Ian Anstice

Editorial

There have been many different new types of library governance since austerity began in 2010. We’ve seen Leisure Trusts taking over (a mixed picture), private companies (failure), local charities/parish councils taking them over and volunteers (at least 621 and rising, proving surprisingly resilient). A different type of Trust, though, has had – at least from my inexpert eye – been entirely successful. This is the Library-only Trust (Devon’s “Libraries Unlimited”, Suffolk Libraries and “York Explore”) which apparently have been able to combine providing traditional library services with a great deal of innovation, fund-raising, and an ability to stand up for themselves against councils keen on budget cuts. Not having to go through council publicity departments, whose eyes are often elsewhere, they are also very good at raising public awareness.

There are downsides to them of course but then there are – sometimes in spades – with council-run services. Just this week, if you don’t believe me, look at the poor library staff at Dorset, where many are losing their jobs at the moment while the council is trying to downplay the whole thing. Or in Birmingham, with a huge number of libraries are at risk. Or in Buckinghamshire which is looking to get rid of nearly a third of its staff and replace them with (checks notes) automatic doors and keypads. Such cuts have not happened in the Library Trust Three yet. I trust they will at least put up a fight, like York did, if such things are mooted. So, why are there not more? Well, it takes quite a different type of management skill to run one and a council will to give up control. A lack of trust, if you will.

Let me know your views by emailing ianlibrarian at live.co.uk.

Changes by local authority

• Buckinghamshire – £555k cut – 25 to 30% cut in staff but staff-less opening will increase hours by 50% or more.
• Bury – Radcliffe Library to be closed before move into new “civic hub” in 2027: no temporary home found for it as yet.
• Glasgow – £4m refurbishment Elder Park Library reopens.
• Highland – Ten mobile libraries reduced to seven, of which five are standard Transit vans.
• South Lanarkshire – 7 threatened libraries reduced to 5 – Halfway, Cambuslang, Greenhills (East Kilbride), Blantyre and Hillhouse (Hamilton). Cambuslang will stay open for 2 years.
• Staffordshire – Eccleshall Library now run by parish council, was run by Rotary since 2019.

National news

• Coelho and Becker on their Yoto Carnegie wins – BookSeller. “Coelho’s relationship with libraries goes all the way back to when he was a child himself, visiting the library to discover new books, study for his exams and meet up with friends. He also got his first Saturday job at his local library, and worked at The British Library when he was studying at university. As a writer, Coelho is constantly visiting libraries for festivals and events, most recently as part of the Library Marathon—one of his laureate tenure projects—through which he sought to encourage people to visit their local branch.”
• Our message to the next government – Libraries Connected. “But public libraries cannot function effectively without adequate funding. This is why we are calling for fundamental reform of local government financing from the incoming UK government. Fair and sustainable local authority funding will enable libraries to fulfil their manifold roles: inspiring lifelong learning, supporting health and wellbeing and enriching our economic and cultural life.”

International news

• Collection of Library case studies – ADELE. “As part of the ADELE project, we collected 100 case studies of digital innovation in public libraries. These best practices have been compiled and made public with the aim to initiate the integration of technology into non-formal education activities within public libraries. ” Excellent list of innovation across Europe, neatly categorised and presented. See also here.
• Canada – Canadian libraries more inclusive than those in the U.S. – Standard Freeholder. Canadian librarians looks worriedly south while extolling diversity in Canadian libraries.
• Ireland – Exciting New Libraries Promotional Campaign Features Interactive QR Code Illustration – Dublin City Council. “a specially commissioned illustration that doubles as an interactive QR code. This creative initiative invites the public to explore and enjoy the vast digital resources offered by Dublin City Libraries, completely free of charge. ” … ” Embedded within it are clues to the titles of 100 books”

• President Higgins condemns “censorship” attempts by far-right groups targeting libraries – Gen. ” those who intimidate library staff and destroy books “hide behind the mask of ‘protester’, but must be called out for what they are: vigilantes attempting to censor, some of whom are committing criminal offences”.” … “In one instance last year, the Cork City library had to close for one day to protect library staff and patrons after a small group of far-right nationalists blocked the entrance with a banner.”

• New Zealand – Libraries cut hours as councils face double-digit rates hikes – RNZ. “”As a result of, in many cases, double-digit rate increases being considered by councils, lots of services provided by the councils are under duress”
• USA – LGBTQ+ librarians grapple with attacks on books – and on themselves – Independent. Librarians being physically attacked and having to cope with censorship. “When we see attacks on those books, we have to understand that those are attacks on those kinds of people as well”. Pro-censorship “Moms for Liberty” argues they are not anti-LGBTQ but rather anti-sexually implicit. Louisiana requires parents to agree to if their children can read certain kinds of books. Staff “frequently misgendered” deliberately.
  • How one county is reimagining libraries, from teaching kitchens to woodworking shops – CBS. “The Richard library has its own teaching kitchen, where patrons can learn about culinary techniques. It also comes with a fully equipped woodworking shop, a seed library and a “library of things,” with shelves filled with items like instruments, games and toys.”
  • Huntington Beach library privatization bidder withdraws proposal – Orange County Register. LS&S withdraws bid so privatisation postponed.

• The Week in Libraries: June 21, 2024 – Publishers Weekly. “Targeting books in public schools and libraries is purposeful. Create a frenzy over lies and disinformation about the content in libraries and classrooms, then profit by claiming students are being indoctrinated”

Local news by authority

• Barnsley – Barnsley Libraries announces new creative commissions to increase cultural access and engagement across the borough – Barnsley Council. ACE funds mean new mural, ceramicist, dance, artists for green issues and Black History Month and an “artistic” project in Royston.
• Birmingham – Community libraries face reduced opening hours from next month – B31. “Birmingham Community Libraries are currently in a transitional period as we consult on the new libraries model amalgamating with the Neighbourhood Advice service.” Reduction in hours due to fewer staff.

• Bolton – Maxine Peake says libraries are more than just for borrowing books after refurb – Bolton News. “And if they’re trying to cut everything here, it is because they are scared working people will educate themselves. “Because libraries teach us to ask questions, and to explore, so we should be teaching people this.” Maxine called libraries a “safe haven” for people in Bolton.”
• Bradford – City library reopens after ‘nature’ revamp – BBC. “Manningham Library in Bradford was one of just six in the country to get funding from Natural England for its Culture Nature project, which aimed to turn libraries into “thriving hubs for nature enthusiasts”.” … “Large graphics showing local green areas and parkland have been put up at the library, as well as details of how visitors can best access them. Other improvements included a children’s sensory space, ceiling repairs and meeting equipment, Bradford Council’s library service said.”

• Buckinghamshire – Taylor Wimpey unveils new outdoor libraries to enhance reading skills – Bucks Herald. “Celebrating literacy in the local community, the new libraries, which are currently being installed at Aston Reach, Franklin Park, Coopers Grange, The Heath, The Vale, and Stortford Fields, will offer residents a diverse range of books suitable for all ages, and will give them chance to discover new and old stories.”

• Bucks Council to replace librarians with self-service machines in cost-cutting measure – Bucks Herald. £555k cut. “The savings plan – dubbed ‘library flex’ – will be introduced at eight county libraries: Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Chesham, Hazlemere, Marlow and Princes Risborough.” … “The council claims that this will allow it to cut staff hours by 25-30 per cent, while increasing public access by 50 per cent or more. At High Wycombe Library, services will now only be delivered from one floor in a bid to reduce staffing, while at Burnham, the council will try to increase volunteer numbers to save money.”

• Bury – No site found for temporary library in Radcliffe amid redevelopment – Bury Times. “The present library is to be converted into a £1.7m Enterprise Centre with work set to start in September.”. Radcliffe Library will move into new “civic hub” in two years time.
• Ceredigion – Cuts may force libraries away from town centres – BBC. “Ceredigion council is considering relocating Aberaeron and Lampeter libraries, which it said would save £70,000 out of a total budget reduction target of £5.8m.”
• Conwy – The library bans issued in Conwy since 2021 – and why – North Wales Pioneer. 15 bans: antisocial behaviour, abuse towards staff, inappropriate behaviour, damage to property.
• Cumberland – People banned from Cumberland libraries for abuse and indecent images – Times and Star. 11 bans since start of 2021. Antisocial behaviour, abusive, viewing inappropriate images, misuse of computers. No new bans in 2024.
• Dorset – Dorset library staff leaving amid changes to service – Dorset Echo. “The council says it is unaware of any job losses at this stage, but the Local Democracy Reporting Service has information which suggests that at least twenty mainly experienced, staff are to leave the service in the coming weeks.” … “New staff being employed from now on will have different job descriptions to existing staff to encompass a wider work role on pay grades between £23,893 and £25,119 for full-time posts, pro-rata for part-time positions.”. New “Library customer advisors” will also answer council enquiries.

“As many of you know we will shortly be losing 5 skilled and experienced staff due to redundancies. I would like to thank Jo (Library Manager) Liz (Library Assistant) Penny (Library Assistant) Andrea (relief librarian) and Julia ( relief librarian). Between them they have clocked up nearly 60 years working at Swanage Library, it will be very sad loss to the library and the community.”

Dorset – Swanage Library Friends.

