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Editorial

There’s not many inevitabilities in this world but one thing we could all easily have bet on two months ago – if any bookmaker was silly enough to take our money – was that the new Reform-led councils would start interfering in public library stock. Well, it’s started. Kent’s libraries have been instructed to keep Trans books away from easy sight of children. This doesn’t just mean not having any books covering Trans topics in children’s library but also on the way to the children’s library. The library staff have to meekly obey such orders. After all, it’s either that or be out of a job and, to be honest, I’d do the same thing.

The slightly farcical nature of this first Reform foray into librarianship will not be the last. The USA teaches us where this will end, in censorship of any subjects that the controlling politicians’ ideology disagrees with. The only thing that will stop it is not librarians or CILIP, who have no real power, but chief executives (possibly) and central government. Hmm, that doesn’t fill me with confidence. The real test will be what comes next. So far the score is Hate/Fear 1 Freedom of Libraries 0.

Changes by local authority

• Bromley – Refurbished West Wickham Library reopens.

National news

• 21 Library Services Selected to Lead National Expansion of Summer Reading Challenge  – Reading Agency. “The Reading Agency has today announced that 21 library authorities across the UK have been selected as the first recipients of funding from a transformative £1.5 million grant from the Julia Rausing Trust. This funding will support the expansion of the Summer Reading Challenge – the UK’s largest programme promoting reading for pleasure among children. In 2025, working together, the partners have the ambition to reach an additional 50,000 children. “

“To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of closures of (a) libraries and (b) other cultural spaces on the availability of early years services.” Gareth Snell Labour/Co-operative, Stoke-on-Trent Central. Answer includes “The Secretary of State has a statutory power to intervene by way of local inquiry if she considers that a local authority is not providing a comprehensive and efficient library service. She takes this role very seriously and should a complaint be received, Ministers will challenge the local council and carefully consider evidence before deciding if a local inquiry is needed.” [And then will decide it’s fine and no inquiry is needed – Ed.]

• Book banning in the UK – will US influence succeed in removing LGBTQ+ books from our libraries? – Boar. [The answer is almost certainly yes – Ed.]. “While it is not occurring on the same scale, the efforts of organisations in the US are undeniably affecting attitudes towards censorship in the UK, with more and more parents requesting the removal of books from school libraries due to the representation of LGBTQ people and stories. Though a common excuse for this is to ‘protect’ young people from being ‘exposed’ to the LGBTQ community, this censorship could be extremely harmful to the very people it claims to shelter. If this removal of content from school libraries continues, thousands of young people, many of whom find themselves at a crucial time in their life in understanding their identity, could be deprived of books and resources that could be instrumental in helping them discover and accept who they are.”
• Counter-terror officer took secret call in public library with no headphones – Telegraph. Paywall. Officer said his home was not noisy [! – Ed.] so “was fired after taking a top-secret call in a public library with no headphones has won almost £22,000 in compensation…”
• Deprofessionalisation of Public Librarianship: What role do qualified Librarians have in the 21st century Public Libraries sector? – University of Sheffield. Dissertation survey that your filling in would be very appreciated by the student in question. Ideally aimed at Library Managers/Librarians/Heads of Library Service in Public Libraries.
• DfE to pilot ‘lending libraries’ of tech to support SEND schoolchildren – UK Authority. Unclear where these will be bit in “32 local authority areas.”

“The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is improving community access to media literacy through the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which supports local and community-led initiatives to boost digital participation. Libraries, as trusted and accessible public spaces, play a key role in delivering digital and media literacy support to communities across the UK.” Feryal Clark, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

• Libraries sector in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025 – DCMS Libraries. MBE for Julie Bell. Head of Cultural Services, Lancashire County. For services to public libraries. BEM for Charlotte Rebecca Clark. Manager, Southwold Library. For services to Literacy and to the community in Reydon and Southwold; Jason Tutin. Head, 100% Digital Leeds. For services to Digital Inclusion.
• Public libraries deserve to shut – they’ve forgotten why they exist – Spectator. Criticises “libraries are more than just books” slogan and belief that libraries usage decline is due to savage budget cuts. Blames librarians. Partial paywall.
• Queen Camilla laments library closures in visit to community hub – Wales Online. “Camilla told a group of librarians, figures from the city’s annual literary festival and leading writers that she “wished” more people would open such facilities as she officially launched Ratho Library in Newbridge.”
• The Spending Review ignored digital inclusion – here’s why that’s a huge mistake – Good Things Foundation. “To build a truly inclusive and prosperous nation, digital inclusion must be recognised as a core national infrastructure. We urge this government to swiftly rethink this oversight.”
• Why Libraries Should Invest in Visual Design – Katina Magazine. “visual designers can play a crucial role in how a library connects and communicates with its community.”

International news

• Finland – Finland shows highest library activity level in nearly 20 years – Chytomo. “It is interesting that after 59 northern municipalities joined Finland’s National Electronic Library, the service detected a thousand new user registrations every day.”
• USA – Large Public Libraries Give Young Adults Across U.S. Access to Banned Books – EdSurge. “Since 2022, thousands of eligible young adults have registered for a little-known program called Books Unbanned, which Brooklyn Public Library in New York created that year to counter efforts to restrict access to certain books.”
  • Anythink Libraries Unveils Immersive Poetry Experience in First-of-Its-Kind Library Metaverse Platform ‘Anythink World’ – Business Wire. “The Anythink World experience featuring Kerrie Joy, titled Unwritten, invites visitors into a virtual recreation of downtown Brighton’s Main Street. As users explore this immersive environment, they encounter key locations that reflect different stages of Joy’s life and creative development.”
  • The Case for the Children’s Library – AEI. “Libraries offer less stimulation than a tablet, but more meaning. They offer fewer bells and whistles, but a deeper sense of satisfaction. When I take my son to the library, I don’t just feel like I’m “doing something good” for him. I’m participating in a quiet, essential act of cultural preservation.”

Reform restricting Kent bookstock

• Angry backlash at Kent County Council’s ruling on trans literature – Kent Online. “LGBTQ+ rights campaigners have joined a chorus of outrage at a decision by Reform UK not to display trans literature in the children’s sections of Kent libraries. Steven Pullen, of Swale Pride CIC, claims the ruling by the leadership of Kent County Council (KCC), amounted to “censorship”.”
• Backlash as Reform claims trans books removed from children’s library section – BBC. “In a post on social media, Kent County Council’s Reform UK leader Linden Kemkaran said the books were to be removed with immediate effect in a “victory for common sense in Kent”. However, the council said a single transgender-related book aimed at adults was relocated from a display at the entrance of a library to a section unlikely to be visited by children. Labour MP for Chatham and Aylesford Tristian Osbourne has called the alleged removal of the books “unedifying gender baiting of the LGBT community”.” … “The book in question was The Autistic Trans Guide to Life by Yenn Purkis and Wenn Lawson, the council said.”

“Censorship does not stop people from learning information, but it does send the message, and it’s sending a message to the young people of Kent that they’re not safe and they’re not welcome if they’re LGBT or trans.” Erin Strawbridge, the manager of the Folkestone Bookshop, an LGBTQ+ bookstore

• Kent County Council, now led by Reform UK, removes all trans-related books from children’s sections of its libraries – Scene Mag.
• Reform backtrack on claim ‘trans-related’ library book was in children’s section – Independent. “A Reform-led council has backtracked on its “trans-related” library book ban, suggesting the move is “not a change of policy” after conflicting social media posts from councillors.” … “the council’s Liberal Democrat opposition leader, Antony Hook has said that Reform not following “proper process” in the council and announcing things on social media has created uncertainty.” … “The Kent Library Service confirmed that staff will “ensure that only age-appropriate books are being displayed in children’s sections of libraries” or areas where children will be selecting books to borrow” and Reform council claim ‘trans-related’ library book ban ‘not a change of policy’ – Standard and Reform council claim ‘trans-related’ library book ban ‘not a change of policy’ – Herald.

“We have not changed policy. We have simply issued internal instructions to reaffirm existing expectations: that adult books are not to be placed in areas specifically aimed at children, such as children’s sections or public welcome displays where children select books.” Kent Council

• Reform council bans trans books from children’s section of libraries – Times. Behind paywall. “Party hails move in Kent as protecting children from ‘potentially harmful ideology’ but Labour says it is ‘unedifying baiting of the LGBT community’”
• Reform council removes trans books from children’s section at libraries – Telegraph. Behind paywall.
• Reform councillor’s boast about removing ‘trans-ideological’ books from children’s library sections falls flat – Guardian. “Paul Webb said he ensured books and material were pulled from children’s section of Kent libraries, but it emerges they were never there” … “Webb’s message was retweeted by Linden Kemkaran, the council leader, who in her own message, dotted with fire emojis, said: “Another victory for #commonsenseinKent my brilliant cabinet member Cllr Paul Webb has just got this trans material REMOVED from the children’s sections of all Kent’s libraries. Telling children they’re in the ‘wrong body’ is wrong and simply unacceptable.””
• Reform county councillors order removal of transgender guide ‘from children’s section’ in all Kent libraries – Isle of Thanet News. “One commentator has also pointed out the book in question is for adults and its filing number means it would actually have been in the Family and Relationships section, with some libraries also filing it under LGBTQ+ History.” … “It is understood that Cllr Webb does not intend banning transgender material but to relocate it in the libraries.”
• Reform UK Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran backs removing trans book from libraries’ children’s sections – Kent Online. “Cllr Kemkaran indicated that it would happen across all libraries in the county.” Opposition councillor says ““This is especially odd given that the committee which usually deals with library service matters, met only two days ago (July 1). “The administration could and should have given that committee a report of its intentions to change policies in our libraries.”

• Reform UK run council removes all trans books from children’s library section – Independent.
• Reform UK-run council removes trans books from children’s sections of libraries – Pink News.
• Transgender-related books ‘removed from children’s sections’ of Kent libraries – BookSeller. Behind paywall.

“Any changes to the libraries stock management procedure since the 1st of May 2025:
KCC can confirm that there have been no changes to the libraries stock management
procedure since 1st of May 2025.

Any requests by councillors to withdraw specific book titles since the 1st May 2025:
KCC can confirm that there have been no requests by councillor to withdrawn specific
book titles since the 1st of May 2025.

Any new advice given to libraries by councillors or others within the council about stock management since 1 May 2025:
KCC can confirm that there have been no new advice given about stock management
since 1st of May 2025.

Any requests by councillors or others with the Council to remove or
otherwise reduce the visibility of stock referring to gender, sexuality, race,
immigration, refugees or diversity since 1 May 2025:
KCC can confirm that no requests have been made by councillors or others within the
council regarding the reduction of visibility of stock referring to gender, sexuality, race,
immigration, refugees or diversity since 1 May 2025.” Reply, dated 4 July, to FOI request by myself last month from Kent County Council. All other Reform councils who have replied deny there has been change to library stock.

