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Looking for the latest information on libraries reopening in the UK? Click here.

Editorial

For the first time since March 23rd there are public libraries open again in England. It’s been a surreal few months and there was a lot of worry about getting the buildings open again properly but first indications from around the country is that things went smoothly.

More and more library services are announcing their plans (see this page) with the majority going for (variously named versions of) click and collect. A few councils (Milton Keynes, Newcastle and Wokingham), though, have warned that they will not be open for considerably longer for various reasons.

Libraries have, at last minute notice, been advised to take contact details of those who need them for track and trace. There were some complaints and surprise expressed at the time and further mentions, notably from CILIP, about whether libraries should actually do it.

This video, produced by Nottinghamshire Inspire is a 30 second animation on basic measures I think all libraries are doing. They have graciously allowed all other services to use it.

Finally, I’m sorry to see China wasting no time in censoring public libraries in Hong Kong. We hear a lot about the heroism of librarians on social media etc but, when it comes down to it, library workers aren’t saints and should not be martyrs. People, including us of course, need to try to make sure that society doesn’t get that way in the first place.

National news

• England’s libraries begin to reopen but grave fears remain over long-term futures – Guardian. “experts are warning that local authority shortfalls could be the “canary in the coalmine” for a fresh wave of cuts to libraries across the country.” … “According to Libraries Connected, 34 library authorities in England are planning to open on either 4 or 6 July.” … “Across the whole of the UK, libraries in Scotland are set to reopen from 15 July, and in Northern Ireland from 20 July. In Wales, some libraries are already offering a click and collect service, but there are no plans to open before the next review of lockdown measures on 13 July.”

Reopening Libraries: stories from Denmark part II, 15^th July, 11am: With Christian Lauersen Director of libraries and citizens services, Roskilde Municipality, Denmark: sign up here. Christian believes that libraries are crucial institution in every community, public as academic to create and open, more diverse, inclusive and equal world and that the key to lift this is skilled library workers – the most important asset of any library. Christian is co-founder of Library Planet – the crowdsourced travel guide to libraries of the world – and the first library bossa nova song in the world. He is based in Copenhagen and loves socks and Lego. Recording Available:  Part 1 of the “stories from Denmark” series: Reopening Public Libraries; stories from Denmark, with Marie Oestergaard Library Director of Aarhus Public Libraries. Resilience for Library Professionals 23^rd July, 11am sign up here. Ss libraries embark on the process of reopening, library staff will face inevitable challenges navigating the “new unknown”. This webinar will explore strategies for maintaining personal and professional resilience. Back by popular demand, Creative Consultant, Lawrence Becko will lead the session, which will include plenty of opportunity for interaction and reflection. This is a chance to take a step back and consider how to approach the ever-changing landscape that lies ahead with a resilient mind set. “

Free Webinars from the Living Knowledge Network [Not the Loving Knowledge Network which I called it last week, oh dear – Ed.]

• Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace – Gov.uk. “Trace and trace” information for public libraries, released less than 2 days before first library reopened.
• New guide to help libraries to reopen – Libraries Connected. “Today Libraries Connected publishes its toolkit to help libraries to reopen in July and to reintroduce their services gradually, in line with the latest public health advice. Placing the safety and health of staff, volunteers and users at the forefront, the toolkit was developed in partnership with heads of library services and their teams. The set of resources will support their planning for service recovery as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.”

• UK libraries are set to reopen – but not as we know them – Guardian. Archibald Corbett volunteer library in London described, open from 4 July, with “space marshall”. Leeds, who recently threatened to close all their libraries, also interviewed.
• Your libraries are open – London Review of Books. Mainly academic libraries but says “Many public library staff have had to be redeployed to other services by local authorities struggling to cope after years of austerity-driven cuts, highlighting other problems in the gaps exposed by the pandemic. In November 2018, the United Nations special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights pointed out that ‘public libraries are on the frontline of helping the digitally excluded and digitally illiterate who wish to claim their right to Universal Credit.’ Who has been providing that support during lockdown? As public libraries slowly reopen to walk-in users, some hope for those who depend on them is returning.”

International news

• China / Hong Kong – Democracy books disappear from Hong Kong libraries – Yahoo News. “Books written by prominent Hong Kong democracy activists have started to disappear from the city’s libraries, online records show, days after Beijing imposed a draconian national security law on the finance hub.” … “The city’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department, which runs libraries, said books had been removed while it is determined whether they violate the national security law.”
• USA – Millions of Americans Depend on Libraries for Internet. Now They’re Closed – Markup. “Kids sit scattered in the library’s parking lot with phones or video game devices, catching some of the Wi-Fi outside that’s now left on 24/7.  And Hahn spends his days trying to help some older patrons get online by shouting instructions to them through the library’s windows. “

Local news by authority

• Bolton – Quarantining books and drop boxes: How Bolton’s libraries are being reopened – Bolton News. “Readers can borrow a bundle of books which can be collected at Breightmet, Central, Farnworth, Harwood, Horwich, and Westhoughton libraries from Monday (July 6).”
• Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole – Bournemouth libraries to reopen next week in ‘phased approach’ – Daily Echo. “The four largest libraries will initially provide book loans and quick choice browsing, with all stock will go into 72 hours quarantine on return.”
• Bracknell Forest – Bracknell Forest libraries reopen with lockdown rules – Bracknell News. From 6 July, ” libraries in Bracknell, Crowthorne and Whitegrove have been adjusted in order to ensure the safety of residents, including only remaining open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm (Bracknell library closed on Wednesday), a select and collect service, as well as limiting browsing options and ensuring social distancing is adhered to.”

• Buckinghamshire – Libraries will re-open in Bucks on Monday – Bucks Herald. 22 libraries reopen to browse from 6 July.
• Calderdale – New sixth form centre heralds new era for learning and regeneration – News Centre. “The Central Library which previously occupied the town centre site has been completely reimagined into the stunning, modern Trinity Sixth Form Academy, whilst conserving and restoring some original features.” [Campaigner says by email: “No plans for a Sixth Form College were ever mentioned during the whole of the five year controversy about the site. The former Library had one-third more floor area than its replacement.” – Ed.]
• Cambridgeshire/Peterborough – Libraries set to reopen in Cambridgeshire but not yet in Peterborough – Peterborough Telegraph. “Cambridgeshire County Council is starting a phased re-opening of library services from Monday, July 6, in line with the latest health and safety guidelines. The council’s nine major libraries – Cambridge Central, Huntingdon, St Ives, St Neots, Bar Hill, Cambourne, Ely, March and Wisbech will be re-opening.”
• Cheshire East – Wilmslow library set to reopen – Wilmslow.co.uk. “reparing to reopen its 16 libraries and library services on a phased basis.” from 6 July.
• Cheshire West and Chester – Council confirms reopening dates for Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston libraries – Standard. “Chester Library at Storyhouse will welcome back visitors again from tomorrow (Saturday, July 4) with its usual opening hours in operation. Libraries in Ellesmere Port and Neston will then open their doors from Monday, July 13 but with reduced hours in place.”
  • How Northwich Library visitors will be kept safe from coronavirus – Northwich Guardian.
  • Love Reading? Join the Online Adults Read Two Challenge – AboutMyArea. ” Choose from an eBook, eAudio book, a library book or one of your own, to be in with a chance to win £50 of book vouchers through a prize draw. A winner will be chosen at random.”
• Derbyshire – County libraries to roll out reopening with safety a priority – Derbyshire Councty Council. “We now plan to reopen 7 libraries initially, with 3 opening on Monday 6 July, followed by 1 on Tuesday, 1 on Wednesday and 2 on Thursday. Residents must book an appointment to visit their library if it is one of the 7 set to reopen first, and people are being urged not to turn up without having arranged their appointment first.”
• Devon – Reopening of libraries – Devon Libraries. “We are planning a phased reopening of our libraries from w/c 6th July, with mobile libraries returning from 13th July (Timetable Week 1) offering a contactless Choose and Collect service.”
• Dorset – Dorset Council libraries to reopen – Mags 4 Dorset. Click and collect from 8 July. Return items through letterboxes.
• Durham – Pick and Collect Library Service will Launch 6th July – Durham Magazine. From 6 July, “The Pick and Collect service will initially be available at libraries in Barnard Castle, Chester-le- Street, Consett, Crook, Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee and Seaham as well as Belmont, in Durham, and Woodhouse Close, in Bishop Auckland”.
• East Riding of Yorkshire – More East Riding Services To Re-Open – Yokrshire Coast Radio. Click and collect.
• East Sussex – Here’s when Hastings Library is reopening – Observer series. Click and collect from 13 July.
• Essex – Leigh author Claire Freedman champions the importance of libraries – Echo series. “best-selling south Essex author – whose books are checked out more times every year than Agatha Christie and Enid Blyton – believes the lockdown has shown us we need our libraries more than ever. Figures show that during the first three week of the lockdown, when libraries were closed, there was a titanic 358 per cent increase in the number of people borrowing e-books from online sites.”
• Glasgow – Communities urge Glasgow Life to re-open ‘lifeline’ libraries and sports centres – Glasgow Evening Times. Two-thirds of libraries to be closed indefinitely, with dates mentioned in October. “Glasgow Life is facing major losses, estimated to run into the tens of millions of pounds, as a result of Covid-19 and nearly 1000 staff have been furloughed during the pandemic”.
• Gloucestershire – New ‘reserve and collect’ library service set for Stroud – Stroud News. “The new service, available at Stroud Library from July 13, will ensure customers can request books, DVDs and other available materials that they would like to borrow and book a slot for collection.”
• Hampshire – Libraries to open next week – but don’t browse too long – Advertiser and Times. 30 minute maximum. Book computers in advance.