• Falkirk – In pictures: Libraries are for Everyone fun day in Larbert – Falkirk Herald. “As well as launching this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, there were activities for all ages in the Hallam Road venue. Youngsters were able to enjoy Bookbug sessions, Storytimes, coding workshops, retro gaming and Lego, while the crafts for adults and children proved popular. The free event also included a cartoon workshop and teen book group.”
• Glasgow – Historic library to reopen after £4m restoration of listed building – STV. “A historic A-listed Glasgow library and community hub is due to reopen following a £4m restoration project.” … “The upgrades include a full interior and exterior refurbishment which provides improved library and community spaces, a new community kitchen and more bookable areas for people to use.”
• Gwynedd – The library bans issued in Gwynedd since 2022 – and why – North Wales Chronicle. 5 bans: computer misuse, antisocial behaviour, intimidation.
• Highland – Fears of ‘death’ of mobile libraries as yellow vans disappear in Highlands – Scotsman. ” a fleet of 10 yellow mobile libraries – plus a spare – has now been reduced to seven vans. Of these, five are standard Transits, which are now packed with crates, carry fewer books and have to be loaded and unloaded.”
• Kirklees – Kirklees Libraries Win Award for Supporting Isolated Residents with their English Language Skills – Kirklees Local TV. “Kirklees Librarians Ambreen Aziz, Becky Longwood, and Mazhar Iqbal have won the Libraries Connected Reading Award which recognises their work in running weekly English Talk sessions for Kirklees residents.”
• Lincolnshire – Final chapter for library in working phone box – BBC. “a notice from BT, posted on the phone box on Monday, requested the literature be removed. The notice praised the “creative” efforts of those behind the scheme, but said that the payphone was still in use.”
• Norfolk – Norwich man banned from libraries and shops in Norfolk – Eastern Daily Press. ” items such as alcohol, wire cutters, cash and two charity boxes were stolen from shops and libraries in Norwich, Gorleston and Dereham.”
• North Ayrshire – Three Towns: Petition launched to oppose library cuts – Ardrossan Herald. “The appeal is being made by Three Towns locals Catherine-Anne Tierney and Linda Cameron, who form part of a group of around ten mothers who use the library resources on a daily and weekly basis.” … “A Herald source has claimed that proposals rubber-stamped at the authority’s budget meeting in February will see the vital service slashed.”
• North Northamptonshire – Progress made on Kettering Library roof project – North Northamptonshire Council.
• Nottingham – Two Nottingham buildings win at RICS East Midlands regional awards – West Bridgford Wire. “Nottingham Central Library won both the Community Benefit Project category and Public Sector Project category.”
• Nottinghamshire – Life changing Notts libraries – Mansfield 103. Libraries Changing Lives campaign. Promotional copy from Inspire.
• Oldham – Konnie Huq celebrates libraries and literature in Oldham – Oldham Times. ” “I think it’s really important, especially in current times, that libraries are supported and continue to flourish and continue to be a place where people feel that they’re welcome.” … “She said she believes reading and visiting libraries are crucial for young people in today’s day and age.”
• Renfrewshire – Free activities and prizes in Renfrewshire’s libraries – Gazette. “The libraries also reward young readers with incentives such as free swim passes for OneRen swimming pools and cinema tickets, sponsored by Consilium Contracting Services, for one winner in each library.”
• South Lanarkshire – Campaigners fighting to save Lanarkshire libraries welcome ‘phenomenal’ news that services will remain – Daily Record. “Campaigners who handed a petition with 8500 signatures over to council leader Joe Fagan on Tuesday have welcomed the news that Cambuslang Library will remain open for the next two years .” … “nitially seven libraries were at risk but that number was reduced to five – those in Halfway, Cambuslang, Greenhills (East Kilbride), Blantyre and Hillhouse (Hamilton). It was then revealed then that those affected would be kept open for three months using money from the council’s £1 million “Community Fightback Fund”, while options were explored to reprovision some activities in alternative venues.”
• Staffordshire – New chapter for successful community library – Staffordshire Newsroom. “Eccleshall Parish Council has agreed to run the market town’s popular library from August as part of a five-year arrangement with Staffordshire County Council” … “The library has been managed by Eccleshall Mercia Rotary Club since 2019 and Catherine Mann thanked the Rotarians and local volunteers for their excellent work.”
  • Library to temporarily close for revamp – BBC. “Staffordshire County Council said the project would see the ground floor of the building repurposed into a “vibrant, multi-purpose, accessible and inclusive space”. The £1.3m scheme will also create a mini-theatre and an area for children”
• Stoke on Trent – BBC’s The One Show meets Tunstall Library user Sharon who’s learning to read for first time – Stoke on Trent Live. “The library featured in the latest episode of The One Show which was shining a light on the work of Read Easy North Staffs. The charity pairs people who struggle to read with their own personal trained coach. They then meet twice a week for short sessions at local venues such as libraries and community centres.”

• Suffolk – Chantry Library launches children’s story competition to remember a much-loved staff member – Suffolk Libraries. “‘Sally’s Stories’ is a children’s story writing competition being launched to encourage local children to use their imagination and creativity to come up with their own story.”
  • Introducing Move It – Suffolk Libraries. “The equipment you can borrow includes: 4kg and 6kg kettlebells, a dumbbell set, resistance bands, mini pedals, wobble cushion, weighted hula hoop, rounders set and football and cones. Other items such as swing ball, skipping ropes and yoga mats are also available from a previous initiative.”
    • New pop-up library launched in Beck Row, Suffolk – East Anglian Daily Times. “Finance for this new project comes from Section 106 development planning money via Suffolk County Council.” … “”Suffolk Libraries Local pop-up library sessions have been a success elsewhere in the county and enable us to bring a slice of library life to local communities where there is not an existing library branch.”
    • What happens in the library? Please help us to pass the message on – Suffolk Libraries. “Creative workshops for young people, lively singing and storytimes for toddlers, social meet-ups for adults and even free exercise sessions – it’s all going on at Suffolk Libraries! This is the message behind our new campaign to let Suffolk residents know ‘what happens in the library’. We want to get the word out to even more people so they can benefit from our many free services and activities. “
• West Dunbartonshire – Summer Reading Challenge 2023 [sic] – West Dunbarthonshire Council. Webpage about 2024 challenge has wrong date at top. Non-Reading Agency. ” The West Dunbartonshire Council primary school with the biggest improvement in completion rate from the previous year will receive a beautiful trophy, fabulous books, and a special prize for their school”. Those completing the local challenge will entered into mystery prize draw.
• Westmorland and Furness – Council responds to library shutting for The Coro events – The Mail. “The Coro has been used as a temporary library space since the building on King’s Road was closed last year due to issues with the electrics during routine statutory checks. On Friday June 7, the library was closed between 11am and 2pm due to an event taking place in the building. The library closed for four days over the May bank holiday due to Printfest taking place in the The Coro.”
• Wokingham – New library opens in former school building – BBC. “The former Old Polehampton Boys School, in Twyford, Berkshire, has been leased to the council by Polehampton Trust after sitting empty for many years. The library space has high ceilings, large windows, a specially-designed children’s area and an extension which offers an accessible entrance and additional space.”
• Worcestershire – Worcestershire libraries announce new digital skills learning programme – Evesham Observer. “Worcestershire County Council’s Library Service is excited to announce the launch of the new Learn My Way digital skills learning programme, provided by Good Things Foundation. The programme offers a variety of self-led courses which can be accessed on a mobile, tablet or computer.”

Editorial

A fair bit about censorship in the UK this week, although from a different slant to what we are used to from the USA. Over here the articles are from several generally right-wing newspapers, and whatever GB News is, complaining about the ease with which children’s books can be banned. One ban is because of the use of the word “n*****” and the classic Fungus the Bogeyman ban is due to the use of the “g******g”. Both words, to be fair, especially the n* one, that few would push for protection of. The articles are warning that we have library censorship in the UK but it’s more covert than in the USA. And of course another crucial difference is that the censorship is from what is seen as from the left-wing rather than from the right. A similar line of argument is also in an article this week from an ex-school librarian who has resigned due to not wanting to put what she considers overly woke books on the shelves for children. On the other hand, there is the anonymous and unverified source from Hampshire Libraries which says that Pride displays are not being allowed to be publicised due to one complaint. Put together, these complaints suggest that British libraries may not be entirely up the intellectual freedom fight. And that the media will be unforgiving.

Which is unfortunate, because CILIP clearly thinks this is very important. The CILIP ten pledges to the public and the incoming government which “sets out how CILIP, and the profession we represent, will keep libraries and their place in society as a trusted and essential service at the top of the new Government’s agenda”. The relative importance of various items is curious. “Access to culture” is half of the very first pledge, jammed together with the completely different “to deliver trustworthy information”. You’ll be glad to know that reading does get a mention, but at only number four as “the right to read”, again jammed together with the not-the-same-thing “and intellectual freedom”. However, there’s no mention of the word “book” or indeed even “ebook”, presumably because these are seen as the tool and not the use. As a call to arms, as you can probably tell, I think this is somewhat lacking and suggests campaigning-by-committee. But if I see a party leader, or indeed any politician of any level, waving it around then I’ll be glad to be proved wrong.

Changes by local authority

• Bromley – Library £10m repair programme 2024/5 for Southborough, Beckenham, Burnt Ash, Chislehurst, Orpington, Mottingham, Petts Wood, Penge, Hayes.

National news

“Take a short break on Saturday afternoon, 15 June, to swap notes with other library supporters and chat to a best-selling author – in London, or online. It’s TLC’s mini-conference and AGM. It’s free, and open to non-members. The venue is Victoria library, 160 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9TR. It’s close to Victoria Coach Station and a short walk from Victoria station and tube (or take a 170, 185, 211 or C10 bus). Or, of course, just put your feet up at home… Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served from 1.30pm. The meeting starts at 2pm. 

