again in Wales amid closure fears – BBC
Free books for a night, or forever – Independent (suggests World Book Night and library campaign should join forces)
Gibbons proposes National Libraries Day – BookSeller
Human rights lawyer who pursued British soldiers [for torturing] fight coalition cuts – Daily Mail – lawyer is challenging library closures in Glos and Somerset, MP Douglas Carswell claims “activist” “leftish agenda” to challenge under 1964 Libraries Act.
In the age of the Kindle, libraries are to be defended, not emptied – Caledonian Mercury
Libraries campaign event row intensifies – IWR
Libraries chief apologises to schoolgirl – Guardian
Library borrowing up again in Wales amid closure fears – BBC
Local governments will play safe with library closures, then close them anyway – IWR
Private sector provision of public services to “become the norm” – Telegraph
Save our libraries – YouGov “Public opposition does seem to be having an effect” 51% want no cuts, figure shows almost no social class divide.
SINTO library campaigns event -SINTO
Speakers withdraw from SINTO library campaign event – CILIP
Welsh Assembly to fund BookTrust in Wales – BookSeller
World Read Aloud Day – Litworld
Legal challenges in Gloucestershire and Somerset … and a new map
Feb 23rd
522 libraries (462 buildings and 60 mobiles) currently under threat or recently closed (List below) out of 4517 in the UK (CILIP figures)
– Essex – minus one mobile – no closures this year, previously fears over one mobile to close.
– Milton Keynes – 2 libraries earmarked for closure given funding for one year.
– Plymouth – some – £370k cut 2011 £480k 2012 £620k 2013 – 9 FTE (10%) cut to staffing, reduction to opening hour, increased computer charging, less security. No closures 2011 but 5 claimed as under threat for future years – Stoke, Southway, Ernesettle, Eggbuckland and West Park
– Surrey – closures postponed to allow further consultation
– Thurrock -more details – all libraries to be closed on Mondays, 20% cut in hours to library staff working more than 15 hours pw.
– Westminster – plus one – St James’s Library to close in September
– Wirral – all libraries confirmed as safe, £1 million allocated for equipment, books and buildings
Summary
A legal challenge is being mounted against the plans for closures in Gloucestershire and Somerset. Solicitor Phil Shiner said: “Libraries are at the heart of communities up and down the country. Councils cannot pin their hopes on vague notions of the Big Society when they are required by Parliament to maintain a comprehensive and efficient library service for everyone in the county.” The results of this will have great implications for the future of public libraries. Certainly, the legal challenge in the Wirral (2009) led to massive changes, as evidenced by the newspaper article linked today showing all libraries are safe there and there is even a £1 million investment.
Please note the new map that is now being linked to on the right. This is a big improvement to the old one, allowing far more options for what to search for. It has been a delight to me to see how many people are willing to put in serious amounts of time to help the cause – this new map is the result.
Local News – all news is representative and not comprehensive
Birmingham – King’s Heath to be closed one further day per week – About My Area
Cornwall – libraries to remain open, reduced hours – This is the West Country
Dorset – why library strategy is wrong – Ventnor Blog “it breaks the principle of equity that should underpin county council decisions”
Dorset – Lyme Regis fears the worst – Bridport News
Essex – no closures – BBC
Gloucestershire – Lib Dem MP accused over his fight against closures – This is Gloucestershire
Isle of Wight – library staff in mass walkout – Isle of Wight Radio
Isle of Wight – 1504 responded to library consultation – Ventnor Blog
Isle of Wight – nine year old plans sleep-in – Ventnor Blog
Lewisham – carnival against the cuts – South London Today “To save New Cross Library would cost £108,000.We spend more than £6.5million on consultants.”
Milton Keynes – Stony Strafford given one year stay of execution – About My Area
Milton Keynes – act today to save Stony Strafford – About My Area
North Yorkshire – Ryedale campaigners earn reprieve – Gazette & Herald
Plymouth – Labour councillors say two libraries will close – This is Plymouth
Somerset – Have your say on cuts – Chard and Ilminster News
Somerset – Library protest could end up in the High Court – This is Somerset
Southampton – library charges to go up – Daily Echo
Suffolk – library lifeline fight – Evening Star
Suffolk – Saxmundham protest – BBC (seems to suggest closures this year rather than next)
Surrey – library cutbacks put on hold – Get Surrey “Other recommendations were not made as a visibly stunned chairman appeared unsure over how to proceed and even began arguing with council officers over procedure.”
Westminster – anger at closure of St James’s Library – London Evening Standard
Wirral – commitment to keep libraries open, £1m investment – Wirral Globe
Worcesteshire – cuts “too far and too fast” – Worcester Standard
National News
David Cameron’s new adviser urges volunteer-run libraries – Guardian “Kirby believes parents should be given a fixed sum each year to spend on their child’s education, which would lead to the closure of failed schools, and says public libraries should be run by unpaid volunteers, as in America, or owned by the community.” [NB libraries are not run by unpaid volunteers in the USA]
How to do a Bail-In – Youtube
KPMG – the driving force behind library closures? – Thoughts of a wannabe librarian
Library closures row at High Court – New Post Leader
Library closures and the Law – Progressives
Prevent the closure of public libraries – 38 Degrees
Cornwall and Thurrock cut opening hours
Feb 21st
522 libraries (461 buildings and 61 mobiles) currently under threat or recently closed (List below) out of 4517 in the UK (CILIP figures)
– Barnsley – minus 5 – 3 to close, previously reported as “up to 8”
– Bridgend – some
– Cornwall – 2011 cuts confirmed – £1.5m cut, 90 hours cut in total, merge with Registars/One Stop Shops.
– Lancashire – assurance given no closures, but staffing cuts.
– Merthyr Tydfil – some
– Thurrock – 2011 cuts confirmed – £350k cut, branches close one more day per week, staffing cut
– Vale of Glamorgan – some
Summary
It is disturbing when public figures do not live up to one’s high expectations of them. It is perhaps not surprising, though, that Boris Johnson showed in the Telegraph that he was not aware that public libraries were a statutory service. It is more depressing when a schoolgirl has to point out how mistaken the head of the MLA is. It does not bode well for public libraries that both Boris and Roy have announced themselves as keen on saving them. With friends like these….
Local News – all news is representative and not comprehensive
Bolton – Protests agains library closure in Barclays – This is Lancashire
Bradford – Five libraries to close – BookSeller
Isle of Wight – New options up for discussion – Ventnor Blog
Lancashire – assurances given to Wyre libraries – Fleetwood Weekly News
Lewisham – campaigners press Hunt about closures – BookSeller
Oxfordshire – it’s volunteer libraries or nothing – Henley Standard. Council “is set on walking away from the service — perhaps initially offering a little bit of funding to support a new fashion for community libraries that would no doubt be pulled after a few years.”
Oxfordshire – library closures will cause isolation – Henley Standard
Shetland – support Shetland library – Shetland Times
Thurrock – Confirmed £350k cuts, staffing hours cut, libraries to close one day more per week – Enquirer
Thurrock – cuts in library hours “a slippery slope” – Thurrock Gazette
Wales – council cutbacks set to hit South Wales hard – Wales Online
Wales – councils to slash £175m as perfect storm hits – Wales Online
Wandsworth – wants a “Big Society” library at York Gardens (hours cut, IT suite lost, public space rented to private college, five staff to go, in most deprived ward – Independent
Wandsworth – wants a “Big Society” library at York Gardens (hours cut, IT suite lost, public space rented to private college, five staff to go, in most deprived ward – Independent
Yorkshire – cull of libraries brings cries of protest – Yorkshire Post
National News
Clarke rebuff for rightwing critics – Financial Times “On Sunday there were reports that Oxfordshire County Council had reprieved closure-threatened libraries after Mr Cameron, who represents a constituency in the county, had expressed his displeasure. Tory MPs are receiving large volumes of e-mails from constituents over similar cuts.”
Exchange over schoolgirl’s protest – Alan Gibbons
Libraries died years ago – Telegraph (letters)
What ski helmets can teach us about keeping libraries open – Telegraph (Boris Johnson does not know about the 1964 Libraries Act which means libraries are a statutory service)
List of cuts by authority (click on name of authority for link to relevant report)
NB. From 2012, the MLA will be abolished – the Arts Council will take over its role for libraries with a budget of £3m rather than £13m. Therefore, libraries start 2012 with £10m less, regardless of any further cuts. There are 151 authorities in England, 206 in the UK.
Library campaign list is here
Aberdeen – 8 (out of 16)
Aberdeenshire – some, (brief mention here seems to suggest all but this very unlikely)
Anglesey – 4 (may not be able to meet Welsh Assembly standards)
Angus – 4 libraries closed this year (April) to be possibly replaced by a mobile. More info here
Argyll and Bute – 3 libraries and mobile library.
Barnet – some – public consultation here
Barnsley – 3
Bedfordshire – 1 mobile to go
Bexley – 3 and 1 mobile (3 from a list of 5 will go, plus one mobile) (this is the five) (£1m – 16% cut) (merge with Bromley?) (5 could be unpaid)
Birmingham – 39 (three libraries lose hours so Tower Hill can remain open) (school library service to close)(all branch libraries under review, £200m super library being built)
Blackburn with Darwen – 1 mobile (reduced opening hours) cut, opening hours reduced, bookfund cut.
Aberdeenshire – some, (brief mention here seems to suggest all but this very unlikely)
Anglesey – 4 (may not be able to meet Welsh Assembly standards)
Angus – 4 libraries closed this year (April) to be possibly replaced by a mobile. More info here
Argyll and Bute – 3 libraries and mobile library.
Barnet – some – public consultation here
Barnsley – 3
Bedfordshire – 1 mobile to go
Bexley – 3 and 1 mobile (3 from a list of 5 will go, plus one mobile) (this is the five) (£1m – 16% cut) (merge with Bromley?) (5 could be unpaid)
Birmingham – 39 (three libraries lose hours so Tower Hill can remain open) (school library service to close)(all branch libraries under review, £200m super library being built)
Blackburn with Darwen – 1 mobile (reduced opening hours) cut, opening hours reduced, bookfund cut.
Blackpool – 2
Brent – 6 (out of 12) (talking to private company LSSI)
Bridgend – some (may not be able to reach Welsh Assembly library standard)
Bromley (link is on page 7) – 8 (out of 15) (KAB talking books cut)
Buckinghamshire – up to 14 to close or be staffed by volunteers (extra time given to look for volunteers) (this article says 11)(£688k cut)
Bury – 1 (1 other reduced hours) – Manchester Evening News
Calderdale – Some? (£350k cut inc.12 jobs, £200k stock)
Cambridgeshire – 13 (36% cut in funding, £3.2m, closures down from previously reported 19) (mobile services already “slashed”) (£1.1m cut) (school library service closed)
Camden – several plus one mobile library (£2 million cut)
Carmarthenshire – 5 in 2011, 18 in 2012 therefore 23.
Central Bedfordshire – one mobile library to go
Conwy – 7 (out of 12)
Bromley (link is on page 7) – 8 (out of 15) (KAB talking books cut)
Buckinghamshire – up to 14 to close or be staffed by volunteers (extra time given to look for volunteers) (this article says 11)(£688k cut)
Bury – 1 (1 other reduced hours) – Manchester Evening News
Calderdale – Some? (£350k cut inc.12 jobs, £200k stock)
Cambridgeshire – 13 (36% cut in funding, £3.2m, closures down from previously reported 19) (mobile services already “slashed”) (£1.1m cut) (school library service closed)
Camden – several plus one mobile library (£2 million cut)
Carmarthenshire – 5 in 2011, 18 in 2012 therefore 23.
Central Bedfordshire – one mobile library to go
Conwy – 7 (out of 12)
Cornwall – 2011 cuts confirmed – (£1.5m cut, 90 hours lost, merge with Registrars/One Stop Shops)
Coventry – (opening hours cut, more fees)
Croydon – Up to 6 (public gets to choose which), (£690k saving)
Croydon – Up to 6 (public gets to choose which), (£690k saving)
Cumbria – (review under way, no closures yet, 3 of 6 mobile libraries closed in 2010)
Darlington – (£250k) off budget
Derbyshire – (Opening hours to be cut)
Doncaster – 14 safeguarded for one year (the other 12 are safe) (may also be taken out of council control) (over 50% cut in funding)
Dorset – up to 20 (out of 34) to close or be given to community groups (£143k off bookfund). Dorset is the sole council to receive an actual increase in funding for 2010/11. (£800k cut for libraries)(council confirms £800k cut but gives extra time for consultation)
Dumfries – 7
Doncaster – 14 safeguarded for one year (the other 12 are safe) (may also be taken out of council control) (over 50% cut in funding)
Dorset – up to 20 (out of 34) to close or be given to community groups (£143k off bookfund). Dorset is the sole council to receive an actual increase in funding for 2010/11. (£800k cut for libraries)(council confirms £800k cut but gives extra time for consultation)
Dumfries – 7
Dundee – (to transfer to the same trust as swimming pools/basketball)
Durham – some (£1.4m cut)(or is it £1.5m?)
Ealing – At least 2 possibly more
East Sussex – (£313k cut) (less books bought)
Edinburgh – (£550k cut)(possible cut in mobiles)
Durham – some (£1.4m cut)(or is it £1.5m?)
Ealing – At least 2 possibly more
East Sussex – (£313k cut) (less books bought)
Edinburgh – (£550k cut)(possible cut in mobiles)
Essex – 1 mobile (extensive opening hours cuts, 21 jobs to go)
Falkirk – (transferred to Trust)
Flintshire – 5 and at least one mobile
Gateshead – some (school library service, music library, AIRS talking newspaper under threat)
Gloucestershire – confirmed 10 branches and 6 mobiles to close or be run by volunteers. 8 libraries open 12 hours per week rather than previously proposed 3.5 [previously, up to 18 and 6 mobiles – 10 to close or go to volunteers. 7 to close if they don’t find a partner (43% total cut in funding). (Cinderford saved)(revised proposals here) A further 11 reduced to 3.5 days a week. 100 library jobs to go say UNISON, 40 FTE to go says council, inc 36 managers cut to 9, 3.5 FTE librarian posts cut (to 10)]
Greenwich – 1 (could be turned into a Trust) (school library service closed)
Hammersmith and Fulham – 2 and 1 mobile (record office to charge for access, access to be suspended) (£310k cut)
Hampshire – 13 mobiles (58 FTE jobs to go) (and mobile libraries cut within two miles of each branch, this report says 18FTE to go)(libraries merged with IT/property etc) Source of number of mobiles is UNISON Hampshire, No extra overtime or weekend pay
Haringey – (staff cuts)
Harrow – (34 FTE to go)(self-service machines to increase)
Hartlepool – 2 (out of 7) to close (another to merge with community centre, all library’s hours cut)
Herefordshire – (new Ledbury Library delayed) (no branches to close but mobile library review)
Hertfordshire – 5 mobiles (2011 Confirmed – opening hours to be cut by one third – from 2236 hours down to 1575) (mobile libraries cut) – At least one library (Borehamwood) faces a 40% cut. (£580k cut in first year, £1.4m after) (cuts confirmed) (some mobile stops saved)
Highland – (Wick Library to close and merge with school library) (may move to being in a Trust) (this report says no closures) (suggestion that professional staff are being lost – a source is needed).
Hounslow – initial plan to close 8 cancelled after public consultation, £300k cut in bookfund, some libraries may still be at risk as cuts “postponed”.
Inverclyde – some
Isle of Wight – 5 (out of 11) (£100k offered as temporary extra)
Kent – some (volunteers to be asked to run some) (83 FTE to go as self-service comes in)- Isle of Thanet one of areas hardest hit (School library service closed)
Falkirk – (transferred to Trust)
Flintshire – 5 and at least one mobile
Gateshead – some (school library service, music library, AIRS talking newspaper under threat)
Gloucestershire – confirmed 10 branches and 6 mobiles to close or be run by volunteers. 8 libraries open 12 hours per week rather than previously proposed 3.5 [previously, up to 18 and 6 mobiles – 10 to close or go to volunteers. 7 to close if they don’t find a partner (43% total cut in funding). (Cinderford saved)(revised proposals here) A further 11 reduced to 3.5 days a week. 100 library jobs to go say UNISON, 40 FTE to go says council, inc 36 managers cut to 9, 3.5 FTE librarian posts cut (to 10)]
Greenwich – 1 (could be turned into a Trust) (school library service closed)
Hammersmith and Fulham – 2 and 1 mobile (record office to charge for access, access to be suspended) (£310k cut)
Hampshire – 13 mobiles (58 FTE jobs to go) (and mobile libraries cut within two miles of each branch, this report says 18FTE to go)(libraries merged with IT/property etc) Source of number of mobiles is UNISON Hampshire, No extra overtime or weekend pay
Haringey – (staff cuts)
Harrow – (34 FTE to go)(self-service machines to increase)
Hartlepool – 2 (out of 7) to close (another to merge with community centre, all library’s hours cut)
Herefordshire – (new Ledbury Library delayed) (no branches to close but mobile library review)
Hertfordshire – 5 mobiles (2011 Confirmed – opening hours to be cut by one third – from 2236 hours down to 1575) (mobile libraries cut) – At least one library (Borehamwood) faces a 40% cut. (£580k cut in first year, £1.4m after) (cuts confirmed) (some mobile stops saved)
Highland – (Wick Library to close and merge with school library) (may move to being in a Trust) (this report says no closures) (suggestion that professional staff are being lost – a source is needed).
