Here we go again
Nov 29th
Editorial
There will be a strong sense of deja vu in English public libraries this week, as they are allowed to reopen for browsing after the semi-lockdown of the last month. As before, each council will make its own choices about exactly how far it reopens its services so there is likely to be some variation, but basically many (normally not all) libraries in each council will offer browsing and PC access. Most services now have experience of click and collect so it will be interesting to see how many continue with that as well. What’s different than the first reopening is that libraries are already prepared and know what they’re doing. December is also traditionally a very quiet month.
It’s very much worse than before, though, for Croydon, who effectively declared bankruptcy last week and say they will cut services to a “bare legal minimum”. It’s hardly been a fantastically funded service before, having only recently gone back to the council after being run by the now defunct Carillion, and a veteran of some fairly serious cuts over the last decade. The fear is, as well, that Croydon’s announcement will be the first of many such elsewhere in the country.
Rishi Sunak’s announcement of £4 billion, including specific mention of capital budgets for libraries, has largely been met with scepticism online. Many point out that existing libraries barely have sufficient funding, with hundreds closed or passed to volunteers since the Conservatives took over a decade ago. The devil, as with most big funding announcements, will be in the detail, but one should expect at most a few nice library projects to come from this. It will more likely long-term be seen as, at best, a slight tinkering to improve the government’s public relations, than as a step-change in library provision. It is, after all, hard to be overly optimistic about it in a week when an entire council pretty much goes under, with more expected.
Changes by local authority
- Croydon – Cut to “bare legal minimum” library service warning.
- Pembrokeshire – New co-located Pembroke Library consulted on.
- Warwickshire – Kenilworth Library refurbished.
National news
- Libraries & The First Minister’s Reading Challenge – SLIC. “If your library is taking part in the Reading Challenge, we would love to hear from you about how you are promoting reading in the current climate and anything we could do to support you.”
- Library Campaign – Includes info about public libraries, useful contacts, news and views, how to start and maintain a friends or campaign group, list of local groups, publicity tools and links to the back issues of the Library Campaign magazines. “We’ve worked really hard to provide something that gives all the most essential info (including of course a link to you!) in one compact, easy-to-use site without having to fight through a jungle of info,
accessible to people who don’t know about libraries but also quite
useful to those who do. Nothing else like it.” - On the level – CILIP 2020 Spending Review analysis – CILIP. “the decision to go ahead with a public-sector pay freeze (exempting NHS workers and people earning less than £24,000) will impact on millions of exactly those public sector workers that have worked incredibly hard to get the Nation through COVID” … ” it is hard to see how a complete freeze is justifiable” … “Unfortunately, today’s Conservative Government can’t just write off the impact of austerity. As a result, this isn’t a budget for levelling up so much as levelling off the deep scars inflicted by George Osborne’s 2010 austerity budget”
“While much here is welcome, and the wheels are already in motion to ensure that publicly-funded libraries (such as public libraries, schools and prison libraries) get a fair share of the investment funding that is being made available, we must now apply ourselves with determined effort to ensure that the next Spending Review marks a genuine turning-point in the recognition of the potential of our sector to help communities everywhere level up, not just for the short term, but long after 2020 is a distant memory.”
CILIP
- Out of the frying pan? Libraries post pandemic – Libraries Connected. “We asked our members what they were expecting next year. Many are facing a triple whammy of budget reductions, loss of earned income and the increased costs of running COVID secure services. Some have already publicly announced cuts …Libraries that know their budget position for next year have reported an average reduction of 14%. Income this year is down by 75%, and COVID security has used up another 4% of budgets. These figures are bleak … Library budgets have been reduced so much over the last decade, even small reductions now will have large impacts on what they can deliver.”
- RNIB: Keep the RNIB Giant Print Library Open – Change.org. “RNIB has always had a truly excellent, free library service for children offering Giant Print, Braille and Audio books. They are now planning to close the Giant Print part of the library as they state that large print books can be bought elsewhere and that children can use electronic reading devices.”
- Scotland becomes first country to make tampons and pads available for free – ABC 11. ” period products will be available to access in public buildings including schools and universities across Scotland. ” … “In 2019, it allocated another 4 million to make period products available for free in libraries and recreational centers.”
- Spending Review: Partial public sector pay freeze and ‘levelling up’ fund for libraries – all the key pledges – I. “Mr Sunak announced a pay freeze for all those working in the public sector next year but said this would not apply to NHS doctors and nurses, who will still receive a pay rise.” … “A new £4 billion “levelling up” fund to finance local infrastructure improvement projects – such as new motorways or libraries.”
International news
- Canada – Halifax’s fine-free library program prompts return of long overdue books – Signal. ““Our best friend is someone who will make the effort to return a book after 30 years,” the library posted on its Instagram account. The library implemented a fine amnesty program in August when it reopened after the COVID-19 lockdown. It eliminated overdue fines, forgave existing fines and reset blocked library cards. A few months into the program, the library posted a picture of the book on Abraham Lincoln with a date due slip that showed it was borrowed last in February 1990.”
- Germany – How German Librarians Finally Caught an Elusive Book Thief – Atlas Obscura. “A photograph of Schild, looking roguish in a suit and tie, still hangs in the Regional Library of Oldenburg. It’s on a bookshelf behind the information desk, next to the printer and some dictionaries. The photograph is out of the way and unmarked, and could even be mistaken it for a keepsake. Only library staff know that it’s a warning.”
- Sri Lanka – Books by bike: Sri Lankan man runs mobile library for kids – Independent. “During his leisure time, Mahinda Dasanayaka packs his motorbike with books and rides his mobile library — across mostly muddy roads running through tea-growing mountain areas — to underprivileged children in rural parts of Sri Lanka”
- USA – The Library That Dolly Built – Imagination Library. “”The Library That Dolly Built” is a feature-length documentary, covering the history, impact and future of Dolly Parton’s world-wide book gifting program. Featuring the music of Dolly Parton, the film is narrated by actress and author, Danica McKellar.”
- 10 people share why they’re thankful for libraries – I Love Libraries. ““I believe libraries are sacred places. They hold the history, science, and imagination of the ages. From first holding a book which I could read on my own, at age four, to now seventy fours years later, I have discovered information, travel, novel perspectives, the past, innovative ideas, and so much more. My life has been enriched beyond measure.””
Local news by authority
- Aberdeenshire – North-east libraries to begin offering click and collect services – Evening Express.
- Birmingham – Has Britain’s second largest city reached breaking point? – Guardian. “The Library of Birmingham cost £188m, which the city couldn’t afford – and led to cuts in opening times, staff and books at libraries across the city and even the shiny new centrepiece itself. “
- Croydon – Should Libraries and Parks suffer because of council’s incompetence – Thornton Heath Chronicle. “The council has already frozen all non-essential spending and no overtime is allowed. A voluntary redundancy scheme has been set up with staff also being offered reduced hours and flexible retirement schemes. The monthly cost of agency staff running in to £2million much of which is spent on social workers has also been frozen until the end of the financial year.” … “The borough’s five leisure centres and three sports facilities also face an uncertain future as the 15-year leisure contract the council signed with GLL could be in jeopardy because of Covid.”
- Croydon council outlines drastic cuts to jobs and services – Guardian. “The Labour-run council, which in effect declared itself insolvent earlier this month after revealing a £67m hole in its budget, said it would in future adopt a bare legal minimum approach focused mainly on providing social care and refuse collection services.”
- Devon – Charity fraud accountant who stole £47,000 ordered to repay £1 – BBC. “After moving to Libraries Unlimited, she stole increasing sums of money including £4,688 in January 2019, £12,178 on 11 March and a final sum of £26,659 on 25 March.” … “Judge David Evans, who imposed the suspended sentence in June, ordered Bruce to repay the nominal sum of £1, but told her she would still be liable to repay the money if she acquired any assets in the future.”
- Let’s get this Mobile Library on the road – Just Giving. £8419 from 93 supporters raised so far.
- East Riding – Reading Well for Children scheme at libraries helping with mental health issues – Pocklington Post.
- Fife – Fife libraries close to browsers as ‘click and collect’ service relaunched – Fife Today. Click and collect.
- Flintshire – Aura Libraries: doors to your local and digital Flintshire library are open – The Leader. Digital, click and collect.
- Glasgow – Save Our Libraries marks 40 weeks of fighting for answers over future of South Side libraries – Glasgow Times. “Residents living near Langside, Govanhill and Pollokshields libraries have been staging weekly read-ins outside the buildings in a bid to show how important they are to communities. But despite months of petitioning Glasgow Life for answers about when the three local hubs will reopen, the Save Our Libraries campaign groups have been met with silence.”
- Gloucestershire – Get books from Stroud, Stonehouse & Nailsworth libraries – Stroud News. Click and collect, bookable PCs.
- Inverclyde – Read piece penned exclusively for people of Inverclyde by crime writer Alex Gray – Greenock Telegraph. “The Glaswegian crime writer has produced an article for the council’s libraries service discussing the importance of reading, how vital it’s been during the pandemic, sharing childhood memories of going to the library and exploring some of her favourite home-grown reads.”
- Manchester – Urgent Book Gifting Appeal – Manchester Central Library Development Trust. “This Christmas, please make a donation to support the Read Manchester and Manchester Libraries Book Gifting initiative. By donating to this appeal you will be helping us to get books and resources to children and families in Manchester who need them most.” £670 raised at time of checking on Wednesday 25 November.
- North Yorkshire – Libraries resume services after temporary closures – Harrogate News. “The libraries closed temporarily last week after a member of staff in each tested positive for Covid-19. The buildings have been given a deep clean and staff who needed to have self-isolated.”
- Library-goers will be welcomed back into North Yorkshire libraries on Wednesday (December 2) – North Yorkshire County Council. “Customers will be able to browse for and borrow their own books and use public computers. The select and collect book borrowing service and Home Library Service will also continue. “
- Pembrokeshire – Pembrokeshire libraries reintroduce reservations – Western Telegraph. “Customers can place up to two reservations for books and audiobooks, which are available and in stock at libraries in Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Tenby.”
- Have your say on Pembroke’s new library – Milford Mercury. “The new Pembroke Library will be part of the planned major redevelopment of the South Quay site in the town. As well as the library, the development is proposed to include the Henry Tudor Visitor Centre, café, community rooms and garden.”
- Sheffield – Explore seven great new Sheffield ideas to learn and have fun – Sheffield Telegraph. “Historian David Price, the author of the popular book Sheffield Troublemakers: Rebels and Radicals in Sheffield History is speaking on Zoom as part od the Libraries Sheffield-run Rebel Season of online talks.”
- Service Updates – Libraries Sheffield. “Our online reservations service will be ‘live’ again from Monday 23rd November. From this date, you will be able to make online requests for books that you would like to read, and when they arrive at your library, have them included in your ‘Order and Collect’ selection ready for collection. At the same time, to help you relax during lockdown, you may now include up to 2 DVDs and up to 2 music CDs in your selection as well as the 5 books, at no charge. “
- Wandsworth – Wandsworth library book returned after 56 years – from a church in Greece – London News Online. “Due back on 16 October 1964, the novel ‘Previous Convictions’ by Cyril Connolly was returned with a handwritten note from a Mr Johnson from Athens, who wrote: “This book was in our church library. I’m not responsible for the fine!””
- Warwickshire – Makeover for Kenilworth Library will give it ‘fresh and bright look’ for 2021 – Leamington Courier. “The library will have a complete refurbishment with a new layout, new furnishing, shelving and carpet to give it a fresh look, and it will be completely redecorated with many improvements. Reorganising the layout will make the best use of the space available … The last time Kenilworth Library had a major refurbishment was in 2005”
- Inspirational residents urged to share stories – Leamington Observer. “Warwickshire Libraries is holding ‘Our Story, Your Story’ online in partnership with Libraries Connected and the BBC’s ‘Novels That Shaped Our World’.”
- West Dunbartonshire – West Dunbartonshire Libraries run Early Years Literature Festival for Book Week Scotland – Clydebank Post. “Tales for Tots is West Dunbartonshire Libraries’ Early Years Literature Festival which runs every November during Book Week Scotland. The festival is part funded by Scottish Book Trust’s Live Literature Fund.”
- West Sussex – Public Library Research. “This research is for my PhD thesis in Information Studies. This study has three different stages which work together to help me to explore what the public think about public libraries, including how they are used, managed and legislated. This first stage is specifically looking at how the public value the different services public libraries provide and will focus on West Sussex.”
- Wrexham – Wrexham libraries open for order and collect service – The Leader.
A successful pivot
Nov 22nd
Editorial
This week saw the CILIP Conference which was, of course, delivered digitally for the first time ever. Having it online was remarkably painless, with an excellent system in place and a lot of very good behind-the-scenes admin work to make it all run smoothly. It felt a lot smaller than normal in turns of sessions but the verdict at the end was that it was a successful conference, although there was some disappointment that the recorded sessions would only be made available to conference attenders.
The session I spoke at was on libraries during lockdown, with two chief librarians (Kathryn Boothroyd of St Helens and Emma Noyce of Hampshire) and Isobel Hunter of Libraries Connected. All were remarkably open and honest about the pain of this year and the challenges ahead. Budget cuts are looming and small libraries are looking vulnerable, especially as so many have stayed closed so much of this year plus also users now expected an enhanced digital offer while at the same time no reduction in the physical at the same or reduced budget. But, on the other hand, it was clear how wonderfully libraries had boosted what they do online, and also in their outreach to the public, to an extent that I think no-one had a right to expect before the crisis. Nick Poole said it best…
By the way, this was the only time – so far – that two dogs (which were assisting me by demanding walks, food and hugs while I was sat on my sofa attending the conference) got a mention in the introduction to the afternoon sessions.
But, away from the joys of dog ownership and the feel-good of the conference, the dark clouds are looming, with another serious cut announced in Bexley and outbreaks of Covid being reported in two public library services. So will the pivot of libraries in 2020 be enough to stave off bad news elsewhere? Well, that’s the true test of how successful this pivot has been. Stay tuned.
Changes by local authority
- Barnet – Hendon Public Library may move into new building, with old one being converted into a business school
- Bedford – DCMS minded not to intervene in cuts.
- Bexley – £570k cut plus 28 out of 68 posts lost, opening hour cuts, increased staffless libraries. Funding withdrawn from 6 volunteer libraries. New libraries proposed for Thamesmead and Sidcup.
- Doncaster – Central Library to close and move into Danum Gallery, Library and Museum.
- Hertfordshire – St Albans Library refurbished.
National news
- A Chicago story with lessons for libraries everywhere – Guardian. “Chicago is not the first US library system to experiment with abolishing fines. But it is by far the largest. And the result, so far, has been that the libraries have got back most of their lost books, more people have started reading and more people from poorer areas now use the service. Relying on trust rather than punishment might sound utopian, but it works.”
- Councils bid for vaccine role – LocalGov. “It said civic centres, sports halls, libraries, athletic stadiums, car parks and other council-owned facilities could be brought into rapid use to help the health service.”
- Host your Zoom call ‘in Blickling Hall’ thanks to new National Trust venture – Eastern Daily Press. “Rather than having a photo of your nan behind you in a Zoom call, the National Trust has picked out Blickling Hall’s library instead. … The library is one of just six rooms from National Trust properties across the UK selected for people to use. Others include libraries at Greenway House, Devon, home of Agatha Christie, Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire and Sissinghurst Castle in Kent.”
- Libraries Connected Day Seminar – Libraries Connected. Wednesday 2 December, 11.15 to 16.30. “Libraries are an essential part of the local economic, social and cultural recovery from Coronavirus and this seminar aims to help library leaders to demonstrate the value they bring, and to advocate for their work.”
- Local Cultural Education Partnerships and Libraries: A partnership webinar – Eventbrite. Thursday 10 December 1.30pm. “In this webinar which will be opened by Dr Darren Henley OBE, we’ll be sharing great examples of partnership working and explore together how we can grow links between libraries and LCEPs across the country.”
- Marcus Rashford launches book club so every child can experience ‘escapism’ – Guardian. “The Manchester United and England footballer is working with Macmillan Children’s Books (MCB) to promote reading and literacy among children from all backgrounds, and he talked about his own lack of access to books as a child.”
- Modernise your library communications – British Library Living Knowledge Network. Wednesday 25 November, 11am. “Using examples and ideas from libraries and other cultural organisations, discover practical tips for modernising your marketing and developing a fresh tone of voice at this free webinar. Plus, learn how to effectively use video and audio to support your communications, from writing a brief to creating a finished product.”
- Service Recovery Webinar – Libraries Connected. Tuesday 23 November 1pm. “managing services in periods of restrictions, emerging from restrictions and building back, lessons learned for the future”
- TLC calls on Risha to pays what’s owed – Library Campaign. “Libraries have long been used to fill the gaps in many other public services. It is time they were funded to do it. They cannot go on making bricks without straw indefinitely. “
- Universal Library Offers Calendar 2021 – Libraries Connected. “Key dates for libraries in 2021.”
- You’re booked! Marcus Rashford puts U.K. government to shame again with ‘book club’ to promotion childhood literacy — DHT Sport News.
International news
- Australia – The Australian Libraries and Information Association and National Archives band together against disinformation – Canberra Times. “”I’d like to see a recommendation that the federal government work with the Australian Media Literacy Alliance to develop a national policy strategy, a framework and action – a call to action – for media literacy.”
- From lockdown to Block Town: Local libraries serving Minecraft to kids – Particle. “LibraryCraft is a Minecraft server run by a group of libraries from across WA. John Geijsman, the early childhood programs officer at Fremantle Library, started a small Minecraft server for his Coder Dojo in October 2019.”
- Thank Freak libraries reopened – Writing Sparks. “Libraries are a great equaliser in our community, throwing their doors and services open to anyone who needs them, including book-devouring country kids like me. So, this Thank Freak goes out to libraries and to the wonderful, dedicated folk who staff them. Thank-you for providing books and so much more”
- Finland – Åbok, Turku’s own Book-Tinder – Turku City Library. “Åbok (which went by the name “Book-Tinder” during processing), is an online service that helps the library’s customers find new and interesting reading and provides the opportunity to browse the shelves virtually.”