We’re delighted to have as our guest Louise Candlish, best-selling writer of psychological thrillers – now shortlisted for this year’s Dagger in the Library award from the Crime Writers’ Association (pic below.) We already know her as a supporter of libraries, who will have insightful answers to your questions. We’ll then move on to discussing your concerns, and what The Library Campaign is up to, with a short AGM, finishing at 3.30pm. (We have vacancies for trustees. If you want to know more, contact us at thelibrarycampaign@gmail.com). Please register here – if you plan to attend online you must do so to receive the link.”

Email from the Library Campaign

• Are little libraries doomed to be filled with rubbish books? An argument with myself – The Spinoff. “Why does it feel so sacrilegious to throw away a book? And do the little free libraries that dot our suburbs primarily exist to assuage our guilt? ” … “Big public libraries are more pleasant to visit, have a bigger selection of books that people actually want to read, provide heaps of services to the community. And get this: they’re also free.”
• Fungus the Bogeyman and a Jules Verne classic are among the books banned from libraries after a single complaint – LBC. “More than a dozen books have been removed after members of the public complained about their content or because librarians deemed the books offensive. They include Briggs’s Fungus the Bogeyman, McKee’s Three Monsters, Verne’s Five Weeks in a Balloon, Chris Claremont’s The Uncanny X-Men and Victor Appleton’s Tom Swift series. Louise Cooke, emeritus professor of information and knowledge management at Loughborough University, said the increasing tendency to remove anything that could offend someone is “massively” dangerous.” … “Jo Cornish, interim chief executive of CILIP, said: “Our general view as a profession is that it’s better for the reader to have access to material, not proscribed by law, than it be banned.” article also covered in multiple other titles – GB News; Daily Mail; Daily Express; Times.
• How libraries changed from local sanctuaries to antisocial behaviour hotspots – Telegraph. “Colchester Library is just one of the latest reading idylls to be affected, with incidents including fires and physical assault” Good look at library, with lots of people saying how well they use it but main focus is on the bad behaviour of kids these days.

• Incoming ministers ‘will face UK public services on brink of collapse’ – Guardian. “The IfG said it was not plausible for the victorious party on 4 July to stick to current spending plans at a time when the performance of hospitals was arguably the worst in the history of the NHS, prisons were at crisis point, and councils were shutting libraries and cutting back on waste collection and social care.”
• Libraries Connected Awards 2024 winners revealed – Libraries Connected. “he winners were chosen by an expert panel including Lesley Parr, the award-winning author of children’s historical fiction. Parr was joined by judges from organisations including Arts Council England, The Reading Agency, the Queen’s Reading Room, the Guardian Foundation and digital book platform OverDrive, creator of the Libby reading app for libraries and Sora reading app for schools, which again generously sponsored the Awards. Celebrated crime writer Ann Cleeves – creator of the Vera Stanhope, Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn series – was chosen as recipient of the inaugural Public Library Champion award.”

• New Libraries Connected President Ed Jewell sets out his agenda – Libraries Connected. “Our communities need free, well-funded, properly staffed and dynamic public libraries if they in turn are to constructively engage with the challenges ahead; be that in dealing with immediate issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, mental health and educational attainment, or developing challenges, such as the advent of AI, climate change and the changing nature and make-up of those very communities. ” … “I want to ensure our funders and key stakeholders fully appreciate the potential that properly funded public library services can achieve. That libraries are natural partners within local authorities to work with, to deliver programmes that achieve broad educational, health and cultural ambition”
• Trust Libraries: 10 Pledges for libraries to a new Government – CILIP. Pledges are (1) Information and Culture (2) inform better decisions in government (3) Warm and welcoming spaces (4) Reading and intellectual freedom (5) learning (6) imagination (7) green (8) business (9) research and innovation and (10) ethical.
• We Make Music Instrument Libraries – North Edinburgh News. “Scotland’s flagship Tinderbox Orchestra announces Live in Libraries UK & Ireland Tour to spread a campaign that gets musical instruments into public libraries so people can borrow them for free, just like borrowing a book”
• Why I quit as a school librarian Progressive activism is now considered the norm – UnHerd. “I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I decided to quit my post as an assistant librarian at a private school, but it was most probably when Andersen Press defended its decision to publish a book intended for under-sevens that contained illustrations of men in fetish gear.”

International news

• IFLA PressReader International Marketing Award Winners 2024 – IFLA. “We loved how the top campaign by Auckland Council Libraries embraced marketing with their “100 reasons to have a library card” campaign. The campaign was based on clear insight and defined audiences and objectives. Not only did this campaign deliver on its aims of recruiting new members with 61% of recent members joining directly as a result of seeing the marketing campaign – it also did a brilliant job of bringing to life the full breadth of library activities, using the community as advocates and delivering this in a fun and eye-catching way.” See 100 reasons to have a library card.
• China / Russia – Library sector seeks more cooperation to capitalize on AI influence – Global Times. “China and Russia are seeking more cooperation in facing the challenges and potential opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing to the library sector, officials and experts said at the Second China-Russia Library Forum held in Beijing.”
• Ghana – Kid author Sarah Kittoe to launch reading and writing clubs in schools across Ghana, Africa – Modern Ghana. Child author of four books gives money for libraries in Ghana and in the UK.
• Ireland – Summer Stars Reading Programme at Louth Library Service – Louth Live. “Summer Stars is a free national reading programme for children taking place in all public libraries, which encourages children to read for enjoyment during the summer. Once children sign up for Summer Stars they will receive a free Summer Star bag and activity pack. ”
  • New plan launched for Mayo library development – Mayo Live. “Improved opening hours, new libraries in Westport and Ballyhaunis, 365-day opening in Swinford and Ballina libraries, maker spaces and sensory rooms, and the recruitment of a county archivist are just a few of the big ticket items in the exciting new plan. The central focus of the plan is the promotion of reading and literacy, whether that be through class visits, the Summer Stars programme, the provision of book bags, book clubs for young and old and the hugely popular Children’s Book Festival held in October each year.”
• Nigeria – Repositioning Nigerian Public Libraries for Innovative Revenue Generation Strategies – Ayandokun and Onyemachi. Insufficient funding means libraries can no longer rely on State income for all their needs. Librarians need to be trained and allowed to look for other sources.
• Russia – ‘Russia now is like 1984’: Inside a Russian dystopian library – BBC. ““These books show our readers that the power of autocratic regimes is not forever,” Alexander explains. “That every system has its weak points and that everyone who understands the situation around them can preserve their freedom. Freedom of the brain can give freedom of life and of country.””
• USA (Censorship) – Book bans have become a powerful censorship tool in Colorado. Libraries and patrons hold the line – Rocky Mountain PBS. Interview with James LaRue. “all of a sudden, the people that said, “The national narrative is all about me,” became aware that all these books were finally showing up in the library that reflected these perspectives of previously marginalized people. And so they were like, now 97% of the collection about me is not enough, and it needs to be 100%.”
  • Seeking Sanctuary – American Libraries. “Public libraries establish themselves as book sanctuaries to counter bans”
  • Stop trying to restrict library books – Chronicle. Ohio. Under 18s need parent permission for certain books. see also New Ohio bill could restrict minors in libraries from seeing any book deemed ‘harmful’ – NBC 24 News
  • Texas library must reinstate books with ‘butts and farts,’ court says – Chron. “As more and more Texas school boards seek to censor books deemed too controversial or sexual in content, a conservative court in Texas ruled Friday that government entities, including public libraries, cannot just ban or censor books they disagree with.”. Popular picture book “I need a new butt” [UK – “bottom”] by Dawn McMillan had been banned.
  • The US librarian who sued book ban harassers: ‘I decided to fight back’ – Guardian. Louisiana librarian has published book on the fight against censorship in libraries. “Amanda Jones vividly remembers the time she received her first death threat. Hate, online bullying or photos sent to her house circling her face with red Biro like a target had been unsettling, but not uncommon. This was different.”
• USA (Other) – Deep Dive in Five with Sandra Hirsh on The Future of Libraries – SJSU News Center. “libraries and librarians who commit to innovation, stay ahead of emerging technologies, and strongly advocate their value will stand strong and tall with roots well-grounded as an essential community resource for learning, communicating, playing and working.” ”
  • Expanding Connection to Nature: The Outdoor Gear Library – Keene New Hampshire. New circulation system designed and implemented for Library of Things to ensure items kept together e.g. all the items necessary for a tent.

• FCC Adopts $200M Cybersecurity Pilot Program for Schools and Libraries – Benton Institute. Funding to provide protection to schools and libraries from hackers.
  • Looking for a book from another library? You may have a long wait. Here’s why. – Spectrum Local News. Maine. Delivery service which lost out on van contract is taking case to courts meaning who system of moving books between libraries is frozen.
  • Working for Well-Being – American Libraries. Help for the mental well-being of public library staff – therapy dogs, beekeeping, $150 lifestyle spending account. Also includes academic and other libraries.