Hounslow – initial plan to close 8 cancelled after public consultation, £300k cut in bookfund, some libraries may still be at risk as cuts “postponed”.
Inverclyde – some
Isle of Wight – 5 (out of 11) (£100k offered as temporary extra)
Kent – some (volunteers to be asked to run some) (83 FTE to go as self-service comes in)- Isle of Thanet one of areas hardest hit (School library service closed)
Kingston – (50% adult bookfund cut)
Lambeth – 4 branches (out of 11) and 2 mobiles (setting up a trust “which will give you a chance to run libraries”)
Lancashire – 2 mobile libaries (plus 16% staffing cut)
Leeds – Up to 20 (out of 52) – council says 20 closures are not about cuts but to make service viable.
Leicestershire – NB This information is under doubt. I have received a call saying this article relates to Leicester. Article, though, seems to be indicate it is Leicestershire. No libraries are down for closure according to his article, although they could all/some be transferred to a trust or privatised (merge of lending/reference- 14 FTE jobs lost).
Leicestershire – (£250k cut in bookfund and hours)
Lewisham – Confirmed 2011/2 5 (41% cut – £800k)
Liverpool – some (£500k / 28% may be closures / cuts in opening hours)
Lambeth – 4 branches (out of 11) and 2 mobiles (setting up a trust “which will give you a chance to run libraries”)
Lancashire – 2 mobile libaries (plus 16% staffing cut)
Leeds – Up to 20 (out of 52) – council says 20 closures are not about cuts but to make service viable.
Leicestershire – NB This information is under doubt. I have received a call saying this article relates to Leicester. Article, though, seems to be indicate it is Leicestershire. No libraries are down for closure according to his article, although they could all/some be transferred to a trust or privatised (merge of lending/reference- 14 FTE jobs lost).
Leicestershire – (£250k cut in bookfund and hours)
Lewisham – Confirmed 2011/2 5 (41% cut – £800k)
Liverpool – some (£500k / 28% may be closures / cuts in opening hours)
Manchester – 5 (plus no libraries open on Friday or Saturday)(£394k cut) (end of homework clubs)
Merthyr Tydfil – some
Milton Keynes – 2
Moray – some – (previously marked as no public libraries closing but council has appealed for volunteer groups to run them, may move to being in a Trust, another article here).
Milton Keynes – 2
Moray – some – (previously marked as no public libraries closing but council has appealed for volunteer groups to run them, may move to being in a Trust, another article here).
Newcastle – (12 jobs lost, £245k cut) (8 libraries to be semi-staffed “library express”)
Newport – 7
Norfolk – (£1.5m over 3 yrs proposed cut inc opening hours cut, staffing cut, bookfund cut, less mobile visits)
Northern Ireland – 20 (cut in bookfund, 15 to 25% cut in hours, recruitment freeze, removal of buildings budget (denials up to 30 could close)
Northamptonshire – Up to 8 libraries originally under threat,. Libraries given a reprieve but still apparently under longer term threat. (Cuts to management and support).
Northumberland – some
North Lanarkshire – 1 (closed March 2010)
North Norfolk – some (c. £1m reduction)
North Somerset – 1 closed, 2 proposed, volunteers may run libraries. Weston Mercury update
North Yorkshire – 24 (out of 42) to close or be staffed by volunteers, 9 mobiles to go off road, surviving libraries could have funding cut to share out with any community-run libraries established. (£2.3m cut from £7.5m total)(£650k to keep libraries open a bit more, inc. from bookfund)
Nottingham – 1 (3 libraries to close, 2 new ones to open) (computer use to be charged)(1 library closed)
Newport – 7
Norfolk – (£1.5m over 3 yrs proposed cut inc opening hours cut, staffing cut, bookfund cut, less mobile visits)
Northern Ireland – 20 (cut in bookfund, 15 to 25% cut in hours, recruitment freeze, removal of buildings budget (denials up to 30 could close)
Northamptonshire – Up to 8 libraries originally under threat,. Libraries given a reprieve but still apparently under longer term threat. (Cuts to management and support).
Northumberland – some
North Lanarkshire – 1 (closed March 2010)
North Norfolk – some (c. £1m reduction)
North Somerset – 1 closed, 2 proposed, volunteers may run libraries. Weston Mercury update
North Yorkshire – 24 (out of 42) to close or be staffed by volunteers, 9 mobiles to go off road, surviving libraries could have funding cut to share out with any community-run libraries established. (£2.3m cut from £7.5m total)(£650k to keep libraries open a bit more, inc. from bookfund)
Nottingham – 1 (3 libraries to close, 2 new ones to open) (computer use to be charged)(1 library closed)
Nottinghamshire – (22 out of 28 libraries to have their opening hours cut, 80 FTE jobs to go, 50% off bookfund, 1 library already closed.
Oldham – (increase in volunteers, merging, cuts)
Oxfordshire – (£300k extra found – strong rumours libraries to be “saved”) (apparently confirmed 2011 but subject to review in Summer) 20 – (£2m) list of those under threat here, Oxford Central hours extended to 7 days per week . also, Record Office cuts.
Redbridge – 5 out of 12 may close, another may relocate (£2.3m cut). Goodmayes saved.
Renfrewshire – 1 (1 library to move into smaller sites in community centres)
Richmond – 1 (£351k cut) (service may be privatised) Heathfield due to close in March.
Rochdale – 1 (some library managers to to go in first phase of cuts)
Rutland – (6 libraries to have reduced hours, staff cut)
Salford – 3 – some libraries to move to sports centres or provide space for community groups (2 to have reduced hours)
Sandwell – some
Sefton – 3 (consultation here) (or is it “just” an opening hours cut?)
Sheffield – (30% cut expected, £2.5m) (no closures, opening hours reduced) (33 FTE, mobile reduction)
Shropshire – 2 and 3 mobiles(reference library to merge with central library)
Somerset – 2011 Confirmed – 11 (out of 34) will be closed/offered to community groups over 2 years. 4 (out of 6) mobile libraries will also go. 25% cut in funding. Full (revised) plans here (20% cut in opening hours). Rethink on mobiles may happen – article here. Public will be asked for “voluntary contributions”.
Southampton – 2
Oldham – (increase in volunteers, merging, cuts)
Oxfordshire – (£300k extra found – strong rumours libraries to be “saved”) (apparently confirmed 2011 but subject to review in Summer) 20 – (£2m) list of those under threat here, Oxford Central hours extended to 7 days per week . also, Record Office cuts.
Redbridge – 5 out of 12 may close, another may relocate (£2.3m cut). Goodmayes saved.
Renfrewshire – 1 (1 library to move into smaller sites in community centres)
Richmond – 1 (£351k cut) (service may be privatised) Heathfield due to close in March.
Rochdale – 1 (some library managers to to go in first phase of cuts)
Rutland – (6 libraries to have reduced hours, staff cut)
Salford – 3 – some libraries to move to sports centres or provide space for community groups (2 to have reduced hours)
Sandwell – some
Sefton – 3 (consultation here) (or is it “just” an opening hours cut?)
Sheffield – (30% cut expected, £2.5m) (no closures, opening hours reduced) (33 FTE, mobile reduction)
Shropshire – 2 and 3 mobiles(reference library to merge with central library)
Somerset – 2011 Confirmed – 11 (out of 34) will be closed/offered to community groups over 2 years. 4 (out of 6) mobile libraries will also go. 25% cut in funding. Full (revised) plans here (20% cut in opening hours). Rethink on mobiles may happen – article here. Public will be asked for “voluntary contributions”.
Southampton – 2
Southend – some
Southwark – (school libray service closed)
Stoke – 2 and 1 mobile library, (ends RNIB service)
Suffolk – confirmed 2011 £350k this year, 29 (out of 44) to be “divested” 2012/13 – (consultation here, £2m cut)
Stoke – 2 and 1 mobile library, (ends RNIB service)
Suffolk – confirmed 2011 £350k this year, 29 (out of 44) to be “divested” 2012/13 – (consultation here, £2m cut)
Sutton – some (£935k off £6m p.a. budget) (school library service to close)
Swansea – some
Thanet – some
Thurrock – Confirmed 2011 £350k cut, staffing reduction, one day more closing per week.
Swansea – some
Thanet – some
Thurrock – Confirmed 2011 £350k cut, staffing reduction, one day more closing per week.
Tower Hamlets – (staff made to reapply for their own jobs -23 library staff replaced)
Trafford – (mobile library to be staffed by volunteers)
Vale of Glamorgan – some
Wakefield – at least 2 , new central library but local closures
Walsall – some (previous article had called them safe)
Wakefield – at least 2 , new central library but local closures
Walsall – some (previous article had called them safe)
Waltham Forest – some
Wandsworth – 1 (York Gardens – description of council proposals here) mention in Guardian here plus reduction in hours in others. Council papers here.
Warrington – (2011 Confimed) 2 and 1 mobile library confirmed . More info here. Journals stopped also, £25k off staff. £10k off reference.
Wandsworth – 1 (York Gardens – description of council proposals here) mention in Guardian here plus reduction in hours in others. Council papers here.
Warrington – (2011 Confimed) 2 and 1 mobile library confirmed . More info here. Journals stopped also, £25k off staff. £10k off reference.
Warwickshire – 16 (out of 34) (30%, £2m cut from £7.4m budget) – official report from council here, special county map of closures here.
West Dunbartonshire – 3 (some staff losses too)
West Sussex – Some (5 FTE lost, some librarians pay reduced to library assistant)
West Dunbartonshire – 3 (some staff losses too)
West Sussex – Some (5 FTE lost, some librarians pay reduced to library assistant)
Western Isles – (cuts in opening hours by one day per week and during Summer)
Westminster – (Marylebone may never reopen)
Wigan – Up to 15 out of 17 (£1.1m cut off £4m budget)
Wiltshire – 10 (plus reductions in hours in all but one of the others) (26 FTE posts have gone in Dec 2010 inc. 9 out of 13 community librarians)(cuts include a £940k library opened Dec 2010)(self-service in all)
Worcestershire – some (Pershore library to move out of town centre) , contact centres may combine with libraries
Westminster – (Marylebone may never reopen)
Wigan – Up to 15 out of 17 (£1.1m cut off £4m budget)
Wiltshire – 10 (plus reductions in hours in all but one of the others) (26 FTE posts have gone in Dec 2010 inc. 9 out of 13 community librarians)(cuts include a £940k library opened Dec 2010)(self-service in all)
Worcestershire – some (Pershore library to move out of town centre) , contact centres may combine with libraries
Authorities which have announced there will be no library closures (2011 financial year)
Anglesey – 4 libraries earmarked for closure have apparently been (temporarily) saved. Brighton. Barking and Dagenham. Cheshire West and Chester. Cornwall – (90 hours cut, £1.5m cut, one stop shops/Registrars merging into them, book supply being done differently to save money, no guarantee for 2012) (23% cut in library budget, 102 hours p.w. cut). Coventry (but less opening hours, fees to rise). Derby. Devon (may have reduced opening hours, less mobile stops, no new Exeter Library – although this article suggests mobile library service has improved). BBC article confirms no closures. (“brutal” cuts to Exeter Record Office). Doncaster (14 under threat in 2012) Edinburgh (£550 cut) (pledge to keep open is for the lifetime of the administration). Essex(but other cuts – see list above). Haringey . Harrow (some increase in hours, more self-service but less staff). Highland (but other cuts – see list above). Hillingdon. Hull (number of libraries actually increasing here). Kirklees. Lancashire (but staffing cuts) Leicestershire (but opening hours and bookfund cut – £250k). Lincolnshire. Merton – (£118k cut – 2 libraries will have reduced hours but reprieved from threatened closure). Newcastle. Norfolk – (CONFIRMED. no closures but staffing cut, bookfund cut, opening hours cut, less mobile visits). North Ayrshire. North East Lincolnshire. Nottinghamshire – no plans to close any branches but massive reductions in opening hours. Plymouth (opening hours to reduce, managers to go). Poole. Portsmouth. Southampton. Staffordshire (free internet access also retained). Sheffield (cuts in opening hours). Slough (3 new libraries opening here, usage significantly up). Swindon. Trafford – (but mobile library staff will be replaced by volunteers). West Berkshire (£200k cut). Windsor and Maidenhead. Wirral
Cuts are to be continued…
Feb 19th
527 libraries (466 buildings and 61 mobiles) currently under threat or recently closed (List below) out of 4517 in the UK (CILIP figures)
(S) = addition to blog on Sunday
(S) = addition to blog on Sunday
– Bradford – plus 5 – Addingham, Denholme, Heaton, Wilsden and Wrose.
– Doncaster – 14 libraries, previously under threat, retained for one year while service reviewed. I am keeping these as “under threat” until it is clearer what is happening to them.
– Dorset – council decides to delay closures until July to allow further consultation and more chance to find volunteers.
– Greenwich – plus 1 – Ferrier Library to be demolished. (S)
– Greenwich – plus 1 – Ferrier Library to be demolished. (S)
– Lewisham – 5 libraries confirmed as closing (out of 12) – no change to figures as these already counted.
– Liverpool – some (28% / £458k cut 2011/12, £1.9m 2012/13) or may be cut in opening hours.
– North Yorkshire – £650k to keep threatened libraries open for a bit longer (inc. money from bookfund)
– Oxfordshire – suggestion all closures delayed due to nimbyism by David Cameron (S)
– Liverpool – some (28% / £458k cut 2011/12, £1.9m 2012/13) or may be cut in opening hours.
– North Yorkshire – £650k to keep threatened libraries open for a bit longer (inc. money from bookfund)
– Oxfordshire – suggestion all closures delayed due to nimbyism by David Cameron (S)
– Southampton – Private Eye suggests Millbrook saved from closure, no checkable online references yet.
– Walsall – some (previously described as safe)
– Walsall – some (previously described as safe)
Summary
Many authorities appear to be “finding” more money to delay closing closing libraries for a few months or even for a year. One of the reasons is to allow time for more consultation. Another is to allow time to get volunteers and other groups interested. The cynic in me suggests a reason may be so the closures do not happen in election year. Whatever the reason, it means libraries will be open a bit longer and, perhaps, just perhaps may be saved. Or not. It shows the story of this year’s closures is, at the very least, to be continued.
Many authorities appear to be “finding” more money to delay closing closing libraries for a few months or even for a year. One of the reasons is to allow time for more consultation. Another is to allow time to get volunteers and other groups interested. The cynic in me suggests a reason may be so the closures do not happen in election year. Whatever the reason, it means libraries will be open a bit longer and, perhaps, just perhaps may be saved. Or not. It shows the story of this year’s closures is, at the very least, to be continued.
Local News – all news is representative and not comprehensive
Birmingham – library grilling for Kings Heath councillor – About My Area
Bradford – 5 libraries to be closed – Telegraph and Argus
Cambridgeshire – children’s books fly off the shelves – Cambridge News (80% of 5 to 10 year olds use library, 13 due to close)
Croydon – drivers beep their horns in support of 300 library protesters – This is Croydon Today (S)
Croydon – legal hitch may protect Broad Green library from closure – This is Croydon Today (S) Broad Green closure would mean nearest library is four bus changes away.
Doncaster – cautious welcome to library reprieve – Star (S)
Birmingham – library grilling for Kings Heath councillor – About My Area
Bradford – 5 libraries to be closed – Telegraph and Argus
Cambridgeshire – children’s books fly off the shelves – Cambridge News (80% of 5 to 10 year olds use library, 13 due to close)
Croydon – drivers beep their horns in support of 300 library protesters – This is Croydon Today (S)
Croydon – legal hitch may protect Broad Green library from closure – This is Croydon Today (S) Broad Green closure would mean nearest library is four bus changes away.
