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Another normal week in 2023: death threats, censorship, cuts and investment
Mar 19th
Editorial
Censoring libraries is hitting stronger all the time – this week we have (1) death threats against US and Irish libraries (2) Devon apparently (the papers reporting it are the Telegraph and Express so it’s not certain) restricting access to Enid Blyton (3) the Mail stoking outrage at a LGBT books in a British school library and a Michigan prosecutor considering an up-to-four-year jail term for a librarian for stocking a book he doesn’t agree with. It’s all pretty sickening.
In other news, some New Zealand politician has come up with the brilliant idea of having volunteer libraries, Scotland is celebrating having a majority of fines-free libraries while at the same time fighting closures in Aberdeen, Cardiff still cutting jobs but by stealth, Hackney’s staff cuts completely accidently wiping out union stewards, Stockport getting a nice new co-located library, Stoke selling off libraries (including one that promptly caught on fire) and a potentially dodgy consultation In Worcestershire. Another normal week in 2023.
National news
- Death threats and hate mail: America’s drag queen culture wars hit hard in Europe – Euronews. “While those claiming drag shows endanger kids often compare these performances to cabaret and burlesque, drag shows do not inherently involve explicit nudity, and they don’t contain explicit sexual references in the case of storytime events where children are in the audience. On the other hand, storytime events like Drag Queen Story Hour focus on inclusiveness, education, and representation of marginalised groups. But this truth is often lost in the rhetoric circulating among conservative circles …”
- Enid Blyton books hidden ‘under the counter’ as libraries fret about offensive language – Telegraph. Behind paywall. see also Enid Blyton novels being hidden in libraries in bizarre new woke driver – Express. “Uncensored original versions of some of Blyton’s 700-plus collection have been removed from Devon library shelves and stored in back rooms to prevent the public “stumbling upon” language that is “outdated”. Although listed on the online library catalogue, readers can only get their hands on earlier editions of the texts if they specifically ask librarians for them. At this point they will be verbally given a trigger warning about the language contained within. “
- Forum 2023 – National Acquisitions Group. May 25, 10am to 4pm. “Tickets now on sale, subsidised to £40 for NAG Members.” see also Public Libraries Project of the Year Grant “5,000 is on offer for one NAG Member public library. Very simple application process, open to all sorts of projects, why not give it a try?”
- Public libraries: the local levelling up machines – MJ. Diana Edmonds: behind paywall. “libraries are now playing a crucial role in supporting communities during the cost of living crisis and should be seen as a vital tool within the levelling up agenda.”
Changes by local authority
- Stockport – New library in Marple colocation.
International news
- Ireland – Staff called ‘paedophiles’ and books torn to pieces over library stocking LGBTQ+ literature – Pink News. Anti-vaxxers involved. “Some of the abuse includes staff being called “paedophile slurs” and one person ripping up a copy of Juno Dawson’s This Book is Gay, the Irish Examiner reported.”
- New Zealand – It seems as if Wayne Brown doesn’t know what a library is – News Room. “Volunteer-run libraries for Auckland have been proposed by Mayor Wayne Brown as a cost-cutting measure that could help the council address the spiralling costs of the City Rail Link project and recovery from weather-related damage.”
- USA – Michigan prosecutor mulls charging Lapeer library over LGBTQ book – Bridge Michigan. County prosecutor Miller said “on Monday the illustrations in the book “Gender Queer: A Memoir” could rise to the level of accosting, enticing or soliciting a child for immoral purpose, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison.” … Library director says “I am not hard to find … If Mr. Miller wishes to arrest me, I am in my office working for the patrons and staff of the Lapeer District Library Monday through Friday.”” see also Connecticut man arrested for making death threats to Hendersonville Library staff – WSMV4.
- Battle for Libraries – Battle for Libraries. “A major lawsuit against the nonprofit Internet Archive threatens the future of all libraries. Big publishers are suing to cut off libraries’ ownership and control of digital books, opening new paths for censorship. Oral arguments are on March 20.” see also The Internet Archive Is a Library – Inside Higher Ed. “A lawsuit against the Internet Archive threatens the most significant specialized library to emerge in decades, say a group of current and former university librarians.”
- The Behind-the-Scenes Story of How Two Neighboring Libraries Teamed Up To Create a Fake Rivalry Video for Promotional Success – Super Library Marketing.
- From Makeshift to Mainstay – American Libraries. Looking at Covid initiatives still in use: Curbside service is here to stay; Parking lot Wi-Fi remains powered on; ‘Stepped-up’ sanitation stepped down;
- Gen Zers are bookworms but say they’re shunning e-books because of eye strain, digital detoxing, and their love for libraries – Business Insider. “Book sales in the US and the UK have boomed in the past two years, the management consultancy McKinsey found. Sales in the US hit a record of more than 843 million units in 2021, while last year had the second-highest number sales, at almost 789 million. This increasing popularity was partly because of Gen Z and its social-media trends, including the hashtag #BookTok on TikTok, McKinsey said.”
Local news by authority
- Aberdeen – Warning that planned closure of six Aberdeen libraries will put ‘significant strain’ on communities – Aberdeen Live. “Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) chief executive, Pamela Tulloch, said the decision was a ‘fundamental misunderstanding of what a library service is’. She has written to council co-leaders asking them to reconsider the “big mistake” … “Services at Cornhill, Cults, Ferryhill, Kaimhill, Northfield and Woodside libraries will come to a halt by the end of the month.” see also Aberdeen City Council urged to stop the closure of six libraries – BBC and Leading Scottish writers and local residents make a stand for Aberdeen libraries – Press and Journal. “Val McDermid and Ian Rankin are the latest to spread the word about the campaign to keep the buildings open, following Stuart MacBride.”
- Campaigners fighting to save Aberdeen libraries urge people to show support at Ferryhill ‘read-in’ – Press and Journal. ““Sacrificing libraries on the bonfire of cost-cutting might save money, but it impoverishes us all.””
- Barking and Dagenham – Free laptops available as part of device lending scheme pilot – Barking and Dagenham Council. “Eligible applicants will be able to make use of a Chromebook laptop for up to six weeks at a time without paying a penny – and could even benefit from free data to access the internet.”
- Bracknell Forest – Changes coming to Bracknell car park, libraries and offices – Bracknell News. ” new cavity wall insulation, which is 77 per cent more efficient, installing double glazed windows which are 80 per cent more efficient, LED lights which use 75 per cent less energy and heating system improvements.”
- Cardiff – Statement re: Cardiff Council Budget Consultation Survey 2023/24 – CILIP. Cuts cancelled but ” While avoiding the awful experience of redundancies and the visible reduction of service that cuts to opening hours would cause, the removal of long term vacant posts is not the natural wastage it might sound like.”
- Devon – Cultural takeover in Exeter and Devon Libraries – Exeter Council. “The charity last year secured a £720,369 grant from Arts Council England to boost its thriving programme of music, films, workshops and high quality community events between 2023 and 2026.”
- Wireless printing on offer at two libraries – Mid-Devon Advertiser.
- East Sussex – Poet Laureate Simon Armitage to visit Eastbourne library – Sussex Express. “The E to G Libraries Tour, which runs from March 17 to March 23, is the latest leg of Simon’s ten-year adventure celebrating UK libraries. Using the alphabet as a compass, his journey celebrates the library as one of the great and necessary institutions. Poet Laureate Simon Armitage said: “I want to celebrate the physical space of libraries and take my work back into places that have given me so much.””
- Hackney – Protest as Hackney Unison chair amongst those handed compulsory redundancies in libraries shake-up – Hackney Citizen. “Council staff staged a protest outside Hackney Town Hall after several library staff, including Hackney Unison Branch Chair Brian Debus, were handed compulsory redundancy notices.” … “Hackney Unison said it was “registering our disgust that three library workers including Hackney Unison Branch Chair Brian Debus are due to be made compulsorily redundant. This despite there being more than enough posts available in the restructured library service.”” … “The council consulted 99 library staff over the changes which see some roles at higher bands and managers caring for several libraries instead of a manager for each. The move is aimed at saving £250,000 from the budget.”
- Manchester – Central Library anniversary – Manclibraries Blog. “It’s hard to believe that on Friday 22 March we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the rebirth of Central Library after a closure of 4 years to deliver the £48m transformation programme. The library is one of the most loved and iconic places in the city and the success of the transformation is seen by the numbers of people who use the library. “
- North Somerset – The Somerset hub where you can learn 110 languages for free – Somerset Live. “Council has signed-up to Transparent Language to encourage everyone to learn another language.” Online.
- North Yorkshire – The bookworm who ended up running Stokesley Globe Community Library – Darlington and Stockton Times. “Stokesley Globe Community Library does what it says. A visit there is a heart-warming experience. A designated warm and safe space, it welcomes all comers. On one recent visit, Ukrainian guests were having English lessons, chess games were in full swing, a visiting artist was teaching an enthusiastic group, Citizen’s Advice was in residence, and friendly volunteers were busy helping people with books and computers.”
- Orkney – Orkney Library selected for pioneering ‘Lend and Mend Hub’ project – Orkney Island Council. “Managed by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), Orkney Library & Archive will build on its current offering to introduce a ‘Lend and Mend Hub’, giving the community free access to repair, reuse, rent and upcycle everyday items, to help keep items in use for longer, rather than them being thrown away. Funded by The John Lewis Partnership’s £1m Circular Future Fund, the Kirkwall-based library will join eight other services across Scotland “
- Pembrokeshire – Library an ‘essential part’ of the community – Tenby Today. “PCC’s head of cultural, leisure, registration and tourism services Mike Cavanagh met with members of Tenby Town Council this month, with the intention of asking for a funding contribution towards the town’s library, or the facility could face closing an extra day a week.”
- Temporary Library open in Narberth’s Bloomfield House Community Centre – Tenby Observer. “The community library requires emergency building maintenance to be carried out and the temporary library will ensure that book lovers continue to be well served. “
- Stockport – Greater Manchester town gets surprise £20m for ‘flagship’ community hub in budget just weeks after bid for levelling up cash was rejected – Manchester Evening News. “Stockport has been awarded £20m for a ‘flagship’ new community hub in the budget – just weeks after the council’s levelling up bid for the project was turned down. Disappointment has turned to delight after the government confirmed it would be funding a new facility in Marple, including a pool, library, gym and play park.”
- Stoke on Trent – A giant step forward for the development of Tunstall Library and Baths for homes and community space – Stoke Council. “The agreement between Tunstall Library Development Ltd and Stoke-on-Trent City Council enables the developer to work up more detailed designs for homes and community use in the heart of the town.” Closed library being developed into housing for profit.
- Fire breaks out at Hanley Library days after plans unveiled for 96 flats – Stoke Sentinel. Overloaded circuit. “The fire comes just days after the council confirmed a deal for developers to convert the library site into 96 flats, a gym and a children’s nursery. The £1.3 million library site was first put up for sale three years ago.”
- Suffolk – The Velveteen Rabbit comes to life at our libraries this Spring – Suffolk Libraries. Four events £4 to £6 (different prices in different libraries)
- Ipswich: Chantry Library organised fashion show and sale – Ipswich Star. Income (and community) generation.
- Warwickshire – Warwickshire County Council commits to continue buying Pure Green Electricity for libraries, fire stations and more – Warwickshire Council.
- Worcestershire – Redditch Library public consultation branded ‘flawed’ by campaign group – Redditch Standard. “The verdict comes from London-based national charity The Library Campaign (TLC) which became so alarmed at the way the Redditch consultation was being conducted it sent its own observer to see it up close.” … ” it said that both Worcestershire County Council and Redditch Borough Council ‘were proceeding as if the move had already been sanctioned’”
- York – Contractor confirmed for £5.3m works on new library in Clifton in York – Press. “Clifton Explore Library Learning Centre will be five times larger than the existing library – and successful Explore Centres at Acomb and the Centre@Burnholme in Tang Hall will be a pattern for Clifton Explore.”
- Haxby and Wigginton Library celebrates its grand opening – York Council.

Neutrality and Challenges
Mar 12th
Editorial
Like many, I have been caught up in the debate about the neutrality of the BBC. Like public libraries that august institution has a duty to neutrality and, like us, comes under pressure from time to time to be less than evenly balanced. And if the BBC sometimes finds this difficult then it’s potentially even harder for something like libraries, which are after all part of a service led by councillors, who are almost all of one political party or another. Ultimately, there’s little that can be done in such instances other than to quote stock policies, national or local, and hope. Unless there’s a well-known television commentator who notices of course.
There’s the usual mixture of good and bad news stories, and continuing rumours of deep cuts coming in some councils, but a story that can always be relied on is the news about the Summer Reading Challenge. This is the biggest promotion that most public library services ever do and has tremendous traction with the public, many of whom remember doing it themselves either as children or as parents. And, of course, the theme this year is sports and games, which ties in well with the Women’s World Cup coming up soon. Hang on, that means we may have tweets from footballers …
Changes by local authority
Ideas
- Easter Egg donations for charity – Sandwell
- Public vote on which events to put on – Cambridgeshire.
National news
- Author Joanne Harris calls for more investment in libraries and the arts – Chester Standard. “Ms Harris, author of Chocolat, spoke out after receiving an OBE for services to literature from the Prince of Wales at a Windsor Castle investiture on Tuesday. After the ceremony, she praised William and the Queen Consort for championing causes that promote literacy in the UK, but called on the Government to do more.”
- LibraryOn Grants programme application guidance – LibraryOn.
- A love letter to local libraries – The Know. “while visits have increased by 68%, spending on UK libraries has fallen by 17%. This waning investment comes at a time when libraries are more crucial to our communities than ever before. There are very few places left where people can go to access information, meet others and keep warm – without needing to spend anything.”
- Majority of English councils plan more cuts at same time as maximum tax rises – Guardian. “At least 12 councils are on the edge of “effective bankruptcy”, the survey warns, as they struggle to meet their official obligation to balance their budget while trying to maintain legal minimum levels of core service provision, from adult social care to roads repair, libraries and homelessness.”
- Nooks take centre stage as libraries level up for the hybrid future – Specification Online. “We’ve really seen take-up of Nooks in libraries lift off, with 25 Nook installations in UK libraries and five new installations in the past month alone.”
- Open meeting on Sanderson inquiry into public libraries and Campaign AGM – Library Campaign / Eventbrite. “An open discussion on Baroness Sanderson’s inquiry into public libraries will be followed by the Library Campaign AGM” including guest speaker Isobel Hunter (Chief Executive, Libraries Connected)
with LC’s analysis of the current library landscape. Saturday 25 March, 2 to 4pm. Unison HQ, London. Teams online option available if book online and say you’re planning to use Teams. - The Reading Agency partners with Youth Sport Trust for Summer Reading Challenge 2023 – BookSeller. “The Reading Agency has revealed that this year’s Summer Reading Challenge will be “Ready, Set, Read!” The annual challenge encourages children to engage with books during the summer reading “dip”. According to the agency, it reached 723,184 children and families across the UK in 2022, with 608,015 children taking part through their local library service. This year, the agency – in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust – has the dual aim to keep children’s minds and bodies active over the summer break.”
- Should Public Libraries Double Down on Print Book Collections? – Publishers Weekly / Tim Coates. “The declines are serious and suggest that the library’s reputation as a vital community resource is in peril. How serious? I fear these trends could lead to the disintegration of U.S. public libraries within a generation if allowed to continue. And without strategic changes visible to the public, I believe they will continue. Take the U.K. as a cautionary tale … I believe that if just 6% of the money currently in the staff and management budget was spent instead on books, we would begin to reverse the decline in library usage.”. See this page for more figures from Tim.
International news
- Singapore – Public libraries in S’pore will keep original Roald Dahl books for now instead of using revised versions – Mothership. “The general principles of the [national government] guidelines state that publications should “not undermine the national interest, public security or public confidence in the law and its enforcement in Singapore.” Content related to race and religion should also “not denigrate, offend the sensitivities of, or incite intolerance or misunderstanding” among” the main racial and religious groups in Singapore.
- USA – Man Who Painted ‘Groomer’ on Libraries Caught With Child Pornography, Police Say – Vice. “Charles Sutherland was formerly a librarian at Northview Elementary in Bowie, Maryland. In June 2022, police arrested Sutherland for vandalizing two libraries in Maryland—one in New Carrollton, and another in Greenbelt—by painting the word “groomer” across the entrances, and was charged with multiple counts of hate crimes at the time. “
Local news by authority
- Aberdeen – Save our Cornhill Library – Change.org. “This petition asks Aberdeen City Council to reverse their decision to close Cornhill Library. Please share this petition widely as we try to save this vital community resource.”
- Letter to Aberdeen Council – Sean McNamara / CILIPS. “Aberdeen City already has one of the lowest numbers of branches per population (1.62 per 20,000) and well below the average of 2.04 per 20,000. These changes could leave Aberdeen as having the lowest number of library branches per population in Scotland”
- Cambridgeshire – Have your say in arts events at Cambridgeshire libraries in 2023 – Fenland Citizen. “A selection of performances will be published online and in libraries from until March 22 for residents to make their choices. “
- Camden – 20 reasons why Library of Things is great – Camdenist. “As their latest branch opens in Kilburn Library, we’ve put together 20 reasons why you should give these rapidly expanding champions of the circular economy a whirl…”
- Cardiff – Do We Still Need Libraries? In Our Modern World, The Answer Is Yes – Voice Wales. “At the heart of a library, are the librarians, drawing together all the aforementioned elements into a holistic service that truly caters for all. Machines can monitor loans, but they tell nothing about how an exhausted mum found a reason to leave the house, how a child learned to clap joyously at songs and nursery rhymes, how a widower became less alone, or how someone borrowed a book that changed their life. Social connections do not come from data, and cannot be quantified by scanners. We need librarians because libraries are for human beings in the pursuit of human activities. “
- Cheshire East – Opinion: “I’m sad the council will be reducing library opening hours” – Northwich Guardian.
