An article called “A Vision for a 21st Century Library” has been published on the New Labour pressure group website Progress

• Libraries will change, with the emphasis being on access to information and the internet.
• They’re a unique public space, with special importance for encouraging the young to read and as a neutral ground which encourages a strong sense of community ownership.
• Challenges include – spending cuts (“You can’t ignore the need for cuts”), internet access, ebooks. “the idea of going to a library and trawling the shelves for something to borrow seems to some an outdated practise”
• Desired aims are to enhance social mobility and personal development.
• New libraries like Canada Water (Southwark) and  Idea Stores (Tower Hamlet) seen as examples of best practise.
• A report called “A Vision for a 21st Century Library” has been commissioned.
• Co-location seen as a good idea, merging a library with a museum or advice bureau etc to share costs.  Similarly, libraries should be more used by government services.
• Closures are too often seen as an easy way out.  “When they shut their doors they will be lost forever. Long after the deficit has been paid off and the rhetoric has been forgotten, communities will still be feeling the effects of these shortsighted policies.”
• Volunteers are fine as complementary to staff but not to replace them.  “Volunteers are important and welcome additions, but I have yet to meet a group who would not rather be supporting a service adequately funded by the state.”
• The Government is not doing enough/anything to stop preventable library closures. 
• Dan Jarvis is visiting libraries over the next few months and welcomes input “from anyone who cares about libraries”.

• An acceptance that large-scale cuts need to be made.  The budget cuts to be implemented by local government, and that the shadow minister does not seem here to oppose, will mean a 27% cut over four years (plus large cuts due to inflation).  These are seriously going to damage any service, especially one as dependent on buildings, constant replenishment of stock and long opening hours as a public library.  To pretend that new ways of thinking could get around the most devastating peacetime cuts in history is simply that – a pretence.
• Co-location is seen as a good idea.  They are admittedly, sometimes an unblemished success, when the co-locating service is complementary to the library and, to be fair, the article lists many that are.  However, this is not what is often happening currently in practise.  In reality, libraries are often being crammed in with other less complementary services which affect the long-term viability of the service.  As Worcestershire shows today, with a One Stop Shop merged with a library simply to cut costs, all is not rosy wtih co-location. 
• A liking for big libraries.  Canada Water is a new showpiece flagship library that does its job well but is not the same as a small community library which are always the ones currently under threat.
• The internet and ebooks have reduced the need for libraries.  It is unquestionable that the internet has greatly reduced the number of enquiries in libraries.  However, libraries have found a new major customer base in providing internet access, often for free, for the fifth of the population who do not have it.  Also, if one can afford an e-reader and ebooks then one would normally have bought one’s books anyway.  Libraries are not, and never have been, in that market.  Libraries are for those who cannot afford (or who do not wish to buy) an e-reader or the instant gratification of all the new e-book they want when they want them.  Again, to be fair, the shadow minister does acknowledge this later on.

• That it has been written at all.  Labour has done very little so far to take advantage of the tremendous ill-feeling that library cuts and closures have caused  and that has severely affected the party loyalties of many library users.  It is unfortunate for the party that some of the leading library closers are Labour authorities – notably Brent – and thus the chance to create clear blue (red?) water between it and the coalition parties had been largely (to possibly overextend the metaphor) muddied over the last year.
• Putting the boot into the current Ministers.  Ed Vaizey and Jeremy Hunt are now widely reviled by library users for their inaction.  Anything that draws attention to this and embarrasses them further, possibly even into action, is a good thing.
• The importance of libraries is recognised.  The article is spot on about the importance of libraries to children, the less wealthy, adult learners and to communities.
• Volunteers.  It is completely correct about this issue.  Volunteers are fantastic as an addition to existing library staff but often feared as disastrous as a long-term widespread replacement to it.  The Government, and many councils, appear to be deliberately blackmailing local communities to work in libraries so that paid and skilled staff can be made redundant.
• That it is being researched.  It sounds like the Dan Jarvis is going to do his homework and actually see things for himself, not just spout off a good line and cross his fingers. 