Doncaster – cautious welcome to library reprieve – Star (S)
Doncaster – libraries saved for one year – Save Doncaster Libraries
Dorset – £800k cut confirmed but further consultation time given – Bournemouth Echo
Dorset – ray of hope for libraries – Dorset Echo
Essex – bid to cut opening hours – Echo
Gloucestershire – Closing Matson library in a recession is like closing a hospital in a plague – This is Glos
Gloucestershire – county had great children’s summer reading takeup last year – FoGL (S)
Greenwich – Ferrier Library to be demolished – Kidbrooke Kite (S)
Essex – bid to cut opening hours – Echo
Gloucestershire – Closing Matson library in a recession is like closing a hospital in a plague – This is Glos
Gloucestershire – county had great children’s summer reading takeup last year – FoGL (S)
Greenwich – Ferrier Library to be demolished – Kidbrooke Kite (S)
Hammersmith and Fulham – archives department “suspended” – Council website
Isle of Wight – people’s budget could use reserves to save libraries – IWCP
Kent – Friends of Westgate Library fight to keep it open – This is Kent
Lambeth – Petition to save Waterloo – London SE1
Lewisham – Carnival of Cuts – News Shopper
Lewisham – 5 libraries confirmed as closing despite 20000 petition – London Evening Standard
Lewisham – protest over council budget – BBC
Lewisham – council confirms 5 closures – BBC
Lewisham – Fate of Lewisham’s libraries – Londona Masala and Chips
Liverpool – 1000 march – Morning Star (S)
Liverpool – march against cuts, inc to libraries – Liverpool Echo
Liverpool – 28% (£500k) cut to libraries – possible closures, cut to hours – Liverpool Echo
North Yorkshire – ready to fight to save our libraries – Harrogate Advertiser
North Yorkshire – financial boost for library campaigners – Scarborough Evening News
North Yorkshire – council finds funds to delay closures – Northern Echo (S)
North Yorkshire – campaign website for Bentham
Oxfordshire – David Cameron intervenes to stop closures – Good Library Blog
Oxfordshire – shock boost set to save library? Extra £300k found – Thame Today
Richmond – Campaigners continue to fight for Heathfield (due to close in March) – Richmond and Twickenham Times (S)
Slough – we’ll take the books from libraries closed down elsewhere – Maidenhead Advertiser
Somerset – despite protests, the council went ahead and closed them anyway – Taunton People
Suffolk – council votes through huge cuts – EADT
Surrey – library service review – Information Twist
Swindon – library reopens after major refurbishment – Swindon Advertiser
Walsall – £232k to be spent on self-service, some may close – Express and Star
Wandsworth – Council agenda/papers for library cuts – Wandsworth Council (S)
Lewisham – protest over council budget – BBC
Lewisham – council confirms 5 closures – BBC
Lewisham – Fate of Lewisham’s libraries – Londona Masala and Chips
Liverpool – 1000 march – Morning Star (S)
Liverpool – march against cuts, inc to libraries – Liverpool Echo
Liverpool – 28% (£500k) cut to libraries – possible closures, cut to hours – Liverpool Echo
North Yorkshire – ready to fight to save our libraries – Harrogate Advertiser
North Yorkshire – financial boost for library campaigners – Scarborough Evening News
North Yorkshire – council finds funds to delay closures – Northern Echo (S)
North Yorkshire – campaign website for Bentham
Oxfordshire – David Cameron intervenes to stop closures – Good Library Blog
Oxfordshire – shock boost set to save library? Extra £300k found – Thame Today
Richmond – Campaigners continue to fight for Heathfield (due to close in March) – Richmond and Twickenham Times (S)
Slough – we’ll take the books from libraries closed down elsewhere – Maidenhead Advertiser
Somerset – despite protests, the council went ahead and closed them anyway – Taunton People
Suffolk – council votes through huge cuts – EADT
Surrey – library service review – Information Twist
Swindon – library reopens after major refurbishment – Swindon Advertiser
Walsall – £232k to be spent on self-service, some may close – Express and Star
Wandsworth – Council agenda/papers for library cuts – Wandsworth Council (S)
Yorkshire – outcry as a fifth of libraries to close in Yorkshire (N Yorks, Bradford, etc) -Yorkshire Post “The vast majority of the libraries earmarked for closure so far are in small towns and villages scattered around the region, where local services are already scarce.”
National News
80% of 5 to 10 year olds use the library – Press Association
Bookless child and the postcode lottery – Independent
Cameron accused of nimbyism as Oxfordshire is given more money and pressure is apparently applied to ensure no library closures in PM’s constituency – Independent on Sunday (S) (pages 2-3 with banner on front page)
Essex has cafes and self-service, Localism Bill would allow private companies to shoulder community groups aside – Independent
Heroes and zeros on the shelves – Independent
How to cut spending without cutting libraries – ConservativeHome
How to run a library? Or a book depository? – Indepndent
How to run a library? Or a book depository? – Indepndent
Lack of home broadband may be met by libraries – Broadband Choice
Legal obligations of councils to libraries – Oxford Civic Society
Legal obligations of councils to libraries – Oxford Civic Society
Library Special – Private Eye 18th Feb to 3rd Mar (Paywall/Not available online – includes creative workshop banned from Sheffield Library as political; worrying USA experience about LSSI; Millbrook library in Southampton saved)
Librarians one of the least paid comparative to IQ (honest) – Audacious Epigone
Libraries – “wonderful place for children” (Francesca Simon) – BBC Today Programme (3 minutes) closing libraries is “idiotic and barbaric”.
Libraries must evolve or become works of fiction – NLGN (S)
Library cuts will deny our children the glorious addiction of reading – Observer “There are groups across the country protesting against their councils’ decisions, but the outcry is piecemeal. Unlike the mass uprising against the sell-off of the woodlands, which forced the minister to publicly apologise for her mistake, there is no pressure on central government.” (S)
Librarians one of the least paid comparative to IQ (honest) – Audacious Epigone
Libraries – “wonderful place for children” (Francesca Simon) – BBC Today Programme (3 minutes) closing libraries is “idiotic and barbaric”.
Libraries must evolve or become works of fiction – NLGN (S)
Library cuts will deny our children the glorious addiction of reading – Observer “There are groups across the country protesting against their councils’ decisions, but the outcry is piecemeal. Unlike the mass uprising against the sell-off of the woodlands, which forced the minister to publicly apologise for her mistake, there is no pressure on central government.” (S)
Library lending figures – Public Lending Right data – Guardian
Library Lust – Post Secrets (S)
Miliband attacks Government on NHS – Press Associaton “On the NHS, just as on libraries, SureStart centres and forests, ministers are trying to push through ideologically-driven policies and without consultation and are losing public support as a result, Mr Miliband told Labour activists.”
Passion for an American Librarian – why the new Guardian blogger is on a sticky wicket – Use Libraries and Learn Stuff (S)
RFID Self Service – is now the right time? – Thoughts of a wannabe librarian
Sexy, spooky locations – Libraries on film – Guardian (S)
UK Uncut setting up libraries outside Barclays – Guardian
Library Lust – Post Secrets (S)
Miliband attacks Government on NHS – Press Associaton “On the NHS, just as on libraries, SureStart centres and forests, ministers are trying to push through ideologically-driven policies and without consultation and are losing public support as a result, Mr Miliband told Labour activists.”
Passion for an American Librarian – why the new Guardian blogger is on a sticky wicket – Use Libraries and Learn Stuff (S)
RFID Self Service – is now the right time? – Thoughts of a wannabe librarian
Sexy, spooky locations – Libraries on film – Guardian (S)
UK Uncut setting up libraries outside Barclays – Guardian
Tim Coates “save the Isle of Wight libraries” – Ventnor Blog (video)
UK Uncut makes impromptu library outside Barclays in protest – Press Association
UK Uncut makes impromptu library outside Barclays in protest – Press Association
Suffolk “divestment” next year
Feb 17th
521 libraries (460 buildings and 61 mobiles) currently under threat or recently closed (List below) out of 4517 in the UK (CILIP figures)
Suffolk – confirmed – £350k cut 2011/12, two-thirds to be “divested” 2012/13
West Berkshire – no closures, £200k cut.
Summary
Well, that’s a new one. Suffolk wish to be “divested” of two-thirds of their libraries next year. It sounds a lot better than the headline that described the same thing as “facing the axe”. Perhaps we should stand by for other words to be used, like “liberated”, “free range”or “allowed to roam free”.
Well, that’s a new one. Suffolk wish to be “divested” of two-thirds of their libraries next year. It sounds a lot better than the headline that described the same thing as “facing the axe”. Perhaps we should stand by for other words to be used, like “liberated”, “free range”or “allowed to roam free”.
Actually, this is only the newest example of something which has worried me for a while. Volunteer-run libraries are being increasingly described as “community libraries”. That sounds great but it is actually as politically loaded as calling them “Big Society Libraries” (hmmmm…) or even, the other side of the coin, “dumped”. So, if you are campaigning for public libraries run by local councils, be wary of using the word “community libraries” for non-council ones because, by doing so, there is a possibility one has already conceded part of the argument.
Suggestions for another term for a non-council run public library will be gratefully received.
Local News – all news is representative and not comprehensive
Brent – Mayor told to save money as libraries threatened – Harrow Observer “”The running costs of having a mayor is the equivalent to running one of the libraries threatened with closure”
Croydon – may not be closing libraries – Londonist
Croydon – libraries may be saved – This is Local London
Gloucestershire – report of meeting – FoGL (councillors showed “arrogance”, treated protesters with “contempt”) (one councillor had received petition which added up to 40% of his constituents but voted for the cuts)
Gloucestershire – library closures show how hard times are, says Leader – This is Gloucestershire
Hounslow – 1000+ petition handed in – Hounslow Chronicle
Hounslow – Cranford Junior School write 100 emotive letters to save library – Hounslow Chronicle
Isle of Wight – Tim Coates presentation and comments – Ventnor Blog
North Yorkshire – Great Ayton strong case to save library – Gazette Live
Oxfordshire – campaigners against outsourcing libraries to US firm LSSI – Bicester Advertiser “The American campaigners claim outsourcing to LSSI had led to declines in service and resources, charges for inter-library loans, and worse terms and conditions for staff.”
Redbridge – popular library Goodmayes saved from closure – Yellow Advertiser “Last week campaigners descended into Seven Kings Library to show it was too small for both sets of library users”
Somerset – Green light for library cuts, more than 30,000 petition failed to change minds – This is Somerset
Suffolk – two-thirds of libraries to be contracted to “new providers” – Sky News (“new providers” appears to mean “volunteers”).
Walsall – no libraries to close for a year – This is Walsall Online
Warwickshire – Councillors fight to save Bidford – Tewkesbury Ad Mag
West Berkshire – no closures, £200k cut – Newbury Today
National News
Big Society – strangled at birth – Public Service
Is the Big Society causing library closures? – Thoughts of a wannabe librarian
RFID tagging would cost 38-40p per book – Ventnor Blog
School libraries – children’s librarians “are the ‘unsung heroes’ of society, integral to a child’s rights” (Michael Morpurgo) – Heart of the School
Scotland – Love Scottish Libraries website – Love Scottish Libraries
Scotland – Love Scottish Libraries website – Love Scottish Libraries
What’s to stop us making a library from scratch ?- Independent
List of cuts by authority (click on name of authority for link to relevant report)
NB. From 2012, the MLA will be abolished – the Arts Council will take over its role for libraries with a budget of £3m rather than £13m. Therefore, libraries start 2012 with £10m less, regardless of any further cuts. There are 151 authorities in England, 206 in the UK.
Library campaign list is here
Aberdeen – 8 (out of 16)
Aberdeenshire – some, (brief mention here seems to suggest all but this very unlikely)
Anglesey – 4
Angus – 4 libraries closed this year (April) to be possibly replaced by a mobile. More info here
Argyll and Bute – 3 libraries and mobile library.
Barnet – some – public consultation here
Barnsley – up to 8
Bedfordshire – 1 mobile to go
Bexley – 3 and 1 mobile (3 from a list of 5 will go, plus one mobile) (this is the five) (£1m – 16% cut) (merge with Bromley?) (5 could be unpaid)
Birmingham – 39 (three libraries lose hours so Tower Hill can remain open) (school library service to close)(all branch libraries under review, £200m super library being built)
Blackburn with Darwen – 1 mobile (reduced opening hours) cut, opening hours reduced, bookfund cut.
Aberdeenshire – some, (brief mention here seems to suggest all but this very unlikely)
Anglesey – 4
Angus – 4 libraries closed this year (April) to be possibly replaced by a mobile. More info here
Argyll and Bute – 3 libraries and mobile library.
Barnet – some – public consultation here
Barnsley – up to 8
Bedfordshire – 1 mobile to go
Bexley – 3 and 1 mobile (3 from a list of 5 will go, plus one mobile) (this is the five) (£1m – 16% cut) (merge with Bromley?) (5 could be unpaid)
Birmingham – 39 (three libraries lose hours so Tower Hill can remain open) (school library service to close)(all branch libraries under review, £200m super library being built)
Blackburn with Darwen – 1 mobile (reduced opening hours) cut, opening hours reduced, bookfund cut.
Blackpool – 2
Brent – 6 (out of 12) (talking to private company LSSI)
Bromley (link is on page 7) – 8 (out of 15) (KAB talking books cut)
Buckinghamshire – up to 14 to close or be staffed by volunteers (this article says 11)(£688k cut)
Bury – 1 (1 other reduced hours) – Manchester Evening News
Calderdale – Some? (£350k cut inc.12 jobs, £200k stock)
Cambridgeshire – 13 (36% cut in funding, £3.2m, closures down from previously reported 19) (mobile services already “slashed”) (£1.1m cut) (school library service closed)
Camden – several plus one mobile library (£2 million cut)
Carmarthenshire – 5 in 2011, 18 in 2012 therefore 23.
Central Bedfordshire – one mobile library to go
Conwy – 7 (out of 12)
Bromley (link is on page 7) – 8 (out of 15) (KAB talking books cut)
Buckinghamshire – up to 14 to close or be staffed by volunteers (this article says 11)(£688k cut)
Bury – 1 (1 other reduced hours) – Manchester Evening News
Calderdale – Some? (£350k cut inc.12 jobs, £200k stock)
Cambridgeshire – 13 (36% cut in funding, £3.2m, closures down from previously reported 19) (mobile services already “slashed”) (£1.1m cut) (school library service closed)
Camden – several plus one mobile library (£2 million cut)
Carmarthenshire – 5 in 2011, 18 in 2012 therefore 23.
Central Bedfordshire – one mobile library to go
Conwy – 7 (out of 12)
Cornwall – (23% cut, 102 hours opening lost)
Coventry – (opening hours cut, more fees)
Croydon – Up to 6 (public gets to choose which), (£690k saving)
Croydon – Up to 6 (public gets to choose which), (£690k saving)
Cumbria – (review under way, no closures yet, 3 of 6 mobile libraries closed in 2010)
Darlington – (£250k) off budget
Derbyshire – (Opening hours to be cut)
Doncaster – (one final step needed on 21st Feb before officially confirmed) 14, (may also be taken out of council control) (over 50% cut in funding)
Dorset – up to 20 (out of 34) to close or be given to community groups (£143k off bookfund). Dorset is the sole council to receive an actual increase in funding for 2010/11. (£800k cut for libraries)
Dumfries – 7
Doncaster – (one final step needed on 21st Feb before officially confirmed) 14, (may also be taken out of council control) (over 50% cut in funding)
Dorset – up to 20 (out of 34) to close or be given to community groups (£143k off bookfund). Dorset is the sole council to receive an actual increase in funding for 2010/11. (£800k cut for libraries)
Dumfries – 7
Dundee – (to transfer to the same trust as swimming pools/basketball)
Durham – some (£1.4m cut)(or is it £1.5m?)
Ealing – At least 2 possibly more
East Sussex – (£313k cut) (less books bought)
Edinburgh – (£550k cut)(possible cut in mobiles)
Durham – some (£1.4m cut)(or is it £1.5m?)
Ealing – At least 2 possibly more
East Sussex – (£313k cut) (less books bought)
Edinburgh – (£550k cut)(possible cut in mobiles)
Essex – 1 mobile (extensive opening hours cuts, 21 jobs to go)
Falkirk – (transferred to Trust)
Flintshire – 5 and at least one mobile
Gateshead – some (school library service, music library, AIRS talking newspaper under threat)
Gloucestershire – confirmed 10 branches and 6 mobiles to close or be run by volunteers. 8 libraries open 12 hours per week rather than previously proposed 3.5 [previously, up to 18 and 6 mobiles – 10 to close or go to volunteers. 7 to close if they don’t find a partner (43% total cut in funding). (Cinderford saved)(revised proposals here) A further 11 reduced to 3.5 days a week. 100 library jobs to go say UNISON, 40 FTE to go says council, inc 36 managers cut to 9, 3.5 FTE librarian posts cut (to 10)]
Greenwich – (could be turned into a Trust) (school library service closed)
Hammersmith and Fulham – 2 and 1 mobile (record office to charge for access, access to be suspended) (£310k cut)
Hampshire – 13 mobiles (58 FTE jobs to go) (and mobile libraries cut within two miles of each branch, this report says 18FTE to go)(libraries merged with IT/property etc) Source of number of mobiles is UNISON Hampshire, No extra overtime or weekend pay
Haringey – (staff cuts)
Harrow – (34 FTE to go)(self-service machines to increase)
Hartlepool – 2 (out of 7) to close (another to merge with community centre, all library’s hours cut)
Herefordshire – (new Ledbury Library delayed) (no branches to close but mobile library review)
Hertfordshire – 5 mobiles (2011 Confirmed – opening hours to be cut by one third – from 2236 hours down to 1575) (mobile libraries cut) – At least one library (Borehamwood) faces a 40% cut. (£580k cut in first year, £1.4m after) (cuts confirmed) (some mobile stops saved)
Highland – (Wick Library to close and merge with school library) (may move to being in a Trust) (this report says no closures) (suggestion that professional staff are being lost – a source is needed).
Hounslow – initial plan to close 8 cancelled after public consultation, £300k cut in bookfund, some libraries may still be at risk as cuts “postponed”.
