• Beyond the bullet points: libraries are obsolete – Virtual Dave (USA).  Some excellent points against public libraries and, of course, excellent points in rebuttal in favour of them.  “Libraries as band aids may be obsolete, but that is not why we need libraries. We need libraries so we can fix our education system, so we can fix our economy, so we can fix our democracies yes. But we need libraries even more to discover new knowledge not found in any textbook. We need libraries to create whole new opportunities for innovation. We need libraries to give our communities a voice and power in the working of government. Libraries will never be obsolete so long as our communities dream, and strive, and work to ensure a world of insurmountable opportunities.”
• Blagger’s guide to … World Book Night – Independent on Sunday.   “Some publishers were initially a little sceptical: giving away books when the industry is struggling may seem like lunacy. But last year’s inaugural event was such a hit that most now agree it’s worth putting up with the £8m cost, if it spreads a bit of love. Of course, it’s brilliant PR and, who knows, some new readers may become bookaholics and big spenders”. [Interesting to note that public libraries “give” books away all the time and therefore presumably also help the publishing industry.]
• British Library: going beyond books – Guardian.  Libraries as wealth creators: “We want to hear from the designers, illustrators and other creative professionals who have used the library: what have you found useful and (truthfully) what you didn’t. The British Library has always been a hub of knowledge, now it also wants to be a hub of inspiration. Come and get inspired.”
• From Horrible Histories to Babar the Elephant: the “offensive” children’s books withdrawn by libraries – Telegraph. Summarises the challenges to books made in public libraries last year.  While clearly going for a “political correctness gone crazy” angle, the list actually shows that not many were successful.  See point by Bob Usherwood below on why this situation may soon get worse.  See also the points made by Alan Gibbons.
• HuffPost meets Dan Jarvis, an MP obsessed with libraries – Huffington Post.   Shadow minister for libraries is about to produce “a major report on the future of libraries, a document which he promises will be a “non-partisan, non-knockabout vision for a 21st Century library.” … “They’re really important public spaces… but like everything they have got to move with the times. We’re now living in an information age, the way people are accessing information is different from five or ten years ago, and it will be different in another five or ten years from now.” His pre-occupation seems to be that as we increasingly move from print to digital publishing, the case for a physical public space becomes precarious.”.  Mr Jarvis believes the DCMS is about to be disbanded.

• Incredibly unique bookmobiles around the world – Flavorwire (USA).  Illustrated selection of some of the best and most unusual mobile libraries in the world, including the “Weapon of Mass Instruction”.
• Let’s begin to do something positive about the public library service – Good Library Blog. Tim Coates argues that we need “one system, one website, one communications network, one set of operating standards for every process – and 3,500 buildings . The 150 systems and websites and sets of specifications we have now need to be closed down.”.  See comments for reasons for and against this idea.
• Letter: Bob Usherwood – Independent on Sunday.  “Localism inevitably leads to a postcode lottery, which means there will be unequal access to high-quality library and information services. There is also the real danger of tyranny by a local majority whereby a policy – stock selection, say – may be based on local prejudice rather than professional judgement. In America, challenges to books in libraries are commonplace, and challenged titles include Brave New World and Catcher in the Rye. Such events are rare in the UK, partly because of local and central control. We face the prospect of a public library service based on geographical chance and localism, and a population whose life chances will be diminished by reduced services and several hundred library closures.”
  

  “Q. Do you have a Kindle? I do, but funnily enough it’s very difficult to get any books on it you actually want. The first thing I thought I’d put on it was Froude’s Life of Carlyle, which is one of my favourite biographies, but it’s quite impossible. Then you try to download the Pléiade Proust rather than some crap Proust and you can’t. Then I downloaded the complete works of Yeats, and the poems give out halfway through. So I think it’s of very limited use. It’s fine for aeroplanes and trains but it won’t replace the dear old book.” AN Wilson in the Guardian. 