- Netherlands – The hospitable library of the future – Designing Libraries. Huis Van Eemes “The House has an important core function for the village, combining two extremes: the peaceful surroundings of the library and the dynamics of the sports and culture centre”
“The editors of Library Journal need your help identifying the emerging leaders in the library world. Movers & Shakers profiles up-and-coming, innovative, creative individuals from around the world—both great leaders and behind-the-scenes contributors—who are providing inspiration and model programs for others, including programs developed this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. From librarians and non-degreed library workers to publishers, vendors, coders, entrepreneurs, reviewers, and others who impact the library field, Movers & Shakers 2021 will celebrate those people who are moving all types of libraries ahead.”
Movers and Shakers 2021
- USA – D.C. Public Library Wants To Build Bigger Neighborhood Branches In Communities Without Easy Access – DCist. “One of the main things on the D.C. Public Library wishlist: replacing four of the smallest branch libraries — Northwest One and Rosedale in Ward 6, Deanwood in Ward 7, and Parklands-Turner, currently located in a leased storefront, in Ward 8 — with newer, bigger buildings that can offer meeting rooms, study space, greater access to technology, and spatial separation between book collections for different age groups. “
Local news by authority
- Barnet – Barnet library could become Middlesex Uni business school – Times Series. “Barnet Council wants to move Hendon Public Library in The Burroughs to a new building across the road, claiming in a report this would “significantly improve” the service.” …”the council report says moving to a new building would “facilitate the provision of a broader and enhanced library offer” and give the library “enhanced visibility”.”
- Moving Barnet library an ‘exciting opportunity’ – Times Series. Head of libraries says ” it does not necessarily make a particularly good location for the delivery of a modern, public library service. Having a modern building gives an opportunity to design a library service for today and the future. We will have more space than the current site, and it gives us an opportunity to provide a wider range of services from that building.” [Worth looking a the councillor photo – he is wearing a bow tie and has an actual curled moustache, pointing upwards – Ed.]
- Bedford – Local inquiry into library provision in Bedford – DCMS. “The Secretary of State has considered whether to intervene by ordering an inquiry under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 (the Act) into the changes in library provision in Bedford. For the reasons set out below, the Secretary of State is currently minded not to order such an inquiry to help determine whether the agreed changes will offer a comprehensive and efficient library service.”
- Bexley – Heavy cuts planned across Bexley Council libraries – Murky Depths. “Staff will be cut from with 28 out of 68 posts being lost. The cuts would see the main library in Bexleyheath close on Sundays alongside evening closure throughout the week and self service only in the mornings.”
- Caerphilly – All Caerphilly libraries set to reopen for ‘Order & Collect – Wales 247.
- Carmarthenshire – Carmarthen Library – Designing Libraries. Refurbishment.
- Cheshire West and Chester – Northwich and Winsford libraries in click and collect scheme – Winsford and Middlewich Guardian.
- Budding Winsford authors invited to creative writing workshops – Winsford and Middlewich Guardian. “All courses will take place online using the Zoom video calling app, and there will be a maximum of 15 free places on each course, with registration taken on a first come, first served basis.”. Shared with Liverpool.
- Cornwall – Library of All Things, Penryn launches Crowdfunder appeal – Falmouth Packet. “While regular libraries lend books, a Library of Things lends everything from tools, to kitchen equipment, camping gear and so much more. Members of the community can join for a small annual membership fee and borrow items.”
- Cumbria – Town library is ready to open its doors again – Town and Star. Click and collect, PC bookings.
- Doncaster – Doncaster Central Library to close its doors after 51 years later this month – Doncaster Free Press. “The library, in Waterdale, will close on November 27 to allow staff to transfer books over to the new Danum Gallery, Library and Museum, which is due to open in 2021.” … “There will be no building access to the public but it will be open for returns and collections, with customers urged to use the order and collect service to reserve books.”
- Ealing – Former libraries boss returns to Ealing cabinet in a fresh reshuffle – MyLondon. “A former libraries chief who led consultation over possible library closures has returned to the authority’s top team in a fresh reshuffle. Councillor Kamaljit Dhindsa has been appointed as business and community services lead, re-joining the cabinet after his parks and libraries role in the 2010 administration.”. Labour says ““The appointment of Cllr Dhindsa is especially worrying given when he was previously a Cabinet Member in 2011 he tried to close our libraries and unleashed the full wrath of our residents.””
- Hertfordshire – A modern and fresh Forbo outlook for St Albans Library – Specification Outlook. “The renovation of St Albans Library, Hertfordshire’s busiest library, is part of the council’s plans to gradually update all of the libraries in the county. With an improved children’s area, IT and study facilities, low-level shelving to overlook the city’s skyline, as well as the development of a new CreatorSpace, the flexible library now provides visitors of all ages the opportunity to get creative, develop new skills and borrow books. “
- Highlands – Highland Library submission included in Future Book – Strathspey Herald. “The future book will be distributed for free in Scottish libraries and has also been recorded as an audiobook which can be downloaded online.”
- Hull – Libraries staying open during Hull’s coronavirus crisis labelled ‘ridiculous’ – Hull Daily Mail. “Residents have slammed the “ridiculous” decision to keep libraries open after an alleged case of coronavirus. They claim a member of staff has tested positive for Covid-19 but the library in Bransholme remains open. Other staff members within the “small building” are said to have not been to isolate at home with library users saying “staff are almost definitely coming with a metre of each other””
- Lancashire – County council chiefs back White Ribbon Day – Champion News. “There will also be White Ribbon Day displays at the entrances of Skelmersdale, Accrington, Burnley, Chorley, Colne, Fleetwood, Lancaster, and Preston Harris Libraries. These libraries are currently open between 10am and 2pm and 2pm until 4pm, Mondays to Saturdays, for people to pick up and drop off pre-ordered books at the entrance. “
- Leeds – British Library partners with Leeds Libraries on a weekend of events exploring women’s rights and gender equality in Leeds – Yorkshire Evening Post.
- Leeds Libraries joins with national programme to help small businesses thrive during the pandemic – Yorkshire Evening Post. “Reset. Restart is open to all owners of small and medium sized UK businesses and offers practical, jargon-free training and advice through a free, tailored national programme delivered by the British Library, with localised support available from BIPC Leeds, part of Leeds Libraries.”
- Moray – Elgin Library to reopen next week – Northern Scot. “The reopening is being piloted in Elgin and, if there’s a successful response and all safety procedures are operating as expected, Moray Council will look to reopen Buckie, Forres and Keith libraries in the same way in December. Others are expected to open for browsing and PC use during January. Customers won’t have to book an appointment to browse or borrow books when Elgin Library reopens on Monday, November 23, but to ensure safety, they are being asked to keep their visits to no longer than 20 minutes, as numbers inside the library will be capped.”
- North Yorkshire – Libraries in Harrogate and Knaresborough temporarily closed after Covid-19 outbreak among staff – Harrogate Advertiser. “A coronavirus outbreak has forced the closure of libraries in Harrogate and Knaresborough.”
- Salt of the Earth: Meet Sarah Jacques who volunteers at Ripon Library – Harrogate Advertiser.
- Pembrokeshire – New Neyland library to offer order and collect service – Pembroke Today. “From last Friday (November 13), the library has begun accepting orders for the service, which is already available at libraries in Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Narberth, Newport, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Saundersfoot and Tenby.”
- Perthshire – Major cash boost for Scotland’s oldest public lending library – Daily Record. Innerpeffray “The library, situated between Crieff and Auchterarder and dating back to 1680, is to receive £36,425 from Museums Galleries Scotland’s Recovery and Resilience Fund”
- Portsmouth – Cosham library in Portsmouth to shut for repairs until next spring – The News. “Cosham Library will shut its doors on Monday and is not expected to reopen until April after roof repairs, redecoration, electrical work and layout improvements have taken place. It is one of only a handful of city council libraries that was open during this lockdown.”
- Sheffield – Sheffield library continues to provide access to key services during second lockdown – The Star. Volunteer library “Although currently shut for browsing, the lobby at Jordanthorpe Library is open for people using the order and collect service while the book delivery service, which was initially introduced in April to reach elderly customers who were in need of a novel but unable to leave their homes, is also running.”
- Torfaen – Libraries in Cwmbran, Pontypool and Blaenavon reopen next week – Free Press. Limited browsing and returns, PC booking.
- Wiltshire – Malmesbury Library continuing to support residents despite restrictions – Standard.
Calderdale cuts while York Explores
Nov 15th
Editorial
Sad news from Calderdale as the council, which has cut a fair bit before, is aiming for more budget reductions to its libraries. This is in the same week as Conservative council leaders warn that a third of them (of which Calderdale isn’t one – it’s Labour) are considering cuts to libraries. Just when you thought 2020 couldn’t get any better, eh? In other news this week, Blaenau Gwent are merging library buildings with other services.
Also in this post, Fiona Williams from Explore Walk talks about their plans. Fiona broke ranks at the start of the second lockdown to talk to her local newspaper and is currently aiming to partner with a mini golf company, so I thought it would be interesting. While there are cons as well as pros to having libraries run by independent trusts, being able to speak to the press or explore fundraising options are evidently not barriers for them. The Head of eServices at Munich Public Libraries also updates us about the situation, very familiar, in Germany.
Changes by local authority
- Blaenau Gwent – Libraries to become multi-service “community hubs”.
- Bradford – £220k for replacement and extension of self-service.
- Calderdale – 8 libraries (Greetland, Hipperholme, Mytholmroyd, Ripponden, Shelf, Skircoat, Stainland and Southowram) to close or become volunteer.
- Devon – Uffculme Library being refurbished.
“This is long term planning, but very exciting”: A few questions answered by Fiona Williams, CEO of Explore York
You “went public” and put in the press you hoped libraries would stay open. Is this something you have more freedom to do as Explore rather than when the library service was run by a council?
I think it is, yes. Before, I would have had to go through the council’s press office. Now, the reporter on the Press, who we have a close relationship with, rang me on Monday morning to ask what was happening. I was able to respond immediately with what we hoped. We do work closely with the council, but they don’t impose things on us. It’s an equal partnership and has become very strong and positive
Would you have preferred to stay open during lockdown?
I’m happy with what we are offering. To keep everyone open as normal would have been too risky I think and we wanted to ensure people are safe but can access PCs and books. For me, access to PCs is so important at no one else is providing this in lockdown and people not online are so disadvantaged. Explore is leading a city wide initiative to ensure everyone in York is online. We have 84 organisations signed up so far to work with us
How will you make sure York Explore has a “good” Lockdown 2.0?
We have redone our risk assessments and staff training so they feel safe in a covid secure space. We are working with partners such as CAB to help their clients in need of access to a PC. So we are reaching those most in need. I am keeping in touch with all our staff to ensure everyone is up to date with what is happening
Is there anything exciting planned for the future you can tell us about?
Well we are talking to a mini golf organisation about setting up a course on library lawn, which is the space next to our main York Explore Centre. The holes will all be themed to a particular part of York’s history. We are doing this whilst we plan for a major reinterpretation of the whole area of St Leonard’s. We are inside the Roman fortress and part of the medieval hospital of St Leonard’s. We have Roman walls, medieval walls, Anglian walls – something from every era of York’s history. We want to provide an exhibition space for the city’s archives and tell the story of the Walls. I’m very excited about this and we are working with a range of partners to realise it.
It will be for a period of 5 or so years and each hole will be around a period of York’s history. It should bring in lots of people, especially families – resident and visitors. We have a grander plan for the area around York Explore that involved an exhibition space for the archives as well as an introduction to York’s Walls. We want to use digital tech to reinterpret the whole area. We are in the original Roman fortress and the medieval hospital, so there are endless opportunities for activity and events. It will take a while to plan etc so this is long term planning, but very exciting. “
National news
- The Award for Civic Arts Organisations – Gulbenkian. £100k award and two £25k awards for showing work during Covid, libraries can enter.
- A celebration of culture and creativity in libraries – Libraries Connected. Friday 27 November 2pm. For library staff only.
- CollectionHQ Partners with PressReader to Provide Worldwide Digital Content for Library Communities in U.K., Ireland – Business Wire.
- Free Exhibitions ticket to the CILIP Conference – CILIP. “An Exhibition Only ticket gives you access to all of the suppliers in the Exhibition Hall, so that you can arrange meetings and find out about their products and services.”
- Launch of Libraries Connected’s Culture and Creativity Module – Libraries Connected. 27 November 2pm. “Then on December 10 we are running a joint webinar with the Bridge Organisations sharing best partnership practice between libraries and (LCEPS) Local Cultural Education Partnerships.”
- Libraries providing a lifeline: Libraries from Home – Local Government Association. “Lockdown has proved that libraries can extend their reach beyond borders and provide access to culture, learning and a means of connecting for people who may not be able to leave their homes.”
- Modernise your library communications – British Library Living Knowledge Network. Wednesday 25 November 11am webinar. “Using examples and ideas from libraries and other cultural organisations, discover practical tips for modernising your marketing and developing a fresh tone of voice at this free webinar. Plus, learn how to effectively use video and audio to support your communications, from writing a brief to creating a finished product.”
- Navneet Gidda: Libraries are London’s untapped Covid recovery resource – On London. ” not everyone in London can afford to buy books and those who turned to libraries during lockdown were met with closed doors.” … “Despite 72% of people in England saying that public libraries are important for their communities, our libraries are in a sorry state. Since 2010, there has been a 30% decline in spending on them” … “For many, libraries are virtually the only public space in the capital where everyone is welcome, and interactions are not heavily policed. For homeless people and those who live in poverty, libraries are the one place where they know they will get help and have a warm place to peacefully spend a few hours.”
“In the current crisis, libraries don’t just provide books, they also serve as a solution for unemployment, an antidote for mental health crises, and a respite from the rat race of life.”
Navneet Gidda is Communications Officer at think tank Centre for London
- Online library services still available during lockdown in Surrey and Hampshire – Planet Radio.
- Pandemic drives ebook and audiobook sales by UK publishers to all-time high – Guardian. “The format once touted as the future of reading has suffered six straight years of sales declines since peaking in 2014 but this year has been different, with sales home and abroad up 17% to £144m in the first half”
- Tory council leaders warn of severe cuts in England – Guardian. “Over half of its member councils were planning “moderate or severe” service reductions in adult social care, nearly a third were seeking heavy cuts to road repair budgets, and 33% were considering major savings in library services.”
- Vacancy – Digital Communications Officer – Libraries Connected. £30k pro rata for 15 hours per week, 12 months fixed term contract, available for homeworking.
International news
- Australia – All the Covid rules relaxed in Melbourne today – before more sweeping changes next week as the state enjoys its tenth day straight of zero coronavirus infections or deaths – Mail. Almost no cases in city. “From 11.59pm on Sunday, libraries, galleries, cinemas, gyms and museums have been allowed to open for Victorians with 20 people per venue. The limit will increase to 100 people from November 22.”
- Five things COVID-19 has confirmed about libraries – Libraries Connect State Library of Queensland. Prevent social isolation, promote digital inclusion, reach beyond the building, offer learning, creative and innovative.
“We relaunched our website in January, and that was probably the best thing we could have done – retrospectively – because this new website is much more aligned with how we want our physical space to feel to our patrons than it was before: welcoming, bright, spacious, engaging, open. Really a place to come back to for information and inspiration. That was part of our strategic planning even before the lockdown in March.
Something we then introduced very quickly with the lockdown was our free digital subscription with which patrons could gain access to all our digital materials. That was probably the most important reaction to having to shut down our physical branches. And we are very happy it was widely perceived, probably even by a new audience. E-books had already been quite a success at the Munich Public Library, but we saw a rise in digital usage and actually topped up our licences during shutdown. And we have no plans to cut down on our physical collection. We had a couple of thousand events last year – and we are actively exploring ways of bringing those events or new formats into the digital space.
Since our neighborhood libraries are open right now, we are also thinking about ways of using self-service technology (beyond self-checks) to expand our opening hours and do so in a safe and controlled way, maybe through open library technology. We have been very active on various social media channels over the past years, so nothing has changed in our social media output this year – a lot has changed wrt. content and interaction, of course.
We can already see financial cuts on the horizon, and we know that we will have to put a lot of thought into how to prioritize new projects, especially IT projects, in the coming weeks and months.”
Dr. Roland Poellinger
Head of eservices, being in charge of the digital strategy at Munich Public Libraries
- Global – International library leaders explore the purpose and future of libraries – CILIP. “With international contributions from Canada, Sweden, South Africa and the UK, each chapter critically presents a short leadership provocation regarding libraries and their purpose, and the book encompasses impact, service delivery, collections, and staff skills.”
- USA – Despite COVID Concerns, Library Measures Do Well at Polls in 2020 – Library Journal. Need to register to read.
- Chicago Public Library says eliminating fines has paid off – Chicago Sun Times. “After eliminating overdue fees late last year, Chicago Public Library employees saw something that made everyone smile: a jump in the return of books overdue for six months or more. About 1,650 long-overdue books were returned in each of the five months after fines were eliminated Oct. 1, 2019. Before then, about 900 overdue books were returned each month, according to the library. The library system typically collected between $800,000 and $900,000 a year in late fees. That money is gone, but library official said what’s been gained is more important: valuable books and patrons who might never have returned.”
- Musicians Mayfield, Markham plead guilty in fraud case – Independent. “Grammy Award-winning New Orleans trumpet player Irvin Mayfield and his musical partner, pianist Ronald Markham, each pleaded guilty Tuesday to a conspiracy to commit fraud charge stemming from their time with a charitable foundation that raised money for libraries.”
Local news by authority
- Aberdeen – Aberdeen library service gears up for Book Week Scotland – Evening Express. Events on Zoom: “They include workshops with graphic novel duo Metaphrog, a crime thriller event with Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman, local storyteller Pauline Cordiner for a special retelling of Norwegian folk tale Tatterhood and author Merryn Glover will be on hand to give advice to anyone considering writing their own life story.”
- Blaenau Gwent – Libraries in Blaenau Gwent could become community hubs – South Wales Argus. ” “The provision of community hubs across the county borough is very much part of the key strategic agenda that we are looking to take forward.”