Local news by authority

• Aberdeen – Volunteers commended during anniversary celebration – Aberdeen Council. “Volunteers who worked a combined 594 hours in libraries over the past year were honoured” … “Volunteer opportunities are available through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Saltire Awards, through work experience and for different events throughout the year”
• Angus – Centuries-old Angus archives could be moved in a near £300,000 Arbroath library move – Angus County World. “Angus Archives has been based in the Hunter Library beside the ancient Restenneth Priory on the outskirts of Forfar since 2005 and is home to documents charting eight centuries of Angus history. However, its 20-year lease expires in February and Angus Alive says it’s no longer viable for the archives to remain at Restenneth.”
• Bath and North East Somerset – Costume donations being sought for dressing up corners in libraries – Bath Echo. “Good quality, clean children’s fancy dress costumes are requested, such as princess dresses, mermaid tails, tutus and pirate, superhero, police, nurse and vet outfits. Accessories in good condition such as wings, tiaras, masks and hats will also be gratefully received.”
• Berkshire – Library set to be turned into flats – BBC. “A library that has stood for 39 years is set to be sold and converted into dozens of new flats. Reading Central Library opened in 1985, but now Reading Borough Council is seeking to sell it after it won £19.164 million from a Levelling Up Fund (LUF) grant. The funding will be used to establish a new library at the Civic Offices in Bridge Street.”
• Blackburn with Darwen – Children’s Literature Festival returns to borough for sixth year – Lancashire Telegraph. “It is organised in partnership between Blackburn with Darwen Libraries and the Children’s Literature Festivals charity, founded by local author Christina Gabbitas.”
• Blackpool – Workshops to open up world of virtual reality to Blackpool teens – Blackpool Gazette. Lottery funding.
• Bromley – Temporary library to open in Beckenham – Bromley Council. “This follows the recent temporary closure of Beckenham Library to allow for the refurbishment and repair works to be completed”
• Cambridgeshire – Cambridgeshire Libraries team wins 2024 Libraries Connected Award – Cambridgeshire Council. “Our winning team introduced two new library services to help people in the community, including Cambridgeshire-based asylum seekers, stay connected in a digital world – LendIT and the National Databank. This work also allowed them to lead a national conversation about digital inclusion and share best practice with libraries across the UK.” Lending Laptops and tablets and providing SIM cards.
• Cheshire East – Voters urged to prepare for the upcoming General Election – Cheshire East Council. “visit one of our Cheshire East libraries, where staff will be able to assist you with your online application”
  • Residents band together to fight possible Cheshire library closures – Cheshire Live. “About 120 people packed into the Civic Hall at Bollington to discuss how to fight controversial proposals to close the town’s library. Cash-strapped Cheshire East Council has refused to confirm or deny reports it is looking to close four of its libraries to cut costs.” … “The Friends of Bollington Library (FOBL) meanwhile are taking legal advice to help their fight and have said they will also be contacting the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.” see also Macclesfield MP hopefuls and 120 people attend meeting on uncertain future of Bollington Library – Macclesfield Nub.
• Dorset – Dorset’s library opening hours to change from 1 July – Dorset Council. “ased on feedback and identified community needs, we’ve updated our library opening hours. These new hours were published in July 2023 and will launch next month. We will also update our activities and events timetable to align with these new hours. The new opening hours will come into effect on 1 July 2024.” … “While some libraries may see a bigger change than others, overall, we have been able to keep almost the same number of weekly staffed hours, 630 instead of 631, across our library network.”

“All staff had to apply for their own or another job. They had to fill in a long, detailed application and then be interviewed … There are 40 (!) vacancies altogether on Dorset Council Jobs website for Libraries Customer Adviser posts, full time and part time.  The new hours are to start 1^st July – but [they’re] obviously never going to get new people in post by then are they?  Getting rid of casual staff but trying to keep them on whilst short staffed – and then not use them again … So it looks like staff decided they didn’t want to jump through the hoops of applying.”

Email received anonymously from Dorset

• Dudley – Dudley libraries to host authors at first writer’s festival – Halesowen News. “Running from June 8 to 22, the new book festival will feature crime and thriller authors Lindsey Davis, Priscilla Masters, Natalie Marlow, Caz Frear and Angela Marsons; family saga authors Annie Murray and Joanna Toye; romance writers Miranda Dickinson, Sally Jenkins and Suzan Holder and fiction writer Mike Gayle among others.”
• East Riding – Get set to go Live ‘n Loud in local libraries – Bridlington Echo. “The festival runs from Monday 22 July until Saturday 31 August and includes a varied and exciting programme – featuring live music, forensics, activities, author visits and much more. “. Funded through Arts Council England.
• Guernsey – Woman recognised for improving library accessibility – BBC. “Jackie Burgess, the community and wellbeing lead at Guille-Alles Library in Guernsey, was named first runner up in the Vision and Print Impaired People’s category at the Libraries Connected awards.” … “Mrs Burgess has been recognised for spearheading the library’s Stories on USB service, which provides blind and visually impaired islanders with free audiobooks”

“Hampshire Libraries have instructed staff not to post any pride displays on social media, and a planned pride month promotion of books for teens has been removed from Borrowbox. Staff are disappointed, but cannot speak out publicly, both because they’ve been told the pre-election period applies. if you look at Hampshire Libraries Branches social media you can see the lack of posting, and look at Borrowbox to see there are no pride bookshelves”“

Hampshire – anonymous email

• Haringey – Hornsey Library adults’ section to re-open – Haringey Council. Section of library reopened after RAAC dealt with.
• Isle of Wight – Isle of Wight libraries offer free access to the British Newspaper Archive – On the Wight.
• Kirklees – Kirklees Libraries win award for supporting isolated residents with their English language skills – Kirklees Council. “Librarians Ambreen Aziz, Becky Longwood and Mazhar Iqbal have won the Libraries Connected Reading Award that recognises their work in running weekly English Talk time sessions for Kirklees residents.” 300 attended since 2018.
• Manchester – Top 5: Must-see highlights at the 2024 Festival of Libraries – Manchester Wire.
• Newham – £756,616 funding secured to progress Canning Town Old Library Transformation – Newham Council. Old library to be turned into community asset inc. archives.
• Northern Ireland – More than 30,000 library accounts suspended due to overdue books – Belfast Telegraph. Registration needed to read article.
• Somerset – Reopened toy library aims to reduce waste – BBC. Frome Library. “Run by local charity Purple Elephant, the Toy Library has more than 50 “play sacks” to lend out to children up to the age of six. Available to library members, the newly revamped scheme allows toys to be reused and help parents and carers save money.”
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries rewards its amazing volunteer champions for 2024 – Suffolk Libraries. ” Around 120 people came along to hear many moving and uplifting stories about the volunteers who were shortlisted with the winners then being announced and being presented with their certificates by a series of special guests … uffolk Libraries currently has 1,262 registered volunteers who dedicated an amazing 35,500 hours of their time in 2023-24 in various roles including running the Home Library Service, supporting library Friends’ Groups or the summer reading challenges and many other volunteering roles in libraries.”  
• Surrey – Call for children’s artwork for ancient trees book – BBC. “The book will be distributed across all 52 of Surrey’s libraries and to local schools. The competition runs until 4 September and templates can be collected and returned to any Surrey Library.”
• Tameside – Top-class Ballet is on its way to Tameside – Tameside Correspondent. “Black British Ballet’s performance of “Island Movements.”” … ““Island Movements” is a collaborative effort between Black British Ballet, Tameside Libraries, the Department for Levelling Up and Communities, and Near Neighbours (Bringing People Together).”
  • Libraries ACT on HiVis Mission to Support People with Sight-loss – Tameside Council. “This year’s theme is “ACT” which stands for accessibility, connection and tactile.”
• Thurrock – Dual-language children’s books – Thurrock libraries – Thurrock Council. “BookTrust has donated 350 dual-language children’s books to Thurrock’s library service. These are being offered to Thurrock residents for free from Grays library from Monday 17 June on a first-come, first-served basis”
• Walsall – New digital technology for Walsall Libraries as part of borough-wide improvements – Walsall Council. “The borough’s seven libraries, mobile library and archives service have been updated, thanks to a £202,349 grant from the Arts Council England Libraries Improvement Fund. Improvements have included various furniture pieces that create flexible work and study spaces, as well as new tables and chairs for children’s groups and activities.”
• Warwickshire – Warwickshire Libraries Celebrates Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month with community events – Warwickshire Council. “Warwickshire Libraries has commissioned Gemma Lees, a Romany Gypsy artist, performance poet, and journalist, to lead the roadshow project. ” ACE funded.
  • Celebrate National Crime Reading Month at Warwickshire Libraries – Warwickshire Council. “n a generous gesture to promote reading in the county, local author Penny Batchelor has gifted Warwickshire Libraries with 600 copies of her latest psychological thriller, The Reunion Party, which will be given away for free to the public. “
• Wokingham – Is there a book in you? – Wokingham Today. Creative writing class.

Editorial

So, an election has been called. The British public can now decide on who they think is best to govern them. On hearing the news, I immediately ran a poll to see which political party the nice people on Twitter who follow me think should win. The result wasn’t really open to interpretation. I could be wrong but I think a 87.3% vote for Labour would mean they take government. Out of 142 votes, the Conservatives and Lib Dems tied on five or six votes each, with Reform getting none. Twitter polls only allow four options so I went with the biggest polling parties but responses suggest that the Greens would have got a good showing if they had been included. Clearly, not many Reform voters – shocker – follow me, as they received zero votes.

Last week’s editorial suggested the Single Digital Presence / LibraryOn received £3m of budget in the last three years. I have been contacted since then with more accurate figures. The project actually received £3.4m of funding but £1.54m was for direct grants to library services. I was heartened to be told in the same email that ACE and the DCMS have not lost their ambition for a single library card but, considering there are 153 very independent councils and the move would be voluntary then the challenge will be considerable. If not impossible. Perhaps a new Labour Government could do better, however much of a hard act to follow this – checks notes from Conservative Central Office – uber-competent, stable and well-loved Conservative Government will be.