Local news by authority

• Bromley – West Wickham Library in Bromley opens after refurbishment – News Shopper. “West Wickham Library in Bromley officially reopened on Friday, June 27, following a major upgrade. The transformation includes a new café, business lounge, and the borough’s first Makerspace featuring a 3D printer.”
• Caerphilly – Could a potential judicial review stop the council from closing ten libraries? – Caerphilly Observer. Behind paywall. [The answer is no – Ed]. “The decision to close ten libraries by the council may end up being challenged in court, Caerphilly Observer understands.”
• Camden – Jan Kattein Architects delivers redesigned children’s library at Swiss Cottage – Building Design. “the redesign introduces flexible, activity-based zones tailored to contemporary storytelling formats, following consultation with local children, educators and families”
• Conwy – Conwy council conducts official investigation over ‘inaccurate’ Llandudno library figures – Daily Post. “Cllr Emery said Conwy only owed 38% of the £46,000. This was, Cllr Emery claimed, because the rest was legally payable by other tenants of the library building’s owners Mostyn Estates, who occupied other floors. But part of Conwy’s argument for moving was the £126K-a-year saving, which was included in a report presented to strengthen the council’s case.” … “Conwy’s cabinet is expected to vote in favour of the Mostyn Street library’s closure on Tuesday, with the service moving to Venue Cymru as part of a UK Government-funded £10m “arts centre” revamp.”
• Cumberland – Future of libraries in Cumberland survey still open – News and Star. “The results of the survey will feed into Cumberland Council’s Libraries Fit for the Future (FFF) Project, which aims to futureproof the area’s library services.”
• Derby – Derby libraries to stay under council’s control as review is halted – Derbyshire Live. “All of Derby’s libraries are to stay under council control for the foreseeable future according to a report going to the authority’s cabinet meeting next Wednesday (July 9). It follows a decision to withdraw from latest deal to outsource the city’s ten community libraries to Sporting Communities in May.”
• Devon – New library summer reading challenge for children – Crediton Courier. “Bookworms will be able to take part in the Summer Book Quest: Deep Sea Adventure from Saturday, July 12 until Saturday, September 6.” … “To complete the quest, children have to do three things: visit the library, read what they like and complete one or more of the Summer Book Quest activities. Each completed task gives them a sticker and once they have them all they get a finisher sticker, keyring and certificate.”
  • Surprise boost for Exeter Library – Exeter Today. “Libraries Unlimited South West, a charity that provides community libraries across Devon, has receives [sic] a donation of £9,531 from the Morrisons Foundation.”. Money will be to “create an exciting new interactive feature for the new children’s library”
• Dudley – Black Country Day events in Dudley Libraries – Dudley Council. ” free special events aimed at celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage, fascinating history and continuous evolution.”
  • Dudley libraries to launch summer reading challenge – Halesowen News. Story Garden.
  • Suzan Holder book launch at Wordsley Library – Press release. “Married to former Slade band member Noddy Holder, Suzan’s novels each have a musical twist.”
• Dumfries and Galloway – Dumfries’ Ewart Library reopens after restoration work – BBC. “Work at the Ewart Library was designed to modernise facilities while uncovering original Victorian features of the structure. The Ewart closed in January to make time for “careful restoration” work, which revealed a mosaic floor and burnt-orange wall tiles. Local people from across the area attended the grand opening which featured a Ewart Library branded cake and balloons.”
• East Dunbartonshire – Health Information Hubs Now Available in All East Dunbartonshire Libraries – East Dunbartonshire Council. “teamed up with the local Health and Social Care Partnership to set up Health Information Hubs in all local libraries. Each library in the area now has designated space with a range of materials available on various health and wellbeing issues, local services, and community groups. “
• East Riding – East Yorkshire library to reopen this month after major refurbishment – York Press. “Bridlington Central Library will welcome visitors from Monday, July 14. The library received £250,000 in UK taxpayer funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Libraries Improvement Fund, along with additional funding allocated by the council.”
• Edinburgh – Queen Camilla officially opens new library in Edinburgh – ITN. “Queen Camilla officially opened the newly refurbished Ratho Library as part of her visit to Scotland alongside the King for Royal Week. Her Majesty praised the work of the staff in a speech, saying: “What wonderful places libraries are, literally from toddlers to pensioners – they manage to inspire a love of reading of books”.”
• Enfield – Seven Enfield libraries to close permanently from next week – Enfield Dispatch. “In an update on its website, the council explains that its controversial new library strategy and operating model – including the closures of John Jackson, Bullsmoor, Southgate, Winchmore Hill, Enfield Highway, Bowes and Enfield Island Village libraries – will be implemented from this Monday (7th).”
• Glasgow – 8 of the best local libraries to visit in Glasgow with the kids during the summer holidays – Glasgow World.
• Inverclyde – Port Glasgow Library building on Lego donation – Inverclyde Council. “Senior library assistant Jac Wilks realised that the LEGO® Group made a model of the Endurance lifeboat – which Chippy helped to modify and rescue the stricken crew – but it has now been discontinued. She contacted the LEGO® Group directly to see if there was any way of acquiring a model”
• Kirklees – Kirklees’ Archive Service to Move into Our Cultural Heart’s New Library Hub – Kirklees Council. “irklees branch of the West Yorkshire Archive Service (WYAS) will be moving into Huddersfield’s new flagship library hub.”
• Lambeth – Lambeth libraries strike suspended – Brixton Blog. “Negotiations between Lambeth council and the staff trade union Unison led to a new approach from the council and library staff have voted to accept it, although some staffing issues remain to be resolved.”
• Leicester – Join in a summer of fun at Leicester Libraries – Leicester Council. Story Garden.
• Norfolk – Norfolk libraries invite families to discover the joy of reading – Norfolk Council. Story Garden.
• Northumberland – A magical summer of books and nature awaits – Northumberland Council. Story Garden. “Northumberland’s programme also includes events with authors Robin Simpson and Jodie James, Berwick ‘storyteller-in-residence’, Chris Adrianesse (ok) and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist drag artist, Mama G.”
• Oxfordshire – Library to play its part in Leys 2025 – Oxfordshire Council. Story Garden. “Blackbird Leys Library is set to play its part in the annual Leys Festival 2025 with an extension to opening hours on Saturday, 5 July. The Oxfordshire County Council run library will remain open until 3:30pm, instead of the usual 12:30pm, so that the community can visit, browse and become new members.”
  • Grow your imagination with the Summer Reading Challenge – Oxfordshire Council. Story Garden.
• Reading – Designs for town’s new central library released – BBC. “”The designs include features suggested by library users, including informal seating for teens and better equipped spaces for people to study and work.”
• South Ayrshire – New library opens its doors after relocation to historic Ayrshire building – Daily Record. “Troon Library has opened in a new location, boasting facilities ‘accessible to all.’ Ayrshire Live previously told in April last year how the library was to relocate to the town’s Municipal Buildings, while the old library would be converted into a nursery. And, following a period of works to reconfigure the new space, the official opening event for the new Troon Library was held and attended by councillors, staff and stakeholders.”
• Staffordshire – People invited to ‘Into the Light’ dance exhibition at Burton Library – Staffordshire Council. “a travelling dance exhibition that traces the history of black British ballet from the 1940s to the present day.”
• Suffolk – Council secures funding for sustainable libraries and schools – Suffolk Council. “Suffolk County Council recently secured £675,000 from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, delivered by Salix, for these improvements. The scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.”
• Waltham Forest – Waltham Forest libraries are ‘places of sanctuary’ – Guardian Series.
• West Northamptonshire – West Northamptonshire libraries launch the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge – West Northamptonshire Council. Story Garden. “West Northamptonshire’s LibraryPlus service has partnered with Family Learning and Teach Outdoors to deliver exciting events such as teddy bear festivals, seed paper making, magic shows, bird and butterfly feeders, nature trails and much more. Children can also look forward to special collaborations with local country parks. “
• West Sussex – West Sussex libraries centenary: why Lessons in Chemistry is my favourite book – Sussex World.
• Worcestershire – County’s Summer Reading Challenge returns for 2025 – Bromsgrove Standard. Story Garden. “This year if you read four books you get free admission for one child and one adult for National Trust Croome.”
• Wrexham – Uncertainty remains over future of Wrexham’s libraries and resource centres – Wrexham.com. “The future of Wrexham’s libraries and community resource centres remains uncertain, with the council yet to publish the results of a public consultation on potential cuts. The services are facing reductions of at least £185,000 as Wrexham Council looks to balance its budget over the next two years.”

Editorial

There’s a couple of cases of libraries backing down from closing a library or three due to the public response to the initial announcement and one more realises it hasn’t enough money for its new build. Nationally, there’s a big expansion of the Summer Reading Challenge. This comes at a very opportune time as the once monopoly of the Reading Agency’s offering in councils nationally has reduced over the last few years, with several library services choosing to create their own version. Now, if only the Reading Agency can improve its medals …

Changes by authority

• Argyll and Bute – Council to keep three libraries open after u-turn and ask for volunteers for Rosneath
• Peterborough – Consultation on what cuts to make
• Rotherham – Council asks for more funding for new library
• Rutland – Ryhall Library to stay open after consultation.

National news

• £1.5 million to The Reading Agency to expand the reach and impact of the Summer Reading Challenge – Julia Rausing Trust. “This £1.5 million donation will allow The Reading Agency to reach an additional 375,000 children and families living with disadvantage by 2027, helping to break down systemic barriers to reading and extend the proven benefits of the Challenge to those who need it most.” … “The grant from The Julia Rausing Trust will support The Reading Agency to scale a cross-authority delivery model. This pioneering approach to supporting children’s reading brings together libraries with other local services such as schools, health services and community partners to reach children living in areas of high deprivation and social exclusion.” … “In 2025, the programme will launch with a number of selected library authorities, increasing in 2026 and working with 100 libraries by 2027. Outreach will include working directly with schools by providing teachers with targeted resources and tools to deliver the Challenge as well as automatically enrolling children at their local library. “
• 8 Books About the Quiet Power of Libraries and Museums – Electrical Literature.
• Charitable Foundation “Library Country” receivesd the British Public Library Champion Award 2025 – Chytomo. “We are sincerely grateful to Libraries Connected for their support, trust, and partnership. This award is a recognition of the resilience and capacity to act in the most difficult times shown by the entire Ukrainian library community. It symbolizes our shared struggle for freedom, humanity, and knowledge. We deeply thank the British people for their support, solidarity, and belief in the power of culture,” said Liusiena Shum, head of the Library Country Foundation.”