• Hillingdon – Temporary library services – Hillingdon Council. “We are offering a reserve and collect service at 6 of our libraries – Manor Farm, Oak Farm, Hayes End, Northwood Hills, West Drayton and Uxbridge.”
• Isle of Wight – Libraries to re-open but no late fees for overdue books – Island Echo. Click and collect from 6 July, reduced opening hours.
• Kent – Plans for gradual reopening of Kent libraries announced – Media Hub. “Kent County Council will start a phased reopening of its libraries from Monday, 13 July, with a new ‘Select and Collect’ service that will temporarily replace bookshelf browsing.”
• Lancashire – Coronavirus: Libraries, archives and museums – Lancashire County Council. Closed until further notice. “Our phased approach will involve initially reopening at least one library in each district across the county, so that you can return your books and we can quarantine them.”
• Leeds – Fantastic support for library appeal – Ilkley Gazette. “The gofundme appeal for Rawdon Community Library was launched by Janet Leeks on June 11 with the aim of reaching £300 – but it has already raised more than seven times that amount, with the figure now standing at £2,155.”

• Manchester – Phased reopening of Manchester’s libraries to begin on 4 July – Manchester Libraries Blog. “The eight libraries which are reopening at this stage are Chorlton Library, City Library (at Central Library), Didsbury Library, Gorton Library, Longsight Library, Newton Heath Library, Withington Library and Forum Library, Wythenshawe.”

• Milton Keynes – Libraries won’t be open ‘for some time’ in Milton Keynes, says council – MK Citizen. ““We’ve seen an outbreak at a nursery in MK recently where 23 people caught the virus while all sensible precautions were being followed on site. Facilities such as libraries and children’s centres are rightly much loved by residents and we’re proud to deliver them – but we won’t reopen them at the wrong time if the risk is too great. We all have a part to play to help MK control Covid-19, and we’re taking that seriously.”
• Norfolk – Norfolk libraries to begin reopening next week – Norfolk County Council. “There will be a total 12 sites reopening on 6 and 7 July with the rest to follow in the coming weeks and months.”
• North Somerset – This is when libraries across North Somerset will start to re-open – Bristol Post. Phased from 6 July.
• North Yorkshire – Phased Return For North Yorkshire Libraries – Yorkshire Coast Radio. “To begin with, visits will be by appointment only. From Monday 6th July, customers will be able to take advantage of a free Select and Collect service.”
• Northamptonshire – Northamptonshire libraries to introduce phased reopening – Northamptonshire County Council. “From Monday, 6 July, seven of the county’s libraries will reopen to ensure accessibility for the maximum number of customers. The libraries to reopen are Wellingborough, Irthlingborough, Brackley, Kettering, Weston Favell, Daventry and Oundle, with initial opening times being Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10- 4pm, and Saturdays from 10 – 2pm.”
• Northern Ireland – Libraries to have ‘phased reopening’ in July – Larne Times. “Libraries NI has announced plans to reopen its branches with a “phased programme of return” from 20 July onwards” … “As part of the programme for reopening branches, Libraries NI will provide a new Book and Collect service which will begin on Monday, July 20 and will remain in operation until a branch reopens”
• Northumberland – Northumberland libraries to reopen with some offering order and collect service – Berwick Advertiser. “It is expected that a number of libraries across the county will be able to offer an order and collect service in the first few weeks of opening. Collections will only be available by appointment and it is expected that there will only be limited numbers of visitors who may access library buildings at any one time.”
• Pembrokeshire – MS welcomes extended ‘click and collect’ system for libraries – Brecon and Radnor Express. click and collect: “delighted to hear libraries in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire will be offering this service from July 1 and 2 respectively.”
• St Helens – St Helens libraries won’t be opening this weekend – St Helens Star. No indication as to when they will reopen.
  • Calling all young bookworms to join this summer’s reading challenge – St Helens Star. “St Helens Library Service is hosting a very special online performance of Roald Dahl’s ‘The Twits’ via YouTube at 2pm today – while many more silly sessions will be held throughout the day through the Library Service’s Facebook page.”
• Sheffield – Libraries working hard to welcome you back soon – Sheffield Newsroom. “On a phased basis during July, some libraries will be offering an Order and Collect service, where library users will be able to phone or email in and ask for a selection of books to be prepared for them.”
• Shropshire – Ludlow Library prepares to launch contactless service – Shropshire Star. “The service, Ready Reads, enables customers to pre-order books and collect them from the library foyer and will be available at Shrewsbury, Oswestry and Ludlow from July 6.”
• Somerset – Somerset libraries to introduce new ‘personal shopper service’ on re-opening – Burnham on Sea. Click and collect called “personal shopper” here.
  • Can you help Somerset Libraries by being part of a focus group? – Glassbox Taunton. “Somerset Libraries would like to invite people to help shape the library service of today and the future, by evaluating of their diverse range of services (both physical and online). Feedback from frequent, occasional and non-users will be sought through informal focus groups and/or one-to-one conversations”
• South Tyneside – Phased Reopening of Libraries – South Tyneside Council. “From this Saturday (4 July), library users will be able to pre-order books over the phone for collection from Monday 6 July on a strict appointment-only basis. Libraries will operate with reduced operating hours, from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with normal hours on weekends.”

• Surrey – A new chapter: Thirteen Surrey libraries to reopen on Monday – Liphook Herald. Some reopening “libraries will have to operate in a different way with a reduced service, limited capacity in buildings, additional cleaning measures and guidelines in place for social distancing.” No computers.
• Swindon – Swindon’s museums and libraries staying shut for now – Swindon Advertiser. Not opening this week but will announce on social media soon.
  • Swindon libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge going online next week – Swindon Advertiser. “new videos with demonstrations and live story-telling will be put up on the Swindon Libraries YouTube channel throughout the summer holidays.”
• Telford and Wrekin – Public libraries in Telford and Wrekin re-opening under social distancing conditions – Shropshire Star. Some librarie reopening but with 15 minute limit.
• Vale of Glamorgan – Vale of Glamorgan libraries offer click and collect service – Penarth Times. Though they remain closed for browsing or use of ICT facilities, libraries in Barry, Penarth, and Cowbridge will be open for” click and collect.

• Warrington – 7 Warrington libraries to reopen next week – but 5 remain closed – Warrington Guardian. “libraries will open in Great Sankey, Orford Jubilee and Woolston Neighbourhood Hubs, Stockton Heath, Lymm, Burtonwood and Warrington Museum and Library.”
• West Berkshire – Coronavirus West Berkshire: Libraries to pilot click-and-collect scheme – Newbury Today. “the district’s libraries would not be opening in the week of July 4, but a click and collect service would be trialed instead.  “
• West Sussex – West Sussex libraries to offer ‘select and collect’ service – Littlehampton Gazette. “This will allow residents to collect books from the front doors of all 36 West Sussex County Council owned libraries without the need to enter the building. Starting on Monday (July 6) …”
• Westminster – Coronavirus information – libraries reopening – City of Westminster. “Four sites – Charing Cross, Church Street, Paddington and Victoria – will reopen on Saturday 4 July. The remaining sites will be opening as soon as possible next week, “
• Wiltshire –  Consultation on Wiltshire Council reopening libraries safely during the COVID-19 pandemic – Wiltshire County Council. “Wiltshire’s public libraries want your views as they look to reopen some library services safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have to manage their resources carefully and ensure you the public, staff and library volunteers are safe, so they’ve put forward three options for how the service might operate while social distancing is required.”
• Wokingham – Libraries to stay shut as quarantining books is too ‘labour-intensive’ – Wokingham Today. ““We won’t be reopening libraries because quarantining books is a labour-intensive exercise. But now our electronic offering is huge.””
• Worcestershire – More people than ever before are using Worcestershire County Council’s online services – Bromsgrove Standard. “Nearly 50,000 e-books, audio books and e-magazines (47,703) have been downloaded from the council’s digital library service in the last three months – double the amount in the same period last year.”

For a guide on when public libraries in the UK are reopening, and the current situation, see this page.

For a guide on how libraries around the world are coping with the crisis, and the various health and safety precautions that are being used, see this page.

Editorial

Well, the consequences of shutting down libraries for a few months started to be shown this last week. The leisure trust Vivacity, which has been running libraries in Peterborough since 2013 and has interests in Cambridgeshire libraries too, handed back control to the council due to running out of money because lockdown meant it had no income. This is the third trust involved in libraries to have failed in six years and leaves question-marks over some of the other organisation of this model, especially common in Scotland, who must be facing similar problems.

Announced pretty much at the same time was a terrifying story from Leeds, where the council has announced it may close every library because of extra costs incurred this year. It justifies this – on the face of it a clear breaking of the 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act – by claiming “a skeleton, online-lending resource” would do. Nonsense, but, as the CILIP CEO has pointed out, the Act has been a dead letter for years. How Leeds, though, will square this with the Equalities Act is anyone’s guess though. The suspicion is that this is just a way of pressuring the government and preparing the people of Leeds for deep cuts that don’t quite reach the library-geddon threatened last week.

Finally, we have the sad news that library supplier Bertrams has gone bankrupt. This is a tragedy for the hundreds of those who have lost their jobs but also represents a further tightening of the screw on the library stock supplier market, which has few enough competitors as it is.

The worry with all this is that these stories may just be the first as councils and companies up and down the country start look at their balance sheets and see Covid-related red lines. And there’s us just concentrating on infections.