- Cumbria – Cumbria Libraries remind communities that they are ‘fine free’ – News and Star. “Cumbria Libraries have been ‘fine free’ for nearly two years meaning anyone returning overdue library books does not receive a fine.”
- Devon – Book sale to boost library charity’s coffers – Mid-Devon Advertiser. “The prices are as follows: £3 for hardbacks; £2 for paperbacks; £2 for children’s fiction books and finally £1 for children’s picture books. All proceeds will be re-invested into Libraries Unlimited”
- Dorset – Barclays Local bank at Weymouth Library and Learning Centre – Dorset Echo. “Barclays Local opened for customers at the Weymouth Library and Learning Centre on Great George Street on Monday, March 6 – just days after its main branch on St Mary Street closed. “
- Essex – The King and The Queen Consort visit Colchester Library – Essex Council. “We are delighted that The King and The Queen Consort were able to visit one of our libraries today and hear more about the fantastic work we are continuing to do through the Essex Year of Reading. “
- Glasgow – Woodside Library in Glasgow reveals opening date after £2.3m refurb – Glasgow Times. Upgrade includes “new, vibrant reading room with study areas, a private kitchen and updated computers. There will also be a range of new books in place.”
- Gwynedd – Gwynedd libraries where you can keep warm and meet people – North Wales Chronicle. “The Gwynedd Library Service Plan – Living Libraries 2023-2028 – was approved on Tuesday, March 7.” … “Reading was still at the the heart of the service offer, with around 60% of users visiting libraries to borrow a book.”
- Loan books, keep warm, meet people and borrow a drill – Cambrian Times. “The county’s libraries now offered a range of services, with some even lending out items such as gardening equipment, DIY tools, games and toys.”
- Haringey – Residents get access to millions of books as Haringey completes The Libraries Consortium membership – Haringey Council. “Haringey residents can borrow and return items to and from 321 libraries in 23 local council areas across London and the South East from today (Monday 6 March) after the council’s libraries service completed its journey to membership of the Libraries Consortium.”
- Middlesbrough – Hublets bring latest digital tech to town’s libraries – Tees Business. “The Finnish-made high-tech devices are loanable tablets for use in the library using our new dedicated WiFi Network.” from Libraries Improvement Fund.
- Northern Ireland – Great events happening in libraries across Belfast – Northern Ireland World. “Libraries are great places to go to if you’re interested in escapism, housing thousands upon thousands of different stories that you can read and fall in love with.”
- Appointments of Councillor Members to the Board of Libraries NI – Northern Ireland Communities.
- Perth and Kinross – Seven Perth and Kinross libraries saved from proposed closure – Daily Record. “It is understood libraries in Alyth, Auchterarder, Birnam, Comrie, North Inch and Pitlochry were all under threat as well as Coupar Angus which is currently temporarily closed.” … “Last week councillors committed £173,000 for the 2023/24 revenue budget to keep these libraries open but the council will look at the affordability and sustainability of its assets in the longer term.”
- Sandwell – Donate Easter eggs at libraries in Sandwell – Sandwell Council. “Sandwell Council is appealing for donations of Easter eggs for Santa’s Black Country Toy Appeal.”
- St Helens – Campaigner says ‘libraries are levellers’ as another is closed – Liverpool Echo. “St Helens Borough Council recently announced that Peter Street Library will be closed permanently from the end of March. The owners of the site have decided to hire the space out to another organisation.” …
- Staffordshire – People invited to celebrate British Science Week at Perton Library – Staffordshire Council. “Robot and coding workshops, forensics activities, geology, and even a real fire engine are amongst the activities in this year’s science fair.”
- Stockport – Stockport Libraries have helped over 5,000 people in Stockport with digital skills – Stockport Council.
- Suffolk – Newly refurbished children’s area unveiled at Brandon Library – Suffolk Libraries. “The refurbishment was funded by planner development funding and with the Friends of Brandon Library also kindly contributing £250 towards the improvements.”
- Haverhill Library launches new photography competition to help create fund-raising calendar – Suffolk News.
- Suffolk Libraries and Rock Paper Scissors get on their bike for Big Weekender – Suffolk Libraries. “The new art bike has been purchased after Rock Paper Scissors were awarded £11,000 from Suffolk County Council’s Public Mental Health Programme through its Children and Young people subgroup. “
- Suffolk Libraries needs your views on proposed plans to extend Thurston Library – Suffolk libraries. “The extension would be funded using money from local housing developments which is available to make improvements to the infrastructure of public services through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The results of this survey will become part of the application bid into the CIL funding pot.”
- Worcestershire – Worcestershire Libraries Cost of Living fairs help over 800 residents – Worcestershire Council. “The events were a huge success, with 835 additional people visiting the libraries during the fairs, equating to a 32% increase in visitors compared to the average number of visitors in January and February. The events were attended by regular library customers and those new to libraries, demonstrating the wide appeal and importance of the information and advice available.”
- York – Dringhouses library soon to reopen after being closed because of cold – Yahoo News. “bosses decided to temporarily close the library in the middle of last month because average temperatures inside were only 10 degrees. Health and Safety Executive guidance states that the minimum temperature for working indoors in a library-type environment should be at least 16°C.”
Cipfa, cuts and woohoos
Mar 5th
Editorial
I’m always a bit bemused by the release of the annual CIPFA figures. For one thing, they tend to be released late (this one about 11 months afterwards). They’ve also lost their comprehensiveness – only 43% of library services responded this time. And then of course they’re impossible to get at, unless you’re a library service or very rich. Finally, there’s the analysis of them. The current one appears not to overly notice the big increase in usage was because libraries were open after Covid again or that income was a bit down because, well, the public wasn’t coming in. But, and it pains me to say it, they’re the best we have. Until library services get it together and produce something themselves or the government starts making reporting compulsory then we have to use the imperfect statistics. We just need to be aware of how bad they area and not rely on them or, actually, use them much.
I’m sorry to see the main cuts reported this week being in Scotland. That nation has had a notable better time of it than England in the previous decade. However, it’s great to see the threat of closure lifted from the Wirral and also that York has gone fines-free (and has even removed reservations charges). Woohoo. A final woohoo goes to the creativity of library services: I’ve been doing this newsletter for way over a decade and I’m still spotting new ideas coming out of the sector. I can’t wait to see more. Hopefully about how to get good statistics …
Changes by local authority
- Aberdeen – Cornhill, Cults, Northfield, Ferryhill, Woodside and Kamhill “decommissioned” due to £280k cut.
- Sheffield – Possible staffing cuts
- West Dunbartonshire – Dalmuir, Balloch, Duntocher, Parkhall and Faifley to be closed or relocated in cuts / redevelopment plans.
- Wirral – All nine threatened libraries will stay open.
- York – Fines-free, no charge for reservations.
Ideas noted
- My First Library Card – specially designed for 0-5, part of My Firsts promotion to inspire young children to visit, join and regularly use their local library (Hertfordshire)
- Photographic Voter ID help – (Cheshire East)
- Stimkits – Lendable resources for children with autism (North Yorkshire)
- Teddy Bear Trail – fundraising for libraries (Jesmond volunteer library)
National news
- 500 Words: BBC Breakfast to relaunch children’s writing competition – BBC. “It is fantastic that the competition will be supported by the Queen Consort and we do hope teachers and librarians across the UK will get involved in this chance to help find the writers of tomorrow,” “
- Cost-of-living crisis: one in five parents spend less on books for their children – Guardian. “One in five parents and carers are spending less on books for their children because of the cost-of-living crisis, and a quarter have asked children to borrow more books from the school library, new research has found.”
- The Guardian view on children’s reading: a gift that should be for all – Guardian. “the borrowable book is such an important part of the reading ecology. Yet libraries have long been in the frontline of cuts to public services, and those in schools have fared worst of all. While prisons in the UK are legally obliged to have libraries, primary schools are not. The result, according to one survey, is that one in seven have no library space at all.”
“Today is world book day. The First Minister is well known as a self-identified avid reader so, as she leaves office, how does she feel about being responsible for closing more public libraries than any of her predecessors?” Stephen Kerr Conservative
“I am proud of the support that the Scottish Government gives to libraries. Many libraries in my constituency and across the country had to close during the pandemic, but I have watched them reopen and become vital parts of local communities. I will continue to support libraries, and I will continue to support everything associated with the wonderful world of books. Perhaps I even look forward to having a bit more time to read books in future.” Nicola Sturgeon Scottish National Party
They Work For You
- The LibraryOn grants programme – LibraryOn. £1.1m. “Grants range from £10,000 to £70,000. They will be offered to applicants across the country, ensuring a balance in those library services benefiting, from small to large, rural to urban, and those with varied levels of digital literacy and activity.”
- Over 12 million books borrowed as part of Summer Reading Challenge 2022 – BookSeller. “here was a year-on-year increase in the number of children that completed the challenge, with 309,287 completing it in 2022 compared to 233,755 in 2021.”
- Queen Consort talks reading with Children’s Laureate for World Book Day – News.com.au.
- Reading during the school holidays really does make a difference – Reading Agency. ” In 2022, The Reading Agency saw 723,184 children engaging in over 95% of library authorities across the UK.”
- Roald Dahl ebooks ‘force censored versions on readers’ despite backlash – Times / paywall. Ebooks automatically changed to new wording.
- Spending on British libraries falls 17% as in-person visits soar – Guardian. “Spending on libraries in Britain has fallen by 17%, according to new statistics, despite in-person visits increasing by 68% since the pandemic. Figures released by CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, show that in 2021/22 £9,982 was spent per 1,000 people on libraries by central and local government in England, Scotland and Wales. This was down from £11,970 in 2020/21 and £12,646 in 2018/19.” see also Library visits and loans recover post-pandemic but funding still dropping, CIPFA data shows – BookSeller. “43% response rate” to CIPFA survey.
- World Book Day: ‘Why I’ve given away 6,000 free books’ – BBC. “The 28-year-old has always loved reading, and she would often find herself in the library near the East London estate where she grew up.”
International news
- Canada – Toronto libraries are fighting for ‘intellectual freedom’ with new collection of exclusively banned books – CP24. “The collection features 50 adult, teen and children’s books that have been banned, challenged or censored across North America. “
- USA – As LGBTQ book challenges rise, some Louisiana librarians are scared to go to work – PBS. “Scrutiny of libraries, books, teaching materials and curriculum has become a central issue for conservative politicians around the nation. In Florida, the education department has launched a statewide effort to review reading materials provided to children in schools, following a law that went into effect last summer that can impose harsh penalties on any educators who provide books deemed inappropriate. Librarians in Missouri were forced to remove books from shelves under threat of criminal charges last fall. Virginia established a tip line encouraging parents to report teaching materials about critical race theory, but it quietly shut down the effort last year.”
- Call to Action for Digital Content – Good E Reader. “a March of Action for libraries. In response to the growing concern about fair access to digital rights, including ebooks, audio books and other digital resources, the coalition is hosting a series of virtual Congressional briefings in March 2023 regarding the future of digital rights for libraries.”
- From letters to airplane tickets; this librarian has collected over 400 items in books left by visitors – First Post. “Starting from grocery lists, postcards, polaroid photographs, airplane tickets, notes, recipes, concert tickets, and even love letters, Sharon has seen it all and has now turned it into her passion. The woman who works at the Oakland Public Library in California also runs an independent page on the library’s website where all the forgotten mementoes are uploaded for public viewing.”
Local news by authority
- Aberdeen – Aberdeen budget: Crime writer Stuart MacBride says closing six libraries ‘impoverishes chunks of city’ – Press and Journal. “People in Cornhill, Cults, Northfield, Ferryhill, Woodside and Kamhill will all see their local branches “decommissioned” as part of a major savings drive. Shutting them will save £280,000 as the council seeks to fill a black hole of almost £47 million across the next year.” … “Local authority leaders blamed falling usage and changing habits for axing the buildings during yesterday’s bruising budget meeting.”
- Bradford – What is happening in Bradford Libraries for World Book Day? – Telegraph and Argus.
- Brent – ‘Staggering’ plans for £2m Brent Civic Centre revamp slammed – Brent and Kilburn Times. “Works will include changing the main entrance, expanding the libraries, creating more private spaces, replacing the spiral staircase, and addressing acoustic issues. The Liberal Democrats tried to use a ‘call-in’ to ask the cabinet to look at the decision again but this was unsuccessful.”
- Cheshire East – Nantwich Library to the rescue – Voter ID – no problem = Nantwich News / Letters. “the library will take a digital photograph (at no cost) using their webcam. The resident can complete the Voter ID form then and there, and the library will help send it all off for them. No problem. So, if you need a voter ID certificate, the library is there to help (and whilst you are there, you could always get a library card and hire a book or two).”
- Denbighshire – Library service turns the page to new electric chapter – News From Wales. “a Peugeot e-expert van to cut down on the home library service’s carbon emissions.”
- Gwynedd – £60,000 boost to improve library – Cambrian News. Penygroes. ” from the Welsh Government’s Library Transformation Capital Fund.” … “The funding has allowed the service to create a space to better display books, and the public computer section has been moved. The Children’s Section has been transformed”
- Herefordshire – New Chapter For Library – Herefordshire Council. “The Broad Street building will
become home to a state-of-the-art museum and art gallery. It will open in the spring of 2025. Meanwhile, a completely new library will take up residence at Maylord Orchards shopping centre in spring 2024. - Hertfordshire – Visit to Stevenage Central Library by Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho – Hertfordshire Council. “Joseph was delighted to be presented with his very own Hertfordshire Libraries My First library card and joining certificate. This card has been specially designed for our youngest customers aged 0-5 and is part of the Hertfordshire Libraries My Firsts promotion to inspire young children to visit, join and regularly use their local library. Visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/MyFirsts and your local library to find out more.”
- Inverclyde – Brush up on digi skills with new free Inverclyde Libraries course – Greenock Telegraph.
- Manchester – Inside Manchester’s beautiful hidden gem library with a secret entrance behind a pub – Manchester World. Private, £223 to join.
- Manchester Central Library – What a brilliant, brilliant place – Manclibraries Blog. “We’ve been looking at responses left on our survey machine at Manchester Central Library over the last 18 months. There are some great comments and really interesting responses …”
- World Book Day: Manchester commuters offered free books – BBC.
- Medway – Celebrate International Women’s Day at Medway’s libraries – Medway Council.
- Middlesbrough – Self-service comes to Middlesbrough Libraries – Middlesbrough Council. “The self-service technology is provided by Lyngsoe Systems thanks to funding made available to Middlesbrough Libraries from The Arts Council.”
- North Yorkshire – Harrogate district libraries launch sensory resources for children with autism – Your Harrogate. ” launched Stimkits, which get their name from the practice of ‘stimming’, a word used by people with autism to describe self-stimulatory behaviour. Six kits have been purchased to be used across the county’s libraries to create a relaxed and safe space. They include a blackout pop-up tent, lights and various handheld sensory items.”
- Sheffield – Bullied at the library – Critic. A view of the recent library talk. “It has now been confirmed, as I suspected, that I was being “guarded” for my protected belief that humans cannot change sex”
- Budget: fears over cuts to Sheffield Central Library staff – Star. “Reading Sheffield, a community history group, sent a letter to councillors and senior officers urging a rethink of a range of plans to save money in the upcoming budget. They are of the understanding that half of library and information officers and management were at risk, as well as almost all of the support staff who care for visitors and deal with building repairs.”
- Removing late weekday openings of Sheffield’s libraries would be the wrong thing to do – Yorkshire Post Letters – Yorkshire Post. “Under the new proposals the only library open in the city on Thursday will be the Central one. The only library in the city open past 5pm on any weekday again will be Central Library. I’d encourage everyone to object to the proposals to remove late and Thursday opening using the consultation”
- Staffordshire – Library staff and volunteers shortlisted for national awards – Staffordshire Council. “Projects that help promote learning, health and wellbeing through reading and a scheme which provided extra support for people settling in the county from Ukraine, are amongst the activities shortlisted.”
- Business start-up advice now available at libraries – Staffordshire Council. “Each library has its own Staffordshire Start-up Hub where visitors can access self-employment resources including books, fact sheets, business plan templates and information. During March, additional drop-in advice sessions will also be held at selected Libraries. Self-employment coaches from Business Enterprise Support (BES) will be on hand to provide one-to-one advice and talk through people’s ideas. “
- Suffolk – Art exhibitions, author events, live music and more! Suffolk Libraries Day line-up confirmed – Suffolk Libraries. “Our main event this year is our popular Online Book Festival … We’re also excited to announce two live music performances taking place”
- Measuring our impact: Independent research into our social value – Suffolk Libraries. “Our latest impact report Suffolk Libraries, An impact analysis of services of Suffolk Libraries January 2023 by independent consultants Moore Kingston Smith estimates that every £1 spent on Suffolk Libraries’ services creates £6 in ‘social value’. This is based on a comprehensive study of the wide range of services and activities Suffolk Libraries provide and further discussion with people who benefit from them. The report also found Suffolk’s libraries generated £41m worth of social value and saves NHS services in Suffolk a whopping £542K per year.”
- Swindon – Swindon library visitors drop post Covid as e-loans soar – Swindon Advertiser. “In the year ending in March 2020 there were more than half a million personal visits to the five libraries, which lent 532,000 items and there were 16,758 e-loans, of things like digital audio books, e-books and e-magazines. This far in 2022-23, which still has more than a month to run, personal visits have numbered 188,000. That’s well under half the pre-pandemic total, with 224,000 items being borrowed. In the meantime e-loans have multiplied six-fold to 93,471 this year.”
- West Dunbartonshire – Libraries face closure or moving location under West Dunbartonshire Council budget proposals – Glasgow Live. “Dalmuir Library could be moved within Dalmuir community centre under proposals to plug West Dunbartonshire Council’s £21.6 million budget gap. Balloch, Duntocher, Parkhall and Faifley libraries also face being co-located or closed.”
- Wirral – Wirral Council: Plan to close nine libraries scrapped – BBC. “The local authority, which faces a £32m budget gap, also u-turned on plans to cut back on playgroups, the maintenance of parks, and street cleaning.” … “Greens leader Pat Cleary said: “Promoting an excessively pessimistic budget gap has inevitably led to heightened and unnecessary stress for staff and residents.”