Local News

• Bolton – MP calls for moves to save library service – Bolton News. “Mr Crausby [MP] has signed an Early Day Motion in Parliament which welcomes the formation of Speak Up For Libraries and calls on the Government to undertake a thorough assessment of the state of the public library service and develop a national vision for its future.” 

“Too late for the people of Highfield who saw their new library shut down even though it was well used.The old library building at Marsh Lane lies empty.Surely the answer would have been to sell the Marsh Lane building as it’s standing there doing nothing and pump the proceeds into the Highfield Road building.Sadly the Council just closed Highfield library without justification and now people are asked to use Farnworth library which is almost 2 miles away and £4.20p return on the bus.Madness!”

• Dorset – Wool library campaigners closer to taking over facility – Dorset Echo.   “The Friends of Wool Library has already put forward a business plan for the future running of the facility and are in discussions with the council with a view to taking over the library in September. The Friends group, which now has 100 members and a roster of volunteers in place, has received a further boost to their plans with a generous donation from a local firm. The Bovington Employees Support Team (BEST) at Babcock International has donated £200 [sic] to help the Friends meet the running costs when they take over the facility.”
• Gloucestershire – Library rescue plan progressing in Mitcheldean – This is Gloucestershire.  “More than 30 hours of staffing per week are likely to be stripped away from the library under Gloucestershire County Council’s savings plans but villagers are determined to keep it running at full strength. The Mitcheldean Library Action Group has now set up the new GL17 Community Hub to take on responsibility for the centre and is determined services will not be hit.”.  Councillor Hawthorne claims that cutting 30 hours of staffing is providing an opportunity to “expand library facilities”.
• Newcastle – Week in the life of Cruddas Park Library – Newcastle Libraries Online.   “Local photographer Keith Pattison spent a week at Cruddas Park Library taking photographs of the customers who visited.  They either held up the book they borrowed of wrote down the reason for their trip to the library. His innovative project highlights the many different ways people use their library and looks at the role libraries play in the local community. The images have been compiled in his new book, ‘face BOOK – A Week in the Life of a Branch Library’, which will be launched alongside Keith’s exhibition on Tuesday 24 April at 10:30am at Cruddas Park Shopping Centre. You can also take a look at the images online on Keith’s website.”.  Some nice images.
• Telford & Wrekin – Library service changes to go before cabinet – Shropshire Live.  “The council says savings of around 20 per cent could be achieved without the need to close any of the 9 libraries across the borough if the plans are approved. The proposal states that the savings could be gained through the reduction of opening hours along with the exploration of researching new opportunities to co-locate library services with other partner services in order to save building related costs.” … “The proposals would mean that no library in Telford and Wrekin would have to close and by presenting a proposal which has been informed by public opinion, the suggestion to change library opening hours should suit our service users.””

News

• Building collections: 300 years of the old library – NAPLE blog.  “This year Trinity College Library Dublin will mark the tercentenary of the laying of the foundation stone of the Old Library, one of the great libraries of the Western world. The balance and symmetry of the architecture have made the building an icon for the organisation of human thought and expression. Its collections span over a millennium of recorded thought.”
• Closing down DCMS could save £1.6bn – Institute of Economic Affairs.  
• Don’t let the philistines destroy London’s arts, David – London Evening Standard.  Arts Council funding cut by 30%.  “And now I fear that Cameron is about to deal yet another blow to the arts by abolishing the DCMS altogether. There are well-sourced rumours in Westminster and the arts world that after the Olympics, the Government will announce that the DCMS is no longer needed.”
• Internet: don’t need it, can’t afford it – Infoism.  Reasons for people not having the internet are explored: half don’t think its relevant, a third say they can’t afford it. a tenth say lack of skills.
• Nesta report encourages “creative decommissioning” – Civil Society.  “The report uses eight worldwide case studies to demonstrate how imaginative decommissioning can result in affirmative action. One such case is from the London borough of Tower Hamlets, where underused libraries are being closed and  ‘Idea Stores’ opened in their place. Branded as “a reinvention of what a modern library could be”, these combine the traditional book-lending service with adult learning, after-school activities for children, local information, a café, health services and other cultural activities – all in one location. Despite a reduction in the number of libraries, the replacement Idea Stores are being used more intensely, with a rise in visits from circa 500,000 to two million a year since their introduction.”