Changes

• Bath and North East Somerset – Paulton Library transferred to parish council, to be run by volunteers.
• Leeds – All libraries under threat.
• Peterborough – Leisure trust Vivacity hand back contract for libraries to council after losses caused by lockdown.
• St Helens – Opening house changed, 5 voluntary redundancies.

National news

• Bertram Books collapses with 450 jobs at risk – BBC. “Joint administrators Turpin Barker Armstrong said the majority of staff would be made redundant with “immediate effect”. Kip Bertram, who started the company with his mother Elsie before selling it in 1999, said its collapse was “very sad for the staff, the city of Norwich and the customers”. He disputed the claims of the administrators over the reasons for the collapse, saying: “It’s nothing to do with e-Books or Covid-19 – people still like to hold and smell books.” U.K. Wholesaler Bertram Group Is Up for Sale – Publishers Weekly. Worries reported in early May. Subsidiaries are Dawson Books and Education Umbrella.
• Libraries Connected Statement on Black Lives Matter – Libraries Connected. “We condemn racism and discrimination in all its forms. Public libraries were founded 150 years ago on principles of social justice and equality … Libraries Connected believes in a society where that racism and discrimination are replaced by equality and justice for all. We will work with libraries and partners to ensure that we use every resource at our disposal to make this happen.”

The Carnegie UK Trust is looking into how public libraries across the UK have helped and supported people and communities across the UK during lockdown. We want to use this information to help raise the profile of libraries’ contributions during Covid-19 and to advocate for public libraries’ role in supporting individuals and communities in the rebuilding process following on from lockdown. We  also want to find out and share information and learning across the sector about challenges and what didn’t work. The Trust is keen to hear the views of all library staff, including frontline staff, managers and heads of service. We would be grateful if you could circulate the following survey widely:  If you and your colleagues have 10 minutes, the Trust would love to hear your views. The deadline for responses is Friday 3 July.

Carnegie UK Trust, via email

• Libraries of the future – Living Libraries. Ten minute audio on what the future may hold.
• Puppy Demand, Bike Thefts and Library Openings – BBC Radio 4 You and Yours. “The book shops are open again on our high streets but what about our libraries? There’s no date set for opening in any of the nations with only Wales offering a click and collect service for borrowers.”.

“if the Secretary of State agreed today to ensure that, as part of this, he will develop a national plan for education, where local authorities are funded to make a summer holiday local offer to children and young people; where schools are provided with additional resources, such as an enhanced pupil premium to help disadvantaged children; and where public buildings such as libraries and sports centres are used to expand the space available to schools to ensure safe social distancing.” They Work For You.

Rebecca Long-Bailey MP

• Rencontre avec Cécile Touitou, directrice scientifique de l’ouvrage collectif “Bibliothèques publiques britanniques contemporaines” – Presses De l’Enssib. Interview with Cecile Touitou who has recently edited a book on contemporary British public libraries. She is surprised and impressed by the level of public interest an involvement in protecting libraries.

International news

• Australia – Shoalhaven Libraries Leading way in Contactless Service – Mirage. “the Shoalhaven Libraries App provides a one-stop shop for all library services. By using the app, library users can deactivate RFID security without using a public kiosk or any other hardware.”
• Canada – As libraries go digital, paper books still have a lot to offer us – Conversation.
• EU – Libraries in times of coronavirus: Viana Public Library (Spain) and Public Library in Aleksandrów (Poland) – NAPLE Sister Libraries. “encouraged the children that normally go to the library to make drawings during the confinement. Children from 3 to 5 from both libraries made a total of 77 drawings, 37 from Aleksandrów and 40 from Viana.”
• Global – Meet the librarians going above and beyond to get books to kids in lockdown – Big Issue. Ethiopia: More than 26 million children are out of school during the Covid-19 lockdown so Save The Children’s camel library is bringing the life-nurturing power of books to 22,000 children in 33 villages. USA: “in the US state of Virginia, the books travel via air. Montgomery County public schools became the first in the world to use a library book drone delivery service.”
  • Webinar: Phased Reopening of Libraries | Roskilde Municipality and Fayetteville Public Library – Bibliotheca. On-demand.
• India – Bengaluru’s iconic British Library to shut its doors and go fully digital – News Minute. “The British Council announced earlier this week that five of its eight libraries in India would be completely digitised. In a communication to its physical members in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Hyderabad and Pune, the British Council said it would now offer full online services and extended the online membership for existing physical members by 6 months.”
• USA – How Libraries Are Supporting The Black Lives Matter Movement – NPR. “Boston librarian Stacy Collins about how libraries are taking up issues of policing and Black Lives Matters.”
  • How to Tackle Library Signage in a Pandemic and Make Visitors Feel Comfortable With Your New Rules – Super Library Marketing.
  • Librarians of the World Unite – The Nib. The horrendous experience of one US library system before and during lockdown.
  • Libraries Are Dealing With New Demand For Books And Services During The Pandemic – NPR. Ebook loans up around 60% nationally, with adult fiction doubling. “if this burst in digital lending is sustained, it could be a financial problem for cash-strapped libraries.”

Local news by authority

• Aberdeenshire – Live Life Aberdeenshire Summer Reading Challenge returns in a new format – Grampian Online. “By simply signing up online Live Life will take you on a journey filled with fun, fantasy and action-packed activities for children and families of all ages and interests.”
• Bath and North East Somerset – Winners of local library service’s lockdown writing competition revealed – Bath Echo. “Bath-based writer Bel Mooney and Chris Beale, a performance poet from Bristol, were among the writers who appeared in a series of videos to announce the winners and runners-up on Saturday 13th June from a total of 60 entries. Adults were invited to submit either a short story or a poem online on the theme of ‘Lockdown’ in competitions designed to give people a creative outlet as they adjusted to restrictions on everyday life.”
  • Parish council set to take over running of Paulton Library – MNR Journal. “Paulton’s library is to become a community run library after the lease is transferred to Paulton Parish Council next week.”
• Buckinghamshire – Bucks libraries set for partial reopening from next week – Advertiser. Returns and Select and Collect from 22 June.
• Calderdale – Halifax Central Library – Joseph Coelho. Pictures and descriptions of visit to Halifax Library. “The current site opened in 2017 (there have been four central libraries in Halifax since 1881) and is a mix of modern and old as a huge modern, light brick rectangle intersects with the remains of Square Congregational Church, a church built on the site 112 years ago.
• Ceredigion – Libraries in Ceredigion to partially reopen this month – Cambrian News. “From 22 June, people will be able to order and collect items from Aberystwyth, Aberaeron, Cardigan and Lampeter libraries”
• Denbighshire – Denbighshire libraries to offer order and collect service – Journal series. “Libraries across Denbighshire will be offering an order and collect service for books from Monday, June 15, as part of on-going efforts to re-introduce elements of the service in the county”
• Devon – Let’s get technical, technical … – Libraries Unlimited. Podcast. “oday, the FabLab managers Kerala Cotter and Marcus Brown join us to talk about the technically wonderful things that they can do in their workshops and we hear about the amazing Tovertafel table at South Molten”
• Dorset – Libraries boost wellbeing and reduce loneliness during lockdown – Lyme Online. “There has been a 48% increase in people joining Dorset’s online library service, with almost 27,000 e-books, e-audio and e-zines accessed.”
• Dundee – Dundee Libraries project recording social history of coronavirus pandemic to inform future generations – Courier. “The centre is keen to hear first-hand experiences of how the virus and subsequent lockdown is affecting people.”
• Edinburgh – ‘Let’s Get Fabulous’: Edinburgh Libraries welcomes Drag Queen Story Hour – Edinburgh News. “Drag Queen Aida H Dee will be live on Facebook reading stories to children across the city”
• Guernsey – The library is open – Guille-Alles Library. “With the start of Phase 5, the Library is now open as normal with no need for social distancing. That means there are no restrictions on how many people can visit at a time, no queuing or one-way system, and all services have recommenced including events, study space, newspapers & magazines, community libraries, and children’s activities like story times, TOTs, and Baby Bounce.”
• Hampshire – Ready Reads from Andover library – Loveandover. ““Given that library buildings are not due to reopen until July, we are pulling out the stops to bridge that gap by offering paperbacks and hardbacks for loan once again, with ‘Ready Reads’. This is a new book collection service where our staff select books according to your preferences, for you to collect from your local branch.””
• Kent – Summer reading challenge bringing happiness to Kent children – In Your Area.
• Lambeth – Lambeth Library events for the Windrush Day and Pride Month celebrations, June 2020 – Brixton Buzz.
• Lancashire – The Award-Winning ‘Silly Squad’ Joins Summer Reading Challenge – Preston Hub.
• Leeds – All libraries, museums and galleries in Leeds at risk of closure as local councils count cost of coronavirus – Independent. “Every library, museum and gallery could be closed in one of England’s biggest cities as local authorities across the country struggle to balance the books in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.”

“While councils have a legal duty to provide library services, it is widely thought this could be pared back to a skeleton, online-lending resource without breaking that obligation.”

The scariest quote ever published on Public Libraries News

It’s all so drearily predictable. Councils will signal horrendous outcomes because they’re facing a £10bn #COVID19 bill, the Govt will come up with some 11th hour fudge, we’ll have expended so much energy being appalled that the mildly less appalling option will seem preferable.