- York – Residents invited to have their say on Acomb Explore – York Explore. Consultation on new library.
- York libraries to scrap all fines for overdue books – Yahoo News. “Even library books that have been gathering dust at the back of a shelf at home for years – and which you’ve occasionally felt guilty about not returning – will no longer incur a fine when you bring them back.” … “As well as removing late charges, the library service will also scrap the 25p fee for reserving books. ‘These changes are all part of work to improve the experience for library customers which will also include the launch of an app to make borrowing even easier, and brand-new self-issue machines being installed in all York’s libraries during March,’ Explore says.”
- Date set for library re-opening – Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Ward. “The library closed on 13th February in response to concerns about the low temperature in the building, caused by a combination of winter weather and ineffective heating. A new boiler is being installed along with new convector heaters and new radiators. It has been confirmed that Listed Building Consent is not needed for these internal improvement works.”

Written out
Feb 26th
Editorial
The recent controversy over the rewriting of Roald Dahl’s books to make them more politically correct, which may or may not have been just a publicity stunt, has got me thinking even more about where we should stand on censorship. And it is censorship, pure and simple. Look at the definition of the word if you’re not sure.
My views on this have changed and hardened recently. The thing is I like being politically correct and, as any reader will gather from my editorials, my views are left of centre. But I think we need to be firm on some things. If one starts changing words then it means that written words can be changed. The moral high ground is lost and it’s harder to work out what was actually said or meant. Freedom of speech is taken away from the dead. And, maybe, if we refuse to recognise this as a line in the sand, then there are others lines we may not notice until it is too late.
My first degree was in History, fascinating subject (let me know if you want a chat on Later Roman military formations) but part of the challenge is working out what actually happened. Far from being the preservers of ancient knowledge like many of us were taught in school, the Early Christians destroyed by some estimates over 95% of pagan writing and a surprising amount of what is left is just extracts in Christian texts of the time, often included solely in order to rebut them. That was a historic catastrophe, in at least two different ways. What I am saying is that the writings of authors need to be kept the same in order to accurately judge them. If they fall out of favour of the times then let them. Of course, as librarians our influence is highly limited (profit wins every time) but at the very least we should not welcome such changes. Or we will be judged in the future for it. That is, unless librarians are written out of history when it is politically correct to do so.
Changes by local authority
- Cheshire East – Opening hours cut
- Rotherham – Mowbray Gardens Library and Brinsworth Community Library have staffless opening hours.
National news
- I hate library phone boxes. By Katrina Robinson – The Oldie. “I’m a librarian – so people think I should love it when people put any old books in any old crate and label it ‘Library’. They think I’m blaspheming against mighty Thoth, the Egyptian god of reading, when I tell them how I feel. I feel the way any worth-her-salt GP would feel if she spotted a rusty first-aid box by the side of the road, with ‘Hospital’ emblazoned all over it – while real hospitals were closing or becoming semi-open ‘community hospitals’ staffed by unqualified volunteers.”
Although there have been library closures, an extensive network of libraries remains across England delivering services including digital to local residents. There has been no assessment made of the impact of library closures on trends in the level of digital exclusion. There are over 2,900 libraries across England, and while there have been closures, they continue to be a well used service, providing a trusted network of accessible locations with trained staff and volunteers, free wifi and public PCs, and assisted digital access to a wide range of digital services.
Based on a dataset of information on public libraries in England, published by Arts Council England, we estimated that around 230 static libraries have been permanently closed in the period 1 April 2010 to 31 December 2021 and have not been relocated or replaced.”
Paul Scully, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department of Science Innovation and Technology
- Improving the online presence of public libraries with a new grants programme – British Library / Living Knowledge. “The first stage of the LibraryOn digital grants programme will kick off on 1 March 2023. From this date we’ll be inviting library services in England to submit an Expression of Interest form outlining their initial ideas for a funded project.”
- Julia Donaldson ends James Patterson’s reign as UK libraries’ most borrowed author – Guardian. “Patterson had been the most borrowed author for 14 years in the Public Lending Right (PLR) data” … “All of the Top 10 most borrowed titles for the period were fiction, with crime and thriller titles dominating. Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club and its sequel The Man Who Died Twice were in at numbers one and two on the chart, and held the same positions on the most borrowed audiobooks chart.”
- Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF) Round 3 – Arts Council England. £10.5m. “This fund will enable library services across England to invest in a range of projects to upgrade buildings and technology so they are better placed to respond to the changing ways people are using them.”
- The old book shop going to auction with hundreds of books inside – Wales Online. Nothing to do with public libraries but oh my gosh the books …
- Radio 2 Book Club Library Staff Opportunity – BBC Radio 2. “We’re looking for librarians to join the Radio 2 Book Club panel, to help choose the books that will feature on the show.”
- Shortlist announced for Libraries Connected Awards 2023 – Libraries Connected. “The Awards have six categories which reflect the Universal Library Offers (ULOs) and Promises – the core services and programmes that modern library services provide.”
- A sociological exploration of the library – Glasgow Guardian. “Cicero once said: “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” While students may have to replace a garden with a daily walk through Kelvingrove Park, our own private libraries are flourishing. Perhaps at the expense of the public good that public libraries provide.”
International news
- Czech Republic – Sustainability in Czech Libraries – CILIP. Webinar, March 22 Wednesday 5pm. ” established SDGs in Czech librarianship and empowered dozens of libraries to become pioneers of sustainable development topics in their communities.”
- South Korea – Exploring the Innovative Community Libraries of Korea – Publishers Weekly. “there is no future for libraries—instead, there are many diverse futures, futures diverse as the communities libraries are designed to serve. And in these futures, librarians shape their libraries around these unique communities, diverse in demographics, needs, capabilities, and locations.” … “Fair warning, these libraries really cannot be replicated. What makes them work is that they are all hand made for their unique communities. “
- USA – Confronting white nationalism in libraries: a toolkit – Western States Center. “This toolkit is designed to help readers counter multiple forms of organized bigotry. This includes organizing that draws on anti-Blackness, anti-Indigenous bigotry, anti-immigrant bigotry, anti-Muslim bigotry, antisemitism, misogyny, and anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry.”
Local news by authority
- Bradford – Virtual reality will allow library visitors to step into city’s past – Telegraph and Argus. “There will be six Virtual Reality experiences available using a virtual reality headset and members of the public can expect to find themselves experiencing life as a rebellious teenager as she discovers her mother’s punk past – or they can take part in one of the many South Asian daytime raves that took place across the UK in the 1980s and 1990s, and hear what earlier generations thought life would be like today.”
- Brighton and Hove – Plan to close library on Saturdays released as result of ‘administrative error’ – Yahoo News. “Mr Hawtree, who plans to stand again for the Greens in Central Hove at the local elections in May, said: “Glad to say that reports of a closing day at Hove’s Carnegie Library hours are misplaced. We need hours, librarians – and good book stocks.””
- Fight to save library threatened with closure as part of council cost cutting plans – Yahoo News. “Two Independent councillors are trying to save a library from closure as the council prepares to decide a number of cuts in its budget for the coming financial year. North Portslade councillors Anne Pissaridou and Peter Atkinson are battling to keep Mile Oak Library open.”
- Buckinghamshire – Bucks libraries fines amnesty set to end soon – Bucks Free Press. The public will be fined again for not returning books by a specified time from 28 February.
- Beaconsfield Community Association fights to keep library newspapers – Bucks Free Press. “The Beaconsfield Community Association has continued to pay for copies of Bucks Free Press and The Week at Beaconsfield Library. The move comes after Buckinghamshire Council discontinued hardcopies of newspapers and magazines at Council-run libraries following a survey it ran in August last year. The Council cited an increase in the use of digital newspapers and magazines as a reason for the change.”
- Cambridgeshire – Cambridgeshire Libraries’ talk on LGBT history proves the importance of remembering – Cambridge News.
- Cardiff – Protesters march through Cardiff to oppose plans for St David’s Hall and libraries – Wales Online. “Protesters marched through Cardiff city centre on Saturday afternoon to oppose plans to cut spending on beloved cultural institutions. Cardiff council’s recent budget consultation survey laid out proposals to privatise St David’s Hall, close the Cardiff Story Museum and cut library opening hours.” … “Speeches from Welsh authors, musicians, conservationists, trade unionists and anti-austerity campaigners followed, including children’s author and poet Mike Church and Alice Shing, who was integral in the campaign to save Cardiff’s Roath library in 2015. Ms Shing spoke of the benefits public libraries offer to new mums, young families and people vulnerable to mental health problems.”
- Cheshire East – Cheshire East hoping reduced library hours will be temporary – Knutsford Guardian. “The proposal to reduce the opening hours and to close on Saturdays met with an angry response from the public during the consultation period. As a result the proposal to close on Saturdays was dropped. At Wednesday’s meeting of the full council, when the budget was approved, Cllr Mick Warren, chair of the environment and communities committee, said: “By reducing the opening hours in our libraries we will be able to make substantial savings in this year’s budget and help balance the MTFS (mid-term financial strategy 2023-7).”
- Public anger aired over CEC plan to reduce library opening times – Nantwich News. “Apart from issuing books, [the libraries] already process blue badges, bus pass applications, take council payments, undertake DBS checks for taxi drivers, verify evidence for benefit applicants, take homeless enquiries and, of course, signpost residents to other sources of help,” he said. “By increasing our offer of services in libraries in future years, I believe this will enable them to return to full-time hours as has happened in other authorities.””
- Cheshire West and Chester – CWAC libraries ready for World Book Day 2023 – So Counties. “Library teams have been busy organising fancy dress swap events and are now getting ready to exchange thousands of new books on Saturday 4th March. The vouchers will be given out for free to children in schools, nurseries and other settings across the borough on Thursday 2nd March 2023, which is World Book Day.”
- Derby – Roar-some reads for all the family – Derby Council. “Let’s go on a dinosaur discovery adventure with Derby Libraries’ Big Family Read. Join in from Mon 20 Feb to Sat 1 Apr with the Roar-some reading theme of dinosaurs! This reading challenge aims to encourage families across Derby with children aged three to 11, to read for fun with events, activities, and a book competition.”
- East Lothian – New app for library users allows you to choose your next book ‘on the move’ – East Lothian Council. Spydus.
- East Riding – Flotsam and Jetsom wash up in East Riding Libraries at Willerby, Haltemprice, and North Bridlington in March – East Riding Council. Lempen Puppet Theatre. Adult £6, Children £3.
- Gloucestershire – Gloucestershire libraries to celebrate World Book Day – Gloucester Bid. Author events, fancy dress.
- Greenwich – Free mobile sim card boost for hard-up Greenwich residents – London News Online. “sim cards to eligible residents through Greenwich Supports, the council’s cost of living campaign, and the Good Things Foundation, which promotes digital access for the disadvantaged. “
- Gwynedd – Council invests cash in library services – Cambrian News. £60,000 from the Welsh Government’s Library Transformation Capital Fund. “a space to better display books and the public computer section has been moved. The Children’s Section has been transformed” … “Petha Penygroes service has been launched at Penygroes Library. ‘Petha’ is a new project in Gwynedd which seeks to establish a Library of Things in three communities throughout the county,”
- Haringey – Alexandra Park Library to reopen following improvement works – Haringey Council. “Library users will benefit from an improved and more accessible local library with a new lift, accessible toilets, new lighting, IT upgrades and redecoration of all interior spaces, including a revamped children’s library. A new electric piano has also been installed as part of Haringey Council’s partnership with Casio to introduce electric pianos in all the borough’s libraries”
- Inverclyde – Port Glasgow Library closing for maintenance work – Inverclyde Council.
- Jersey – Library launches new pet therapy scheme – BBC. “Staff said the event on Thursday was a success, and hope it will become a regular service. Run by Therapy Dogs Nationwide, their work is aimed at helping people with loneliness, anxiety and stress by sharing time with the animals. Ed Jewell, chief librarian, said “anyone can pop along” – and pick up a book at the same time.”
- Kirklees – World Book Day 2023 Live Lesson comes to Batley Library – Kirklees Council. “Production company The Connected Set will be at Batley Library on Wednesday 01 March, when the library is usually closed, for rehearsals before the live lesson is broadcast the next day. The library will be closed to the public on Thursday 2 March for filming. The Library will reopen on Friday 3 March for business as usual.”
- Lambeth – Smart borrowing for jobseekers – Love Lambeth. “Brixton Library and ihateironing laundry and drycleaning service have relaunched their partnership to help low-income residents dress for success in job interviews.”
- Lancashire – Kirkham Library temporarily shuts its doors for roof repairs – Lancashire Council. “The temporary closure is due to essential repair work being undertaken on the roof of the library. This is to allow stage one of a two-stage repair of the roof to take place.”
- Manchester – Manchester rated ‘Excellent’ by UNESCO as a Creative City of Literature – University of Manchester. “The city’s annual week-long Festival of Libraries was described as “a most impressive initiative… [attracting] great attention both locally and internationally”. “
- North Somerset – Join the celebration at North Somerset libraries this World Book Day – North Somerset Council. “Children who have not received a £1 World Book Day token at school will be able to collect one from their local library. Children aged up to four years old will be able to collect a free book at a North Somerset library when they borrow books on their library card.” Themed rhymetimes and storytimes.
- North Yorkshire – Join online library chat with best-selling thriller writer – North Yorkshire Council. Simon Scarrow.
- North Yorkshire Under-Fives week: Libraries to host events – Gazette Herald.
- Scarborough Man’s Club Find Temporary Home as Library Closes – This Is The Coast. “£450,000 will be spent on Scarborough Library during a major refit which will include work to the Children’s Library, a new IT area and a community and exhibition space.”
- Northern Ireland – Celebrate World Book Day 2023 with Libraries NI – News Letter. Events.
- Nottinghamshire – New £741,000 Library Learning Facility for Nottinghamshire town – West Bridgford Wire. “The Library Learning Facility project is one of six regeneration projects being funded through the £21.1m Stapleford Towns Fund. The existing town library, owned by the County Council, and run by Inspire will be remodelled, creating more space for new entry level skills education and training, allowing residents with little or no formal qualifications to take their first step, within their local community, on their lifelong learning journey.”
- Portsmouth – Portsmouth librarian shortlisted for prestigious national award – Portsmouth Council. Libraries Connected Awards: “Portsmouth librarian, Julie Duffy, has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award for the innovative work she has undertaken in Portsmouth City Council’s libraries for over 20 years, making them more accessible to people who are blind or vision impaired.”
- Rotherham – Rotherham: Libraries begin self-service trial – BBC. “Mowbray Gardens Library and Brinsworth Community Library in Rotherham will open on a self-serve basis at times when they would normally be closed.”
- Sheffield – Backlash over transgender cartoonist with a fetish for nappy art who is set to speak to teenage children and families at library about her book ‘The Best of Assigned Male’ – Mail. Conservative MP and newspaper furious at adult author event where 13+ can attend. see also Sophie Labelle Sheffield: Trans cartoonist who made ‘diaperfur’ art responds to MP’s concerns over event at library – Star. “Ms Labelle previously tweeted: “I made some diaperfur art. I have a kink I indulge responsibly and I refuse to be shamed for it. The people shoving my art and my life into everyone’s face are bad-faith actors looking for an excuse to attack a trans woman.”
- Solihull – Solihull librarian shortlisted for prestigious national award – Solihull Council. Libraries Connected Awards: “Solihull Heritage and Local Studies librarian Tracey Williams has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award which celebrates the achievements of library workers.”
- Stoke on Trent – Celebrate World Book Day at Stoke-on-Trent Libraries – Stoke On Trent Council. Storytimes.
- Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries’ wellbeing champions shortlisted for prestigious national award – Suffolk Libraries. Libraries Connected Awards: “Laura Parker, Suffolk Libraries’ Director of People and Culture, and Jane Cox, Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager have been jointly shortlisted under the Health & Wellbeing category for their work to coordinate and energise Suffolk Libraries Wellbeing Champions staff group.”
- Paws-itivity campaign gets a big boost from a mystery local artist and a new sponsor – Suffolk libraries. “The Hat has generously created and donated a wonderful piece of Labrador-shaped artwork called Cyril, wearing a signature style hat. Suffolk Libraries are hoping the sale of the artwork will boost the total money raised when this and the dog sculptures are auctioned at Trinity Park on 12 October.”
- Swindon – Old Town Library 2017 to 2023 – Community Libraries Network. Volunteer library has increase in staff and loans. New library planned. Multiple events.
- Telford and Wrekin – iPad Lending Library comes to Newport – Telford and Wrekin Council. “Anyone over the age of 18 who has a Telford and Wrekin Library Card can borrow an iPad from Newport or Southwater Libraries, free of charge, for up to four weeks at a time. The loan also includes data too, so borrowers won’t incur any costs.” … “The Library iPad Lending Scheme is part of a wider project, supported by £326,000 funding as part of Telford & Wrekin Council’s £28million On Your Side investment, to address digital exclusion and help more people in the borough access the internet.”
- Warwickshire – Visit Warwickshire Libraries this half-term to enjoy a week packed full of children’s dinosaur-themed activities – Warwickshire Council.
- West Berkshire – ‘Staffing is so lean that casual cover is needed for every staff absence’ – Newbury Today. “West Berkshire’s libraries are at breaking point because of lack of funding and an over reliance on volunteer staff. A report to the council’s executive committee says the current funding model, which relies on voluntary contributions from parish and town councils in order to deliver a balanced budget, needs to be urgently reviewed. The libraries budget and staffing reduced in 2017 by 44 per cent. The revised budget for libraries was set at £1,046,000 for the new library service, a cut of £690,000.”
- Wiltshire – Wiltshire libraries provide warm space during cost-of-living crisis – Salisbury Journal. “So far more than 1,000 packs have been provided; each contains a hot water bottle, blanket and thermal mug.”. Council-funded.