Changes by authority

• Bridgend – Consultation, expected cuts to opening hours and book fund.
• Leicestershire – Ibstock volunteer-run library closed.
• Pembrokshire – Consultation launched. Cuts expected.
• Worcestershire – Redditch Library will stay where it is due to Redditch council now being under Labour control.
• Wrexham – Consultation launched.

National news

• Libraries are told to install panic buttons, hire guards and get staff wearing bodycams after surge in ‘disruptive behaviour’ from customers – Mail. “National charity Libraries Connected published the guidance to protect staff “. Increase in anti-social behaviour. [This story is also covered on various national newspaper websites, some international – Ed.]
• Libraries facing closure as budgets squeezed – BBC. Cuts to Havering and Croydon. Kamal Shah of North Harrow Community Library, who is also chairman of the Community Libraries Network, suaggests using volunteers instead of closing them.
• Look for a Book challenge returns during May half-term – Oldham Evening News. Across Greater Manchester. “Manchester’s Festival of Libraries will be opening a new chapter this summer, with writers, artists, musicians and poets preparing to fill the region’s 133 libraries with performances, trails, talks and crafts, with a huge part of the programme designed to be Family Friendly.” … “Hidden in and around the green spaces of Manchester’s libraries will be 500 copies of Konnie Huq’s Fearless Fairy Tales lying in wait to be found.”

Hi, I’m Maddie, a Masters student researching green libraries and environmental education and am looking for public librarians to interview. If you’re interested in participating or want more details, please contact me at 22560062@stu.mmu.ac.uk Thank you

Email received

• Public Libraries as Social Innovators – Public Library Quality. “This reflects a change in service logic, moving away from the mobilization of technical capabilities in a low interactivity context and toward the mobilization of human capabilities in a high interactivity context. Public libraries now stand as social innovators in that their activities modify interaction patterns among individuals.”

International news

• Australia – Community libraries that lend things promote neighbourhood sharing and reduced consumption – ABC News. “The Sydney Library of Things is like the most helpful neighbour you can imagine”. Volunteer run, items almost all donated by public.
• Canada Innisfil, Essa libraries split $15K in Smile Cookie proceeds – Barrie Today. “Thank you to local Tim Hortons restaurant owners and many guests who bought Smile Cookies in support of our local libraries.”
• Iran – Personality Characteristics of Librarians and its Relationship with Digital Literacy Skills in Public
  Libraries of Kermanshah Province – Journal of Knowledge Retrieval and Semantic Systems. “The research results confirm the relationship between personality traits and digital literacy skills among librarians and on this basis, it is concluded that to empower librarians it is necessary to pay attention to personality traits and promote to librarians digital literacy.”

• USA – Donnelly Public Library will become adults-only to comply with new ‘library porn’ law – Boise State Public Radio. “Donnelly Public Library will no longer allow anyone under 18 to visit unless accompanied by a parent starting July 1. That’s due to the implementation of House Bill 710 passed earlier this year, which requires all libraries – both public and private – to relocate a book to an adults-only section within 60 days of receiving a written complaint. If the library declines to do so, it could face a civil lawsuit under the law. That comes with a mandatory $250 fine for the library and plaintiffs could receive uncapped damages. “Our size prohibits us from separating our ‘grown up’ books to be out of the accessible range of children,” the library’s statement reads, noting it’s only 1,024 square feet.”
  • Jodi Picoult: ‘It’s not a badge of honour to be banned’ – BBC. “Picoult said her books My Sister’s Keeper and Nineteen Minutes were affected by the bans.” … “She said the reason Nineteen Minutes, which is about a US school shooting, was banned, was not because of the shooting scenes: “They have no problem with that. The problem is that on page 313, I use the term ‘erection’.””
  • Librarians: Watch authoritarians in action – Coeur d’Alene Press / Post Falls. Idaho. “Is it OK for library trustees to freely impose their wills while they discount citizen, expert or staff views? Is it really OK if our community belongs only to some of us now?”

• Making Democracy Work: How local libraries work toward sustainability – TBR Newsmedia. Some libraries “offer a wide range of talks, activities, and displays to answer patrons’ questions or broaden their expertise. Some sponsor “carbon crews,” which are small groups of residents working toward reducing their carbon footprints with support from a leader and other members. Some have started “repair cafes” where patrons can get help from other patrons to fix items they want to keep using.”
  • Not your childhood library – New Yorker. “An ambitious experiment in Minneapolis is changing the way librarians work with their homeless patrons and challenging how we share public space.”. Gives away free clothing . “The police regularly clear the city’s streets of encampments, but officers don’t run unhoused people out of Central. As long as they follow the rules, any patron—and everyone at the library is called a patron—can stay all day, every day.”

Local news by authority

• Bolton – Maxine Peake to appear at Bolton Central Library next month – Bolton News. She comes from the town. “Maxine, renowned for her captivating roles in Three Girls, Black Mirror, and Silk, will be sharing how libraries have shaped her life and work. The visit is part of the Festival of Libraries.”
  • The Creative Core designs Bolton Library in multi-million-pound renovation project – Blooloop. Spectacular, very white, photographs. “Visitors enter Bolton Library through a portal which takes them straight to the middle of the space. Here they will find a welcome desk and seating, surrounded by rows of bookshelves which radiate outwards from this central point.”
  • People banned from Bolton’s libraries for abuse and alcohol – Bolton News. “A total of 34 bans have been issued since 2020 for reasons including indecent exposure, aggressive behaviour, drinking alcohol, racist abuse, vandalism, and swearing.”. Such behaviour is increasing.
• Bridgend – Bridgend Council to engage with public on cuts to library services – Bridgend Herald. “set to begin public engagement with residents this month over potential cuts to its library and cultural services.” … “Some of these savings would include a reduction of £50,000 from the library book renewal fund” … “There could also be a public consultation over changes to the borough’s library services, which could see a reduction to opening hours by around 60 hours per week across the entire library estate, as well as ending the local books on wheels service which currently delivers books to 345 households.”
• Ceredigion – Lampeter vows to fight library relocation – Cambrian News. “In Lampeter, the plan is to relocate the library an eight-minute walk away into the town’s Wellbeing Centre, but petitions have already been launched, collecting hundreds of signatures calling for the library to stay put in its current location near the town’s Sainsbury’s supermarket.” Well attended meeting against move.
• Cheshire East – Macclesfield MP candidates share their thoughts on potential closure of Bollington Library – Macclesfield Nub News. “This could leave the town of over 7000 people without a local library.” Closure not officially announced but Friends group claims it would be from January 2025. “While the community group has remained tight-lipped regarding the source, and Cheshire East nor confirming or denying, it has been reported across the media and concerned people who want to become Macclesfield’s next MP.”. No candidates unsurprisingly say they support the closure.
  • ‘Strong concern’ over potential library closures – BBC. Cuts concentrated in north of borough.
• Edinburgh – ​We must support our libraries and community hubs – Foysol Choudhury – Edinburgh News. “Libraries provide communities with a multitude of benefits. Not only do they give free access to books but they are also community hubs with clubs, events, room hires and warm, welcoming spaces.”
• Essex – Body-worn cameras considered after librarian assaulted in Colchester – BBC. “A library has been considering giving staff body-worn cameras after more than 50 anti-social behaviour incidents, including an assault on a librarian, took place over the past three months.”
• Gloucestershire – More library choirs for over-60s to fight loneliness – BBC. “More library choirs are being set up to combat loneliness among the over-60s in Gloucestershire. The project which started in Longlevens, Gloucestershire, in December will be rolled out to Coleford and Tuffley libraries after a successful funding bid. The groups were created to help people who are more than 60 years old cope with loneliness and isolation.”
• Hammersmith and Fulham – Special events for children at libraries – Hammersmith and Fulham Council. Spine Festival events.
• Haringey – Adults’ section at Hornsey Library to re-open – Haringey Council. After RAAC found.
• Havering – Havering Council told to reconsider library closure plans – Romford Recorder. Opposition mounts to announced cuts. Union and a Labour and a Conservative MP all criticise move.
• Hull – The Big Malarkey: Kids’ reading festival returns to East Park – Hull Story.
• Leicestershire – Council ‘reluctantly’ closes library for good – BBC. “The facility was most recently run by a group of volunteers, but they told the council in September that they could not continue. This prompted a hunt for a new team to keep the doors open, which was ultimately unsuccessful.”
• Manchester – ‘Quiet Storm’ went down a storm with pupils! Read all about this year’s Manchester high school Transition Read  – MancLibraries Blog. “Every child starting Year 7 in a Manchester high school in September will be gifted a copy of this book when they attend their ‘transition day’ in July.”
• North Ayrshire – Parent council to petition local councillors on re-design of North Ayrshire library service – Daily Record. “Both parents and school pupils have been left feeling “happy” that the re-design of North Ayrshire library service is paused until August 2025, following a meeting of full council earlier this month.” … “Currently, there are five librarians across secondary schools in the region. One of the proposals from the budget meeting was that only two term-time jobs would remain within the school library service”
• Nottingham – Campaigners say four Nottingham libraries could be closed by council under plans – Notts TV. “Des Conway, who helped campaign to save the Basford, Aspley, and Radford-Lenton libraries in 2022, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service in February the council held a meeting with UNISON. This meeting revealed all but three libraries could face closure.” but now says ““If the rumour mill is to be believed, then the nuclear option of closing all but three of the city’s libraries fortunately will not now happen,” … ” it is understood the four libraries which could be earmarked for closure are Aspley, Basford, Bilborough and Radford”. Council has not confirmed or denied.
• Pembrokeshire – Pembrokeshire Library Service seeks residents’ input – Western Telegraph. Cuts expected. “Cllr Harvey has announced an extensive library needs assessment exercise, seeking input from residents.”
• Southend – Labour take control to lead coalition in Southend – BBC. “r Cowan used his first speech as leader to rule out closing libraries saying he would not find savings in “improper places”. “This administration will not even contemplate any proposals to scrap libraries, family centres or dementia community support services while we hold office,” he said.”
• Stirling – Off the Page Stirling Libraries Book and Culture Festival – List. “Our Stirling Council Libraries and Archives book festival ‘Off the Page’ is returning this year starting Thursday 25th May and running until Tuesday 30th May.”
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries welcomes new Environmentalist in Residence – Suffolk Libraries. “During his residency Martin will be working on the development of a project called Seconds of Sound (S.O.S), inviting the public to take part in weekly sound walks that connect all 45 of our branches (plus some of our local prison libraries too).” Museum in a box – RFID’d objects which cause sounds to play.
  • 100 years of Ipswich County Library – our new exhibition launches this week – Suffolk Libraries. ” staff from Ipswich County Library and Suffolk Libraries’ Arts team have put together a display showcasing images from the past, historic books, objects, and memorabilia relating to the library’s 100 years of service the local community.”
  • Chantry Library in Ipswich to delay reopening after legionella detected – Suffolk News. “Chantry Library has been shut since May 8 after a routine water test revealed the risk of the bacteria being present in the water supply of the taps in its toilet.” … “After liaising with Suffolk County Council, work to replace the library’s roof will also take place while the building is closed.”
  • Introducing Reading Quest! Where will reading take you this summer? – Suffolk Libraries. “Reading Quest is being supported by official sponsors Advantage Angels, one of the fastest growing private nursing agencies in the UK who have their HQ in Ipswich and support care homes, hospitals, private homecare nursing, primary care and mental health institutions across the country. Advantage Angels are providing £20,000 of sponsorship to help Suffolk Libraries create a range of colourful and free resources for children over the next two years.”
  • Suffolk Libraries’ reading scheme back with 5 author talks – East Anglian Daily Times. Five adult authors.
• Swansea – Libraries’ warm welcome saluted with national honour – Swansea Herald. Library of Sanctuary.
• Wandsworth – More than a million people visit Wandsworth libraries – Wandsworth Council. “Well over a million people enjoyed visiting Wandsworth’s libraries last year – an increase of 17 per cent on the previous year. Close to two million books were issued, 75 per cent of them physical books, and the rest e-books. Figures are two per cent up on 2022-23.”
• Wirral – Creative writing and art workshops for adult beginners in Wirral – Wirral Globe. ACE funded.
• Worcestershire – Library demolition halted by new council leader – BBC. “Plans to demolish and relocate Redditch Library have been halted. The library was set to be moved into the town hall, despite some opposition from residents. But new borough council leaderJoe Baker said he was looking at unwinding contracts signed for the project, plus new proposals for the town centre. Labour won control of Redditch Borough Council in local elections earlier this month, after six years under the Conservatives. “The library has been a quite contentious subject on the doors,” Mr Baker said. “We’ve listened… The library is not going to be moving into the town hall.””
  • Worcestershire libraries are bidding for more volunteers – Worcester Observer. For Summer Reading Challenge. “Last year, 116 young volunteers helped deliver the challenge, they completed 1,600 cumulative hours.”
• Wrexham – Wrexham Council launches consultation on library services – Leader Live.

