Ian Anstice

Editorial

Two cuts announced this week. The first is in the wealthy (and apparently obsessed with the word “royal”) borough of Windsor and Maidenhead which is looking to close four branches. The reasoning for this appears to be as much ideological as for any other reason. The second is in Warrington – actually announced in early January but missed here – where the leisure trust Livewire’s income is suffering due to lockdowns and is looking for redundancies. Elsewhere, there’s a few co-locations. So, not yet the tsunami of cuts that has been widely feared. Let’s hope the wave never comes.

Changes by local authority

• Blaenau Gwent – Existing Abertillery library to be closed. New library will be transfered to community group in co-location.
• Sheffield – Woodhouse Library to be sold, library to be co-located.
• Suffolk – Babergh Library becomes co-located.
• Warrington – Cuts, including redundancies, expected.
• Windsor and Maidenhead – £290k cut: Boyn Grove, Old Windsor, Datchet, and Sunninghill libraries under threat, consultation.

National news

• The changing world of public libraries in the pandemic – University of Strathclyde. “The prevalence of lending digital books, which had already been increasing for a number of years, has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left them as the only option for many library members during periods of lockdown. The study will examine changes in information behaviour, issues around the potential emergence of a ‘digital divide’ and concerns over privacy.”
• Coaching yourself through the times we’re in – British Library. Friday 4 February webinar. “Overall this session will help you stay clear, calm, centred, energised, organised and resourceful and be best placed to survive and thrive personally and professionally in the days, weeks and year ahead and in our emerging new world.”
• Library computers to play important role in economic recovery – Lorensbergs. “The latest netloan public library survey results predict library PCs will play a significant role in the UK’s economic recovery. 80% of library services rate the People’s Network of computers as essential for supporting jobseeking. From the 80 library authorities that participated, over 90% had provided PCs in the second half of 2020. It offers a lifeline to jobseekers, benefit claimants, and many others without other means to get online as the pandemic continues.”
• LUSH Libraries Unleash Such Happiness – Eventbrite. Thursday 4 March. “Our inaugural conference welcomes representatives from Libraries Friends groups from all over the country. The event provides a treasure trove of ideas for activities, fundraising and community elevation. We are delighted to welcome keynote speakers Lemn Sissay, poet and performer, and Ron Finley, guerilla gardener as well as Chanje Kunde who will be performing a specially commissioned piece to uplift us all.12 thought-provoking workshops, spaces to share practical suggestions and ask questions. A place to listen. A place to be heard. A place to be inspired. Join us and bring some oomph to your Friends group.”
• Mozfest bursaries for libraries – Libraries Connected. “MozFest is a seven-day celebration for, by, and about people who love the internet, showcasing world-changing ideas and technology through exhibitions, talks and interactive sessions. This year’s festival will be held virtually from the 8 – 19 March and we are delighted to announce that we are offering a number of bursaries to public library staff who would like to attend.”
• National Library of Wales: Ministers accused of ‘lack of political will’ – BBC. “Thirty jobs are at risk at the library in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, and services are expected to be cut significantly. The source added: “It isn’t a lack of money, it’s a lack of political will.” The Welsh Government said it was “looking at every option” to protect jobs.”
• Public Libraries Project of the Year Grant Award – NAG. “NAG are pleased to announce that their Public Libraries Project of the Year Grant will run again for 2021.   This grant, launched in 2019, aims to enable public libraries to take forward an innovative project, which may have already had a pilot phase, and develop it further.  We have doubled the grant pot to £10,000 this year and we are open to either making two smaller awards or supporting one large project depending upon the strength of applications.”
• World Book Day Book Club – World Book Day. “We’re thrilled to bring you news of our brand new World Book Day Book Club. Talking about books together makes them more fun, memorable and magic. From March, tune into YouTube and read with us. We’ll share our favourite monthly read, talk to authors and more. Join in at home, in school & in libraries”
  • For Libraries – World Book Day. “Have a look at our Libraries Tool Kit for ideas and resources to help you make World Book Day happen in 2021. World Book Day will work more closely with libraries this year than ever before. We hope to get every library authority involved in this major reading event.”

International news

• Argentina – Libraries on the margins – Medium / Edward Civallaro. “Libraries that operate on the margins are countless in Latin America. Those spaces have become (sometimes unwittingly or without realizing it, others fully aware of it) into havens that allow resistance, activism, struggle, solidarity, and even militancy: militancy for social and environmental justice, for equality, for inclusion, for memory, for one’s own and others’ rights…”
• Australia – Library Map Part 1 – Library Flanneur. Map of all Australian libraries with details, including on if they fine, included.
• Germany – The Berlin State Library’s priceless treasures – MSN. Pictures. “Soon, people will once again be able to browse to their heart’s content in the spacious reading room, which architect HG Merz designed in a bright orange color. The institution is a historical research and reference library, with little of the holdings digitized. So, if you want to do research, you have to physically visit the site.”
• Iraq – Artist Edmund de Waal Donates 2,000 Books to Iraqi Library Decimated by ISIS – Hyperallergic. “The University of Mosul (UoM) once held one of the largest libraries in West Asia, housing over a million books and rare historical materials, including a Quran from the ninth century and periodicals dating back to 1700 BCE. After Islamic State forces captured the city in 2014, much of its invaluable collection turned to ashes. Militants of the terrorist group burned down the building and its contents in what UNESCO described as “one of the most devastating acts of destruction of library collections in human history.””
• USA – Designing for the Future — The Post-Pandemic Library – Medium / Ditto Press. “In the midst of ongoing turmoil, libraries must still plan for the future. For some, this means reorganizing and reopening. Others must prepare for renovations or new construction in the face of grave uncertainties. Nobody knows — or can know — what the patron of 2022 wants. Will our struggles today will lead us to greater comity or further division? These questions remain unsettled. Essential services still move forward, however. Scheduled renovations must be planned. New libraries cannot wait for society to settle before they are built.” Multiple ideas.