- Wirral – Proposals to close Wirral libraries and playgrounds thrown out by councillors – Liverpool World. “The proposals will now be debated by all councillors on February 27 and looks likely to pass with support from the Liberal Democrats and the Greens who voted to move the budget forward with Labour.”
- Worcestershire – No market, library relocation and Parkinson’s audit – This weeks Redditch Standard letters – Redditch Standard / Letters. ” Mr Dormer has to listen to all of the residents of Redditch who are saying they do not want the library to be demolished. By moving it to the Town Hall, it is way from any meaningful footfall but most of all they will be diminishing the library space on one single reason – they have not allowed any space whatsoever for the provision of computers. But they are still saying that the space will increase.”

The only thing that stays the same
Feb 18th
Editorial
Things change and libraries change. I was training a new member of the team this week and went through everything that had changed since I started in public libraries in the same area (not the same council – that’s one of the changes) back in the 1990s. It included library moves, opening hour changes (usually for the better, thankfully), story-times, the Summer Reading Challenge, self-service machines, people’s network computers, cafes, rhyme-times, baby bounce, reading groups, printing and a little thing called the internet. That last has revolutionised everything else, including what books we stock and how to display them, not least changing staffing needs. None of this is bad, and much of it is good, but the key is … imagine if we hadn’t changed? What a dinosaur library service we’d have been, and there’d have been complaints. And rightly. The latest thing I’m enjoying is the powerful combination of online event booking combined with posts linking to them in local facebook groups. Wow. What an impact that has had, including attracting people into the library who would never have thought about visiting before. And this makes think – not changing these days would be the biggest change of all. Change is not even really a choice any more. Lack of change would be very difficult and lead to, ironically, a great change in how we are seen. That’s not to say all change is good. Not change is not bad either. And that’s good, because the only thing that stays the same in this world is that things change.
That was going to be my whole editorial this week but I need to add something else. When I was starting out in the public library blogging hobby back in 2010, there were a few people that really helped me. One of those was Shirley Burnham, a library campaigner from Swindon with wonderfully pro-library and unbending views. She made me look positively lukewarm on libraries by comparison. So it’s with great sadness that I see she passed away at the start of the year. I will miss her and I can’t see that changing for a while.
Changes by local authority
- Wrexham – Becomes fines-free.
National news
- Celebrating 125 years of CILIP Chartership – CILIP. “In celebration of the 125th anniversary of our Royal Charter, we are launching The CILIP 125 List, to recognise and honour a new generation of librarians, information and knowledge management professionals who drive positive change, making a difference and having an impact across all sectors.”
- CILIPS Annual Conference 2023 – CILIPS. “The largest conference in Scotland for library and information professionals, CILIPS23 will bring together colleagues from across the country and beyond to share knowledge, network and engage in professional development. Hosted by CILIPS President Richard Aird and taking place on 5th and 6th June 2023 at the Dundee Apex Hotel, our Annual Conference will feature inspiring keynote speeches, impactful parallel sessions, a range of networking opportunities and much more.”
- Getting started with open data – Libraries Data Blog. “Last week I was asked how a public library service could get started with publishing open data, and where to look to make it good. There aren’t many library services publishing data (yet!), and it can be a daunting task for a service to get started. For libraries, it’s still leading in innovation rather than jumping on a bandwagon. Firstly …”
- Libraries Activity Data – Libraries Connected. 23 February, 1pm, webinar. “We are analysing libraries’ activity data on a monthly basis and benchmarking this against broader data from High Streets and other areas. Join us for a discussion on what the data shows, what it means and provide your own insight from the library services to make our analysis a much richer picture.”
- The Story Detective Will Tour to Libraries Across the UK in 2023 – Broadway World. “An immersive promenade dance performance, The Story Detectives takes children and their families on an imaginative journey through the library to discover different kinds of books, from a detective book to an adventure book, a dictionary to a fairy tale, led by two characters Playful and Particular.”
International news
- Australia – Public Libraries and the public good: How Australian public libraries are a core to local government presence – Medium. “hile the three Rs are essential to the operation of society, the provision of public library services can be seen as critical for local governments in providing a human face to council services and one of the only few spaces where the notion of community is fostered and thrived.”
- Canada – How the North Bay Public Library is spicing things up – TVO. ” the North Bay Public Library also offers patrons the chance to participate in a special kind of club: anyone with a library card can pick up a free Spice of the Month kit containing a spice portion (like ginger in December, cumin in January, and paprika in February) and a simple recipe — four-ingredient cardamom muffins or ginger-molasses cookies, for example — so they can try the spice at home. NBPL makes around 30 to 40 kits to hand out to library-goers on a first-come, first-serve basis. “
- Finland – Eventful year in the Iisalmi City Library – NAPLE Sister Libraries. “the project wants to turn the library space into an active forum of public debate and other activities connected to promoting democracy. “
- USA – Publishers Want to End How Libraries Lend Books Online – Medium. ” “publishers will continue to sue libraries over digital practices that were long considered fair uses in the physical world — even if they are done on a nonprofit basis with no measurable economic harm.””
Local news by authority
- Bath and North East Somerset – Communities pull together as Midsomer Norton Library runs story time with Ukrainian translation – Journal Gazette. “Hand-drawn ABC pictures to help Ukrainian children learning English are going up in B&NES libraries, including Midsomer Norton.”
- Bedford – Bedford library forced to shut after water leak causes power outage – Bedfordshire Live. “Bedford Central Library has been forced to close this morning (Tuesday, February 14) after a large water leak resulted in a power outage. The Central Library on Harpur Street is usually open from 9am until 6pm on weekdays, however the closure means library users will have to use other locations.”
- Birmingham – Libraries ‘won’t face funding cuts’ but may be moved in Birmingham says council leader – Birmingham Mail. “The report said the expected budget gap for the period 2023/24 would be £80 million, rising to as much as £146.5 million in 2026/27. The council is expected to try and save £48 million this year.” … “Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham city council, denied libraries will be cut. Instead, he argued the services will be “reconfigured”.”
- Brighton and Hove – ‘How can cutting Hove Library opening hours be allowed?’ – Yahoo News / Letters. “Now comes news that the shutting of Hove Library on a Saturday is under consideration. How can this be allowed? Provision of libraries is of course a statuary obligation and to close the doors on a Saturday could be described as discrimination.”
- Bury – Bury readers can now borrow books across Greater Manchester – Bury Times. “The borough has joined the shared Greater Manchester Library Management System, giving people in Bury the choice to borrow 4m books and other items.”
- Cardiff – Mass read-in protest against Council’s decision to library cuts – Inter Cardiff. “The council is planning to staff the library with unpaid volunteers and change the library opening times but this is a huge problem during the cost of living crisis, according to Adam Johannes, a representative for Cardiff People’s Assembly.” … “There are currently no libraries that are threatened to close but the campaigners fear that often services are cut and run down and then it leads to less people using them, which then is used as an argument in the future to shut them down. Adam says, “The basis of a true democracy is the library.””
- Derby – Future looking brighter for Derby libraries as £415,000 is budgeted to keep them open – Derby Telegraph. “Derby’s 10 community-managed libraries are set to remain open – potentially for the next 12 months – while expressions of interest from community groups, charities and other organisations are processed. Initially, the city council cabinet was set to approve a plan which would see them operate with certainty until the end of July but a late addendum has now indicated they will remain open longer at a cost to the council of £415,000.”
- East Riding – Business Start-Up Day at Bridlington Central Library on 22 February – East Riding Council. “The free event is run by East Riding Libraries with the BIPC Humber Partnership. BIPC centres offer free access to millions of pounds’ worth of business and intellectual property information and provide business events, workshops, one-to-one expertise and the space to research, develop and grow in a trusted and accepting space.”
- Temporary closure of Goole Library – East Riding Council. “The works involve the redevelopment of the existing library, in order to accommodate Goole Customer Service Centre and Opportunity Goole, part of the Goole Town Deal. The new site will have an improved layout, the addition of two private customer interview rooms and the creation of a Contact Centre facility to answer telephone calls to the council’s main telephone line.”
- East Sussex – Amnesty held for overdue library books in East Sussex – BBC. “The seven-week amnesty runs from 13 February to 31 March, when all fines will be waived by the library service for any books returned.”
- Fife – Therapets added to Fife library to help young children read with confidence – Fife Today. “Cuddling in with a Therapet such as Jilli can boost the ability of those who get a little tongue-tied or struggle when asked to read out loud.”
- Hampshire – Hampshire libraries launch festival on climate change – Hampshire Chronicle. “As well as talks and exhibitions aimed at increasing awareness about the causes and effects of climate change, there are fun workshops that demonstrate how we can all do our bit, including clever yet simple ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.””
- Inverclyde – Inverclyde Libraries offering books delivery service – Greenock Telegraph. “Inverclyde Libraries is offering the service on a four-weekly basis for individuals who can’t make it to the library and want some books.”
- North Ayrshire – Libraries team up with local schools on exciting new literacy project – North Ayrshire Council. “North Ayrshire Libraries are delighted to announce that library staff will be working with Castlepark, Loudoun Montgomery and Springside primaries at Irvine and Dreghorn libraries to develop literacy-based library class visits over the coming months.”
- Rotherham – Brinsworth and Mowbray Gardens libraries to trial new service – Rotherham Council. Open+ staffless card-entry.
- Stockport – Shortlist revealed for Stockport Children’s Book Awards 2023 – Stockport Council. ” All schools that sign up will receive copies of the shortlisted titles, bookmarks and stickers for every child taking part, as well as activity sheets and lesson plans to help teachers get children engaged in the books.”
- Suffolk – Suffolk library service praised for mental health support – BBC. “Forty-five public libraries in Suffolk provide a wellbeing information service, as well as weekly drop-ins called Open Spaces. A report suggested the libraries generated £41m worth of social value, saving the NHS £542,000 locally. For every £1 spent, the equivalent in social care help was £6, it said.” see also New research commissioned by Suffolk Libraries reveals how vital libraries are to their communities – Suffolk Libraries.
- Capel Library celebrates its seventh year of Community Cinema – Suffolk Libraries. “The Community Cinema has been organised by the Friends of Capel Library since 2016 and regularly hosts new and popular films in the library each month. The audience are invited to vote for which film they would like to see next at each event.”
- Lakenheath Library to change opening hours this week – Suffolk Libraries. “The changes will benefit local people by providing longer opening hours on busier days to meet local demand. The library will close earlier on Friday evenings when the library has been quieter and will be open for the same number of hours overall.”
- Pre-loved clothing sale and fashion show at Chantry Library – Suffolk Libraries. “The event aims to celebrate International Women’s Day and promote sustainable clothing whilst also raising funds for Suffolk Libraries. Chantry Library is also looking for any stallholders interested in hosting a stall to sell pre-loved clothes, new jewellery or cosmetics.”
- West Northamptonshire – Start Up Day 2023 at Northampton Central Library – West Northamptonshire Council. ” a day of free workshops, motivational talks, networking and mentoring to give you the know-how to turn your business dream into a reality, whilst navigating a post-pandemic world.” Business and IP Centre.
- Wirral – Plans to close nine libraries, play groups and iconic leisure centre thrown out – Liverpool Echo. “Plans to close nine libraries, playgroups and a leisure centre have been thrown out by councillors after a tense Wirral Council meeting.” … “The proposals will now be debated by all councillors on February 27 and looks likely to pass with support from the Liberal Democrats and the Greens who voted to move the budget forward with Labour.”
- York – Dringhouses Library – York Explore. “Dringhouses Library will be closed from Monday 13 February until the end of the month. Average temperatures inside the library of only 10 degrees during the cold weather mean it is uncomfortable for staff and volunteers working in the building. We know how important this library is to our local community. We will keep the situation under constant review and aim to have the library back open as soon as it is safe to do so.”
£500 million to a library in the South East of England
Feb 12th
Editorial
Two bits of news catch my eye today. The first is the, wow, £500 million going to the British Library in London. That’s more than half what goes into the entire national public library service each year. On the one hand, it’s great to see such a massive investment in libraries and, it’s of course not government money that would otherwise have gone to public libraries. That is, the sector has lost nothing from it and may well gain in some ways. On the other hand, that’s because almost government funding almost never goes to public libraries instead. If I was being hyper-cynical I’d point out that the 100,000 new square foot represents ten square feet for each of the 10,000 public library staff lost over the last decade. But I am of course a massive optimist. Yay. And even though it’s a very handy short walk away from Euston, the three hour journey and £150 return cost (if I’m lucky) will tend to put me off visiting to admire it. So I don’t think it’s going to help Levelling Up North. But, on the whole, well done and best wishes to the British Library. They have been more aware of public libraries recently, what with business centres and webinars and the work on (launch any time now, honest) LibraryOn, the Single Digital Presence. And, after all, library sector beggars can’t be choosers.
The other bit of news is the censoring of a nursery rhyme, Five Little Monkeys, in Scottish Book Bug sessions. It appears to have some “historical racist intent”. I’ve not heard it for years and now I know why I guess. But it brings me on to a thought I’ve been having for a while. And that is, weirdly, the explosion of information on the internet has led to an increase in demands for restricting freedom from all sides and all reasons. We see this most notably in the Land Of The Free, where there are ongoing bans and challenges to pretty much any book your average Christian Extremist or Far Righter does not disagree with. And, on the other side, there are “Woke” challenges to a whole bunch of other stuff. This is going on while in what used to be the Soviet Bloc, Russia is busy getting rid of any Ukrainian books and Ukraine is busy dumping Russian books. Don’t get me wrong, I know which side I’m on in both cases (and it ain’t with the Proud Boys and Vladimir Putin) but in a world where one can be called a groomer for not thinking a drag queen is an automatic paedophile (I think that sums up the argument) it’s great to see Ireland resisting attempts to remove books. Freedom comes with a cost and it’s unfortunately the public library sector that is starting to pay.
Changes by local authority
- Brighton and Hove – Mile Oak Library may close in £35k cut.
- Medway – Lordswood Library becomes “community hub”
- Worcestershire – Possible £178k cut for Warndon and St John’s libraries
National news
- 3 Essential Components Of The Library – Princh. Staff, events/programmes, IT.
- Alan Hopkinson IFLA Conference Award 2023 – IFLA. “This Award enables a CILIP member in their early career (full criteria below) to experience the IFLA Congress. The Award covers the whole cost of the IFLA conference fee and £100 towards travel and accommodation.”
- The British Library doesn’t need £500m – but local libraries do – Guardian / Letters. “Since 2010 almost 800 local libraries have been closed across the UK, with the loss of 10,000 staff, and many surviving libraries are at best part-time. Against this backdrop, it is staggering to read that an investment of £500m has been proposed for the British Library (Green light given for huge British Library extension, 3 February). Communities all over the country are being deprived of free access to not only books and information, but also the internet …” see also British Library extension given green light by Camden Council – Built Environment Networking. 100,000 extra square foot.
- Community Managed Libraries Map – Community Managed Libraries National Peer Network. Google Map of volunteer libraries. [Not entirely accurate – Ed.]
- Funding fears: Libraries should be staffed like any other council service – Yahoo News. ” Professor Peter Reid says free access to books remains fundamentally important in a civilised society. The professor of librarianship at Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University added that while it might be a time of crisis for local government finances, libraries can and do evolve.”
- GLL-operated libraries battle digital exclusion with free SIM card scheme – GLL (press release). “More than 60 libraries operated by charitable social enterprise GLL, have this week launched a scheme to provide nearly 16,000 free SIM cards to residents on low incomes and those who are struggling with the cost of living. Libraries located in London’s Bromley, Greenwich and Wandsworth, along with those in Dudley and Lincolnshire will be distributing the cards, building on GLL’s existing Warm Spaces initiative – set up to support those struggling to afford sharp rises in utility bills. The ability to offer free SIM cards is the result of a successful application to the Good Things Foundation and courtesy of mobile phone network operators 3, 02 and Vodafone.”
- Libraries vital for new and growing businesses, briefing reveals – Libraries Connected. “Our new briefing, ‘Supporting Business and Enterprise’, shows that public libraries are central to realising this ambition. Through Business & IP Centres and other localised services, the library network has become one of the country’s most effective and accessible sources of support for new and growing businesses. As the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee recently put it, libraries act as “engines for entrepreneurship, economic growth and job creation””
- Make Music Day 2023 – Libraries Meet Up – EventBrite. Tuesday 14 March, 4pm, online. “Make Music Day is an annual set of free music events taking place in venues and public spaces – from town squares to libraries, bandstands to school halls and arts centres. It takes place on the longest day of the year – on 21 June.”
- Nursery rhymes banned in Scottish library events over ‘historical racism’ fears – Telegraph. “Popular “Bookbug” sessions are held for young children across Scotland with the support of the Scottish Book Trust, the Holyrood-backed charity which has told libraries and nurseries hosting these events that certain songs should no longer be sung. Despite having lyrics unrelated to race, Five Little Monkeys has been banned because it has “historical racist intent”.”
- Public Libraries 2022: Netloan Customer Survey Results – Lorensbergs. “Average footfall has reached nearly 70% of pre-Covid levels, up from around 50% at end of 2021″
- Public Libraries Project of the Year Grant – National Acquisitions Group. “£5,000 available for a project from a NAG Member library.”
- Tricky decisions as Scotland’s councils face budget shortfalls – BBC. “Individual local authorities have shortfalls ranging from around £7m in the Scottish Borders to £120m at Glasgow City Council, according to research by the BBC.”
International news
- Ireland – Dublin libraries to keep books by trans author despite attempts to remove them – GCN. “Recognising the importance of including LGBTQ+ storytelling in their children and teen sections, Dublin libraries have confirmed that the books will stay.” but “A Local Government Management Agency public libraries spokesperson said that the Government’s National LGBTQ+ Inclusion Strategy for 2019-2021 included a call for, “…public libraries to compile an LGBTQ+ reading list and update it on an ongoing basis, [and] these books are part of that list”.”
