Just before the second wave
Sep 20th
Editorial
Sorry to see that Hay on Wye, a place synonymous with books, will now have a library run by volunteers. Wales is notably less reliant on the unpaid than English libraries and so this represents a worrying development. Otherwise, the news continues to show a return to normal, although with one service amusingly reintroducing click and collect not because their libraries aren’t open – they are – but because the public liked the service. How the increasingly obvious and long-feared second wave will affect the national picture remains to be seen.
Changes by authority
- Bromley – Chislehurst Library to be redeveloped.
- Powys – £200k cut. Llanfair Caereinion, Llanwrtyd Wells, Talgarth and Hay-on-Wye to be volunteer run.
National news
- BookTrust’s Time to Read campaign supports transition to primary school for 740,000 children – Charity Today. ““We love to encourage parents to read with their children. Sadly, this year we can’t do it in person so our lovely library staff will be connecting with our parents and children virtually, helping parents and children see that’s there’s no right way to read a book. Using a variety of voices, styles and experience our library teams will read this years’ Time to Read book and share tips on reading aloud, beamed straight into homes via the schools. A familiar book, an enthusiastic parent and a friendly librarian what better combination to encourage reading this autumn.””
- CILIP Conference 2020 – Reimagined – CILIP. October 13, 2020 – November 19, 2020. ” Reimagined will be a series of satellite events throughout Autumn, culminating in an incredible one-day event on 19 November with all of the elements that you would expect if you were to come to a live venue “
- The history of book burning – New Statesman.” In 2018-19, there were 3,583 public libraries in the UK compared with 4,356 in 2009-10: 773 have closed.”
- ‘Libraries and Rural Touring Arts’ – maximising the potential of our nation’s libraries – Rural Touring. “… the NRTF Libraries Project, funded by the Arts Council England will support the delivery of rural touring arts in libraries by recognising and promoting the high-quality creative activities already happening in rural libraries across the UK, strengthening and boosting ambition by sharing resources, contacts, expertise and knowledge, funding opportunities to map, review, learn, expand and develop the touring potential of libraries and bring organisations and professionals together to network, support, educate and collaborate on a national scale.” NRFT Conference – free digital conference includes one day, 13 October, on libraries.
Are you interested in standing as a candidate in the CILIP BAME Network’s Inaugural Elections? Do you want to find out more and ask questions? Then join us for a Zoom meeting on 24th September between 5.15pm-6pm. This is an opportunity for you to ask members of the CILIP BAME Network Steering Committee about what each role within the Committee will involve as well as about the work we have been involved with to date. If you are interested in joining this meeting please email info.bame@cilip.org.uk.
Mobeena Khan
- National Poetry Day follows lockdown poetry passion with bumper plans for October – BookSeller. “… thousands of schools and libraries across the UK, including The British Library, are putting on poetry readings and performances on National Poetry Day’s chosen theme of Vision.”
- Webinars – Living Knowledge Network. Free to watch recordings of relevant webinars for public libraries from the British Library.
International news
- Australia – Talk to Errol the Frog – Public Libraries Connect. “with voice-activated content available on Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, libraries can now bring Errol to life! Families attending First 5 Forever sessions will find it a real treat to hear Errol’s voice as he shares the Hello Song, a book suggestion or an early literacy tip.”
- Belgium – “The first, the fast, and the least reluctant to change will succeed”: Interview with Saskia Van Uffelen, Digital Champion for Belgium, Part 2 – Mechanical Dolphin. “The value add of libraries stops being about access to the collection. It becomes a social space in the neighbourhood, providing people with contact and perhaps a place of learning. The value add of yesterday is no longer valid. Just as in any other organisation, libraries must now ask, what could our value add be, not today, not at the end of the quarter, but in 2030?”
- EU – How can libraries play a positive roles in a crisis – Eurolis. Wednesdays 14, 21 and 28 October 2020, from 4 to 6pm. “The seminar will seek to explore the ways libraries can play a vital role in the times of crisis through online presentations from speakers in Europe and through highly interactive sessions involving the audience.”
- USA – Exclusive: Douglas Co. chair wanted to cut library funding over Black Lives Matter support – News 4. Library director’s public support for BLM causes the situation where “The Douglas County library board voted earlier this month to spend $30,000 investigating library director Amy Dodson after the Black Lives Matter controversy. It’s unclear what the investigation is looking at or when it will be finished.”
- 158 Birmingham Library Workers Placed on Furlough. What they were told – Birmingham Times. Letter to staff says “You will receive your final paycheck on October 9, 2020.”. The cutbacks were a response to city budget cuts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic”
Local news by authority
- Aberdeenshire – Public PC access now available at selected Aberdeenshire libraries – Buchan Observer. “In addition to “Click and Collect” and doorstep delivery services, public PC access is now available at a number of Aberdeenshire libraries.”