Local news by authority

• Bexley – Plans to strip back Bexley’s library services approved – This is Local London. “Among the proposals approved are reduced opening times, a closed-day once a week, reduced staff, fewer events, less funding for community libraries and greater reliance on self-service. The move comes as Bexley Council battles with a major financial black hole in its budget, currently projected as £1.4m, increasing to more than £13 by 2024/25.”
• Blaenau Gwent – Former Abertillery chapel to become library hub – South Wales Argus. “The county borough council’s executive committee approved plans to hand over the Trinity Chapel and the current Abertillery Library building on Castle Street to the Coalfields Regeneration Trust as part of a community asset transfer.”
• Carmarthenshire – Large rise in researching family history in Carmarthenshire – Tivyside Advertiser. “Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, more than 155,000 searches have been recorded by Carmarthenshire libraries of library members taking advantage of free access to Ancestry.com from home. That is an increase of 220 per cent compared to the previous year, and more than any other libraries in Wales.”
• Cheshire East – Transport consultation extended due to lack of responses – Alderley Edge.com. “Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Local transport delivery plans are substantial and important documents and, with our libraries closed due to coronavirus and people being directed to stay at home whenever possible, we have decided to extend the consultation period.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Council Marks Holocaust Memorial Day – About my Area. “libraries are holding a virtual Coffee and Chat for Holocaust Memorial Day event online”
• Cornwall – Cornwall Library Service thousands sign up since lockdown – The Packet. “When the first lockdown came into force in March 2020 the library service saw a 104% increase in e-book downloads compared to the previous month and a 39% increase in e-audio downloads. In October the number of free newspaper and magazine downloads reached 60,000 – a 100% rise compared to February.”
• Croydon – Campaign to save Croydon libraries as five set to be axed – London News Online. “A petition, ‘Save Croydon Libraries’, has now gathered more than 1,000 signatures and calls on the council to keep all libraries open. As part of cost-cutting measures amid a financial crisis, the council wants to close Bradmore Green, Shirley, Sanderstead, South Norwood and Broad Green libraries. Consultation is currently open on the plans which runs until March 7.”
• Cumbria – Here’s how you can get involved in Make Music Day 2021 – The Mail. “At the meet-up, attendees will find out about what Make Music Day is and the different ways they can be involved. They will hear from co-hosts Cumbria Libraries and Liverpool Libraries about their own creative and music-related activities and how they’ve been involved in previous Make Music Days.”
• Dorset – Lyme Regis Library staff still serving the community – Lyme Online. “library staff members Lorraine and Jo are still able to work in the building and offer their customers access to books through the order and collect service. “
• East Riding – East Riding Leisure and East Riding Libraries offering mind and body health advice for residents – Free Press. “Hints, advice and information to support mental and physical health will be shared across their social media channels @ERLeisure and @ERLibraries, signposting to various free resources.”
• Essex – Essex County Council library budgets criticised by SOLE – Epping Forest Guardian. “Save Our Libraries Essex (SOLE) condemned the amount of funding announced for the county’s library services in its planned budget for 2021/22. Essex’s original library services budget for 2020/21 was £12.521 million however, due to what the county council has labelled a “one-off expenditure”, that figure eventually rose to £13.185 million. The proposed budget for this year (2021/22) stands at £12.285 million – a figure SOLE has blasted for being £900,000 below last year’s actual spend.”
  • Essex libraries announce move to new library management system – In Your Area. “Last summer Essex and Thurrock Libraries shared the exciting news that they will be joining The Library Consortium (TLC)* and upgrading their library management system (LMS). Over the past few months, they have been working with TLC and SirsiDynix (the supplier of the new LMS) to prepare for these changes.”
• Flintshire – Aura Libraries Flintshire: exclusive National Storytelling Week event – The Leader. “We are delighted to announce local Storyteller Fiona Collins will be joining in with our celebrations by sharing videos with us and taking part in an exclusive event.”
• Hertfordshire – Hertfordshire Library Service awarded £49,999 for arts project – Hertfordshire Council. “The grant will be used to build on the successful ACE backed project My Story, which launched in 2019 and took true stories from Hertfordshire residents and interpreted them in art forms for the whole community to enjoy.”
• Leicester – Online sessions for National Storytelling Week – Pukaar News. ” The city council’s libraries service will be using the Zoom online meeting app to bring these stories into homes across Leicester for free and require no form of library membership to take part. “
• Norfolk – Number of bans from libraries doubles in 2020 – despite lengthy closures – Eastern Daily Press. “Last year, 39 people were banned from entering libraries across the county after breaking the rules.”
• Sheffield – Sheffield library goes up for sale – and it could be turned into new homes – The Star. “Woodhouse library is due to be rehoused in a new £500,000 community hub on nearby Sheffield Road which will also include rooms for local events, meetings and more.”
• Solihull – Borough libraries to remain closed to residents in lockdown – Solihull Observer. “Solihull Council carried out a review of library services and looked at the number of cases of coronavirus in the borough and has decided to keep the doors shut to the public. It also ruled out the option of reviving a click and collect service for now. The Home Library Service, where books are delivered to residents will continue to operate,”
• Southampton – Woolston library will not reopen until Monday – Southern Daily Echo. Unspecified staff shortages was reason.
• Suffolk – Babergh moves its customer centre into Sudbury library from April this year – Sudbury Mercury. “Council staff will be available for face-to-face visits, two days a week. Library staff will offer support throughout the week, helping customers with urgent council enquiries.”
• Warrington – LiveWire start redundancy consultations following “crippling” £3.2m loss in income – Warrington Worldwide. “LiveWire has started redundancy consultations wth some staff due to a “crippling” drop of more than £3m income since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The not-for-profit community interest company, which operates leisure centres and libraries on behalf of Warrington Borough Council is now looking at redundancies alongside other cost-cutting measures”
  • Trade union disappointed but not surprised over LiveWire redundancies – Warrington Guardian. “: “Unison is incredibly disappointed, but not surprised, that LiveWire are making vital public service workers redundant. We have repeatedly warned Warrington Council that LiveWire is not a satisfactory organisation to provide local leisure services.”
• West Dunbartonshire – Children in West Dunbartonshire learning remotely – Daily Record. “Campus @WDC draws on the experience of teachers within the authority and other council resources including the libraries service to provide a one-stop shop for parents and pupils from nursery aged right through to S3.”
• Windsor and Maidenhead – Lead Windsor & Maidenhead councillors consider closing multiple libraries – Royal Borough Observer. “As part of the council needing to make essential savings and for cabinet to deliver their transformation strategy – which would supposedly help build a ‘community centric borough of opportunity and innovation’ – leading Conservative councillors agreed to engage with the public and stakeholders over the possible library closures. The four libraries in danger of shutting down are Boyn Grove, Old Windsor, Datchet, and Sunninghill.”
• Worcestershire – Web sessions on offer to help businesses bounce back – Worcester Observer. “libraries will be hosting special webinars to help local small businesses recover from the pandemic. The initiative, known as ‘Reset Restart’, is aimed at helping small businesses adapt and change with the times.”

Editorial

A couple of things to talk about this week. The first is that this is the busiest week for a long while in terms of changes to budget, and all of it is bad. Croydon, Leeds and Lewisham are looking at some serious cuts. It’s nothing we’ve not seen before but this is the first time such cuts have been announcing while at the same time library workers are being described as “Key/critical workers” by the minister of state for Digital and Culture.

Secondly, and I know I have been here before but nothing has changed, I would like to flag the general frustration at the continuing lack of a “single digital presence”, or national public library website. This is made especially obvious today by the announcement that an academy is being paid to offer a free e-book to every child in the country. Well, that should have been through public libraries. And we could have done it a whole lot better (just the one e-book at a time? Good grief) but inertia, atomisation and a general lack of urgency from the DCMS on down has led to the current and continuing no-show.

This was embarrassing and obvious at the start of lockdown in March and is doubly so now, almost a year on. The British Library are currently finishing off a (hopefully) final research project on the subject and I hope then that it all hits the ground running. Because this lack of a site is a humiliation for the whole public library sector. And it needs to be addressed. Now.

Changes by local authority

• Calderdale – Shelf volunteer library building may be sold off by council.
• Croydon – 5 libraries (Bradmore Green, Shirley, Sanderstead, South Norwood and Broad Green) to close, consultation from 14 January to 5 March.
• Hampshire – £40k from council for volunteer libraries. Odiham, Horndean, Lea on Solent and Elson to become volunteer.
• Leeds – £1.5m cut including staffing and opening hours.
• Lewisham – £350k-£500k cut expected.

National news

• Downloading a new normal: Privacy, exclusion, and information behaviour in public library digital services use during COVID – New Normal. “This project explores the ‘digital turn’ brought about by COVID, the experience of the compelled move from analogue to digital in public libraries, from multiple perspectives :– (1) Organisational and sectoral issues (2) Ethical issues (3) User information behaviour issues”
• Libraries are part of the Covid frontline – and they need our help – Penguin. “I was pulled (not literally, as we must keep two metres apart from our colleagues at all times) aside and warned that I had been caught breaching our Covid safety rules, putting myself and others at risk and potentially earning me a formal disciplinary or worse. I had allowed a member of the public to place their mobile phone in my gloved hand. I tried to explain that the library user in question had asked me to print off a series of photographs for them; the user was severely dyslexic, and our print system can be difficult for even the most IT-savvy of users.”

• Lockdown made our library better – BookSeller. “I have seen so many library services just disappear due to lockdown, both in France and England, and I am so proud of what we achieved. Even if not everything worked out the way we wanted to, whether it was in terms of attendance or technical problems, we always managed to find a solution and to take something from everything we did, either a new skill, a new way to work together or a new tool to develop in future projects. I think the best side of all that is that we are already thinking about the future and creating hybrid events, both digital and physical, and new ways to interact with our customers in the future. “

“So we have learnt and enjoyed a great deal from delivering services and engaging with the community in 2020 and very much looking forward to innovation in 2021. It was a difficult year for everybody but in terms of my job, I absolutely had a brilliant year, developed events and projects I never thought I would have time to work on, and it was really good to have this space to innovate and try new things.”

Marion Tessier, Kingston Libraries. 

• Poor families’ living costs have surged during pandemic, UK study finds – Guardian. “Normal coping strategies employed by poorer families – visiting friends and families for occasional meals, or using the library for free internet access, and charity shops for cheap clothes – became harder as a result of household mixing restrictions and the closure of libraries and non-essential retail.”
• Virtual library gives children in England free book access – BBC. “Children in England will be able to access books online free during school closures via a virtual library. Internet classroom Oak National Academy created the library after schools moved to remote learning for the majority of pupils until February half-term.”