Inverclyde – some
Isle of Wight – 5 (out of 11) (£100k offered as temporary extra)
Kent – some (volunteers to be asked to run some) (83 FTE to go as self-service comes in)- Isle of Thanet one of areas hardest hit (School library service closed)
Falkirk – (transferred to Trust)
Flintshire – 5 and at least one mobile
Gateshead – some (school library service, music library, AIRS talking newspaper under threat)
Gloucestershire – confirmed 10 branches and 6 mobiles to close or be run by volunteers. 8 libraries open 12 hours per week rather than previously proposed 3.5 [previously, up to 18 and 6 mobiles – 10 to close or go to volunteers. 7 to close if they don’t find a partner (43% total cut in funding). (Cinderford saved)(revised proposals here) A further 11 reduced to 3.5 days a week. 100 library jobs to go say UNISON, 40 FTE to go says council, inc 36 managers cut to 9, 3.5 FTE librarian posts cut (to 10)]
Greenwich – (could be turned into a Trust) (school library service closed)
Hammersmith and Fulham – 2 and 1 mobile (record office to charge for access, access to be suspended) (£310k cut)
Hampshire – 13 mobiles (58 FTE jobs to go) (and mobile libraries cut within two miles of each branch, this report says 18FTE to go)(libraries merged with IT/property etc) Source of number of mobiles is UNISON Hampshire, No extra overtime or weekend pay
Haringey – (staff cuts)
Harrow – (34 FTE to go)(self-service machines to increase)
Hartlepool – 2 (out of 7) to close (another to merge with community centre, all library’s hours cut)
Herefordshire – (new Ledbury Library delayed) (no branches to close but mobile library review)
Hertfordshire – 5 mobiles (2011 Confirmed – opening hours to be cut by one third – from 2236 hours down to 1575) (mobile libraries cut) – At least one library (Borehamwood) faces a 40% cut. (£580k cut in first year, £1.4m after) (cuts confirmed) (some mobile stops saved)
Highland – (Wick Library to close and merge with school library) (may move to being in a Trust) (this report says no closures) (suggestion that professional staff are being lost – a source is needed).
Hounslow – initial plan to close 8 cancelled after public consultation, £300k cut in bookfund, some libraries may still be at risk as cuts “postponed”.
Inverclyde – some
Isle of Wight – 5 (out of 11) (£100k offered as temporary extra)
Kent – some (volunteers to be asked to run some) (83 FTE to go as self-service comes in)- Isle of Thanet one of areas hardest hit (School library service closed)
Kingston – (50% adult bookfund cut)
Lambeth – 4 branches and 2 mobiles (setting up a trust “which will give you a chance to run libraries”)
Lancashire – 2 mobile libaries (plus 16% staffing cut)
Leeds – Up to 20 (out of 52) – council says 20 closures are not about cuts but to make service viable.
Leicestershire – NB This information is under doubt. I have received a call saying this article relates to Leicester. Article, though, seems to be indicate it is Leicestershire. No libraries are down for closure according to his article, although they could all/some be transferred to a trust or privatised (merge of lending/reference- 14 FTE jobs lost).
Leicestershire – (£250k cut in bookfund and hours)
Lewisham – 5 (41% cut – £800k)
Liverpool – some
Lambeth – 4 branches and 2 mobiles (setting up a trust “which will give you a chance to run libraries”)
Lancashire – 2 mobile libaries (plus 16% staffing cut)
Leeds – Up to 20 (out of 52) – council says 20 closures are not about cuts but to make service viable.
Leicestershire – NB This information is under doubt. I have received a call saying this article relates to Leicester. Article, though, seems to be indicate it is Leicestershire. No libraries are down for closure according to his article, although they could all/some be transferred to a trust or privatised (merge of lending/reference- 14 FTE jobs lost).
Leicestershire – (£250k cut in bookfund and hours)
Lewisham – 5 (41% cut – £800k)
Liverpool – some
Manchester – 5 (plus no libraries open on Friday or Saturday)(£394k cut) (end of homework clubs)
Milton Keynes – 2
Moray – some – (previously marked as no public libraries closing but council has appealed for volunteer groups to run them, may move to being in a Trust, another article here).
Milton Keynes – 2
Moray – some – (previously marked as no public libraries closing but council has appealed for volunteer groups to run them, may move to being in a Trust, another article here).
Newcastle – (12 jobs lost, £245k cut) (8 libraries to be semi-staffed “library express”)
Newport – 7
Norfolk – (£1.5m over 3 yrs proposed cut inc opening hours cut, staffing cut, bookfund cut, less mobile visits)
Northern Ireland – 20 (cut in bookfund, 15 to 25% cut in hours, recruitment freeze, removal of buildings budget (denials up to 30 could close)
Northamptonshire – Up to 8 libraries originally under threat,. Libraries given a reprieve but still apparently under longer term threat. (Cuts to management and support).
Northumberland – some
North Lanarkshire – 1 (closed March 2010)
North Norfolk – some (c. £1m reduction)
North Somerset – 1 closed, 2 proposed, volunteers may run libraries. Weston Mercury update
North Yorkshire – 24 (out of 42) to close or be staffed by volunteers, 9 mobiles to go off road, surviving libraries could have funding cut to share out with any community-run libraries established. (£2.3m cut from £7.5m total)
Nottingham – 1 (3 libraries to close, 2 new ones to open) (computer use to be charged)(1 library closed)
Newport – 7
Norfolk – (£1.5m over 3 yrs proposed cut inc opening hours cut, staffing cut, bookfund cut, less mobile visits)
Northern Ireland – 20 (cut in bookfund, 15 to 25% cut in hours, recruitment freeze, removal of buildings budget (denials up to 30 could close)
Northamptonshire – Up to 8 libraries originally under threat,. Libraries given a reprieve but still apparently under longer term threat. (Cuts to management and support).
Northumberland – some
North Lanarkshire – 1 (closed March 2010)
North Norfolk – some (c. £1m reduction)
North Somerset – 1 closed, 2 proposed, volunteers may run libraries. Weston Mercury update
North Yorkshire – 24 (out of 42) to close or be staffed by volunteers, 9 mobiles to go off road, surviving libraries could have funding cut to share out with any community-run libraries established. (£2.3m cut from £7.5m total)
Nottingham – 1 (3 libraries to close, 2 new ones to open) (computer use to be charged)(1 library closed)
Nottinghamshire – (22 out of 28 libraries to have their opening hours cut, 80 FTE jobs to go, 50% off bookfund, 1 library already closed.
Oldham – (increase in volunteers, merging, cuts)
Oxfordshire – (apparently confirmed 2011 but subject to review in Summer) 20 – (£2m) list of those under threat here, Oxford Central hours extended to 7 days per week . also, Record Office cuts.
Redbridge – 5 out of 12 may close, another may relocate (£2.3m cut). Goodmayes saved.
Renfrewshire – 1 (1 library to move into smaller sites in community centres)
Richmond – 1 (£351k cut) (service may be privatised)
Rochdale – 1 (some library managers to to go in first phase of cuts)
Rutland – (6 libraries to have reduced hours, staff cut)
Salford – 3 – some libraries to move to sports centres or provide space for community groups (2 to have reduced hours)
Sandwell – some
Sefton – 3 (consultation here) (or is it “just” an opening hours cut?)
Sheffield – (30% cut expected, £2.5m) (no closures, opening hours reduced)
Shropshire – 2 and 3 mobiles(reference library to merge with central library)
Somerset – 2011 Confirmed – 11 (out of 34) will be closed/offered to community groups over 2 years. 4 (out of 6) mobile libraries will also go. 25% cut in funding. Full (revised) plans here (20% cut in opening hours). Rethink on mobiles may happen – article here. Public will be asked for “voluntary contributions”.
Southampton – 2
Oldham – (increase in volunteers, merging, cuts)
Oxfordshire – (apparently confirmed 2011 but subject to review in Summer) 20 – (£2m) list of those under threat here, Oxford Central hours extended to 7 days per week . also, Record Office cuts.
Redbridge – 5 out of 12 may close, another may relocate (£2.3m cut). Goodmayes saved.
Renfrewshire – 1 (1 library to move into smaller sites in community centres)
Richmond – 1 (£351k cut) (service may be privatised)
Rochdale – 1 (some library managers to to go in first phase of cuts)
Rutland – (6 libraries to have reduced hours, staff cut)
Salford – 3 – some libraries to move to sports centres or provide space for community groups (2 to have reduced hours)
Sandwell – some
Sefton – 3 (consultation here) (or is it “just” an opening hours cut?)
Sheffield – (30% cut expected, £2.5m) (no closures, opening hours reduced)
Shropshire – 2 and 3 mobiles(reference library to merge with central library)
Somerset – 2011 Confirmed – 11 (out of 34) will be closed/offered to community groups over 2 years. 4 (out of 6) mobile libraries will also go. 25% cut in funding. Full (revised) plans here (20% cut in opening hours). Rethink on mobiles may happen – article here. Public will be asked for “voluntary contributions”.
Southampton – 2
Southend – some
Southwark – (school libray service closed)
Stoke – 2 and 1 mobile library, (ends RNIB service)
Suffolk – confirmed 2011 £350k this year, 29 (out of 44) to be “divested” 2012/13 – (consultation here, £2m cut)
Stoke – 2 and 1 mobile library, (ends RNIB service)
Suffolk – confirmed 2011 £350k this year, 29 (out of 44) to be “divested” 2012/13 – (consultation here, £2m cut)
Sutton – some (£935k off £6m p.a. budget) (school library service to close)
Swansea – some
Thanet – some
Thurrock – (may close all libraries on Mondays or reduce opening hours, £350k cut)(RNIB subscription ends)
Tower Hamlets – (staff made to reapply for their own jobs -23 library staff replaced)
Swansea – some
Thanet – some
Thurrock – (may close all libraries on Mondays or reduce opening hours, £350k cut)(RNIB subscription ends)
Tower Hamlets – (staff made to reapply for their own jobs -23 library staff replaced)
Trafford – (mobile library to be staffed by volunteers)
Wakefield – at least 2 , new central library but local closures
Wakefield – at least 2 , new central library but local closures
Waltham Forest – some
Wandsworth – 1 (mention in Guardian here) plus reduction in hours in others.
Warrington – (2011 Confimed) 2 and 1 mobile library confirmed . More info here. Journals stopped also, £25k off staff. £10k off reference.
Wandsworth – 1 (mention in Guardian here) plus reduction in hours in others.
Warrington – (2011 Confimed) 2 and 1 mobile library confirmed . More info here. Journals stopped also, £25k off staff. £10k off reference.
Warwickshire – 16 (out of 34) (30%, £2m cut from £7.4m budget) – official report from council here, special county map of closures here.
West Dunbartonshire – 3 (some staff losses too)
West Sussex – Some (5 FTE lost, some librarians pay reduced to library assistant)
West Dunbartonshire – 3 (some staff losses too)
West Sussex – Some (5 FTE lost, some librarians pay reduced to library assistant)
Western Isles – (cuts in opening hours by one day per week and during Summer)
Westminster – (Marylebone may never reopen)
Wigan – Up to 15 out of 17 (£1.1m cut off £4m budget)
Wiltshire – 10 (plus reductions in hours in all but one of the others) (26 FTE posts have gone in Dec 2010 inc. 9 out of 13 community librarians)(cuts include a £940k library opened Dec 2010)(self-service in all)
Worcestershire – some (Pershore library to move out of town centre) , contact centres may combine with libraries
Westminster – (Marylebone may never reopen)
Wigan – Up to 15 out of 17 (£1.1m cut off £4m budget)
Wiltshire – 10 (plus reductions in hours in all but one of the others) (26 FTE posts have gone in Dec 2010 inc. 9 out of 13 community librarians)(cuts include a £940k library opened Dec 2010)(self-service in all)
Worcestershire – some (Pershore library to move out of town centre) , contact centres may combine with libraries
Authorities which have announced there will be no library closures (2011 financial year)
Anglesey – 4 libraries earmarked for closure have apparently been (temporarily) saved. Brighton. Barking and Dagenham. Cheshire West and Chester. Cornwall – (one stop shops moving into them, book supply being done differently to save money, no guarantee for 2012) (23% cut in library budget, 102 hours p.w. cut). Coventry (but less opening hours, fees to rise). Derby. Devon (may have reduced opening hours, less mobile stops, no new Exeter Library – although this article suggests mobile library service has improved). BBC article confirms no closures. (“brutal” cuts to Exeter Record Office). Edinburgh (£550 cut) (pledge to keep open is for the lifetime of the administration). Essex(but other cuts – see list above). Haringey . Harrow (some increase in hours, more self-service but less staff). Highland (but other cuts – see list above). Hillingdon. Hull (number of libraries actually increasing here). Kirklees. Leicestershire (but opening hours and bookfund cut – £250k). Lincolnshire. Merton – (£118k cut – 2 libraries will have reduced hours but reprieved from threatened closure). Newcastle. Norfolk – (CONFIRMED. no closures but staffing cut, bookfund cut, opening hours cut, less mobile visits). North Ayrshire. North East Lincolnshire. Nottinghamshire – no plans to close any branches but massive reductions in opening hours. Plymouth (opening hours to reduce, managers to go). Poole. Portsmouth. Southampton. Staffordshire (free internet access also retained). Sheffield (cuts in opening hours). Slough (3 new libraries opening here, usage significantly up). Swindon. Trafford – (but mobile library staff will be replaced by volunteers). Walsall. West Berkshire (£200k cut). Windsor and Maidenhead. Wirral
It’s over 500 libraries now – and Glos and Oxfordshire confirm.
Feb 16th
521 libraries (460 buildings and 61 mobiles) currently under threat or recently closed (List below) out of 4517 in the UK (CILIP figures)
Bolton – minus 1 – 9 out of 15 under threat (previously listed as 10)
Bromley – plus 8 (Anerley, Penge, Burnt Ash, Hayes, Mottingham, Shortlands, Southborough, St Paul’s Cray)
Carmarthenshire – plus 18 – 5 this year (already counted) and 18 more (previously not counted) under threat in 2012.
Gloucestershire – minus 8 – confirmed that 10 libraries and 6 mobiles to close/transfer to voluntary groups. The others have had their hours increased from just 3.5 hours per week (at this level, I counted them as effectively closed) to 12 hours per week. Previously listed on this blog as 18 libraries and 6 mobiles.
Moray – some – previously marked as no closures but new articles suggests some libraries may be moved to volunteer-only.
Northern Ireland – plus 10 – 20 to close (previously listed as 10), 15 to 25% cut in opening hours, bookfund cut, recruitment freeze, removal of capital budget.
Oxfordshire – 20 closures apparently confirmed but Leader says “”This isn’t the end of the story, we have to listen to people who use our services, take on board their views and that will influence the way in which the cuts are delivered.”
Sefton – opening hours under threat
Bromley – plus 8 (Anerley, Penge, Burnt Ash, Hayes, Mottingham, Shortlands, Southborough, St Paul’s Cray)
Carmarthenshire – plus 18 – 5 this year (already counted) and 18 more (previously not counted) under threat in 2012.
Gloucestershire – minus 8 – confirmed that 10 libraries and 6 mobiles to close/transfer to voluntary groups. The others have had their hours increased from just 3.5 hours per week (at this level, I counted them as effectively closed) to 12 hours per week. Previously listed on this blog as 18 libraries and 6 mobiles.
Moray – some – previously marked as no closures but new articles suggests some libraries may be moved to volunteer-only.
Northern Ireland – plus 10 – 20 to close (previously listed as 10), 15 to 25% cut in opening hours, bookfund cut, recruitment freeze, removal of capital budget.
Oxfordshire – 20 closures apparently confirmed but Leader says “”This isn’t the end of the story, we have to listen to people who use our services, take on board their views and that will influence the way in which the cuts are delivered.”
Sefton – opening hours under threat
Somerset – 11 libraries confirmed to close (already counted)
Summary
Library users and campaigners (there does not appear to be that much of a difference nowadays) will be unhappy with the confirmed cuts in Somerset and Gloucestershire. They’re not going to be delighted in Oxfordshire either but at least there closures appear to be subject to a review during the Summer. Northern Ireland seems to be building up to a crisis (first 10 under threat, now 20, rumours even of 30 plus other cuts). Bromley has announced 8 under threat and news from Carmarthenshire suggests very signiificant cuts are still on the table. There’s great news from Slough, though, showing there is an alternate path.
Library users and campaigners (there does not appear to be that much of a difference nowadays) will be unhappy with the confirmed cuts in Somerset and Gloucestershire. They’re not going to be delighted in Oxfordshire either but at least there closures appear to be subject to a review during the Summer. Northern Ireland seems to be building up to a crisis (first 10 under threat, now 20, rumours even of 30 plus other cuts). Bromley has announced 8 under threat and news from Carmarthenshire suggests very signiificant cuts are still on the table. There’s great news from Slough, though, showing there is an alternate path.