“To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to help ensure that every child has access to a library in areas of high disadvantage.” Sarah Gibson Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Business). [Government reply is that local councils and schools do it]

• Charities help libraries step up support for low-income families – Libraries Connected. “The project is a partnership between Libraries Connected, the membership body for public libraries, and charity Children North East, whose unique Poverty Proofing© methodology will identify barriers preventing low-income families from accessing the full range of library services. Funded by a grant of £49,770 from Arts Council England, Children North East will carry out a full Poverty Proofing© intervention in three library services. The project started in Gateshead last year and will now move on to Oldham and Cornwall.”
• Inclusive Books for Children quintuples book-gifting scheme – BookSeller. “This year, 60 boxes, each containing 100 carefully selected children’s books, will be gifted to UK schools and community libraries. “
• Major New Exhibition Celebrates the Importance of Libraries – Fine Books Magazine. “Aside from a handful of items, the library has dispensed with displaying items in glass cases for this exhibition. Instead, people are encouraged to browse bookshelves and examine any item that piques their interest. Books include a sample of the many titles suggested to the library through a public call out seeking the books that shaped people’s lives.”
• North West libraries get ready for “record breaking rhyme time” – Libraries Connected. “More than 50 of the story and singalong sessions will be held simultaneously across the North West this Thursday 19 June. Organisers expect over a thousand families to take part in more than 50 different libraries. The event – dubbed the “record breaking rhyme time” – is the idea of Libraries Connected North West. The group wants to highlight the free family activities on offer in the region’s libraries and publicise the benefits of taking part.”
• Reimagining the public library – ALA. “takes a historical and international look at the development of public libraries over the past 25 years, posing the important question of what has changed in government policy and action. Incorporating ideas that have emerged in European, North American, and Australasian public libraries, John Pateman suggests how these can be used to inform the future development of public libraries.”

International news

• Finland – Library loans hit highest level in nearly 20 years – Yle. “Children’s fiction loans hit a new high for the third year in a row, and printed books saw an overall borrowing increase of four percent, year-on-year. Despite the increase in library loans, compensation paid to authors are on the decline, according to the copyright service.”
  • Finnish library trials electric car loans – Yle. “Library users in Turku will soon be able to borrow an electric car alongside books and other materials. The city is partnering with Toyota Auto Finland to deliver the service on a trial basis for three weeks from Monday 8 May.”
• Greece – ‘It’s not quite what I had in mind entering my eighth decade’: the London librarian of Lesbos – Guardian. “The library opened in March 2024 and has proved popular with a traumatised group of people, many of whom have fled conflict zones in countries like Syria and Afghanistan and have made dangerous sea journeys from Turkey to Greece.”
• Turkiye – Libraries to turn into multi-purpose centers – Hurriyet Daily News. “According to official data, the number of public libraries increased from 1,162 in 2018 to 1,301 as of this year. Over the same period, the total library space expanded to 750,000 square meters, while the number of users rose from 28 million to more than 38.7 million annually. As places for borrowing books, libraries are now evolving into venues for artistic expression, educational programming and innovation. In 2024 alone, more than 29,000 events were organized at public libraries, attracting over 1.5 million people.”
• USA / Alaska – Klukwan Library goes from 35 hours a week to 4 following federal funding loss – Alaska’s News Source. “Following [Trump’s] termination of their federal grant funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services”
  • USA / South Carolina – SC librarians wore rainbow lanyards when a Pride display was cancelled. Then they were fired – Post and Courier.

• Trump administration ‘violated law’ by impounding museum and library funding – Arts Professional. “according to the findings of the non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO).” Funding had already been approved by congress.

Local news by authority

• Argyll and Bute – U-turn on Argyll and Bute library closures – Lochside Press. “Three libraries which faced closure in Argyll and Bute will now remain open, the council said this week. And the library in Rosneath – which was closed without any consultation in March 2020 and has never reopened – could now be run by local volunteers. In April it emerged that a business plan for 2025-27 drawn up by LiveArgyll included seven libraries – but not those in Tiree, Tarbert, Cardross or Rosneath. Following widespread local concerns – with over 500 people signing a petition against the Cardross closure – and questions about whether an equalities impact assessment, it appears that the libraries have been given at least a temporary reprieve.”
• Barnsley – Barnsley Libraries and Museums celebrated as places of sanctuary – Barnsley Council.
• Birmingham – Major library shake-up: Drastic cuts to library hours across Birmingham with one site to close – Birmingham World. “Birmingham City Council has confirmed sweeping cuts to library services across the city – including the closure of a key library in Sutton Coldfield and a major reduction in opening hours elsewhere. The council is cutting nearly a third of statutory library hours as part of what it calls a “transformation” of local services. But residents and campaigners aren’t buying it.”

“To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of Birmingham City Council’s ability to provide a (a) comprehensive and (b) efficient library service in Sutton Coldfield constituency.” Andrew Mitchell MP, Shadow Minister of State. Response is “The Department has met with Birmingham City Council officers regularly in the last 20 months, the most recent of which was 7 May, to discuss changes to their library service provision.”

• Brighton and Hove – Staff shortages force council to cut hours for customer services in libraries – Brighton and Hove News. “Customer service hours have been reduced at Brighton and Hove libraries because not enough staff are available. Brighton and Hove City Council moved its customer service teams out of the two town halls and into the Jubilee Library, Hove Library and three family hubs last month.” but unions says “there had been a lack of training for people in the new roles expected of them.” … “library staff were also unhappy about taking on extra duties which were not part of their job” and were not paid for extra duties. Council says they’re “having to temporarily reduce the staffed times of the council help desks at Jubilee Library and Hove Library due to a gap in staffing capacity.”
• Bromley – Works get underway for Bromley Central Library move – Bromley Council. “Residents will soon notice information panels set up around the former Top Shop Unit of Bromley High Street to provide protection during the works, as the site is transformed to become the home of Bromley Central Library that will open to residents in 2026. The existing library next to Churchill Theatre remains open to serve residents over the summer, as the main works get underway on the future library on the high street. “
• Buckinghamshire – Buckinghamshire Council libraries launch new Carer’s Card – Buckinghamshire Council. “This new category offers two key benefits: no overdue fees and an extended loan period of an extra week.”
• Bury – Bury Library gets ready for record-breaking rhyme time – My News Desk.
• Camden – Ernest James, barrister who had burning sense of justice – Camden New Journal. “Ernest also was a key member of a council revolt against plans to close public libraries. As cuts hit the Town hall budgets, plans were drawn up that would see a swathe of branches close altogether. Ernest argued that a Labour council should not be in a position where they were thinking closing a library was a solution.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Annual Summer Reading Challenge to launch in Chester – Chester Standard. Story Garden. “Participants will also enjoy a host of rewards, including free entry to Hayrack Church Farm and discounts at the Climbing Hut and Deva Roman Experience.”.
• Dudley – Summer Reading Challenge for children at Dudley Libraries – Express and Star. Story Garden.
• Glasgow – Every Glasgow secondary school set to lose its librarian – BBC. Proposed cut. “The plans would see the school service headed up by a principal librarian along with three area-based librarians. An assistant would then be placed in each of the city’s high schools.”
• Hull – Children’s literature festival returns to city – BBC. “With a theme of “What if….” The Big Malarkey Festival will return to East Park in Hull on Saturday 28 June and Sunday 29 June. Organised by Hull Libraries, the family friendly event will include writers, dancers, illustrators, poets, actors and musicians.”
• Inverclyde – Summer Reading Challenge 2025 – Inverclyde Council. Story Garden. ” we are very excited to be able to offer the prize of a performance from Booster Cushion Theatre to the school in Inverclyde that has the highest completion rate.” … “A launch event will be held in the community garden at Greenock South West Library … with outdoor storytelling, crafts and a character scavenger hunt”
  • Inverclyde library users warned of disruption to printing – Greenock Telegraph. “some branch libraries may be affected due to the delivery and installation of new photocopier machines.”
• Kent – Kent library volunteer celebrates win at Libraries Connected Awards 2025 – Kent Council. “Sue Carmichael from Tunbridge Wells was crowned the winner of the Reading category in this year’s Libraries Connected Awards. She was honoured for her work championing book clubs in Kent which are part of Beyond Words – a charity that co-creates word-free picture stories to empower people with learning disabilities.”
• Lambeth – Lambeth libraries receive ‘Library of Sanctuary’ recognition for helping UK newcomers – Lambeth Council. “All Lambeth library staff have been trained in working with people new to the UK and Libraries have set up new ‘branch champion’ roles in each of the borough’s 10 libraries. Branch champions visited refugee hostels to promote the extensive services libraries offer. “
• Liverpool – Riot-hit library’s artwork celebrates community’s ‘hope’ – BBC. “A library set on fire during last summer’s riots is set to unveil a new artwork celebrating the community who were there to help it rise from the ashes. As well as the Welcome Home artwork featuring images of people from the Walton community, a song and a film, which is the culmination of Dora Colquhoun’s artist residency at the hub and library, will be showcased on Saturday.”
• Manchester – Manchester Central Library to close for three weeks – Manchester Evening News. “The council has confirmed the library off St Peter’s Square will be shut from August 2 to August 24. It’s for the installation of Wi-Fi and computer network upgrades.”
• Medway – Medway libraries introduce customer charter – Medway Council.
• Northern Ireland – Enright Calls For Downpatrick Library Archive To Remain – Down News. “Downpatrick Alliance Councillor Cadogan Enright has contacted the Chief Executive of the NI Library Service Jim O’Hagan and asked for an urgent review of plans to displace the Archive Section in Downpatrick Library and replace it with a gallery or performance space. Councillor Enright said: “These plans are seriously flawed. This archive is a treasure-trove of County Down material for local historians and writers like myself.”
• North Yorkshire – Volunteers needed for Summer Reading Challenge in libraries – Press. Story Garden.
• Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire library mangers scoop national award – Oxford Mail. “Jake Tilling and Karen Seymour, managers at Witney and Hook Norton libraries respectively, were recognised for their work on the Making Every Contact Count programme, a national scheme that encourages library staff to support the health and wellbeing of visitors through everyday conversations.” [No mention of the animal food boxes referred to it in the title – Ed.]
• Peterborough – Peterborough City Council survey on future of libraries – Peterborough Matters. “The Library Needs Assessment Engagement Survey, which is run by an independent team, will ask how people use the ten libraries and mobile library, and which services and facilities they think are important.”
  • Consultation under way on threatened libraries – BBC. “A council is asking residents how they use their city’s network of libraries as it reviews plans to reduce the service. Peterborough City Council proposed cutting its static libraries from 10 down to three as part of budget proposals, saying the move would save £314,000 a year. Library users objected to the plans and asked the council to reconsider the loss of community facilities. The authority’s cabinet agreed to put the proposal on hold and “complete a full needs assessment” before making a detailed recommendation.”
• Rotherham – New library and market scheme soars over budget – BBC. “Rotherham Council has asked for a £6.5m pound bailout after costs for a new market and library development escalated. The council has approached South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority for the funding after the redevelopment of the town’s markets and library complex rose to nearly £41 million. Originally expected to cost about £31.7m, the council has already received £3.4m from the mayor’s office.”
• Rutland – Council to maintain current Ryhall Library Service offer following review of options – Rutland Council. ” Council will continue to operate Ryhall Library Service in its current form and from its existing premises, following public consultation and a review of available options.”. Council had originally wanted to close library due to cost of repairs but ” a prolonged process to relocate the provision and then dispose of the building would not be in the interest of library users or an effective use of resources, at this time.”
• Somerset – Somerset Libraries invite you to take a trip into a virtual world – Somerset Council. “The ground-breaking initiative will deliver a range of breathtaking Virtual Reality experiences in Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil and Chard libraries from 28 June – 11 July, such as accompanying Wallace and Gromit on an adventure, sitting in with a full orchestra while they play Lark Ascending or experience riding in a World War Two bomber.”
• Staffordshire – Children invited to Shakespeare crafts session at Stafford Library – In Your Area.
• Surrey – Library celebrates completion of ‘extensive’ refurb – BBC. “Epsom Library will hold face painting and yoga sessions and author talks, alongside regular activities such as Rhymetime, Storytime, digital support and craft groups, from 16 to 21 June. Surrey County Council (SCC) said the “transformed” library now has “a fully flexible layout with space for events and performances, improved furniture, increased study space, and two flexible-use meeting rooms.””
• Thurrock – Tilbury Library celebrates Windrush Day with week of events – Thurrock Council. Artwork and artefacts, from museum and local schools.
• Walsall – Walsall to Host Black British Ballet Exhibition and Events – Walsall Council. “The exhibition will include 20 to 30 images taken over the past 60 years, archive posters, and audio and video clips of the dancer’s stories. The video clips will be sourced from interviews carried out by Oxygen Arts over the past 18 months with 20 black British ballet dancers.    “
• Wiltshire – Residents unable to visit the library are encouraged to use the council’s home library service – Wiltshire Council. “This is a free service where the local library arranges for volunteers to take books to residents in their homes.”
• Wirral – Have your say on Wirral library changes before deadline – Wirral Globe. “Wirral Council is consulting the public on plans to reshape the service into a core network of eight council-operated libraries.” until 1 July.
• York – Explore: The Library Scene in York – York Vision. A very positive look at what the library service offers. “One area of Explore York that I was particularly impressed by was its connection with the local community. In fact, Explore York is the community, with its services being supported and shaped by local people. Becoming a community member for just £1 can allow you to vote for three community directors that will represent your views and ideas at board meetings. ” … “Explore York is a pillar of the city, enriched with community spirit and accessibility …”