- Bradford – £220,000 funding for equipment in Bradford’s libraries – Telegraph and Argus. Replacement and extension of self-service. “”Some Community Libraries are struggling to reopen services due to limited volunteer capacity and / or delays in host buildings opening.””
- Buckinghamshire – Buckingham Library reopens for ‘Request and Collect’ – Advertiser. Click and collect, essential booking for PCs.
- Calderdale – Calderdale visitor centres, libraries and activity complex to be axed in council cuts – Halifax Courier. “Councillors have approved more cuts totalling around £800,000 to make enough savings to balance its books from 2021-22.” … “The library closures – Greetland, Hipperholme, Mytholmroyd, Ripponden, Shelf, Skircoat, Stainland and Southowram – form part of £2 million of annual savings already proposed by the council last month.” … “But senior councillors re-iterated that options for others, including community groups, town and parish councils and volunteers, to run any of these services, including possible asset transfers, would be considered.”
- Devon – New look Uffculme Library will keep young bookworms reading – In Your Area. ” “With new shelving, paintwork, noticeboards, children’s tables and chairs and a new external returns box so people can take their books back outside hours, Uffculme Library is getting a significant facelift.” … ““We’re also pleased that the community has come together to support this project, which has been paid for by Tesco Bags of Help, an Investing in Devon Grant (Devon County Council), and Uffculme Library Friends.”
- Dorset – Dorset Council Libraries and TICs continue services during lockdown – Daily Echo. Click and collect, housebound library service.
- Durham – ‘Pick and collect’ scheme returns to libraries for lockdown – Northern Echo. Click and collect.
- Edinburgh – Edinburgh Libraries are celebrating Book Week Scotland – Edinburgh Reporter. “Prize-winning poet Michael Pedersen and, designer to the literary stars, Jon Gray are joining Edinburgh Libraries in Book Week Scotland to champion our virtual poetry party.”
- Fife – Fife library users urged to use click and collect to minimise COVID threat – Fife Today.
- Flintshire – Aura Libraries: welcome back – The Leader. “You can visit your local Aura library to browse and choose your own books, use a computer, or to print and access the photocopier. To use the computer you will need to make an appointment to visit so we can make sure there is plenty of room to keep everyone safe”
- Glasgow – Glasgow Life libraries see sharp fall in use post-coronavirus lockdown – Glasgow Evening Times. “This includes Ibrox Library, on Midlock Street, which saw a near 90% fall in traffic between August and September this year compared to an average between 2017 and 2019. ” … “Dennistoun Library welcomed 1494 people through the door in September compared to a past average of 5872; in the Gorbals there was a drop of 7714 during the same time period; Partick Library fell from 11,644 to 2753; Pollokshaws experienced a fall of 7257; while finally numbers in Shettleston dropped from 6183 to 2001. “
- Hammersmith and Fulham – Vacancy: Systems Officer – Hammersmith and Fulham Council. Half-time permanent £34-36k pro rata.
- Hertfordshire – Local libraries are dying, the lack of council funding is a shame – Watford Observer. “All libraries look like they need a serous paint job. The opening times never seem to be the same two days in a row, the books often look tired and tatty and are plastered in bar coded markings. ” … “You want to save your local library, then you need to shout up and be heard. There’s no room for bookishness and at the current rate of knots we will be Googling this strange concept in a few years’ time as we attempt to educate the grandkids and explain what a ‘librarian’ was.”
- Bishop’s Stortford library resumes lockdown Ready Reads programme – Bishop’s Stortford Independent. Click and collect, bookable PCs,
- Hertfordshire Libraries celebrate Explore Your Archives Month – Hertfordshire Council.
- Highlands – Highland libraries reopen to the public – Press and Journal. “The city facility on Farraline Park was formally closed by operators High Life Highland in March before a collect and return service was established in July. The library will now be open between 9.30am and 12.30pm and 2pm and 5pm five days a week, however the reference room will remain closed to public access.”
- Kent – Information on libraries, registrations and archive services in Kent this month – In Your Area. Click and collect, essential booking PCs, home library service, postal library service.
- Northamptonshire – Northants County Council service changes following lockdown 2.0 – About My Area. Click and collect, home library service.
- North Yorkshire – Here are the changes announced to Scarborough borough’s library service – Whitby Gazette. Click and collect, bookable PCs, home library service.
- North Yorkshire – Sherburn library recognised in coveted awards – North Yorkshire County Council. “our volunteers are at the top of their game”
- Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire libraries to offer new click and collect service during lockdown – Banbury Guardian. “Experienced and knowledgeable library staff will handpick up to six books that fit the interests and preferences given. There is even an option to select a surprise extra book – maybe something a little bit different.”
- Ten Oxfordshire libraries still missing reopening date since lockdown – Oxford Mail. Some annoyed that their local library does not offer click and collect. “She said: “The Friends of Burford Library are very active and we would’ve offered to reopen it ourselves on some basis.” … Adderbury, Bampton, Burford, Deddington, Grove, Hook Norton, Littlemore, North Leigh, Old Marston and Stonesfield did not reopen after first lockdown and there is not date for reopening as yet.
- Sefton – Uncover wartime secrets with Sefton at War – In Your Area. “To mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Sefton Council’s Library Service has put together a special publication featuring stories from across the borough”
- Shropshire – Shropshire Council brings back library ‘Ready Reads’ = Advertizer. Click and collect.
- Wiltshire – Order and collect service still operating at library – White Horse News. Click and collect, bookable PCs.
Not like how lockdowns used to be
Nov 8th
Editorial
Well, that was nail-biting. Libraries finally knew what they were doing late on Tuesday for what they had to implement less than two days later, on Thursday. It turned out eventually that, like many things in this semi second lockdown, libraries will be far less closed this time than before. They will be able to, and many are, offer click and collect services, PCs “for essential purposes” (good luck defining that), home library services and one or two other things.
This has dismayed a few, such as Unison, who understandably worry for staff welfare. It’s worth pointing out though that the library service now is not what it was in March. There are plastic screens, hand gel, track and trace, stripped buildings, masks … the works. Indeed, the difference in safety levels between a highly risk-conscious library now and, well, any high street shop you can think of is stunning.
Strategically too, a quasi-open library service makes a lot more sense this time round. While it’s generally thought that libraries had a good first lockdown, the budget vultures will be circling like never before this year ends and to have thousands of branches entirely closed, dark and empty, may give them ideas. As it stands, libraries are able to make the case that they are being useful, and not just digitally, during this time and that may bring dividends later on. We can hope so anyway.
For the full breakdown of what is happening in every library service in the country click here.
- The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 – Legislation.gov.uk. 18 (1) allows click and collect, 18 (2) says “A person responsible for providing library services may open the library premises for the purposes of (a) support groups; (b) childcare provided by a person who is registered under Part 3 of the Childcare Act 2006; (c) education or training; (d) to provide essential voluntary services or public support services, including digital access to public services.”
Changes by local authority
- Northamptonshire – Raunds Library now volunteer.
- Tower Hamlets – £1m cut. Cubitt Town Library to close pending consultation. Watney Market and Bethnal Green Idea Stores to be closed for several months as being used by the NHS and then to reopen with reduced service. Sunday opening hours to be reduced.
National news
- Are libraries closing in second lockdown? – Express. [Inaccurate report on Monday] “Libraries provide a broad spectrum of services in the UK beyond books, with computers, food, drinks and advice to offer. But lockdown threatens them much more than they already are, given their potential to become a coronavirus hotspot. As such, the Government has zeroed in on them alongside a swathe of other services it deems “non-essential” for daily living.” … “The Government has lumped them in with leisure, hospitality, community centres and tourism in its second national approach to COVID-19. As such, they will have to close for the duration until the Government’s proposed review date on December 2.”
- Are libraries staying open during the second lockdown? – Metro. “Here’s what we know”. Details situation, including Wales and Scotland, as of Tuesday morning.
- CILIP calls for better use of evidence in HM Government’s COVID-19 response – CILIP. “The statement welcomes the new Regulations for public library services in England, which will see them able to continue to provide online and ‘click and collect’ services, as well as some public access to computers. At the same time, it calls on employers to work with library staff and Unions to ensure that service provision is ‘COVID-safe’, particularly in schools, colleges and Universities which will remain open under the new rules.”
“The Government is providing local councils with unprecedented support during the pandemic with a £4.3 billion package, including £3.7 billion which is not ringfenced and £600 million to support social care providers. This is part of a wider package of almost £28 billion which the Government has committed to support local areas, with funding going to councils, businesses and communities. The 2020 Spending Review will look at pressures facing the sector and provide them with the certainty they need to aid financial planning.”
Baroness Barran, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
- Coronavirus: What you can and can’t do after England goes into second lockdown – Sky News. “Leisure, hospitality and tourism businesses, community centres, libraries and recycling centres are all closed. Places of worship are shut except for funerals or wedding ceremonies.” [Not clear where the source for libraries is – Ed.]
- Covid: toddlers from UK’s poorest families ‘hit hardest by lockdown’ – Guardian. “Sally Hogg, head of policy and campaigning at the Parent-Infant Foundation, said: “Sadly too many of our young children live in poverty, poor housing and without stimulating toys and books at home. These results show the impact that the closure of libraries, playgrounds and drop-in groups had for these children.”
- Government clarifies if libraries, opticians and dentists will close in lockdown – Liverpool Echo. “According to Isobel Hunter, the Chief Executive of Libraries Connected, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is still in discussion with Cabinet Office to confirm the position for libraries during the lockdown.” (Tuesday 4.23pm)
- Libraries That Are Local – Princh / Leon Bolton. “the library was local, enabling, as they do now, easy access for families, older people, teenagers, and jobseekers. In the intervening decades reading formats might have evolved, digital services developed, and service delivery changed but access to a local library remains as important now as it has always been.”
“A mistaken assumption amongst policy makers is to insist that libraries become ‘community hubs’, missing the essential point that local libraries are and have always been hubs of their communities.”
Leon Bolton
- Libraries Taskforce: six month progress report (October 2019 to March 2020) – DCMS. “The Libraries Taskforce ended as a formally constituted body on 31 March 2020 with the agreement of all members.”. Summary of last six months before then.
- Safety in libraries must be a priority – Unison. “Under the government guidelines, libraries can still provide some services such as access to IT and click and collect. Unison believes that even providing these services contains risks to staff and the public and that during this lockdown libraries need to close completely. “All parts of the UK have been experiencing increasing rates of infection,” said Unison’s head of local government Jon Richards. “We all love our libraries, but it is paramount that libraries play their part in reducing the risk of transmitting the virus. “And ‘closed’ must mean putting a temporary stop to all click and collect services and access to IT provision too.”
- Service recovery toolkit – November 2020 – Libraries Connected. Updated for Lockdown 2.0.
- ‘This is revolutionary’: new online bookshop unites indies to rival Amazon – Guardian.
- What’s On – Living Knowledge Network. Events that those services in the LKN are putting on. See also this link for past events, including video, that may be useful to posthumously promote.
- Will libraries be closing in the second lockdown? – Woman and Home. “Right now the situation is still not entirely clear when it comes to England’s libraries. However this does suggest that it might be possible for some libraries to continue to provide Click and Collect services safely.”
International news
- Australia – Burning the Books, by Richard Ovendon, is a chilling history of the steady destruction of knowledge, which continues today – Canberra Times. “Ovenden uses this in the context of the huge cuts imposed on English local councils by the Conservative government in the last decade. In 2010, there were 4356 public libraries in Britain, but by 2019 the number had fallen to 3583.”
- China – Chinese and British libraries look forward to new development – China Daily. “Chen Ying, deputy-director of the National Library, delivered a speech at the forum. She said libraries in China and the UK have adopted efficient measures since the pandemic’s outbreak, a positive contribution to the control of the epidemic. The present difficulty eventually will be conquered and the libraries will see new development.”
- Global – Library tales from here and there – CILIP ILIG. 18 November, 6pm. “Ayub Khan MBE and John Dolan OBE share their experiences of working together with the British Council and overseas Governments. What motivates developing countries and international institutions to invest in libraries? What are their aims and aspirations? What were the outcomes, envisaged and realised?”
- Ireland – Irish librarians call for action on the electronic content crisis facing libraries and library users – Library Association of Ireland. “Irish Librarians and library-related organisations call on the Irish Government, publishers and other stakeholders to recognise, and take action against, the electronic content crisis facing libraries and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are deeply concerned about the rising costs and unfair licensing conditions for such content”
- Norway – Kengo Kuma & Associates wins first prize for Ibsen Library proposal in Norway – Design Boom. Nice pictures. Article has no capitalisation because … style?
- USA – Connections Summit 2020 – SirsiDynix. “Connections Summit 2020 is finally OnDemand. Prepare to learn, be inspired, and even entertained! Easily browse and select presentations you missed or want to re-watch. Sessions are fast-paced and concise with most being 20 minutes or less.”
- Libraries, Publishers, and Readers: The Freckle Report 2020 – Go To Stage / Tim Coates. “The 2020 version Freckle Report covers two studies: a consumer survey that sought to discover how people get hold of what they read, and particularly where libraries fit into that; and a time study of ILMS data which shows how the data from the consumer survey is changing over time. A decline in per-capita visits to libraries is a noted finding, and the report makes several recommendations to reverse those trends”
- Vandalization at major libraries aims at voter intimidation – BookRiot. “In 2017 and 2018, a rash of vandals damaged library books and spaces with swastikas as a means of intimidating Jewish patrons. Now, on the precipice of one of the most consequential American elections, vandals have turned to voter intimidation in their crimes. Outside the Boston Public Library in Boston, Massachusetts, vandals set fire to an official ballot box … “
Local news by authority
- Bolton – Ten libraries to remain open during November lockdown for ‘essential services’ – Bolton News. Click and collect, PCs, schools and home library service.
- Calderdale – Select & Collect – Calderdale Council. “As part of the move to increase access to libraries we are now offering the Select & Collect service. Library staff will select a variety of stock based on your specification for you to collect from your chosen library. Once items are available to collect you will be asked to book a collection slot. Each of our libraries has careful social distancing measures in place to keep you and our staff safe.”
- Cheshire East – Borough’s children get chance to tell world leaders how they feel about climate change – Cheshire East Council. “The borough’s library service is running a year-long project for children, the results from which will be shared with organisers of COP26 – the United Nations climate change conference, due to take place in Glasgow, in November 2021.”
- Cheshire West and Chester – Covid lockdown: How the restrictions affect Cheshire West and Chester – The Standard. “All libraries, including the home and mobile library services. It is hoped that order and collect services will be made available from selected libraries. Existing loan periods have been extended to December 7 and overdue charges are suspended.”
- Denbighshire – Details of council services in Denbighshire which reopen after the firebreak – Rhyl Journal. Browsing, PCs, home library service.
- Dorset – Libraries and TICs close across Dorset – Dorset Echo. Click and collect, home library service.
- Flintshire – Aura Libraries: Stay Connected with Zoom Reading Groups – The Leader. “Our ‘Reading Friends’ Shared Reading Zoom sessions are suitable for adults of all ages and take place on every second Tuesday of the month from 11am-noon, with our next session scheduled in for Tuesday, November 10. We were delighted to host our very first online Children’s Reading Group last Thursday …”
- Hampshire – Hampshire library customers encouraged to click and collect – Southern Daily Echo. Click and collect.
- Hertfordshire – Coronavirus lockdown 2 rules: Are libraries open during second lockdown? – Hertfordshire Mercury. “the Government has revealed that Click and Collect services for ‘non-essential retail’ is permitted.”
- Kent – Kent library services to resume during Lockdown 2 this week – Kent Online. Click and collect, PCs.
- Leicester – Libraries to offer order and collect service for customers during lockdown – Leicester City Council. Click and collect, home library service.
- Lincolnshire – Library services to continue in Lincolnshire through November’s lockdown – Sleaford Standard. “All 15 core libraries and a number of community hubs across Lincolnshire will remain open”. Click and collect, bookable PCs.
- Manchester – Using Manchester libraries during the COVID-19 lockdown – Manchester Libraries Blog. Click and collect, returns, PCs.
- Norfolk – Norfolk Libraries to re-introduce borrowing rules – Planet Radio. “Since the lockdown began in March, all items borrowed from Norfolk libraries have been renewed automatically and users could keep up to 45 items at a time. From today, books will need to either be renewed or returned before the due date.”
- Northamptonshire – Team effort leads to a new chapter for Raunds library – Northants Telegraph. “Raunds library is now operating under the management of a charitable trust. The trust has worked with Northamptonshire County Council to set up a tenancy arrangement to allow the trust to start delivering valuable services again.”
- North Yorkshire – Changes at libraries, but book borrowing and computer use continue – Harrogate News. Click and collect, bookable PCs
- Pembrokeshire – Pembrokeshire library services to resume after fire-break – Pembroke Observer. Browinsg, bookable PCs, click and collect.
- Renfrewshire – Book lover Clare wins top national award for librarians – Renfrewshire 24. “The 38-year-old schools library support co-ordinator with Renfrewshire Leisure has won the 2020 Library and Information Professional of the Year Award. The award is made by CILIPS – Scotland’s Library and Information Professionals – and is sponsored audio digital publishers, Bolinda.”
- St Helens – St Helens residents reminded of alternative offers as libraries and leisure centres close – St Helens Reporter. Click and collect, home library service.
- Suffolk – What you can and cannot do at libraries during lockdown – East Anglian Daily Times. “All the libraries – except Stradbroke, which has a post office – have been classed as essential services”. Click and collect, bookable PCs.
- Surrey – Surrey Libraries to offer Click&Collect service across the County – Surrey News. Click and collect, bookable PCs, home library service.
- Telford and Wrekin – Libraries and leisure centres in Telford & Wrekin set to close again in new lockdown – Shropshire Star. ” borough council has confirmed that this week its libraries, leisure centres and popular ice rink are to close for almost a month in line with Government lockdown guidelines.”
- Torbay – Torbay readers can use new lockdown library services – In Your Area. Click and collect, home library service.
- Tower Hamlets – Agenda and decisions – Tower Hamlets Council. Watney Market and Bethnal Green Idea Stores closed for “for several more months” due to being used as Covid centres. Cubitt Town Library to be closed as too small.