- Ukraine – Ukraine purges libraries of Russian-language books – official – Russian Times. Russian-owned news website seeks to put it’s own views of removal of books from Ukrainian libraries. see also Ukraine withdraws 19 million Russian, Soviet-era books from libraries – Reuters for a somewhat less slanted version and Ukraine war: Russia is ‘erasing Ukrainian history’ by ransacking libraries and burning books – I. For when the boot is on the other foot: “Russian forces and proxy authorities have been removing 365 named texts from libraries and schools as part of a process of ‘Russification’ of occupied territories”.
- USA – A librarian’s frontline view of Florida’s ‘vetting’ process for school books, and the titles being banned – Independent. “The library is now closed off, the shelves are empty, and her job now mostly consists of “vetting” piles of books to comply with new censorship laws implemented by the state of Florida.” … “Among the titles that have been removed and banned in the course of the vetting in her school district are Toni Morrison’s ‘The Bluest Eye,’ ‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini, ‘The Stranger’ by Albert Camus, ‘Revolting Rhymes’ by Roald Dahl, and a skateboarding magazine called ‘Thrasher’.”
- Limiting library books has long-term consequences – Washington Post / Opinion. ” If librarians can’t purchase these books, publishers will not publish them and authors will not write them. We might lose voices that are much needed in this time of great division in our country. Those who are marginalized will be even more unseen, and difficult topics such as racial injustice and prejudice will become even more ignored.”
- The EveryLibrary Institute’s 2022 Annual Report – EveryLibrary. Highlights censorship.
- Why libraries should include media literacy training for adults – Press Reader. Trust in social media, false/unproven claims, education combats misinformation, generation gap in technology, courses for older students, lifelong learning, critical thinking.
Local news by authority
- Angus – Grant to help libraries better serve isolated communities – Angus World. £11k grant. “The Angus project will target those who are geographically isolated and unable to travel to and engage with libraries in the county’s main burghs.”
- Bath and North East Somerset – Ukrainian pictures go up for children in B&NES libraries – Bath and North East Somerset Council. “The ABC pictures are going up in the children’s section of Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton Libraries.”
- Bradford – Keighley Library to host sessions for SEND families – Keighley News. “There will be multi-sensory storytelling, and large-print braille books, sensory toys and comic booklets will be available”
- Brighton and Hove – Library earmarked for closure as councillors look to close budget gap of £14m – Yahoo Sport. “Mile Oak library is earmarked for closure – a move that could save Brighton and Hove City Council £35,000 a year, according to a budget report. Last year the council explored moving the library, in Chalky Road, Portslade, into a room in the nearby sports centre, which was being used by two snooker leagues…. just 150 people visit Mile Oak library a month, compared with 3,500 five years ago and as many as 1,000 a month before the coronavirus pandemic.”
- Cheshire East – Cutting CEC library hours will hit less fortunate, councillors warn – Nantwich News. “Macclesfield councillor Ashley Farrall (Lab) said: “It’s important to know libraries aren’t just there for books, they’re community hubs, they’re safe spaces, they’re quiet spaces for people that may not have a home where it’s quiet to study, to get on with their school work etc.”. Council says ” we have to find £20m from somewhere.” see also Cheshire East asked to re-think plan to reduce library hours – Knutsford Guardian.
- Cheshire West and Chester – Founding CEO of Chester’s Storyhouse to step down after 17 years – Cheshire Live. Andrew Bentley leaves.
- Derby – Derby library ‘closures timetable’ circulated as 10 community-managed branches face axe – Derby Telegraph. “The future of Derby’s ten community-managed libraries remains uncertain as a report going to the council cabinet next week proposes that they should remain open until the end of July 23, under the control of charity Direct Help and Advice (DHA) and at a cost of up to £108,000.”
- East Riding – East Riding Libraries partnering with the Marine Conservation Society this February half term – East Riding Council.
- East Sussex – 5,000 books missing from libraries in East Sussex – Sussex Express. Amnesty: “From February 13 – March 31 if you return an overdue book you won’t be fined.”
- Hampshire – Chat about loneliness at Petersfield, Alton and Bordon libraries – Petersfield Post. “Joining a Chat About scheme is an easy way to get started in opening up if you’re having a tough time, feeling lonely or if you want to connect with others”
- Manchester – Manchester Libraries PLUS survey opens – Manchester Council. “The last time the survey was conducted [in 2020], 90.9% of customers rated their libraries overall as good and very good. 81% of respondents who reported feeling lonely some of the time or often, said that using the library helped to reduce these feelings. “
- Medway – Creating a new community hub in Lordswood – Medway Council. “The library in Kestrel Road will close from Monday, 20 February and the new hub is due to open this summer. Once completed, residents will able to visit the new look community hub for help with their blue badge and bus pass applications, book bulky waste collections and pay for council services such as rent and council tax.”
- North Somerset – New Lego rental scheme launches at Somerset libraries – Somerset Live. “Themed Lego boxes in stock include ‘under the sea’, ‘houses’, ‘wheels’, ‘outdoors/gardens’, ‘pink’, and ‘mix and match’. There are 32 boxes of Lego, one box of Duplo, and one box of Stickle Bricks. Every box comes with learning activity sheets as part of the council’s involvement in the Lego: Build a world of play project.”
- North Tyneside – UK Woman Who Kept Library Book For 56 Years Finally Returns It – NDTV. The media continues to love this almost-once-per-week story. see also Woman kept overdue library book for 56 years over 3p fine – but now it’s far worse – Mirror. ” Lesley moved away from the area and was too scared to return it because she couldn’t afford the late fees – with 3p being charged every week it was in her possession.”
- Nottinghamshire – Fire investigation launched after blaze at Beeston Library – West Bridgford Wire. “A fire investigation determined that the fire was deliberate, and a joint investigation with Nottinghamshire Police is underway.” … “We apologise that in the short term, we will have no customer toilets, some events and activities may be affected and study space reduced”
- Stirling – How people power delivered £1m library for Strathblane community – Herald Scotland. “Strathblane resident and businessman Angus Graham, Thomas’ great great nephew, generously donated almost three quarters towards the £1million project with the rest of the money being raised through the community and grant aid.” and says “”I helped with the easy part, it is the Strathblane Community Development Trust which has had the hard part. “
- Suffolk – Menopause and Me – Suffolk Libraries needs your help – Suffolk Libraries. “Local employers are being asked to fill in a short survey to help Suffolk Libraries understand what support already exists for employees experiencing the menopause and how Menopause & Me can help. The survey will be open until the end of March.”
- Essential maintenance work to take place at Woodbridge Library – Suffolk Libraries. “The inside walls will be replastered and decorated, and some of the exterior windows will also be repaired.”
- Tameside – What Tameside libraries have to offer – Quest Media Network. Standard library offerings plus “ow part of the Good Things Foundation National Databank, which can offer free SIM cards to adults who cannot afford to access the internet”
- Warwickshire – Love is in the air! Explore our unique ceremony venue next to Shakespeare’s Birthplace during Stratford ‘Library Lovers Week’ – Warwickshire Council. “xplore the library’s great collection of love stories and novels, and even be matched up on a ‘blind date’ with a brilliant new book to read. Staff will be sharing the love each day by carrying out random acts of library kindness for visitors …”
- Wirral – Thousands ask council not to close ‘historic and vital’ library – Liverpool Echo. “Thousands have signed petitions calling for Wirral Council not to close Wallasey Central Library in its current form.”
“The Minister talks about the terrible circumstances in Ukraine and the events of the last year, but he must recognise that the scale of the cuts since 2010 have been devastating for our local authorities, which have had to consider closing libraries, swimming pools, leisure centres and so forth. Can he confirm that it is in fact more of a long-term problem and that we need greater investment in our public services?”
Margaret Greenwood MP Labour, Wirral West
- Worcestershire – Threat to city’s libraries as ‘lifeline’ funding set to be pulled – Yahoo News. “The future of some of the city’s libraries could be thrown into doubt as part of a plan to cut ‘lifeline’ funding. Worcester City Council pledged to supply £157,000 to Worcestershire County Council every year as part of a deal to keep services running at Warndon and St John’s libraries in 2019. But now city council bosses are discussing pulling the plug on the agreement and leaving the county to fund the service.”
- York – Dringhouses library faces temporary closure for heating repairs – Press. “Due to issues with the heating system at Dringhouses Library, York Explore Libraries & Archives has notified councillors of plans to temporarily close the library from Monday February 13 until the end of the month. Ward councillors have raised concerns about the impact of the temporary closure on the local community and have asked for an urgent meeting with Explore to discuss possible temporary solutions which would ensure that staff, volunteers and residents can safely access vital services.”
The joy of work
Feb 5th
Editorial
There is a joy to working in public libraries. I get a real up when I see a child jumping up and down in excitement because they’d found a book I remember ordering a month ago. Or when someone takes a book or two off a display that I put together. Or, the best of all, when someone thanks you or walks away obviously happy after I have answered their questions. Another satisfying thing is weeding a section of shelves because so much of my work is now on the computer, it’s great when an obvious physical difference is made. Planning and organising an event that gets sold out is pretty good too. Or planning for 13 months (yes, more than one year) for the Summer Reading Challenge and making sure lessons are learnt and there’s every chance it’ll be better for everyone than the year before. There is a real value to this which helps make up for other things which is just as well – in the words of Phil Bradley, no-one comes into this job for the money and the power.
National news
- Green light given for huge British Library extension – Guardian. “£500m scheme will build new galleries, a learning centre, green spaces and a home for the Alan Turing Institute of data science”
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the closing of the Libraries Taskforce in March 2020 on strategic planning for libraries.
Barbara Keeley Shadow Minister (Cabinet Office)
In September 2022, the Government appointed Baroness Sanderson of Welton as chairman of a new advisory panel to help develop a new strategy to make sure that public libraries are providing the best possible service for their communities. More detail can be found here. To date she has had numerous meetings with organisations with an interest in public libraries work, and has led two roundtable sessions …
Stuart Andrew Under Secretary DCMS
- Library projects to receive share of £200k Scottish Government funding – Yahoo News. Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) : “including an additional support needs training programme in Aberdeen and the creation of ‘Live Well Health’ information hubs across Glasgow. Other initiatives awarded grants aim to combat social isolation, bridge the digital divide, help close the attainment gap and mitigate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.”
Based on this dataset, DCMS estimates that around 230 libraries have permanently closed in the period 1 April 2010 to 31 December 2021 and not been relocated or replaced.
Stuart Andrew, Under Secretary DCMS
Changes by local authority
- Cheshire East – May reduce opening hours, co-locate.
- Manchester – 1000 book children’s library opens in Hulme.
- Moray – Fines-free
International news
- Netherlands – Innovations in Libraries: Impressions of a Study Trip to the Netherlands – ZBW Mediatalk. ” In the Netherlands, for example, it is taken for granted that they offer consultation hours for advice on e-government. The self-image as a Third Place is also already omnipresent there. Public libraries are perceived as the living rooms of cities and are used accordingly.” … ” Everyone can get involved on a voluntary basis. Events are often organised at request of visitors. This way, the librarians know that there is a real need for a topic and what their target groups are interested in.”
Local news by authority
- Bath and North East Somerset – Free internet access for all with new ‘Hublets’ at Midsomer Norton Library – Journal Gazette. “Thirty self-service tablets which are free to use with a library membership card have been installed at Bath & North East Somerset Council’s three main libraries.” for “free internet browsing, access to e-books, newspapers and magazines and other library apps.”
- Bedford – Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho, will visit Kempston Library – Bedford Council. “At his appointment Joseph shared his personal mission to join one library in every authority across the UK.” 70 left to visit.
- Cheshire East – Cheshire East to consider reducing library opening hours – Northwich and Winsford Guardian. “The council says it is not proposing any library closures but it is looking at reducing opening hours during the week and on Saturdays. A review of the mobile library service and funding for the purchase of new books and newspapers will also take place.”
- Cheshire West and Chester – Not just books… you can now borrow an iPad from your local library – So Counties. “provide devices for residents to borrow for a six-week period from any Cheshire West and Chester Council library. All people will need is a library card and a form of ID.”
- Essex – Colchester Library protests over Drag Storytime – Gazette Standard. “… it has been alleged protestors are planning to attend the event, in order to boycott it. In response members of the LGTBQ+ community and allies intend to stage a peaceful counter-protest. Colchester Pride has issued a statement on social media.”
- Inverclyde – More than 10,000 books overdue at Inverclyde libraries – Greenock Telegraph. “The new data shows the average number of items not returned to the area’s book depositories each year since 2007 was 685.” … “More books were taken out in 2022 than were taken out pre-pandemic in 2019, but fewer audiobooks and DVDs were issued.”
- Lancashire – Lancashire’s library network awarded Libraries of Sanctuary status – Lancashire Council. “We have reached out to those seeking sanctuary in our communities to use and visit our libraries, inviting them to activity sessions and hosting library tours. We have also shared our learning and raised awareness with other organisations and those within our communities. There is a set of minimum assessment criteria which all applicants are expected to achieve, as well as a thorough assessment by a panel before the Libraries of Sanctuary Award is granted.”
- Leeds – All hands on deck as library’s epic naval battle unfolds – Leeds Council. “Rhian Isaac, senior librarian at Leeds Central Library, who is currently researching the library’s Gascoigne Collection, said: “There’s an astonishing amount of detail included in this document …”
- Manchester – Manchester’s smallest and most diverse library vows to put a library card in every child’s hand – I Love Manchester. “A new dedicated Children’s Library has opened at Z-arts in Hulme – and the team have pledged to put a library card into the hands of every child in the area” … “At just 362 sq ft it is a pocket–sized affair, but crammed into the cosy first floor room are over 1,000 hand–selected books, some of which are not available to borrow anywhere else in the city.”
- Midlothian – Midlothian plan to cut teachers, libraries and music lessons sparks protest – Edinburgh Live.
- Newport – Newport foodbank to launch book library to tackle literacy poverty – South Wales Argus. “Feed Newport has partnered with the National Literacy Trust to tackle literacy poverty in the area by providing a free lending service to people in the community from February 1.” … “The service will run similar to local libraries. Members of the community are able to borrow a book for up to a month, before either renewing it or returning it.”
- North Ayrshire – Council strike chord with new guitar initiative – North Ayrshire Council. “musical instruments in public libraries across Scotland which can be borrowed by members of the public free of charge. Further to the success of this initiative in The Harbour Arts Centre, Kilbirnie Library and Kilwinning Library, this initiative is being extended”
- Powys – Powys Library Service is asking residents to ‘Dip into Reading’ and reap the wellbeing benefits this winter – Powys Council. ” libraries across Wales will be involved in the public information campaign ‘Dip into Reading’ which aims to promote small amounts of reading each week to support people’s mental health and wellbeing.”
- Redbridge – Step into a story at Redbridge Libraries for National Storytelling Week – Redbridge Council. “Redbridge is also a founding member of the Libraries Consortium spanning 23 councils across London, Luton, Essex and Surrey, enabling Redbridge residents to take advantage of a further 8 million books and other items, and access to services and facilities from over 380 libraries across London and the south east.”
- Suffolk – Book now for our big Online Book Festival – Suffolk Libraries. “The festival features online interviews with a number of top authors including Elly Griffiths, Jill Mansell, Sarah Pearse and more. The festival takes place between 6 and 12 March with a different author interviewed every day.”
- Suffolk Libraries welcomes John Grose as first Paws-itivity sponsor – Suffolk Libraries. Motor dealer signs up. “Suffolk Libraries biggest ever fundraising campaign which will see colourful dog sculptures in all of the county’s libraries this summer. The ‘Library Labradors’ will all feature designs individually created by local artists.”
- Wirral – Cheers at council meeting as Wirral golf course is offered a lifeline – Standard. “Councillors also agreed to allow Pensby and Prenton libraries to be transferred into community hands while Higher Bebington, Wallasey Village, and Irby libraries moved to final negotiations of community transfer before coming back to committee.” … “Recommendations for Hoylake Library to be sold off or rented out as well as Higher Bebington library and Woodchurch Library now being used for educational purposes have been recommended to Policy and Resources”
- ‘Hope’ Bromborough Civic Centre could reopen after takeover bid – Wirral Globe. “There is now a proposal that could allow NEO Community, based in Rock Ferry, to submit a business plan to the council and develop it over eight weeks. This is the second stage of the community asset transfer process.”
No words
Jan 29th
Editorial
Well, after writing Public Libraries News since 2010, I sometimes think I have seen it all. And then I see Midlothian’s propose to replace all front-line staff with self-service machines and volunteers. That’s pretty gobsmacking in itself, honestly, but then it goes on to say that the council is planning to remove its printed books budget and rely on e-books instead. Anyone who knows the cost of e-books to libraries would be a bit surprised about how this could be presented as a saving but one suspects the council may not have entirely thought things through. The whole thing makes very little sense but then Midlothian has some history here, with an attempt to 2017 to get rid of all but one of those pesky hearts of the community and literacy cluttering Scotland that save people and show a way to a better life. That was silly enough but not buying printed books? What do I think of that? Well, like a Midlothian library in a few years, I have no words.
Changes by local authority
- Midlothian – Proposed £750k cut over 3 years inc. replacing all staff with self-service / volunteers and stopping printed books budget, relying on e-books.
- North Yorkshire – £450k refurbishment of Scarborough Library.
- Nottinghamshire – £741k funding for Stapleford Library.
- West Lothian – 4 libraries (West Calder, Craig Inn, Almondbank and Pumpherston) may close.
National news
- Books by Babalola and Olusoga part of Reading Agency’s Mark My Words library campaign – BookSeller. “A set of the eight books will be given to 701 library branches across 31 authorities nationwide, including Bradford, East Lothian, Leicester, Newcastle, Rochdale and Jersey. The books, 5,608 in total, will be available to borrow from late January.”
“I had no money growing up. My dad was a labourer and my mum did everything to make ends meet. Men worked hard. Women worked miracles. But education was free. As was the local library. I knew books were my passport to a better life. #SupportLibraries“
Ricky Gervaise
- Controversial UK politician slams Tate for hosting children’s drag queen storytime session – Art Newspaper. Conservative Party life peer Emma Nicholson describes Aida H Dee session as “nonsense on stilts” and equates “drag queens with “murderers, paedophiles, terrorists, furries and other fetishists”.