Local News – all news is representative and not comprehensive
Bolton – last few days to be consulted – Bolton News
Bromley – closing 8 libraries is an option – Bromley Times (page.7)
Cambridgeshire – meeting results in 2 arrests, barricades – Cambridge News
Carmarthenshire – 23 under threat over 2 years but “In the survey, 56 per cent of people came out against council proposals to close up to 23 branch libraries” so “only” 5 to close in 2011 – This is South Wales
Bromley – closing 8 libraries is an option – Bromley Times (page.7)
Cambridgeshire – meeting results in 2 arrests, barricades – Cambridge News
Carmarthenshire – 23 under threat over 2 years but “In the survey, 56 per cent of people came out against council proposals to close up to 23 branch libraries” so “only” 5 to close in 2011 – This is South Wales
Dorset – 13600 petition, lack of consultation, Colonel Brierley suggests charging for books – Bridport News
Dorset – closure will mean forfeit of £59k bequest – Bournemouth Echo
Dorset – closure will mean forfeit of £59k bequest – Bournemouth Echo
Edinburgh – Challenge of adding services or keeping with books – Living Scotsman
Gloucestershire – fury as 10 libraries confirmed as closed or to go voluntary, 6 mobiles to go, despite 15000 petition -BookSeller
Gloucestershire – fury as 10 libraries confirmed as closed or to go voluntary, 6 mobiles to go, despite 15000 petition -BookSeller
Kirklees – The Big Society “Opponents mocked the idea of volunteers taking over the likes of libraries and parks as patronising aristocratic drivel” Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Northern Ireland -Priorities wrong over libraries – Belfast Telegraph
Northern Ireland -Priorities wrong over libraries – Belfast Telegraph
North Yorkshire – Outrage over library closure – Gazette & Herald
Oxfordshire – council appears to confirm 20 closures, subject to review this summer – BBC (review information comes from Bookseller article)
Oxfordshire – council appears to confirm 20 closures, subject to review this summer – BBC (review information comes from Bookseller article)
Redbridge – Goodmayes saved – London Evening Standard – successful campaigner says “”Our message to London is that if we can be helpful to your campaign, get in touch.”
Sefton – opening hours to be cut – Liverpool Echo
Slough – new libraries despite government cuts – Slough council
Sefton – opening hours to be cut – Liverpool Echo
Slough – new libraries despite government cuts – Slough council
Suffolk – cuts meeting tomorrow – EDP “Library staff and lollipop men and women across Suffolk have received overwhelming public support after their posts were put in jepoardy by controversial plans to slash £43m from the authority’s budget over the next 12 months.”
National News
Councillors given veto over executive pay – Telegraph – “The threatened cuts, such as the proposed closure of many libraries, cuts to social care and a refusal to fill in potholes, are proving politically damaging for the Coalition, with the Government bearing the brunt of the public’s anger”
Councillors given veto over executive pay – Telegraph – “The threatened cuts, such as the proposed closure of many libraries, cuts to social care and a refusal to fill in potholes, are proving politically damaging for the Coalition, with the Government bearing the brunt of the public’s anger”
Local authorities are reconsidering library closurs after a series of national and local demonstrations – localgov
Town hall bosses on more than the PM – Mail (PM figure excludes free London house, etc) “although local councillors constantly bemoan the underfunding of libraries…”
You’ve been ad – Sun
List of cuts by authority (click on name of authority for link to relevant report)
NB. From 2012, the MLA will be abolished – the Arts Council will take over its role for libraries with a budget of £3m rather than £13m. Therefore, libraries start 2012 with £10m less, regardless of any further cuts. There are 151 authorities in England, 206 in the UK.
Library campaign list is here
Aberdeen – 8 (out of 16)
Aberdeenshire – some, (brief mention here seems to suggest all but this very unlikely)
Anglesey – 4
Angus – 4 libraries closed this year (April) to be possibly replaced by a mobile. More info here
Argyll and Bute – 3 libraries and mobile library.
Barnet – some – public consultation here
Barnsley – up to 8
Bedfordshire – 1 mobile to go
Bexley – 3 and 1 mobile (3 from a list of 5 will go, plus one mobile) (this is the five) (£1m – 16% cut) (merge with Bromley?) (5 could be unpaid)
Birmingham – 39 (three libraries lose hours so Tower Hill can remain open) (school library service to close)(all branch libraries under review, £200m super library being built)
Blackburn with Darwen – 1 mobile (reduced opening hours) cut, opening hours reduced, bookfund cut.
Aberdeenshire – some, (brief mention here seems to suggest all but this very unlikely)
Anglesey – 4
Angus – 4 libraries closed this year (April) to be possibly replaced by a mobile. More info here
Argyll and Bute – 3 libraries and mobile library.
Barnet – some – public consultation here
Barnsley – up to 8
Bedfordshire – 1 mobile to go
Bexley – 3 and 1 mobile (3 from a list of 5 will go, plus one mobile) (this is the five) (£1m – 16% cut) (merge with Bromley?) (5 could be unpaid)
Birmingham – 39 (three libraries lose hours so Tower Hill can remain open) (school library service to close)(all branch libraries under review, £200m super library being built)
Blackburn with Darwen – 1 mobile (reduced opening hours) cut, opening hours reduced, bookfund cut.
Blackpool – 2
Brent – 6 (out of 12) (talking to private company LSSI)
Bromley (link is on page 7) – 8 (out of 15) (KAB talking books cut)
Buckinghamshire – up to 14 to close or be staffed by volunteers (this article says 11)(£688k cut)
Bury – 1 (1 other reduced hours) – Manchester Evening News
Calderdale – Some? (£350k cut inc.12 jobs, £200k stock)
Cambridgeshire – 13 (36% cut in funding, £3.2m, closures down from previously reported 19) (mobile services already “slashed”) (£1.1m cut) (school library service closed)
Camden – several plus one mobile library (£2 million cut)
Carmarthenshire – 5 in 2011, 18 in 2012 therefore 23.
Central Bedfordshire – one mobile library to go
Conwy – 7 (out of 12)
Bromley (link is on page 7) – 8 (out of 15) (KAB talking books cut)
Buckinghamshire – up to 14 to close or be staffed by volunteers (this article says 11)(£688k cut)
Bury – 1 (1 other reduced hours) – Manchester Evening News
Calderdale – Some? (£350k cut inc.12 jobs, £200k stock)
Cambridgeshire – 13 (36% cut in funding, £3.2m, closures down from previously reported 19) (mobile services already “slashed”) (£1.1m cut) (school library service closed)
Camden – several plus one mobile library (£2 million cut)
Carmarthenshire – 5 in 2011, 18 in 2012 therefore 23.
Central Bedfordshire – one mobile library to go
Conwy – 7 (out of 12)
Cornwall – (23% cut, 102 hours opening lost)
Coventry – (opening hours cut, more fees)
Croydon – Up to 6 (public gets to choose which), (£690k saving)
Croydon – Up to 6 (public gets to choose which), (£690k saving)
Cumbria – (review under way, no closures yet, 3 of 6 mobile libraries closed in 2010)
Darlington – (£250k) off budget
Derbyshire – (Opening hours to be cut)
Doncaster – (one final step needed on 21st Feb before officially confirmed) 14, (may also be taken out of council control) (over 50% cut in funding)
Dorset – up to 20 (out of 34) to close or be given to community groups (£143k off bookfund). Dorset is the sole council to receive an actual increase in funding for 2010/11. (£800k cut for libraries)
Dumfries – 7
Doncaster – (one final step needed on 21st Feb before officially confirmed) 14, (may also be taken out of council control) (over 50% cut in funding)
Dorset – up to 20 (out of 34) to close or be given to community groups (£143k off bookfund). Dorset is the sole council to receive an actual increase in funding for 2010/11. (£800k cut for libraries)
Dumfries – 7
Dundee – (to transfer to the same trust as swimming pools/basketball)
Durham – some (£1.4m cut)(or is it £1.5m?)
Ealing – At least 2 possibly more
East Sussex – (£313k cut) (less books bought)
Edinburgh – (£550k cut)(possible cut in mobiles)
Durham – some (£1.4m cut)(or is it £1.5m?)
Ealing – At least 2 possibly more
East Sussex – (£313k cut) (less books bought)
Edinburgh – (£550k cut)(possible cut in mobiles)
Essex – 1 mobile (extensive opening hours cuts, 21 jobs to go)
Falkirk – (transferred to Trust)
Flintshire – 5 and at least one mobile
Gateshead – some (school library service, music library, AIRS talking newspaper under threat)
Gloucestershire – confirmed 10 branches and 6 mobiles to close or be run by volunteers. 8 libraries open 12 hours per week rather than previously proposed 3.5 [previously, up to 18 and 6 mobiles – 10 to close or go to volunteers. 7 to close if they don’t find a partner (43% total cut in funding). (Cinderford saved)(revised proposals here) A further 11 reduced to 3.5 days a week. 100 library jobs to go say UNISON, 40 FTE to go says council, inc 36 managers cut to 9, 3.5 FTE librarian posts cut (to 10)]
Greenwich – (could be turned into a Trust) (school library service closed)
Hammersmith and Fulham – 2 and 1 mobile (record office to charge for access, access to be suspended) (£310k cut)
Hampshire – 13 mobiles (58 FTE jobs to go) (and mobile libraries cut within two miles of each branch, this report says 18FTE to go)(libraries merged with IT/property etc) Source of number of mobiles is UNISON Hampshire, No extra overtime or weekend pay
Haringey – (staff cuts)
Harrow – (34 FTE to go)(self-service machines to increase)
Hartlepool – 2 (out of 7) to close (another to merge with community centre, all library’s hours cut)
Herefordshire – (new Ledbury Library delayed) (no branches to close but mobile library review)
Hertfordshire – 5 mobiles (2011 Confirmed – opening hours to be cut by one third – from 2236 hours down to 1575) (mobile libraries cut) – At least one library (Borehamwood) faces a 40% cut. (£580k cut in first year, £1.4m after) (cuts confirmed) (some mobile stops saved)
Highland – (Wick Library to close and merge with school library) (may move to being in a Trust) (this report says no closures) (suggestion that professional staff are being lost – a source is needed).
Hounslow – initial plan to close 8 cancelled after public consultation, £300k cut in bookfund, some libraries may still be at risk as cuts “postponed”.
Inverclyde – some
Isle of Wight – 5 (out of 11) (£100k offered as temporary extra)
Kent – some (volunteers to be asked to run some) (83 FTE to go as self-service comes in)- Isle of Thanet one of areas hardest hit (School library service closed)
Falkirk – (transferred to Trust)
Flintshire – 5 and at least one mobile
Gateshead – some (school library service, music library, AIRS talking newspaper under threat)
Gloucestershire – confirmed 10 branches and 6 mobiles to close or be run by volunteers. 8 libraries open 12 hours per week rather than previously proposed 3.5 [previously, up to 18 and 6 mobiles – 10 to close or go to volunteers. 7 to close if they don’t find a partner (43% total cut in funding). (Cinderford saved)(revised proposals here) A further 11 reduced to 3.5 days a week. 100 library jobs to go say UNISON, 40 FTE to go says council, inc 36 managers cut to 9, 3.5 FTE librarian posts cut (to 10)]
Greenwich – (could be turned into a Trust) (school library service closed)
Hammersmith and Fulham – 2 and 1 mobile (record office to charge for access, access to be suspended) (£310k cut)
Hampshire – 13 mobiles (58 FTE jobs to go) (and mobile libraries cut within two miles of each branch, this report says 18FTE to go)(libraries merged with IT/property etc) Source of number of mobiles is UNISON Hampshire, No extra overtime or weekend pay
Haringey – (staff cuts)
Harrow – (34 FTE to go)(self-service machines to increase)
Hartlepool – 2 (out of 7) to close (another to merge with community centre, all library’s hours cut)
Herefordshire – (new Ledbury Library delayed) (no branches to close but mobile library review)
Hertfordshire – 5 mobiles (2011 Confirmed – opening hours to be cut by one third – from 2236 hours down to 1575) (mobile libraries cut) – At least one library (Borehamwood) faces a 40% cut. (£580k cut in first year, £1.4m after) (cuts confirmed) (some mobile stops saved)
Highland – (Wick Library to close and merge with school library) (may move to being in a Trust) (this report says no closures) (suggestion that professional staff are being lost – a source is needed).
Hounslow – initial plan to close 8 cancelled after public consultation, £300k cut in bookfund, some libraries may still be at risk as cuts “postponed”.
Inverclyde – some
Isle of Wight – 5 (out of 11) (£100k offered as temporary extra)
Kent – some (volunteers to be asked to run some) (83 FTE to go as self-service comes in)- Isle of Thanet one of areas hardest hit (School library service closed)
Kingston – (50% adult bookfund cut)
Lambeth – 4 branches and 2 mobiles (setting up a trust “which will give you a chance to run libraries”)
Lancashire – 2 mobile libaries (plus 16% staffing cut)
Leeds – Up to 20 (out of 52) – council says 20 closures are not about cuts but to make service viable.
Leicestershire – NB This information is under doubt. I have received a call saying this article relates to Leicester. Article, though, seems to be indicate it is Leicestershire. No libraries are down for closure according to his article, although they could all/some be transferred to a trust or privatised (merge of lending/reference- 14 FTE jobs lost).
Leicestershire – (£250k cut in bookfund and hours)
Lewisham – 5 (41% cut – £800k)
Liverpool – some
Lambeth – 4 branches and 2 mobiles (setting up a trust “which will give you a chance to run libraries”)
Lancashire – 2 mobile libaries (plus 16% staffing cut)
Leeds – Up to 20 (out of 52) – council says 20 closures are not about cuts but to make service viable.
Leicestershire – NB This information is under doubt. I have received a call saying this article relates to Leicester. Article, though, seems to be indicate it is Leicestershire. No libraries are down for closure according to his article, although they could all/some be transferred to a trust or privatised (merge of lending/reference- 14 FTE jobs lost).
Leicestershire – (£250k cut in bookfund and hours)
Lewisham – 5 (41% cut – £800k)
Liverpool – some
Manchester – 5 (plus no libraries open on Friday or Saturday)(£394k cut) (end of homework clubs)
Milton Keynes – 2
Moray – some – (previously marked as no public libraries closing but council has appealed for volunteer groups to run them, may move to being in a Trust, another article here).
Milton Keynes – 2
Moray – some – (previously marked as no public libraries closing but council has appealed for volunteer groups to run them, may move to being in a Trust, another article here).
Newcastle – (12 jobs lost, £245k cut) (8 libraries to be semi-staffed “library express”)
Newport – 7
Norfolk – (£1.5m over 3 yrs proposed cut inc opening hours cut, staffing cut, bookfund cut, less mobile visits)
Northern Ireland – 20 (cut in bookfund, 15 to 25% cut in hours, recruitment freeze, removal of buildings budget (denials up to 30 could close)
Northamptonshire – Up to 8 libraries originally under threat,. Libraries given a reprieve but still apparently under longer term threat. (Cuts to management and support).
Northumberland – some
North Lanarkshire – 1 (closed March 2010)
North Norfolk – some (c. £1m reduction)
North Somerset – 1 closed, 2 proposed, volunteers may run libraries. Weston Mercury update
North Yorkshire – 24 (out of 42) to close or be staffed by volunteers, 9 mobiles to go off road, surviving libraries could have funding cut to share out with any community-run libraries established. (£2.3m cut from £7.5m total)
Nottingham – 1 (3 libraries to close, 2 new ones to open) (computer use to be charged)(1 library closed)
Newport – 7
Norfolk – (£1.5m over 3 yrs proposed cut inc opening hours cut, staffing cut, bookfund cut, less mobile visits)
Northern Ireland – 20 (cut in bookfund, 15 to 25% cut in hours, recruitment freeze, removal of buildings budget (denials up to 30 could close)
Northamptonshire – Up to 8 libraries originally under threat,. Libraries given a reprieve but still apparently under longer term threat. (Cuts to management and support).
Northumberland – some
North Lanarkshire – 1 (closed March 2010)
North Norfolk – some (c. £1m reduction)
North Somerset – 1 closed, 2 proposed, volunteers may run libraries. Weston Mercury update
North Yorkshire – 24 (out of 42) to close or be staffed by volunteers, 9 mobiles to go off road, surviving libraries could have funding cut to share out with any community-run libraries established. (£2.3m cut from £7.5m total)
Nottingham – 1 (3 libraries to close, 2 new ones to open) (computer use to be charged)(1 library closed)
Nottinghamshire – (22 out of 28 libraries to have their opening hours cut, 80 FTE jobs to go, 50% off bookfund, 1 library already closed.
Oldham – (increase in volunteers, merging, cuts)
Oxfordshire – (apparently confirmed 2011 but subject to review in Summer) 20 – (£2m) list of those under threat here, Oxford Central hours extended to 7 days per week . also, Record Office cuts.
Redbridge – 5 out of 12 may close, another may relocate (£2.3m cut). Goodmayes saved.
Renfrewshire – 1 (1 library to move into smaller sites in community centres)
Richmond – 1 (£351k cut) (service may be privatised)
Rochdale – 1 (some library managers to to go in first phase of cuts)
Rutland – (6 libraries to have reduced hours, staff cut)
Salford – 3 – some libraries to move to sports centres or provide space for community groups (2 to have reduced hours)
Sandwell – some
Sefton – 3 (consultation here) (or is it “just” an opening hours cut?)
Sheffield – (30% cut expected, £2.5m) (no closures, opening hours reduced)
Shropshire – 2 and 3 mobiles(reference library to merge with central library)
Somerset – 2011 Confirmed – 11 (out of 34) will be closed/offered to community groups over 2 years. 4 (out of 6) mobile libraries will also go. 25% cut in funding. Full (revised) plans here (20% cut in opening hours). Rethink on mobiles may happen – article here. Public will be asked for “voluntary contributions”.
Southampton – 2
Oldham – (increase in volunteers, merging, cuts)
Oxfordshire – (apparently confirmed 2011 but subject to review in Summer) 20 – (£2m) list of those under threat here, Oxford Central hours extended to 7 days per week . also, Record Office cuts.
Redbridge – 5 out of 12 may close, another may relocate (£2.3m cut). Goodmayes saved.