- Wandsworth – Which public services are still open in Wandsworth over lockdown? – Wandsworth Times. Click and collect, returns, bookable PCs, home library service.
- Warrington – LiveWire’s Leisure and Library sites to close – but online services available – Warrington Worldwide. All closed.
- West Berkshire – West Berkshire libraries to close during Lockdown 2 – Newbury Today. Click and collect, home library service.
- Wiltshire – Wiltshire libraries to support residents during lockdown – Wiltshire Times. Click and collect, PCs.
- Wokingham – Wokingham: Libraries and leisure centres closed after new lockdown announcement – Bracknell News. “Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s speech to the nation on October 31, announcing a four-week-long nation-wide lockdown, the Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) has taken the decision to close down leisure centres across the borough, as well as closing the only two previously-reopened libraries, and encouraging residents to use the library services available online.”
- York – Some library services may be able to continue if they are declared ‘essential’ – York Press. “Fiona Williams, chief executive of Explore York Libraries and Archives, said it was still possible that library services may be categorised as ‘essential’ by the government – although it was not yet clear. If that did happen, some library services may be able to remain open after Thursday, she said.”
- Acomb, Tang Hall and York Central libraries will allow PC access – York Press. “Acomb, Tang Hall and York Central libraries will remain open from Tuesday to Saturday, starting from November 10 – but only for ‘essential PC’ use and to offer a click and collect service.”
Lockdown 2
Nov 1st
Editorial
So, it’s lockdown in England again. Let’s take a moment to reflect on that and how ironic some of the news below about library re-openings look now. Hear that screaming sound? No, not that one, that’s you. I mean the other one. That’s the sound of a whole sector desperately going into reverse gear.
How far into reverse gear though? Currently, it’s unclear what this exactly means for public libraries. The general assumption is that they will be closed for browsing but there’s a lot of grey area. Click and Collect for “non-essential retail” is explicitly allowed so one assumes libraries can do that but the word “library” is not mentioned. The Government has specifically found time to mention vape shops though, which kind of puts us in our place. I have also heard the possibility of PC use being allowed. But no-one really knows at this moment. I will tweet as soon as I do (@publiclibnews).
4 November: public libraries will close in England for normal business. However, “click and collect” services and PC use is allowed depending on local service discretion and circumstances. For more info, see this page.
Changes by local authority
- Bolton – £6.3m of Bolton Central Library, Museum and Archive inc. refurb and “flexible work-spaces for local businesses and groups” proposed.
- Cheshire East – Middlewich Library refurbished.
- Hampshire – Lee on the Solent Library to be taken over by volunteers.
Lockdown 2
- Covid-19: England gets ready for new four-week lockdown – BBC. “The prime minister said he expects the lockdown to last until 2 December, after which England’s regional tiered system would be reintroduced. But Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove told Sky News the lockdown could be extended beyond that deadline.”
- New National Restrictions from 5 November – Gov.uk. “Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.” … “Non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect.”
National news
- The Boy Between: A Mother and Son’s Journey from a World Gone Grey – Reading Agency. “Bestselling novelist Amanda Prowse and her son, Josiah, tell their moving story and discuss the mental health crisis affecting young people.” … Free event 10 November 8pm. Please publicise in your social media for more popularity points with the Reading Agency.
- Bristol University Press announces the launch of new Library Advisory Board – Bristol University Press. “As a not-for-profit university press, we are committed to developing work that makes a positive impact in society and advances scientific research.” Ten academic librarians, international.
- CILIP Employer Briefing: Engaging Circular Economy principles for environmental and social value in libraries and the workplace – CILIP. 8 December 5pm online. “Ann will share her knowledge and experience on circular economy business models and how they can help libraries reduce their environmental impact.”
- Clare Hemsworth announced as Scotland’s Library & Information Professional of the Year 2020 – CILIPS. “Clare was nominated and has won the award for her excellent work within the school library sector and for her commitment to the profession. “
- Covid: toddlers from UK’s poorest families ‘hit hardest by lockdown’ – Guardian. “In the event of continued local lockdowns, it is vital that disadvantaged families are given extra support to promote children’s early development. Access to communal outdoor spaces and shared resources such as libraries should only be restricted as a last resort.”” Lockdown linked to disadvantage gap for babies and toddlers – Oxford Mail.
- How Adele and Jesse J put the beats into books – National Lottery. Get It Loud In Libraries featured. “The roster of GILIL artists who have rattled the bookshelves include a young singer called Adele, who was the support act at a gig at Lancaster Country Library in January 2007. She was booked after Kate Nash became unavailable at short notice.”
- An Introduction to Cataloguing – Arlis. Friday 27 November 1pm free webinar.
- Libraries, Publishers, and Readers: The Freckle Report 2020 – Book Industry Study Group. Webinar by Tim Coates. 1pm Tuesday 3 November. “A decline in per-capita visits to libraries is a noted finding, and the report makes several recommendations to reverse those trends”
- Public Library Apparel – Crowdfunded public-library themed clothes with some of the profits going to support public libraries now open for pre-orders.
- Online shop Public Libraries Apparel launches – BookSeller. “The launch of the venture was secured after 56 backers pledged £2,465 in total, enough for the shop to get up and running. ” … “One of the products–all part of the shop’s limited edition “1984” T-shirt collection, where only 50 of each unique design is available–features a screen print on organic natural recycled cotton urging “Protect your freedom” and “Use your library”. “
- Russell Tovey would sneak into libraries to look at pictures of naked men as a gay teen living under Section 28 – Pink News. “ovey, currently starring in the ITV thriller The Sister, revealed that as a teenager he would sneak into libraries to look at Tom of Finland’s homoerotic nudes, terrified he would be caught.”
- Service recovery toolkit – October 2020 Word – Libraries Connected. Updated, with information on tier levels and a new section on events and activities.
- Why lockdown was the plot twist that libraries needed – Guardian / Opinion. Krystal Vittles of Suffolk Libraries writes. Libraries had increased digital use during lockdown, with increasing online events. Staff phoned the vulnerable and volunteers delivered books. “There is a storm facing the country as it emerges from lockdown – made up of economic, social and health crises. I believe that all the services public libraries offer – digital and physical – will be needed to help communities weather this … nothing replaces the person-to-person connection found in a library”
- Working Towards Wellbeing: Public Library Services in Lockdown – CILIPS. “Public library services across the UK had a positive and supportive role to play during the Covid-19 lockdown. Our new research reveals that 3 in 10 adults (an estimated 15 million adults) engaged with public library services during lockdown. Of this number, 64% said it had a positive impact on their wellbeing; 63% said it helped them feel more connected to their community; and 60% said it helped them feel less alone.”
International news
- Australia – Loneliness in the Digital Age & Public Libraries – Jane Cowell. “Effective interventions are group based aimed at targeted audiences with shared interests. Having a learning outcome — something to do — also helps to break down some barriers and encourage participants to interact with each other. Empower the group to organise their own meet-ups in the library and to develop the group in their way. And remember one size does not fit all groups.”
- EU – Drawing exhibition: a collaborative activity from Public Library in Aleksandrów (Poland) and Viana Public Library (Spain) – Naple Sister Libraries.
- Digital strategy and innovation in libraries – Bibliotheca. Video of webinar inc. Danish and German library best practice.
- Finland – The brand new children’s mobile library Stoori invites visitors to adventure – Helmet. ” the mobile libraries bring library services to places where children and their families are, i.e. day care centres, schools and play parks. The routes for weekday evenings serve residential areas that do not have local libraries of their own.”
- Ireland – Ireland’s Beautiful Libraries Make Us Want To Curl Up And Read Forever – The Travel. A look at some very old Irish libraries.
- Library campaign aims to encourage people to keep reading virtually during lockdown – Independent. “After the demand for e-books and audiobooks more than doubled during the first lockdown, the campaign urges the public to keep using their local libraries virtually during Level 5 restrictions.”
- USA – What is Books to Treasure? – Tulsa Library. “Books To Treasure has grown into a Tulsa tradition for all second-grade students in Tulsa County. These youngsters receive a free copy of a treasured illustrator’s book, the chance to get their very own library card, and an opportunity to see the illustrator in person or, this year, online.” … “Children’s librarians and library staff typically visit schools in September and October to talk about the illustrator and talk about the importance of reading and the library. “
- Charlotte removes the name of a white supremacist North Carolina governor from a branch library – CNN. “Library officials conducted an audit of its 20 branches last year to identify items on display that represented racism and injustice. The results of that audit found 10 items that needed to be removed from public display along with the name change of one of the branches — The Morrison Regional Library.”
- City’s library system earns national honors – Cranston Online. ““The library supported the community through the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting to offer more than 200 virtual programs between March and June even as the buildings were closed for staff and patron safety, as well as offering tech help for students in distance learning and 3-D printing face shields for COVID testing center and senior facilities”
- Librarian, Read Thyself – The Rambling. ” library workers have been conditioned by professional precarity and gendered expectations to be, above all else, reactive to need” … “Librarians can’t be missionaries or saviors; we’re workers under capitalism. Our need, I think, is to better recognize ourselves as such and recognize that even if we’re lucky enough to have fulfilling jobs, we’re not exempt from sustaining or passing on capitalism’s harms. “
- Military Families and Public Libraries – EveryLibrary.
- This outdoor escape room brings the social-distanced fun – I Love Libraries. “Peters Township Public Library in Pennsylvania, who created a Google Doc-based Harry Potter escape room that anyone can play online. Wisconsin’s McMillan Memorial Library has taken a different approach: staff set up a no-touch, outdoor escape room that community members can enjoy while maintaining social distancing.”
- The Weight We Carry – American Libraries. “Vicarious traumatization (VT) occurs when we work with patrons whose traumatic stories transfer onto us …”
Local news by authority
- Bolton – Bolton museum and library gets a spooky makeover for half term – Bolton News.
- £25m plans to transform Bolton town centre revealed – Manchester Evening News. “£6,330,000 redevelopment of Bolton Central Library, Museum and Archive, which would expand the Aquarium, modernise the libraries and introduce flexible work-spaces for local businesses and groups”
- Cheshire East – Refurbishment sees Middlewich Library close for more than 6 weeks – Winsford and Middlewich Guardian. “The proposed work will include the replacement of windows, doors, fascias and boards that cover the ends of roof rafters, including the lobby entrance and canopy.”
- Cornwall – Cornwall’s libraries thriving as Covid lockdown sparks appetite for books – ITV News. “4,000 new members signed up to Cornwall’s library service over the summer.” … “”People really do care. There is an emotional attachment to libraries.”
- Durham – More Libraries To Reopen Across County Durham – Durham Magazine. “From Monday, 37 out of 39 libraries will have opened their doors “
- Edinburgh – Drag queen blasts critics of Edinburgh libraries story-time event – Edinburgh News. ““The event was well received but there was a hate element, who posted some vile and inappropriate comments which we had to remove. Unfortunately the performer has had threats of violence and has had to contact the police.””
“Campaigners with the Colchester Save Our Libraries Essex (SOLE) campaign have reacted with concern to revelations that more Post Office services may be moved into library buildings. A pop-up Post Office opened in Prettygate Library last week, and this week it was revealed that attempts had been made to move Post Office services into Greenstead Library also. Campaigners say such moves will diminish the existing library service, discourage library users, and not provide a suitable long-term solution for the Post Office. ”
Essex – SOLE press release
- Glasgow – Mitchell Library reopens to the public today for the first time since March – Glasgow Live. “As well as a new booking system, there will also be one-way systems, book quarantine and reduced visitor numbers.”
- Hampshire – Community library set to take over in Lee-on-the-Solent as team works to save facility marked for closure – The News. “independent community library the Lee Hub will take over running the facility in 2021, with the building to be transferred to Gosport Borough Council’s ownership.”
- Kirklees – Kirklees Libraries 8,000 + Lockdown Book Drop – Kirklees Together. “We decided that we could safely get our withdrawn library books that were currently in storage, out to people and the community through our links with third sector settings, volunteers and community action groups. We offered boxes of Kirklees Library Books in good condition, currently withdrawn from the library service. The books were quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours before being available for collection. Some books were delivered by Kirklees Community volunteers and included both fiction and non-fiction titles. The books were not intended to be loaned and returned, just given away.”
- Manchester – £110k digital inclusion scheme helps 400 Manchester residents get connected – Manclibraries Blog. ” The digital champions will be people who already form part of the council’s digital inclusion telephone support service, including staff from Manchester’s libraries, Citizens Advice, community organisations from across the city, and volunteers.”
- Neath Port Talbot – Neath Port Talbot residents get free access to books and magazines – Wales 247.
- Norfolk – New rules announced for Norfolk libraries – Lynn News. “A limit is being re-imposed on the number of times items can be renewed, while the maximum number of books that one user can borrow is also being cut.”
- North Yorkshire – Malton library ready to reopen following its refurbishment – Gazette Herald. “This refurbishment brings customers a range of benefits, not only in the form of excellent library facilities, but also a flexible space to allow the community to make best use of the venue and online access to an expanded range of county council and district council services.”
- North Yorkshire libraries make access to self-help books for those raising children – Craven Herald and Pioneer. “The Family Matters collection comprises books on subjects ranging from potty training and toddler tantrums to communicating with troubled teens.”
- South Craven Community Library at Cross Hills offers help to parents – Keighley News.
- Nottinghamshire – Covid-19: Nottinghamshire tier 3 to feature 9pm alcohol rule – BBC. “Public buildings such as community centres, libraries and town halls are allowed to remain open to run activities such as childcare and support groups, but not for private hire, birthday parties and other social events”
- Oldham – Oldham Libraries ‘book up’ residents’ spirits – Saddleworth Independent. “Despite restrictions our team continued to provide a range of services, including weekly Rhymetime events, swapping the Children’s Library for Facebook Live; virtual author interviews and live performances online. Between 23 March – 16 August, the libraries’ staff produced 30 videos, which generated more than 10,000 views and organised 37 live events, attracting a further 3,671 viewers.”
- Pembrokeshire – Free online resources from Pembrokeshire libraries -Pembroke Today. “Libraries across Pembrokeshire might be closed currently, but the service is always open with a fantastic range of online resources.”
- Sheffield – Why Sheffield residents are campaigning to restore a historical and ‘much needed’ library – The Star. ““We, the undersigned, petition Sheffield City Council to list the handsome Tinsley Carnegie library building, and to apply for funding to reactivate it for its originally intended purpose, to provide a much needed free library for the area of Tinsley.””
- Solihull – Latest on Solihull library services – what’s now open and what’s still shut – Birmingham Mail. Summary of what services are available in which library and opening hours. “baby steps” being taken to full opening.
- St Helens – Black communities in St Helens to tell their stories as part of arts project – The Reporter. ACE funded.
- Council commissioned projects to feature at UK’s longest running LGBTQIA+ arts and culture festival – St Helens Star. Several projects.
- South Gloucestershire – Bradley Stoke Library reopens for browsing – Bradley Stoke Journal. “Filton Library has not been able to reopen due to essential building work being carried out”
- Staffordshire – How poems helped Denise and Monica build a lockdown friendship – National Lottery. Reading Friends; “a UK-wide programme that uses reading as a way to start conversations and connect people”
- Swansea – Culture goes online to help residents through firebreak – Wales 247. “While library sites are closed many services will still be available online. Members can download free e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines.”
- Warwickshire – Whitnash and Lillington libraries reopening – Leamington Observer.
- Worcestershire – Further services begin to resume again at Worcestershire libraries – Malvern Gazette. “Meeting rooms will be available to book again at some libraries from November 2. Maximum capacity levels will be reduced to ensure they are Covid-secure and new procedures in place to allow rooms to be used safely. November will also see the return of Storybubble sessions for families at some of Worcestershire’s libraries.”
Chinese whispers
Oct 25th
Editorial
Great to see Public Library Apparel, featured in this blog a few weeks ago, reach their crowdfunding target. This will mean that an online shop, selling library-themed clothes, with some of the profits going to libraries, will open soon. Crowdfunding for more normal library things, though, is more challenging, as I suspect Libraries Unlimited will discover, asking for the public to fund refurbishing a van for mobile library use. This is the sort of thing that councils would normally fund and it’s a bit sad to see it now being a matter for charity.
Moving further afield, and perhaps more philosophically, I have been thinking about the implications of the British Library partnership with China recently. It’s a difficult issue and I’m not sure about it either way but I think the pros and cons could do with listing.
For partnering with China:
- It’s a partnership with Chinese libraries, not their government. It keeps lines of dialogue open between professionals in both countries. Let’s keep politics out of this, librarians should work with each=other regardless of what their countries are doing.
- An extension of the “soft power” diplomacy that the UK is famous for, influencing others at relatively low cost.
- Helping to develop another country’s libraries, and our own. The partnership advances knowledge and mutual understanding.
- The British Library partnered with 80 (yes, eighty) countries last year alone so this is normal. Under CENL, we brought 70 national library staff from almost 40 (out of 44) European countries together this month. So this is quite normal.
- There won’t be any tangible impact to the Chinese by withdrawing from the partnership and there may be some harm, professional development-wise, in withdrawing.
- Partnerships with organisations which are in countries which have problematic governments is common. My own wife’s school (she’s a teacher) has a partnership programme with a Sudanese school.
- Where do we draw the line? If the French Prime Minister says something off, do we cease having anything to do with them?
Against partnering with China:
- China is an authoritarian dictatorship engaged in outright ideologic if not ethnic cleansing. This can be seen in the last year in Hong Kong and with the Uyghurs. They, again just this year, imposed censorship in libraries and imprisoned a bookseller. I won’t mention their record in hacking because, frankly, as an owner of a website, I don’t want to give them ideas. Being authoritarian, there is no real separation between libraries and the State, with librarians expected to fully co-operate and assist actions which at least some in the UK would find abhorrent.
- Soft power works both ways and China has a lot more power, and wealth, than the UK. While being connected to them, those involved may be (there’s no evidence of this, it’s just theoretical) may be influenced by them.