International news

• Austria – The living room behind the bookshelves – Designing Libraries. “The building’s curved shape can only be experienced on the inside at the reading spots arranged along the outer walls of the open-access library on the ground and upper floor. A two-storey atrium is cut out of the volume, forming a rectangular space provided natural light by skylights.”
• Global – Over 100 Public Libraries Exceed 1 Million Digital Book Checkouts in 2020 – PR Newswire. ” A record 102 public library systems from around the world empowered readers to borrow over 1 million ebooks and audiobooks from their digital collections in 2020. This represents the most systems ever to reach this milestone through OverDrive, the leading digital reading platform. Contributing factors include increased digital book usage due to the pandemic, elevated interest in social justice titles and BIPOC authors and strong circulation growth for children’s and young adult titles because of remote learning.”
• Netherlands / Norway – Designed to inspire – Designing Libraries. Netherlands: “The library is part of a completely renovated multifunctional centre in the heart of the municipality of Cranendonck, The Netherlands. It has a theatre hall, meeting rooms, spaces for workshops, a sports hall, as well as the library, and is a home to various clubs and associations.”. Norway: “You easily get a cathedral feeling from the light in the large windows in the high, open space. The number of visitors in the library has tripled and lending rates have also increased significantly. The increased number of visitors is partly due to the central location in the local culture house, where the library is located in the middle of Vindafjord’s social and cultural hub.”
• Taiwan – Taiwan’s Tainan celebrates grand opening of main library – Taiwan News. “The library comprises six above-ground floors and two below. It houses about 600,000 books, including 500 for the visually impaired and 16,000 authored during the Japanese colonial era. In addition, the building features a cafe, an independent bookstore, a culinary arts classroom, a co-working space, three public art spaces, and a memorial exhibition that pays tribute to more than 200 deceased notable figures in Tainan. A playground and an outdoor reading area are also under construction.”
• USA – The Surprisingly Complicated History of Conan the Librarian – CBR. Who made the joke first? Nope, it wasn’t Monty Python.
  • Meet the Southern librarians fighting for racial justice and truth-telling – Scalawag. “Most of the librarians I spoke to were of two minds: the vision of what they hope the library to become and what they can achieve right now. “
  • Meredith Anding Jr., member of the ‘Tougaloo Nine,’ dies – Independent. “On March 27, 1961, nine students first visited the Black library requested books they knew were not available. They then visited Jackson Public Library and searched for the books. When they sat down and began to read, the library staff called the police. The students refused to leave. They were arrested and charged with breach of the peace.”
  • ‘Tacky’, ‘tawdry’ and a project of self-aggrandisement: Will anyone want Trump’s presidential library? – Independent. ““It is an opportunity for self-aggrandisement. And he has demonstrated some real narcissistic tendencies,” she says. “So having a museum to himself and his presidency, I imagine would be incredibly attractive to him.””

Local news by authority

• Bury – Bury’s libraries continue to offer lockdown service – Bury Times. Click and collect, PCs.
• Calderdale – Over 1,000 sign Shelf Village Hall and Library petition – Telegraph and Argus. “The council has said a number of buildings, including Shelf Village Hall, which houses its library, will be sold off if public groups cannot take them over, moves agreed by Cabinet as part of its Future Council programme to identify cuts which will need to be made to balance the books over a three year period.”
• Cheshire East – Here are the 15 Cheshire East libraries offering click and collect in lockdown – Cheshire Live.
• Croydon – Survey opens on Croydon’s future libraries service – Your Croydon. 14 January to 7 March. 5 libraries (Bradmore Green, Shirley, Sanderstead, South Norwood and Broad Green) to close.
• Dudley – Good news for Dudley’s library users – Dudley News. Click and collect.
• East Riding – Order and Collect service continues at East Riding libraries during lockdown – Planet Radio. Click and collect, home library service.
  • Threats to kill and intimidation among reasons people were banned from East Yorkshire libraries in 2020 – Hull Live. “A threat to kill a staff member was one of the 20 reasons people were banned from East Riding libraries and leisure centres in 2020.”
• Essex – Essex County Council agrees to match funding for BAME library books – In Your Area. “The chairman of the council’s housing and communities committee, Councillor Kerry Smith, wrote to the county council asking for them to match the £1,000 in funding it had given to purchase new books featuring BAME protagonists for the county’s libraries.”
  • Campaign seeks free products in Uttlesford’s public buildings – Saffron Walden Reporter. ” if approved, the measure would trailblaze for other local authorities to take the same action across England. It would provide free sanitary products in schools, libraries, youth centres and public toilets. “
• Hampshire – Bid to save libraries is given £40k cash boost – Daily Echo. Council giving money to set up volunteer libraries at “Horndean, Lee-on-Solent, Odiham and the Elson area”
  • Closed Odiham Library to re-open as independent community library – In Your Area.
  • North Hampshire library receives cash to go independent – Planet Radio. “Odiham is one of eight Hampshire libraries axed by Hampshire County Council as part of budget savings.”
  • Winter Reading Challenge – Love Andover.
• Inverclyde – Libraries urge customers to make use of delivery service in lockdown – Greenock Telegraph. Click and collect suspended. Home library service.
• Kirklees – Dewsbury librarian surprised with BEM in Queen’s New Year Honours – Dewsbury Reporter. “He is currently the Customer Service Manager at Dewsbury Library and is also the Co-Chair of the Public and Mobile Libraries Group with national library body CILIP.”
• Leeds – Otley and Yeadon residents urged to speak out against cuts to services – Wharfedale Observer. “Leeds City Council is proposing to cut opening hours at libraries and community hubs in the two towns and will also reduce floral planting. The suggested cuts are being put forward as part of the council’s 2021/22 budget savings proposals as it faces a shortfall of £119 million.”
• Lewisham – Lewisham libraries could be cut by £500K – News Shopper. £300k to £500k will be cut. Hiring freeze.
  • Lewisham libraries could offer more services after remodel – News Shopper. “It’s hoped a new model could provide several non-traditional services in libraries, such as legal advice, advice on benefits and taxes, and help with IT skills.  “
  • Community Hub & Library Opening Hours – Leeds Council. £1.5m cut. Staff cuts. Reduce opening hours.
• Shropshire – Shropshire Council bringing cultural sites online as facilities are closed – Border Counties Advertizer. Click and collect.
• Somerset – Burnham-On-Sea Library users reassured over overdue book loans during lockdown – Burnham on Sea. Click and collect, PCs.
• Stoke – Readers rejoice! Stoke-on-Trent libraries offering mystery book bundles during lockdown – Stoke on Trent Live. Click and collect.
• Thurrock – Staff who cannot work from home being urged to get Covid test – Thurrock Gazette. “Thurrock Council is urging all those who are still attending a workplace to get a free COVID-19 test as soon as possible, even if they do not have any symptoms. Testing kits are available at East Tilbury library, Chadwell library and Belhus library. ” … “East Tilbury, Chadwell and Belhus libraries will be open to pick up and drop off tests from 8am to 7pm on weekdays and 9am to 4pm at weekends. These libraries will only be open for this purpose and no library services will be available, such as the return of books or use of computers.”

• Wandsworth – Wandsworth residents amongst London’s biggest bookworms – Wandsworth Times. “the borough’s libraries issued the highest number of books in London for the third year running.” … “To reflect the importance and value of reading services, the Council has pledged to improve libraries in Battersea, Earlsfield, Tooting and York Gardens.”
• West Berkshire – New plans for West Berkshire libraries over lockdown – Newbury Today. Click and collect and home library service.
• Wiltshire – Warminster Library closes today due to Covid – Gazette and Herald. “Following public health guidance the library will close pending a deep clean after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19.”
• Worcestershire – Worcestershire’s favourite books of 2020 revealed – The Shuttle.