- Argyll – Helensburgh Library begins ‘click and collect’ service – Helensburgh Advertiser. “Restricted physical re-opening arrangements will be in place and a return to full service arrangements across all libraries is provisionally pencilled in for the week commencing November 2.”
- Brent – Carl Gabriel’s Art Work – Preston Community Library:19 Sep to 13 Dec – Preston Community Library. “a series of these sculptures are displayed as static works, alongside a new off-site commission that has been developed in conversation with library staff.”. Nice photos.
- Brent 2020: First ever Brent Biennial launches with art projects borough-wide for people to enjoy – Brent and Kilburn Times. “The public can enjoy 23 new artist commissions across Brent in public spaces, libraries, streets and online from September 19 to December 13 as part of the Brent 2020 London Borough of Culture.”
- Cumbria – Workington Library launches competition – Times and Star. 500 words.
- Darlington – Community appeal to help stock libraries for Kenyans – Northern Echo. Rotary “are collecting as many children’s books as possible to fill a ‘container library’ and learning centre in Kenya.”
- East Riding – East Riding’s Festival of Words goes on line – guests include local author Louise Beech, historical crime writer Abir Mukherjee, fantasy novelist Natasha Pulley – Scarborough News.
- East Sussex – Uckfield Library to reopen next month – Uckfield News. “It will open from October 19 after a positive customer response to measures in place at five libraries which reopened in July.”
- Edinburgh – Council announces Central Library will open a week earlier than planned – Edinburgh Reporter. “Following some pointed discussion at the Culture and Communities committee earlier this week, it has been announced that six of the city’s libraries will open more quickly than first thought.”
- Councillors demand quicker reopening of libraries – Edinburgh Reporter. “Cllr Susan Webber said that the list of libraries to be reopened is not fair and inclusive. She also said that a direction for residents in Ratho to go to the library in Kirkliston has been made by someone who does not know anything about travel between the two villages. Cllr Webber said: “We are behind every other local authority in the UK. We need to try harder.””
- Falkirk – More Falkirk district libraries open for Click and Collect – Falkirk Herald. “Four more libraries across the district are opening their doors for a Click and Collect service from today”
- Fife – Fife libraries to offer ‘lucky dip’ book bags again – Fife Today. “In just three weeks in July nearly 3700 bags of up to ten books were collected. When branches started to open their doors again last month, the service came to an end. However, it’s coming back by popular demand after customers have said they are still keen to use a Connect & Collect service.”
“So many library users loved the surprise element of discovering what books had been chosen for them but just as importantly it also allows us to stay in touch with customers who are limiting their contacts and don’t want to browse the shelves just yet.”
June Souter, libraries service development manager
- Gloucestershire – Stroud Library on Lansdown set to reopen this week – Stroud News.
- Hackney – Hackney libraries celebrate World Afro Day for the first time – Hackney Citizen. “The books, including Hair Love by Matthew Cherry, Daddy Do My Hair by Tola Okogwu, My Hair by Hannah Lee, Happy to be Nappy by bell hooks, I Love My Hair by Natasha Tarpley and Hair Like Mine by Latashia M. Perry, are part of a drive to empower people with Afro hair and raise awareness in wider society.”
- Monmouthshire – Abergavenny community hub to improve access to vital services – South Wales Argus. “A ‘request and collect’ library service will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am-4pm”
- North Yorkshire – Libraries are now offering visitors more services – Gazette and Herald. “Customers can visit, browse for and borrow books in many libraries, including Pickering Library on a bookable basis.”
- Powys – Powys libraries get five-year deal to keep running – BBC. £200k cut. Llanfair Caereinion, Llanwrtyd Wells, Talgarth and Hay-on-Wye will be volunteer-run.
- Somerset – Book lovers back browsing at Bridgwater Library – Bridgwater Mercury. “Bridgwater Library is now allowing the public in to browse their shelves – all done with strict social distancing and infection control measures in place.”
- Burnham-On-Sea Library restores Customer Request Service for users – Burnham on Sea. “A Somerset Libraries spokesman says: “We are delighted that from Monday 14th September you will be able to reserve items from the library catalogue and the LibrariesWest App, for pick up from libraries in Somerset.” “There is an initial temporary limit of ten reservations per library member to help manage demand. “
- St Helens – Watch our tour inside the new St Helens library which opened today – St Helens Star. “St Helens town centre has been without a library since the closure of Central Library, based in the Gamble Building, in March 2017. The council unveiled plans to open a new venue within the World of Glass in April 2019, but its creation was delayed due to factors such as work on the site and the coronavirus pandemic. Today Monday, September 14, the new library site has been officially opened by war veteran and triple amputee Andy Reid MBE.”
- Swindon – Vacancy: Library Development & Innovation Manager – Swindon Council. £32k pro rate 22 hours p.w.