See also

New shadow libraries minister condemns library closures – BookSeller.   Article by Dan Jarvis MP contrasted very favourably with inaction of libraries minister Ed Vaizey.

News

• 2011 in perspective – Walk You Home.  “A comment that’s sometimes thrown my way when I talk about fighting library cuts and closures is that perhaps I need to get a sense of perspective. It’s only a few books, what am I getting so het up about? Shouldn’t I take my incandescence and direct it at something  worthier, bigger, more ‘important’? In our crazy, messed up world, what’s the point of someone like me spending so much time and energy on library advocacy and activism?…”
• Assaulting libraries – Counterpunch (USA).   “If libraries are bastions of intellectual freedom where repositories of knowledge can be trotted out to dispel darkness, closing them implies the converse.  The intellectually hungry are to be starved in the Britain of David Cameron, and writers and readers are getting alarmed. Those who would normally not have access to those sources will be kept in perfect ignorance.  But the trends are, sadly, global, and the library is under assault as the regimes of banksters and technocrats take hold of the public purse.”
• Fighting the big uncaring society – Express.  Trafford “plans have provoked a storm of protest from voluntary groups who vow to boycott attempts to replace staff with unpaid helpers. “A campaign is being launched in Trafford for all community groups to refuse to participate in the scheme if it results in job cuts. A council spokeswoman said it was too soon to say how many librarians would be made redundant.”
• Gift of Reading in 2011 – National Literacy Trust.   “In this new report we explore children’s reading in 2011 with findings from our first annual survey of literacy in the UK. It examines children’s ownership of books, access to reading materials, frequency of reading and attitudes to reading. We also consider how these factors could all affect children and young people’s reading abilities.”
• Gus O’Donnell and the UK civil service – Good Library Blog.   Perkins the cat does not like the civil service.  “Followers of the campaign to rescue public libraries from the menacing hands of all those administrate and run them might observe the level of competence and standard of behaviour of civil servants in Whitehall and public officers in local councils across the country. Almost without exception, over a decade and more, almost every act that has been observed has been self serving, incompetent, idiotic, Kafkaesque in its malicious treatment of the public, and shameful.”
• High Court to rule on campaigners appeal against library closures – London 24.  “Library campaigners will find out this afternoon if their appeal against a High Court ruling that paved the way for six branch closures is successful. Crusaders have been battling to save the branches in Barham Park, Cricklewood, Kensal Rise, Neasden, Preston and Tokyngton since the council announced they faced the chop in a £1m cost-cutting measure.”
• Inspiration – We Heart Libraries.   “Here we link to some of the most eloquent examples of people explaining why libraries matter to them and why they are so absolutely fundamental to our communities and wider society. Read, listen, and get inspired!…”
• Library love: things you love about your local libraries – Huffington Post (USA).   Slideshow of positive comments about public libraries from Twitter.  “I never met a library I didn’t like”.
• Thanks from a public librarian to anyone who said no to library cuts – Information Twist.  ” I realised that as a public librarian I hadn’t said thank you for a long time for the support people are giving public libraries during this tough time. I know some people are putting so much effort in that it’s basically like having a second job! So… thank you to everyone and anyone, wherever you are, who has said “No” to public library cuts over the past year or so. It’s the nicest Christmas present you could have given me. You really don’t know how much I appreciate it.”
• What happened next? The big stories of 2011 – Independent.   Colin Dexter chooses library closures as one of the big stories over the last year.  “Libraries became the unexpected social flashpoint of 2011 when the Government cut funding to local authorities and councils responded by proposing library closures.”

“I think the Government has been surprised by the scale of the response; their actions were taken on the assumption that people would just sit back and let the consultations pave the way for closure. Instead, you saw the people gather and revolt and take their case to the courts instead. “I would rather turn off every light on the motorway than close our libraries. What we have seen this year will invariably lead to further cultural deprivation.”

• Why we should look East for lessons in education – Independent.  Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) shows UK as no.25 in ranking for reading (top five: Shanghai-China, South Korea, Finland, Hong Kong, Singapore). 