Editorial

A large number of libraries that have only recently come out of lockdown, in London and the South-East have basically gone straight back into them. The Tier 4 rules allow libraries to be open for digital usage and click-and-collect only so, for 17.7 million people, it means not browsing once more. Also in the South-East, it’s worth mentioning the campaign against library cuts in Croydon, which has been heavily involved in protest recently. Other than that, well, I’d like to wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It has to be better than 2020 hasn’t it?

National news

• CWA Library Initiatives – Shots Mag. “The world-famous CWA Daggers have been synonymous with quality crime writing for more than half a century. Only library staff can nominate authors for the CWA Dagger in the Library. Nominations are open until February 26, 2021 and up to three members of staff from each UK library can nominate.”
• Five-year stats show library service entering ‘rapid decline’, finds Coates – BookSeller. The standard piece from Tim Coates at the end. There is some useful, and sadly depressing, information here.
• Full list of businesses that must close in new Tier 4 and what can stay open – Mirror. Report libraries must close in Tier 4 areas.
• Fun Palaces is growing – and changing – Fun Palaces. “We are sad and excited to announce that co-founders and co-directors Stella Duffy and Sarah-Jane Rawlings are leaving Fun Palaces; Stella at the end of January, Sarah-Jane in late spring/early summer. Kirsty Lothian, our producer since the beginning, will step up as co-director, and in January we will recruit for someone (or someones, as we are all currently part time) to join the HQ team, working alongside our Ambassadors across the country,”
• Library Cuts Are an Affront to Democracy – Byline Times. “It would seem both bizarre and destructive to suggest that because we have done without schools, pubs and theatres during lockdown, that we don’t really need them at all. Yet this was the same logic propounded by Walsall’s council leader, Mike Bird, when he suggested he was considering whether, having done without libraries for so long during the Coronavirus pandemic, it is necessary to reopen them at all. This policy could be dismissed as a one-off act of local cretinism. However …”significantly, the strongest networks of libraries are typically found in countries with the most stable democracies.”
• North Wales GPs, libraries and hospitals to benefit from £8m roll-out of ultrafast broadband – Denbighshire Free Press. “The Local Full Fibre Network Programme will see a total of 350 sites across Denbighshire, Conwy, Gwynedd, Anglesey, Flintshire and Wrexham switch from copper-based network to high quality gigabit broadband.”
• Preston university scientists bring superheroes to life in book for children’s wards and libraries this Christmas – Lancashire Post. “The seven academics from the University of Central Lancashire have partnered up with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and The Reading Agency to share their new book ‘Unmasked: The Science of Superheroes’, with libraries across the UK and children who are spending the festive season in hospital.” … “Public libraries throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive 7,000 free copies of the book.”
• Tier 4: Stay at Home – Gov.uk. “community centres and halls must close except for a limited number of exempt activities, as set out below. Libraries can also remain open to provide access to IT and digital services – for example for people who do not have it at home – and for click-and-collect services”
• Top Ebooks and Audiobooks from UK Public Library Authorities in 2020 – OverDrive. “Through the first 11 months of 2020, millions of ebooks and audiobooks have been borrowed from public libraries in the UK — a 66% increase from 2019. Ebook issues experienced the highest growth, 74% higher than this time last year. Audiobook issues also increased in 2020, 47% growth year-over-year. “

International news

• Global – A new language for the value and impact of libraries: Design and first findings – Christian Lauersen. “The method we are using builds on a huge British study, Understanding the Value and Impact of Cultural Experiences by The Arts Council England, which we have operationalized into a Danish library context”
• Lithuania – Lithuanian public libraries welcome people with autism – Naple Sister Libraries. “To help manage anxiety, calm down, and relax a special toolkit has been prepared for each of the public libraries. It consists of sensory-tent, tactile, audio, and visual aids. In addition, training for library staff on how to behave and help autistic children in the library have also been organized.”
• USA – Amazon Publishing in Talks to Offer E-books to Public Libraries – Publishers Weekly. “The potential deal would be a breakthrough moment in the library e-book market as Amazon currently does not make its digital content available to libraries. It would also be a major coup for the Digital Public Library of America’s upstart e-book platform and its SimplyE library reading app”
  • Chattanooga library suspends protest leader C-Grimey to investigate burning of conservative books – Times Free Press.
  • New Library Services Started in 2020 – David Lee King. “Lots of fun new services! Here’s my question – why did it have to take a global pandemic for us to start these things? “
  • Ten Stories That Shaped 2020 – LIS News.
  • They Will Kill Your Library, Too – Current Affairs. “The problem with public libraries is that while they are hugely popular, they are also in tension with the prevailing political and economic ideology, which suggests the government should run like a business, cutting costs and measuring the worth of every service by its market price. Libraries offer useless knowledge, the joy of intellectual discovery. “

Local news by authority

• Bradford – Call for ‘urgent review’ of library’s £420,000 a year annual rent – Telegraph and Argus. “Council has once again been criticised over the £420,000 it pays each year to rent space for City Library, with campaigners saying a better deal could safeguard the District’s libraries for years to come. And one Councillor called for Council bosses to hold an ‘urgent review’ of the facility’s costs.” … “The £420,000 annual rent had been a huge strain on the library budget, but last year the Council revealed that the lease costs had been moved to other Council budget pots, and would no longer weigh down the stretched library budget.”
• Caerphilly – Caerphilly libraries providing free sanitary products – South Wales Argus. “As part of their period dignity initiative, Caerphilly County Borough Council has made packs containing sanitary products available for free at all 18 of its libraries across the borough.”
• Cornwall – Free festive craft bags from Cornwall Council – The Packet. “Cornwall Council’s libraries team want to make sure that younger people don’t miss out this Christmas and are encouraging families to get creative at home. They have produced more than 600 festive craft bags that will be available from local libraries, as well as the council’s two mobile library vans.”
• Croydon – ‘What’s a library mummy?’ – South Norwood campaigners fear kids could grow up not knowing – My London. “Dozens of families came out to support their local library in South Norwood amid fears council cuts could see it closed for good.” … “More than 100 protestors gathered outside Pump House on Saturday, December 5. Libby Hamilton, whose petition to save the library has gained 2,600 signatures, said: “There was one little kid holding a sign saying ‘what’s a library mummy?’ – we really want our children to know what a library is and appreciate it.””
  • Campaigners fight to save Croydon libraries from cuts – Sutton and Croydson Guardian. “Campaigners in Croydon are fighting to save the borough’s libraries from closing after the declaration of a Section 114 notice and “effective” bankruptcy from the council has placed them under serious threat.”
  • Dozens of families come out in support of five Croydon libraries threatened with closure – London News Online. “Children’s author Laura Henry, creator of Jo Jo and Gran Gran on CBeebies, attended the protest. Afterwards, she tweeted: “I lived in South Norwood for 10 years. My sons and I practically lived in this library. “Libraries are the heart of a community and books and reading are super important.””
  • Five Croydon libraries under threat… again! – Library Campaign. “The campaigns for individual libraries combined forces as Save Croydon Libraries campaign to fight the cuts more effectively in the past, and are already networking again. Friends of South Norwood Library has joined with Save Sanderstead Library campaign and there are plans for a campaign for Shirley library too”
  • Save Croydon Libraries Campaign – SOS Library. Petition. “All these libraries merit saving. Some serve deprived or elderly communities. Some give easy access and offer parking as well as being on good transport links. They provide activities for the community, from birth onwards. We have fought to save our libraries before and we need to keep up the fight! Please sign and join the campaign!”
  • Save South Norwood Library – Friends of South Norwood Library. “Croydon Council has said it could soon close South Norwood Library. In a bid to solve a £67 million gap in the budget, the council is making huge cuts across the council and is considering closing five local libraries. This means our current library would be shut down, and our new library would close before it has even opened.”