- The ethics of the UK profession, specifically state the need to uphold, promote and defend human rights, equalities and diversity, intellectual freedom, including freedom from censorship, impartiality and the avoidance of inappropriate bias … and a few other things that would be anathema to the Chinese regime.
- The partnership, quite apart from any benefit, unintentionally implies that the British Library – the national library – does not see what the Chinese are doing, including their librarians, as wrong enough to cease their partnership. This gives the view, mistaken or otherwise, that the institution supports the Chinese, encouraging further partnership and support to the Chinese from others.
So, as I say, arguments on both sides. I’m not sure myself. But I think that the ethics and implications of the arrangement should be thought about publicly by our profession. We don’t live in a world where what we do is exempt from consequence, either way, and rightly too. Let me know what you think. I’m genuinely interested. Whisper it if you like.
Email ianlibrarian@live.co.uk
Changes by authority
- Devon – Bovey Tracey Library moves into colocation, Crowdfunder for refurbishment of ex-van as a new mobile library
- Essex – Harlow Library to become “modern learning hub”
- York – Plan to rent out museum gardens for mini golf in order to raise funds.
National news
- Award-winning Belfast novelist Anna Burns claims €100,000 prize – Irish News. “Milkman was nominated by libraries in the UK, USA and Germany, as well as Limerick City and County Libraries.”
- Dyslexia Awareness Month: What Makes a Book Dyslexia Friendly? – School Library Journal.
- Exploring the impact of Digital Technologies on the Library, Knowledge and Information workforce – CILIP. “Are you, or any services you know of, currently using or working towards implementing any ‘new; and emerging technologies – such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics and Process Automation – then please tell us more. “
- The Importance of Libraries: by Riva Dawar , Dartford Grammar School for Girls – This is Local London. “the loss of libraries- even for an impermanent period of time- is something that feels wrong. We can’t go out and get a book, and then pass it on to someone else, not for a while now. And that’s good, because we do need to fight this virus, and shutting down libraries is a small but easy way to do that- and a necessary way.”
My department has not undertaken a recent assessment of the financial sustainability of public libraries in England.
The most recent assessment was the National Audit Office report published in 2018 on the Financial sustainability of local authorities for the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.
The Government is providing local councils with unprecedented support during the pandemic with a £4.3 billion package, including £3.7 billion which is not ringfenced and £600 million to support social care providers. This is part of a wider package of almost £28 billion which the Government has committed to support local areas, with funding going to councils, businesses and communities. The 2020 Spending Review will look at pressures facing the sector and provide them with the certainty they need to aid financial planning.
Caroline Dinenage, Secretary of State, DCMS, 19 October
- Library ebook lending surges as UK turns to fiction during lockdown – Guardian. Increase in digital lending and events described. Nick Poole says ““Yes, absolutely we have found this new digital audience [but] we also need to continue supporting [the] face-to-face audience.”. Top ten borrowed lists.
- Libraries see surge in e-book borrowing amid concerns over book hygiene during lockdown – Telegraph. Paywall.
- McKee shares the secrets of Elmer success after lifetime achievement win – BookSeller. ““Going from being banned to winning a lifetime achievement award is very strange,” said McKee (pictured above), who thinks the librarians in question “didn’t get” the message behind Tusk Tusk: a 1978 story about two groups of elephants (one black, one white) that fight each other because of the colour of their skins. “My first wife was Anglo-Indian. We were invited to South Africa but we would have been staying at different hotels, so we didn’t go,” he told The Bookseller. “
- Neil Gaiman thanks librarians – Instagram. “A big thank you from me to librarians everywhere. You are heroes, and I am so glad you exist and do what you do”
- New report shows Community Managed Libraries evolving into Community Hubs – Community Libraries Network. “CMLs have more and more been operating as Community Hubs and during the COVID-19 crisis have been important in helping maintain the health and well-being of their area. “
- On your marks. Reset. Restart – DCMS Libraries. Business support service to be run from the BL Business and IP Centres based in libraries. “Although it has been a tumultuous year, it has also been a landmark moment for our services to business: in the March Budget, the Chancellor announced a £13 million investment to fund the expansion of the BIPC Network to 20 Regional Centres in England (outside London) by 2023 and a further 90 local centres in towns and rural and coastal areas”
- Public Library Apparel – Kickstarter. Crowdfunding goal reached.
- The row over free school meals is a loud and distinct testimony: those in power do not represent the people – Independent / Letters. “Rotherham council is consulting on turning libraries over to volunteers, following the example of neighbouring Sheffield and Doncaster councils, which did the same with their libraries years ago. Calling libraries “community libraries” and running them with volunteers was, and is, a deliberate ploy to mask cuts and hide the fragmentation and destruction of a crucial statutory service. It is disingenuous to say the least, and an insult to library workers and library users.”
- Study will look at the reading habits of Scots 200 years ago – Press and Journal. “Experts at the University of Stirling have been awarded £1 million for a unique project that will aim to show what people really borrowed from 15 historic libraries, including some in the north and north-east, from 1750 to 1830.” … “It will give people a sense of the role libraries have played across history and recognise that without libraries knowledge could not have been spread and disseminated in the way that it has”–
- ‘We are going to be needed more than ever’: A librarian on how her job has changed amid the Covid pandemic – I News. Anonymous Scottish public librarian interviewed. “More and more people are coming to her library in a small Scottish town for help with applying for benefits on the computers … It’s mostly quite frustrating because you realise how little help there is for people and you really are the safety net … If I come down with a cold, and I’ve not got Covid symptoms, I’m just going to have to go in.”
How’s 2020 been for you? A few questions answered by Lunde Ljungberg, Lejre Library & Archive, Denmark
What digital strategy have they found most successful this last year? For us at Lejre Library & Archive, the most successful digital strategy this last year has been to focus on presenting content and ”educating” our users in the accessibility to our digital services.
Have their libraries experienced a big rise in digital usage in 2020 and a drop in physical loans? The last couple of years we have experienced a steady growth in usage of digital services, but due to the Covid-19 and people staying more at home we have already spend the entire digital budget for 2020 coming out of August. A change of usage that we need to take in consideration going into 2021. In 2019 the physical loans were on a rise at Lejre Library & Archive and in the first couple of months of 2020 we saw a continuing tendency, but because of the Covid-lockdown in the spring we are expecting a bit lower numbers this year.
Is this something you see as temporary or something which is likely to be permanent to some extent? We expect (and encourage) a continuous rise in digital usage in the years to come but not necessarily in contrast to physical loans and visits, more as a qualified supplement to the whole library experience.
What steps have they/are they thinking of taking to meet this change? We have at Lejre Library & Archive an approach to the (digital) library services, which you could call ”shared hosting”. Both in our physical libraries as well on our digital platforms we try to invite the local community and cultural partners to share a focus on a common user. We are not there yet but building on strong community-energy and always trying to facilitate a natural presence of the library in these processes we are confident that we will get there in the near future.
Are there new services you have introduced this year and why? From January 2020, all five libraries in Lejre Municipality are open for self-service from 6am to 22pm. All week. But there are no new digital services as such this year, more a growing production of already digital presence, facebook, instagram, video, streaming talks etc …
Has there been any training or investment in boosting social media provision? No direct training of staff in matters of e.g. digital hosting, but Covid-19 created a necessary learning platform to reach users in alternative ways. The staff did not think twice and with courage – and an open mind – they raised the levels of digital presence within a very short period of time and in that way ensured the relationship with the users during unknown times. A relationship we can benefit from in the future we think. An interesting observation here is that some of the staff’s personal (literary focused) social media profiles also has increased in user interest and now produce cross-references to both libraries and literature.
Are they in a happy place nationally? How is the overall funding of libraries in their country this year? Lejre Library & Archive is one of the smallest library economies in Denmark, but the local energy and staff spirit is amazing, and in that perspective we only see good things coming for the citizens of Lejre Municipality
Lunde will be speaking at the Webinar: Digital strategy & innovation in libraries webinar on Tuesday 27 October 2pm.
International News
- Ecuador – What it’s like to be a librarian in the Galapagos – I Love Libraries. “I work yards away from the sea, and the marine iguanas usually walk in front of the library’s door.”
- People’s Libraries – Princh. “what every library should consider as its main mission: to be of the people, for the people and by the people. That is, “popular”.”
- Nepal – A library in rural Nepal – Designing Libraries. Earthquake hit part of Nepal raised international funds. Wifi and computerisation to happen shortly. Donations, especially of old e-readers, required.
- New Zealand – Weeding is essential for healthy library collections – Libraries Aotearoa. Library comes under fire for weeding books, explains why.
- Libraries Looking Forward – Libraries Aotearoa. “We asked four attendees from New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific who joined the recent LIANZA Libraries Looking Forward panel to report back and reflect on their personal highlights of the popular event.”
- Singapore – Children’s book with racist content moved to adult’s collection in public libraries – Yahoo. “The Library Consultative Panel, described as an “ an independent citizen-based committee comprising members from a cross-section of society”, provides recommendations to the board on its review of books that members of the public have raised concerns about”
- Sweden – Sweden ‘to start lockdowns’ as it has world’s 12th highest Covid-19 death rate – Mirror. “health authorities are reportedly set to ask people to stay away from shopping centres, gyms, libraries and museums.”
- USA – It’s Time to Talk About Covid-19 and Surfaces Again – Wired. Researcher “was aware of the practical issues raised by putting books in purgatory for so long, but she had a broader concern: that all this research was encouraging an undue fixation, or even a fear, of the objects librarians are meant to joyfully share with the public” … “In my opinion, the chance of transmission through inanimate surfaces is very small” … “That was months ago, and since then the scientific evidence has tipped in Goldman’s favor. And yet, here we are all the same, wiping down pews and hiding away books, among countless other disinfection rituals molded by those early perceptions”
- A Reset for Library E-books – Publishers Weekly. “usage of e-books, digital audio, and other digital resources has indeed risen dramatically at the nation’s public libraries—no surprise. But the question remains: will this spike in usage be a game changer for digital content in libraries?” … ” the easing of prices and restrictions by publishers during the pandemic has helped—a lot. ” … “this is not a time for publishers and libraries to “put aside” their differences, librarians say, but to resolve them.”
- What happened to YOUmedia? – Chicago Reader. “The Chicago Public Library’s flagship teen program was a refuge for Black and Brown youth. Recent layoffs put that in jeopardy.”
Local news by authority
- Bournemouth Christchurch Poole – Foodbanks and groups helping to feed people in Dorset – Daily Echo. “All 24 BCP public libraries are accepting food donations for local foodbanks, with Branksome and Rossmore libraries also host community fridges for residents to use.”
- Bury – Final borough library to be reopened – Bury Times. “Staff at Radcliffe Library, which was given a major makeover in 2019, are making final preparations to relaunch the Stand Lane facility.”
- Cardiff – Cardiff community services changes for the fire-break period – In Your Area. ” four core hubs in the city will remain open on an emergency appointment only basis for the duration of the new measures until Monday, November 9. The remaining hubs and libraries will be closed during that time.”
- Devon – Bovey Tracey’s books on the move as new library opens – In Your Area. “The library will close at 4pm onOctober 29 and will open again on November 12 in the new Riverside Community Centre which has been built on the site of the Old Thatched Inn in Station Road The state-of-the-art new centre will also house the Bovey Tracey Town Council offices, meeting and events spaces, public toilets, Incubation Offices and the Information Centre.
- Devon crowdfunder for new mobile library as ‘Gertie’ retires – In Your Area. “Rachel Gee, service development manager (Rural Services), Libraries Unlimited, said: “Purchased at £15,000 from eBay, just a tenth of the cost of a brand-new mobile library, this six-year-old van will improve the reliability of our service for rural communities. It desperately needs to be renovated to meet the needs of our book lending services and the communities who use them. We need to fundraise £15,000 to help get this new mobile library on the road.””
- East Riding – Bid to inspire people during Get Online Week – Bridlington Free Press.
- Essex – Harlow Town Library task group to implement ‘modern learning hub’ – In Your Area. “the library will receive funds from its Getting Building Fund. The Harlow Library Task Group (HLTG), set up by Essex County Council (ECC), will help create a modern learning hub. At the core of this will be Adult Community Learning (ACL), which will relocate from its existing site at Latton Bush.”
- Talks over Post Office plans for Greenstead Library halt – Gazette Standard. “The Greenstead community needs a post office. Footfall was never a problem. “We have spent three years talking about it coming to the library. “Then they have gone and agreed it for Prettygate, I feel rather let down.””
- Flintshire – Aura Libraries: we’re back on the road – Leader Live. ” Back in July, we introduced a new service called the Aura Library Link – Community Calls. This service provides a telephone link for Flintshire residents who are lonely, socially isolated or finding it difficult to get out.”
- Hampshire – Tadley Library hours to be cut – Newbury Today. “The library, at Mulfords Hill, was previously open for 42 hours, Monday to Saturday. Now, the library will only be open for 34 hours a week, and will be closed completely on Wednesdays as well as Sundays.”
- Highlands – Council leader proposes new and modern library for Highlands – Press and Journal. “Mrs Davidson said it was time libraries became a fully blended service, online as well as physical.”. Councillors “will call for a cross-party meeting on the matter.”
- Inverclyde – Inverclyde libraries provide computer access for jobseekers – Greenock Telegraph. “Given the current climate the team are aiming to offer help to those on Universal Credit and looking for employment. Inverclyde was the first place in the country to offer PC access again when restrictions eased. Two hundred people have used the service since July.”
- Libraries have 4,000 books available for connect and collect – Greenock Telegraph.
- Leeds – Leeds Council reschedules Children’s Drag Queen Story Hour UK event after ‘concerns’ raised – Yorkshire Evening Post. Independent councillor had criticised first scheduling on social media but subsequent public responses positive. Comments disabled on social media post for new event.
- Lincolnshire – Community libraries ‘have gone from strength to strength’ in Lincolnshire since controversial move four years ago – Lincolnshire Live. “A controversial shake-up of library services in Lincolnshire is being heralded as a success four years on. Lincolnshire County Council outsourced 15 core libraries to Greenwich Leisure Ltd in 2016 and handed control of about 30 smaller libraries for local groups to run as community hubs to save £1.9m.”
- Northern Ireland – Coronavirus: NI Libraries see 24,000 new online users during pandemic – BBC. “In March, there were 7,590 new library members – 10 times as many as the same month in 2019.”
- North Yorkshire – Harrogate libraries highly commended in Library of the Year award – North Yorkshire County Council. Council has its own award ceremony – volunteer libraries awarded.
- New digital heritage trail brings Skipton’s past to life – North Yorkshire County Council. “The Skipton High Street Heritage trail, available on the What Was Here app, uses a selection of photos from Skipton library’s Rowley Ellwood collection. Users can access the app when out and about to check ‘what was here’ at any given location.”
- Pembrokeshire – Wales fire-break: Pembrokeshire libraries to close – Western Telegraph. “any libraries that have re-opened to date will close” .. “Any Order and Collects that have been placed already will have to be collected” by specific deadlines.
- Powys – Guilsfield youngster wins library prize for Revolting Recipe – Powys County Times. “The winner of the Powys County Council libraries’ Roald Dahl Day Competition to write and illustrate a ‘Revolting Recipe’, is seven year-old Saffron Hyland, a pupil at Guilsfield Primary School.”
- Powys libraries, leisure and recycling centres and others to close – Brecon and Radnor Express. “there will be no Order and Collect library book collections or deliveries, no use of the computers nor browsing sessions in libraries for the firebreak period. All library books out on loan will be automatically renewed, and no fines will apply”
- Torfaen – Library services postponed during ‘circuit-breaker’ lockdown – South Wales Argus. “‘request and collect’, IT appointment and Library at Home services will be suspended through the circuit breaker lockdown. Services closed at 5pm today, Friday, and will resume on Monday, November 9. Details on how services will resume will be released shortly.”
- Warwickshire – Kenilworth library reopens for visits – Kenilworth Weekly News.
- Council to host online event on virtual library services – Leamington Observer. ” an informal online chat through Microsoft Teams, allowing residents to ask them about eBooks and eAudio, eMagazines, eNewspapers, and eInformation and Learning resources.”
- Worcestershire – Digital help on offer from local libraries across Worcestershire – Redditch Standard. “a ‘Digital Champion’ volunteer who can help residents to set up an email address, connect with friends and family online, shop online or get to grips with social media.”
- York – ‘Completely barmy’ plan for mini-golf lawn with York history theme – The Press. “New company York Mini Golf has plans for a 12-hole mini golf course to be run at the site for the next five years – which could help make money for York Explore, which would rent out the land.”
A premature library history of 2020
Oct 17th
I studied History at university and was taught the importance of various forms of evidence and differing points of view. It so taught me the need for the long view that I tend to think judging the impact of anything later than the Romans as premature. So, it’s perhaps pointless to try to give a judgement on that frantic and hopefully unique period in our lives when Covid unmistakably came to our shores in February and March this year. But I do have some preliminary thoughts that I will be sharing at the (virtual, of course) CILIP Conference this November.
The first thing to say is that the library sector as a whole responded remarkably well and put health and safety first over issues. Secondly, I think library management pivoted quickly over a period of two/three weeks from trying to continue business as normal to closure and beyond. The entire careers of successful managers, after all, was up to that point focused on keeping things open. But when that turned out not to be viable (and of course when their councils told them they had to), things happened quickly. The idea of closure went from causing shocked laughter to official policy in far less than one month.
Then, during lockdown, libraries concentrated on their digital side and what their staff could do away from their buildings. The sector, actually, one when thinks about it, was well-placed to take advantage of things. E-books were made for lockdown and staff who have spent their lives talking to customers were ideal for talking to the shielded and the vulnerable over the phone.
When libraries opened again, they did so with commendable caution. Being non profit-driven certainly helped in this regard and gave them the window to pause often not possible to other places on the High Street. However, ironically, they are possibly less well-placed, strategically, now when they’re open than when they were closed. The buildings are distinctly quieter than before and none offer the range of events (or, even, study tables) that attracted so much business before. Much of the traditional user base is also understandably reluctant to risk infection. Councillors may just see the comparatively empty buildings and draw their own comparisons come the tricky Covid budget-settling to come.