Changes

Warwickshire – Southam could have new co-located library.  

Local News

• Bradford – Council owed £174,000 in library fines – Telegraph and Argus.   “Councillor Dave Green, the Council’s executive member responsible for culture, said: “Having had library fines, as I am sure most of the population have, the money is retrieved when people bring their overdue books back. That is the easiest way. “After a period of time when books have not been returned we write to people to say they have the books and they owe us money.””
• Brent – Send a Christmas card! – Save Kensal Rise Library.   “You can now send the campaign Christmas e-card to your friends.”
• Cambridgeshire – 13 libraries saved in Cambridgeshire – ConservativeHome.   “This should be a beacon to Conservative authorities across the country – libraries have to take their share of cuts in hard times, but the original proposition was disproportionate, as are library cuts across the country, notably in Labour authorities, which generally consider literacy to be an elitist concept, and are not sympathetic to it. Libraries are essential to civilised life, both for the growing number of children who do not have their own books, and for adults who need their services for study and to help look for work.”.  Comments following article make clear that the Conservatives are as guilty as anyone else in cutting libraries.
• Gloucestershire – Final ruling papers received: “bad government” and “substantive breach of equality legislation” – FoGL.   “The judge found for library users, awarded them costs and quashed all decisions.” … “the judge acknowledges that the case was brought in the wider public interest and judgement was applied and relief given to the whole of Gloucestershire. Also, please note, where the three points of the challenge are discussed, it is the judges opinion that they were so inextricably linked that he felt it was necessarily to quash ALL the plans.” Full decision here.  
• Kent – Religious leaders’ concern at library Scientology stock – This is Kent.   “Seventeen of the 72 books, written by founder and science fiction author L Ron Hubbard, in the section at the Avebury Avenue library are devoted to the controversial religion.” [NB. public libraries receive boxes of new Scientology books from time to time.  It is tempting to put them on the shelves, although almost all libraries do not, for obvious reasons – Ed.]
• Liverpool – Take the budget challenge – Liverpool Council.   Consultation on how the council will cut £50m including on libraries.
• Northumberland – Library opens new chapter – Northumberland Gazette.  Social care/health desk at Amble Library opens.  “NHS staff will provide advice and guidance, and information will be available at the information point on support groups, activities available which people can become involved in, entitlements such as attendance allowance and how social services and other organisations are able to provide support.”
• Oxfordshire – Library campaigners “ignored” over cuts – Henley Standard.  “Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet agreed to withdraw half of the staff funding from 16 of its 43 libraries, including those in Sonning Common, Woodcote, Goring, Benson and Watlington, following public consultation. The outcome is better than the two-thirds cut in funding that was previously proposed but the libraries’ Friends groups claim it is unfair on those in rural areas.”
• Some council cuts “political” – Oxford Times.   Conservative MP says some councils are closing libraries just to make a political point.  [Oxfordshire, on the other hand, is simply blackmailing people to volunteer in them in order to keep them open and to prove the wonders of the Big Society.  No political points being made there at all then.  Ed.]
• Scottish Borders – “Lip service” claim over library cuts – Southern Reporter.  “If councillors vote today for the merger of contact centres and public libraries, with a cut in the opening hours of the latter in four towns, they must be prepared to face the wrath of voters at the May elections. That was the warning this week from Tim Clancey, the member of Innerleithen community council who organised a petition of 1,000 signatures, a third of the town’s population, against the changes.”
• Councillors defend decision to back Selkirk library merger – Advertiser.   ““If you look at what is happening in other places, especially England where many public libraries are being closed to save money, SBC and myself are desperately trying to find ways to maintain and extend library services and we must look at how to improve usage further. That has to be achieved by using the best staff in the best roles.”
• Suffolk – Big society sees community groups soar – Mix 96.   “A surge in community spirit has seen the number of projects run by friends and neighbours treble in the past three years as the Prime Minister pushes his Big Society plan to shift power away from central government. Shops, youth hostels, parks and pubs have all been taken on by local groups. “
• Trafford – Press coverage round-up – HOOT.  “All in all, we got just about all the coverage we could have hoped for and then some. It’s probably safe to say we have launched with a bang – but the real campaign starts here.”
• Warwickshire – Southam could have library, care home, museum and council services all under one roof – Courier.   “Plans are being drawn up to rebuild the library and the empty Victor Hodges House care home, with a ‘one stop shop’ for council services and possibly a home for the town’s historic Cardall collection.”