Editorial

The big news for me this week was the spreading of the idea that councils can decide what books libraries should have on their shelves to that normal paragon of library-ness, Australia. In descriptions that sound almost identical to similar debates in the USA, one said it was a matter of following their religion. Meanwhile, in Ireland, such challenges are being met with a strengthening in the power of libraries in being able to oppose those who wish to direct what others are allowed to see and read. There’s been no such strong challenge in the UK as yet to that common in the USA and now in Australia. When there is, we’ll see if we are non-geographically closer to the USA or Ireland.

Some things happen over time so slowly that one does not notice them happening until years afterwards. I had one of these “oh” moments a while ago when thinking about children’s fiction and non-fiction sections and then adult non-fiction sections. The realisation was that, actually, there’s no hard difference between them now in terms of why they’re used. If one can get the answer to most factual questions by speaking a question to one’s watch, as one of my daughters does, there’s no need for a Library of Alexandria type approach to non-fiction sections. What this means in practice is that the purpose of most non-fiction books, child and adult, are essentially leisure now. And, scarily, that means that all of the books in a library are essentially for leisure purposed. That’s not to say they’re not important, due to their power in health and welfare, literacy, awareness etc. But it does mean that those staff who want one of everything are missing the point. For that, see the internet. For the library, see the stuff people actually want to read. And that is overwhelmingly the fun stuff, one way or another.

Changes by local authority

• Aberdeenshire – Portsoy and Whitehills libraries to close.
• Bracknell Forest – Twyford Library will move into old Polehampton Boys School.
• Havering – £300k cut proposed: Five libraries to close Collier Row, Elm Park, Gidea Park, Harold Wood and South Hornchurch.
• Norfolk – Hunstanton Library may be refurbished
• Worcestershire – Malvern introduces staff-less hours.

National news

• Brought to book: Library cash plea amid ‘brutal cuts’ to budgets – Scottish Sun. Scottish Labour says “Years of brutal cuts to council budgets have devastated communities, causing the closure of one in seven libraries and threatened the future of more.” … ““The SNP must give a cast-iron guarantee it will not inflict more cuts on these vital services by reducing the Public Library Improvement Fund.”” … “Investment fell from £135million to £92million in ten years.”

“Our local volunteer-run library has recently reopened after being unceremoniously dumped by the local council as a cost-saving measure: a common occurrence as I understand it. We took over the original building, which was a small branch library (and I mean small!). Again, like so many similar enterprises, refurbishment has been protracted but we now have a popular, pleasant space which is also destined to become a small community hub. So, we have a staff toilet downstairs, but in no way shape nor form is this accessible by anyone but an able-bodied person. Building costs and lack of space mean that we can’t afford to get a loo installed on the ground floor and the downstairs loo is unlikely to change. I don’t think this problem is widely discussed(?) but I’d appreciate any other readers’ experiences and hopefully solutions to this tricky problem! Can you help? “

“Captain Bogbrush”

• How rental ‘libraries of things’ have become the new way to save money – Guardian. “Clothes rental for children is one of the latest chapters in how “libraries of things” are becoming an increasingly common way to save money, space and waste. The theory is simple: instead of buying a household item or a piece of clothing or some equipment you might use once or twice, you take it out and return it.”

“Libraries Change Lives, 24-28 June 2024 – building on a proposal from Baroness Sanderson’s review of public libraries this will be a week of advocacy demonstrating the value of libraries ahead of this year’s General Election.

Green Libraries Week, 7-13 October 2024 – our annual celebration of libraries with a focus on the climate and sustainability.”

CILIP explains the about the two Weeks

• TikTok bookshelves to open across UK to get young people reading – Independent. “TikTok is teaming up with the National Literacy Trust (NLT) to place “BookTok Bookshelves” in 11 UK areas that need a boost in literacy levels. Cities like Birmingham, Blackpool, Bradford, Doncaster, Manchester, Middlesborough, Newcastle, Nottingham, Peterborough, Stoke and Swindon will get 20 BookTok Bookshelves starting with around 100 books each. The shelves will be placed in areas which see a lot of children over 13, like youth clubs and community centres.”

International news

• Australia – I’m no stranger to having work banned. If you want to protect kids, this is not the way to do it – Guardian / Opinion. ” I know a book ban is not something we can simply spin as good publicity. These bans come from a rightwing playbook designed to continue a culture war against LGBTQ+ people that chips away at fundamental human rights protections in policies. These attempted bans – whether they are upheld or not – do real world harm to members of my community.”
  • Labor councillor stands by vote to ban same-sex parenting books in Sydney council libraries – as it happened – Guardian. “This decision was made in line with my religious beliefs and I will not be comprising those beliefs.”
  • Rainbow Street Libraries Launch in The Face of Book Ban – Star Observer. “Following the recent decision by Cumberland City Council to remove books about same sex parenting in local libraries, local organisation Street Library Australia have launched a colourful campaign against the book ban.” … “The group took to their facebook page to offer free local libraries to residents in the area, on the proviso they paint them rainbow in support of the issue.”
  • Sydney council bans same-sex parenting books from libraries – video – Guardian. “Western Sydney’s Cumberland city council has voted to place a blanket ban on same-sex parenting books from local libraries in a move the New South Wales government warns could be a breach of the state’s Anti-Discrimination Act. The amendment, put forward by a councillor, Steve Christou, proposed that the council take “immediate action” to remove same-sex parents books and materials in its library service. Six councillors voted in favour of the amendment and five voted against, while four councillors were not present to vote”
• India – Beyond shelves, binding selves – Times of India. A look at public libraries in the country.
• Ireland – Dublin City Council condemns recent anti-LGBTQ+ library protests – GCN. “Following the recent spate of anti-LGBTQ+ demonstrations and actions targeted at Irish libraries, Dublin City Councillors have passed a motion condemning the attacks and have endorsed their faith in the Library Management” … “the Dublin City Libraries’ management has confirmed that no publications have been removed as a result of the protests.”
• Italy – Public libraries as social infrastructures: libraries’ response to the COVID crisis in the Emilia-Romagna region – Cultural Trends.
• USA – John Oliver on public libraries: ‘Another front in the ongoing culture war’ – Guardian. “You do get the sense that people who want to censor these books can have no real idea of what’s inside them or, indeed, if they’re even at the libraries they’re protesting at all,” Oliver said, citing a case in Idaho where activists demanded that more 400 books be removed from the library, even though it already didn’t have them. “As far as protests go, that’s about as meaningful as marching to the Hollywood sign to demand that Frankie Muniz return his Oscar for Schindler’s List,” he joked. “He’s not there, he wasn’t in that, and the very fact that you’re protesting this tells me you’re probably not familiar with the material.”
  • SNF Dialogues Recap – Beyond Books: How Libraries Can Serve the Publ”ic – National Herald. “he first SNF Dialogues discussion in the US explored the multifaceted role of libraries as cornerstones of democratic societies, and how they transcend their traditional role as repositories of books to actively facilitate community participation and advance civic engagement.” … “They are community centers, safe havens during crises, bastions of knowledge and equality, and shining examples of democracy, especially in uncertain times”
  • The Week in Libraries: May 10, 2024 – Publishers Weekly. Legal action in defence of library rights in Alabama.