— Nicholas Poole (@NickPoole1) June 18, 2020

• Monmouthshire – Library books now available in Monmouthshire through council ‘request and collect’ service – South Wales Argus. “Customers will be able to browse the library service online and use the My Monmouthshire app to choose their preferred books and reserve a time to collect them. Collections will initially be available from the Monmouth and Chepstow Community Hubs.”
• Neath Port Talbot – Libraries will reopen with new pick-up service in Neath, Port Talbot and Pontardawe – Wales Online. “The partial reopening of the borough’s three main libraries is the “first step” towards the full restoration of all libraries in the area, according to Cllr Rees. The Call and Collect service will allow readers to borrow up to 10 items ….”. Returns box.
• Peterborough – Peterborough leisure and libraries charity Vivacity shut by lockdown – BBC. “Vivacity has been running 10 libraries, a theatre, swimming pools, gyms and a museum in Peterborough since 2010. All services ceased with the lockdown, with a loss of £8m a year, and 98% of its 500 staff were furloughed. Peterborough City Council leader John Holdich said it was committed to continuing the services.”
• Powys – Order-and-collect library books service launches across Powys – Brecon and Radnor Express. “From 22 June, residents will be able to ask for a new collection of books via the Powys County Council website”
• St Helens – Library opening hours to change in St Helens – St Helens Star. “hours reduced at some sites and increased at others, although the council says there will be no reduction in the overall service.” … “Five members of staff have also taken voluntary redundancy as a result of the review”. Unclear when new central library at Heart of Glass will reopen.
• Shropshire – Shropshire’s libraries keep up their online presence during COVID-19 – Shropshire Live. “Shropshire’s libraries have also recently launched Shropshire Summer Reads. In this new challenge for adults, contenders who submit reviews of four books over the summer will be in with the chance of winning book vouchers to spend in local independent book shops.”
• Somerset – Burnham-On-Sea Library looks set to re-open to visitors during July – Burnahm on Sea. “Social distancing measures will be in place and a ‘personal shopper’ service will be available as customers will not initially be able to browse.”
• Southend – Phased return of Southend library services – Times series. “A ‘click and collect’ service will be available at all six libraries from July 6.”
• Suffolk – Ipswich library staff record audiobook for 102-year-old – BBC. “Doris Bugg wanted to reminisce with the 1927 novel Portrait of Clare, but the out-of-print book was unavailable at her library in Ipswich, Suffolk. Touched by her memories, librarians bought a copy for her online and are reading all 873 pages, recorded on CDs.”
• Warrington – LiveWire unveils plans to allow reopening of select leisure and library sites – Warrington Worldwide. “Restrictions on the number of people accessing the library at any one time and the duration of visits will be limited.”
• Warwickshire – Warwickshire Libraries staff receive heartfelt letter of thanks for being ‘lifeline’ to people isolated by lockdown – Kenilworth Weekly. “One Rugby resident thanked the staff. They said: “Your call has come at just the right time – I’m climbing the walls without having any books to read! Thank you so much.”

• Wiltshire – Wootton Bassett book swap started up as libraries closed for lockdown – Wiltshire Times. One thousand books borrowed from makeshift little free library set up after closure.
• Worcestershire – County’s libraries and University of Worcester offering weekly webinars to help college, uni and sixth-form students – Worcester Observer. ““Study Happy has been a great success in helping both University of Worcester and local school and college students feel more confident and motivated about their studies.”
  • Worcestershire libraries set to re-open next month – Malvern Gazette. “Six of Worcestershire’s libraries are currently due to re-open on Saturday July 4 according to the county council although this is dependant on confirmation from Government.”
• Wrexham – Wrexham Library Service celebrate Pride Month – Leader. “BorrowBox have pulled together their 2020 selection of key LGBTQ+ titles”

• For a guide on when public libraries in the UK are reopening, and the current situation, see this page.
• For a guide on how libraries around the world are coping with the crisis, and the various health and safety precautions that are being used, see this page.

Editorial

A lot of news this week to cover. The Libraries Connected guidelines for reopening libraries is expected to be formally released tomorrow, Monday (8 June), with copies already with chief librarians. I’ve seen a draft but will refrain from comment – other than to say it’s comprehensive and I approve of the great majority of it – until it is formally released.

The Summer Reading Challenge for 2020 is for obvious reasons almost entirely online and, for less obvious reasons (at least to me) launched at the far earlier than normal date of 5 June. That self-imposed deadline must have been punishing but the Reading Agency have done a grand job of getting celebrities involved and getting the website ready, although there were some glitches with the site on Friday (hopefully brought on by overuse?) and some sad comments from children asking how they can get their library books.

The make-up of the DCMS “cultural renewal taskforce” working group for libraries has been announced. It includes 3 representatives for library trusts compared to just one (and that rotating) for council-run libraries, 1 for volunteer libraries, 2 social change charities (including 1 – CIVIC – I had trouble even finding on Google but who are apparently involved with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough – yes the latter being run by another trust), CILIP, Libraries Connected and the LGA. Balancing out the preponderance of charities there are two union representatives. One would also normally expect Locality to be included on such things but, don’t worry, there’s a two for one deal there as the Libraries United boss is also a trustee of theirs. He’s clearly a busy man too as the Devon and Torbay charity is advertising for a Head of Library Service & Customer Experience to do, you know, all the actual library stuff for him, that requires. you know, library experience. A vision for the future there perhaps. Good to see it requires being a qualified chartered librarian or equivalent, though.

Finally, I would be remiss not to mention Black Lives Matter. There’s not a representative proportion of ethnic minorities in library services, with 97% of library workers (all sectors) being white compared to 88% in the UK as a whole. We can look with derision at the racism in the US but those figures suggest something is going on here too. Question why and try to even things up a bit. Please.

Silly Squad

• Jacqueline Wilson asks children to join Silly Squad this summer – Guardian. “Wilson, the former children’s laureate, is calling on children to sign up online for the Summer Reading Challenge, which launches on Friday. Encouraging children aged four to 11 to read during the long break, this year the focus is on funny books, and getting children to read whatever makes them happy.”
• Silly Squad – Reading Agency. “Get rewards, play games and earn badges as you discover awesome books to read this summer”

• Bolton – Bolton Libraries invite children to take part in summer reading challenge – Bolton News.
• Bury – Silly Squad launch party as part of reading challenge – This is Lancashire.
• Cheshire West and Chester – Silly Squad – A Very Silly Reading Challenge is On the Way This Summer – About My Area. “… a special Cheshire West webpage, social media, webpages and e-lending. This will include details of online events and activities that will be taking place during the summer.”
• Coventry – Join the ‘Silly Squad’ with Coventry’s Summer Reading Challenge – Coventry Observer.
• Inverclyde – Summer reading challenge is going online for the first time – Greenock Telegraph. “the libraries service has produced summer reading bags, in partnership with Barnardo’s and the Scottish Attainment Challenge, which will be delivered.
• Leicester – Join the Silly Squad and take part in Summer Reading Challenge – Leicester City Council. “Children can also enjoy Leicester Libraries’ Once Upon a Time storytelling videos, with two new stories added every Wednesday. Visit the Libraries from home webpage for links to the stories. To tie in with the Silly Squad, some delightfully daft Silly Stories will be added to the Once Upon a Time video collection.”
• Lincolnshire – Youngsters invited to sign up for virtual Summer Reading Challenge at Grantham Library – Grantham Journal.
• Lincolnshire – Lincolnshire Libraries join in virtual Reading Challenge – Louth Leader. “Library staff have all sorts of silliness planned for the summer and every Friday at 10am and 3pm they will be running their online Silly Squad Club, sharing crafts, activities and reading recommendations.”

National news

• Black Lives Matter – Arts Council England. “it is clear that despite our best intentions, we have so far failed to create the systemic, structural changes needed for our sector to be truly diverse, inclusive and welcoming to people from all backgrounds. There is still a long way to go to ensure that the creative industries reflect the way England looks today.”
• Bobby Seagull pens love letter to libraries and their vital post-Covid role – Big Issue. “the teacher, author and presenter has penned an impassioned essay for The Big Issue on the pivotal role they have played in his own life — and their huge importance in our post-Covid world” Call for evidence – DCMS. “The Committee invites written evidence on the impact of Covid-19 on any sectors under the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s remit …” Open until 19 June.
• Councils to offer click and collect service at local libraries – Monmouthshire Beacon. “During the next few weeks, Click and Collect services will be delivered by library services across Wales.”
• Cultural Renewal Taskforce and supporting Working Groups – Gov.uk. Membership of libraries group includes 2 library trusts, 1 council library service (on rotation), 1 representing volunteer libraries, 2 social change charities, 2 unions, Libraries Connected, ACE, CILIP, CLOA – again representing trusts, this time leisure ones, and the LGA.
• Heads of Service/Senior Management Consultation – British Library. “n this survey, we want to gain a deeper understanding of the current digital services you offer, what you value about them and what you would like to improve. We also want to test your appetite for a few interventions we think would provide real values to our users if delivered through a ‘single digital presence’; a digital platform that served all of the United Kingdom’s public libraries.”

“As well as making the library easier to use, we think the ‘single digital presence’ should be an interesting place to visit in its own right, capturing the vibrancy and vitality of the public library. Building this requires great content. From features on books and reading, to articles celebrating the public library as a physical space, this online platform would amplify the library’s role in UK book culture, while advertising and celebrating public libraries in a central, accessible space.”