Editorial

Some more information about the awful dismissal of Carla Hayden as USA Librarian of Congress. From what can be gathered the abbreviated timeline went something like this:

• Far right person calls the Librarian of Congress “woke” on social media
• Trump reads this while scanning his phone and immediately tells someone to sack Carla Hayden
• Carla is dismissed within an hour. She has no other communication or meeting apart from the two sentences in the sacking email.
• Defending the dismissal, Trump’s cronies say that she put dodgy stuff in the children’s library, having not bothered to check and find out that the Library of Congress does not actually have a children’s library.

Wow, that’s serious dictator stuff and suggests that no librarian is safe in their position in the USA. But I guess that shouldn’t really come as news. The main hope now is such populists don’t take over control here.

UK news is downright reassuring in comparison. Aberdeen has completed it’s announce big-cuts /public-backlash/announce-it’s-not-closing-any libraries-while-still-reducing-their-budget cycle. And, also in Scotland, Edinburgh is cutting £345k. Scotland used to be seen as less severe in their cuts than England/Wales but I guess now not so much. South of the border though, Peterborough is waving the austerity banner by not allowing it’s libraries to buy books – you know, those things that are quite important in libraries – for over six months.

All this happened during Libraries Change Lives Week. It’s not an event with, let’s face it, big public exposure. Indeed, looking at the news, only a few libraries did a media release and they didn’t do much for it. But the public is not really the main point of the Week, it’s trying to persuade those people that really matter – the politicians. And there we have some good news, with the libraries minister actually visiting a library. I understand too that Fiona Twycross has actually used libraries in the past so she’s already beating the previous politician who was in that post. And there’s calls for the Government to actually spend some money on libraries too. Which is nice.

Changes by local authority

• Aberdeenshire – Previously announced closures will not take place: Cruden Bay, Inverbervie and Newmachar libraries will move into primary schools; Balmedie, Strichen, Cairnbulg and New Pitsligo libraries will be volunteer; Boddam will move to new location.
• Edinburgh – £345k cut but opening hours will slightly increase.
• Peterborough – No new books from September 2024 to end of March 2025 due to council spending freeze.

National news

• How Britain’s 1980s Anti-Gay Laws Impacted a Generation of Young LGBTQ Readers – Literary Hub. “Reading about book bans in the US, I couldn’t help but see the parallels. The battle between those arguing for diversity and LGBTQ representation in children’s books, against those who want to remove them from school bookshelves and public libraries, was all too familiar to anyone who had grown up in the UK. Back in 1983, British newspaper, The Daily Mail, brought a scandal to their readers’ attention. A children’s book, Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin had been found on the shelves of a public library in London.”
• If books could kill: The poison legacy lurking in libraries – BBC. “Victorian bookbinders used arsenic as well as mercury and chrome to create striking covers. And unlike domestic items, books have survived in archives around the world, creating a 21st Century problem from 19th Century fashion.”
• ‘I live in double-decker bus that’s also a library’ – BBC. “”I want to bring literacy to areas that no longer have libraries and also go to festivals and provide a bit of a community space for some people to connect. “That’s the point of the library and the books, to give people a reason to come along and then they can connect with people in the local community and with me and all the work that I do.””
• Join the celebrations for Libraries Week – DCMS Libraries. “During the week, policy and decisions makers are visiting library services across the England to meet with library staff and users, tour facilities, and hear first-hand how the library is supporting people “
• Letting libraries crumble is attacking the vulnerable – Herald. “It’s not just short-sighted to let them crumble; it’s attacking the vulnerable. If we’re serious about building a fairer, more equal Scotland, we need to stop treating libraries like optional extras. They are – and always have been – lifelines.”
• National Library of Wales missing 2,200 items – BBC. “A spokesperson said the increase is due to “new stock checking processes”.” [No mention if this is due to theft – Ed.]
• OSA & Alumni Reunion 2025, Fri 20th – Sun 22nd June – Aberystwyth Old Students Association. Annual reunion for students in university with large librarianship contingent.
• Reeves urged to fund libraries, parks and social centres in left-behind areas – Guardian. “Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods calls for spending on ‘mission critical’ local regeneration schemes” … ““Red wall” Labour MPs are urging Rachel Reeves to fund grassroots “social infrastructure” such as parks, community centres and libraries, as well as high-profile transport projects, to ensure voters in left-behind areas can benefit from growth. The Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (Icon), chaired by the Labour peer Hilary Armstrong and supported by a string of backbenchers, has identified 613 “mission critical” local areas.” … “The North Durham MP, Luke Akehurst, said: “Investing in social infrastructure such as community centres, parks and libraries, would start to plug my constituency back into the national economy, which it has been excluded from for far too long.””
• The role of libraries in building a sustainable economy – DCMS Libraries. “Libraries Week is celebrating the vital role libraries play in building a sustainable economy. The Business & IP Centre’s National Network, based in libraries across the UK, drives and sustains economic growth by offering free impartial business support to local entrepreneurs.”
• Scottish Book Trust: The value and impact of Scotland’s public libraries – North Edinburgh News. “Scottish Book Trust has undertaken an independent research project, led by our Research and Evaluation Manager Éadaoín Lynch, to report on the value and impact of our public and school libraries – and showcase how they are intrinsic to removing inequity across many intersections of Scottish life.”
• Scottish libraries becoming endangered warns charity – TFN. “Libraries in Scotland have become endangered because of repeated cuts by councils and government, a charity has warned. Almost 100 libraries have closed since 2008, research by the Scottish Book Trust shows.”
• Three library books have been returned…20 years late – BBC Newsround. “‘Please forgive me!’ the final line of the note read.”
• Why London councils want more Spending Review cash – BBC. “At Chipping Barnet library, elderly and vulnerable adults meet for a weekly singalong, external run by the Alzheimer’s Society, which receives funding from Barnet Council.” but cuts a problem: “One of the areas impacted is its library service, which Barnet has promised to keep open. However it is reducing opening hours at four libraries, including Chipping Barnet, to save money.”

International news

• Australia – Strengthening Library Teams: Safety & Resilience – Jane Cowell. “Building psychosocial safety and resilience isn’t a one-off project — it’s an ongoing commitment. By embedding regular check-ins, coaching conversations, and collaborative problem-solving into your library’s culture, you’ll not only address emerging risks but also create a thriving, supportive environment where your team can do their best work.”

• USA – Parks, libraries, museums: here’s why Trump is attacking America’s best-loved institutions – Guardian. “truth is only trouble for the would-be autocrat.”
  • A Case for Libraries’ Survival in the Internet Age: Mass Digitization of Literary Works and the Legality of Controlled Digital Lending – Columbia Journal of Law and the Arts.
  • Fired US librarian of Congress details callous dismissal in new interview – Guardian.
  • Lawmakers did not seek Hayden’s firing as Librarian of Congress – Politico. President Trump saw a tweet and fired the Librarian apparently without any actual thinking. House Press Secretary says ““There were quite concerning things that she had done at the Library of Congress in the pursuit of DEI and putting inappropriate books in the library for children,” but the Library of Congress does not have a library for children.
  • Press 1 for Engagement – American Libraries. “Public art that “talks” to passersby. Scavenger hunts that scamper through community landmarks. Through the power of play—and mobile media—programs like these can help public libraries connect with patrons and share local stories.”