Changes

• Barnet – Artsdepot has “interim” 10,000 item library to replace North Finchley and Friern Barnet.
• Camden – Keats Community Library (volunteer run) opened 17/4/12.
• Lancashire – £6.5m regeneration programme now halfway completed, inc. £500k refurbishment for Accrington Library.  

Local News

• Barnet – Interim library to open next week – Barnet Today.  “…announced following a public backlash over the closure of Friern Barnet Library is set to open next week. The interim library, which opens on Tuesday April 24, will be based at artsdepot in Tally Ho Corner, where the council plans to merge North Finchley and Friern Barnet libraries.” … “A council spokesman said the stop-gap library, which will be open for three hours a day, four days a week, will offer around 10,000 items, as well as newspapers, magazines and a study space. Activities for children and young people are also in the pipeline”
• Camden – First membership cards issued at the new Keats Community Library – Camden New Journal.  “The renamed Hampstead library – housed in a wing of the home of Romantic poet John Keats – was saved by a committee made up of Hampstead-based civic groups and library users. Nearly 370 people – organised into half-day shifts – have volunteered to help run the library. Library director Steven Bobasch said: “We’ve opted to use an electronic system to memorise data, and then stamp books the old fashioned way to keep things simple.” … “It aims to raise at least £250,000 to set up a foundation, and will need to find £80,000 a year to stay open six days a week.” 50 people joined in one morning, aim is 1000.
• Durham – Campaigners present petition to protect Belmont Library – Northern Echo.  “Yesterday, campaigners from Belmont, Durham City, presented a petition of more than 2,000 signatures to County Hall – making their case outside the building as Labour councillors arrived for a cabinet meeting.  The We Love Belmont Library campaign is fighting a proposal to reduce its opening hours from 43 hours a week to 20.”
• Gloucestershire – Volunteers stock library shelves – This is Gloucestershire.  “Volunteer librarians are busy cataloguing books in readiness for the launch of the county’s first community library in Painswick. Campaign helpers are adding dust jackets and date labels before stacking bookshelves in the refurbished upper room of the Town Hall, from where the library will operate.”
• Lancashire – Backs libraries – About My Area.   “The campaign features local library users on eye-catching billboards, phone boxes, and buses, as well as radio adverts. The campaign also features a competition to win a Kobo e-reader , aimed at generating feedback through an on-line survey. The face of the East Lancashire campaign is 17-year old Abida Tasneem, who is a volunteer at Haslingden Library.”

• Northamptonshire – Libraries advertising screens plan advertised – BBC.  Critic says “LSD [sic]screens are very cheap now and can be bought for next to nothing, so why they have authorised £165,000 to be spent on them? “It wasn’t long ago the libraries were facing closure – now it seems the money is being invested in the wrong area.” … but council says “”It will be used to keep library visitors informed with what’s happening at their local library and the wide range of services available, whether it’s a job club, free internet access on a Friday or a Rhymetime session, for example.”

• Age, disability and the digital divide – Infoism.  “It is, of course, the higher earners who presume that everyone has the internet, based purely on the fact that all their peers have.  Perhaps if they looked beyond their circle they will see that many of those lower down the pay scale not only do not have internet at home, but also have never even accessed the internet.”
• Book burning party – Book Burning Party (USA).  An upbeat guide to the controversial campaigning tactic to keep the library open in Troy, Michigan.  Controversial because it made people angry and children actually break down weeping.  On the other hand, it got people talking and apparently tripled the vote.
• Library of the year nominations – BookSeller. Nominations are: Edinburgh City Libraries/City of Edinburgh Libraries and Information Services, Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library/Norfolk County Library Service, Orkney Library & Archive/Orkney Library & Archive, Stockton Central/Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, Wotton Fields Library, Northampton/Tribal Group PLC.  None of these were deemed worthy of appearing at the Future of Library Services conference.
• Why I’m going to Harvard to argue that libraries are obsolete and why you should help me do it – Virtual Dave (USA).   Another interesting American post, using debating as means to sharpen up campaigning arguments.