How libraries cope with this, and whether their lockdown success will be noted or seen (as some have already suggested) as a sign that they can be virtual instead, is going to the big thing we discover over the next few months. And I hope history will confidently record their success. In a thousand years or so.
Looking forward to seeing you, virtually alas, in November.
Changes by local authority
National news
- Agenda: The future of libraries is both physical and virtual – Herald Scotland. “Scotland’s public library sector had to transform overnight. Closing the doors to our library buildings and taking mobile libraries off the road goes against the very essence of libraries, which are founded on free and equal access for all. However, librarians and library staff across the country used the tools and technology at their disposal to maintain their communities. We’ve seen fabulous examples of libraries creating new virtual events and digital initiatives to ensure people continued to access what they needed.”
- Call for presentations – LILAC. “LILAC welcomes proposals which address information literacy from all sectors and contexts. For LILAC 2021 we invite you to present on any aspect of information literacy, there are no specific themes. ” 7-9 April.
- Learning from Lockdown: 12 Steps to Eliminate Digital Exclusion – Carnegie UK Trust. “‘Learning from Lockdown: 12 Steps to Eliminate Digital Exclusion’ is a response to this challenge, setting out a series of 12 recommendations calling for ambitious action from policy makers, practitioners, academics and industry to tackle this issue. The recommendations build on our work on digital inclusion over the past decade, and particularly draw on learning and reflections from the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown period.”
- Librarians’ Virtual Toolkit – Working with Readers in Interesting Times – West Midlands Readers Network. 5 November, 2 to 4pm. “An afternoon of talks and presentations about working with readers and reading groups”
- Libraries Digital Bootcamp – Basecamp. 12 November, 2 to 5pm. “The Bootcamp will offer you the opportunity to learn new techniques and skills, find out how other library services have delivered online activity and have a lot of new ideas to take away.”
- Libraries in Lockdown – Libraries Connected. “Over 75% of libraries delivered online events during lockdown and library teams made over 130,000 calls to local people who were shielding or vulnerable, reveals new research from Libraries Connected.” … “Leaders of over 130 library services responded to our online survey and we carried out video interviews with a further 20 leaders” … “Just over half of library services managed to increase their online audiences” [this seems fewer than one would expect – Ed.]
- Libraries sector in the Birthday Honours list – DCMS. Biographies of the nine library-related Honours recipients.
The Government is providing local councils with unprecedented support during the pandemic with a £4.3 billion package, including £3.7 billion which is not ringfenced and £600 million to support social care providers. This is part of a wider package of almost £28 billion which the Government has committed to support local areas, with funding going to councils, businesses and communities.
DCMS has a statutory duty to superintend, and promote the improvement of, the public library service provided by local authorities in England. To assist delivery of this statutory duty, DCMS issued a joint letter with the Local Government Association to all local authorities in England requesting detail of restoration of their library services given the opening of physical library buildings is now permitted. This detail is assisting the department’s engagement with local authorities and its ongoing monitoring of library service provision.
DCMS continues to work closely with Libraries Connected and other key stakeholders to ensure that the Libraries Connected Service Recovery Toolkit remains relevant and continues to assist libraries with their opening and reintroduction of their services during the pandemic.
In response to the rise in demand for e-lending immediately following the closure of libraries in March, Arts Council England provided £151,000 (around £1,000 per library authority in England) to supplement existing e-book funding
Baroness Baran, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, They Work For You.
- Library lockdown success could threaten physical services, leaders warn – BookSeller. “The report also showed library membership remained stable during lockdown with some services seeing spikes of up to 32% despite the facilities’ closure, the report said. Membership to access digital resources increased by 27% with some services more than doubling the number of those signing up. Audiobook checkouts also increased during lockdown by 113%. However, some respondents said the lockdown success “could be viewed, erroneously, as a substitute for a physical offer, or adequate as a definition of a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ library service under the Libraries Act.”” … “The report also noted the scale of e-book lending is still small compared to physical withdrawals and warned with costs “unlikely to be sustainable”.”
“My concern coming out of this is that we are about to enter a brutal round of public finances — I cannot expand due to capacity and organisational reasons, the public expect us to, and I know what’s likely to come”
Respondent to library lockdown survey
- Local Libraries join The Reading Agency to launch the ‘Reading Well for children’ booklist – News From Wales. “To coincide with World Mental Health Day, which took place on Saturday 10th October, local libraries are joining with The Reading Agency, the Society of Chief Librarians Cymru and Libraries Connected to launch a new collection of ‘Reading Well for children’ books.”
- Making a Difference: Libraries, Lockdown and Looking Ahead – Carnegie UK Trust. “This report into UK public library services explores their role supporting individuals and communities during lockdown and the barriers they faced during this time. It also explores their role in supporting the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and what it would take to unleash the full potential of what public library services have to offer us all. The report identifies a number of key messages and action areas for local and national governments, sector support bodies and the sector itself.”
- Queen’s Honours for libraries – Libraries Connected.
- SLIC Library User Survey – Scottish Library and Information Council. “SLIC has commissioned Blake Stevenson Ltd, a social research company, to assess the impact of the strategy on library services across Scotland. As part of this, we are keen to hear library users’ views …”
- Webinar: Digital strategy & innovation in libraries – Bibliotheca. “How can libraries meet growing user expectations and reimagine services that will meet future community needs? Join us for an engaging discussion into evolving digital behaviors, how this impacts library experiences and how physical library spaces play a vital role. Hear from Danish and German libraries paving the way with visionary ideas and future-proof implementations.” Tuesday, 27th October, 2020 at 2PM
International news
- USA – Step Inside The Museum of Obsolete Library Science – The Met 150. “We are forward thinking, technology-savvy, and driven to find the most modern way possible to fulfill our patrons’ needs. However, the dirty little secret is that sometimes the old stuff, while no longer useful, is actually cool.”
- The story behind the library takeout video – Duke Today. “With its playful animation, catchy chorus and infectious beat, his roughly three-minute synth pop music video has become a viral hit on campus and beyond with at least 17,558 views on YouTube. Nearly six weeks after its release, he’s still hearing glowing feedback from colleagues from across campus.”
Local news by authority
- Bolton – Step back in time as historic halls reopen – Bolton News. All libraries open: “Blackrod, Bromley Cross, High Street and Little Lever libraries reopened after March this week.”
- Bridgend Neath Port Talbot – Awen Libraries celebrates Libraries Week with even more branches reopening for book browsing – Awen Cultural Trust (press release). “Aberkenfig, Bridgend, Maesteg, Pencoed, Porthcawl and Pyle libraries are now open from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Betws Library is open from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm on Monday and Tuesday, and 1pm to 5pm on Thursday.”
- Cambridgeshire – Get online and win a free tablet – Cambridge Network. “The Connecting Cambridgeshire digital connectivity programme is working with Cambridgeshire Libraries and Cambridgeshire Skills to signpost people to help available across the county, as part of a national campaign by the Good Things Foundation.”
- Cumbria – Barrow residents invited to have their say on £1.4m revamp of iconic library building – The Mail. “Alongside the core offer of libraries and archives, the council is investing to make the building more flexible, safer and able to provide a range of new and exciting services. The new services will include adult education classes, an exciting new event space, and a brand new dedicated teen zone, with a separate children’s area, complete with its own ship.”
- Call to Cumbria’s library card holders as new system introduced – Westmorland Gazette.
- East Sussex – Uckfield Library reopens on Monday – Uckfield News. “And there will be an amnesty to encourage anyone with a library item, no matter how long they’ve had it, to return it before the new year without paying overdue charges.”
- Essex – New City College Epping Forest defends Debden Library bid – Epping Forest Guardian. College wants to take over Debden Library. ““The entire process is lacking any transparency” a spokesperson for SOLE said. “There is nothing to stop the college deciding in future it would rather use the space for something else. Essex Library Services must not be broken up.”” Council says ““The idea is tried and tested. A third of library services in England have community-run libraries.”
- Essex & Thurrock Join a Framework for the Future: The Libraries Consortium – SirsiDynix. “TLC (The Libraries Consortium) is the biggest consortium of public library authorities in the UK, comprising 20 public library services ”
- Greenwich – Stella Oni – Press release. “Greenwich Librarian turned Business Intelligence Analyst Stella Oni has published her novel ‘Deadly Sacrifice’. The detective thriller – which draws upon Stella’s lived experience in London and Nigeria – was Audible’s Crime Thriller of the Month in September – narrated by actor Weruche Opia from BBC 1’s ‘I May Destroy You’. First presented to the SI Leeds Literary Prize 2016 shortlist, the novel was published in September and launched via an online event by Jacaranda Books.”
- Hampshire – Aldershot, Farnborough, Fleet and Yateley library opening hours set to decrease – In Your Area. “Libraries operating in Hart and Rushmoor are set to see their staffed opening hours decrease by more than 40 hours as part of a Hampshire County Council proposal to save £1.76m.” … “Hampshire County Council is continuing to welcome approaches from groups or organisations who are interested in volunteering …”
- Isle of Wight – Libraries Week at Shanklin celebrated with stained glass window – Island Echo. “The window, donated by Nova Construction, depicts poet and author John Keats, who was a resident in Shanklin in 1819 and a collection of his works are available from the library.”
- Lancashire – Four more East Lancs libraries set to reopen – Lancashire Telegraph. “Lancashire County Council culture boss Cllr Peter Buckley has revealed that Oswaldtwistle will reopen on Wednesday October 21. Chatburn library will be back in service the following day . Burnley’s Campus and Pike Hill libraries will reopen on Wednesday October 28.”. Fine back from 1 December.
- Manchester – Manchester Libraries response to Covid – Generation Code.
- Norfolk – Landmark city centre building up for rent for £45,000 a year – Norwich Evening News. “The Library, Guildhall Hill, closed in July 2019 as a restaurant run by Jayne and Nigel Raffles for 13 years. New tenants are being sought for the building which also has rates of £20,000 and a lease running for 15 years.”
- Northamptonshire – British Library partners with Northamptonshire Libraries to launch Reset – About My Area. “The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Northamptonshire has joined with the British Library to launch a dedicated, six-month programme: Reset. Restart, to support SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in Northamptonshireto transform, future-proof and grow their business through the Covid-19 pandemic.”
- Oxfordshire – New roof for library – Henley Standard. Benson Library: “The entire roof is to removed and replaced, with the work set to begin later this month” … “The work will also involve installing solar panels and improving the heating and ventilation systems to save energy and reduce costs.”
- Portsmouth – Harry Potter: Portsmouth library may reclaim £42,500 book sold in USA – BBC. “The first edition Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone bears a “Portsmouth City Library Service” stamp and number. A California seller sold it at Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas, to a buyer in Tennessee, for more than double its $20,000 estimate. The library service says the book had gone missing from its collection.”
- St Helens – Library Service wins National Lottery funding to help preserve memories – St Helens Star. £86k. “More than 100 oral and video history interviews will be conducted as part of this project, with a wide ranging and diverse mix of individuals in order to reflect and represent the different communities that call St Helens Borough home. “
- South Gloucestershire – Thousands of South Gloucestershire children take part in Reading Challenge – Gazette. “Over 2000 children from across South Gloucestershire participated in the 2020 Summer Reading Challenge which was hosted by South Gloucestershire Council’s Libraries again this year, despite of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.” Facebook video here. “A special message for all the children and families that took part in Silly Squad, Summer Reading Challenge 2020, from Cllr Rachael Hunt, Cabinet Member for Communities and Local Place.”
- Sunderland – Comment: Can Sunderland Super-library save the day? – Sunderland Echo. ” The Culture House certainly looks the business if the artist’s impressions we reveal today are anything to go by. But this state-of-the-art library aims to be more than just a book-lending service.” … “This really is fantastic news for Sunderland and hopefully a positive new chapter in the story of UK libraries.”
- ‘Best library in the UK’ set to be built in Sunderland as ambitious plans unveiled – Chronicle Live. “The new site will have spaces for making, creativity and innovation, and a local studies and archive centre that will complement the local studies library that will stand a stone’s throw away in the Elephant Tearooms.”
- Wiltshire – Wilton, Downton and Mere libraries to reopen – Salisbury Journal. “Wiltshire Council says these libraries will be fully reopened for people to browse for up to 30 minutes, to select and loan books and book a computer for up to 45 minutes.”
Hail to the chiefs
Oct 11th
Editorial
There were several librarians named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours this year. The name that stood out to me was Isobel Hunter, the current and first CEO of Libraries Connected, who despite only being in post two years has not put a foot wrong in what could have been quite a difficult time, ensuring that LC has had a strong founding. A notable thing to me is that those honoured have been at chief or very senior level in libraries. While understandable, because they’re at the level that can get things done and are thus noticed, this I think is a bit of shame as there are tons of highly committed and gifted librarians who may not get to that level but still make a huge difference. See my article here for more thoughts on the subject.
Changes by authority
- Cornwall – Liskeard Library transferred to non-profit.
- Redbridge – Woodford Green Library to be refurbished.
National news
- CILIP announces Honorary Fellowships including Library Champion Bobby Seagull – CILIP. “Bobby Seagull and CILIP are delighted to announce that he will be continuing in the role of CILIP Library Champion for 2020-21. In recognition of his services to libraries” … “Alongside Bobby, Honorary Fellowships are also being awarded to Margaret Casely-Hayford, CBE, for services to children’s literature and illustration through her leadership of the CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Awards Diversity Review; and Pamela Martindale, for her sustained and significant contribution to the library, information and knowledge profession through professional registration.”
- How can libraries play a positive role in the Covid crisis? – Eurolis. Zoom, Wednesdays 14, 21 and 28 October 2020, from 4 to 6pm. Speakers from UK, Portugal, Poland, Catalonia (Spain), Italy, Germany and France.
- How shipping container libraries can help save the public library crisis – Open Access Government. Shipping Container boss praises shipping containers.”BiebBus is a mobile container-based in The Netherlands, which has the ability to let kids have fun and explore the world of books before travelling on to a new place. We all love novelty and shiny new things, and can often get bored when things stay the same. With portable, alternative libraries which are only in town for a limited amount of time, people may feel more of a need to visit. It’s new, and it’s an experience people can try out with their friends.”
- Libraries Week features nationwide Haig event and Bonnier book club launch – BookSeller. “Libraries Week kicks off today (5th October), featuring behind the scenes looks at authors’ bookshelves, a nationwide live reading of The Midnight Library by author Matt Haig (Canongate) and the launch of a Bonnier book club.”
- Living Libraries – Soho Radio. “a celebration of public libraries in the words of people who use, work in and run them. Sarah Pyke and Shelley Trower present the Living Libraries oral history project, 2019-2020 at the University of Roehampton, supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. The oral history collection is copyright of The British Library Board and is used with permission.”
- Supporting economic recovery – Local Government First. “With their offer of access to computers, job clubs, CV writing support, skills training and targeted support for start-ups through Business and Intellectual Property Centres (BIPCs), libraries have an important role to play.”
- TWA Heritage Digitisation Grant – Amended to Reflect the Changing Face of 2020 – Town Web Archiving. 3 grants of £3000 each open to libraries.
- Why libraries hold the key to a start-up revolution – Times. Behind paywall.
- Young north-east football fans can support reading challenge – Grampian Online. “This year’s 4-4-2 Reading Challenge has been launched with Peterhead FC supporting the initiative in the north-east. It is the third year of the successful programme which is spearheaded by the SPFL Trust, Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), and Scotland’s libraries.”
Honours
- Susan Hill and Mary Berry awarded damehoods in Queen’s Birthday Honours – BookSeller. “Librarians were well represented in the Birthday Honours. Receiving OBEs were Libraries Connected chief executive Isobel Hunter “for services to public libraries”, and Julie Oldham, head of Library and Museum Services at Bolton Council, and professor Steven John Broomhead, “for services to public libraries” in Chorley, Lancashire. MBEs were awarded “for services to libraries and the arts” to Andrew Bentley in Cheshire and “for services to public libraries” to Michelle Alford in Lancashire, Janet Holden in Suffolk, Sarah Smith in London and Gateshead Library Service manager Stephen James Walters.”
- Andrew Bentley – Queen’s Birthday honours see Holocaust survivor, Storyhouse boss and Crewe hospice fundraiser recognised – Cheshire Live. “Storyhouse chief executive Andrew Bentley, who has been working hard to try to save the theatre from the devastating financial impact of the coronavirus lockdown.”
- Steven Broomhead – Steven Broomhead awarded MBE in Queen’s birthday honours – Warrington Guardian. “Professor Steven Broomhead’s name was listed among others deserving of recognition for their contribution to society following the publication of the full honours list. The award comes following his leadership and chairmanship of the National Libraries Taskforce, in which he helped to implement the Independent Library Report and reinvigorate the national public library service.” … “Prof. Broomhead was previously chair of Warrington’s Libraries Working group, which formed to review the results of consultations over the borough’s provision.”
- Council Chief receives MBE for services to libraries in Queen’s Birthday Honours – Warrington Worldwide.
- Peter Gaw – Inspire CEO honoured in Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2020 – West Bridgford Wire. “The British Empire Medal (BEM) has been awarded to Peter Gaw the CEO of Inspire – Culture, Learning and Libraries in the Queen’s birthday 2020 Honours list in recognition of his service and commitment to Libraries and Culture.”
- Janet Holden – Suffolk’s community heroes celebrated in Queen’s Birthday Honours – East Anglian Daily Times. “Janet Holden. For services to Public Libraries (Halesworth, Suffolk)”
- Julie Oldham – Bolton librarian to be honoured by the Queen for a second time – Manchester Evening News. Julie Oldham received an MBE in 2002 and now has OBE. She retired this year. ““During my career I have been privileged to work with some fantastic people who have inspired me and worked with me to deliver our services, often through challenging times.”
- Stephen Walters – Gateshead individuals honoured – Gateshead Council. “Stephen Walters, Gateshead Council Libraries Manager, awarded the British Empire Medal for services to public libraries”
International news
- USA – A former Austin Library employee is accused of stealing $1.3M in printer toner – CNN. Bought it for the library and then stored it in garage until sold online. He also allegedly fraudulently used library credit cards.