Single Digital Presence consultation

• Hi VIS Fortnight – Celebrating the word in all its formats – Reading Sight. “The celebration of accessible library services and alternative formats will be taking place during the first two weeks of June, as before (1-14th June 2020); it will still be aiming to champion and raise awareness of the range of library services and activities that are available to visually impaired people to access; it’s just that the name is shifting to better reflect the core purpose of the fortnight.”
• Libraries and Covid-19 – Discussions with Libraries Connected – Unison. “It is essential there is joint employer/union work, with risk assessments carried out jointly and then published. Unison believes these issues must feature strongly in the proposed toolkit alongside issues such as safeguarding mental and physical health and well-being, employees who are shielding or living with people who are shielding, and those who are self-isolating”
• Libraries Connected welcomes new president – Libraries Connected. “Carol has worked in public libraries her entire career. She began as a library assistant after leaving school with few qualifications and worked er way up to become Chief Librarian at Kirklees Council. Carol takes over the position from Mark Freeman, Head of Stockton Libraries, whose tenure covered Libraries Connected’s first two years as a charity and sector support organisation for libraries after it changed from SCL in 2018.”. Includes video conversation (download, not on YouTube) between Isobel (CEO), Carol and Mark.
• Princh Exclusive Offer for Public Libraries – Princh. Webinar on how to use mobile printing, avoiding the need for the public to interact with staff.
• The safe reopening of libraries – Designing Libraries. FG Library and Bibliotheca offer products that may assist in reopening including acrylic screens and anti-microbial materials.
• Tickets for the Afterlife: Creating a death positive space – Libraries Connected. “With physical doors to libraries closed due to Coronavirus, Redbridge, Newcastle and Kirklees Libraries have been among the many around the country that have nevertheless been open for business, supporting their communities during these challenging times. As part of this they have provided a supportive space for people to discuss death and loss …”
• Vera creator among most popular novelists in North East – here’s the full top 20 books borrowed from region’s libraries – Northumberland Gazette.
• When will libraries open? Latest UK lockdown updates on public libraries reopening – and potential new rules – I. Good summary of the situation for the public.

International news

• Australia – Strong Girls Clubs and Libraries – Jane Cowell. “The first meeting was advertised on Facebook, the Library Website, the Library What’s On booklet, and through the local High School newsletter. The unexpected surprise for our library coordinator was that the group who came to the first meeting were mostly non-binary girls.”… “It is very important to let the girls run the Club.”
• Finland – Book lovers return to Finland’s libraries – Yahoo News. “From 1 June bars, restaurants, sports facilities and cultural sites are allowed to reopen in the Nordic nation which has so far registered 320 deaths”
• Global – Webinar Series Title: Libraries Reopening: A Perspective of Best Practices from Around the World in the Time of COVID-19 – IRRT Webinars. Experience of reopening from Sweden (public) , Germany (academic) and Hong Kong (academic) shared in webinars this week.
• Ireland – New ‘Call and Collect’ service at Dublin City Libraries – Dublin Libraries. “Dublin City Libraries are planning a ‘Call and collect’ collection service as part of the phased re-opening of libraries from 8th June. The first phase will be piloted in 6 branches from 8th June as follows: Cabra, Coolock and Raheny on the north side, and Dolphin’s Barn, Rathmines and Walkinstown on the south side.”
  • ‘We missed the public’: Cork City Library prepares for partial reopening – Irish Times. ““We’re going to operate a return-and-collect service where people will ring or email in what books they want to borrow – we will take the calls in the morning and then spend the afternoon getting them together”
• New Zealand – Reopening Libraries in New Zealand: Slow and Steady Wins The Race – Justin the Librarian. “In no particular order, here are the things that were done during the next two days to get the space ready …”
• Norway – Oslo’s new library opens June 18 – Designing Libraries. “Covering six floors, Deichman Bjørvika offers experiences, technology and knowledge in all forms: literature, music, instruments, film, comics, workshops, sound rooms, children’s activities, stages, classrooms, study areas, and much, much more.”. Due to Covid, open but limited to 1000 people (!) and no events.
• USA – Tulsa City-County Library to reopen for express service – Black Wall Street Times. From June 22: “Express service includes curbside or in-library holds pickup along with browsing, copying, printing and faxing. Computer usage will also be available with a 30-minute time limit. Library buildings will observe limited occupancy at all locations during this time to support social distancing guidelines by local and state officials””
  • A Statement from LJ on the 2020 Library of the Year – Library Journal. “When we announced The Seattle Public Library (SPL) as the 2020 Gale/LJ Library of the Year yesterday, many librarians protested our celebrating a library that had allowed the Women’s Liberation Front, an anti-trans group, to rent a meeting room for an event in February. …” and Sign on to the open letter to revoke the Library of the Year 2020 award – Signatories include multiple past winners of the Mover and Shaker Award who are asking to return their honour unless the decision is overturned.
  • New York City libraries unveil their plans to reopen – Time Out. “That’s an 864% increase in digital library card sign-ups, and about a 200% boost in new users across all of its e-reading platforms, the NYPL says.” … “Libraries across the city are planning to start offering limited services as early as July and will slowly reinstitute services over time. A full reopening will be largely contingent on health and safety recommendations, according to library officials. One thing is for sure—they’ll be taking it slowly, ensuring the safety of their visitors and staff, they said.””

Local news by authority

• Caerphilly – Library services to be reopened in phased approach – Caerphilly Observer. “The first stage of reopening library services will see the reintroduction of the LibraryLink community outreach service. However, library buildings themselves appear unlikely to reopen any time soon.”
• Cardiff – How the new Cardiff library click and collect service will work – Wales 247. “In Cardiff, phase 1 of the recovery will allow customers to pre-order titles either via libraries online catalogue or by calling a new library phone line where they will be offered a selection of five books based on their interests and preferred genres.” … “Quarantining and cleaning measures for returned books will be in place before they are reused reduce the chances of spreading COVID-19.”
• Denbighshire – Boost to digital resources at Denbighshire libraries – Free Press. ““We have introduced new offers such as Ancestry Library … and now able to offer Press Reader to our members.”
• Devon – Head of Library Service & Customer Experience – Libraries Unlimited. £45-55k. “you will be leading the day-to-day service across our library buildings, mobiles and online. In addition, you will be positioning the charity to be at the forefront of service excellence both with the services we offer and the customer experience we provide.”
• Essex – When will Essex County Council libraries reopen? – Epping Forest Guardian. “A spokesperson for the campaign group said: “Essex County Council must not use the lockdown as an excuse to not reopen the threatened libraries. When it is safe to do so libraries must reopen in their pre-lockdown library buildings with pre-lockdown staffing levels.” … “From Monday, July 6 sixteen sites will re-open; Basildon*, Billericay, Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester, Dunmow, Epping, Harlow, Harwich, Maldon, Rayleigh, Rochford, South Benfleet and Witham.” … “Customers will be able to return and borrow books, as well as have some limited time to browse the shelves. The number of customers allowed in a library at any one time will need to be reduced to help people stay safe.””
• Falkirk – Huge rise in demand for e-books in Falkirk libraries – Falkirk Herald. “E-book borrowing from Falkirk libraries has soared by 73 per cent, while March also saw a 222% increase in new users”
• Fife – Fife library services go online and tap into huge audience in lockdown – Fife Today. “LibrarYAY Facebook group developed by the Libraries Young People team.” … “Some of the sessions have had over 800 views locally – and internationally – and that just gave us such a boost we decided to see what else would translate as an online offering.”

• Gateshead – Libraries in Lockdown: Keeping Gateshead Going – Activist Group. Video above. “Celebrating the excellent work of UK local government library staff supporting their communities in creative ways during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020.”
  • Gateshead Libraries image chosen for lockdown collection – Gateshead Council. Shows PPE produced by library 3D printer. “Historic England launched a project in April asking members of the public to submit photos showing their experiences throughout lockdown. Almost 3,000 images were submitted by members of the public and 100 of these have been chosen for the collection along with 50 newly commissioned works and 50 images from Historic England’s photographers”
• Hampshire – Ready Reads Scheme – We Select, You Collect – Hampshire County Council. “Complete this form so library staff can regularly hand-pick a selection of books for you to collect from your local library. You can choose how often and how many books you’d like.”. Online order form.
• Kingston – Black authors reading list published by Kingston Libraries – Sutton and Croydon Guardian. “On Wednesday (June 3), a spokesperson for Kingston Libraries posted the reading list to Twitter with a short statement describing their thought process behind making it.”
• Lambeth – Lambeth libraries look at how to ease lockdown – Brixton Blog. ““Although we would like to slowly introduce some services later in July. This will be dependent on a number of different issues – including government guidance which currently states they should stay shut until 4 July, and how well the virus is contained in the coming weeks.”
  • Lambeth Libraries online events for June 2020: quizzes, history talks, reading groups, books, kids’ stuff and more – Brixton Buzz. A comprehensive list and a very impressive line-up.
• Lancashire – Online book and lego clubs and a Covid-19 archive – Lancashire’s library and archive services get innovative in lockdown – Visitor. “… where reading groups can no longer meet, the service reinvented those meetings with Twitter and Faebook discussions online in the Lunch Break Book Club about books the groups would have been discussing. Similarly the library lego groups now post photos of their work online. Reading Development Manager Robin Crawshaw said: “In a way it’s forced innovation. We’ve had to really think differently about how we can continue our service but in a very different format.”
• Manchester – The Friends of Burnage Library wins UK’s highest voluntary group award – Manchester Evening News. “The Friends of Burnage Library has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.”