Local News

• Barnet – People’s protest – Save Friern Barnet Library Group.  “The Save FBL Group remains angry and disbelieving of the actions of Barnet Council. We have now learned that between July 2011 and February 29th 2012 (the day of the Scrutiny Meeting) no meetings at all took place between Barnet Council and artsdepot to discuss a landmark library. We have also learned that Barnet Council, who insisted that the Save FBL Group proposal must cost a maximum of £10,000 per year, will be giving the Hampstead Garden Suburb Volunteer Library £25,500 this year alone. This once again demonstrates the continuing contempt shown to our community.”
• Calderdale – Reduced library opening hours criticised – Todmorden News.  “At last week’s town meeting, Todmorden town councillor Frank McManus moved a motion calling on Calderdale Council to restore the recent cuts. Fellow town councillors agreed that the reduced opening times were regrettable.”
• Croydon/Lambeth – Upper Norwood Library latest – via Alan Gibbons.  A list of the great amount going on to help save one of the best libraries in London.
• Gloucestershire – Councillor Noble is let off misconduct charge: again – FoGL.   “County Councillor Noble led a review of libraries, which, in my view, misled councillors and the public, and was declared illegal in court and cost the people of Gloucestershire hundreds of thousands of pounds. The council is apparently happy to sit on its hands rather than admit it was a huge error-strewn blunder. I call this decision a whitewash.”

“GCC LOST a judicial review as they failed to consider, and mitigate, the impact on the vulnerable, yet still they fail to take any blame or any responsibility for their failings. GCC had “no comment” because their conduct and processes are impossible to defend. They know that no one will hold them to account though isn’t that right Mr Vaizey and Mr Hunt, LGO and DCMS?”

• Councillor cleared of misconduct in libraries review – This is Gloucestershire.   “Councillor Antonia Noble, former cabinet member for library services, led a scheme to axe 10 county libraries which was quashed in November when a High Court judicial review found the authority did not consult vulnerable users. Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries (FOGL) member John Holland launched a formal complaint in June last year, claiming councillor Noble had misled people by implying the impact of planned closures in the county’s most deprived areas had been taken into account. At a council standards committee meeting last week, members found she had not intended to mislead anyone and that her words had been open to “misinterpretation”.”
• Oxfordshire – Distant Thunder – Tim Griggs (press release).  Tim Griggs will be “speaking at Oxford City Library at 1.00 PM on World Book Day, Monday 23 April. He will be talking about the parallels between today’s world and the late Victorian era evoked by his novel. ‘Both were dominated by empires still huge but teetering on the edge of collapse,’ he says, ‘both were paranoid about external threats, particularly those with religious links. Both were riven by internal dissent.”
• Worcestershire – Have your say on Kidderminster Library plans – Shuttle. “Plans could see the art space and Steinway grand piano moved to the library’s first and ground floors to make way for offices housing 90 desks and 139 staff from adult and social care and children’s services.”