- Walmart’s new store design proves browsing is dead – Fast Company. “Walmart is rearranging many items across the store, consolidating categories such as electronics, toys, and baby products into their own dedicated sections rather than having some items scattered. Then they’re loading these stores with clearer signs to point you around the space. These signs match up with the exact categories and icons you’ll also find inside the surprisingly great Walmart app. The intended effect is what the company is billing as a “seamless” shopping experience between the digital store and the physical one.”
Local news by authority
- Bexley – Sidcup Library closed after staff member in close contact with person with coronavirus – London News Online. “The move may have a knock-on effect with other libraries in the borough, with the authority adding that opening times of other buildings may be impacted as staff are switched around.”
- Blackpool – Two more libraries set to reopen in Blackpool – here’s what you need to know – Blackpool Gazette. Anchorsholme and Revoe.
- Bradford – More services now available at three Bradford District libraries – Telegraph and Argus. “This service will be available at City Library, Keighley Library and Shipley Library.”
- Bury – Ramsbottom becomes second library in borough to reopen – Bury Times. Ramsbottom now open for browsing.
- Calderdale – A hive of activity at Elland Library – Calderdale News Centre. “around 50,000 bees had to be rehomed as part of work to refurbish Elland Library. The town’s library is currently undergoing a £1.75million refurbishment, transforming the building into a community hub providing a range of services.”
- Decision made over axing of Calderdale libraries, waste centres and services in £2m worth of cuts – Halifax Courier. “Coun George Robinson (Con, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe) argued his ward would have lost two libraries in a matter of months and it would affect older people in the area. The council had been able to find money for Elland Library, some funding for Square Chapel, which has just been rescued from administration, and funding or revenue support totalling more than £6 million for Halifax Piece Hall, he said, which impacted on the reserves it had available to be used in situations like this.”
- Camden – Belsize entrepreneur joins forces with community library to boost local businesses – Ham and High. “He founded the Purposeful Project earlier this year, and his aim is to help one million people start their own businesses. As part of this goal, he’s working with BCL to create a business advice hub and remind people of the power of a good library.”
- Cornwall – Keys to Liskeard Library handed over – Cornish Times. “ handed over the keys to the Library to Lindsey Hall of the Real Ideas Organisation (RIO).” … ““We can now crack on with what is quite a significant renovation project to bring this fantastic building back up to scratch, and able to fulfil its potential as a contemporary library, cultural hub and co-working space.”
“The library building in Barras Street has sat empty for over a year in the heart of our town centre with no refurbishment work even commencing during this whole period. “I just hope that Cornwall Council learn from this debacle and ensure we are never put in this position again where decisions are taken to vacate buildings before the next steps have been secured and agreed.”
Cornwall Councillor for Liskeard Nick Craker
- Coventry – More services on offer at Coventry’s libraries – Coventry Observer. “People can now book 30-minute book-browsing slots and 45-minute computer selections, along with click and collect services at Bell Green, Central, Foleshill, Stoke, Tile Hill and Willenhall libraries.”
- Cumbria – Ulverston, Ambleside, Grange and Windermere Library to reopen to the public within weeks – The Mail. “Ulverston, Grange, Ambleside and Windermere Libraries will all open to the public on the week of October 19.”
- Devon – Lucy’s long list of books reaps rewards at Budleigh Salterton Library – East Devon News. Reward for reading 100 books.
- Edinburgh – Book a return to re-opened Kirkliston Library – Linlithgow Gazette. “Library services will be restricted to start, with numbers within buildings limited and social distancing measures in place including face coverings being mandatory.”
- Falkirk – Falkirk area libraries to reopen in phases – here’s what you need to know – Falkirk Herald. “Falkirk Community Trust (FCT) has announced Falkirk Library will return to business as of Monday, October 12, with seven others to follow throughout the rest of October and the beginning of November”
- Flintshire – Aura Libraries: discover what your Flintshire library can do for you – The Leader. “You can now visit Buckley, Broughton, Connah’s Quay, Flint, Holywell and Mold Libraries for select browsing, computer use, or to print and access the photocopier, as well as pick up Select and Collect orders.”
- Hampshire – Changes to Hampshire Libraries’ staffed opening hours now online – Hampshire County Council. “details about the upcoming changes, which the County Council plans to have fully in place by 1 January 2021, are now available”
- Roll-out of changes to library opening hours in Hampshire – Salisbury Journal. Cuts “to staffed opening hours across libraries in Hampshire will be put in place “gradually” over the next three months, the county council has revealed.”
- Inverclyde – Join Inverclyde Libraries book group – Greenock Telegraph. Twitter.
- Lancashire – Discover “Whodunnit” During Libraries Week In Preston – Preston Hub. “A competition will be held for adult library members to win an iPad. To take part, readers need to review a crime or detective story, and submit this online by using the library services Facebook or Twitter accounts. A winner will be selected at random from the entries.”
- Leeds – National Libraries Week 2020: The Staff of the Central Library – Secret Library. ” In 2019 we invited ex-Library staff from Leeds Central Library to attend something of a reminiscence session with the aim of discovering more about our 1884 Grade II listed building and, while we did discover many things about the building itself, including underground tunnels, tall tales of ghosts and even a missing snake living in the heating system, what was really discovered was a treasure trove of staff memories of day-to-day workings in a large public Library.”
- Leicester – Jobseeking advice on offer at three city libraries – Leicester City Council. “From next week, Jobcentre work coaches will be located at St Barnabas Library, Beaumont Leys Library and the Pork Pie Library & Community Centre.”
- Leicestershire – Book in to take a book out: How to secure your place if you want to visit Harborough library – Harborough Mail. “You are still being asked to book beforehand if you would like to visit Market Harborough library and take out a book. People will be able to queue instead at 15 other main libraries throughout Leicestershire. But the county council said queueing won’t be possible at the library in Market Harborough.”
- Lincolnshire – Take part in Market Rasen Library’s guessing game – Market Rasen Mail. ” have your guess for the books displayed and return the form to the library”
- Manchester – Manchester Libraries – Resilience in 2020 – Manclibraries Blog. “We took many of our services that normally make our libraries bustling hives of activity online. The online reading offer was heavily promoted and our major e-book and magazine platforms saw a big increase in usage. The yearly Chorlton Book Festival went online with author discussions and panel events. We knew digital support for vulnerable and excluded residents would be vital and our offer included 1-1 telephone support, free tablets and data, and even free Chromebooks. “
- Middlesbrough – Middlesbrough library book returned 57 years late – BBC. “The fine would have been more than £500 but charges have been suspended during the pandemic and there would be “no questions asked”, a council spokesperson said.”
- Moray – Moray libraries join in Library Week celebrations – Northern Scot.
- North Yorkshire – North Yorkshire libraries celebrate black history – Northern Echo.
- App puts the library at your fingertips – North Yorkshire County Council. “Using the app, members can view their account, search the library catalogue and reserve and renew books, as well as downloading e-books and e-audio books and accessing free online reference resources.”
- Northamptonshire – Raunds library ready to welcome readers back this month – Northamptonshire Telegraph. Volunteer library. “The library in High Street, Raunds, will be re-opening on October 20 after several months of closure”
- Oxfordshire – £66k on offer for new short term Oxfordshire library boss – Oxford Mail. “A spokesman for the council said its current libraries manager was leaving to relocate and an interim manager was needed while the search for a permanent boss takes place.”
- Botley Library to stay shut until it is connected to county council network – Oxford Mail. “It has now been closed for six months and will not reopen until cables are installed to connect the facility to the Oxfordshire County Council network.”. Resident says “”I’m just worried it’ll never reopen.””
- County takes part in National Libraries Week – Witney Gazette. “The news comes as Chinnor, Woodgreen, Charlbury and Wychwood libraries are set to reopen this month after others across the county have successfully reopened.”
- Pembrokeshire – Newport Library to offer order and collect service – Western Telegraph. Volunteer library.
- Redbridge – Woodford Green Library set for much-needed makeover – Ilford Recorder. “Work on the Woodford Green Library will include redecoration, refurbishment and rewiring throughout. Plans are still in development, but there is a possibility of additional services opening.”
- Richmond – Richmond Council sets out calendar for Black History Month – Richmond and Twickenham Times.
- Shetland – Wishart raises motion in recognition of Shetland Library – Shetland Times. “Isles MSP Beatrice Wishart has lodged a motion highlighting the library’s work, and even pays tribute to the “light-hearted sparring” against Orkney Library – something which, in recent times, has even been highlighted on Radio 2.”
- Shropshire – Library hours to be extended in Shropshire – Advertiser.
- Southampton – Prestigious new title for Southampton library services – Southern Daily Echo. “Southampton’s library service is only the third in the country to be awarded the title that is overseen by City of Sanctuary UK.”
- Staffordshire – Families invited to join celebrations for National Libraries Week – Tamworth Informed.
- List of most borrowed digital library books in Staffordshire during lockdown is revealed – Lichfield Live. “The county’s library service said The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri had been the most borrowed e-book.”
- Swindon – Vacancy – Library Development & Innovation Manager – Swindon Council. Part-time permanent £32k.
- Swindon children’s author Steve Antony celebrated during Libraries Week – Swindon Advertiser. ““During Libraries Week, we will be celebrating the time that Steve has generously given to Swindon libraries by showcasing some of the projects we have worked on together and by reading some of his brilliant books online.””
- Warwickshire – Vacancy – Delivery Lead – Libraries (South) and North. Information Professional Jobs. Full-time permanent, £49-56k. Plus other jobs inc. hub team leaders, team leaders, principal librarian.
- West Dunbartonshire – National Eye Health Week: West Dunbartonshire libraries join in – Clydebank Post. “The rule is to look up from your screen every 20 minutes and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. “
- Windsor and Maidenhead – Coronavirus: Windsor and Maidenhead may need to save £18m in five years – Royal Borough Observer.”In the medium-term financial strategy report, it states the 2021/22 budget will have to make a projected saving of nearly £8.4 million which could see some services, like libraries, being cut back.”
“Libraries were listed as a ‘discretionary service’ to be potentially looked into despite the council having a ‘statutory duty’ to provide efficient library services to residents. The council leader acknowledged libraries are statutory but said RBWM could be looking at a number of avenues to deliver the service such as changing the opening times, the number of libraries and their locations in the borough, integrating the service into another model, etc.”
- Maidenhead Library installs new COVID-19 measures to keep visitors safe – Maidenhead Observer. “Maidenhead Library has opened its doors to the public for browsing and computer use.”
- Wokingham – Earley: Plans to reopen library paused due to covid laws – Reading Chronicle. “The announcement that reopening plans would be delayed was made at the end of September, shortly following the Prime Minister’s ‘rule of six’ public announcement.”
- Wrexham – Wrexham Library Service: Strictly Come Dancing-inspired reading – The Leader.
A busy start to the month
Oct 4th
Editorial
There’s quite a lot of special Days and Months at the start of October – Black History Month, National Poetry Day, Fun Palaces and Libraries Week all on at the same time. The one with the hardest time in these Covid days is Fun Palaces which normally relies on face-to-face demonstrations and crafts. The organisers have done a valiantly good job but it’s impact will be far less this year. The others are more in keeping with having Zoom events and things on social media.
Changes by local authority
- Calderdale – Hipperholme Library under threat.
National news
- Black History Month in Libraries – Libraries Connected. Lists what various library services are doing: so far Hertfordshire, Lambeth, Manchester, Newham and Oldham and mainly (obviously) online events.
- Books for the future: why we need copyright libraries – Book Riot. “copyright libraries are such an important part of our culture and our national heritage. Preserving knowledge and stories in a way that makes them accessible for future generations is a worthy task, and something the librarians in these libraries take incredibly seriously. “
- National Library of Wales’ finances need ‘urgent attention’ – BBC. “The Welsh Government-commissioned review concluded the library faced a threat to its financial viability. Up to 30 jobs could be lost if the review was ignored, the head of the library in Aberystwyth warned.” … “The report said the library’s income had declined in real terms by 40% between 2008 and 2019. It had also cut its staffing by 23% in that time.”
- National called to verse on National Poetry Day – National Poetry Day. “‘The interactive National Poetry Day map features hundreds of poetry celebrations across the UK, led by local libraries, schools and bookshops: care homes are connecting with school children via Gyles Brandreth’s #PoetryTogether2020 initiative and English Heritage has seized
on poetry to celebrate untold stories in an unprecedented link between National Poetry Day and Black History Month.” - Public Library Apparel – KickStarter for public library clothing to support the sector.
- Service recovery toolkit – Libraries Connected. Updates to take into account Track and Trace, facemasks and “rule of six” for group of activities/events.
- SoA calls for increase to ‘meagre’ PLR – BookSeller. “Sheila Bennett, head of libraries strategy and delivery at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has written to the SoA to pass on the recommendation that PLR is increased from 9.03p to 9.55p. The increase reflects a reduction in the estimated number of loans of books that are registered for PLR”
- Solus UK acquires Boopsie Mobile App Division from Demco, Inc – Library Technology Guides. “All Boopsie customers will be migrated to the latest Solus Library App at no additional cost to their existing subscription.”
- UK Libraries have loaned out 3.5 million ebooks during pandemic – Good E-reader. “It is estimated that all branches lent an additional 3.5 million ebooks from 13th March to 14th August. Chrys Mellor, libraries general manager for North Yorkshire County Council, said ebook and audio were up 78% and 3,000 new members have signed up for cards during lockdown.”
- Webinar – Children, wellbeing, and libraries: an expert-led discussion – Libraries Connected. 22 October 2pm. “Education, primary care, and mental health experts discuss the impact of the pandemic on children’s wellbeing and how public libraries could support recovery.”
- World Book Day plans outreach with book club and library collaboration – BookSeller. “A new monthly book club and greater outreach to public and school libraries are among the World Book Day plans for 2021, the charity’s c.e.o. has revealed at this year’s Bookseller Children’s Conference. “
International news
- Global – Ebook loans, book dispensers: how are libraries adjusting to the pandemic? – Yahoo. US/UK/Singapore.
- USA – Publishers Worry as Ebooks Fly off Libraries’ Virtual Shelves – Wired. “orrowers like Adler are driving publishers crazy. After the pandemic closed many libraries’ physical branches this spring, checkouts of ebooks are up 52 percent from the same period last year …”
- American classics among most ‘challenged’ books of the decade in US – Guardian. “Marking the start of Banned Books Week, the American Libraries Association (ALA) has reviewed all of the censorship reports it has received over the last 10 years to come up with the 100 books that readers and parents have most frequently tried to have removed from libraries and schools in the US.”
- Goodnight Nobody – 99% Invisible. Podcast looking at New York children’s librarian who introduced the children’s library but also censored books, bossed everyone around after retiring and, yes, carried a puppet around with her that she pretended was human.
- A mysterious librarian is the breakout star of Netflix’s “Hilda” – I Love Libraries. “Two years ago, the animated series Hilda premiered on Netflix, and a minor character called “The Librarian” (voiced by Kaisa Hammurlund) quickly became a fan sensation. Although she only appears in about three minutes of the show’s first season, this feisty librarian has been mentioned in 20 fanfiction stories on Archive of Our Own and has a Tumblr blog dedicated to her.”
- Reopening, Reimagining – Brooklyn Public Library podcast. “This episode, we ask how the pandemic can help us re-imagine what we use libraries for. Plus, we talk to LA County Library about how extreme weather is impacting their reopening, and dig into the science of how we are keeping you (and your books) healthy.”
Local news by authority
- Aberdeenshire – Book returns set for local libraries – Grampian Online. “The library van will be visiting various locations across Aberdeenshire where users can return items to drivers “
- Angus – Forfar leads the return of swimming as library services also set to resume in Angus – Courier. “Meanwhile, the authority has announced the return of drop-in services at local libraries for people who cannot access the council’s services online or by phone. Arbroath library will be first to offer Access services from October 5, followed by the other burgh libraries in the coming two weeks.”
- Bournemouth Christchurch Poole – Minister visits Bournemouth to hear how libraries have adapted during the pandemic – BCP Council. “During a walk and talk around the library facilities, the Minister heard how the library’s services had received national recognition for its online services during lockdown. Access to E-books and audio has seen a 156% increase on last year as residents turned to online resources whilst at home. More than 70 library staff were redeployed to help support vulnerable residents and the popular home library service was reintroduced in June for more than 500 residents.”
- Bradford – Libraries week to be celebrated online – Telegraph and Argus. “The free online events include talks by A.A. Dhand (crime author), Milly Johnson (romance novelist) and Kate Fox (poet and stand-up comedian). For children aged 4-14 years there are interactive small animal workshops with Zoolab and online drama workshops with Hoglets Theatre including Pandora’s Box and Persephone’s Story.”
- Bristol – Vacancy: Local Studies Librarian – Bristol Council. £28-32k, full-time and permanent.
- Calderdale – Anger at ‘systematic destruction’ of public services in Calderdale ward – Halifax Courier. “A councillor has hit out at proposals to close his ward’s local library, claiming they amount to a “systematic destruction” of his ward’s cultural and public provision.” … “Coun George Robinson (Con, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe) has begun a petition to save Hipperholme Library and argues its closure is unacceptable following the decision to close nearby Bailiff Bridge Library.”
- Cumbria – Libraries are set to re-open – Times and Star. “Cumbria County Council has announced that it will be re-opening twelve branch libraries on October 21 – although there will be some changes.”
- Essex – Plan for post office to move into Prettygate Library criticised – Gazette News. ““At present, only four users are allowed in the building at any one time – this already creates some delay for library users at busier times, as well as pressure to leave as fast as possible … Once post office customers are added, library users and post office customers will be queuing together and competing for entry, which is worrying for both groups, especially as winter sets in and people are left waiting outside.”
- Flintshire – Aura Libraries welcome readers back across Flintshire – The Leader. “Visits to browse and choose books are currently limited to approximately 15 minutes, and computer sessions are currently limited to 45 minutes, and once per day.”
- Glasgow – More Glasgow libraries are reopening – here’s all you need to know – Glasgow Live. “As of Tuesday 6th October Possilpark, Bridgeton and Royston Libraries will once again open their doors to the public. So far, Ibrox, Shettleston, Pollokshaws, Partick, Easterhouse, Drumchapel and Gorbals libraries have also reopened after closing during the coronavirus pandemic.”