• Flintshire – Aura Libraries Flintshire: best books of 2020 ranked – The Leader.
• Glasgow – Knightswood library to open to residents next year – Clydebank Post. “Glasgow Life has announced plans to reopen 12 libraries across the city as part of a phased approach to bringing community facilities back into use.”
  • Glasgow Life reveals festive opening hours for all venues – Glasgow Evening Times. “Alongside museums and sports facilities, 11 Glasgow Libraries have re-opened and are operating reduced opening hours.”
• Leicestershire – Library facility could be brought back to village as parish council venture – Leicester Mercury. Council library closed in 2016, volunteer library possibility if funding found.
• Northamptonshire – Christmas not shelved as Father Christmas pops into Earls Barton library – Northampton Chronicle. “Volunteers at Earls Barton Library and Community Centre were delighted that St Nick will take time out of his busy schedule to meet visitors to the Broad Street hub. Cally Palôt-Watts, secretary of Earls Barton Library and Community Centre, said: “In an effort to bring some joy to a, potentially, very lacklustre Christmas in our village, we hosted a visit from Father Christmas on December 13 and [will host another] again on this Sunday, December 20.”
• North Yorkshire – Free Christmas goody bag scheme at North Yorkshire libraries – Gazette and Herald. “North Yorkshire libraries are inviting children aged four to 11 to read four books or borrow a “book bundle” from their local library. In turn, they can collect a free goody bag including stickers and activities, and there’s also a special treat for pre-schoolers in participating libraries.”
  • Support stepped up over Christmas for North Yorkshire residents – Planet Radio. “Libraries are closed between Christmas and New Year. “
• Pembrokeshire – Pembrokeshire library reservations service expanded – Western Telegraph. “Customers can place up to two reservations for books and audiobooks, which are available and in stock at libraries”
• Powys – Elias twins relish reading to win Builth book prize – County Times. ” “We wish to thank the Friends of the Library for donating the £5 book tokens to be spent at Verzon Books in Llandrindod Wells.””
• Rochdale – Rochdale Digital Tech Library goes from strength to strength – Rochdale Online. “The next phase, with support from Public Health and Rochdale Borough Housing funding, is to upscale the Digital Tech Library. By working in partnership with Rochdale Council’s library service, the consortium will be able to expand its offer to reach more people. This includes having some digital devices for loan in the libraries that are currently open across the borough, which will enable people to access free wi-fi and support to get online.”
• South Lanarkshire – Library services reopened in South Lanarkshire – Carluke Gazette. “Libraries across South Lanarkshire have reopened after the area moved from Level 4 of the Covid-19 restrictions to Level 3 on Friday”

“I would like to start by paying tribute to all librarians and other staff working in the public library services across our nation, and of course in my constituency of Stockport. Research tells us that public libraries are a vital part of our social infrastructure. They empower and equalise our communities. They strengthen communities, improve digital inclusion, and help with everything from physical and mental health to cultural engagement, literacy, diversity, inclusion, and of course education. I am incredibly proud of the library staff in my borough of Stockport. They do an important job and are a key part of our community. The Central Library in the heart of my constituency is grade 2 listed, internally and externally, and is one of the original Carnegie-funded libraries, built in 1913. My town has a beautiful heritage and iconic buildings, from the Victorian viaduct, to the Central Library, to the outstanding Underbanks.

Sadly, a combination of covid and years of central Government underfunding have forced many local authorities to close public libraries and reduce the offer available to communities. Of course, public health must come first and foremost, but we must recognise the positive impact that public libraries make on the wellbeing of our constituents. It is evident that we need a fair financial settlement from the Government so that local authorities can continue to support libraries and all public services. I welcome the statement made earlier in the Chamber, but, as ever, the devil is in the detail, and we need to make sure that the funding is made available to all councils rather than to specific shires. I have a record of campaigning against Government austerity policies over the past decade, and this terrible pandemic has highlighted the need to support our local authorities properly.”

Stockport – Navendu Mishra MP

• Stoke on Trent – Christmas gifts and online festive fun at museums and libraries – Stoke on Trent Council. “Stoke-on-Trent’s libraries are running their click, call and collect service. As part of this, the libraries are also creating Christmas book bundles for children – with a range of festive options available for families to borrow. Librarians are also putting on a series of online activities for children and families to help everyone get in the festive spirit, including Christmas story times, craft sessions and sing-along events. These will all be available via Stoke-on-Trent Libraries’ Facebook page …”
• Tower Hamlets – Help shape the future of Tower Hamlets’ library service – Let’s Talk Tower Hamlets. “Until now, Tower Hamlets has kept all its libraries and Idea Stores open in the face of continued government cuts which have seen 778 libraries close nationally since austerity was introduced a decade ago. Continued government changes to council funding and the Covid-19 crisis mean the council has to save £30m by 2024. This is on top of £200m already saved since 2010. You can find out more in our budget consultation. To do this, savings have to be made across the council including reducing the cost of the library service, which is £4.4 million a year. The savings proposed will deliver savings of £1.6 million.”
• Worcestershire – There’s plenty to see and do at Worcestershire libraries this Christmas – Redditch Standard. Free poems: “Libraries in Redditch, Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Worcester are hoping visitors will use the service to reconnect with old friends or to simply let someone know they’re loved.”

Editor

The leader of Walsall Council, who has kept all his libraries closed, is arguing that because no-one is using them any more they’re not needed. Presumably, he’ll go on to close all the schools and, shockingly, find they’re not used any more and make the obvious budget-saving decision there. Or he could shut himself away for a few months. Seriously though, this was a fear that the library sector has had since the first lockdown happened – that cash-strapped councils will notice that the world does not end when libraries close. Of course, that ignores all those people whose quality of life and opportunities are damaged, but if you can make a statement like “I’m a firm believer that if we haven’t used something for the past four or five months, do we really need it?” with a straight face or no headaches then I’m sure such a loss would cause you no sleepless nights. Or painful thinking.

That time of year – December – has come when CIPFA releases figures for library usage and budgets from April the previous year to March. That always felt like awesomely delayed reporting in normal years but, now in 2020, the report reads like a chronicle from past times. As a historical document, it’s very interesting, with the lowest number of library closures I can remember for example, but really it’s a pointless exercise. Other than proving, of course, that the way library data is collated and published needs serious revision. If you want to see the data, provided free to CIPFA by local services who want to give it, the statistical agency will be happy to sell it you at a ridiculously high, indeed prohibitive, price. If you do that, let me know. I have a bridge in London you may want to buy. After all, I’ll only need to barricade it off for four or five months and no-one will be using it.

Changes by local authority

• Buckinghamshire – Marlow Library refurbished.
• Cheshire West and Chester – Fines no longer charged for Under 13s.
• Cumbria –  Kendal Library being refurbished
• Nottingham – Sherwood Library to be rebuilt, in property deal
• Tower Hamlets – Potential £1.6m out of £4m cut (£1m cut previously reported)

National news

• Caroline Dinenage, Libraries Minister’s speech at the Libraries Connected Day Seminar – Libraries Connected. ” I have been impressed by the positive and quick reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic by the sector …  it has been moving to hear about the amazing work you have done … My department has been a strong advocate for libraries during COVID and has secured some notable exceptions for library services to the restrictions that have been imposed …  I will work across local and central government to continue to encourage a ‘libraries first’ approach … we must build robust, systematic, and consistent data and evidence”
• COVID-19 and Communities Listening Project: A Shared Response – Carnegie UK Trust. Includes several mentions of libraries.
• CWA Dagger In the Library – Crime Writers Association. “The CWA Dagger in the Library is an award for which librarians nominate an author. The Dagger in the Library is a prize for a body of work by a crime writer that users of libraries particularly admire. Only librarians can nominate authors for the award. It is one of the most prestigious crime writing awards in the UK”

• Libraries in the pandemic: Evolving services to meet local need – Libraries Connected. “A summary of findings from our recent Libraries in Lockdown report as well as new evidence from other organisations to demonstrate the difference that libraries made to their communities during this crisis.”
• Local Cultural Education Partnerships and Libraries: A partnership webinar – Libraries Connected. Thursday 10 December, 1.30pm.
• Service recovery toolkit – December 2020 Word – Libraries Connected. “This Service Recovery Toolkit has been prepared in consultation with Public Health England (PHE) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Updated 02.12.20”

CIPFA

• Library spending fell by £20m in 2019/20 amid warnings of further cuts – Bookseller. “Data released by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) following a survey of local authorities showed spending fell 2.6% from £744.8m in 2018/19 to £725m in 2019/20.” … “It also showed the number of mobile and static libraries fell slightly to 3,667 from 3,685 in 2018/19” … “total paid staff falling 2.4% from 15,300 to 14,925 year-on-year. In the same period, the number of volunteers reduced by 2.6% from 51,478 to 50,128 but their total hours worked increased by 1.4%.”
• UK’s public libraries record another year of cuts, with yet more on the way – Guardian. “Falls in funding were matched by drops in borrowing, with budgets for next year set to fall by an average of 14%” … ” total funding for libraries in Britain down by nearly £20m in the year to March” … ” the number of books borrowed from libraries in the year to March 2020 – before the pandemic closed branches – fell by almost 9m year on year, to 166m. ” … “The number of borrowers was also down, the Cipfa figures revealed, to 7.3m from 7.5m the previous years, while the number of branches still open was 3,667, down by 18 from the previous year. “

“GLL libraries together serve a population of 2,032,700 people. The recently published CIPFA figures for 2019-2020 show that in total, GLL libraries issued 3,042 books per 1,000 population, 20% above the English average of 2,535 books per 1,000 population.