Local news by authority

• Aberdeenshire – Portsoy and Whitehills communities asked to help shape future provision of local library services – Aberdeenshire Council.
• Birmingham – Umbrella group launched in Birmingham to help save city’s libraries – Planet Radio. “Local campaigners are urging others to have their say in the council’s public consultation to save as many as possible. Acocks Green campaigner Joe Simpson’s told us they’re making good progress so far and that locals should use it as incentive to keep fighting.”
  • Hundreds gather to protest against council cuts – BBC. “”What we’re seeing today is the people of Birmingham people coming together to protest about the council cuts that have been forced upon Birmingham City Council by austerity that’s been implemented through government cuts to council funding,” “
• Bournemouth Christchurch Poole – Residents asked about future of libraries – Bournemouth Echo. “BCP Council wants to know how you currently use the library service and what you hope to see in the future.Library open hours have been slashed by an average of 10 hours per library each week, as part of cost-saving measures for its 2024/25 budget.”
• Bracknell Forest – Twyford Library announces opening of new location next month – Bracknell News. “The new library will open in the newly refurbished Old Polehampton Boys School on the opposite side of the close. The beautiful new space will benefit from improved library spaces with high ceilings and large windows letting in natural light.” Open 21 hours per week.
• Bromley – Orpington Literary Festival 2024 – Orpington 1st. “A week of town centre events celebrating the written and spoken word, brought to you by Orpington 1st in partnership with Bromley Libraries, supported by Orpington Rotary.” … ““We’re really pleased to work with Orpington’s business community for this year’s literary festival. It’s a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of literature and the vital role which libraries play in our community.”
• Cheshire East – Fears Bollington Library could be shut down within months – Macclesfield Nub News. “The recently-formed Friends of Bollington Library Committee claims that Cheshire East Council is planning to consult the public on proposals to close Bollington Library with effect from January 1 2025.”
• Devon – Beach toy plea for seafront libraries – Mid Devon Advertiser. “Teignbridge Leisure is looking for donations of unwanted buckets, spades, balls and beach toys to fill its seafront libraries in Teignmouth and at Dawlish Warren.”
• Falkirk – Falkirk Council libraries branch out with new garden lending initiative – Falkirk Herald. “Gardening bags can now be borrowed from all eight libraries across the area and are designed to equip budding gardeners with th -e tools and knowledge to cultivate fresh, home grown fruit and vegetables.” … “Each bag contain hand tools, gardening books and kneeling mat, as well as seeds, plant markers and growing advice cards and recipe cards so people can start cooking with what they have grown.” Due to  £8300 from The Europe Challenge Fund.
• Hampshire – Blood pressure monitors now available from Hampshire libraries – Hampshire Council. “Each monitor is borrowed on a ‘first come-first served’ basis. It comes in a box, with a leaflet containing easy-to-follow instructions on how to use the device and understand the results, as well as what to do if you are concerned about the readings. “
• Haringey – Haringey Council’s Head of Libraries, Brian Mihayo, receives nationwide Top Talent recognition – Haringey Council. ” Brian helped secure trust and foundation funding for a major project supporting young people to design and organise diverse cultural events and innovative programmes across Haringey libraries, including concerts, comedy nights and spoken word performances.”
• Havering – Havering launches new library strategy – Havering Council. “The library strategy consultation, which will run for 12 weeks until 2 August 2024, comes at a difficult time for the borough. The Council continues to face financial challenges while delivering our legal duty to provide services for the most vulnerable along with the services residents say they value most.” – £300k cut. Five libraries to close: Collier Row, Elm Park, Gidea Park, Harold Wood an South Hornchurch.
• Manchester – The Enlightenment – Simon Armitage lyric shines a light on libraries for Manchester’s Festival of Libraries – About Manchester. “The track has been specially commissioned for Festival of Libraries 2024, with words by poet laureate Simon Armitage, music by Richard Walters and Patrick Pearson, and guest vocals from Josephine Oniyama. The Enlightenment will be released on streaming platforms on Friday 7 June and will be performed live for the first time at Manchester Central Library as part of the festival on Wednesday 12 June (doors open at 7.30pm)”
  • Blue Peter Book Club live takes off in Manchester Central Library – Manchester Council. “Blue Peter, the BBC’s iconic children’s TV series is partnering with Manchester Libraries and The Reading Agency on an exciting new project – Blue Peter Book Club Live. It launches in Manchester Central Library on Saturday 18 May with a fun-filled, free event, open to all and the chance to meet Blue Peter presenters Abby, Joel, and Shini along with Henry the Blue Peter Dog. ” … “A book inspired art-installation created by 10,000 local school children, creative crafts, special story times, masses of books and a chance to meet some magical classic book characters will make it a day of adventure and fun where classic stories come to life in the library.”
• Norfolk – Plans for new library and bus station in Hunstanton – EDP. “Norfolk County Council has finalised plans to redevelop the former library and revamp the bus station at Hunstanton and hopes to start work later this year.”
• Somerset – Could you volunteer to help the Home Library Service? – Somerset Council. “olunteers are needed across Somerset to help keep a vital Somerset Council library lifeline thriving.”
• South Lanarkshire – Award-winning authors back protests to save libraries in Cambuslang, Halfway and Blantyre – Daily Record. “Just under 40 authors and literary figures have shown their support for the Save Our Libraries protest taking place this week.” … “Author of Fallen Angel, Chris Brookmyre, added: “We all appreciate that in these difficult times, difficult choices must be made but, in my opinion, libraries should always be among the last things a council cuts when it needs to save money.”
• Southend on Sea – Pub-goers see ‘light’ – and save burning library – BBC. “At about 21:00 BST on Tuesday, drinkers at a table in The Old Walnut Tree, Southend-on-Sea, noticed a ‘light’ inside Southchurch Library. They realised it was on fire. With the help of pub staff they filled “large containers” with water, dashed over, and poured it through a broken window.””
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries Board member takes on tandem skydive – Suffolk Libraries. See Just Giving page..
• Wirral – Gym sorry over library bench ‘alcoholics’ claim – BBC. “A firm which wants to turn an ex-library into a gym has apologised over comments suggesting a bench outside is “popular with local alcoholics” and should be removed. Nomad wants to convert the former council building in Hoylake, Wirral. A document lodged with Wirral Council said the use of the bench by “alcoholics” jarred with its brand.”
• Worcestershire – Dementia in Focus at Worcestershire Libraries – Worcestershire Council. ” Library Service is teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire, and The University of Worcester for Dementia Action Week, taking place from 13th May to 19th May.” Reading Well books. “Groups include Classic Film Club, Reminiscence Groups, Knit and Natter, Hook Buddies, and Scrabble, all of which offer engaging activities beneficial for individuals with dementia.”
  • Libraries Unlocked to be introduced at Malvern Library – Worcester News. Once the system is up and running, library members aged 15 and above will have the chance to upgrade their membership.They will then be able to use the library facilities outside the regular hours of operation”
• York – ‘It’s a safe space, welcoming and free’ – York’s unique library service celebrates ten years – York Mix. “Explore York Library and Archives is marking a whole decade of providing the community of York with a public library and archive service with a series of family-friendly fundraising activities and events.” … “There is currently no further comment on the contractual dispute” between Explore and York Council over proposes budget cut.

Editorial

A few news pieces catch my eye today. The first is an ex-magistrate sating in the Mail – where else – that libraries could be turned into court venues as they are under-used public buildings. Words fail me sometimes. Sadly, they don’t fail the Mail. Then we have the normal US madness of censorship, with 17 states now considering imprisoning librarians for their stock choices. There’s also a heart-rending story from that torn country about a child, are regular visitor to a library, whose parents decided to play the story-time song at the funeral. Oh my.

The thing that really caught my eye though was news from Ireland. The government there is spending – get this – £21 million to provide 11 new libraries and 12 new mobiles in rural areas. That’s twice as much as the Libraries Improvement Fund right there. But then scale that up to take into account the relative populations and you’d have, if it happened in the UK, £210 million in capital expenditure with 110 new libraries and 120 new mobiles. Then lift your jaw off the floor. Ireland led the way a few years ago in national publicity and national initiatives like removing all fines and now it is apparently reaping the benefits.