“In practice, however, this model is not achievable everywhere. There are not many existing buildings with the space to include a full library service, and cost is always going to be a major issue when it comes to building new ones. Most children’s centres and village halls, for example, even if the expertise of trained library staff is made available, are much too small to accommodate a large enough stock of books or to be able to run an efficient library service alongside their normal business.”  Vivien Hampshire, library outreach worker for a children’s centre.”

News

• Library closures: writers attack Ed Vaizey in open letter – Guardian.  “Joanna Trollope, Yann Martel, Patrick Ness and Kate Mosse were among the 200-plus signatories to a blistering open letter to culture minister Ed Vaizey urging him to take action to prevent libraries from closing up and down the country. Penned by library campaigners in Gloucestershire, who saw a judge rule last month that their council’s plan to close 10 libraries was unlawful and should be quashed, the letter lambasts Vaizey for his “deafening” silence in the face of library cuts and closures, and calls on him to act.”.  DCMS has promised that Ed Vaizey will respond but their bland everything-is-OK reply at the end of article shows why so many people are angry at the start of the article.

“Use of statutory powers, including intervention, will be exercised on a case by case basis only when all other avenues of dialogue have been exhausted.” DCMS [on the basis of the minister’s inaction this year, campaigners suspect “all other avenues” may include waiting until the heat death of the universe – Ed.]

• Time reveals Person of the Year: The Protester – BBC.   While library supporters are not actually listed in this article, I think one can assume the article includes them in spirit.
• Why I’m against library privatization – Social Action Web (USA).   “ The main goal of a corporation is to increase shareholder wealth, not to delight library patrons.” … “The pattern also includes slashing benefits for library workers, blurring lines between trained professionals and volunteers, and hiding behind the corporate veil when there are any hard community questions.” … “in LSSI’s contract, that there is a demerit system for being late and a demerit for not telling on a co-worker who is late.”
• Why the Big Society plays havoc with Britain’s borrowers – Independent.   “Local authorities have a legal duty to provide public libraries, not for the benefit of poets but for the sake of people who have no other adequate access to learning. Some councils seem to believe this duty is an option.” (mentions Glos, Somerset, Brent, Lewisham).  “Today, there will be a small step towards slowing this impending cultural catastrophe when MPs gather to form an All-Party Parliamentary Libraries Group, chaired by the Tory MP Justin Tomlinson, who oversaw Swindon’s libraries for four years as a local councillor. Mr Tomlinson is not looking to embroil the group in political controversy. He says he wants it to be “positive and constructive” in dispersing information about how councils can run modernised libraries more efficiently.”
• Windsore, Ontario, Library ends late fees, moves into art gallery – Library Journal (USA).  “”We are trying to project a modern, inclusive, welcoming and relevant image to our customers,” Windsor Public Library Board Chair Al Maghnieh said in a library press release. “Fines have a negative connotation which serves to limit access and in my mind are punitive. We don’t want to alienate our customers; we want them using our facilities. Fines perpetuate the old-fashioned, stereotypical view of public libraries and serve to address 21st-century problems with 19th-century solutions,” he said.”. 

Changes 

Caerphilly – Aberbargoed library may close, transferred to new library in Bargoed. 
Nottinghamshire – Some hours regained in libraries whos opening had been cut in half earlier in 2011.  Bookfund cut.