- Opinion: Ann Fotheringham -Where would we be without libraries? Not in a good place… – Evening Glasgow Times. “More than 5000 new members have joined Glasgow libraries alone – and almost 160,000 e-books, e-magazines and e-audiobooks have been downloaded – since March, according to figures released last week. Long may that trend continue.”
- Hampshire – Hampshire council’s library closures plan ‘far too hasty’, Unison says – BBC. “A council is being “far too hasty” in its plans to close eight libraries and reduce the opening hours of those remaining, a union has said. Hampshire County Council wants to save £1.76m from the library service, putting 50 jobs at risk. Unison union said it had been “inundated” with complaints from staff.” … “In a “mandatory” consultation form, seen by the BBC, all library service staff are being asked to state their three preferred library locations, as well as set out their skills.”
- Hertfordshire – Celebrate Libraries Week 2020 virtually with Hertfordshire Libraries – Hertfordshire Council.
- Isle of Wight – Head to an Isle of Wight Library for Libraries Week: Your Passport to reading – On the Wight. “including online readings, book chat, grab bags with a comfort read novel selected by local library staff, plus some refreshments to wash it down”
- Lambeth – Lambeth Libraries celebrate Black History Month and National Libraries Week in October 2020 – see listings here – Brixton Buzz.
- Lancashire – More Preston and South Ribble libraries reopening this week – Blog Preston.
- Leicestershire – Melton Library users don’t need to pre-book from Saturday – Melton Times. “a queuing system will be in place from this weekend with a need still to restrict attendance numbers to ensure social distancing procedures are followed.”
- Norfolk – Celebrate Libraries Week with free books for children and new online offers for adults – Norfolk County Council. “Libraries are also inviting everyone to take part in a Libraries Week Big Read. Matt Haig’s ‘How to Stop Time’ is a wild and bittersweet story about losing and finding yourself, about the certainty of change and about the lifetimes it can take to really learn how to live. “
- Northamptonshire – Higham Ferrers library to be turned into building firm’s office – Northants Telegraph. “The final chapter in the long-running saga of Higham Ferrers library is about to be written as it is set to become home to a local building company. East Northants Council’s planning officers have recommended the application by owners Snowdon Homes Ltd to turn the library into its office, is approved. The Jacobean-style library was one of 22 libraries put into jeopardy by Northamptonshire County Council two years ago as part of cost-cutting measures and moves to transfer the running and ownership of the buildings in community hands.”
- North Yorkshire – Broaden your bookshelf during Black History Month – North Yorkshire County Council. “Around 3,000 people joined the library service over the lockdown period and there was a big increase in the number of e-books and e-audio books borrowed. Customers can join the online reading group Book Chat on Facebook to discuss titles from its digital Read, Learn, Act – Black Lives Matter collection.”
- Enter the Fun Palaces at county libraries – Harrogate News. Several physical activities.
- Oxfordshire – Vacancy / Service Manager (Libraries and Heritage) – Lis Job Net. £60-66k, full time permanent.
- More of Oxfordshire’s libraries will reopen this month – Oxford Mail. “Libraries which are opening this week (from Monday, September 28) include Faringdon, Sonning Common, Watlington and Goring libraries will reopen. Next week, Chinnor, Woodgreen, Charlbury and Wychwood libraries will open again.”
- Pembrokeshire – Pembroke, Narberth and Saundersfoot libraries join the Order and Collect service – Western Telegraph. “libraries in Narberth, Pembroke and Saundersfoot will begin accepting orders for the service. The Order and Collect service, launched in July, is already available at libraries in Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Tenby.”
- Reading – Reading Borough Council announce reopening of libraries – Reading Chronicle. “The aim is to reopen three of the library service’s six branch libraries before the end of the year.”
- Sheffield – List and reopen Tinsley Carnegie library, Sheffield – Change. “We the undersigned petition Sheffield City Council to list the handsome Tinsley Carnegie library building, and to apply for funding to reactivate it for its originally intended purpose, to provide a much needed free library for the area of Tinsley.”
- Somerset – Burnham-On-Sea Library marks National Libraries Week by reminding users it’s open – Burnham on Sea.com. “Each day during libraries week, staff in libraries across Somerset will be posting videos, book reviews and other fun content online.”
- Staffordshire – Kinver Library services resuming after re-opening – Stourbridge News. “The library team say they aim for a return to full services soon and plans are afoot to resume the book reservation service from other Staffordshire libraries from October 1.”
- Stockport – How Stockport’s new town centre library at ‘cultural hub’ could look – Manchester Evening News. “As well as a lending library, there are also plans for children’s and reference libraries, displays and artefacts from Stockport Museum and public computers” … “Plans for a much larger £14m facility in the former BHS and M&S stores is dependent on government funding and would be unlikely to open before 2023.”
- Suffolk – Mystery writer Elly Griffiths talks to Suffolk libraries – East Anglian Daily Times. “The talk will go live at 11am on Thursday October 8 in Suffolk Libraries’ new book group, ‘DiscoverReads’ which you can find on Facebook linked to the Suffolk Libraries Facebook page.”
- Surrey – Surrey libraries celebrate start of national Libraries Week by extending opening hours – Surrey News. “from 5 October, 17 of these libraries will be opening for longer periods each day to mark the start of Libraries Week,”
- Tameside – Libraries, gallery and popular Portland Basin Museum to reopen ‘Covid-safe’ in Tameside – Manchester Evening News. “The remainder of Tameside’s libraries along with its gallery and popular Portland Basin Museum are to reopen in a ‘Covid-safe’ way this month.”
- Warrington – Libraries Week – more important than ever this year – Warrington Worldwide. “• Take a photo of yourself reading something – perhaps your current read or perhaps an all-time favourite? Describe your favourite book in six words (remembering say what it is!) Reveal the most unusual place you like to read. Perhaps describe the plot of your favourite book using only emojis”
- Warwickshire – How villagers in Harbury have recorded their experiences of community spirit during the Covid-19 lockdown for future generations – The Courier. “The book was unveiled at an event at Biblio’s Café at Harbury Village Library on Wednesday September 30.”
- Westminster – Vacancy: Service Delivery Manager – Westminster Council. £33-37k full-time permanent. More information: “Service Delivery Managers in Westminster Council and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea lead and manage service delivery primarily in a single library and work as part of a team of Service Delivery Managers and Service Improvement Managers across Bi-Borough.”.
Not a good time to be down by two-thirds? Kent and Stockport
Sep 27th
Editorial
The BookSeller have published an interesting article on library usage, pointing out that it is only at one-fifth to one-third of pre-covid levels. There are many reasons for this situation, some of which are listed below, but it’s still a worrying statistic to be made public at a time when councils are looking for ways to save money:
- much usage has moved online. On the other hand, while such usage is often larger than any single physical library branch, it won’t account for a significant amount of the fall. There were 157m book loans in 2018, while the article states that ebook loans March to August were 3.5m. The “600% increase” figure often quoted as an e-lending rise is not an overall accurate figure for the whole period.
- many libraries are still closed, on reduced hours or click and collect only.
- unlike shops, libraries are not promoting themselves or encouraging visitors. The focus is on safety, not income. Libraries need to be models of safety for their councils, and being risk averse, unlike retail.
- the unique returns aspect of libraries means quarantining of books unlike in shops. This may have a knock-on effect in highlighting risk to users and in keeping popular titles outside of circulation.
- A significant user base for libraries is amongst the old: a demographic most at risk and thus less likely to go out.
An example of an authority trying to save money is Kent, which has the largest number of library buildings of any UK authority, has announced that it will 66 of its 99 branches closed until 1st April 2021. Those normally working in the closed branches have been moved to open ones. Also, reading between the lines, the closure of Stockport Central Library and its moving some time next year to a co-location in an old Argos shop is as likely to be as much about saving money as modernising the service, although it is true that sometimes both can be achieved.
Changes by local authority
- Kent – 66 out of 99 libraries to stay closed until 1 April to save money. Staff redeployed to open libraries.
- Stockport – Central Library to remain closed – will move to old Argos site in shopping centre.
National news
- Collaborations For Libraries: How To Create New Things With Partners – Princh. Includes room hire, using a wedding dress designer to come up with a new staff uniform, and jazz … plus a please to not hurt reputation of library.
- How Yorkshire towns can lead UK fightback – The Yorkshire Post says – Yorkshire Post. North and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership says lack of broadband holding back region.
- It Took Covid Closures to Reveal Just How Much Libraries Do Beyond Lending Books – Observer. A look at York Explore, Tacoma, New York, Suffolk, with increase in online usage. “Its many proposals also include the use libraries – many of which are fighting for their futures – as centres to teach new digital skills to the less computer-savvy.”
The American Library Association’s Games and Gaming Round Table (GameRT) is proud to announce that despite COVID-19, International Games Week (IGW) will take place from November 8 to November 14, 2020. Libraries of all stripes around the world are encouraged to sign up between now and October 24 to be eligible for a drawing for one of three special GameRT Loot Boxes. While GameRT encourages participants to hold a gaming event at their Library during IGW, due to the pandemic, any event held during the month of November can be counted. This year, GameRT will be spotlighting freely available print-and-play games and listing resources available for libraries to use to set up gaming events online at games.ala.org.
Darren Edwards, Lis-Pub-Libs
- Levelling Up Our Communities – UK Government. Report by Danny Kruger MP (Conservative) to the Prime Minister on improving community. “The local Library is or should be a crucial element of the social model we need to create, or re-create. Libraries are no longer dusty book depositories. Increasingly they serve as digital hubs and information centres for communities, and places for classes and sessions of all kinds. The British Library’s Business and IP Centre network is supporting local libraries to assist people in starting their own businesses. Even more is possible: siting BBC local radio stations in libraries, spreading the Library of Things network, using libraries for cultural events and exhibitions, and working with Historic England to establish new libraries in old buildings.” … “Government should make a major commitment to support the local library as the hub of the 21st century community”
- Library footfall down 80% on last year – BookSeller. Libraries Connected “… collects weekly figures and, up to the week ending 13th September, they show a very gradual uptick in the number of physical users since lockdown ended for libraries from early July, with footfall still at only around 20% of last year’s level.” … many libraries still closed so those open more at 35% … “the figure is still far lower than for the commercial high street, where more shops have opened fully and footfall has peaked at close to 70% of previous levels.”
- Public Library Apparel – KickStarter. “Apparel to raise awareness and funds for public libraries in the UK.”. Check out these literary themed t-shirts to support ailing libraries – Big Issue.
- Public Library Reopening Poll – Summer 2020 – Lorensbergs. “The results provide a snapshot of the services available at late August/early September and libraries’ plans for the months ahead. A total of 96 library authorities have taken part, with participation stretching across the UK. The findings represent how it’s been necessary for library authorities to respond according to the guidelines and different circumstances of their local areas.”
- Transforming the digital offer for public libraries – BookSeller. “Our goal was not just to conceptualise what a website for public libraries might look like, but rather to think more deeply and strategically about how to improve the use of digital technology throughout the whole public library sector. ” … “We believe that a national digital presence should help everyone discover the power of the public library by making access to knowledge easier and more enjoyable, and supporting every public library to deliver digital services of the highest quality.” … “to build a national digital channel for public libraries” and “develop patterns and designs that local libraries can use and re-work”
International news
- Canada – Book vending machine outside Vancouver Mall library revives pleasure of browsing the stacks – The Columbian.
- EU – News from the NAPLE sistership between Iisalmi City Library and Edinburgh Libraries – NAPLE Sister Libraries. “correspondence between libraries has been active and we have been keeping in touch with emails and Skype meetings. We have also done some small projects together. These have included country specific book exhibitions, sharing content in social media and joint activities of our book clubs. The exchange of ideas has been fruitful and we have very similar opinions concerning the development of our cooperation.”
- Global – Occupy Library – Occupy Library. 3 day online conference. “Occupy Library brings together the innovating ideas that are implemented in libraries in the Central, Eastern European, Black Sea, Caucasus, and Caspian regions. The conference will provide a virtual space for sharing good practices and support best ways to make libraries more involved in their communities.”. Happened last week.
- Ireland – Shhh! Downloads prove a big noise for Ireland’s libraries in lockdown – Times. “Figures show that due to the restrictions imposed because of the pandemic, downloads of ebooks via the app in Ireland have increased to 529,416 in 2020 to date, compared with 345,877 over all 12 months of last year.”
- Maldives – ‘Barefoot bookseller’ sought to run island bookshop in Maldives – Guardian. ““Last time we had everybody from the White House press corps to film directors, lawyers, IT managers, beach poets, retired librarians,” said Blackwell, who is a member of the British bookselling family that sold their chain in 2006. “What works best is somebody with bookselling experience. “
- USA – Passenger Pigeon Manifesto – Peta Pixel. A call for all libraries to preserve and make public historical records.
Local news by authority
- Bath and North East Somerset – Chance to share memories as Bath Central Library marks 30th anniversary – Bath Echo. “The libraries team will be posting on social media throughout the ‘birthday’ with photos through the ages, memories of staff past and present and activities for all ages to enjoy including 30 years of books, a quiz and downloadable bookmarks.”
- Libraries across Bath & North East Somerset set to reopen for browsing – Bath Echo. “Bath Central, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton Libraries will reopen for browsing and collection of reservations from Tuesday 22nd September, from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.”
- Bradford – Activities planned in district to celebrate Libraries Week – Keighley News. “Top authors from a range of genres are involved in the initiative, which includes free theatre sessions, small-animal workshops and interactive story times for under-fives.”
- Cumbria – Step up in Covid safety measures as more libraries prepare to open – The Mail. “after careful preparation plans are in place to reopen an additional 12 branch libraries across the county on Wednesday, October 21.”
- Hackney – Hackney librarian Jack Houston shortlisted for prestigious short story award – Hackney Gazette. “Come Down Heavy is a moving tale of a friendship between two women living chaotic lives and has been nominated for the BBC National Short Story Award with Cambridge University”
- Hertfordshire – Get Creative with Fun Palaces – Hertfordshire County Council. “Look out for suggestions of creativity for adults and children and simple ideas for community engagement on the libraries social media pages – both the Hertfordshire Libraries pages and those of many local libraries. Join in – it’s fun and it’s free and it will create essential new community connections. #FunPalaces”
- Highlands – High Life Highland announces it will reopen eight further libraries which were forced to close during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic earlier this year; the sites set to reopen in the next week include ones in Ross-shire, on the Black Isle, on Skye, in Sutherland, Badenoch and Strathspey – Ross-Shire Journal.
- Kent – KCC acts to tackle financial impact of Covid pandemic – Kent County Council. ““As far as libraries, children’s centres and community learning services are concerned, our decision was not an easy one. We know that these are popular service and residents may be disappointed by our decision, as will those staff who will not be able to work at their usual building.”
- Lancashire – Bamber Bridge Library Will Reopen Next Week – Preston Hub. “Libraries at Bamber Bridge, Barrowford, Burnley, Burscough, Cleveleys, Halton, Haslingden, Kingsfold, Kirkham, Mellor and Sharoe Green will reopen from Wednesday 30 September. And libraries at Earby, Ingol, Knott End, and Rishton will reopen from Thursday 1 October.”
- Lincolnshire – Libraries in the Donington, Spalding and Long Sutton area are back open – Spalding Today.
- Liverpool – ‘My First Library Card’ launched for under 10’s across Liverpool – In Your Area. “Parents across Liverpool are being encouraged to pick up a special card for their under 10’s to develop their child’s love of reading. Week beginning September 28, Liverpool City Council’s Libraries and Information Services, in partnership with Edge Hill University, will launch the ‘My First Library Card’ for youngsters up to the age of 10. The library card features a friendly liver bird design, created to appeal to little readers.”
- Norfolk – One of Norfolk’s smallest libraries reopens for first time in six months – Fakenham and Wells Times. “Reepham Library is set to reopen next week after being closed for more than six months.”. Mobile library service to replace Hingham Library for time being because it is too small.
- North Yorkshire – Libraries in Craven prepare to celebrate national poetry day – Keighley News. Virtual poet reading.
- Nottinghamshire – Read all about it: the mobile library is back out on Nottinghamshire roads – Newark Advertiser. “Mobile libraries are back on the roads of Nottinghamshire — but offering a click-and-collect service only.”
- Pembrokeshire – Customers set for safe return to Pembrokeshire’s libraries – Pembroke Observer. “Libraries in Tenby, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Fishguard will welcome customers back to browse their shelves in person for the first time since March.”
- Portsmouth – Beddow Library Set to Re-Open and Saturday Hours Returning – About My Area. “The re-opening of Beddow library follows after the successful re-opening of Central, Southsea, North End and Cosham libraries in July and August.”
- Southend – Leigh: New chapter for Southend libraries as doors reopen to the public – Leigh Times. “Residents can now visit their local libraries to browse for their favourite novels and books.”
- Stockport – Stockport’s historic Central Library set for move to new ‘cultural hub’ at Merseyway – Manchester Evening News. “Stockport Central Library is to move to the Merseyway Shopping Centre as part of plans to create a new cultural hub in the town centre. It has remained closed since March when the council shut all libraries and museums in the borough as the coronavirus pandemic took hold.”
- Thurrock – Five more libraries to reopen in Thurrock – Your Thurrock. “A further five libraries will open in Thurrock over the next two weeks, following the successful reopening of Grays, Belhus and Corringham in July.”
- Warwickshire – Council urges Warwickshire residents to download NHS test and trace app – Solihull Observer. “The mobile phone application lets users ‘check in’ to any venue or business with areas open to the public – such as pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, cinemas, places of worship, or community facilities such as libraries – by scanning a QR code displayed on a poster at the venue. It will automatically alert users if they have visited a venue where they may have come into contact with the virus”
- Book lovers can now visit Shipston-on- Stour Library again – Cotswold Journal.
- York – World Turned Upside Down 2020 #haiflu edition – Explore York. ” We are asking people in York to send us poems and drawings that we will use to create a lasting record of what has happened in our lives. The project is called World Turned Upside Down 2020 #haiflu edition.”
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