Local news by authority

• Aberdeenshire – Libraries threatened with closure to remain open after campaign by locals – STV. Cruden Bay, Inverbervie and Newmachar libraries will move into primary schools; Balmedie, Strichen, Cairnbulg and New Pitsligo libraries will be volunteer; Boddam will move to new location.
• Bolton – Two banned from Bolton libraries in incidents needing police – Bolton News. “Ten people were slapped with year-long bans from the library for anti-social behaviour incidents – including two where police were needed.” … “Over the last two years, a total of 27 anti-social behaviour incidents leading to a ban were reported in council-owned libraries. The council said that they only keep a record of anti-social behaviour incidents if it resulted in a banning letter being sent.”
• Caerphilly – Letter: Aren’t libraries just full of future hackers? – South Wales Argus. “Delyth Jewell MS put up a spirited defence for retaining all public libraries in Wales as well as in Caerphilly and hopefully she will be listened to. If libraries really want to cut costs they should stick to their original roles of just lending books and providing some reading spaces for those using the reference books that by their very nature have to stay on the premises.”
  • Children urge council to rethink library cuts – Nation Cymru. “Up to ten libraries could shut down at the end of August, in what Caerphilly County Borough Council calls a “bold new vision” to shrink the service and set up new “hubs”.”
• Camden – Refurbished Holborn Library opens as a vibrant neighbourhood space – Camden Council. “Holborn Library now houses multiple partners, including ShiftED, Wimbletech, Voluntary Action Camden, and a dedicated piano academy featuring instruments generously donated by the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. This collaborative approach is a pivotal step in offering a wider range of services and activities to the community, working together with the existing library provisions.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Plans revealed for refurbishment of Northwich Library – Northwich Guardian.
• Devon – Fond farewell to retiring Crediton Librarian Sue – Crediton Courier. “Members of the Sustainable Crediton Food Larder Group which runs the hugely successful Food Larder, which operates from Crediton Library, gathered to thank Sue for all she has done.”
• Dorset – Gillingham Library to close for week for building work – Daily Echo. “The closure is to allow for essential building work to be carried out in preparation for the installation of new technology. This will enable library members to use the facilities beyond the current staffed opening hours.”
• East Riding – A novel way to tie the knot: Celebrations at The Old Library – East Riding Council. “The Old Library, which was most recently used as a reference library” is now a place for weddings.
  • East Riding Libraries to celebrate pride this June – East Riding Council. “East Riding Libraries have partnered with local author, Chris Turnbull, and artist, Rachel Anderson, to bring fun and inclusive events into local libraries, encouraging artistic expression and pride in our identities.”
  • Thrillers celebrated as crime writers tour county – BBC. “Eight authors, including Hull’s Nick Quantrill, will be taking part in a series of talks as part of National Crime Reading Month.”
• Edinburgh – Cost-saving measures to help resolve a shortfall in libraries budget – Edinburgh Reporter. “The changes will see about £345,000 saved per year, helping to make up a £505,000 annual shortfall faced by the city’s library service. Edinburgh’s library service will aim to solve the remaining £160,000 in budget pressure through other interventions. In August 2024, Edinburgh councillors agreed that closures would not be considered to resolve library budget shortages. Across the city, 10 libraries in less socially deprived communities were selected to have two ‘transaction-only’ days per week, where the libraries will not host any events and only carry out day-to-day operations. Officers estimated that this will save about £180,000 per year.”
• Glasgow – Glasgow library unable to open due to ongoing police incident – Glasgow Times.
  • Star visited Glasgow library ‘because Billy Connolly told him to’ – Glasgow Times. History and description of Partick Library. ““I remember being here one night when Bill Nighy popped in,” she says. He was filming an Agatha Christie drama in the city, and was staying up at One Devonshire Gardens. “He was very nice. He said Billy Connolly had recommended he should visit the library, so he did, which I thought was lovely.””
• Gloucestershire – Gloucestershire Libraries receive £11,000 grant for Windrush Day 2025 celebration – Forester. ” £11,000 in government funding to host a wide-ranging programme of events and activities in celebration of Windrush Day 2025. The grant, from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, will support a series of creative projects running across the county.”
• Kirklees – Kirklees Libraries celebrate 10 years of volunteer contributions – Kirklees Council. “Since the volunteer programme began in 2015, hundreds of individuals have stepped up to support their local libraries. Their dedication has made a lasting impact on communities across the whole of Kirklees. To mark the occasion, celebratory events are being held this week at libraries across Kirklees, where volunteers will be treated to cake and awarded certificates, as a show of appreciation for all their efforts.”
• Monmouthshire – Celebrate libraries week at community hubs – Monmouthshire Beacon. No special events mentioned.
• Newcastle – Business support shows economic value of libraries – Newcastle Council. “Figures show each pound invested in the BIPC generates £2.53 for the local economy – an impressive 153% return on investment.”
• Newham – Newham Library Service awarded the prestigious Library of Sanctuary Award in recognition of work welcoming refugees – Newham Council. “The award recognises Newham Library Service for its work and ongoing commitment to the vision of being a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.”
• North Ayrshire – Dalry Library will be closed ‘until further notice’ – Ardrossan Herald. “It follows issues with water ingress identified at the building on The Cross.”
• Northern Ireland – Library events across ABC Borough to support Loneliness Awareness Week – Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Council.
• North Yorkshire – Young people in North Yorkshire encouraged to become Reading Challenge Volunteers – Harrogate Advertiser.
  • Libraries launch dementia ‘memory bag’ service – BBC. “Items such as old sports programmes and seaside posters are included, as well as gardening gloves, bean bags and a gym towel.”
• Nottinghamshire – Inspire libraries celebrate Libraries Change Lives Week and the role of libraries in sustaining economic growth – Nottingham World. “Inspire, who run culture, learning and libraries on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, is marking the week by showcasing the many ways it helps people stay well, get into work, grow skills, and start or develop businesses. “
• Peterborough – Peterborough libraries once again allowed to stock their shelves as book buying ban lifted – Peterborough Telegraph. “Peterborough Limited, which provides services for the council such as street cleaning, parks maintenance, school transport and libraries, implemented the purchasing freeze in October 2024 as the council made efforts to save money in the face of its budget deficit.” … “The Friends of Woodston Library have said that the self-imposed moratorium has led to library shelves desperately needing new, inspiring and engaging books in time for the summer holidays”
  • Appeal for new books to tackle low literacy levels – BBC. “Friends of Woodston Library in Peterborough has asked residents to donate new books, saying its shelves “desperately” need restocking in time for the summer holidays”
• Portsmouth – Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the invention of braille with Portsmouth Libraries – Portsmouth Council. “Portsmouth Central Library is hosting a day filled with events and activities in collaboration with The Royal National Institute of Blind People”
• Powys – Check out your local library during Libraries Week 2025 – Powys Council. No special events mentioned.
• Redbridge – Redbridge Central Library closed after WWII artefact found – Ilford Recorder. ” “An item in the building’s museum archives from the second world war was discovered in Redbridge Central Library today by a member of staff, who acted quickly and contacted the police, following our procedures to keep everyone safe.” [We can assume it wasn’t a teddy bear then – Ed.]
• Sandwell – Black Country history buffs descend on Tipton to enjoy memories of yesteryear – Express and Star. “Tipton Town libraries second annual Black Country Local History Fayre at Tipton Sports Academy was a success.”
• Sheffield – Sheffield deserves better than ‘charity shop libraries’ – Yorkshire Post letters – Yorkshire Post. Behind paywall.
• Somerset – Busy library launches homework club this month – County Gazette. “Children and young people are being offered the chance to do their school work a quiet space in Priorswood Library”
• Staffordshire – Perton Library invites community to learn about and enjoy science at fair – Express and Star. “As part of Green Libraries Month, Perton Library and Wild About Perton hosted their annual science fair for all the family on Saturday.”
• Suffolk – Opinion: Suffolk Community Libraries: Continuing the Service You Know and Trust – Suffolk Council. The councillor responsible for ending Suffolk Libraries and bringing the library service in-house says nothing has changes and, if anything has changed, it’s for the better. “Suffolk Community Libraries will now be able to align more closely with other council services and priorities. ” see also Suffolk Libraries move to county council – what it means – EADT.
  • Library temporarily closed due to flooding – EADT. “Southwold Library announced it was shut on Tuesday and says it will provide updates as soon as it can following the flooding at its site in Field Stile Road.”
• Warwickshire – Government Minister enjoys personal tour of Rugby’s cultural community – Warwickshire World. ” MP John Slinger welcomed the Minister for Heritage and Libraries, Baroness Twycross, to the town for a visit to the library, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum and St Michael’s and All Angels Church in Brownsover.” … “During the visit, the Minister and Mr Slinger visited the Makerspace and received a briefing from Ayub Khan, head of libraries, and Chris Ashton, area manager at Warwickshire County Council libraries. “
• West Sussex – Libraries centenary celebrated at Festival of Chichester – Sussex Express. “This year’s centenary of our West Sussex libraries has been proving the perfect chance to raise their profile. Russell Allen, head of libraries & heritage at West Sussex County Council, is delighted with the response – and will be sharing his thoughts in a special evening for this year’s Festival of Chichester. Russell, who has worked in libraries since he was 16, will be in conversation with Festival of Chichester chairman Phil Hewitt on Thursday, June 26 at 7pm.”

“First and foremost for this anniversary year we really wanted to raise our profile and to help people that maybe overlooked what we do in the community or had forgotten about their library card. We wanted to highlight our libraries and remind people that they are here for everybody, and I think we have really achieved that. We have gained new library members and we know people have dug out deeply buried library cards and started using the libraries again. We wanted to really connect with people and we have done.”

• Pioneering Worthing librarian who achieved national acclaim honoured with Blue Plaque – Sussex Express. “Marian Frost is believed to be the first female chief librarian in Britain and her role as a librarian, museum curator and art curator of national acclaim has been celebrated by The Worthing Society with the unveiling ceremony on Friday, June 6, as part of the centenary of West Sussex Library Service.”
• Wigan – Work can now begin to repair Wigan library – Wigan Today. “Ashton library needs extensive repairs particularly to the roof after dry rot was discovered. The grade II listed building shut its doors in July last year with most of its services relocating to the The Pavilion building at Jubilee Park.”
• Worcestershire – Library volunteering provides a new chapter for retiree Paul – Worcestershire Council. “Now a regular leader of the Language Café Connect Groups, Paul spends his time helping others improve their language skills in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The role has transformed his retirement years.”

Editorial

This week, we have the normal mixture of refurbishments (Stockport and Swansea) and cuts (Barnet, Birmingham and the Isle of Man). There’s also the fallout from the Westminster Hall debate, with several news stories appearing, mainly in the South West, about what the local MPs said. Most of this can be summarised as how important libraries are and how worried the MP is about the danger of potential cuts to them. There’s a big announcement of funding for Green Libraries too. Then there’s a statistical look at the library sector, which confirms that the great majority of library workers are white and female. It also shows that the usage of libraries has declined greatly since the halcyon days when I started this website back in 2010.

My thanks to all the comments, private and public, about last week’s editorial. Using statistics and analysis from Tim Coates raised a few eyebrows but I thought it was interesting. I’m always on the look out for other analyses as well and so do let me know if you see any. One particular comment was, I thought, very enlightening, especially as it was from the former chief of CILIP, Nick Poole. He has been in a perfect place to see what is going on in public libraries and how they are perceived, so I hope he does not mind me quoting his thoughts in full below.

“From my many conversations with Ministers, it is clear that the sector faces a layered challenge:
1) things are bad but not as acutely bad as they are in other public services like the NHS, so attention in Government is limited;
2) local data and feedback shows that the public do not feel as alarmed about the changes in library services as the library sector does, which leads policymakers to think library representatives are asking for special treatment that is disproportionate to voter priorities;
3) the fragmentation of library sector development into localised fiefdoms makes it nigh on impossible to mount an effective national case, particularly when local leaders have come to view national positions as largely irrelevant;
4) Nobody has yet answered the unspoken question that has hung over public libraries – “what are you for now, now that we have the Internet”. I am not validating this question, but it dominates the thinking of those that aren’t all that invested in libraries per se.
I think there is still scope for a radical renaissance in the role of the public library as a trusted civic and educational space in the heart of communities, but the vision for this and the will to do it are not yet in place.”