@MancLibraries may be closed but we’re still offering a lot of amazing services for all you library lovers. Our friend @juliehes would like to tell you about a few things we’re offering to use from your own home. @macinnes_neil @RahmanCllr @joanneroney @MccFionaW @ManCityCouncil pic.twitter.com/txfaTNFqeJ

— Manchester Libraries #LibrariesFromHome (@MancLibraries) June 3, 2020

• North Ayrshire – Largs Library book club has new chapter online – Largs and Millport Weekly News.
• Shropshire – Shropshire Council makes plans for phased reopening of libraries – Shropshire Live. “Although we are really looking forward to welcoming our customers back into library branches, it’s clear that we will need to take a step-by-step approach, with potentially only the largest couple of libraries opening in the first instance on a very limited basis.”
• Somerset – Somerset Libraries Customer Priorities – ‘re-opening’ Library Services – Somerset Libraries. Consultation on what the public wants come reopening. “It is important to us that what we do provide is delivered safely but that it also accurately reflects the needs of the communities we serve. We would like your views on the services that are most important to you. Thank you for taking part in our survey.”
• Suffolk – Public libraries set to reopen in July – East Anglian Daily Times. “Getting 44 different sites open safely requires careful planning and more information will be shared with customers as soon as possible so everyone understands what’s happening in their local library.”
  • Libraries to reopen from early July – Suffolk Libraries. “Most libraries are closed on Mondays and are more likely to reopen on Tuesday 7 July. Some libraries may open slightly later in July. Opening times are initially likely to be different for all library buildings. Getting 44 different sites open safely requires careful planning and more information will be shared with customers as soon as possible so everyone understands what’s happening in their local library.”
• Wrexham – Wrexham’s Library Service – more than books… – Leader. A look at services on offer and an interview with a member of staff.

Editorial

The big question about the reopening of public libraries in England under the Cummings Government isn’t when it is legal to do so – currently 4 July – but rather what “open” means and what will happen if the rules are broken. After all, Westminster Libraries have been happily providing library computer access for weeks without any trouble even though it has questionable legality.

Up and down the country councils are working out what reopening means. Most are waiting for the Libraries Connected guidelines but some are not – Nottinghamshire is the first I am aware of to announce what it will be doing in July. And what it will be doing looks more than expected: not just click and collect but actual public access to collections, albeit with limited public numbers allowed. Now, there’s no way such public access can guarantee Covid-free stocks – after all, one member of the public wandering around touching random books (and they so will) will void any quarantining beforehand – but that’s not a legal problem that will stop their plans. Because the law is not there, in this and so much else, as can be seen by the leader of the current government happily going on TV today to explain his trip to Durham was fine, because … well, because. However, to be fair, Notts may be justified – Denmark is reopening its libraries with no stock quarantine at all – possibly because recent evidence suggests contamination is mainly by air particles. And those Libraries Connected guidelines will just be guidelines: councils can actually ignore them and do what they want.

This easy-going approach represents real dangers to staff, the public and to the reputation of the library service. People need to know libraries are safe, be they visitors or workers. But they will not get such assurance from the government, who apparently find the intricacies of ruling rather bothersome – so they will need to get it from Libraries. If you are involved in reopening plans, you therefore need to factor in health and safety into your plans and not expect clear national rules. Because “danger of death” has never been a Universal Offer or an employment condition for the sector, and it should not start now.

National news

Good morning! Reminder to our members you can browse all the newspapers first thing if you sign up for our RB Digital service. https://t.co/6xebOIhCdc pic.twitter.com/fcw4N1dzRr

— Shetland Library (@ShetlandLibrary) May 25, 2020

• Annual public library loans figures reveal the UK’s most borrowed e-books for the first time – British Library. “For the first time, the annual public library loans data – released today for the period covering July 2018 – June 2019 – includes figures on e-book borrowing as well as print books, audiobooks and regional borrowing.” … “Culture Minister, Caroline Dinenage, said: “It is brilliant that, thanks to digital services, so many people can still engage with their local library and enjoy the nation’s most popular titles. E-books are a fantastic way to entertain and educate, especially as we spend more time at home.” E-book most lent list is significantly different to printed list [perhaps due to borrowing restrictions? – Ed.]
  • Print and digital readers like different books, library data suggests – Guardian. “Eight of the books in the print top 10 are thrillers” … “The ebook borrowing charts reveal a slightly different reading demographic”
  • Scots author’s debut novel ‘most-borrowed’ e-book of last year – Scotsman.
  • Lee Child’s Midnight Line named UK’s most borrowed library book – BookSeller.
  • Mystery as literature review guide is one of Britain’s most popular books – Times (partial paywall). “Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care: A Practical Guide by Helen Aveyard is one of only two nonfiction publications to feature in the annual library borrowing charts. It was among the top 20 in the regional list for the West Midlands.”
• DCA brings bestselling multimedia kids app to UK public libraries – DCA. “Brighton & Hove libraries have partnered with local charity Amaze to target the offer to families with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).  This is one of the first times that a UK library has prioritised access to specific content directly to vulnerable families and is a great example of how libraries support their local communities.”. Richmond, Camden, Slough and Brighton & Hove now use Hopster.
• Health on the Shelf – SLIC. “Public libraries provide a population-scale platform for population-scale public health issues. With 50% of people in Scotland using public libraries, they provide substantial reach through their core services, such as books and computers, as well as through tailored health and wellbeing services …”
• Libraries to adopt ‘safety first’ approach for July reopenings – BookSeller. Isobel Hunter says ““Reopening libraries has to be a phased process in line with the latest safety advice and all planning should be based on risk assessments, carried out with staff, unions and health and safety teams. It is also critical that libraries are given enough notice about reopening to properly prepare their buildings and their staff to keep everyone safe.” … “Nick Poole, c.e.o of the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals, said the safety of both users and staff must be the “primary concern” when it comes to the strategy for reopening libraries. He emphasised to The Bookseller it is a “‘can’ open, not a ‘will’ or a ‘must’” from 4th July …”

“To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to prioritise libraries for early re-opening as lockdown restrictions are lifted; and what discussions they have had with the Local Government Association on this issue.” Lord Bird – They Work For You.

• Digital ThinkIn: Libraries after lockdown, what next? – Tortoise / Libraries Connected. Monday 8 June 5pm. “How should we think about not only reopening libraries, but creating a newly empowered role for them post-lockdown? Could they function as multi-purpose spaces, serving as learning environments, and community hubs, for everyone from toddlers to older generations?”
• Imagine a library service with no buildings, we’re living there now. An interview with Matt Finch in the time of Coronavirus – Public Libraries News. Discusses the changes seen, the best initiatives libraries have done, how libraries will get back to normal, best and worst case scenarios.
• New Culture Commissioner- named and Taskforce set up to aid sector recovery from coronavirus – Gov.uk. Almost no mention of libraries. [If the photograph is anything to go by, they’ve just appointed the most arrogant man this side of Cumming to chair it – Ed.]
• #uklibchat 1st June – libraries after lockdown – UK Library Chat. “As the coronavirus pandemic continues, countries and library workers are considering what a physical library service (if any) will look like in the future. What are libraries across all sectors considering? What best practice can we take from other areas and countries? How do we manage the practical and emotional issues around going back into workspaces?” 1st June 7pm.
• What comes next? – Arts Council England. CEO Darren Henley talks about next steps. £160m emergency response fund for Arts. “uncertainty remains and for some organisations the idea of getting back to business is still a distant prospect, so the Chancellor’s announcement that there will be an extension to the Government’s furloughing scheme until the end of October is welcome”
• When and how will public libraries reopen in England? – Public Libraries News. An ongoing list of what is currently open, and reopening announcements in England.

International news

• Australia – Libraries reopen with easing of restrictions – Public Libraries Connect. “Customers have been welcomed back inside in some areas; while, in others, it’s a ‘click & collect’ service only. Some libraries are operating on regular hours, others on reduced hours.” … “For those allowing public access, a popular choice has been to encourage or enforce time limits, with restrictions between 15 to 30 minutes noted across the state.” … “Social distancing regulations mandate a maximum of 10 customers per space; though, for some smaller libraries, this number is less”
  • National Simultaneous Storytime goes virtual for 2020 – Public Libraries Connect.
• Canada – All the things the library has done for Halifax residents since shutting its doors for COVID-19 – The Coast. “It’s problem solving in real-time, with residents stuck at home but screaming for services, and it’s working. “As we have pivoted,” Kachan said, “the things we are doing are resonating with our community.””
• Global – 184: Matt Finch – Circulating Ideas. “Steve chats with strategy & foresight consultant Matt Finch about what scenario planning is and why libraries need to be doing it, some of the big ideas libraries need to be thinking about, working remotely during a pandemic, and exploring Library Island.”. Including working out why libraries should be doing something e.g. podcasts and not others.
  • Global – COVID-19 and the Global Library Field – IFLA. “The information and resources below are provided on a non-exhaustive basis but will be updated regularly. It is based on publicly available information, and that submitted to updates@ifla.org. We welcome additional ideas, references, suggestions and corrections to this address. Please see also our  FAQs specifically concerning IFLA”
• Japan – The Traveling Library Truck – NHK World. 24 minute video. “For 3 days, we follow a library truck stocked with 2,800 books. In Matsuyama City, a public truck service has been delivering books to the surrounding mountains and islands for 45 years.””
• New Zealand – Even in the worst-case scenario – Public Libraries Magazine. “What are public libraries meant to do for their communities? How does the changing nature of our community also change our mission? And when crisis strikes, disrupting the assumptions, routines, and procedures of “business as usual,” what is the impact on the social role of our institution?” … “No library service seeks to be tested in the ways cities like Christchurch and Ferguson have been, but in such moments, hidden aspects of libraries’ social role are made starkly manifest, offering lessons for us all”
  • Libraries Offer Limited Service From Monday 25 May – Scoop. “District Libraries Manager Glenn Webster says from Monday people will be able to return library items via the after-hours facility, borrow items, request items and collect held items.” … ““People will have to show their library card to enter, so we can ‘contact trace’ if required. Only one family member is allowed at one time and the time spent in the library is limited.””
  • Reopening Libraries in New Zealand: Slow and Steady Wins The Race – Justin the Librarian. “One of the things I’ve noticed in our first week of being open back up to the public is just how un-library-like our library feels as we adjust to being open” … “We were expecting a ton of materials to be returned to our libraries, but we’ve noticed that instead of it being too much it has just been a good and steady stream of returns.” …. “At the core of everything I am hoping to continually broadcast a message of kindness and communication.”