Wandsworth Libraries issued more books than any other London authority during 2019-20. The service issued 1,383,740 books, and was 1st in London for the 3rd year in a row. Bromley Libraries moved into 2nd place in London, issuing 1,295,592 books. And book issues in Greenwich Libraries increased to 864,046 books (7th highest in London): we were delighted with this, as Greenwich Libraries were 29th in the London rankings in 2012 when GLL took over the management of the library service on behalf of the Council.

Out of London, the picture is good, too, with Dudley issuing 850,728 books (the highest recorded figure in the West Midlands authority. Lincolnshire Libraries made progress with book issues, too and is in the top 20 counties for the first time.”

GLL press release

International news

• Bangladesh – Innovations and Adaptability in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Library and Information Science (LIS) Professionals in Bangladesh – IFLA.
• Global – The most stunning bookshops and libraries around the world – Metro. “From super modern design in Germany to JK Rowling’s real-life inspo for Hogwarts, we’ve rounded up some of the most awe-inspiring bookshops from across the globe”. Includes The Library of Birmingham.
• USA – Public Libraries Can Help Companies Survive The Coronavirus Crisis – Forbes.
  • Amazon Publishing in Talks to Offer E-books to Public Libraries – Publishers Weekly. “The potential deal would be a breakthrough moment in the library e-book market as Amazon currently does not make its digital content available to libraries. It would also be a major coup for the Digital Public Library of America’s upstart e-book platform and its SimplyE library reading app”
  • Can a Patron Who Gets Sick Sue the Library? – American Libraries.

Local news by authority

• Aberdeenshire – Aberdeenshire sports facilities and libraries to close over Christmas and New Year – Grampian Online. “Sports facilities and libraries across Aberdeenshire will close from 2pm on Christmas eve, reopening on January 5.”
• Blackpool – These are the Tier 3 Blackpool Council services changes you need to know about – Gazette. Some libraries limited to essential IT use only.
• Buckinghamshire – Buckinghamshire libraries set to welcome back customers – Advertiser. “Book borrowing, computer hire, printing and information services will be available”
• Marlow Library ‘transformed’ after extensive makeover – Maidenhead Advertiser. “Marlow Library has ‘transformed’ into a ‘modern and attractive’ space as it prepares to reopen to the public after lockdown this week. Following months of work to remodel and refurbish the building, the library, in Institute Road, will welcome people back on Saturday. The new library boasts improved computer facilities, a new meeting room, self-service technology and loanable tablets. There is also a bigger children’s space with bold colours, comfortable seating and bean bags. The children’s space also features a new sensory wall, an ‘oasis’ where children can indulge in study times while enjoying inspirational surroundings.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – West Cheshire libraries set to reopen – The Standard. “Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed that libraries will operate on temporarily reduced opening hours – apart from Chester Library at Storyhouse – for browsing and computer access. There will also be a temporary replacement mobile library service for Malpas, Tarporley, Tarvin and Tattenhall.” … “Libraries will also be fine-free for under 13s from that date. Children aged 0-12 years will no longer be charged for any overdue items and any pre-existing late charges will be removed from their accounts.”
  • Go Online for Festive Library Cheer – About My Area. “Every day at 4pm, a new door is opened on The Great Christmas Countdown advent calendar. In addition, each day will reveal craft ideas, cookery demonstrations, books suggestions, Christmas rhymetimes and songs. There will also be two special storytime sessions with guests Father Christmas and Mrs Claus who will be reading very special stories.”
• Croydon – Save South Norwood Library – Change.org. “South Norwood has double the average number of people who identify as Black/African/Caribbean/Black British compared to the average in Croydon. That means the closure of this library disadvantages black lives.”
  • Save Croydon libraries – Change.org. “Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead, Shirley and South Norwood libraries are under threat again”
• Cumbria – Kendal Library refurbishment plans to get underway in January – Cumbria Crack. “In addition to redecorating the library, new dedicated teaching spaces will be created for community learning and skills courses, improving the library’s ability to support community groups and activities whilst maintaining an excellent collection of books and other resources for the community to access.”
• Dorset – Dorset Council libraries to reopen with different hours – Daily Echo.
• Durham – Will County Durham swimming pools, libraries, parks and markets reopen in Tier 3? – Chronicle. “No, libraries will remain closed for browsing but the pick and collect service will continue to operate. Library members from across the county can borrow books using the service, with collection points located at branches in Barnard Castle, Consett, Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Crook, Peterlee, Clayport in Durham City, Chester-le-Street, Spennymoor, Seaham and Stanley.”
• East Riding – Here is the latest Tier 3 restrictions information covering East Riding Museums and East Riding Libraries – Bridlington Free Press. “East Riding Libraries and Customer Service Centres: East Riding Libraries will continue to offer their ‘Order and Collect’ service – customers can either phone their library or order books online at library.eastriding.gov.uk, and then collect from their specified East Riding Library once available.”
• Edinburgh – Edinburgh Libraries – four more to reopen in December – Edinburgh Reporter. “Craigmillar, Drumbrae, Gilmerton and Wester Hailes … There are already six libraries which have been open since 6 October 2020 at Central, Fountainbridge, Kirkliston, McDonald Road, Newington and Stockbridge.”
• Lincolnshire – Grantham library operating a click and collect service in tier 3 – Grantham Journal. Click and collect, computer use only.
• Manchester – O2 to help Manchester’s most vulnerable with local device donation drive – Web Wire. “Manchester libraries will act as drop-off venues, so please bring your old unwanted working phone there.”