- Do we need a Wales Libraries Act? – IWA. “While everyone must recognise that the UK government policy of systematically underfunding both devolved and local government to shrink the local state is at the core of our crumbling local services, surely a Labour administration in Wales should go the extra mile in defence of public libraries that could soon become an endangered species?”
- In praise of “slow librarianship” – Nick Poole. “‘faster’ doesn’t necessarily equate to ‘better’ when it comes to helping people find real answers to real questions.”
- Kerry Hudson: Libraries were a lifesaver for me – Herald Scotland. ” I don’t mean, ‘lifesaver’ as in, ‘Thank goodness I can order that new crime novel or use the wifi or shelter from the rain’. I mean without them I wouldn’t be writing in these pages. I wouldn’t be alive at all.”
“The news that Midlothian Council intends to implement cuts to the service that they say will create a total saving of £750,000 pounds over three years is bewildering to me. I’m no politician but you have to wonder whether the economy of saving £250,000 annually weighs up If you consider that the risk is not just losing a library but unofficial, and occasionally official, mother and baby support groups, outreach centres for elderly people, literacy, IT and benefits coaching hubs and, during this cost of living crisis, warm banks too.”
Kerry Hudson
- Libraries and homelessness – Libraries Connected. Wednesday 1 March, 11am, webinar. “Discover some of the innovative work being done within libraries to ensure they meet the needs and expectations of people experiencing homelessness. London Libraries members will reflect on their pioneering homelessness training programme, while representatives of the Reading Agency and Homeless Link will discuss their own work in this area. “
- Libraries Connected Innovation Network Gathering 2023 – Libraries Connected. Thursday 2 March, 10am to 4pm, Birmingham.
- MozFest bursary applications now open for library staff – Libraries Connected. Six bursaries. “The Mozilla Festival, affectionately known as MozFest, is hosted by the Mozilla Foundation, it is a celebration for, by, and about people who love the internet, showcasing world-changing ideas and technology through exhibitions, talks and interactive sessions.”
- Ringfenced teacher spending will force us to cut children’s services, councils warn – Times (paywall).
- Universal Library Offer Virtual Seminar 2023 – Programme – Libraries Connected. Tuesday 14 March 10am to 4.30pm, online. £100 for an organisational ticket (for up to 20 people), or £20 for an individual ticket (excl. VAT).
- Welcome to Libraries induction pack – CILIP. Free download. “Welcome to Libraries is a magazine-style guide funded by Arts Council England, designed to impart valuable insights and links for frontline public library staff and welcome you into your new role, providing the information you need as you begin your career journey.”
International news
- USA – Before book-banning wave, the FBI spied on people’s library activity – Washington Post. “The first evidence of FBI surveillance of libraries came in January 1971, when two agents visited the home of Zoia Horn, chief reference librarian at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. …”
Local news by authority
- Barnsley – Libraries – They’re Not Just For Books – Camerados. “Since opening, our Public Living Room has been busy, and staff have commented that they have seen many an intense game of connect four taking place in the space. Our communities have come together and filled in postcards, sat and chatted over a drink they brought in from the café next door. Someone has even left a copy of The Happy News newspaper for others to read to spread some positivity.”
- Bolton – Free wellbeing workshops for body and mind on offer – Yahoo News. “The 90 minute “interactive and engaging” workshops will include discussions around the differences between physical health and mental health and wellbeing”
- Bradford – Discounted baby photo shoots at Bradford library – Telegraph and Argus. “As part of a push to get more children reading, babies can be signed up to join libraries at Registry Offices at Bradford and Keighley. Bradford City Library has now joined forces with award-winning photographer Tim Simpson who will run Photo Booth sessions once a month. Tickets, at a discounted cost of £5, can be booked online via Ticket Source and will include a 30-minute photo booth slot and an 8 x 6” colour photograph of the baby. “
- Bristol – Bristol Central Library could relocate in the future, council member says – BBC. “Plans to move Bristol’s Central Library on College Green were raised in mayor Marvin Rees’s draft budget in November but scrapped following an outcry. But council cabinet member Ellie King has refused to rule out moving the library, saying the Grade I-listed building was not fit for purpose. She said libraries should be seen as “a service, not a building”.
- Cheshire East – “Shocking” CEC Labour plan to close libraries on Saturdays – Nantwich News / Letter. “Labour-run Cheshire East are proposing to shut libraries on a Saturday and reduce opening hours on other days.”
- Cheshire West and Chester Council tax for 2023 could go up to the maximum – Cheshire Live. “. Libraries and social care are also among a wide range of council services due to come under the spotlight”
- Coventry – Coventry Library Service given sanctuary award – Coventry Observer. “Libraries of Sanctuary aims to inspire, support and promote the use of public libraries as places of welcome for those seeking sanctuary in the UK.”
- Devon – Get cosy this winter with blockbuster films at Devon’s libraries – Devon Live. “Libraries across Devon are continuing their must-see film programme this year, with ‘Films at the Library’. Screened by Libraries Unlimited throughout February”. Eight libraries involved, Arts Council funding.
- ‘Devon’s libraries are helping people through the winter’ – Exmouth Journal. “We’re already hearing anecdotal evidence that people are using our libraries differently this winter and it’s extremely good news that Libraries Unlimited have secured funding to extend the opening hours of some libraries until the end of March.”. National Grid funding.
- Grief brought to life in Paignton Library art and music project – Torbay Weekly. “Libraries Unlimited launched the Finding Connection Through Loss project in libraries across Torbay and Devon early last year with Arts Council England funding.”
- Dorset -These are the five Dorset libraries lending iPads for up to six weeks – Bridport News. “Dorset Council is working with the Citizen’s Advice charity and the Department for Work and Pensions on the pilot scheme. The iPads will aim to help people search and apply for jobs online and the devices can also be used to access online training to gain skills and knowledge. “
- Dudley – Pensioner escapes £42,000 fine after returning book 58 years late – Metro. “A pensioner has returned an overdue library book 58 years late – after racking up a whopping £42,340 in late fees. David Hickman was just 17 when he borrowed ‘The Law for Motorists’ in 1964.”
“I raise the plight of the Peacehaven and Telscombe conurbation, which has more than 23,000 people, with no further education provision, high levels of free school meals and pupil premium, and, despite improvements, below average rates of literacy and numeracy. Despite that, the county council wishes to downgrade the library from 900 square metres to 300 square metres and to reduce its opening times. Will the Minister join me in calling for libraries of an appropriate size in large towns? Will the Department publish statutory guidelines on the square meterage and opening times expected per population for large towns?”
East Sussex – Lloyd Russell-Moyle Labour/Co-operative, Brighton, Kemptown
As the hon. Gentleman says, public libraries are run by local authorities, so it is up to each local authority to identify the needs of local residents. DCMS has previously received representations about the relocation of Peacehaven library and we have engaged with the local authority to understand the plans and their implications. The Secretary of State has a statutory power to intervene by way of a local inquiry if she considers that a local authority is not providing a comprehensive and efficient library service. That is taken seriously, so if a complaint is received, the Department will challenge the council and evidence will be carefully considered before it is decided whether a local inquiry is needed.
Paul Scully The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
- Essex – Essex Library Service announces first Author in Residence – Essex Council. “The author of the Essex Witch Museum Mysteries will be visiting libraries across Essex over the next six months”
- Hillingdon – Story Detectives comes to Hillingdon libraries – Hillingdon Times. Half-term children’s theatre.
- Inverclyde – Local libraries increase loan limit of Borrowbox service – Greenock Telegraph. “Library users can now borrow five eBooks or eAudio titles at a time.”
- Merton – Highest ever customer satisfaction rates for Merton libraries – Merton Council. “100% of residents are satisfied with library services, and 96% of residents rate library services as ‘very good’ or ‘good’. The survey results demonstrate the views of over 1,600 residents that took part in the customer satisfaction survey in October 2022”
- Midlothian – Library services could face the axe through council’s £14million budget crisis – Yahoo News. “would mean replacing public library staff with self service and all future physical books with e-books as well as removing all school librarians. The moves would save £750,000 in three years, but critics of the proposals say this is a clear sign of the perilous state of local authority finance. It is feared this is just the beginning of severe cuts to library services across Scotland as local authorities balance the needs and priorities of services they offer.”
- Norfolk – Digifest returns for a 4th year – Norfolk Council. “Throughout the whole of February there will be lots of events taking place across the library service for children aged four to 14. Some events are one-off specials, such as a Lego Stop-Motion event, and the chance to use the Codeapillar or a Coding Critter to start learning about programming. There will also be a chance to have a taster session of the Code Club”
- North Ayrshire – North Ayrshire’s libraries invite residents to share their stories – Arran Banner.
- North Yorkshire – Scarborough Library to undergo £450,000 renovation – Northern Echo.”£250,000 of the funding has come from North Yorkshire County Council, while the remaining £200,000 has been granted by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports/Arts Council England Libraries Improvement Fund.”
- Ey Up! – local project celebrates Yorkshire dialect – Yahoo News. “The library service secured funding from the Arts Council and the Dialect and Heritage Project last year to run a series of workshops with “hard-to-reach” residents. Added funding from the council also helped to launch the Ey Up! Project, which involved young people, military veterans and those with mental health issues.”
- Malton library to temporarily close for energy renovations – Northern Echo. “part of a range of measures being introduced by North Yorkshire County Council to help cut carbon dioxide emissions in the region, following the replacement of the library’s windows as a result of UK Government funding to increase public sector decarbonisation.”
- Nottinghamshire – Huge improvements planned for Stapleford library – Notts TV. “Broxtowe Borough Council has been awarded £741,000 in Government funding for the project as part of the Stapleford Town Deal. This first phase of plans is hoped to be complete by late May 2023.”
- Pembrokeshire – Pembrokeshire libraries scoop award for commitment to unpaid carers – Yahoo News. “All of the libraries and associated services have achieved their Investors in Carers Silver Level award.”
- Shropshire – Bridgnorth schoolpupils to help mark Holocaust Memorial Day tomorrow – Shropshire Council. “Shropshire Libraries will be showing the HMD film about the theme Ordinary People in the foyers at Shrewsbury Library and in Ludlow Library.”
- Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries announces its first ever patrons – Suffolk Libraries. “Emma Freud, Michaela Doherty and Gina Long have kindly agreed to lend their name and support to Suffolk Libraries. Emma Freud is Executive Producer of Comic Relief, was a co-creator of Make Poverty History and the Live 8 concerts and was awarded an OBE for services to the charitable sector. Michaela Doherty is the Managing Director of Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park. Gina Long MBE is founder of The GeeWizz Charitable Foundation, a philanthropist, entrepreneur, freelance journalist, and global charity campaigner.”
- Swindon – Liden Library closure possible after false announcement it has shut – Swindon Advertiser. “A post was made on the Liden Library and Community Hub Facebook page by parish councillor Mike Davies on January 18, informing residents that the facility had abruptly closed. But this post was later removed from the page and the chair of Swindon Community Library Trust, David Bell, has subsequently labelled it as “misinformation” stating that he was in the library that morning.” However, funding not secured for future.
- West Lothian – West Lothian libraries, swimming pools and community centres facing closure – Edinburgh Live. “It listed four standalone libraries which could be closed if councillors make the decision in late February. Standout among these buildings is the elegant Edwardian West Calder facility. Others suggested include Craig Inn, Almondbank and Pumpherston. Footfall in all of these libraries is down. Council officers stressed at the PDSP that any closures would be at least two years away and dependent on decisions made by councillors. Julie Whitelaw, Interim Head of Housing, Customer and Building Services told the meeting of the council’s Corporate Policy and Resources Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel: “There will be no reduction in book stock and therefore the focus on stock would be greater in the fewer locations. The footfall across these libraries has significantly reduced since Covid, but was also reducing before Covid.””
- West Sussex – New free business support available in Crawley Library – West Sussex Council. “new Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) Local.”
- Wirral – ‘Hope’ after bid made to reopen ‘much loved’ community centre and library – Liverpool Echo. “The civic centre, and the library based there, were closed as a result of cuts passed in 2022 by Wirral Council to set a legally balanced budget. Since it’s closure, both Labour and Green councillors in Bromborough had been campaigning for the library to be allowed to begin the process to move into community asset transfer.”
- Campaigners ‘delighted’ libraries could reopen as council prepares for final talks – Liverpool Echo. “Wallasey Village Library and Irby Library could move into the hands of Friends groups while Higher Bebington library would be taken over by the Co-op Academy Bebington. Woodchurch Library would be used by a nearby school as a warm hub and for children with special education needs.”
- Final talks over future of four Wirral libraries – Wirral Globe.
- Wokingham – Wokingham Library among ‘warm spaces’ on offer for workers – Bracknell News.
- Worcestershire – County Libraries are now warm spaces – Droitwich Standard.
Asymmetric Warfare
Jan 22nd
Editorial
I’m currently finishing off an article for a French library journal on the experience of English public libraries after lockdown. It’s surprisingly upbeat so hardly my usual style. But I do think that the sector has done far better than one could reasonably expect after being closed or semi-closed for basically two years. Being me of course, and the public library sector, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are signs, such as in Cardiff, that bad times may be here again shortly but, on the other hand, public opposition still seems very effective, as we can see in Bristol, Essex and Nottingham. So, who will win this year? Central government cuts or hyperlocal campaigning? That’s not as clear cut an answer as it seems. In this asymmetric warfare, experience suggests its often the guerrilla that has the advantage. Viva la Libraryistas.
Change by local authority
- Bristol – “Widespread opposition” means Central Library will not move.
- Cardiff – Options for cuts range from none to £262k.
- Nottingham – Basford, Radford/Lenton and Aspley libraries will stay open. £79k cut rather than original £233k.
- Redcar and Cleveland – Redcar Library may move temporarily before going into new location in 2025.
- Sheffield – Cracks in Central Library mean 3 metre “exclusion zone” around it.
- York – New Haxby and Wigginton Library opens in Oaken Grove Community Centre.
National news
- £135m levelling-up funding goes to seven libraries but concern remains about long-term investment – Bookseller. “Successful bids include a combined library, music and arts venue in Harlow, a state-of-the-art leisure centre, library and cultural space in Farnborough, a creative workspace and redesign at Hackney Central Library, and a new modern library in Reading. More than £135m has been awarded to projects involving libraries. ” but concerns that long-term cuts in spending and budget worries in 2023 may negate gains.
“Libraries have been levelling up for over 170 years so it seems natural that they should feature prominently on this list of successful projects.”
Isobel Hunter, Libraries Connected.
- Armitage embarks on next leg of UK libraries tour – Bookseller. “Starting on 17th March, the poet will deliver readings at libraries in Exeter, Glastonbury, Eastbourne, Fakenham, Flintshire and Ellesmere Port. “
- Book Launch: Supporting people to live well with dementia: a guide for library services – Sarah McNicol. 25 January, 5pm, online. ” find out more about how libraries can better support people with dementia and their carers through approaches to customer service, design, resources, reading interventions, online provision and a range of other activities.”
- British Science Week 2023 activity packs are now available – British Science Week. “We offer an Early Years pack, Primary pack and Secondary pack; keep your eyes peeled for the Community pack coming soon.”
- ‘Dip into Reading’ and Reap the Wellbeing Benefits this Winter – Reading Agency. “The Reading Agency and Welsh Libraries are encouraging you to ‘Dip into Reading’ and reap the wellbeing benefits this winter.”
- Drag Queen Story Hour host blames Tories for ‘queer hate’ in UK ahead of Tate Britain appearance – Pink News. “Her events, usually staged in libraries across the UK where she reads stories to young children, have drawn anti-LGBTQ+ protesters, accusing the drag queen, attendees and supporters of being “groomers”.”
- Library fines in Stamford, Bourne and Rutland add up to £1,800 – Rutland and Stamford Mercury.
- Libraries sector in the New Year Honours – DCMS.
- LibraryOn: researching collaborations between public and university libraries – British Library. “For public libraries, the benefits include the opportunity to share resources, such as skills, personnel and physical space. There is also a desire to broaden the user base of public libraries and to increase footfall, particularly among teenagers and people in their twenties who are not frequent library users.
- Osman, Haig and Rowling books among most popular digital titles borrowed from libraries via OverDrive – BookSeller. “According to OverDrive – which provides schools and libraries with access to e-books, audiobooks, digital newspapers and magazines – Osman e-books were the most popular last year, with The Man Who Died Twice and The Thursday Murder Club (both from Viking) coming in at first and second place. “
- Scotland’s New £30,000 SLIC Fund Backs ‘Pioneering Library Projects’ – Publishing Perspectives. ” a broad base of strategic support from the BBC and BBC Scotland and the British Library to Carnegie UK and the Scottish Book Trust. The council was formed in 1991 and is not, in fact, a government organization. Instead, it’s an independent advisory body to the Scottish government. with membership both in the public sector and in educational institutions.”
- Seminar and Forum – National Acquisitions Group. “Our call for papers is now open for both and closes on 3rd February 2023. You do not need to be a NAG Member to present and all speakers receive a full free place and UK travel expenses.”
- Video Marketing for Libraries: How to Create, Promote and Evaluate – CILIP. Friday 24 February, 10am to 1pm, Zoom. “Video is an increasingly essential tool to market library services and engage users, both on traditional platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, and on social media across Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. This hands-on workshop aims to familiarise delegates with several styles of video and give you a chance to try out a variety of useful tools.”