• USA – Is It Safe to Go Back to My Local Library? – City Life. “the biggest risk involved with libraries reopening is simply the fact that, like every other business, they are enclosed, indoor spaces where people will gather. It’s therefore crucial that both library workers and patrons wear masks, that high-touch surfaces are regularly disinfected, and that strict capacity limits are enforced,” … “you can at least rest assured that your library books aren’t likely to carry terrifying diseases into your home.”
  • D.C. Public Library Permanently Eliminates Late Fees – DCist. ““Overdue fines create barriers to access for the very populations the library works to serve — low-income residents — and are not an effective tool to encourage on-time return of library material,” the board said in a document explaining the new policy.”
  • Essential Until We’re Not: An Angry Librarian On the Disregard for Library Staff Safety – BookRiot. “I’m not hiding it. I’m furious. I’m stressed out to the point where I feel like I’m vibrating from anxiety. Several years ago, I wrote about how I hated the “hero” narrative surrounding library work because calling us heroes ignores the fact that we are just average humans who need way more from our profession than our leaders are willing to provide, and now I’m watching that narrative play out on a national level. Libraries are resilient, they say, ignoring the fact that it’s not safe for patrons or staff to open the libraries yet. But no one seems to realize that empty words can’t keep us safe.”

I see conversations on Twitter where library employees are in tears because they are considered at-risk for COVID-19, yet their libraries are forcing them to choose between their jobs and their lives.

• The future of libraries already looked increasingly digital, then came the coronavirus – Yahoo. “So, yes, they’ll most certainly look different than we remember once they reopen but it doesn’t have to be a bad different.” NYPL is offering Zoom backgrounds.
  • Programming Through the Pandemic – Library Journal. Paid events: “Programs that could translate to the online environment made the switch; others would reschedule when the library could resume regular services.”. A look at what US libraries are doing online.
  • Your library is reopening: how communicate new rules to Your Staff and the Public During a Pandemic – Super Library Marketing.

Local news by authority

• Aberdeen – Aberdeen librarians delve into the past with silver city weekends – Evening Express. “Now each Saturday staff choose an image from the past and post it on their social media page.”
• Borders – Live Borders staff congratulated for ‘extraordinary’ COVID-19 response – Charity Today. “Our digital library is growing all the time. We have made it even easier to join the library via our website and produced a couple of short videos to help people make the best of this free service. We are doing what we can to support those who normally borrow books from their local library to try out the service.”
• Brighton and Hove – Coronavirus: Free Brighton book deliveries for vulnerable – Argus. “offering a free book delivery service for people unable to leave home.”
• Darlington – Darlington Library and Virtual School donate books to vulnerable – Northern Echo. “Darlington Libraries has teamed up with Darlington Virtual School to donate free educational packs to 120 looked after children across the borough. The BookTrust Letterbox pack contains age-appropriate books, learning resources and games designed to spark imagination and ensure home learning is fun and interactive.”
• Devon – Library users can still access services online – Devon Live.
  • Podcast Episode 2: A Time for Libraries – Libraries Unlimited. “Lee is joined by Tabitha Witherick to discuss why we are living in a time for libraries and the positive effect we are still having on the community during the lockdown. We see the going on across Devon and Torbay in our news segment and finish with a surprisingly polished lightning book review.”
  • Six-year-old Eve achieves Budleigh Salterton Library’s first Book Track in lockdown – East Devon News. “The youngster completed the reading challenge of 100 books while staying at home. Because of social distancing rules, the schoolgirl had her gold Book Track badge and certificate delivered to her home, instead of being presented with the awards at the library.”
• Gateshead – Libraries giving ‘How to’ advice to residents – Gateshead Council. Two videos on how to make facemasks.
• Liverpool – Join Read Liverpool for thousands of free book downloads – The Guide. “Liverpool was one of the first cities in the UK to introduce the e-library service in 2009”. Promotes library e-book offer.
• Monmouthshire – Council highlights teamwork as it marks National Mental Health Awareness Week – Monmouthshire Beacon. “The importance of reading for pleasure cannot be underestimated during lockdown and members of Monmouthshire Libraries can download free eBooks and eAudiobooks …”
• Newcastle – Collection and delivery service at the library – Jesmond volunteer library. “The library’s collection and delivery service is up and running. If you would like to borrow books (up to 3 per person) please email us …”
• Norfolk – Harry Potter is still the book people want to read in lockdown – Eastern Daily Press. “Ebook downloads were up 63pc on the previous year during April, while the number of people using Norfolk Library service’s eBook service jumped 80pc and more than 2,000 people signed up to use the library in March. Children’s downloads increased by a staggering 315pc in April, with the most popular title being an audio book of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.”
• Northamptonshire – Rushden councillor collecting books to help children while the schools are closed – Northamptonshire Telegraph. “Cllr Maxwell said: “With no schools, libraries or book shops open and children who left school eight weeks ago with three books, how is this supposed to help with their education?””
• Nottinghamshire – Working to reopen libraries and archives in Notts – Nottinghamshire County Council. “Peter Gaw CEO of Inspire said, “We will be having a phased approach to resuming a face-to-face library service. A limited loan, information and ICT service will be on offer, with each library having a specific, pre-set visitor capacity which will allow people to distance themselves and be safe”
  • Our Chief Executive on our reopening plans – Inspire Culture. “From week commencing 6 July, we will offer a limited loan, information and ICT service, initially in 7 pilot libraries and the archives office before rolling out to the rest of the county in following weeks.”

Notts libraries announce their reopening plans. Very clear & concise message, well crafted to manage expectations of the public & staff alike. However, does seem a little premature given the uncertainty over the date due to the potential for retightening of lockdown https://t.co/hsnkTRhp3J

— darren smart (@darrentheviking) May 23, 2020

• Sheffield – Why we need a professionally-staffed library service in Sheffield – letter – Star. “I personally think that all libraries in the city should have library staff and the failed social experiment which is volunteer libraries should be abandoned immediately, and while we are at it please could we have a professionally staffed library service reinstated in Attercliffe – we haven’t had one since 1986.”
• Somerset – Somerset Libraries marking Mental Health Awareness Week with giveaways – Burnham on Sea. ““Mental Health Awareness Week will be filled with wonderful virtual resources from our Libraries, and I urge everyone to take part.””
• South Gloucestershire – South Gloucestershire Council’s libraries extend online services – South Gloucestershire Newsroom. “During the coronavirus pandemic there has been a significant increase in the number of people accessing our online resources with a surge of new members joining online – up 638 per cent since lockdown began.”
• Staffordshire – Demand for e-books continues to rise at libraries – A little bit of Stone. “Since the lockdown, e-book downloads have increased by over 100 percent and e-audio by around 80 percent with over 10,000 titles now available. Over 27,000 e-magazines and 145 e-comics have also been borrowed over a similar period.”

Editorial

I attended, virtually, of course, the “Libraries after Covid” digital “thinkin” last week, organised by Tortoise in partnership with Libraries Connected. The session was well-attended, with over 400 apparently watching, but it was a bit derailed as it was already evident that the Government was keen on opening up the country before the lethal pandemic had passed. So it was more a case of “Libraries during Covid”.

The overwhelming sense I got from the session and from reading about the library situation nationally and internationally is that health and safety should come first. After all, if reopening public libraries could potentially kill someone, then we are doing it wrong. This will probably involve reopening in stages, with perhaps a click and collect service coming first, and limited use of the personal computers, with a “normal” service being many months away.

And then the Prime Minister came on TV this evening. It was all a bit confusing but it looks like public services may (or may not if things go wrong) start reopening from July, whatever that means. However, being that one of the steps in June is allowing 4 to 6 year olds back to school, its quite likely things will go wrong. After all, many four year olds can barely remember to use the toilet all the time, let alone socially distance, and they will be in contact presumably with thirty others, teachers and, when they get home, parents and grandparents. Quarantining it is not.

A fifty page document is being released tomorrow and it may have more information in it about libraries but, whatever we do, one hopes that it will be safety first, of staff and the public. This needs to be mixed with our very important social mission of course so this will be a challenge. But nothing about the current situation isn’t challenging. Libraries have done better in the last couple of months than we could have guessed or hoped for beforehand. So let’s not mess it up now, for this could be life and death important.

National news

• £18m support for the culture, creative and sport sector in Wales – Welsh Government. “£250k Digital Library Resources, which will enable public libraries to provide additional digital resources to the public and gives people resources to read and engage with whilst self-isolating.” and “£1m Cultural Resilience Fund for museums, collections, conservation services, archives and community and public libraries to respond to short-term pressures and recovery actions on a grant application basis.”