• North Yorkshire – Libraries reopening in North Yorkshire but advice is to ‘check before you visit’ – Keighley News. ““We have made a lot of changes to the way we work, with the safety of customers, staff and volunteers our main priority.”
• Nottingham – Nottingham firm wins race to develop Sherwood mixed-use scheme – Business Desk. “In exchange for the value of the land, a new library will be provided, which will be more energy efficient and economical to run. The arrangement means that the council will lease back the library on a long-term lease, but retain ownership of the new car park.”
• Reading – Tilehurst Library reopening next week – Reading Chronicle.
• Rutland – Library services in Lincolnshire and Rutland resume – Stamford Mercury. “Oakham Library will return to its pre-lockdown operating hours, opening on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9.30am to 2pm and Saturday from 9.30am to 1pm. However branch libraries in Uppingham, Ketton and Ryhall as well as Rutland County Museum and Oakham Castle will all remain closed, subject to further changes to Covid restrictions in England”
• St Helens – Leisure centres, gyms and libraries reopen in St Helens – The Reporter.
• Sheffield – Sheffield Council says it does not have budget to save historic library building at risk of disposal – The Star. Tinsley Carnegie Library: ““The property needs a considerable amount of investment in order to bring it back into use and the council does not have a budget for undertaking that work. But if a group thinks it can find the finances to do that then we would obviously look at that.”
• Somerset – Somerset’s libraries set to re-open from Wednesday – County Gazette. ““One customer contacted us recently to say she managed to find a job as a direct result of borrowing one of the iPads we have available in selected libraries for jobseekers, so we know that libraries are providing really valued support to people in need.””
• Suffolk – Libraries: A Harbour from the Storm Built on Fragile Foundations – Pulse. From Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries. “It’s time the narrative about libraries changed before it’s too late. No community service has such a powerful reach and the genuine ability to change and shape lives. But without direct financial intervention from central government that recognises the unique ability libraries have to address some of societies biggest problems, the foundations will crumble. Their existing impact and future potential will be lost in the throes of more local authority cuts, leaving communities nakedly facing the power of the storm.”
• Surrey – Surrey Libraries Presents A Riding Lights Theatre Company Christmas Play – Surrey Libraries. An on-demand 45 minute theatre show available to view until 4 January.
  • Surrey libraries to re-open next Monday – Surrey News. Browsing, click and collect, PCs, reservations, home library service.
• Swindon – Steam museum, Swindon libraries and register office open under Tier 2 rules – Swindon Advertiser. Click and collect.
• Tower Hamlets – Threats to close Bethnal Green and Cubitt Town public libraries as council faces Covid crisis – East London Advertiser. “A people’s survey has been started over the threat of public libraries closing and cutting opening times at Tower Hamlets Ideas Stores which are faced with a quarter of their budgets being axed.” … “Savings include shrinking the £4.4m annual purse that is bookmarked for library services, town hall sources admit. That could mean £1.6m wiped from the libraries budget.”
• Walsall – Walsall libraries to stay closed as council leader launches review – Express and Star. “It operated a “ring and read” scheme from July until the lockdown started on November 5, when all services including the mobile library were suspended.”
• Warrington – Keep children busy with the winter reading challenge – Warrington Worldwide.
• West Berkshire – West Berkshire libraries to reopen under Tier 2 restrictions – Newbury Today. Browsing, PCs, mobiles.
• Wiltshire – Wiltshire libraries and history centre plan for reopening this week – White Horse News. Browsing, computers.
• Wokingham – Lower Earley Library Opens For The First Time Since March – Reading.co.uk. “Wokingham, Woodley and Lower Earley library buildings will reopen from Monday 7 December, following the end of the national lockdown and the introduction of new Tier 2 (High) restrictions. All will operate at reduced hours, enabling them to deliver an in-person library service in the safest way possible.”
• Wrexham – Wrexham Library Service: deliver your letters to Santa – The Leader. “We have been busy planning with Santa to accept your letters and forward them on to him this year. You can post them at Wrexham and Rhos libraries and collect your replies from there too. However, we have to be a bit more careful this year, so you will have to make an appointment to post and collect them. “

Editorial

This week saw the CILIP Conference which was, of course, delivered digitally for the first time ever. Having it online was remarkably painless, with an excellent system in place and a lot of very good behind-the-scenes admin work to make it all run smoothly. It felt a lot smaller than normal in turns of sessions but the verdict at the end was that it was a successful conference, although there was some disappointment that the recorded sessions would only be made available to conference attenders.

The session I spoke at was on libraries during lockdown, with two chief librarians (Kathryn Boothroyd of St Helens and Emma Noyce of Hampshire) and Isobel Hunter of Libraries Connected. All were remarkably open and honest about the pain of this year and the challenges ahead. Budget cuts are looming and small libraries are looking vulnerable, especially as so many have stayed closed so much of this year plus also users now expected an enhanced digital offer while at the same time no reduction in the physical at the same or reduced budget. But, on the other hand, it was clear how wonderfully libraries had boosted what they do online, and also in their outreach to the public, to an extent that I think no-one had a right to expect before the crisis. Nick Poole said it best…

By the way, this was the only time – so far – that two dogs (which were assisting me by demanding walks, food and hugs while I was sat on my sofa attending the conference) got a mention in the introduction to the afternoon sessions.

But, away from the joys of dog ownership and the feel-good of the conference, the dark clouds are looming, with another serious cut announced in Bexley and outbreaks of Covid being reported in two public library services. So will the pivot of libraries in 2020 be enough to stave off bad news elsewhere? Well, that’s the true test of how successful this pivot has been. Stay tuned.

Changes by local authority

• Barnet – Hendon Public Library may move into new building, with old one being converted into a business school
• Bedford – DCMS minded not to intervene in cuts.
• Bexley – £570k cut plus 28 out of 68 posts lost, opening hour cuts, increased staffless libraries. Funding withdrawn from 6 volunteer libraries. New libraries proposed for Thamesmead and Sidcup.
• Doncaster – Central Library to close and move into Danum Gallery, Library and Museum.
• Hertfordshire – St Albans Library refurbished.

National news

• A Chicago story with lessons for libraries everywhere – Guardian. “Chicago is not the first US library system to experiment with abolishing fines. But it is by far the largest. And the result, so far, has been that the libraries have got back most of their lost books, more people have started reading and more people from poorer areas now use the service. Relying on trust rather than punishment might sound utopian, but it works.”
• Councils bid for vaccine role – LocalGov. “It said civic centres, sports halls, libraries, athletic stadiums, car parks and other council-owned facilities could be brought into rapid use to help the health service.”
• Host your Zoom call ‘in Blickling Hall’ thanks to new National Trust venture – Eastern Daily Press. “Rather than having a photo of your nan behind you in a Zoom call, the National Trust has picked out Blickling Hall’s library instead. … The library is one of just six rooms from National Trust properties across the UK selected for people to use. Others include libraries at Greenway House, Devon, home of Agatha Christie, Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire and Sissinghurst Castle in Kent.”
• Libraries Connected Day Seminar – Libraries Connected. Wednesday 2 December, 11.15 to 16.30. “Libraries are an essential part of the local economic, social and cultural recovery from Coronavirus and this seminar aims to help library leaders to demonstrate the value they bring, and to advocate for their work.”
• Local Cultural Education Partnerships and Libraries: A partnership webinar – Eventbrite. Thursday 10 December 1.30pm. “In this webinar which will be opened by Dr Darren Henley OBE, we’ll be sharing great examples of partnership working and explore together how we can grow links between libraries and LCEPs across the country.”

• Marcus Rashford launches book club so every child can experience ‘escapism’ – Guardian. “The Manchester United and England footballer is working with Macmillan Children’s Books (MCB) to promote reading and literacy among children from all backgrounds, and he talked about his own lack of access to books as a child.”
• Modernise your library communications – British Library Living Knowledge Network. Wednesday 25 November, 11am. “Using examples and ideas from libraries and other cultural organisations, discover practical tips for modernising your marketing and developing a fresh tone of voice at this free webinar. Plus, learn how to effectively use video and audio to support your communications, from writing a brief to creating a finished product.”
• Service Recovery Webinar – Libraries Connected. Tuesday 23 November 1pm. “managing services in periods of restrictions, emerging from restrictions and building back, lessons learned for the future”
• TLC calls on Risha to pays what’s owed – Library Campaign. “Libraries have long been used to fill the gaps in many other public services. It is time they were funded to do it. They cannot go on making bricks without straw indefinitely. “
• Universal Library Offers Calendar 2021 – Libraries Connected. “Key dates for libraries in 2021.”
• You’re booked! Marcus Rashford puts U.K. government to shame again with ‘book club’ to promotion childhood literacy — DHT Sport News.

International news

• Australia – The Australian Libraries and Information Association and National Archives band together against disinformation – Canberra Times. “”I’d like to see a recommendation that the federal government work with the Australian Media Literacy Alliance to develop a national policy strategy, a framework and action – a call to action – for media literacy.”
  • From lockdown to Block Town: Local libraries serving Minecraft to kids – Particle. “LibraryCraft is a Minecraft server run by a group of libraries from across WA. John Geijsman, the early childhood programs officer at Fremantle Library, started a small Minecraft server for his Coder Dojo in October 2019.”
  • Thank Freak libraries reopened – Writing Sparks. “Libraries are a great equaliser in our community, throwing their doors and services open to anyone who needs them, including book-devouring country kids like me. So, this Thank Freak goes out to libraries and to the wonderful, dedicated folk who staff them. Thank-you for providing books and so much more”
• Finland – Åbok, Turku’s own Book-Tinder – Turku City Library. “Åbok (which went by the name “Book-Tinder” during processing), is an online service that helps the library’s customers find new and interesting reading and provides the opportunity to browse the shelves virtually.”
• Netherlands – The hospitable library of the future – Designing Libraries. Huis Van Eemes “The House has an important core function for the village, combining two extremes: the peaceful surroundings of the library and the dynamics of the sports and culture centre”

“The editors of Library Journal need your help identifying the emerging leaders in the library world. Movers & Shakers profiles up-and-coming, innovative, creative individuals from around the world—both great leaders and behind-the-scenes contributors—who are providing inspiration and model programs for others, including programs developed this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. From librarians and non-degreed library workers to publishers, vendors, coders, entrepreneurs, reviewers, and others who impact the library field, Movers & Shakers 2021 will celebrate those people who are moving all types of libraries ahead.”