• Suffolk County Council: Suffolk is aiming to run its libraries via an arms-length Industrial and Provident Society (IPS) which itself will need to work with at least fourteen community groups which will run their libraries.  Cut to libraries budget: £2.6m over three years (30%).
• Wandsworth Council: The Council would have closed York Gardens Library, the library in its poorest ward, had not volunteers come in to assist.  The council has made the decision to privatise its library service.  Cut to libraries budget: £720k.
• Buckinghamshire County Council: This council has been a trail blazer in getting volunteers to run its branches for it, ever since Little Chalfont fought its closure a few years ago.  No less than 16 out of its 23 branches are/were under threat of closure unless locals got involved.   That it is being used an example of the future of libraries for the whole country is concerning, especially as it depends on highly prosperous skilled communities.  Cut to libraries budget: £700k.     
• Kent County Council. Kent’s school library service was closed in 2011. Recent proposals have included charging schools for tailored class visits. 83 staff lost their jobs due to installation of self-service. The council is considering tendering out its libraries.  Secret plans for closing no less than 44 branches were not carried out due to fears over their impact on the 2011 local elections. There have been problems as people were expected to register deaths at the library counter. Most notably, Kent Libraries told its staff this year not to plan events for National Libraries Day. Cut to libraries budget: £4m.  
• Oxfordshire County Council: 16 of the county’s 43 libraries will be half-staffed by the unpaid with a further five relying on volunteers for a third of its staff time. A local campaigner has suggested that cuts to the branches are being made rather than cuts behind the scenes.  Cut to libraries budget: £2m.  
• Warwickshire Library & Information Service:  12 libraries to be run by volunteers this year and there have been cuts to opening hours.  Cut to budget: £2m (from £7.4m).  
• Tri-borough (London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster City Council).  Three council library services have been merged under one director with hopes of economies of scale.  

News

• Disgruntled library patron ready for court – Journal Sentinel (USA). “The library makes no apology for going in search of AWOL books. Last year, 111 of its customers wound up in court for that. “The goal is not to be harassing people,” city attorney Eberhardy said. “The goal is to recover the materials or the money for the materials.”
• Future of library services – Neil Stewart Associates. “Chief Librarians and Councillors have a tough job ahead in ensuring that the delivery of library services is innovative and forward thinking. Local communities are well rehearsed in the benefits of library services, including improved literacy, inclusion and job search but services remain underused. This 7th national conference will bring together senior-level library and information management professionals from local authorities and the wider cultural sector in order to discuss emerging policy issues and share best practice from across the country.”
• Keep on borrowing: libraries refuse to die – Independent.  Looks at the pop-up library at Friern Barnet, whose end by the council was “brutal and swift”.  ” In scenes reminiscent of the Occupy movement, they have set up their own library”. Localism Act enabling councils to close branches but popular resistance is meaning numbers closed is a lot less than initially feared.  
• NYPL embraces the future of libraries today – Huffington Post (USA).  President of the New York Public Library describes and explains the planned changes to the library.
• Outdoor libraries set up after branch closings – Livingston (USA).  “Students from a Detroit school and the University of Michigan are setting up six outdoor libraries in the city following recent library branch closings.”

“It broke my heart to hear about the library closings, which are such a vital part of every community,” Manos said. “Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved visiting the library. I always regarded it as a sacred space and I think it would be a shame to deny any children the opportunity to read.”

• Snoopers shut my library – Independent (Boyd Tonkin).  “Barnet Council, Tory-run and dismissive of a Labour-majority ward, behaved with stubborn arrogance. It has done next to nothing to back its claim that a new library within a local arts centre would replace the branch: a mere “temporary facility” is promised. Protestors feel “deceived, manipulated and mistreated”. 
• Students: how do you behave in the library? – Guardian.   “A classmate once sat down next to me, produced several tupperware containers filled with hot food from his backpack, cracked open a can of energy drink and began to watch 2001: A Space Odyssey on his laptop.”
• Timbuktu librarians protect manuscripts from rebels – Reuters (Mali).   “…the gun-toting fighters did not enter the rooms and underground vaults where the priceless texts were stored at the library’s new South African-funded building.  “The new building was defended by the public … they stood in front of the gates,” Jeppie said, repeating accounts given to him.”
• Why libraries matter more than ever – Local 10 (USA).   “I believe questioning the need for libraries and the professionals who staff them is like questioning the need for the air that we breathe. We need air to survive, just as we need libraries not just to survive but to thrive in an era filled with economic uncertainty, technological illiteracy and information overload. Technology continues to shape commerce, education and social interactions, in our global world. Libraries, which provide equitable access for all, play a key role in leveling the playing field in our communities.”