“The prime minister is effectively trying to pull off the impossible. He wants to try to restart normal life, while keeping the virus at bay with limited means to do so. With no vaccine, the government is reliant on containing any local outbreaks. But the problem is that even with the extra testing that has been put in place over the past month, there are big holes in the UK’s ability to suppress the virus.”

BBC Heath Correspondent

• Boris Johnson speech: PM unveils ‘conditional plan’ to reopen society – BBC. “The next step could see some hospitality businesses and other public places reopen – “if the numbers support it” – but not earlier than 1 July. He said these steps formed part of a “first sketch of a roadmap for reopening society”.

BorrowBox has offered to match library spending up to £10,000. Not ideal but it highlights how pathetically inadequate the support offered by ACE and the DCMS has been given the circumstances.

— Scott Richmond (@scottrichmond01) May 5, 2020

• Lego, learning and laughter: how libraries are thriving in lockdown – Guardian. “The sudden switch from a physical space to online has been challenging for staff and users, but has also highlighted the vital role of library services and the skills of staff. From Orkney’s Lego challenge to Truro’s storytime at home sessions, librarians are coming up with innovative ways to stay engaged with users and each other.”
• Libraries Give Vital PC Access through the Lockdown – Lorensbergs. “libraries’ physical buildings, their resources and staff are still sorely missed by many of their users and their reopening will be warmly welcomed” … “a small minority of libraries have in fact provided physical access to computers during this time” e.g. Westminster … “, it’s anticipated that home library services involving doorstep deliveries may be among the first services to restart.”

“At the beginning I wanted to assist those in need, but was concerned about my safety and well-being. When I was reassured the staff would be provided with the appropriate PPEs as part of the safety protocol, then I felt safe to go ahead and provide this service. People do respect the distance. The cleaner cleans the PC and chair after each user.”

Westminster member of staff

• LocalGovCamp Lockdown – Online conference this week. Online sessions that may be of relevance to public libraries.
• Lockdown surge for library membership and e-book loans – BookSeller. “A 205% surge in e-book library loans and extra investment in digital resources during the coronavirus crisis will have a long-term effect on public libraries, according to leading figures in the service.”
• Tweeting for libraries: a handful of useful tools and examples – Ned Potter. An excellent guide to the possibilities.
• UK minister warns no big changes to coronavirus lockdown – Wic News. Wales: “Garden centres will re-open if they can prove they can keep people a safe distance apart, and local authorities will begin planning how to open libraries and municipal recycling centres.” Lockdown extended for three more weeks in Wales – ITV. “Libraries are seen to be important, as for many they are often their only online access point.” Wales eases lockdown by reopening garden centres and libraries and relaxing exercise rules – Evening Standard.
• VE Day explained for kids: Free events for the family across the UK from the Virtual VE Day 75 Festival to activities for children – I. “Libraries From Home, an initiative from Libraries Connected, will create a huge platform of VE Day material from libraries across the UK.” Nation falls silent to mark VE 75 – Gov.uk. “The #LibrariesFromHome initiative from Libraries Connected brings together a huge array of local offerings from libraries across the UK. These include recordings of 1940s songs from a local band in Windsor, a Facebook Book Chat discussion in Staffordshire on war novels, and a “bake along” with wartime recipes being posted throughout May organised by Wokingham library”

International news

• Australia – COVID-19 Infection Prevention Tips for Libraries – Medium / Jane Cowell. “These tips have been developed by a team of dedicated public library staff.”: don’t touch faces, don’t use mobile phones, wash hands, 4 metre separation, gloves when handling returned books, quarantine books for 72 hours, click and collect only,

“After each shift and before breaks keep your gloves on. Spray them with disinfectant then spray down your workstation and wipe after 10 seconds with paper towel. Wipe trolley handles that you have used with disinfectant-soaked paper towel. Then you can remove your gloves.”

• Belgium – Libraries in times of coronavirus: the case of Public Library of Pittem (Belgium) – Naple Sister Libraries. “on April 6th we started a pick-up service. People can mail a list with materials they want us to prepare. On a fixed moment we put the bags in the entrance hall. We only allow them to ask for materials that are available in our main branch. We did not put a maximum on the number of items requested, none has taken advantage of this.”

Denmark are slowly reopening and so are the libraries 🙏 We opened the physical collection for requests last week and got 200 request in the first 15 minutes 📚❤️ Libraries are still closed, huge focus on safety for staff and citizens, books etc are handed out through a hatch 1/2 pic.twitter.com/DNhLMplR3L

— Christian Lauersen (@clauersen) May 8, 2020

• Finland – “We don’t have frosted plexiglass”: a pick-up service, express service and take-away at PiKe libraries – Akepike (in Finnish). “According to the government’s policy, it is possible to start “borrowing out” in the library immediately. The core message of the guidelines issued by the Regional State Administrative Agency on Wednesday is that borrowing can be done under certain boundary conditions and the premises can be opened on a large scale from the beginning of June. It is possible for libraries to start a material retrieval service (so-called take-away type lending activity) immediately. However, premises other than those necessary for borrowing activities should be kept closed and no stay or other activities on the library premises should be allowed before 1.6.2020.”
• Ireland – Ireland unveils five-phase roadmap to return to normal-will UK plan look like this? – Dorset Echo. Phase 2 June 8 is “open public libraries”.
• USA – LGBTQ children’s books face record calls for bans in US libraries – Guardian. “Attempts to remove books from libraries across the US rose almost a fifth last year, with children’s books featuring LGBTQ characters making up 80% of the most challenged books.”
  • An Open Letter to Other Library Directors – Library Journal. “I will not reopen the library until I can ensure the health and safety of our staff. I will not reopen the library just because the governor cancels the stay at home order. We will be slow and deliberate, because for the first time in my 20 years of being a librarian, the decisions I make mean the life or death of my employees.”

“If your plan is to begin reopening as soon as possible, or engaging in curbside soon, then I want to see the library director and administrators on the front lines of service. I want them to be the ones to take books out to the cars, handle materials, and empty book drops.”

Royce Kitts, Director. Liberal Memorial Library. Liberal, Kansas

Local news by authority

• Angus – Coronavirus: Rebus keeps Angus residents company as online library use rockets nearly 500% since lockdown – Courier. “The closure of Angus Alive facilities across the district had led to the growth in the download of libraries’ RBdigital app. Culture chiefs have also reported a 319% increase in e-resource downloads of audio, books, magazines and comics. E-books have shown the biggest rise, with a 182% jump.”
• Barnet – We want to keep you reading – Garden Suburb Community Library. Click and collect system working in volunteer library.
• Bolton – Bolton Libraries and Museums At Home service announce more activities for all the family – Bolton News. Online activities: “A family quiz will be hosted on Wednesday, and on Thursday there’s the opportunity to ask a natural history curator questions.”
• Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s (Western Isles) – Library service goes online to meet your needs in the lockdown – Stornoway Gazette.
• Devon – Decorate Devon’s libraries with the great Bunting Project – Exmouth Journal. “Contributors are being asked to make triangular flag bunting with dimensions of five inches across the top and six inches from the top to bottom. You can use any fabric, single or double layered, in any colour and sew, glue or staple depending on your level of skill! Once the lockdown is lifted and libraries reopen you can deliver your bunting flags to your local library.”
• Durham – Popular online stories to continue through May – East Durham News. “Durham County Council’s library service recently began teaming up with artists to create video recitals of popular stories and poems which children and their families can enjoy online.”
• Essex – Lockdown library in three spots to fight isolation boredom – Clacton Gazette. Manningtree sets up little free libraries.
• Greenwich – Greenwich librarians proving an online hit during lockdown – London News Online. “Among the media stars is Tony from Woolwich Library, who provides a variety of Rhymetimes in English, Japanese and Chinese, as well as sing and sign, and is proving a big hit with younger viewers and their parents.”
• Lambeth – Lambeth libraries just keep on giving – Brixton Blog. List of online activities.
• Lancashire – Online library use soars during lockdown as bookworms go digital – Blog Preston. “The loans of eAudiobooks increased from 11,771 loans in January to 15,484 loans in March. The increase in eBooks is even greater with loans increasing from 9,845 in January to 14,261 in April.”
• Lincolnshire – Lincolnshire libraries under lockdown enjoy soaring demand for their online resources and tutorials – Louth Leader. “A major success is the number of people now tuning into Facebook and twitter for activities which are normally provided in Lincolnshire’s library buildings. Engagement has grown by 100 per cent.” plus lists various percentage increases.
• Norfolk – Lockdown Norfolk library service offers so much more than just e-books – Eastern Daily Press. “Norfolk libraries are dedicating their time and resources to bring as much of their service to you, online so you can be part of the community again. From knitting tutorials and podcasts, to bounce and rhyme sessions and even a virtual ‘Just a Cuppa’ , they are proving, once again, that our community spirit will get us through.”
• Northern Ireland – Belfast Telegraph Coronavirus podcast: Jan Carson’s Postcard Stories and libraries see jump in virtual members – Belfast Telegraph. “Deputy Head of Service at Libraries NI Julie Reid said more than 10,000 new virtual members have signed up to the library since lockdown began. It’s along with a record month for loans for the service, she said. “In April we saw record figures for our loans, including ebooks and magazines checked out. Nearly 270,000 items were checked out since lockdown started.”
• Renfrewshire – Top e-books and audiobooks borrowed in Renfrewshire during lockdown revealed – Daily Record.
• Rochdale – Virtual library becomes a reality – Rochdale Online.
• Wiltshire – Leisure, library, heritage and arts services continue to support thousands – White Horse News. “The service’s rhyme time and story videos also continue to be popular with families, with more than 44,000 views so far and counting.”