National news

• All rise. Former judge says ‘pop-up courts’ should be set up in pubs, libraries and supermarkets in bid to restore faith in criminal justice system – Daily Mail. Dame Anna Rafferty said that ” Covid had boosted technological advances within the courts, with laptops and tablets being used by court officials meaning the process can be easily moved from location to location.”. Including sex offence cases. ” Look for buildings in daily use but with slack, or buildings just sitting there.'”
• The experts: librarians on 20 easy, enjoyable ways to read more brilliant books – Guardian. “In the age of digital distractions, it is easy to struggle to find the time and headspace to get lost in literature. How can you get back into the habit? Librarians share the best ways to rediscover reading, make it a regular habit – and their tips for the most unputdownable books.”
• “It’s a Lively Place”: The Impact of Public Library Clubs for Adults on How Attendees of These Clubs Perceive and Use Public Libraries – Public Library Quarterly. “Participants tended to be using library services more often – and in different ways – due to their attendance of library clubs. Interviewee believed that the library had become more relaxed over time, and that the purpose of public libraries went beyond a focus on books. These findings suggest that library clubs might lead to attendees expanding their ideas of the role libraries can play in their lives”
• Leading children’s reading charity, announce the BookTrust Storytime book of the year for children under five – Book Trust. “Children’s book Are You a Monster, by Guilherme Karsten and published by Happy Yak has been recognised as the best new book for sharing with young children”
• One Day author David Nicholls says he’s ‘really furious’ over library closures: ‘Access to libraries changed my life’ – Independent. “Nicholls spoke about his views on education in the UK, stating that he gets “very angry” about libraries closing and “the way the arts are not accessible”.”
• UKeiG CPD Zoom Course: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and beyond: video marketing for libraries – CILIP. 16 May, online.

International news

• Belgium – A celebration of Belgian libraries for World Book Day – European Council, Council for the EU. Mechelen public library is in 17th-century baroque monastery.”, ultra-modern library B3 in Liege.
• Europe – Writing Competition – How A Library Changed My Life – Win Prize of EUR 500 – European Cultural Foundation. “Submissions must be in English, with a maximum of 3,000 words in length. Five winners will receive a cash prize of 500 EUR, be published in The Europe Challenge publication and have the opportunity to travel to Amsterdam to do a public reading of their winning piece at our event and book launch in September 2024. The deadline for submissions is 20 May 2024 at 12.00 (noon) CET. Winners will be informed via email in June 2024.”
  • Georgians arrested over cross-Europe thefts of rare library books – Guardian. Nine people arrested after either breaking into libraries and stealing books or replacing them with replicas. Europol says “In total, the criminal group is believed to be responsible for the theft of at least 170 books, causing financial damages amounting to around €2.5m [£2.1m] and an immeasurable patrimonial loss to society”
• Ireland – Minister Heather Humphreys announces €25 million to deliver new public libraries across Ireland – Irish Independent. “The funding will provide 11 new public libraries and 12 new mobile library vehicles across the country” … “The new libraries will be based in old buildings that are no longer in use” … “This goes to the heart of what we are working to achieve under our five-year rural development strategy, ‘Our Rural Future’.””
  • “The more they learn, the more they understand”: Irish Travellers and public libraries in the Republic of Ireland – The Irish Library. “Many of the disadvantages Irish Travellers face may be countered by public library provision; we decided to examine the extent to which the information needs of this group are met by Irish public libraries in a qualitative and exploratory project, in which five Irish Travellers, two settled persons working with Traveller organisations, and a public library professional were interviewed.”

• Ukraine – “It’s never too late to learn.” How libraries help older people overcome fear and master computer technology – UNDP.

• USA – 17 States Are Considering Laws That Would Imprison Librarians – Vanity Fair. “Ron DeSantis has been forced to limit certain Floridians to only one book-banning attempt per month.”
  • Beloved Bunny’s Death Shows How Libraries Help Parents – Ms Magazine. “rather than forcing children to think a certain way, libraries help us find our words in life’s most challenging moments.”. When a child passed away who was a regular attender at story-time, ““They sang the goodbye song from story-time” at the funeral.
  • Does The Future of Libraries – or Narrative Itself – Include Books? – Indiana Public Media. Podcast. Book issues down. Non-fiction section “irrelevant” in age of the internet. More library events. “more librarians now have a performance mindset”. People are still reading but doing it digitally. Libraries “are for bringing people together in a free and open space”.
  • It’s Time to Take a Hard Look at Public Libraries – Cato. “Like local post offices, neighborhood libraries once served an important community function but are now becoming increasingly irrelevant. And, as with post offices, libraries continue to receive funding because they enjoy support from a relatively small but vocal segment of the population, while the rest of us are usually too reluctant to question their utility.”
  • The Week in Libraries: April 26, 2024 – Publishers Weekly. “a deadline looms for federal library funding; the FCC votes to restore net neutrality rules; Maryland passes a law designed to discourage book bans; and why Alabama librarians are feeling exhausted”

Local news by authority

• Barnsley – Book festival attracts more than 3,000 visitors – Rotherham Advertiser. “saw locals enjoy a packed schedule including 49 library and six partner events and 42 authors and artists.”
• Birmingham – Future of Birmingham’s libraries sparks row as campaigners pledge action – Express and Star. “Asked why steps were not taken to notify ward councillors and communities in good time of the consultation programme, cabinet member Saima Suleman responded: “There were some online consultations that were registered last week which I believe councillors were not informed of.” … ” in Hall Green, residents gathered once again on Saturday for a ‘read-in’ at the local library – following similar events elsewhere in the city. The demonstration was attended by over 100 people, spanning all ages and backgrounds, as well as authors and renowned woodcarver Graham Jones.”

• Caerphilly – “A library is a space where you can boost people’s confidence” – Caerphilly Observer. A look at Bargoed Library. Library has a mission. ““Most of our staff are Masters or PhD educated, but choose the vocation of helping people.”. Activities help loneliness, well-being. “if Rhymney library wasn’t there, there wouldn’t be anything there. There is a community centre, yes, but [the library] was a lynchpin to culture within the community and always has been.””
• Devon – Charity celebrates share of £1 million fund – Kingsbridge Today. Benefact Group “The £1,000 donation made as part of the Movement for Good Awards “
• East Riding – East Riding Libraries to hide books around the county for World Book Night – Scarborough News. “Hints for locations where books are hidden will be posted on their social media channels for people to track down.”
• Greenwich – Greenwich library workers plan further walkout to address ‘appalling’ pay and working conditions – MyLondon / Yahoo. “Unite workers’ union members working in libraries in Greenwich have arranged a 24-hour strike for April 30 after the union claimed employer Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) had failed to negotiate an appropriate resolution to an ongoing dispute.”. Dispute is over better pay and conditions and the use of zero hours contracts (60% of national staff). But “the trust did not feel that Unite’s campaign reflected the genuine concerns of its staff and it believed that it was manufactured to reflect the union’s national and political agendas”

• Northern Ireland – Libraries: Almost one million NI books not back on time – BBC. “Fines for overdue library books in Northern Ireland were removed in October 2021. As of March this year nearly 3,000 books were overdue for more than a year.” … “Libraries NI made £73,510 through charging for overdue items from 2018 to 2019. However, after deducting administration costs, the income made by Libraries NI was £7,260 for that period.” … “two-thirds of overdue books are returned within two months.”
  • Paedophile jailed for repeatedly going to libraries across NI to use internet – Belfast Telegraph. Offender used public library computers to get around ban on him going online, although he was only using news websites.
• North Somerset – North Somerset Libraries celebrate World Book Night – North Somerset Council. “the libraries team have worked with the North Somerset UK Resettlement team and Community Learning to give books to people who have recently arrived in North Somerset and are learning English.”
• North Yorkshire – Young volunteers needed for Summer Reading Challenge at libraries across North Yorkshire – could it be you? – Harrogate Advertiser.
• Nottingham – Arts Council funding helps renovate library garden and resource centre – Nottingham Council. Hyson Green Library “With Arts Council support, the garden has undergone a stunning makeover, featuring captivating mosaics crafted by local artist Sophie Robins.”

• Redbridge – Temporary closure of Fullwell Cross Library – Redbridge Council. Refurbishment due to LIF funding.
• Renfrewshire – Revitalizing Paisley: award-winning library project breathes new life into town centre – Design Concept.

• Shropshire – Consultation launched to support decision on future of Schools Library Service – Shropshire Council.
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries launches new Reading with Dementia project – Suffolk Libraries.
  • Women with learning disabilities star in menopause film – BBC. “Ace Anglia, based in Stowmarket, has worked with Suffolk Libraries to share what happens before and after periods stop. The film features women supported by the organisation. Nicole Smith, from the libraries’ Menopause and Me Project, external, said the aim was to “reflect different experiences” and to show people they were not alone.”
• Surrey – Work set to start on new Community Hub in Weybridge – Surrey News. “he Weybridge Hub will include a modern library, a space for targeted youth support, accessible community spaces for hire and other commercially lettable space within.  The lettable space  will be 328 sq.m. (approx. 3,530 sq ft). “
• Torbay – Libraries puzzle night is a piece of genius – Torbay Weekly. “Nineteen members of the community and library staff got together and formed 5 teams. Each team were given the same 500 piece puzzle to complete and the fastest team were the winners.”
• Warwickshire – Exciting day of free events at Rugby Library to celebrate Shakespeare’s plays – Warwickshire World.
• West Sussex – Free books on the menu for meals on wheels clients – West Sussex Council. World Book Night books given out.
• Worcestershire – 350 books gifted to vulnerable children for World Book Night – Worcester News / Yahoo. “Several locations and organisations were involved, including refugee community groups, Cranstoun, Action for Children, and Redditch Nightstop.”