Changes

• Lambeth – £1.5m cut from £6m.  All professionally qualified staff dismissed.  West Norwood Library closed.  
• Northern Ireland – Moy Library closes.  
• Richmond – 3 libraries may be run by unpaid – Ham, Hampton Wick, Kew:  Increased opening hours: Whitton, East Sheen, Teddington and Twickenham libraries will open on Mondays, and Castelnau Library will operate for an additional 20 hours per week.

Local news

• Barnet – Pop-up library protest over Friern Barnet closure – BBC.   “campaigners claim the consultation was “deeply flawed” and 3,000 local residents opposed it. Also, the construction of the new building has not yet started.”
• Barnet – What’s On: events in Barnet Libraries – Barnet Council.  The other side of Barnet libraries: excellent events being held in a well designed brochure.
• Bath and Northeast Somerset – Libraries do battle – This is Bath. “B&NES Council had originally proposed axing the mobile library entirely, but the plan was halted following a campaign by residents, parish councils and opposition Tories. Conservatives are now calling on the Liberal Democrat cabinet, which met to discuss the issue last night, not to rush into any final decision until a consultation has taken place on specific proposals for a revised timetable.”
• Brent – Latest update from the campaign – Save Kensal Rise Library.   All Souls College would be happy to pass on building to campaigners but Council has refused this.  Campaigners have met with DCMS (who took notes and promised nothing) to provide information.  Pop Up library doing well.  
• DCMS finally meets with campaigners … after almost a year – Preston Library Campaign.   Including the written submission.
• All Souls College, Oxford support plan to save Kensal Rise Library – Save Kensal Rise Library.  Letter from college clearly shows they support campaigners but “We have received the impression that the Council is not keen that the proposal is taken forward”.
• Mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone vows to help reopen Cricklewood Library – Brent and Kilburn Times.   “Mr Livingstone has told the Times that he will work with All Souls College, who own the building in Olive Road, to find a solution that will see the doors opened up as a library again. The Labour candidate, who lives around the corner from the axed branch in Ivy Road, had previously kept tight-lipped about the saga [Brent is Labour controlled], but finally spoke out during a visit to Willesden this morning (Friday).”
• Friends of Barham Library to open “pop up” reading room in Wembley – Times series.   “Cllr Lorber, leader of Brent Liberal Democrats, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to show the council that we are able to still run a community service, for the people.“We have asked on many  occasions to return to the old library building but our requests were denied. “It is fantastic that we can now offer a local service for the people who had it taken away from them.”The resource centre was opened on May 31, 1952, and would be celebrating its Diamond Jubilee this year.”
• Flood of books pour into Cricklewood “pop-up” library after thieves strike – Brent & Kilburn Times.   “Campaigners at Cricklewood Library, in Olive Road, were stunned as a case of books was thought to be stolen. Furious campaigners, shocked at the apparent theft, put up a sign outside the library reading ‘shame on whoever stole the books’. However, the incident threw up some unlikely cheer when the box was returned days later, with the message ‘we are sorry we took the box of books, we are donating some more of our own’ written across it.”
• Hammersmith & Fulham – Residents’ satisfaction rises – SW Londoner.   “Over 32% declared themselves ‘very satisfied’ with the local library service – more than any other public service in the borough. “Most people are very happy with libraries in the borough,” said Richard Grant, Customer Service Team Leader for Hammersmith and Fulham libraries. “The council has done a very good job in preserving and promoting library facilities.”
• North Somerset – Library jobs pledge as £347,000 savings sought – This is Bristol.  “Almost 2,000 people responded to a consultation document drawn up by the authority. As part of the changes, due to come into effect in September, self-service terminals will be installed at a number of libraries by the summer and volunteers recruited to help support the service.”
• Northern Ireland – Doors close at Moy Library for final time – Tyrone Times. “Members of the public, along with politicians and school children, had campaigned strongly to keep the library open, with the principal of St John’s PS in the village describing the final decision as “short sightedness”. However, on Saturday, March 31, the library closed permanently, with Libraries NI announcing arrangements for alternative provision in the area.”
• Richmond – Bucks national trend by extending library opening hours – SW Londoner.   “an all-in-one survey revealed libraries were highly valued by the vast majority of Richmond residents. From the 18th April, Whitton, East Sheen, Teddington and Twickenham libraries will open on Mondays, and Castelnau Library will operate for an additional 20 hours per week. Despite national closures Richmond has kept every library open, thanks largely to a process of restructuring and re-designation of resources.” … ” “Richmond libraries saw a very high usage from children and the elderly, but hopes increased opening hours will attract more 30-50-year-olds.””
• Surrey – Libraries limbo continues as High Court battle rages on – This is Surrey Today.   Volunteers who want to run Tattenhams Library are unhappy that they are being forced to wait until legal action ends before they take over from paid staff.  “This library can be so much more. We will have coffee mornings, reading groups, a knitting group. People have all sorts of ideas of what we can do.”