International news
- Australia – Are Libraries Getting the Business Basics Wrong? – Jane Cowell. Make joining the library easier, add on extra benefits to membership,
- Ukraine – Exchange with Ukrainian Libraries – Libraries Connected. Online, Thursday 26 January, 1pm. ” The online event will introduce the Universal Library Offers to Ukrainian library workers, who will then describe their extraordinary work to support communities and protect Ukraine’s cultural heritage since the Russian invasion in February 2022″
- USA – Modern Library Awards. “The Modern Library Awards (MLAs) is an annual program that recognizes excellence in products and services for libraries. Vendors submit entries, which are judged by LibraryWorks readers and webinar attendees”
- Could bolstering public libraries be the key to reducing crime and violence? – WTMJ. Police say “The library has a very huge footprint in the city and they’re servicing many of the same communities we’re trying to have an impact in. Trainings can happen here; conflict resolution and mediation can happen here. Libraries are a place where we can create more activity and resources.””
- Innovative Library Space Fosters Unique Partnerships – EveryLibrary. Library “hosts adaptive cooking demonstrations”
- North Dakota weighs ban on ‘sexually explicit’ library books – NBC News. “The bill, which would prohibit books depicting sexual or gender identity, proposes up to 30 days in prison for librarians who refuse to remove banned titles.” see also Republican legislators introduce new laws to crack down on drag shows – Guardian. ” four explicitly ban drag performances at schools or public libraries.” and Opposing Attempts to Criminalize Libraries and Education Through State Obscenity Laws – EveryLibrary and Unbanning Books: LJ’s 2023 Librarians of the Year – Library Journal and Top 10 Library Stories of 2022 – Publishers Weekly. Top ten dominated by Republican censorship.
Local news by authority
- Blackpool – Blackpool library and laundry room shortlisted for RIBA award – BBC. “Blackpool’s Wash Your Words: Langdale Library and Laundry Room opened last August to improve access to washing machines and public health. … It brings together a library, laundry room, and artist workshops.”
- Bolton – Bolton: Families invited to ‘shake rattle roll sessions’ – Bolton News. New regular group.
- Library terrorised by youths ‘throwing chairs’ and ‘using e-cigs’ – Yahoo. “Youths are terrorising users of Little Lever’s new library by ‘being abusive’, ‘causing disturbances’, ‘throwing chairs’ and ‘using e-cigs’, a councillor said. The new library opened on the site of the Tesco Metro on Market Street less than a year ago, after the old library closed on Coronation Square. At the time, the £5 million development, which also includes Little Lever Health Centre, was seen as an important improvement to the village.”
- Bournemouth Christchurch Poole – Libraries in BCP area ‘asked to stop buying books for few weeks’ over budget issues – Yahoo News. “Libraries across the BCP area were asked to stop buying new books for a few weeks while the council attempted to balance their budget and deal with financial issues”
- Bradford – Wind the Bobbin Up for annual under 5s challenge – Yahoo News. “The Bradford Libraries Rhyme Challenge sees parents and children learning five rhymes together to join in the fun with the reward of a certificate for taking part. Parents and children learning rhymes together can help young children create social bonds, develop speech and language and also be a foundation for later emerging reading skills.”
- Brighton and Hove – Brighton and Hove Council approves Moulsecoomb £87m home development – BBC. “The plans also include a library, doctors’ surgery, pharmacy, 3G sports pitches and skate park.”
- Bristol – Proposal to move Bristol Central Library withdrawn – BBC. “Although it was never a definite plan, the suggestion it could happen was met with widespread opposition.”
- Cambridgeshire – Cambridgeshire’s travelling library with ‘a story for everyone’ – Cambridge News. “We’ve got three mobile libraries we have one based at the hospital, one near Ely and one in Cambridge.”
- Cardiff – Campaigners call for library cut proposals to be ‘vigorously resisted’ – Nation Cymru. “Welsh authors, publishers, anti-austerity and library campaigners are calling upon Cardiff Council to drop all proposed library cuts and instead invest more in the city library service. Cardiff Council is currently canvassing residents for support to cut opening hours of libraries across the city, including closing them for an additional day a week and possibly on Saturday afternoons.”
- Librarian Pens Powerful Letter To Cardiff Council Over Budget Cuts – Voice Wales. “The relationships developed between staff and visitors, the sense of safety and security for those vulnerable in our society, removing the barrier of low income/poverty and access to books and computers…. Libraries should be the beating heart of the community and with all due respect to the existing volunteers already in place, reducing trained and qualified professional staff and replacing them with volunteers is a mistake without, at the very least, a comprehensive on-boarding training scheme”
- Cheshire East – Cheshire East will go bust unless savings made, cllr warns – Northwich Guardian. “Among some of the savings which fall under the economy and growth remit is a proposal to move Macclesfield Library into the town hall. Councillors were assured this was a proposal at this stage – and this committee was not responsible for any decisions on library services, this was purely about the building.”
- Cheshire West and Chester – National Poet Laureate to appear at Ellesmere Port Library – Standard. “”Every spring during this decade, Simon Armitage gives readings across the UK, from the flagship libraries of the big cities to smaller libraries serving rural and remote communities.”
- Cheshire West libraries set to launch iPad lending scheme – Whitchurch Herald.
- Neston library host ‘Health and Well-being Week’ for residents – Wirral Globe. “Throughout the week there will be a range of partners offering free activities to help improve residents’ mental and physical well-being.”
- Northwich Library temporary home to open at Weaver Hall Museum – Northwich and Winsford Guardian.
- World Book Day fancy dress swaps at CWAC libraries – So Counties. “Seeing primary schoolchildren in book-related fancy dress costumes every World Book Day has become a common sight in March but, with ever-mounting financial and environmental pressures, limiting new purchases makes more sense than ever. or the first time, many of our libraries will be accepting donations of fancy dress at the start of the year and hosting clothes swaps before World Book Day itself.”
- Coventry – Coventry Libraries receive Library of Sanctuary Award – Coventry Council.
- Grab a jab at Coventry Library this January – Coventry Council. Pop-in covid vaccinations.
- Croydon – Croydon asks locals to rank services as it plans to make cuts after bankruptcy – My London. “the council is considering cutting the number of libraries it owns”
- Cumbria – Cumbria Libraries partners with creative group for monthly challenge – Mail. “Cumbria Libraries will partner up with 64 million artists to deliver the January Challenge this year. The January Challenge is a series of 31 fun, quick, free, and accessible creative challenges, for each day of the month.”
- Cumbria Libraries launch competition to promote love of reading – News and Star. “Cumbria County Council’s Library Service’s new ‘Book Bingo’ competition is free to enter and runs until March, 1 2023. Winners can win one of six regional hampers that are filled with book-related gifts. To enter the competition, participants need to read four books from a choice of eight different categories. “
- Derby – Ideas needed for the future of Derby’s libraries facing closure – Derby Telegraph. “Derby City Council is calling for voluntary organisations and community groups to get in touch with ideas for how they could run any, or all, of the city’s 10 community spaces, which are currently run as community-managed libraries. People are under the impression they could close but the council says volunteers could keep them open.”
- Derbyshire – Whitwell Library to benefit from series of author events as book club strives to increase footfall – Worksop Guardian. “For the last five years, Derbyshire County Council has been working on transferring some of the underused authority-owned libraries, including Whitwell, into community management in a bid to save the council £1.6 million.”
- Devon – Mobile libraries are back on the road – Dawlish Gazette. “The charity has raised more than £11,000 in recent time, funds which will help get new Mobile Library’s on the road, serving rural communities in the South Hams and West Devon.”
- Dorset – Borrow an iPad for free – Dorset Council. “The pilot scheme is being offered by Dorset Council libraries, who are working with Citizen’s Advice and the Department for Work and Pensions to help people search and apply for jobs online. They can also be used to access online training to gain skills and knowledge.”
- Dudley – Pensioner racks up £42,000 in library late fees after returning book 58 years too late – Mirror.
- East Riding – North Bridlington Library to Close for Roof Work – This is the Coast. “The work will involve the removal of the existing glass panels and the installation of a full new glass roof. This will leave no safe entrance or exit to the library during the works, meaning that a full closure is required.”
- Essex – ‘We need the services’: Calls mounting for south Essex libraries to host banks – Yahoo News. “There are issues with people paying bills with banks shut and not everyone is online. I think there is space and scope in our libraries and it would help bring people back to our libraries too.”
- Community Fridge set to open outside Hadleigh Library – Basildon Echo. ““I am pleased to say that after a highly productive meeting including officers from ECCs library service, we have been selected to host our community fridge in Hadleigh Library.”
- Hackney – Hackney Unison library workers begin first day of strikes – This is Local London. “Unison believes Hackney Council’s proposed restructure, which it said involves cutting 19 full-time equivalent posts that could cost up to 44 people their jobs, is unsustainable and “not fit-for-purpose”.” see also Statement on the strike action announced by Hackney’s library service – Hackney Council and Struggles to save Hackney Libraries – Radical History of Hackney.
- Isle of Wight – Isle of Wight libraries to host chess clubs and free lessons – Isle of Wight County Press.
- Kirklees – Concerns over ‘very cramped’ new Huddersfield Library – Examiner Live. Public computers reduced from 27 to 10. Books moved to other libraries.
- Lambeth – Lambeth Council offers free energy saving kits – Lambeth Council. “The free energy saving kits contain LED lightbulbs, draft excluders and radiator reflector panels to help improve energy efficiency in recipients’ homes and lower heating bills” available in ten libraries.
- Lambeth: New Year’s Honour awarded to local librarian – Love Lambeth. “Zoey Dixon has been a leading light in making libraries more accessible, both before and during Covid-19, in her development role at Lambeth Libraries. She has been a champion for diversity and inclusion, both within the borough and beyond. Zoey’s role as chair of the Youth Libraries Group for London and judging national book prizes, as well as her activity in Lambeth Libraries and on social media, make her a voice for change.”
- Liverpool – Conflicting answers over delays to north Liverpool library opening – Liverpool Echo. “A Walton library that was supposed to be shut for three months for a refit is unlikely to reopen anytime soon after being shut for almost a year.” … “The refurbishment of Spellow Library has unfortunately experienced a number of delays that have been beyond the city council’s control, such as unforeseen issues around the existing structure as well as the supply of building materials which has been affected by the Covid pandemic.”
- Newcastle Upon Tyne – Jubilee honour for Jesmond Library’s Chris Clarke – Jesmond Library. “He has worked tirelessly to support the development of Community Managed Libraries and has given advice both across the North East and further afield. During the pandemic, he kept a Click and Collect service running, mindful of loneliness and isolation issues.”
- Norfolk – Libraries’ slippery ‘Covid-secure’ chairs cause chaos – EDP 24. “Norfolk County Council has revealed it has had to throw away almost 170 ‘wipeable’ seats it put in all its libraries during the pandemic, because people kept slipping off them. The authority had spent £10,000 on the chairs, which are covered in vinyl so can be easily cleaned to stop infections spreading.”
- North Ayrshire – Libraries invite residents to share their story – North Ayrshire Council. “nviting residents – aged 18 years and over – to be part of a unique community audio project ‘What’s Your Story?’, supported by the Scottish Public Library Improvement Fund – an audio recording of stories, memories and reflections experienced over the last few years.”
- Free guitars on loan from the HAC, Kilwinning and Kilbirnie Libraries – North Ayrshire Council. “part of a brand-new project called We Make Music Instrument Libraries”
- North Lincolnshire – People banned from North Lincs libraries and leisure centres for fighting, urinating and breaching IT policies – Grimsby Telegraph.
- North Yorkshire – Temporary closure of Malton library for more improvements – North Yorkshire Council. “Malton library has already benefited from Government public sector decarbonisation funding with the replacement of its windows and the latest work will involve the replacement of an unreliable and inefficient heating system. “
- Northern Ireland – Extension of appointments to the Board of Libraries NI – Northern Ireland Department for Communities.
- Nottingham – Three local libraries saved from closure – Nottingham Council. “The council’s Executive Board today (January 17) voted in favour of keeping all existing libraries open, but with some shortened opening times across the library network, and Aspley Library modified to create a stock distribution and outreach hub while retaining it as a publicly accessible library. Earlier plans involved among other things the closure of Basford, Radford/Lenton and Aspley libraries, with Aspley’s being turned into a distribution hub for the library service. However, some savings have already been achieved through a staffing restructure in the libraries service, meaning only £79,000 of savings were needed from the original £233,000. This, along with strong public feedback against the closure proposals and emerging factors such as their important role of libraries during the cost-of-living crisis and as warm hubs, has allowed the council to look again at how to achieve the necessary changes and savings.”
- Pembrokeshire – Mobile library to visit Narberth while library remains shut – Western Telegraph. Maintenance needed. “Narberth Town Council, which leases the library building from Pembrokeshire County Council, hopes that the work will start shortly.”
- Redcar and Cleveland – Councillors unhappy about proposed temporary library move – Yahoo News. “Redcar and Cleveland Council is proposing to move Redcar library from its current base in Kirkleatham Street to the Tuned In! building about half a mile away in Majuba Road near the seafront. A new facility is due to be created in Redcar High Street as part of the £25m Town Deal plans, but won’t be in place until 2025 at the earliest.”
- Sheffield – Have your say on library opening times – Sheffield Council. “We have an opportunity to extend the opening hours of the Council run community hub libraries from 31 to 34 hours per week and in order to do this we need to standardise the opening times. Therefore we are consulting with library users and non users to identify the impact of the proposed change to the opening days and times.”
- No one is allowed to walk within 3 metres of Sheffield library – Examiner Live. “a temporary exclusion zone was put in place around the building in Arundel Gate, Surrey Street and Tudor Square. This three-metre zone will include footpath closures along the whole length of the building in Surrey Street. Protective canopies have also been put in place along the Graves Building’s entrances and exits so the public and members of staff can be safe when using the building.”
- Sheffield Central Library forced to close this morning – Star. Power cut.
- Shropshire – Shropshire libraries hosting friendly banking advice sessions – Shropshire Council. HSBC “hosting expert advice sessions to help people protect themselves from fraud, manage their money and learn about digital banking options.”
- Libraries add another chapter to innovative prison project – Shropshire Council. “Three volunteer ‘human library books’ went to the prison to be ‘read’ by six selected prisoner representatives in a bid to open up frank conversations. Their subjects were health, sexuality, grief, and abuse.”
- Ludlow library is hub for adult learning reading initiative – Ludlow Advertiser. “Books in the new Adult Reading Scheme Collection are graded, and the levels range from very basic to short novels and non-fiction, books for those with very limited literacy or who speak very little English, and titles for people with moderate literacy or dyslexia.”
- Solihull – Library book amnesty – please bring your books back – Solihull Council. “Throughout January and February, Solihull libraries are holding an amnesty with anonymous drop-off points available at all libraries in the borough. This means customers won’t need to speak to a librarian, they can just drop their overdue books into the library boxes. Returned items will then be logged back onto the system and replaced on the shelves for other library users to enjoy.”
- South Gloucestershire – South Gloucestershire libraries named in top five in the UK for children’s reading challenge – South Gloucestershire Council. “Six thousand children aged between four and 11 took part in the 2022 challenge in South Gloucestershire, reading 100,000 books. This means almost 20 percent of all Primary age school children in the district took part.”
- Southwark – C20 makes listing bid for Peckham Library – Twentieth Century Society. “Following concerns regarding an application for intrusive new rooftop plant equipment, C20 has submitted a listing application for the celebrated Peckham Library in Southwark, South London, recommending it be considered for Grade II* status. Designed by Alsop and Störmer, the library opened in 2000 and won the Stirling Prize for Architecture in the same year. It is widely considered one of the most important works of the late Will Alsop, who passed away in 2018, and a landmark millennial project.”
- Staffordshire – Free creative workshops in selected Stafford libraries – Staffordshire Council. “The workshops will help people to explore what they love about where they live, taking inspiration from local heritage collections. Workshops will also help boost people’s wellbeing through creative & social activity. “
- Suffolk – Long Melford Library closed until further notice – Suffolk Libraries. “We were advised by the Royal British Legion over the weekend that they intend to close their building in Long Melford with immediate effect. We have not been given a reason for the closure.”
- Ipswich Library to host menopause focus group – Suffolk Libraries. “The new programme is being launched after Suffolk Libraries received £170k of funding from the Department of Health and Social Care’s Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Health and Wellbeing Fund. The funding will enable Suffolk Libraries to launch a new project to provide support and advice for women who are experiencing the menopause and perimenopause.”
- Join us for the Orwell Challenge and help raise funds for Suffolk Libraries – Suffolk Libraries. Request for Orwell Challenge walkers to raise money for library service.
- Suffolk Libraries launch Paw-some Art Sculpture fundraising event – Suffolk Libraries. “PAWS-itivity will involve 45 dog sculptures featuring designs individually created by local artists in each of Suffolk’s libraries over the Summer of 2023.” … “The event aims to raise money to support Suffolk Libraries work at the heart of the community. It will also raise awareness of Suffolk Libraries as an independent charity”
- West Sussex – West Sussex Libraries launches countywide reading challenge for 2023 – West Sussex Council. “The challenge is to read twelve books in twelve months and the theme of each month differs to include genres that readers may have never experienced before, including books that celebrate the great outdoors, a prize-winning book, and a book with a Sussex connection.”
- Wirral – Crucial meeting deciding future of libraries and leisure centre pushed back – Liverpool Echo. “The council decided in December to allow two libraries in Prenton and Pensby to move into final negotiations for community groups or businesses to take over. However some have already gone public on the proposals. One cafe which put in two bids to take over Hoylake Library said it was “with a really heavy heart that we have been rejected.””
- Worcestershire – Come along to a Cost of Living Fair at Worcestershire Libraries – Worcestershire Council. “The events, which are free, for residents to visit will have multiple partners on hand to offer advice”
- Face to face sessions to be held as part of Redditch Library consultation – Worcestershire Council. Consultation on move.
- A warm welcome awaits you this winter at Worcestershire Libraries – Worcestershire Council.
- York – Meet the new boss at York library service – Yahoo News. New chief executive comes from museums/National Trust background.
- Haxby and Wigginton community centre and library reopening – York Council. “Visitors are being wowed by the modern, fresh, welcoming, accessible library and new reading café offering barista-style coffees and snacks plus an outdoor terrace.” see also New library and community centre reopens in York with ‘barista-style’ coffee – Yahoo News.