Local News

• Caerphilly – Campaigners’ last-ditch bid to save Aberbargoed Library – Wales online.  “During consultation, a petition received 898 signatures to save the community library, which has stood in Pant Road for 36 years. A five-year plan was approved in 2009 to move the library’s services to a facility recently opened in Hanbury Road, Bargoed.”
• Camden – Shortlisted library groups wait to hear fate of Heath, Belsize Park and Chalk Farm branches – Camden New Journal.  “It is understood that no profit-making library providers, who had offered to take libraries off the council’s hands, bid for the branches. The bids came in after the council ran workshops in September explaining what they would need to do to make the libraries a success.”

“The mercury on the hand-drawn marker is currently standing at an impressive £300,000 after just a month of fundraising – but the Primrose Hill Community Association leading the bid are aiming for £1.2 million in pledges. The campaign must be one of the country’s glitziest with stars such as Joan Bakewell, Sadie Frost and Jon Snow all backing the campaign. Author India Knight told the New Journal last week she would be pledging her time and money to the new library. “

• Doncaster – Update and open letter to Ed Vaizey – Save Doncaster Libraries.  “We (and thousands around the country) believe he is neglecting his responsibility to superintend the UK’s library service. “.  Analyses poor situation in Doncaster libraries and inadequate response.
• Gloucestershire – Public library meeting raises concern – This is Glos.   “A public meeting was held in Gloucester last night to discuss the future of the public library service in the county. Library users came from many different communities across Gloucestershire. In a packed meeting hall at the GAVCA offices on Eastgate Street, the front row was reserved for invited senior members of the County Council administration. Several speakers expressed their disappointment that Gloucestershire County Council administration and officers responsible for library services had declined an invitation to the meeting.”
• Library campaigner’s letter to minister backed by hundreds – This is Glos.  FoGL responded to article by adding “The point of the letter that this article refers to is that the county council, in light of the lack of supervision by DCMS, were taken to the High Court and their plans were deemed unlawful…..any exhaustion of dialogue happened some time ago when the plans were confirmed as final (not “proposed plans” as you suggest) and the DCMS allowed GCC to carry on down the unlawful path. They were due to implement the unlawful plans in JULY and were only stopped due to an injunction. This comment really does make the DCMS look very foolish. DCMS were “monitoring” and had “met with” GCC officers to discuss unlawful plans and did nothing. “  Also mentioned in Booktrade.info.
• Library proposals in Gloucestershire to be reconsidered after High Court ruling – Gazette.  “So far the authority has revealed no details of the new proposals but the council has said the plans must be sustainable and affordable. The county council’s cabinet will be meeting on January 20 to discuss the plans, and if agreed, a public consultation will then be launched.”
• Hertfordshire – Petition set up against school library cuts – Comet.   ““It’s a vital service, especially for primary schools and smaller secondary schools,” said Hitchin-based Andy Darley, who heads the group. “School librarians tend to be working on their own, they don’t tend to have a network.” … “The Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP) and the National Literacy Trust (NLT) also condemned the likely closure of the Herts service this week, and said it could eventually impact the whole country.”  See also Alan Gibbons. 
• North Yorkshire – Grave fears over council’s “unworkable” plans – Yorkshire Post.  “it has now emerged that Hunmanby library – one of eight branches earmarked for closure next year unless volunteers take over the running of it – currently does not have a viable scheme.”
• Northamptonshire – Local deal proposed for people of Northamptonshire – About My Area.   “”In return though we are asking people across the county to get further engaged in the services we know they value so much. To help us bring costs down for example we need volunteers to help at libraries and to help at country parks.”
• Nottinghamshire – Moves to keep 15 libraries open for an extra 70 hours – This is Nottingham.   “…just months after they were cut by up to half. Notts County Council has announced plans to keep the libraries open for an extra 70 hours a week from April next year after finding extra cash in its budget.” … “Mr Cottee said management restructuring and changes in the way the service is run had led to savings of £110,000, which the council would use to pay for the increased opening hours.”
• Western Isles –  Council to make £3.1 million cuts and savings – Hebrides News.  “Cuts are also being explored in grants to voluntary groups, economic development, sport, libraries and public toilets.”