Movers and Shakers 2021

• USA – D.C. Public Library Wants To Build Bigger Neighborhood Branches In Communities Without Easy Access – DCist. “One of the main things on the D.C. Public Library wishlist: replacing four of the smallest branch libraries — Northwest One and Rosedale in Ward 6, Deanwood in Ward 7, and Parklands-Turner, currently located in a leased storefront, in Ward 8 — with newer, bigger buildings that can offer meeting rooms, study space, greater access to technology, and spatial separation between book collections for different age groups. “

Local news by authority

• Barnet – Barnet library could become Middlesex Uni business school – Times Series. “Barnet Council wants to move Hendon Public Library in The Burroughs to a new building across the road, claiming in a report this would “significantly improve” the service.” …”the council report says moving to a new building would “facilitate the provision of a broader and enhanced library offer” and give the library “enhanced visibility”.”
  • Moving Barnet library an ‘exciting opportunity’ – Times Series. Head of libraries says ” it does not necessarily make a particularly good location for the delivery of a modern, public library service. Having a modern building gives an opportunity to design a library service for today and the future. We will have more space than the current site, and it gives us an opportunity to provide a wider range of services from that building.” [Worth looking a the councillor photo – he is wearing a bow tie and has an actual curled moustache, pointing upwards – Ed.]
• Bedford – Local inquiry into library provision in Bedford – DCMS. “The Secretary of State has considered whether to intervene by ordering an inquiry under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 (the Act) into the changes in library provision in Bedford. For the reasons set out below, the Secretary of State is currently minded not to order such an inquiry to help determine whether the agreed changes will offer a comprehensive and efficient library service.”
• Bexley – Heavy cuts planned across Bexley Council libraries – Murky Depths. “Staff will be cut from with 28 out of 68 posts being lost. The cuts would see the main library in Bexleyheath close on Sundays alongside evening closure throughout the week and self service only in the mornings.”

• Caerphilly – All Caerphilly libraries set to reopen for ‘Order & Collect – Wales 247.
• Carmarthenshire – Carmarthen Library – Designing Libraries. Refurbishment.
• Cheshire West and Chester – Northwich and Winsford libraries in click and collect scheme – Winsford and Middlewich Guardian.
  • Budding Winsford authors invited to creative writing workshops – Winsford and Middlewich Guardian. “All courses will take place online using the Zoom video calling app, and there will be a maximum of 15 free places on each course, with registration taken on a first come, first served basis.”. Shared with Liverpool.
• Cornwall – Library of All Things, Penryn launches Crowdfunder appeal – Falmouth Packet. “While regular libraries lend books, a Library of Things lends everything from tools, to kitchen equipment, camping gear and so much more. Members of the community can join for a small annual membership fee and borrow items.”
• Cumbria – Town library is ready to open its doors again – Town and Star. Click and collect, PC bookings.
• Doncaster – Doncaster Central Library to close its doors after 51 years later this month – Doncaster Free Press. “The library, in Waterdale, will close on November 27 to allow staff to transfer books over to the new Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, which is due to open in 2021.” … “There will be no building access to the public but it will be open for returns and collections, with customers urged to use the order and collect service to reserve books.”
• Ealing – Former libraries boss returns to Ealing cabinet in a fresh reshuffle – MyLondon. “A former libraries chief who led consultation over possible library closures has returned to the authority’s top team in a fresh reshuffle. Councillor Kamaljit Dhindsa has been appointed as business and community services lead, re-joining the cabinet after his parks and libraries role in the 2010 administration.”. Labour says ““The appointment of Cllr Dhindsa is especially worrying given when he was previously a Cabinet Member in 2011 he tried to close our libraries and unleashed the full wrath of our residents.””
• Hertfordshire – A modern and fresh Forbo outlook for St Albans Library – Specification Outlook. “The renovation of St Albans Library, Hertfordshire’s busiest library, is part of the council’s plans to gradually update all of the libraries in the county. With an improved children’s area, IT and study facilities, low-level shelving to overlook the city’s skyline, as well as the development of a new CreatorSpace, the flexible library now provides visitors of all ages the opportunity to get creative, develop new skills and borrow books. “
• Highlands – Highland Library submission included in Future Book – Strathspey Herald. “The future book will be distributed for free in Scottish libraries and has also been recorded as an audiobook which can be downloaded online.”
• Hull – Libraries staying open during Hull’s coronavirus crisis labelled ‘ridiculous’ – Hull Daily Mail. “Residents have slammed the “ridiculous” decision to keep libraries open after an alleged case of coronavirus. They claim a member of staff has tested positive for Covid-19 but the library in Bransholme remains open. Other staff members within the “small building” are said to have not been to isolate at home with library users saying “staff are almost definitely coming with a metre of each other””
• Lancashire – County council chiefs back White Ribbon Day – Champion News. “There will also be White Ribbon Day displays at the entrances of Skelmersdale, Accrington, Burnley, Chorley, Colne, Fleetwood, Lancaster, and Preston Harris Libraries. These libraries are currently open between 10am and 2pm and 2pm until 4pm, Mondays to Saturdays, for people to pick up and drop off pre-ordered books at the entrance. “
• Leeds – British Library partners with Leeds Libraries on a weekend of events exploring women’s rights and gender equality in Leeds – Yorkshire Evening Post.
  • Leeds Libraries joins with national programme to help small businesses thrive during the pandemic – Yorkshire Evening Post. “Reset. Restart is open to all owners of small and medium sized UK businesses and offers practical, jargon-free training and advice through a free, tailored national programme delivered by the British Library, with localised support available from BIPC Leeds, part of Leeds Libraries.”
• Moray – Elgin Library to reopen next week – Northern Scot. “The reopening is being piloted in Elgin and, if there’s a successful response and all safety procedures are operating as expected, Moray Council will look to reopen Buckie, Forres and Keith libraries in the same way in December. Others are expected to open for browsing and PC use during January. Customers won’t have to book an appointment to browse or borrow books when Elgin Library reopens on Monday, November 23, but to ensure safety, they are being asked to keep their visits to no longer than 20 minutes, as numbers inside the library will be capped.”
• North Yorkshire – Libraries in Harrogate and Knaresborough temporarily closed after Covid-19 outbreak among staff – Harrogate Advertiser. “A coronavirus outbreak has forced the closure of libraries in Harrogate and Knaresborough.”
  • Salt of the Earth: Meet Sarah Jacques who volunteers at Ripon Library – Harrogate Advertiser.
• Pembrokeshire – New Neyland library to offer order and collect service – Pembroke Today. “From last Friday (November 13), the library has begun accepting orders for the service, which is already available at libraries in Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Narberth, Newport, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Saundersfoot and Tenby.”
• Perthshire – Major cash boost for Scotland’s oldest public lending library – Daily Record. Innerpeffray “The library, situated between Crieff and Auchterarder and dating back to 1680, is to receive £36,425 from Museums Galleries Scotland’s Recovery and Resilience Fund”
• Portsmouth – Cosham library in Portsmouth to shut for repairs until next spring – The News. “Cosham Library will shut its doors on Monday and is not expected to reopen until April after roof repairs, redecoration, electrical work and layout improvements have taken place. It is one of only a handful of city council libraries that was open during this lockdown.”
• Sheffield – Sheffield library continues to provide access to key services during second lockdown – The Star. Volunteer library “Although currently shut for browsing, the lobby at Jordanthorpe Library is open for people using the order and collect service while the book delivery service, which was initially introduced in April to reach elderly customers who were in need of a novel but unable to leave their homes, is also running.”
• Torfaen – Libraries in Cwmbran, Pontypool and Blaenavon reopen next week – Free Press. Limited browsing and returns, PC booking.
• Wiltshire – Malmesbury Library continuing to support residents despite restrictions – Standard.