Renfrewshire – 1 (1 library to move into smaller sites in community centres)
Richmond – 1 (£351k cut) (service may be privatised)
Rochdale – 1 (some library managers to to go in first phase of cuts)
Rutland – (6 libraries to have reduced hours, staff cut)
Salford – 3 – some libraries to move to sports centres or provide space for community groups (2 to have reduced hours)
Sandwell – some
Sefton – 3 (consultation here) (or is it “just” an opening hours cut?)
Sheffield – (30% cut expected, £2.5m) (no closures, opening hours reduced)
Shropshire – 2 and 3 mobiles(reference library to merge with central library)
Somerset – 2011 Confirmed – 11 (out of 34) will be closed/offered to community groups over 2 years. 4 (out of 6) mobile libraries will also go. 25% cut in funding. Full (revised) plans here (20% cut in opening hours). Rethink on mobiles may happen – article here. Public will be asked for “voluntary contributions”.
Southampton – 2
Southend – some
Southwark – (school libray service closed)
Stoke – 2 and 1 mobile library, (ends RNIB service)
Suffolk – 29 (out of 44) – (consultation here, £2m cut)
Stoke – 2 and 1 mobile library, (ends RNIB service)
Suffolk – 29 (out of 44) – (consultation here, £2m cut)
Sutton – some (£935k off £6m p.a. budget) (school library service to close)
Swansea – some
Thanet – some
Thurrock – (may close all libraries on Mondays or reduce opening hours, £350k cut)(RNIB subscription ends)
Tower Hamlets – (staff made to reapply for their own jobs -23 library staff replaced)
Swansea – some
Thanet – some
Thurrock – (may close all libraries on Mondays or reduce opening hours, £350k cut)(RNIB subscription ends)
Tower Hamlets – (staff made to reapply for their own jobs -23 library staff replaced)
Trafford – (mobile library to be staffed by volunteers)
Wakefield – at least 2 , new central library but local closures
Wakefield – at least 2 , new central library but local closures
Waltham Forest – some
Wandsworth – 1 (mention in Guardian here) plus reduction in hours in others.
Warrington – (2011 Confimed) 2 and 1 mobile library confirmed . More info here. Journals stopped also, £25k off staff. £10k off reference.
Wandsworth – 1 (mention in Guardian here) plus reduction in hours in others.
Warrington – (2011 Confimed) 2 and 1 mobile library confirmed . More info here. Journals stopped also, £25k off staff. £10k off reference.
Warwickshire – 16 (out of 34) (30%, £2m cut) – official report from council here, special county map of closures here.
West Dunbartonshire – 3 (some staff losses too)
West Sussex – Some (5 FTE lost, some librarians pay reduced to library assistant)
West Dunbartonshire – 3 (some staff losses too)
West Sussex – Some (5 FTE lost, some librarians pay reduced to library assistant)
Western Isles – (cuts in opening hours by one day per week and during Summer)
Westminster – (Marylebone may never reopen)
Wigan – Up to 15 out of 17 (£1.1m cut off £4m budget)
Wiltshire – 10 (plus reductions in hours in all but one of the others) (26 FTE posts have gone in Dec 2010 inc. 9 out of 13 community librarians)(cuts include a £940k library opened Dec 2010)(self-service in all)
Worcestershire – some (Pershore library to move out of town centre) , contact centres may combine with libraries
Westminster – (Marylebone may never reopen)
Wigan – Up to 15 out of 17 (£1.1m cut off £4m budget)
Wiltshire – 10 (plus reductions in hours in all but one of the others) (26 FTE posts have gone in Dec 2010 inc. 9 out of 13 community librarians)(cuts include a £940k library opened Dec 2010)(self-service in all)
Worcestershire – some (Pershore library to move out of town centre) , contact centres may combine with libraries
Authorities which have announced there will be no library closures (2011 financial year)
Anglesey – 4 libraries earmarked for closure have apparently been (temporarily) saved. Brighton. Barking and Dagenham. Cheshire West and Chester. Cornwall – (one stop shops moving into them, book supply being done differently to save money, no guarantee for 2012) (23% cut in library budget, 102 hours p.w. cut). Coventry (but less opening hours, fees to rise). Derby. Devon (may have reduced opening hours, less mobile stops, no new Exeter Library – although this article suggests mobile library service has improved). BBC article confirms no closures. (“brutal” cuts to Exeter Record Office). Edinburgh (£550 cut) (pledge to keep open is for the lifetime of the administration). Essex(but other cuts – see list above). Haringey . Harrow (some increase in hours, more self-service but less staff). Highland (but other cuts – see list above). Hillingdon. Hull (number of libraries actually increasing here). Kirklees. Leicestershire (but opening hours and bookfund cut – £250k). Lincolnshire. Merton – (£118k cut – 2 libraries will have reduced hours but reprieved from threatened closure). Newcastle. Norfolk – (CONFIRMED. no closures but staffing cut, bookfund cut, opening hours cut, less mobile visits). North Ayrshire. North East Lincolnshire. Nottinghamshire – no plans to close any branches but massive reductions in opening hours. Plymouth (opening hours to reduce, managers to go). Poole. Portsmouth. Southampton. Staffordshire (free internet access also retained). Sheffield (cuts in opening hours). Slough (3 new libraries opening here, usage significantly up). Swindon. Trafford – (but mobile library staff will be replaced by volunteers). Walsall. Windsor and Maidenhead. Wirral
Feb 16th
Northants not safe yet, Salford moving libraries into hospitals, Essex cuts
493 libraries (432 buildings and 61 mobiles) currently under threat or recently closed (List below) out of 4517 in the UK (CILIP figures)
Bolton – minus 1 – 9 out of 15 under threat (previously listed as 10)
Somerset – 11 libraries confirmed to close
Local News – all news is representative and not comprehensive
Bolton – last few days to be consulted – Bolton News
Dorset – 13600 petition, lack of consultation, Colonel Brierley suggests charging for books – Bridport News
Edinburgh – Challenge of adding services or keeping with books – Living Scotsman
Kirklees – The Big Society “Opponents mocked the idea of volunteers taking over the likes of libraries and parks as patronising aristocratic drivel” Huddersfield Daily Examiner
North Yorkshire – Outrage over library closure – Gazette & Herald
Redbridge – Goodmayes saved – London Evening Standard – successful campaigner says “”Our message to London is that if we can be helpful to your campaign, get in touch.”
Somerset – Petitions totalling 30000: including 6500 from Glastonbury, population 9000) handed in at final counci; 25% cut over 3 years – 20% cut in opening hours of libraries not under threat, 11 libraries will close/leave council control by 2012.
National News
List of cuts by authority (click on name of authority for link to relevant report)
NB. From 2012, the MLA will be abolished – the Arts Council will take over its role for libraries with a budget of £3m rather than £13m. Therefore, libraries start 2012 with £10m less, regardless of any further cuts. There are 151 authorities in England, 206 in the UK.
Library campaign list is here
Aberdeen – 8 (out of 16)
Aberdeenshire – some, (brief mention here seems to suggest all but this very unlikely)
Anglesey – 4
Angus – 4 libraries closed this year (April) to be possibly replaced by a mobile. More info here
Argyll and Bute – 3 libraries and mobile library.
Barnet – some – public consultation here
Barnsley – up to 8
Bedfordshire – 1 mobile to go
Bexley – 3 and 1 mobile (3 from a list of 5 will go, plus one mobile) (this is the five) (£1m – 16% cut) (merge with Bromley?) (5 could be unpaid)
Birmingham – 39 (three libraries lose hours so Tower Hill can remain open) (school library service to close)(all branch libraries under review, £200m super library being built)
Blackburn with Darwen – 1 mobile (reduced opening hours) cut, opening hours reduced, bookfund cut.
Aberdeenshire – some, (brief mention here seems to suggest all but this very unlikely)
Anglesey – 4
Angus – 4 libraries closed this year (April) to be possibly replaced by a mobile. More info here
Argyll and Bute – 3 libraries and mobile library.
Barnet – some – public consultation here
Barnsley – up to 8
Bedfordshire – 1 mobile to go
Bexley – 3 and 1 mobile (3 from a list of 5 will go, plus one mobile) (this is the five) (£1m – 16% cut) (merge with Bromley?) (5 could be unpaid)
Birmingham – 39 (three libraries lose hours so Tower Hill can remain open) (school library service to close)(all branch libraries under review, £200m super library being built)
Blackburn with Darwen – 1 mobile (reduced opening hours) cut, opening hours reduced, bookfund cut.
Blackpool – 2
Brent – 6 (out of 12) (talking to private company LSSI)
Bromley – (KAB talking books cut)
Buckinghamshire – up to 14 to close or be staffed by volunteers (this article says 11)(£688k cut)
Bury – 1 (1 other reduced hours) – Manchester Evening News
Calderdale – Some? (£350k cut inc.12 jobs, £200k stock)
Cambridgeshire – 13 (36% cut in funding, £3.2m, closures down from previously reported 19) (mobile services already “slashed”) (£1.1m cut) (school library service closed)
Camden – several plus one mobile library (£2 million cut)
Carmarthenshire – 5
Central Bedfordshire – one mobile library to go
Conwy – 7 (out of 12)
Bromley – (KAB talking books cut)
Buckinghamshire – up to 14 to close or be staffed by volunteers (this article says 11)(£688k cut)
Bury – 1 (1 other reduced hours) – Manchester Evening News
Calderdale – Some? (£350k cut inc.12 jobs, £200k stock)
Cambridgeshire – 13 (36% cut in funding, £3.2m, closures down from previously reported 19) (mobile services already “slashed”) (£1.1m cut) (school library service closed)
Camden – several plus one mobile library (£2 million cut)
Carmarthenshire – 5
Central Bedfordshire – one mobile library to go
Conwy – 7 (out of 12)
Cornwall – (23% cut, 102 hours opening lost)
Coventry – (opening hours cut, more fees)
Croydon – Up to 6 (public gets to choose which), (£690k saving)
Croydon – Up to 6 (public gets to choose which), (£690k saving)
Cumbria – (review under way, no closures yet, 3 of 6 mobile libraries closed in 2010)
Darlington – (£250k) off budget
Derbyshire – (Opening hours to be cut)
Doncaster – (one final step needed on 21st Feb before officially confirmed) 14, (may also be taken out of council control) (over 50% cut in funding)
Dorset – up to 20 (out of 34) to close or be given to community groups (£143k off bookfund). Dorset is the sole council to receive an actual increase in funding for 2010/11. (£800k cut for libraries)
Dumfries – 7
Doncaster – (one final step needed on 21st Feb before officially confirmed) 14, (may also be taken out of council control) (over 50% cut in funding)
Dorset – up to 20 (out of 34) to close or be given to community groups (£143k off bookfund). Dorset is the sole council to receive an actual increase in funding for 2010/11. (£800k cut for libraries)
Dumfries – 7
Dundee – (to transfer to the same trust as swimming pools/basketball)
Durham – some (£1.4m cut)(or is it £1.5m?)
Ealing – At least 2 possibly more
East Sussex – (£313k cut) (less books bought)
Edinburgh – (£550k cut)(possible cut in mobiles)
Durham – some (£1.4m cut)(or is it £1.5m?)
Ealing – At least 2 possibly more
East Sussex – (£313k cut) (less books bought)
Edinburgh – (£550k cut)(possible cut in mobiles)
Essex – 1 mobile (extensive opening hours cuts, 21 jobs to go)
Falkirk – (transferred to Trust)
Flintshire – 5 and at least one mobile
Gateshead – some (school library service, music library, AIRS talking newspaper under threat)
Gloucestershire – Up to 18 and 6 mobiles – 10 to close or go to volunteers. 7 to close if they don’t find a partner (43% total cut in funding). (Cinderford saved)(revised proposals here) A further 11 reduced to 3.5 days a week. 100 library jobs to go say UNISON, 40 FTE to go says council, inc 36 managers cut to 9, 3.5 FTE librarian posts cut (to 10)
Greenwich – (could be turned into a Trust) (school library service closed)
Hammersmith and Fulham – 2 and 1 mobile (record office to charge for access, access to be suspended) (£310k cut)
Hampshire – 13 mobiles (58 FTE jobs to go) (and mobile libraries cut within two miles of each branch, this report says 18FTE to go)(libraries merged with IT/property etc) Source of number of mobiles is UNISON Hampshire, No extra overtime or weekend pay
Haringey – (staff cuts)
Harrow – (34 FTE to go)(self-service machines to increase)
Hartlepool – 2 (out of 7) to close (another to merge with community centre, all library’s hours cut)
Herefordshire – (new Ledbury Library delayed) (no branches to close but mobile library review)
Hertfordshire – 5 mobiles (2011 Confirmed – opening hours to be cut by one third – from 2236 hours down to 1575) (mobile libraries cut) – At least one library (Borehamwood) faces a 40% cut. (£580k cut in first year, £1.4m after) (cuts confirmed) (some mobile stops saved)
Highland – (Wick Library to close and merge with school library) (may move to being in a Trust) (this report says no closures) (suggestion that professional staff are being lost – a source is needed).
Hounslow – initial plan to close 8 cancelled after public consultation, £300k cut in bookfund, some libraries may still be at risk as cuts “postponed”.
Inverclyde – some
Isle of Wight – 5 (out of 11) (£100k offered as temporary extra)
Kent – some (volunteers to be asked to run some) (83 FTE to go as self-service comes in)- Isle of Thanet one of areas hardest hit (School library service closed)
Falkirk – (transferred to Trust)
Flintshire – 5 and at least one mobile
Gateshead – some (school library service, music library, AIRS talking newspaper under threat)
Gloucestershire – Up to 18 and 6 mobiles – 10 to close or go to volunteers. 7 to close if they don’t find a partner (43% total cut in funding). (Cinderford saved)(revised proposals here) A further 11 reduced to 3.5 days a week. 100 library jobs to go say UNISON, 40 FTE to go says council, inc 36 managers cut to 9, 3.5 FTE librarian posts cut (to 10)
Greenwich – (could be turned into a Trust) (school library service closed)
Hammersmith and Fulham – 2 and 1 mobile (record office to charge for access, access to be suspended) (£310k cut)
Hampshire – 13 mobiles (58 FTE jobs to go) (and mobile libraries cut within two miles of each branch, this report says 18FTE to go)(libraries merged with IT/property etc) Source of number of mobiles is UNISON Hampshire, No extra overtime or weekend pay
Haringey – (staff cuts)
Harrow – (34 FTE to go)(self-service machines to increase)
Hartlepool – 2 (out of 7) to close (another to merge with community centre, all library’s hours cut)
Herefordshire – (new Ledbury Library delayed) (no branches to close but mobile library review)
Hertfordshire – 5 mobiles (2011 Confirmed – opening hours to be cut by one third – from 2236 hours down to 1575) (mobile libraries cut) – At least one library (Borehamwood) faces a 40% cut. (£580k cut in first year, £1.4m after) (cuts confirmed) (some mobile stops saved)
Highland – (Wick Library to close and merge with school library) (may move to being in a Trust) (this report says no closures) (suggestion that professional staff are being lost – a source is needed).
Hounslow – initial plan to close 8 cancelled after public consultation, £300k cut in bookfund, some libraries may still be at risk as cuts “postponed”.
Inverclyde – some
Isle of Wight – 5 (out of 11) (£100k offered as temporary extra)
Kent – some (volunteers to be asked to run some) (83 FTE to go as self-service comes in)- Isle of Thanet one of areas hardest hit (School library service closed)
Kingston – (50% adult bookfund cut)
Lambeth – 4 branches and 2 mobiles (setting up a trust “which will give you a chance to run libraries”)
Lancashire – 2 mobile libaries (plus 16% staffing cut)
Leeds – Up to 20 (out of 52) – council says 20 closures are not about cuts but to make service viable.
Leicestershire – NB This information is under doubt. I have received a call saying this article relates to Leicester. Article, though, seems to be indicate it is Leicestershire. No libraries are down for closure according to his article, although they could all/some be transferred to a trust or privatised (merge of lending/reference- 14 FTE jobs lost).
Leicestershire – (£250k cut in bookfund and hours)
Lewisham – 5 (41% cut – £800k)
Liverpool – some
Lambeth – 4 branches and 2 mobiles (setting up a trust “which will give you a chance to run libraries”)
Lancashire – 2 mobile libaries (plus 16% staffing cut)
Leeds – Up to 20 (out of 52) – council says 20 closures are not about cuts but to make service viable.
Leicestershire – NB This information is under doubt. I have received a call saying this article relates to Leicester. Article, though, seems to be indicate it is Leicestershire. No libraries are down for closure according to his article, although they could all/some be transferred to a trust or privatised (merge of lending/reference- 14 FTE jobs lost).
Leicestershire – (£250k cut in bookfund and hours)
Lewisham – 5 (41% cut – £800k)
Liverpool – some
Manchester – 5 (plus no libraries open on Friday or Saturday)(£394k cut) (end of homework clubs)
Milton Keynes – 2
Milton Keynes – 2
Newcastle – (12 jobs lost, £245k cut) (8 libraries to be semi-staffed “library express”)
Newport – 7
Norfolk – (£1.5m over 3 yrs proposed cut inc opening hours cut, staffing cut, bookfund cut, less mobile visits)
Northern Ireland – 10 (denials up to 30 could close)
Northamptonshire – Up to 8 libraries originally under threat,. Libraries given a reprieve but still apparently under longer term threat. (Cuts to management and support).