An encouraging year, in the end
Jan 2nd
Editorial
So this is the time of year when I traditionally look back on the last twelves months and see if I can spot any themes. Ones that stand out to me this year are:
- Public libraries have bounced back quite a lot this year from Covid, with normal service being resumed in almost all and, crucially, many people coming back to use them. Statistics are far between and contested but it looks like fewer numbers than in 2019 but perhaps in line with other physical retail and the continued decline in usage we’ve seen for over a decade. But thankfully, people are using libraries once more. Phew.
- Warm Libraries. Public libraries and councils moved fast after Martin Lewis tweeted about the need for “warm banks” as well as “food banks” this winter. Scores of library services registered as welcoming spaces for those who needed heating, with many offering hot drinks and coffee on top of the more traditional library and council services. This will hopefully strengthen the sector in the eyes of budget-holders next year. Libraries, which are neutral, free and more importantly in thousands of local communities, are the ideal thing for stuff like this. So far as I can tell, actual take-up of libraries as refuges was limited but it shows the speed the services can pivot and their utility.
- Intolerance comes to the UK. Fresh off the well-funded push towards censorship in the USA against anything that doesn’t tie in with conservative beliefs – mainly LGBT and especially anything Trans – we saw a series of vocal and sometimes violent protests against Drag Queen Story Time and, less in the news, more attempts by the public to ban certain titles. These protest letters were often copy and pasted from US or US-influenced webpages. While instances of successful actual censorship were small but not non-existent in the UK, the many protests at the story-times may well have an impact in 2023. We’ll see.
- Budget cuts were strongly threatened last year but in the end, with some notable local exceptions, did not make a huge impact on services. There are similar worries, possibly with more reason, in 2023.
- Libraries of Things made an increasing impact, in a couple of incarnations. Tool (and other things0 libraries started in a few branches and, perhaps more interestingly, other things such as coats were starting to be donated and given out as well. The trend towards giving other items, such as feminine hygiene products, increased as did the providing of some novel services, such as sunshine-lights.
- After what feels like an age, at least the name of the Single Digital Presence – “LibraryOn” – was announced. The job in producing it is being done very thoroughly (just the naming took a significant time) so one hopes it’s going to be worth it when it comes.
- The continued government distractions meant another one (or was it two or three? Don’t know) ministers in charge of libraries coming and going. They don’t do much anyway – saying nice things but giving very little else. More funding for the sector is evident from Arts Council England, though. The recruitment of an ex Mail journalist as a chair of a new libraries working group made shivers tun down my spine but it’s too early to tell if she’ll go full bold-exclamation-mark when it comes to more serious work. Certainly, though, don’t expect much government funding or hands-on intervention. But do expect increasingly encouragement of volunteers, charities, and anything else that may replace actual proper funding of the sector.
Anyway, wishing you all the best in 2023! Public libraries are stronger now than I had any right to expect when I started these editorials way back in 2010 and this is down to the wonderfulness of them as a concept (and that’s pretty darn brilliant) but also the people who work and fight for them. Thank you. Now on to the next twelve months.
National news
- Government to spend £4.5m towards ‘an anti-racist Wales’ – Western Telegraph. “Our national and local museums, galleries, libraries, theatres, and sporting venues need to be inclusive of black, asian and minority ethnic people and places.”
- Libraries keeping residents warm this winter – Rhyl Journal. “The scheme, Croeso Cynnes, offers people a place to read, chat, or even play games across libraries in all six counties.” Hot drinks and biscuits.
- New Year Honours list 2023 in full: Everyone who got an MBE, OBE, CBE, knighthood and damehood this year – I. Knighthood – Roland Keating, Chief Executive of The British Library. MBEs or BEMs for – Stephen John Bleakley. (Northern Ireland). Susan Crowley ( Somerset); Zoey Dixon (Lambeth), Alan Garnsworthy (Hackney); Sylvia Knights. Trustee, (Suffolk); Hilary Marshall (Ascel).
- Nicola Sturgeon’s government warned libraries facing ‘slow death’ as borrower numbers plummet – Scottish Daily Express. “According to research, in 2011-12 the number of books borrowed was 21,380,156 – but by 2018-19, that fell to just 14,690,455.”
- The Reading Agency: 20 Years of Transforming Lives Through Reading – Reading Agency. History of the organisation.
- UK Libraries turn into ‘warm banks’ to provide heating and hot beverages for free amid energy crisis – Upworthy. “”People started signing up fairly slowly and then word spread. We’re over 1,000 listings on the map now and they’re still coming in thick and fast.”
International news
- Australia – Community Storytelling in Libraries – Jane Cowell. “To help us tell the stories of the good that libraries do in the community we need to build our community storytelling skills. For us at Yarra Plenty Regional Library local Melbourne storyteller Lara McKinley helped some of us identify, practice and use new storytelling skills. The top 5 basic skills we learned …”
- Canada – One of the World’s Most Beautiful Libraries Was Born Out of Tragedy – Yahoo News. Architect was a Japanese-Canadian citizen in WW2 internment camp. ““Canada’s aspiration to achieve unity and a unique identity through its policy of multi-culturalism,” wrote Moriyama, “lies not only in mere tolerance and acceptance of diverse ethnic and community groups.”
- Russia – Moscow libraries pull books by Stephen Fry and Haruki Murakamai after “LGBT propaganda law” – I. Subscription required.
- Singapore – Makerspaces: What They Are and How You Can Benefit from Them – Medium.
- Ukraine – Exchange with Ukrainian Libraries – Libraries Connected. Webinar, 26 January, 1pm. “The event will introduce the Universal Library Offers, and we will then hear from Ukrainian libraries about their extraordinary work to support their communities in the war.”
- USA – Huntsville City Council privatizes public library operations despite pushback from residents – Houston Public Media. “The decision to enter into a 10-year contract with Library Systems & Services came a few months after Huntsville city officials ordered library staff to remove a “Read With Pride” display highlighting books with LGBTQ+ themes.”
- 5 Ways Libraries Used to Be Hardcore – Cracked. “Libraries Sterilized or Even Incinerated Books, and Laws Kept the Sick From Borrowing”, “During the Depression, Librarians Went Out on Horseback to Bring Books to Mountain Folk”, “Librarians Put on Uniforms and Went to War (as Librarians)”, “Police Arrested People in the Middle of the Night Out of Their Beds for Overdue Books”, “J.P. Morgan Locked the Nation’s Financiers in a Library Till They Agreed to Bail the Country Out”
- American Library Association President: Librarians Are Facing Harassment – Teen Vogue. “We are seeing unprecedented levels of book banning right now. There is this small minority of people who want to ban books and they’re not suggesting individual titles, they’re coming in with huge lists of books that for the most part they haven’t even read. They are trying to silence diverse voices and ideas and using public libraries as a pawn in this fight.”
- ‘Guardians of Divinity’ demonstrators face off with over 100 Drag Story Hour supporters outside NYC library during reading event for children: Group said ‘leave kids alone’ before ‘being pelted with projectiles’ by counter-protesters – Mail.
- How Valuable Are Libraries? Here are the Numbers – Medium.
- St. Paul libraries face moment of reckoning – Star Tribune. “libraries are working to balance their traditional role of connecting people with the information they need to live better lives while improving security at a time when people’s struggles with mental illness and drug use are showing up in library spaces.”
Local news by authority
- Bexley – Peter Craske: Partnership working is delivering two new libraries in Bexley, and delivering real value for money for residents – Conservative Home. “n Sidcup, we have just opened the Storyteller – a new home for the town’s library, complete with a cafe – and in the New Year, it will be the home of a new three-screen cinema run by the Really Local Group.” … ” in 2023 we will open a new library in Thamesmead, in partnership with Peabody. This new library, with amazing views across Southmere Lake to the Thames, will be part of a wider community building, The Nest.”
- Birmingham – Birmingham’s libraries declare amnesty on late fees – Birmingham Council. “an amnesty on fees for books returned late at all city libraries will run from December 2022 until 31 March 2023. Fees will not be accrued during this period.”
- Bolton – Masterplan: Bolton Library multi-million pound development – Bolton News. “£4.43m renovation, backed by the government’s Towns Fund and the council. Now the site has been cleared, work can begin to create a new café, an expanded children’s area, improved social spaces, updated digital facilities and the addition of a mezzanine floor.”
- Bolton Council leader delivers New Year’s Day message – Bolton News. “The extension and refurbishment of the Market Hall is now underway, as is, a £3 million investment in our Library. It will look fabulous when it reopens. This investment in our library service is the biggest in a generation and underlines our commitment to put libraries at the heart of our community.”
- Bradford – Children’s designs for new Bradford library card – Yahoo News. “To celebrate its anniversary, Bradford Libraries invited children in the district to enter a competition to design a new children’s library card. Entrants were encouraged to create designs that reflected what libraries meant to them – books, reading, going to the library as a child, meeting authors, story-time; using PCs; class visits; summer reading challenges and special moments. The competition, open to Bradford children from four to 11-years-old, drew a total of 454 entries from acro”ss the district, representing 47 primary schools.”
- Brighton – These are the most borrowed books from Brighton libraries (how many have you read?) – Yahoo News. Richard Osman, JK Rowling and Jeff Kinney.
- Buckinghamshire – Bucks libraries to offer fines amnesty to help with cost of living – Bucks Free Press. “Buckinghamshire Council announced an amnesty for library fines for a limited time only to help residents feeling the brunt of the cost of living crisis. During January and February in the new year, the Council- run libraries across the county are taking part in the initiative”
- Cambridgeshire – £400 of funding for Warm Spaces at Huntingdonshire libraries – Hunts Post. “The money will be distributed by Cambridgeshire Libraries to all Huntingdonshire Libraries so they can buy refreshments and supplies for an activity for people to do at the Warm Spaces. “
- Cheshire West and Chester – Council changes to improve access to customer services – Standard. “ask the contact centre to book an appointment to see a customer service adviser, or drop-in to one of the Resident Assistance Points located in some council buildings and libraries across the borough.”
- Cumbria – Cumbria great big read promotes reading for pleasure at schools – Mail. “Cumbria Great Big Read, founded by Marie Wynn, started three years ago to promote reading and listening for pleasure at home and school. For World Book Day, on Thursday, March 2, Cumbria Great Big Read will host another ‘great’ big read for primary school children and a ‘great’ big listen for nursery children between February 1 and April 30 next year.” Schools tie-in with Usborne.
- Denbighshire – Denbighshire libraries keep young and old residents warm this winter – Journal. Hot drinks.
- Derbyshire – Winner announced in libraries’ short story competition – Quest Media. “Derbyshire was the theme and libraries were looking for stories of no more than 55 words, in whatever style the writer wished. More than 100 entries were received.”
- Devon – Okehampton library members now able to access more audio and ebooks – Okehampton Today. Borrowbox and Libby.
- Warm scheme highlights the importance of Kingsbridge library – Kingsbridge Today. “Kingsbridge library have recently been registered as a Warm Hub as part of a national Warm Hub scheme. The designation of this draws attention to just how central the library is to Kingsbridge and the surrounding areas, lying at the heart of the community and acting as a space where local people can feel safe and welcomed.”
- East Dunbartonshire – Tackle the winter blues in your local library – East Dunbartonshire Council. “ight therapy lamps have been found to help lift mood, boost concentration, restore natural energy and treat the symptoms of SAD. East Dunbartonshire Libraries are the first Scottish library service to offer this as part of library membership.”
- East Lothian – Help wanted to find Christmas crab on the loose in Haddington Library – East Lothian Courier. Children’s competition. “”Please keep an eye out! His wife & 80,000 children are worried sick”
- East Sussex – Newhaven library to undergo major refurbishment – Sussex Express. “The library will receive improvements to the main layout with new seating and upgraded children’s areas and study spaces. Refurbishments will include larger areas for computer use, with private pods giving the public confidential space to hold virtual job interviews or get one to one support.”
- Essex – Win an animal experience with the Winter Reading Challenge – Your Harlow. “Everyone that completes this year’s Winter Reading Challenge will be automatically entered into a prize draw. The winner will receive a day at the zoo and the chance to get closer to some of the animals, learning more about them with the help of the Animal Care Team.”
- Hackney – Hackney’s libraries put out call for unwanted toys ahead of January gift appeal – Hackney Citizen. “The toys can be dropped off at public libraries across the borough as part of Hackney’s gift appeal from 3-24 January. Hackney Council will pass the donations on to charities and education centres so the toys can be played with again. It is hoped the appeal will also keep toys out of landfill and encourage people to think about the circular economy. Residents can also donate or take coats from racks at libraries as part of a clothes swap campaign designed to help people weather the cost-of-living crisis.”
- Hampshire – Hampshire County Council’s library service receives recognition – Gazette. “received recognition for its work to provide a safe and supportive space to people from all communities. Hampshire is the first county-wide library network to gain the Library Service of Sanctuary Award, which has been granted by City of Sanctuary UK.”
- Kent – Folkestone library in Grace Hill closed as a safety precaution after flooding causes water damage – Kent Online. “the building will have to remain shut until the end of January when the situation will be reviewed.”
- Liverpool – Liverpool services that could be slashed as council looks to save £73m – Liverpool Echo. “Since the proposals were first outlined – which included a potential hike in council tax, increasing fees and charges as well as a review of its libraries and fitness centres – a number of public consultations have been launched as the Cunard authority looks for some input on areas it can cut from.”
- Manchester – Manchester’s Central Library warm hub and how it’s helping people in cost of living crisis – Manchester World.
- Midlothian – Midlothian library service selected for pioneering ‘Lend and Mend Hub’ project – Midlothian Council. “Gorebridge Library in Midlothian has been selected as one of the first in Scotland to host a ‘Lend and Mend Hub’, as part of a trailblazing pilot project, managed by the Scottish Library and Information Council”
- North Yorkshire – Successful Reboot scheme needs more devices to meet demand – Craven Herald. “opportunity for individuals or organisations to donate laptops, tablets and other devices they no longer need.”
- Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire libraries announces ebook short story competition 2023 – Oxfordshire Council. “The annual competition, hosted by Oxfordshire County Council’s libraries service is a chance to discover new writers, original stories and unique voices from around Oxfordshire. The winners will have their story published as an ebook and eaudiobook on Oxfordshire libraries’ OverDrive platform, where they can be borrowed, read and listened to from anywhere.”
- Redbridge – Local people support plans for new library opening hours – Redbridge Council. “
- Sandwell – Library a warm space of welcome throughout festive season – Express and Star. Hot drink.
- Sefton – Iconic building to be ‘returned to its former glory’ – Liverpool Echo. “The Carnegie Library in Crosby was shut down by Sefton Council in December 2013 as part of a “libraries review” and a bid to save money. Last year it was announced that Cunard Construction (CC) Ltd wanted to return the building to full use for community groups, families, and local businesses.”
- Slough – Slough’s Moxy hotel, leisure centres, & libraries at risk of sell off – Slough Observer. “In order to reduce its £760m borrowing debt and bridge its financial blackholes, Slough Borough Council (SBC) is selling up to £600m of its property and land as well as make about £20m savings a year for the next few years.” … “In 2025/26, the libraries, such as the Curve, Langley, and Cippenham could go”
- Somerset – Libraries chief is recognised in New Year’s Honours awards – Wellington Today. Sue Crowley, chief of Somerset libraries – ““I feel I am accepting this award on behalf of all those who have worked and who will continue to work in our libraries ensuring they remain relevant, welcoming and fun places.”
- Southampton – Return of much-loved library on the cards as council ‘in discussions’ – Yahoo News. “Southampton City Council revealed that it’s in discussions with two community partners to support the running of a new offer at Cobbett Road Hub and Library. This comes after frustrated parents and residents called for the valued community space to be reopened.” Closed in 2021.
- South Gloucestershire – Blankets, socks and light-bulbs handed out to residents to help during cost of living crisis – Bristol Post. “Included in the packs are clothing such as hats, socks and gloves, as well as other items for the home including a blanket, an LED light bulb and tea bags. Packs have been available for men, women and children at the council’s One Stop Shops and libraries from December 22.”
- Staffordshire – Wombourne library to close for energy efficiency work – BBC. “A new lighting system will be installed at Wombourne library, which the county council said would “update the building and cut bills in the long run”.”
- Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries to host Chinese and British exhibition and events – Suffolk Libraries. “will highlight the rich history of Chinese British communities and the lasting impact of Chinese communities in the UK. The event is part of the Living Knowledge Network”
- British Empire Medal for former mayor who helped save Bungay library – EDP. “Sylvia Knights, has been recognised in the New Year’s Honour’s list. Mrs Knights, from Bungay, is to receive the Order of the British Empire (BEM) honour for services to public libraries.”
- Wellbeing is just one of Suffolk Libraries’ range of services – Great British Life. ““Sewing therapy, fashion shows, music gigs, baby weighing facilities. We have tablets and eReader devices available to borrow, and an eLibrary of eBooks, audio books, downloadable newspapers and magazines, free music and films. We have a Post Office in the library in Stradbroke, and Gainsborough Library sells low-cost health fruit and veg bags to local people every week.””
- West Sussex – Crawley library to remain open as essential maintenance to building is delayed – Sussex World. Broadfield “This is to allow the lighting, fire alarm, and CCTV to be replaced.”
- Wiltshire – Wiltshire Council reminds residents about Library warm spaces – Salisbury Journal. ” the library staff have assisted residents with energy advice and is a collection point for Warm Packs which includes a blanket and hot water bottle.”
- Worcestershire – Most Borrowed Books 2022 – Worcestershire Council. Crime remains top for adults, Walliams and Pichon for children, neurodiversity and mental health for teens.
- Wrexham – Have you ever worked in Wrexham’s libraries? – Wrexham Council. “all former staff (and a plus one) are invited to an informal reunion in Wrexham Library” for 50th anniversary of library.
- York – York community hubs open as ‘warm banks’ amid cost of living crisis – Press. “York Explore libraries have seen similar popularity, offering warm, safe spaces, an affordable cafe, and cost of living advice.”
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