My thanks to Nick. I find it weirdly reassuring that perhaps libraries are not actually seen as being deeply cut by those in power and, to be honest, compared to some other services we are not. There is a danger, which my public library obsession can lead me into, of pleading for libraries as a special case. Well, perhaps not a danger, but an awareness that many others are doing the same thing for their sectors. What is needed is a clear unified view of what public libraries are for (and boo if your immediate answer is “everything”) and how best to fit public libraries into the internet-rich brave new world. I’d love an answer in the comments to that one.

Changes by authority

• Barnet – £250k cut: Mobile library service to close, staff-less hours to be reduced in 4 libraries.
• Birmingham – Sutton Coldfield Library to close.
• Isle of Man – Funding for Family Library not to be renewed, may close.
• Stockport – “Stockroom”, new Stockport Central Library, opens.
• Swansea – Swansea Central Library to be remodelled.

National news

• Alexander Armstrong, Joel Mawhinney and Charlottie Crosby will be Championing the Summer Reading Challenge 2025 – Reading Agency. “he Reading Agency is also teaming up with the National Trust to hold a launch event at Ham House, Richmond in early July which will include lots of fun activities around reading and exploring the great outdoors. “

“After a change in the ministerial portfolios within DCMS, from 1 April 2025, Baroness Twycross has now taken up the role as Minister with responsibilities for libraries and she recently visited Harlesden and Willesden Green libraries.” Chris Bryant MP, They Work For You.

“The Minister for Gambling and Heritage is meeting with library sector organisations and leaders to discuss the challenges faced by public libraries and their thoughts on what government support would be helpful. Following this, the Minister will consider her priority policy areas in this remit.” Chris Bryant MP, They Work For You.

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• Rebuilding the library community in a post-Twitter world – Ned Potter. “Even beyond the ethical arguments against X, it has ceased to function effectively as a communication tool for libraries – the algorithm rewards conflict and suppresses links, and even when you do ‘good’ tweets … they don’t get any reach. It’s time to go.”
• UK Culture and Heritage – Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre. A look at the creative sector: Notable points: 80% of library staff is female, second only to dancers. One-fifth of population uses libraries, considerably fewer than visited a museum or gallery. Considerably more women than men use libraries. Around 10% of library staff are non-white. Library sector has highest, just, amount of Christians amongst staff.
• Westminster Hall debate: Future of public libraries – Parliament Live. Video of debate.
• Written Statement: Cultural Transformation Capital Grant Programme 2025-26 – Welsh Government. “Since 2017, when its support was extended from public libraries alone to include museums and archives, the Cultural Transformation Capital Programme has invested over £10.5m in local culture sector delivery in Wales, supporting more than 80 projects.” … “The 2025-26 programme is a further investment in local cultural sectors and supports an additional 11 projects – two Archives, six Libraries and three Museums. The value of this year’s programme is just over £1.327m in 2025-26 and £453k in 2026-27.” … “Funding for Y Storfa relocation will contribute to the remodelling of the relocated Central Library in Swansea as part of the wider city centre hub programme. Funding will support the fit out of a new library space to create a flexible, accessible, vibrant and useful spaces with extended service availability.”

International news

• Australia – Award judges resign after Queensland state library strips writer’s prize over Hamas tweet – Guardian. “At least four judges for the Queensland literary awards have resigned over the past 24 hours, protesting against the State Library of Queensland’s decision to withdraw a prestigious $15,000 fellowship from First Nations writer Karen Wyld over comment she made last year about the Gaza conflict.”
• New Zealand – This Library in New Zealand Is Replacing Dewey With a System Rooted in Māori Tradition – 1000 Libraries. “They began planning groupings based on the Te Ao Māori classification system. This system reflects Māori atua (Māori gods), and the sections of knowledge, activity, and thought associated with each of these atua.”
  • I’m a librarian and you’re right, Mr Luxon. But not for the reasons you think – Newsroom. “The extraordinarily complex job of a librarian almost always requires a master’s degree. There isn’t a single male-dominated profession with comparable skills that requires the same, so why are librarians being repeatedly denigrated?”
• USA – Opinion: An ode to public libraries – Wildcat. “Only later did I understand that the library had given us not just comfort. It also offered us possibility. In a world that often reminded us of what we lacked, the library reminded us of what we still had: a right to knowledge, to space and to dream. It was one of the few places that asked for neither money nor documentation, only curiosity and community. For families like ours, it was a sanctuary of health, safety and dignity — a quiet promise that our lives could grow beyond their margins.”

Local news by authority

• Barnet – Edgware among four Barnet libraries facing reduced hours in major council shake-up – Harrow Online. “Barnet Council’s mobile library service is set to stop in July and the opening hours of four libraries will also be cut in a bid to save money.”
• Bath and North East Somerset / Somerset – Somerset libraries are reaching crisis point and rural areas are hit hardest – Somerset Live. “Anna Sabine, the Liberal Democrat MP for Frome and East Somerset, said libraries in her constituency had become cornerstones of community life, offering far more than just books. She singled out Radstock Library, one of 11 community-run libraries in Bath and North East Somerset, as an example of how local initiative can keep these essential spaces alive—even when resources are scarce.”. Several other MPs quotes, from Westminster Hall libraries debate.
• Birmingham – Council to close town centre library – BBC. “Sutton Coldfield library would shut on 27 June, due to what the local authority called “significant investment” required to address the building’s condition and health and safety concerns. The closure of the facility, based in the Red Rose Centre, would also allow it to redevelop the site, it added. A spokesperson said the authority remained committed to providing a library service across Sutton Coldfield and a mobile library service would continue.” see also An update on libraries in Sutton Coldfield – Birmingham Council.
• Bournemouth Christchurch Poole – BCP library funding cuts ‘damaging’, says Tom Hayes MP – Dorset Echo. “The Bournemouth East Labour MP, Tom Hayes, has spoken in Parliament about the issues. He reflected on his childhood, which he said was spent in poverty while caring for his disabled parents, and the impact libraries had on his life. He said: “Plain and simple, I wouldn’t be an MP but for librarians. “It was a public library, right on my doorstep, that gave me a way to do my homework.”
• Buckinghamshire – Preparations for Library Flex underway at Bucks Libraries – Bucks Radio. “Library Flex will increase the opening hours at seven of the main libraries by at least 20%, and Amersham Library’s hours will increase by 129%. Staff will be available during the busiest times, with self-service technology and security measures in place during quieter times. This model also allows for wider community use of library spaces outside of staffed hours. ”
  • Culture Catch Up: The Other Library On Tour – Buckinghamshire Council. “At each stop, the installation was available to interact with and enjoy. There were writer’s workshops with Sara Clifford that generated material to be added to the installation as it travelled across Bucks. Finally, at every stop, Freewheelers performed a 30-minute, multi-media show featuring dance, monologue and video.”
• Caerphilly – Battle on to save South Wales libraries – Socialist Party. “Caerphilly Council voted on 14 May to close ten libraries and one of three threatened leisure centres, two to stay open with reduced facilities and shorter hours. Caerphilly Trades Union Council and local campaigners are working to link up the local areas for a fight to save them all”
  • List of libraries in Caerphilly borough that are closing – South Wales Argus. “Supporters of the at-risk libraries had held out for last-minute reprieve after backbench councillors called for any closures to be deferred, but those hopes were dashed on Wednesday May 14 when cabinet members pushed ahead with proposals. Some members of the public shouted “disgusting” as they left the council chamber, while a trade union representative called the decision “devastating” and alleged Labour, which controls the local authority, had “left the door wide open for Reform”.”
• Cambridgeshire – Cambridgeshire’s most borrowed books revealed for 2024 – Hunts Post. “Richard Osman’s crime novels, “The Bullet That Missed” and “The Thursday Murder Club,” and David McKee’s children’s books, “Elmer and the Tune” and “Elmer and the Race,” all made the top 10. However, the most borrowed book of the year was “The Queen’s Knickers” by Nicholas Allan.”
• Croydon – Croydon’s four closed libraries to reopen as community hubs – Sutton and Croydon Guardian. “The libraries at Broad Green, Bradmore Green, Sanderstead, and Shirley were closed to save costs and streamline the council’s services” … “Since 2019, Croydon’s libraries have seen reduced opening hours and budget cuts totalling £800,000.” New non-profits running services in buildings named.
• Cornwall – What is the Summer Reading Challenge? – Cornwall Council. Advance publicity, Story Garden.
• Devon – Retiring Crediton Library supervisor has ‘really loved’ job – Crediton Courier. 8 years in job. set up garden.
  • Case Study: Libraries Unlimited – Impact. “Over the past year, the organisation has made important in-roads on quantifying its impact initiatives by partnering with Impact Reporting to develop a bespoke measurement framework. This work shows that activities across the library network generated an estimated £23.9m in monetised social value throughout 2023/24. A figure that is expected to rise as their reporting framework evolves – capturing an even broader range of values and a more in-depth understanding of the role libraries play in shaping a happier, more equitable society.”
  • Devon Libraries and community groups unite for £1.5m climate action programme – Moorlander. “Backed by £1.5 million in National Lottery funding, the Together for Tomorrow project will harness the unique reach of public libraries and the strength of local partnerships to encourage sustainable living and practical climate action.”
  • Take part in library customer survey – Mid-Devon Advertiser. “Libraries Unlimited are inviting the general public to take part in its Customer Service Survey.”
• Dudley – Writers, poets, musicians and performers prepare to descend on Dudley for festival – Stourbridge News. “Festival will be heading to libraries across the borough with an exciting programme of events. All literary genres will be represented, including crime and thriller, science fiction and fantasy, romance, family saga, historical, young adult, contemporary fiction and comedy as well as poetry, music and plays”
• Edinburgh – We feel isolated since our homeless library lost its home – BBC. ” the Streetreads Library was a refuge when they spent more than five years living on the streets and in hostels. Managers of the service have been looking for a new home since January when the lease on a premises at a Methodist Church in Nicholson Square was not renewed.”
• Glasgow – Plan revealed for Glasgow building which opened in 1915 – Glasgow Times. “The project includes a new accessible entrance from Battlefield Road, a platform lift and more toilets. An existing staff lounge is set to be transformed into a new community room, which will be available for hire, and iron gates will be installed at the Sinclair Drive entrance.”
• Hampshire – Kingsclere Community Library receives £500 donation – Gazette. “The money was donated from the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Councillor Community Grant Funding Scheme.”. The library, run by volunteers, is “grateful for the support”.
• Isle of Man – No plans to fund library from education budget – BBC. “The Isle of Man’s Family Library said the facility was set close its doors on 31 July due to expected annual losses of £100,000 as a result of rising costs and declining incomes.” … “It operates a mobile library in rural areas and a home service for those who are housebound, alongside running a library on Westmoreland Road in Douglas offering activities to young people, schools and adults.”
• Leicester – Community hubs fear for future amid consultation – BBC. “Leicester City Council, which currently operates 13 community centres and 16 libraries across the city, is asking for the public’s views on a new “service model” operating from 12 multi-service centres and the Central Library.” … “the centres could be transferred to community organisations”
• Norfolk – ‘Unearthed: The Power of Gardening’ display opens at Gressenhall before touring Norfolk libraries – Norfolk Council.
• North East Lincolnshire – ‘Save our libraries’ meeting to be held in Lincolnshire – Rayo. ” Council is currently holding its second phase public consultation on the future of the area’s libraries and archive service.” … “There is now a proposal to merge Cleethorpes Library into Cleethorpes Leisure Centre. A permanent move for Grimsby Central Library, closed since March 28, is also an option being reportedly considered.”
• Nottingham – Parents desperate to see ‘lifeline’ library opened – BBC. “Jamie, 39, says he is frustrated the new Sherwood library in Nottingham – which was supposed to open in 2024 – has still yet to welcome book lovers. The city council says there are dozens of problems that still need to be resolved by the developer and it still cannot give a date for its opening. As a single dad working a minimum wage job, Jamie said being able to use a free facility this summer would take a “massive burden off” him financially.”
• Rochdale – What’s On Rochdale: Look For A Book, outdoor art gallery and inspiring day of poetry – In Your Area. “Look for a book 2025 – a Festival of Libraries event with Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock PhD “
• Rutland – Rutland County Council will decide Ryhall Library’s fate in September – Lincs Online. “under threat in its current location, as the county authority says it does not have the funds needed to make the necessary repairs to bring the 1970s building up to a standard needed to become part of its Living Well service.” … “The three other libraries that the authority runs in Uppingham, Ketton and Oakham will however undergo extensive work and should be ready by the end of the year.”