Northumberland – some
North Lanarkshire – 1 (closed March 2010)
North Norfolk – some (c. £1m reduction)
North Somerset – 1 closed, 2 proposed, volunteers may run libraries. Weston Mercury update
North Yorkshire – 24 (out of 42) to close or be staffed by volunteers, 9 mobiles to go off road, surviving libraries could have funding cut to share out with any community-run libraries established. (£2.3m cut from £7.5m total)
Nottingham – 1 (3 libraries to close, 2 new ones to open) (computer use to be charged)(1 library closed)
Newport – 7
Norfolk – (£1.5m over 3 yrs proposed cut inc opening hours cut, staffing cut, bookfund cut, less mobile visits)
Northern Ireland – 10 (denials up to 30 could close)
Northamptonshire – Up to 8 libraries originally under threat,. Libraries given a reprieve but still apparently under longer term threat. (Cuts to management and support).
Northumberland – some
North Lanarkshire – 1 (closed March 2010)
North Norfolk – some (c. £1m reduction)
North Somerset – 1 closed, 2 proposed, volunteers may run libraries. Weston Mercury update
North Yorkshire – 24 (out of 42) to close or be staffed by volunteers, 9 mobiles to go off road, surviving libraries could have funding cut to share out with any community-run libraries established. (£2.3m cut from £7.5m total)
Nottingham – 1 (3 libraries to close, 2 new ones to open) (computer use to be charged)(1 library closed)
Nottinghamshire – (22 out of 28 libraries to have their opening hours cut, 80 FTE jobs to go, 50% off bookfund, 1 library already closed.
Oldham – (increase in volunteers, merging, cuts)
Oxfordshire – 20 – (£2m) list of those under threat here, Oxford Central hours extended to 7 days per week . also, Record Office cuts.
Redbridge – 5 out of 12 may close, another may relocate (£2.3m cut). Goodmayes saved.
Renfrewshire – 1 (1 library to move into smaller sites in community centres)
Richmond – 1 (£351k cut) (service may be privatised)
Rochdale – 1 (some library managers to to go in first phase of cuts)
Rutland – (6 libraries to have reduced hours, staff cut)
Salford – 3 – some libraries to move to sports centres or provide space for community groups (2 to have reduced hours)
Sandwell – some
Sefton – 3 (consultation here)
Sheffield – (30% cut expected, £2.5m) (no closures, opening hours reduced)
Shropshire – 2 and 3 mobiles(reference library to merge with central library)
Somerset – 2011 Confirmed – 11 (out of 34) will be closed/offered to community groups over 2 years. 4 (out of 6) mobile libraries will also go. 25% cut in funding. Full (revised) plans here (20% cut in opening hours). Rethink on mobiles may happen – article here. Public will be asked for “voluntary contributions”.
Southampton – 2
Oldham – (increase in volunteers, merging, cuts)
Oxfordshire – 20 – (£2m) list of those under threat here, Oxford Central hours extended to 7 days per week . also, Record Office cuts.
Redbridge – 5 out of 12 may close, another may relocate (£2.3m cut). Goodmayes saved.
Renfrewshire – 1 (1 library to move into smaller sites in community centres)
Richmond – 1 (£351k cut) (service may be privatised)
Rochdale – 1 (some library managers to to go in first phase of cuts)
Rutland – (6 libraries to have reduced hours, staff cut)
Salford – 3 – some libraries to move to sports centres or provide space for community groups (2 to have reduced hours)
Sandwell – some
Sefton – 3 (consultation here)
Sheffield – (30% cut expected, £2.5m) (no closures, opening hours reduced)
Shropshire – 2 and 3 mobiles(reference library to merge with central library)
Somerset – 2011 Confirmed – 11 (out of 34) will be closed/offered to community groups over 2 years. 4 (out of 6) mobile libraries will also go. 25% cut in funding. Full (revised) plans here (20% cut in opening hours). Rethink on mobiles may happen – article here. Public will be asked for “voluntary contributions”.
Southampton – 2
Southend – some
Southwark – (school libray service closed)
Stoke – 2 and 1 mobile library, (ends RNIB service)
Suffolk – 29 (out of 44) – (consultation here, £2m cut)
Stoke – 2 and 1 mobile library, (ends RNIB service)
Suffolk – 29 (out of 44) – (consultation here, £2m cut)
Sutton – some (£935k off £6m p.a. budget) (school library service to close)
Swansea – some
Thanet – some
Thurrock – (may close all libraries on Mondays or reduce opening hours, £350k cut)(RNIB subscription ends)
Tower Hamlets – (staff made to reapply for their own jobs -23 library staff replaced)
Swansea – some
Thanet – some
Thurrock – (may close all libraries on Mondays or reduce opening hours, £350k cut)(RNIB subscription ends)
Tower Hamlets – (staff made to reapply for their own jobs -23 library staff replaced)
Trafford – (mobile library to be staffed by volunteers)
Wakefield – at least 2 , new central library but local closures
Wakefield – at least 2 , new central library but local closures
Waltham Forest – some
Wandsworth – 1 (mention in Guardian here) plus reduction in hours in others.
Warrington – (2011 Confimed) 2 and 1 mobile library confirmed . More info here. Journals stopped also, £25k off staff. £10k off reference.
Wandsworth – 1 (mention in Guardian here) plus reduction in hours in others.
Warrington – (2011 Confimed) 2 and 1 mobile library confirmed . More info here. Journals stopped also, £25k off staff. £10k off reference.
Warwickshire – 16 (out of 34) (30%, £2m cut) – official report from council here, special county map of closures here.
West Dunbartonshire – 3 (some staff losses too)
West Sussex – Some (5 FTE lost, some librarians pay reduced to library assistant)
West Dunbartonshire – 3 (some staff losses too)
West Sussex – Some (5 FTE lost, some librarians pay reduced to library assistant)
Western Isles – (cuts in opening hours by one day per week and during Summer)
Westminster – (Marylebone may never reopen)
Wigan – Up to 15 out of 17 (£1.1m cut off £4m budget)
Wiltshire – 10 (plus reductions in hours in all but one of the others) (26 FTE posts have gone in Dec 2010 inc. 9 out of 13 community librarians)(cuts include a £940k library opened Dec 2010)(self-service in all)
Worcestershire – some (Pershore library to move out of town centre) , contact centres may combine with libraries
Westminster – (Marylebone may never reopen)
Wigan – Up to 15 out of 17 (£1.1m cut off £4m budget)
Wiltshire – 10 (plus reductions in hours in all but one of the others) (26 FTE posts have gone in Dec 2010 inc. 9 out of 13 community librarians)(cuts include a £940k library opened Dec 2010)(self-service in all)
Worcestershire – some (Pershore library to move out of town centre) , contact centres may combine with libraries
Authorities which have announced there will be no library closures (2011 financial year)
Anglesey – 4 libraries earmarked for closure have apparently been (temporarily) saved. Brighton. Barking and Dagenham. Cheshire West and Chester. Cornwall – (one stop shops moving into them, book supply being done differently to save money, no guarantee for 2012) (23% cut in library budget, 102 hours p.w. cut). Coventry (but less opening hours, fees to rise). Derby. Devon (may have reduced opening hours, less mobile stops, no new Exeter Library – although this article suggests mobile library service has improved). BBC article confirms no closures. (“brutal” cuts to Exeter Record Office). Edinburgh (£550 cut) (pledge to keep open is for the lifetime of the administration). Essex(but other cuts – see list above). Haringey . Harrow (some increase in hours, more self-service but less staff). Highland (but other cuts – see list above). Hillingdon. Hull (number of libraries actually increasing here). Kirklees. Leicestershire (but opening hours and bookfund cut – £250k). Lincolnshire. Merton – (£118k cut – 2 libraries will have reduced hours but reprieved from threatened closure). Moray – (may move to being in a Trust, another article here). Newcastle. Norfolk – (CONFIRMED. no closures but staffing cut, bookfund cut, opening hours cut, less mobile visits). North Ayrshire. North East Lincolnshire. Nottinghamshire – no plans to close any branches but massive reductions in opening hours. Plymouth (opening hours to reduce, managers to go). Poole. Portsmouth. Southampton. Staffordshire (free internet access also retained). Sheffield (cuts in opening hours). Swindon. Trafford – (but mobile library staff will be replaced by volunteers). Walsall. Windsor and Maidenhead. Wirral
Northants not safe yet, Salford moving libraries into hospitals, Essex cuts
Feb 15th
494 libraries (433 buildings and 61 mobiles) currently under threat or recently closed (List below) out of 4517 in the UK (CILIP figures)
– Northamptonshire – 8 libraries temporarily saved from closure but report implies they are still under threat. Number therefore remains unchanged. See Summary.
– Salford – plus 3 – 3 libraries to close (Charlestown, Ordsall, Hope) with library service to be transferred to two hospitals and a leisure centre. Two libraries (Irlam and Cadishead) to reduce opening hours. Salford was previously listed as expecting “some” closures and so a number had not been added to the grand total.
– Essex – no closures but substantial cuts to opening hours of many
– Essex – no closures but substantial cuts to opening hours of many
Summary
Northamptonshire has announced it’s libraries are safe from closure so fantastic … but, if you read on, it’s not so rosy. A review of the service is being undertaken, none are guaranteed as safe and, in fact, all sorts of things could happen to them. Similarly, a cursory reading of the situation in Salford would suggest libraries are doing OK – but look closer and it is nowhere near as good. Essex are not closing any static libraries but they are going to be seriously reducing opening hours. Therefore, the headline figure of library closure numbers which one could have expected to have gone down has actually gone up today.
Northamptonshire has announced it’s libraries are safe from closure so fantastic … but, if you read on, it’s not so rosy. A review of the service is being undertaken, none are guaranteed as safe and, in fact, all sorts of things could happen to them. Similarly, a cursory reading of the situation in Salford would suggest libraries are doing OK – but look closer and it is nowhere near as good. Essex are not closing any static libraries but they are going to be seriously reducing opening hours. Therefore, the headline figure of library closure numbers which one could have expected to have gone down has actually gone up today.
David Cameron and Ed Milliband are both quoted in the national press as having mentioned libraries. David, while talking to Liverpool about how there was no need for front-line services to close, mentioned how Oxfordshire are saving citizen’s advice bureaux. Oddly, he neglected to mention how they are also looking to close 20 libraries. Ed Milliband pointed out that libraries are fundamental to the Big Society.
Local News – this is representative and not comprehensive
Essex – no libraries closed but major cuts to opening hours – Southend Standard
Essex – no libraries closed but major cuts to opening hours – Southend Standard
Gloucestershire – library review bid rejected – BBC “We have used every democratic tool we have, the only remaining one is the ballot box, but by then it will be too late to save our public library service.”
Hounslow – March to save Isleworth Library on 19th Feb – saveourlibrarieslbh
Hounslow – hundreds of residents sign libraries petition – Hounslow Chronicle
Isle of Wight – Independent councillors suggest plan to save libraries – Isle of Wight Chronicle
Liverpool – David Cameron says cuts won’t bring devastation – Liverpool Daily Post ““People ask about libraries. Libraries are vital, but if you are going back to 2007 grants, there was a good network of libraries in 2007. There should be a good network of libraries in 2011.” – (Cameron’s own county is closing 20 libraries)
Norfolk – no closures but £60m of cuts for council – BBC
Norfolk – no closures but £60m of cuts for council – BBC
Northamptonshire – eight libraries win reprieve but still under threat – BBC “”The comments we received about our library proposals demonstrated the strength of feeling people have about their local libraries.”
Northamptonshire – council u-turn saves all libraries from closure – Northampton Chronicle
Northamptonshire – Northants libraries saved – About My Area
Northamptonshire – U-turn on libraries but a “Big Society Library Service” wanted – Scribble City Central
North Yorkshire – Unfair and disproportionate cuts in libraries – Alan Gibbons
North Yorkshire – Proposed closures do not make sense – Voices For The Library
Northamptonshire – U-turn on libraries but a “Big Society Library Service” wanted – Scribble City Central
North Yorkshire – Unfair and disproportionate cuts in libraries – Alan Gibbons
North Yorkshire – Proposed closures do not make sense – Voices For The Library
Oxfordshire – cuts undermine Big Society – Oxford Times “David Cameron said the concept of empowering residents to run services such as libraries, community transport or post offices, was “central to social recovery”.
Oxfordshire – children put hearts into library plea – Oxford Mail
Salford – 3 libraries to close, 2 others to have reduced hours – Manchester Evening News
Somerset – Councillor hits back at library debate over cuts – Burnham On Sea.com
Suffolk – “Love Our Library” Valentine’s cards sent to council to protest against closing of Eye – EDP
Surrey – campaigners promise to fight library closures – Get Surrey ““I support services being run by voluntary sector organisations but I do not support guns being held to people’s heads saying if you do not volunteer we will shut it.”
Surrey – wifi installed in libraries while 11 under threat – BBC
Surrey – wifi installed in libraries while 11 under threat – BBC
National News
“Bail-Ins” – Why be as generous to libraries as to banks? – Alan Gibbons
“Bail-Ins” protests in banks starts on Saturday – UK Uncut – “From next Saturday onwards, intrepid UK Uncut volunteers up and down the land will be bailing into the banks and setting up libraries, forests, hospitals, schools, playgrounds, leisure centres and everything else that needs saving.” Protest outside Barclays today. and acton list for forthcoming weeks is here.
“Bail-Ins” protests in banks starts on Saturday – UK Uncut – “From next Saturday onwards, intrepid UK Uncut volunteers up and down the land will be bailing into the banks and setting up libraries, forests, hospitals, schools, playgrounds, leisure centres and everything else that needs saving.” Protest outside Barclays today. and acton list for forthcoming weeks is here.
Big Society branded Big Con – Mirror -“If he claims to support the Big Society then he should be worried about the closure of libraries, children’s centres, the closure of Citizens Advice Bureau services. “Because all of those things are a crucial part of the Big Society and if they shut down he is going to undermine the very idea he claims is his mission in politics.” (Ed Milliband)
Cameron’s big society relaunch in trouble, sub-heading “libraries may be run by US private firms – Independent “However, his pledge that the Big Society was not a cover for big spending cuts was undermined by growing evidence that private firms rather than voluntary groups could land many of the new contracts to run public services”, LSSI aims for 15% of library market within five years.
David Cameron ready for Big Society backlash “Some councils were deliberately closing libraries” – Express
David Cameron – Being unpopular will not stop me [singles out libraries] – Daily Mail
Guardian article on UKUncut and Bail-Ins.
Libraries (our wonderful libraries!) and the best rejection slip ever – Write for your life
Libraries (our wonderful libraries!) and the best rejection slip ever – Write for your life
Libraries saved by peaceful protest (esp. Isle of Wight.) – Student Guardian
MLA letter to Somerset campaigners – Alan Gibbons
MLA letter to Somerset campaigners – Alan Gibbons
Our libraries – our right to a say – Guardian (letters, hundreds of signatures, organised by Alan Gibbons)
Save our libraries – BookSeller (looks at Somerset, Harrow, Josephine Cox, volunteering (for and against), children’s libraries.
School libraries – a right – CILIP
Self-Service costs – Ventnor Blog (inc. description by RFID consultant)
We Love Libraries Flash Mob – Youtube
School libraries – a right – CILIP
Self-Service costs – Ventnor Blog (inc. description by RFID consultant)
We Love Libraries Flash Mob – Youtube
List of cuts by authority (click on name of authority for link to relevant report)
NB. From 2012, the MLA will be abolished – the Arts Council will take over its role for libraries with a budget of £3m rather than £13m. Therefore, libraries start 2012 with £10m less, regardless of any further cuts. There are 151 authorities in England, 206 in the UK.
Library campaign list is here
Aberdeen – 8 (out of 16)
Aberdeenshire – some, (brief mention here seems to suggest all but this very unlikely)
Anglesey – 4
Angus – 4 libraries closed this year (April) to be possibly replaced by a mobile. More info here
Argyll and Bute – 3 libraries and mobile library.
Barnet – some – public consultation here
Barnsley – up to 8
Bedfordshire – 1 mobile to go
Bexley – 3 and 1 mobile (3 from a list of 5 will go, plus one mobile) (this is the five) (£1m – 16% cut) (merge with Bromley?) (5 could be unpaid)
Birmingham – 39 (three libraries lose hours so Tower Hill can remain open) (school library service to close)(all branch libraries under review, £200m super library being built)
Blackburn with Darwen – 1 mobile (reduced opening hours) cut, opening hours reduced, bookfund cut.
Aberdeenshire – some, (brief mention here seems to suggest all but this very unlikely)
Anglesey – 4
Angus – 4 libraries closed this year (April) to be possibly replaced by a mobile. More info here
Argyll and Bute – 3 libraries and mobile library.
Barnet – some – public consultation here
Barnsley – up to 8
Bedfordshire – 1 mobile to go
Bexley – 3 and 1 mobile (3 from a list of 5 will go, plus one mobile) (this is the five) (£1m – 16% cut) (merge with Bromley?) (5 could be unpaid)
Birmingham – 39 (three libraries lose hours so Tower Hill can remain open) (school library service to close)(all branch libraries under review, £200m super library being built)
Blackburn with Darwen – 1 mobile (reduced opening hours) cut, opening hours reduced, bookfund cut.