News

• Campaigners urge Vaizey: “It’s time to act” – BookSeller.   “The letter, posted on the site of Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries has already been endorsed by Campaign for the Book; Surrey Libraries Action Movemen; Hertfordshire group We ♥ Libraries; The Friends of the Isle of Wight Library Service; campaigners in Brent; and authors including Jamila Gavin.”.  Amazing list of supporters on this site.

412 libraries (323 buildings and 89 mobiles) currently under threat or closed/left council control since 1/4/11 out of c.4612 in the UK, complete list below. Librarian professional body CILIP forecasts 600 libraries are under threat (inc. 20% of English libraries).  The Public Libraries News figure is obtained from counting up all reports about public libraries in the media each day.

News

• Allan Bennett warns over tuition fees – BBC.   “Lawnswood School dedicated its library to the writer after he emerged as a vocal campaigner against public library cuts.”…”Plans to shut local libraries were “wrong and very short-sighted”, Bennett said, adding: “We’re impoverishing young people.”
• I Like Libraries – @Ilikelibraries, Twitter.  “Here to raise money to save libraries in the near future, the first project will emerge in January,anyone wanting money to save libraries please contact me!”
• Love Libraries –  “Love Libraries is an independent website dedicated to supporting and promoting the exciting things going on in UK Libraries. From book groups and advice sessions to performing arts and live gigs: there is much to be enthused about. We Love Libraries, and we’re pretty sure you do to.”.  Website is affiliated to “Get it Loud in Libraries“. 
• Mayor of London to recruit “library champions” to boost library services – Government Business.   “£100,000 is being invested to develop the Team London ‘Love Libraries’ scheme, which will see people recruited over the next six months to help provide a range of library based activities in at least ten boroughs. This includes supporting Londoners of all ages with reading and literacy, helping to set up reading groups and people to get online, including for help with job searches, skills and education.”
• Rex Libris – “Follow the story of Rex Libris, the tough-as-nails Head Librarian at Middleton Public Library, and his unending struggle against the forces of darkness. Wearing his distinctive, super-thick bottle glasses and armed with an arsenal of powerful weapons, he strikes fear into recalcitrant borrowers, and can take on virtually any foe, from loitering zombies to fleeing alien warlords who refuse to pay their late fees…”. [Only one copy left for Christmas presents]
• Warner Brothers to delay release of popular DVDs to libraries – Cleveland (USA).   “Warner Home Video recently announced it will no longer distribute theatrical released movies to public libraries or home video rental stores until 28 days after the movies have been on sale in retail stores.”
• We need libraries (new version) – One Man And His Beard.  The previous library campaigning song from the man who will be releasing a new song, “We Need Libraries” for National Libraries Day.

Changes

Peterborough – Audiobooks on MP3 to be available at two branches.  

Local News

• Brighton and Hove – Festive shutdown at libraries – Argus.   “A spokesman for the local authority said the libraries always close during this period with all staff on holiday between Christmas and New Year. But some residents have asked why the public service is not available during the holidays when other council- run libraries in Sussex are.” 
• Doncaster – Parish council in bid to take over threatened library – Doncaster Free Press.  Edenthorpe parish council may aid in taking over its library, soon to have its funding withdrawn from the council.  However, ““We have contacted DMBC about issues such if we would be expected to provide computers and pay licences for the use of equipment and the council has never come up with answers – and we just can’t go into things blind. We also can’t go the community asking for money without knowing what the true costings are.””
• Oxfordshire – Hope on horizon for village library – Thame Gazette.   Chinnoor Library to be staffed 2/3 by paid staff, 1/3 by volunteers.  ““We have come up with a model which would still see all 43 libraries remain open and, if the proposal is approved, it would be up to the community in some areas to come forward and assist in the future with the staffing of some libraries. “We are certainly a million miles away from where we were 12 months ago, when we were proposing to cease funding 20 libraries.”
• Peterborough – Audiobook service to start in libraries – Evening Telegraph.   “…enthusiasts will soon be able to download a wide selection of audiobooks from Stanground and Woodston libraries.A new audiobook service is being set up by library managers Vivacity Peterborough in the coming weeks.”