• Slough – Slough council challenged to make libraries fit for purpose – Slough and South Bucks Observer. “Council leaders were challenged on how they will make Slough’s libraries ‘fit for purpose’ as they voted to keep Langley and Cippenham libraries open.”
• Stockport – Stockport’s new library and cultural centre opens – Stockport Nub News. “Stockroom” is name for news Stockport Central Library. “It’s based on the Merseyway high street, in what was once vacant retail units (formerly Topshop and Mothercare). Visitors will be able to peruse the library, enjoy the cafe, and explore the building from 10am this morning. There will also be a huge range of events taking place at Stockroom over the weekend – including music from legendary DJ Mr Scruff. ” … “Downstairs is a cafe, an events space, the fiction section, and a children’s area. On the upper floor is the non-fiction section, the library archives, and another events space.” … “”This isn’t just a building. It’s a celebration of our town and the people who make it special.” … “Stockroom has been funded by a £14.5m grant from the government’s Future High Streets Fund – plans were first approved in 2021.” see also Library and events space opens in shopping centre – BBC.
• Surrey – New library and community hub to open in summer – BBC. “Weybridge Library Hub in Church Street will replace the current library and will include new facilities as well as spaces for youth support services and community groups. A Surrey County Council (SCC) spokesperson said the new hub will open in August 2025.”
  • Surrey Libraries announced as one of the three Green Library Hubs to be funded by National Lottery Community Funding – Surrey Council. “As a Green Library Hub, Guildford Library will: Train library staff to become more knowledgeable about environmental issues and better able to help the community. Become a community space where people can learn about the environment and attend related events. Help people understand the climate crisis better by focusing on how it affects our local area and getting everyone involved.  Support and foster partnerships with local schools, and environmental organisations to make a bigger impact”
• West Sussex – West Sussex Library’s Read On Scheme – Reading Agency. “The Read On scheme is about using volunteers to help adults learn to read at their local library. The scheme has demonstrated that there are people within the community who are unable to read or want to improve their reading skills.” … “Our pilot year has worked well and we have now embedded the scheme as a core part of our library service.”
• Wirral – ‘I’m on my own with him but this place brings people together’ – Liverpool Echo. “Kym Griffiths has been bringing her son Logan to the St James library in the north end of Birkenhead since he was 15 months old.” … “Kym and Logan are one of the many people who turned out for an event to lobby Wirral Council to keep the library open.  The library is based in the St James Centre which is run by the North Birkenhead Development Trust but Wirral Council provides them with £19,000 to keep the library going.”. Council says cut is part of its plan to keep libraries “comprehensive and efficient”.
  • What people in Wirral are saying about planned library cuts – Wirral Globe. Council says cuts to existing libraries will mean “The proposed eight-site model will refocus available resources, providing the potential for future investment into both the digital offer and Wirral’s remaining suite of library assets.”
• Worcestershire – Worcestershire’s Library Service at Home is changing lives – Worcestershire Council. “Run by passionate volunteers from Worcestershire County Council’s Library Service, this fantastic service that handpicks and delivers books is perfect for those who can’t visit a library due to health, mobility, or caring responsibilities.”

Editorial

It’s good to see that there will be a 90 minute debate on public libraries at Westminster Hall this week. While it will likely be nothing more than a few politicians expressing platitudes, it does at least mean MPs will need to think about the sector for a bit. So, well done to CILIP for working with Jonathan Davis MP (Labour, Mid Derbyshire) and let’s hope they’re right to think this may help pull public library investment back into the spotlight. Heaven knows its needed. They’ve been in touch with CILIP members to help them email their local MP and encourage them to participate.

And now, in our frequent Mad Vindictive Things Trump Does coverage, we have the sad news that he’s sacked the Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, apparently after reading a tweet by a far-right group that she’s “woke”. Via a short email because a letter or something face-to-face would presumably have taken up too much time. Carla has done a lot in her time as the Librarian, a post formerly known as a bit of a sinecure, and it’s really sad to see her go. This is someone who I have seen speak, been a few feet away from, and admire. Makes me want to spit.

Finally, I’d like to speak out in praise of adult book challenges. No, not challenges to books but, rather, promotions where adults are asked to do “book bingo” (where they read books outside of their comfort zone) or a set number of books (just two over the Summer is probably challenge enough for many). Consider setting one up this Summer to run with your children’s reading challenge. It’s a great time to push reading to all the parent joining kids up to the SRC and many will be going on holiday. Encourage them to read a book while they’re sunning themselves, and join the library before they go.

National news

• CILIPS Awards 2025 – CILIPS. “We are delighted to announce that the shortlisted professionals for our 2025 award are: Laragh Quinney, Maps Reading Room Manager at the National Library of Scotland; Tara Hepburn, Library Officer at East Dunbartonshire Libraries; Gavin Johnstone, Digital Services Librarian at Falkirk Libraries”
• Cultural infrastructure should be recognised as ‘essential’, British Academy says – Arts Professional. “Investing in existing infrastructure such as leisure centres, libraries, concert halls and galleries can ‘offer significant and immediate returns’ and help government deliver on its objectives, study says.” … “The report, Measuring Social and Cultural Infrastructure, was produced for the British Academy by the Bennett Institute for Public Policy at the University of Cambridge.”
• Demonstrating Impact: Libraries Leading in a Changing World – CILIP. “Join the CILIP East Midlands Network for an important and inclusive conversation about how libraries and knowledge services can thrive and lead in a fast-changing world.” 16 May 4-5pm. online.

“The Secretary of State has a range of discussions with Cabinet colleagues across the whole of her portfolio. DCMS officials regularly discuss funding for public libraries with their counterparts across His Majesty’s Government including the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government with regard to local government funding. Public libraries are funded by local authorities. Each local authority is responsible for assessing the needs of their local communities and designing a delivery model to meet those requirements within available resources. The government is committed to getting local government back on its feet. The final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025-26 makes available over £69 billion for local government, which is a 6.8% cash terms increase on 2024-25.” Chris Bryant, They Work For You. [Warning – Minister Vaguely To Do With Libraries Bingo does not count for this one as Chris has just finished his a-few-months ministerial stint, it only starts with Fiona Twycross, which is a shame as there’s a couple of easy points here – Ed.]

• Future of public libraries – House of Commons Library, research briefing. “There will be a Westminster Hall debate on the future of public libraries at 9:30am on 14 May 2025. The debate will be opened by Jonathan Davies MP.” … “The Library will produce briefing ahead of this debate, and this page will be updated when it is published.” see also Wednesday, 14 May 2025: Upcoming business – TheyWorkForYou.
• Get involved in this year’s Fun Palaces weekend – Creative Lives. “This year’s Fun Palaces weekend will take place from 3-5 October 2025 – and everyone is welcome to take part. A nationwide celebration of community-led culture, Fun Palaces is a great way to celebrate your creative activity and perhaps encourage other people to get involved. ” … “there’s a range of support available for first-time organisers – including a series of in-person workshops taking place in Margate, Redruth, Sheffield, Bristol, Leeds, and London, as well as online resources and toolkits”
• Mayor should take leadership on the issue of South Yorkshire libraries – Yorkshire Post Letters – Yorkshire Post. “The county’s libraries have been ravaged and destroyed by years of austerity, Doncaster having seen its number of staffed libraries drop from 26 to four, Sheffield from 28 to 12.” … “The mayor’s own team published many pieces of research relating the desperate need to upskill the workforce and increase literacy in the poorest areas yet no thought or mention is made of making the case for a coordinated plan to improve library provision.”
• MS calls for Senedd debate on ‘importance of libraries’ – South Wales Argus. “A Senedd debate on the “importance of libraries” has been called for by Plaid Cymru’s deputy leader. It comes ahead of Caerphilly Council’s decision to potentially axe library services in some areas within the borough. South Wales East MS Delyth Jewell said: “I am calling for a government debate on the importance of libraries to our communities. “Across Caerphilly borough, 10 libraries are at risk of closure.” … “”In times of austerity, surely more support must be given to councils to make sure they’re kept open.””
• We are all the same age inside a library – curious, young and eager to learn – Big Issue. Robin Ince article. “At the front of the library audience is Joyce. She has lost her husband and only has one surviving child. She comes up to me to talk afterwards and I feel the joy of seeing how some of my words have connected with her. In the library, we are all the same age. We are all curious and young. An eagerness to learn eviscerates the age gap. As I leave, I see a five-year-old with a face of glee marching to the library, the excitement for books and stories is palpable. I look at the jigsaw and connect one more piece of sky. “