Blackpool – 2
Brent – 6 (out of 12) (talking to private company LSSI)
Bromley – (KAB talking books cut)
Buckinghamshire – up to 14 to close or be staffed by volunteers (this article says 11)(£688k cut)
Bury – 1 (1 other reduced hours) – Manchester Evening News
Calderdale – Some? (£350k cut inc.12 jobs, £200k stock)
Cambridgeshire – 13 (36% cut in funding, £3.2m, closures down from previously reported 19) (mobile services already “slashed”) (£1.1m cut) (school library service closed)
Camden – several plus one mobile library (£2 million cut)
Carmarthenshire – 5
Central Bedfordshire – one mobile library to go
Conwy – 7 (out of 12)
Bromley – (KAB talking books cut)
Buckinghamshire – up to 14 to close or be staffed by volunteers (this article says 11)(£688k cut)
Bury – 1 (1 other reduced hours) – Manchester Evening News
Calderdale – Some? (£350k cut inc.12 jobs, £200k stock)
Cambridgeshire – 13 (36% cut in funding, £3.2m, closures down from previously reported 19) (mobile services already “slashed”) (£1.1m cut) (school library service closed)
Camden – several plus one mobile library (£2 million cut)
Carmarthenshire – 5
Central Bedfordshire – one mobile library to go
Conwy – 7 (out of 12)
Cornwall – (23% cut, 102 hours opening lost)
Coventry – (opening hours cut, more fees)
Croydon – Up to 6 (public gets to choose which), (£690k saving)
Croydon – Up to 6 (public gets to choose which), (£690k saving)
Cumbria – (review under way, no closures yet, 3 of 6 mobile libraries closed in 2010)
Darlington – (£250k) off budget
Derbyshire – (Opening hours to be cut)
Doncaster – (one final step needed on 21st Feb before officially confirmed) 14, (may also be taken out of council control) (over 50% cut in funding)
Dorset – up to 20 (out of 34) to close or be given to community groups (£143k off bookfund). Dorset is the sole council to receive an actual increase in funding for 2010/11. (£800k cut for libraries)
Dumfries – 7
Doncaster – (one final step needed on 21st Feb before officially confirmed) 14, (may also be taken out of council control) (over 50% cut in funding)
Dorset – up to 20 (out of 34) to close or be given to community groups (£143k off bookfund). Dorset is the sole council to receive an actual increase in funding for 2010/11. (£800k cut for libraries)
Dumfries – 7
Dundee – (to transfer to the same trust as swimming pools/basketball)
Durham – some (£1.4m cut)(or is it £1.5m?)
Ealing – At least 2 possibly more
East Sussex – (£313k cut) (less books bought)
Edinburgh – (£550k cut)
Essex – 1 mobile (extensive opening hours cuts, 21 jobs to go)
Falkirk – (transferred to Trust)
Flintshire – 5 and at least one mobile
Gateshead – some (school library service, music library, AIRS talking newspaper under threat)
Gloucestershire – Up to 18 and 6 mobiles – 10 to close or go to volunteers. 7 to close if they don’t find a partner (43% total cut in funding). (Cinderford saved)(revised proposals here) A further 11 reduced to 3.5 days a week. 100 library jobs to go say UNISON, 40 FTE to go says council, inc 36 managers cut to 9, 3.5 FTE librarian posts cut (to 10)
Greenwich – (could be turned into a Trust) (school library service closed)
Hammersmith and Fulham – 2 and 1 mobile (record office to charge for access, access to be suspended) (£310k cut)
Hampshire – 13 mobiles (58 FTE jobs to go) (and mobile libraries cut within two miles of each branch, this report says 18FTE to go)(libraries merged with IT/property etc) Source of number of mobiles is UNISON Hampshire, No extra overtime or weekend pay
Haringey – (staff cuts)
Harrow – (34 FTE to go)(self-service machines to increase)
Hartlepool – 2 (out of 7) to close (another to merge with community centre, all library’s hours cut)
Herefordshire – (new Ledbury Library delayed) (no branches to close but mobile library review)
Hertfordshire – 5 mobiles (2011 Confirmed – opening hours to be cut by one third – from 2236 hours down to 1575) (mobile libraries cut) – At least one library (Borehamwood) faces a 40% cut. (£580k cut in first year, £1.4m after) (cuts confirmed) (some mobile stops saved)
Highland – (Wick Library to close and merge with school library) (may move to being in a Trust) (this report says no closures) (suggestion that professional staff are being lost – a source is needed).
Hounslow – initial plan to close 8 cancelled after public consultation, £300k cut in bookfund, some libraries may still be at risk as cuts “postponed”.
Inverclyde – some
Isle of Wight – 5 (out of 11) (£100k offered as temporary extra)
Kent – some (volunteers to be asked to run some) (83 FTE to go as self-service comes in)- Isle of Thanet one of areas hardest hit (School library service closed)
Durham – some (£1.4m cut)(or is it £1.5m?)
Ealing – At least 2 possibly more
East Sussex – (£313k cut) (less books bought)
Edinburgh – (£550k cut)
Essex – 1 mobile (extensive opening hours cuts, 21 jobs to go)
Falkirk – (transferred to Trust)
Flintshire – 5 and at least one mobile
Gateshead – some (school library service, music library, AIRS talking newspaper under threat)
Gloucestershire – Up to 18 and 6 mobiles – 10 to close or go to volunteers. 7 to close if they don’t find a partner (43% total cut in funding). (Cinderford saved)(revised proposals here) A further 11 reduced to 3.5 days a week. 100 library jobs to go say UNISON, 40 FTE to go says council, inc 36 managers cut to 9, 3.5 FTE librarian posts cut (to 10)
Greenwich – (could be turned into a Trust) (school library service closed)
Hammersmith and Fulham – 2 and 1 mobile (record office to charge for access, access to be suspended) (£310k cut)
Hampshire – 13 mobiles (58 FTE jobs to go) (and mobile libraries cut within two miles of each branch, this report says 18FTE to go)(libraries merged with IT/property etc) Source of number of mobiles is UNISON Hampshire, No extra overtime or weekend pay
Haringey – (staff cuts)
Harrow – (34 FTE to go)(self-service machines to increase)
Hartlepool – 2 (out of 7) to close (another to merge with community centre, all library’s hours cut)
Herefordshire – (new Ledbury Library delayed) (no branches to close but mobile library review)
Hertfordshire – 5 mobiles (2011 Confirmed – opening hours to be cut by one third – from 2236 hours down to 1575) (mobile libraries cut) – At least one library (Borehamwood) faces a 40% cut. (£580k cut in first year, £1.4m after) (cuts confirmed) (some mobile stops saved)
Highland – (Wick Library to close and merge with school library) (may move to being in a Trust) (this report says no closures) (suggestion that professional staff are being lost – a source is needed).
Hounslow – initial plan to close 8 cancelled after public consultation, £300k cut in bookfund, some libraries may still be at risk as cuts “postponed”.
Inverclyde – some
Isle of Wight – 5 (out of 11) (£100k offered as temporary extra)
Kent – some (volunteers to be asked to run some) (83 FTE to go as self-service comes in)- Isle of Thanet one of areas hardest hit (School library service closed)
Kingston – (50% adult bookfund cut)
Lambeth – 4 branches and 2 mobiles (setting up a trust “which will give you a chance to run libraries”)
Lancashire – 2 mobile libaries (plus 16% staffing cut)
Leeds – Up to 20 (out of 52) – council says 20 closures are not about cuts but to make service viable.
Leicestershire – NB This information is under doubt. I have received a call saying this article relates to Leicester. Article, though, seems to be indicate it is Leicestershire. No libraries are down for closure according to his article, although they could all/some be transferred to a trust or privatised (merge of lending/reference- 14 FTE jobs lost).
Leicestershire – (£250k cut in bookfund and hours)
Lewisham – 5 (41% cut – £800k)
Liverpool – some
Lambeth – 4 branches and 2 mobiles (setting up a trust “which will give you a chance to run libraries”)
Lancashire – 2 mobile libaries (plus 16% staffing cut)
Leeds – Up to 20 (out of 52) – council says 20 closures are not about cuts but to make service viable.
Leicestershire – NB This information is under doubt. I have received a call saying this article relates to Leicester. Article, though, seems to be indicate it is Leicestershire. No libraries are down for closure according to his article, although they could all/some be transferred to a trust or privatised (merge of lending/reference- 14 FTE jobs lost).
Leicestershire – (£250k cut in bookfund and hours)
Lewisham – 5 (41% cut – £800k)
Liverpool – some
Manchester – 5 (plus no libraries open on Friday or Saturday)(£394k cut) (end of homework clubs)
Milton Keynes – 2
Milton Keynes – 2
Newcastle – (12 jobs lost, £245k cut) (8 libraries to be semi-staffed “library express”)
Newport – 7
Norfolk – (£1.5m over 3 yrs proposed cut inc opening hours cut, staffing cut, bookfund cut, less mobile visits)
Northern Ireland – 10 (denials up to 30 could close)
Northamptonshire – Up to 8 libraries originally under threat,. Libraries given a reprieve but still apparently under longer term threat. (Cuts to management and support).
Northumberland – some
North Lanarkshire – 1 (closed March 2010)
North Norfolk – some (c. £1m reduction)
North Somerset – 1 closed, 2 proposed, volunteers may run libraries. Weston Mercury update
North Yorkshire – 24 (out of 42) to close or be staffed by volunteers, 9 mobiles to go off road, surviving libraries could have funding cut to share out with any community-run libraries established. (£2.3m cut from £7.5m total)
Nottingham – 1 (3 libraries to close, 2 new ones to open) (computer use to be charged)(1 library closed)
Newport – 7
Norfolk – (£1.5m over 3 yrs proposed cut inc opening hours cut, staffing cut, bookfund cut, less mobile visits)
Northern Ireland – 10 (denials up to 30 could close)
Northamptonshire – Up to 8 libraries originally under threat,. Libraries given a reprieve but still apparently under longer term threat. (Cuts to management and support).
Northumberland – some
North Lanarkshire – 1 (closed March 2010)
North Norfolk – some (c. £1m reduction)
North Somerset – 1 closed, 2 proposed, volunteers may run libraries. Weston Mercury update
North Yorkshire – 24 (out of 42) to close or be staffed by volunteers, 9 mobiles to go off road, surviving libraries could have funding cut to share out with any community-run libraries established. (£2.3m cut from £7.5m total)
Nottingham – 1 (3 libraries to close, 2 new ones to open) (computer use to be charged)(1 library closed)
Nottinghamshire – (22 out of 28 libraries to have their opening hours cut, 80 FTE jobs to go, 50% off bookfund, 1 library already closed.
Oldham – (increase in volunteers, merging, cuts)
Oxfordshire – 20 – (£2m) list of those under threat here, Oxford Central hours extended to 7 days per week . also, Record Office cuts.
Redbridge – 5 out of 12 may close, another may relocate (£2.3m cut). Goodmayes saved.
Renfrewshire – 1 (1 library to move into smaller sites in community centres)
Richmond – 1 (£351k cut) (service may be privatised)
Rochdale – 1 (some library managers to to go in first phase of cuts)
Rutland – (6 libraries to have reduced hours, staff cut)
Salford – 3 – some libraries to move to sports centres or provide space for community groups (2 to have reduced hours)
Sandwell – some
Sefton – 3 (consultation here)
Sheffield – (30% cut expected, £2.5m) (no closures, opening hours reduced)
Shropshire – 2 and 3 mobiles(reference library to merge with central library)
Somerset – 11 (out of 34) will be closed/offered to community groups over 2 years. 4 (out of 6) mobile libraries will also go. 25% cut in funding. Full (revised) plans here (20% cut in opening hours). Rethink on mobiles may happen – article here. Public will be asked for “voluntary contributions”.
Southampton – 2
Oldham – (increase in volunteers, merging, cuts)
Oxfordshire – 20 – (£2m) list of those under threat here, Oxford Central hours extended to 7 days per week . also, Record Office cuts.
Redbridge – 5 out of 12 may close, another may relocate (£2.3m cut). Goodmayes saved.
Renfrewshire – 1 (1 library to move into smaller sites in community centres)
Richmond – 1 (£351k cut) (service may be privatised)
Rochdale – 1 (some library managers to to go in first phase of cuts)
Rutland – (6 libraries to have reduced hours, staff cut)
Salford – 3 – some libraries to move to sports centres or provide space for community groups (2 to have reduced hours)
Sandwell – some
Sefton – 3 (consultation here)
Sheffield – (30% cut expected, £2.5m) (no closures, opening hours reduced)
Shropshire – 2 and 3 mobiles(reference library to merge with central library)
Somerset – 11 (out of 34) will be closed/offered to community groups over 2 years. 4 (out of 6) mobile libraries will also go. 25% cut in funding. Full (revised) plans here (20% cut in opening hours). Rethink on mobiles may happen – article here. Public will be asked for “voluntary contributions”.
Southampton – 2
Southend – some
Southwark – (school libray service closed)
Stoke – 2 and 1 mobile library, (ends RNIB service)
Suffolk – 29 (out of 44) – (consultation here, £2m cut)
Stoke – 2 and 1 mobile library, (ends RNIB service)
Suffolk – 29 (out of 44) – (consultation here, £2m cut)
Sutton – some (£935k off £6m p.a. budget) (school library service to close)
Swansea – some
Thanet – some
Thurrock – (may close all libraries on Mondays or reduce opening hours, £350k cut)(RNIB subscription ends)
Tower Hamlets – (staff made to reapply for their own jobs -23 library staff replaced)
Swansea – some
Thanet – some
Thurrock – (may close all libraries on Mondays or reduce opening hours, £350k cut)(RNIB subscription ends)
Tower Hamlets – (staff made to reapply for their own jobs -23 library staff replaced)
Trafford – (mobile library to be staffed by volunteers)
Wakefield – at least 2 , new central library but local closures
Wakefield – at least 2 , new central library but local closures
Waltham Forest – some
Wandsworth – 1 (mention in Guardian here) plus reduction in hours in others.
Warrington – (2011 Confimed) 2 and 1 mobile library confirmed . More info here. Journals stopped also, £25k off staff. £10k off reference.
Wandsworth – 1 (mention in Guardian here) plus reduction in hours in others.
Warrington – (2011 Confimed) 2 and 1 mobile library confirmed . More info here. Journals stopped also, £25k off staff. £10k off reference.
Warwickshire – 16 (out of 34) (30%, £2m cut) – official report from council here, special county map of closures here.
West Dunbartonshire – 3 (some staff losses too)
West Sussex – Some (5 FTE lost, some librarians pay reduced to library assistant)
West Dunbartonshire – 3 (some staff losses too)
West Sussex – Some (5 FTE lost, some librarians pay reduced to library assistant)
Western Isles – (cuts in opening hours by one day per week and during Summer)
Westminster – (Marylebone may never reopen)
Wigan – Up to 15 out of 17 (£1.1m cut off £4m budget)
Wiltshire – 10 (plus reductions in hours in all but one of the others) (26 FTE posts have gone in Dec 2010 inc. 9 out of 13 community librarians)(cuts include a £940k library opened Dec 2010)(self-service in all)
Worcestershire – some (Pershore library to move out of town centre) , contact centres may combine with libraries
Westminster – (Marylebone may never reopen)
Wigan – Up to 15 out of 17 (£1.1m cut off £4m budget)
Wiltshire – 10 (plus reductions in hours in all but one of the others) (26 FTE posts have gone in Dec 2010 inc. 9 out of 13 community librarians)(cuts include a £940k library opened Dec 2010)(self-service in all)
Worcestershire – some (Pershore library to move out of town centre) , contact centres may combine with libraries
Authorities which have announced there will be no library closures (2011 financial year)
Anglesey – 4 libraries earmarked for closure have apparently been (temporarily) saved. Brighton. Barking and Dagenham. Cheshire West and Chester. Cornwall – (one stop shops moving into them, book supply being done differently to save money, no guarantee for 2012) (23% cut in library budget, 102 hours p.w. cut). Coventry (but less opening hours, fees to rise). Derby. Devon (may have reduced opening hours, less mobile stops, no new Exeter Library – although this article suggests mobile library service has improved). BBC article confirms no closures. (“brutal” cuts to Exeter Record Office). Edinburgh (£550 cut) (pledge to keep open is for the lifetime of the administration). Essex(but other cuts – see list above). Haringey . Harrow (some increase in hours, more self-service but less staff). Highland (but other cuts – see list above). Hillingdon. Hull (number of libraries actually increasing here). Kirklees. Leicestershire (but opening hours and bookfund cut – £250k). Lincolnshire. Merton – (£118k cut – 2 libraries will have reduced hours but reprieved from threatened closure). Moray – (may move to being in a Trust, another article here). Newcastle. Norfolk – (CONFIRMED. no closures but staffing cut, bookfund cut, opening hours cut, less mobile visits). North Ayrshire. North East Lincolnshire. Nottinghamshire – no plans to close any branches but massive reductions in opening hours. Plymouth (opening hours to reduce, managers to go). Poole. Portsmouth. Southampton. Staffordshire (free internet access also retained). Sheffield (cuts in opening hours). Swindon. Trafford – (but mobile library staff will be replaced by volunteers). Walsall. Windsor and Maidenhead. Wirral
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