News

• Are volunteers the way to save our libraries? – Socialist Worker.  “Before the present crisis broke there were 7,000 volunteers, but they supplemented librarians. They did not replace them.”
• Call to all our lovely friends in publishing and libraries from Urban Librarians Unite – Desk Set (USA). “Once again the mayor’s proposed city budget slashes libraries and once again Urban Librarians Unite and Save NYC Libraries are ramping up to push right back. You know us, we are the people who have the 24 Hour Read In, the Zombie Librarian March over Brooklyn Bridge, we hugged the 42nd Street Library, those librarians. Well we have big big big things afoot this year and your legions of leftovers can be part of it. Those tired old books despairing under dust in the corners can have new life as part of a dynamic library advocacy campaign.”
• New York Public Library’s plan to take books off shelves worries scholars – Guardian.    3 million books to be be moved to two different storage facilities to allow for modernisation.  “To help pay for project, which has been estimated at more than $300m, the city will contribute $100m. The rest will come from closing two of the city’s 87 branches: the very busy, but increasingly decrepit, mid-Manhattan lending library and the Science, Industry and Business Library. Those collections will be housed in the new central branch space.”
• Women’s Library campaign gathers steam with 5,000-strong petition – Guardian.  “Steam is building behind a campaign to save the Women’s Library, a London institution founded in 1926 and home to the oldest and most extensive collection of women’s history in Europe. The library, part of London Metropolitan University, is threatened with drastically reduced opening hours unless a new home, owner or sponsor can be found by December.”
• Save the Women’s Library at London Metropolitan University – Care 2 Petition.   Aim was to get 1,000 names: currently at 4969 and counting.  “this Library is one of the most magificent specialist libraries in the world, having started life as the Fawcett Library in a poky, cramped, dark basement at Old Castle Street. With money from the Lottery it has become something that previously women – and men – could only have dreamed of. Women have visited from all over not just Britain, but the world.”
• Vindication of the Rights of the Women’s Library – Save the Women’s Library.  London Met UNISON site.  “Have you been to our events and exhibitions? Have you used the collections to aide your research or created something after seeing something cool? Have you ever visited with a school group or hired the building? Send your testimonials to: savetwl86@gmail.com”.
• Campaign to save the Women’s Library – Museums Association.  
• “We need to unlock the potential of young Londoners” says Siobhan Benita as she launches education and youth manifesto – Kensington and Chelsea Today.   Independent candidate for London Mayor includes “Protect and improve London libraries  – bid for the Mayor to have strategic control  of  all London libraries” in manifesto.

Changes

Brent – Kensal Rise and Cricklewood library buildings handed back to All Soul’s College Oxford.   

Local News

• Barnet – Petition to: Re-open Friern Barnet Library – Barnet London Borough.   “ Friern Barnet Library in its present place and shape is an integral part of community life in the surrounding area. We want a cheerful Local library. This is a chance for Barnet Council to show they ARE listening to local residents and reverse the bad feeling caused by the closure of this lovely library.”
• Book lovers to launch a People’s Library in in Friern Barnet – Times series.  “The short notice didn’t really give anyone the opportunity to do things like bring their books back or pay their respects. It was all very sudden. “It’s the community coming together. The building may have gone but there’s still a need for people to read books, borrow books and this is our way of trying to carry it on.”