International news

• Ireland – Mullingar Library’s All Star Book Club – Reading Agency. “Initial contact was made by Sinead Flynn, Downs Syndrome Ireland’s Adult Education Officer, regarding setting up a book club in the library. Sinead introduced us to prospective members”
• Italy – Diller Scofidio + Renfro creates temporary translucent library at Venice Architecture Biennale – De Zeen. “The 24-metre-long pavilion has a lightweight structure designed for transportability and “to support literacy and a love of reading” in various locations.” … “La Liberia is unanchored to the ground and stabilised by a mix of ballasts and books, encased in wooden shelving that runs the length of the library.”
• Nigeria – Echoes in empty halls: The unseen crisis of staffing shortages in our libraries – Business Day. ” Institutions serving over 7,000 users and managing thousands of volumes in print, non-print, and electronic formats are being operated by just five library staff members — including the university librarian. This is not only unsustainable but detrimental to the quality of service provided to users.”
• USA – Donald Trump fires Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden over email – Irish Star. Carla Hayden, African-American woman appointed by Obama, was told of her dismissal in a short email. “”President Trump fired our nation’s Librarian, Dr. Carla Hayden, by email at 6:56 p.m. tonight, taking his assault on America’s libraries to a new level,” [Democrat Senator] Heinrich wrote on X. “Over the course of her tenure, Dr. Hayden brought the Library of Congress to the people, with initiatives that reached into rural communities and made the Library accessible to all Americans, in person and online.”” see also Trump abruptly fires librarian of Congress in latest purge of government – Guardian. Term was set to expire next year. ““The current #LibrarianOfCongress Carla Hayden is woke, anti-Trump, and promotes trans-ing kids,” the AAF said on its X account earlier on Thursday, just hours before the firing was made public.” and Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden is fired by Trump – Politico. “The White House confirmed Hayden’s firing but did not offer further comment.” … “She launched a strategic plan for the library and was shepherding a complete overhaul of the visitor experience, including significant structural changes to create a new way for visitors to view the iconic reading room. Hayden faced criticism from House Republicans at a House Administration hearing Tuesday about cost increases and delays to that project.” Librarians do not have any protection from being fired by the President: Congress is trying to change that.
  • ‘Free for All’ documentary tells story of public libraries’ critical roles throughout history and today  – Current. “Widespread screening events are expanding the audience for “Free for All: The Public Library,” an Independent Lens documentary that explores the crucial role of American libraries throughout history and the crises threatening the institutions today.”. Documentary makers were caught in library after storm. ““It was just amazing,” Faulknor said. “They’re first responders. I had no idea librarians were first responders.””
  • How Should We Prepare Librarians to Lead? – Katina. “Retention issues—driven, among other factors, by staff dissatisfaction and burnout—are a key concern in public library systems. To solve the problem, we first need to close the leadership competency gap.”

Local news by authority

• Barnsley – Temporary closure of our libraries – Barnsley Council. “All our libraries, except Library @ the Lightbox will be closed on Tuesday 13 May 2025.” No explanation given.
• Bridgend – Awen Cultural Trust’s 21 Book Challenge – Reading Agency. “What has been particularly heartening is to witness different user groups start to blend as they discuss the Challenge – who’s ticked off which theme, what book they choose to read for a theme and, to the surprise of all, how popular Westerns have been with almost everyone”
• Brighton and Hove – Face-to-face customer service returns at council – BBC. “Customer service centres will move from Bartholomew House and Hove Town Hall to new helpdesks at Jubilee and Hove Libraries, which will be open between 10:00 and 17:00 BST Monday to Friday”
• Bristol – Parties clash on bid to rule out closures of libraries – Western Daily Press. Greens refuse to commit to keep all libraries open, after Labour push. Council dropped plans to halve library budget in February. Working group now working out what to do in new library four year plan.
• Caerphilly – ‘It means everything to us’: Children urge council to rethink library cuts – Caerphilly Observer. “Up to ten libraries could shut down at the end of August, in what the council calls a “bold new vision” to shrink the service and set up new “hubs”.” see also New vision for Library Service to be considered – Caerphilly Council.
• Calderdale – Three more Play Boxes have gone out to these Calderdale libraries – Halifax Courier. “The boxes help to support early speech and language development, build numeracy skills and encourage creative play”
• Dudley – Jane Austen in the Midlands – Dudley Council. “Delivered by Jack Barber from the Jane Austen Society”
• East Riding – Animals theatre coming to East Riding Libraries in May half-term – East Riding Council. “Thanks to funding from Arts Council England, Dens & Signals will be appearing in four East Riding Library locations, including two rural mobile library stops.”
• Glasgow – Glasgow institutions awarded funding for innovative projects – Glasgow Times. “The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has granted a share of £34,000 to six libraries and information centres across Scotland, including three in Glasgow, to support pioneering projects in 2025. Since 2013, the SLIC Innovation and Development Fund has awarded more than £400,000 to more than 40 projects.” … “By backing bold, creative projects, we’re not just supporting innovation but helping services redefine their offering in a rapidly changing world”
• Leeds – Fanzine display shows ‘heart and soul’ of football – BBC. “Some of the world’s oldest football fanzines have gone on display in an exhibition at Leeds Central Library.”
• North Ayrshire – Students invited to use new study space at Arran Library – West Coast Today. Paywall. “The Arran Library in Brodick and libraries across North Ayrshire are offering study spaces for students who need a quiet place to concentrate without distractions.” see also New study spaces set up across North Ayrshire libraries – North Ayrshire Council. “Developed earlier this year, the dedicated study spaces have been funded by Scottish Library and Information Council through the Scottish Government’s Public Library Improvement Fund. The new study spaces are perfectly timed with many pupils now on study leave, so why not give them a try?”
• Oldham – Oldham Archives is on the move – Oldham Council. “Since March 2024, a temporary service has operated in Oldham Library. This temporary service will close at 4pm on Saturday 31 May 2025.”
• Perth and Kinross – Perth and Kinross residents do not want volunteer-run libraries – Daily Record. “Perth and Kinross residents are not interested in having volunteer-led library services. Culture Perth and Kinross chief Helen Smout recently told councillors there was “no appetite” for this in the area.” … “The council’s U-turn on libraries was made following the passionate protests of hundreds of library users, who successfully fought to save five rural libraries – Alyth, Auchterarder, Birnam, Comrie and Scone – from closure. Over 5000 signatures were collected on petitions, and a series of demonstrations were held, including one attended by around 300 protestors and local politicians outside Perth Museum in January 2025.” … “However Ms Smout stressed “identifying a long-term operating model for libraries might take different forms in different communities depending on the need and interests”.”
• Peterborough – Woodston Library campaigners ‘on tour’ to support rock choir for Mental Health Awareness Week – Woodston Library Campaign (press release). “A community campaign group set up to breathe new life into its neglected library and help improve the wellbeing of local residents has been invited to take part in an event organised by CPSL Mind for Mental Health Awareness Week on Tuesday 13 May, Cathedral Square, Peterborough – 12.30pm to 3.30pm. The Friends of Woodston Library’s Knit and Natter group has gone from strength to strength since it was formed six months ago – bringing local people together to share time, learn new skills and support one another and help bring their community together.”
• Reading – Reading loves reading 24 May – 13 September – Reading Council. Summer Reading Challenge. “New for 2025, Reading Libraries are launching a Book Bingo Challenge for teenagers and adults.” … “On Saturday 24 May each library will be making a full-size library scarecrow mascot.”
• Rutland – ‘We are not going to let Ryhall Library go down without a fight’: Rutland Councillors discuss library’s future – Oakham Nub News. “there has been a public campaign to keep the doors of the 1970s building open with villagers of all ages signing a petition to underline the importance of the venue. “. Independent councillor says “”We all know about community assets being lost and we are not going to let Ryhall Library go down without some sort of fight. I believe and the community believes there is a way forward. We just want the opportunity to be able to put the views to council.” “
• Scottish Borders – ‘Some of our libraries have fewer than one person a day attending them – is that sustainable?’ – Hello Rayo. CEO has just been appointed “on a salary, which was advertised at almost £100,000 a year” … “A report by independent consultants last month recommended closing more than 30 buildings operated by Live Borders and cutting more than 50 jobs in a bid to find annual savings of more than £2.5 million.”

“Some of our libraries have fewer than one person a day attending them – is that sustainable? No. But can we put the library together with some other building and get a vibrant centre for a village or town? And that’s really where the consultation piece comes in.”

Bill Douglas, Live Borders Chairman

• Sheffield – Have your say on library opening times for Easter 2026 – Sheffield Council. “Historically, Sheffield Council-run libraries have shut on the Saturday over the Easter weekend. To help us plan for 2026, we want to better understand the impact of closing on Easter Saturday. Please take a minute to tell us your thoughts in this quick survey.”
• Shropshire – Shropshire Libraries launches Neurodiversity Collection – Shropshire Council. “The new collection of fiction and non-fiction titles aimed at neurodiverse children and adults, as well as the parents, carers and professionals who support them, have been carefully chosen by librarians working with specialists in the field.  The collection was made possible by funding from the Integrated Care System.”
• Somerset – Success of Somerset Libraries Winter Coat Exchange ‘testament to power of community’ – West Somerset Free Press. “This year the Somerset Council initiative saw an incredible 2,470 coats for both adults and children donated and 2,086 coats taken by people in need – more than double the figure received last year.”
• Staffordshire – Library to temporarily move during £4m revamp – BBC. “Leek Library in Leek, Staffordshire, will relocate to Moorlands House from its current base in the Grade II-listed Nicholson Institute. It was scheduled to move towards the end of May, but the relocation was delayed after revisions were made to the programme of works on the Nicholson Institute’s £4m revamp. Catherine Mann, of Staffordshire County Council, said the authority was “delighted” to be refurbishing the library, one of 43 it currently runs. An exact date for the library’s relocation has not been confirmed but the council said it would be “later this summer”. The refurbishment has been funded through a £17.1m government grant, awarded in 2023, for town centre improvements.”
• Walsall – Celebrate VE Day with activities at Walsall Libraries – Walsall Council. “From crafting sessions for children to live music and tea parties for the community, there is something for everyone to remember and celebrate this significant historical milestone.”
• Warwickshire – Gardening exhibition blooms into life at Warwickshire libraries – Solihull Observer. British Library display panels. “Alongside the core display, Warwickshire libraries will be hosting a programme of interactive events to engage all ages.”
• West Sussex – Free books to encourage a love of reading – West Sussex Council. “Residents who have had a Safe and Well Visit from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service have been given a free book to help them discover – or rediscover – a love of reading.” World Book Night book.
• Wirral – Wirral libraries consultation continues with drop-in events – Wirral Globe. Council wishes to cut provision from 14 libraries to 8. “”A reduction in the number of physical sites across Wirral will accelerate the need for the proposed digital review. “”
  • Six crime writers to visit Wirral libraries in June – Wirral Globe. “It will be an ‘in conversation’ evening featuring Gina Kirkham, a retired Wirral police officer turned author; David Jackson, a Liverpool-born and Wirral resident crime writer; and Luca Veste, who is of Italian-Scouse heritage.”. TM Logan, Kate Ellis, and TM Payne at other events.
  • Update issued on library cuts as promise made to three Merseyside areas – Liverpool Echo. “The local authority said the proposals would create “comprehensive, modern, accessible and sustainable facilities that will meet the needs of Wirral communities,” adding this would be in line with the law”
• Wolverhampton – Libraries to launch new ‘relaxed’ reading groups – Pheonix. “They are designed to encourage people to share their joy of reading with others – with participants invited to read what they want, discuss the books with others and generally relax in their local library.”
• Worcestershire – Bromsgrove and Alvechurch launch ‘Memories and Me’ project to support people living with dementia – Bromsgrove Standard. Arts Council England funded. “Memory Bags that encourage conversation, bring back cherished memories and allow meaningful time to be spent together. Each Memory Bag has a different theme, such as sports, childhood, travel, gardening, pets, or music.”