• Brent – Council hands back Kensal Rise and Cricklewood Library to All Soul’s College in Oxford – Brent & Kilburn Times.  “The buildings were given to the council by Oxford University’s All Souls College in 1854 and campaigners claimed they had no objections to the community taking over the buildings. However, it was confirmed today (Wednesday), the two sites in Bathurst Gardens, Kensal Rise, and Olive Road, Cricklewood, have been returned to All Soul’s College. Kensal Rise Library in Bathurst Gardens has been handed back to All Soul’s College in Oxford. Furious campaigners claim that they would now have to pay to use the building at commercial rates or lease it out.”
• Libraries land reverts to All Souls – BookSeller.   “The land to house Kensal Rise Library and Cricklewood Library was given to Brent council under the Literary and Scientific Institutions Act in 1854 with the purpose of providing libraries to residents. “With the closure of the two libraries as part of the Council’s libraries transformation programme, the purpose for use has ceased and consequently All Souls College has asserted its legal right and requested that the land is returned,” Brent council said in a statement.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – World Book Night celebrations in the borough’s libraries – Talking West Cheshire.   “Mayor of Ellesmere Port, Councillor Angela Claydon, will be joining library staff giving away books at the entrance to the Asda store at 4.30pm. Tarporley High School and Sixth Form College, together with the Council library, will be gifting books and everyone who comes along between 6pm and 8pm will be encouraged to bring a book and swop with others. Admission is £1. At Neston Library between 6pm and 9pm you can pick up a free book and solve the murder mystery during entertainment for all the family….”
• Surrey – Paid library staff in Surrey should stay: campaigners – BBC.  “The open letter said there were serious questions about the effect of removing paid staff which had not been considered, but must now be considered thoroughly and put to the cabinet. Campaigners said the current plan was to offer volunteers two hours [sic] of training, which would cover use of library self-service points, customer registration, making book requests, identifying good quality books, understanding stock display and location and being aware of legal requirements relating to customer service.”
• CC loses judicial review in its libraries: what does it mean?  – Consultation Institute.  “Mr Justice Wilkie has made some very interesting observations that will be important for those who organise consultations as well as those whose job is to meet Equalities legislation. And like many of the recent cases, it will prove just as relevant to NHS Managers, Police & Crime Commissioners (when we elect them) and all other public bodies; this kind of case is not really about Libraries, but about the way that decisions are taken to change public services”.  Council erred in law due to ignoring the consultation and deciding to do things regardless.  This was therefor poor practice and showed the consultation was merely a “tick box exercise”
• Minister for Culture may launch enquiry into SCC’s library plans – Surrey Libraries Action Movement (SLAM).   Ed Vaizey, minister for Libraries, gets involved in a BBC Radio Surrey interview with SLAM chair.SLAM point out that this means Mr Vaizey goes against Surrey Council in several ways:  he accepts SLAM won the review, that Surrey need to review their plans and that he expects Council plans to change.  Surrey Council have publicly stated that they won the case (despite the judge saying their actions were unlawful) and that they do not need to change anything.
• Community Partnered Libraries – SLAM.  Excellent letter to Surrey Council outlining SLAM’s position and the problems it has with the stance of the Council.  “”Dismissing the High Court judgment and announcing an intent to carry on regardless is an insult to the legal process and leads Surrey taxpayers down a precarious path. The County Council must now get serious, start taking responsibility for its actions and put in place a detailed plan to show how it is going to make good its substantial shortcomings. The letter informs the Council that the only way to mitigate the impacts of removing paid staff is to consult users of the service over what benefits paid staff bring. Only then can the Council understand what the impacts of removing staff would be and how they may be able to bridge the gaps with training or by other means.”