- West Berkshire – West Berkshire libraries to reopen next week – Newbury Today. “Customers will be able to choose and borrow books in person during limited opening hours at all West Berkshire libraries from Monday, September 21. “
- West Dunbartonshire – West Dunbartonshire Libraries marked Youth Mental Health Awareness Day – Clydebank Post. “Libraries marked Youth Mental Health Awareness Day by reminding pupils of their school library facilities.”
- Wirral – Arts Council funds free creative writing course for Wirral – Wirral Globe. “Starting in October 2020, author Charlie Lea will run six ‘Read Now Write Now’ writing courses, each lasting eight weeks, in partnership with Sefton and Wirral Library Services.”
- Wrexham – Wrexham Library Service: Learning to drive? Access Theory Test support – Leader Live.
A normal news week, sort of
Sep 13th
Editorial
Windsor and Maidenhead, the” tax avoidance capital” and one of the wealthiest parts of the UK, is considering cutting library opening hours by a quarter in order to save money. Elsewhere, Kingston has also announced a consultation but it is avoids mentioning if this is simply cover to cut funding or not. A new library has opened in Waltham Forest and another in the Vale of Glamorgan has closed for extensive refurbishment. Meanwhile, the troubled Library of Birmingham has been earmarked £3m of the £10m it needs just for maintenance. That place sucks in money. So – good news – this almost sounds like a normal news week pre-Covid.
A librarianship MA student is researching the use and purpose of volunteers at Oldham Libraries for her dissertation and is looking for information professionals to share their thoughts on the topic. The study will involve information professionals completing a survey about their experience and knowledge of volunteers. If you find the project of interest and would like to participate in this survey, please contact the researcher, Nicola Semple. Her email address is nicola.semple@stu.mmu.ac.uk
Changes by authority
- Birmingham – Library of Birmingham needs £11m maintenance over ten years: £3m to be spent on it over 3 years.
- Kingston – Consultation.
- South Gloucestershire – Filton Library closed for repairs.
- Vale of Glamorgan – Penarth Library to be extensively refurbished inc. makerspace.
- Waltham Forest – New Wood Street Library opens.
- Windsor and Maidenhead – Consultation on cutting opening hours by 26% /123 hours from current 475.5
Whichbook
I’ve been a fan of Whichbook for years and so was delighted to see that this one-of-a-kind book recommendation site has been radically improved. Rachel Van Riel, the Director of Opening the Book, the creators of Whichbook, very kindly agreed to answer my questions about it …
What is Whichbook?
A new way to choose a book where the reader is in control. Searching books sites and catalogues usually means keying in an author name or book title. But if you know the name already, your search is likely to turn up books you already know about. No surprises there. Whichbook starts instead from the reading experience you are looking for. Are you in the mood for something funny and optimistic or beautiful and a bit sad? Mix the mood sliders to match what you want and see what comes up. You can choose the race, age, gender and sexuality of the main character or spin the globe and pick the country your book is set in.
What is it like now?
This site is in a completely different league from the old one. The old one had the central idea but it was dated in design, you needed to be keen to use it. People still were keen – we averaged 35,000 a month – but this new one is so juicy and tempting – I defy anyone not to get sucked in to look at just one more possibility – and then another ….
So what’s actually new?
It’s dynamic and not linear. When you change the mood sliders, the book covers instantly rearrange to match, it’s magic. When you choose a main character, you can pick Asian and see a big choice, then choose gay, the book covers change instantly to show that. It’s a celebration of the richness of book cover design and a visual feast. Everything is intuitive – instead of a drop-down menu of countries to choose from, you can spin a globe and land anywhere and see which books are set there. And it is designed to work on tablets and phones as much as PCs and Macs. That’s been a huge job with such a complexity of interaction. But we knew that more than half of users access by mobile phone so it’s essential.
Is it free?
Yes, it’s completely free. For the first time, we have added a donate button as the site has had no public funding since 2003. We have looked at using ads too but they do spoil the design so we’d rather not.
How are the book choices made?
We concentrate on books which may fly below the radar – first-time authors, quirky titles and knock-out covers. Any user can suggest a book. We don’t include the big bestsellers as they don’t need any help to be found. Another great new feature, though, is that you can pick a current bestseller you enjoyed and see a selection of whichbook titles you might like to try next. That could be very useful for libraries with a big waiting list for bestseller reservations.
What’s the library connection?
Click on any book cover to get the book details and you can then Borrow or Buy. Borrow brings up a choice of UK library services with a link that goes straight to author/title level so you can see which branches hold it. The other big connection with libraries is that whichbook readers mostly work in libraries. We have just started a training programme with 10 new readers in Leeds Libraries.
National news
- Annual Report to Parliament on public libraries activities from April 2019 to March 2020 – Gov.uk. “This report provides a review of library activity from April 2019 to March 2020 by government and a number of library stakeholders.”
- Libraries need change from the top – BookSeller. Tim Coates says “Public libraries have been losing the plot for years.” … “and if those currently in charge can’t see or do that, they should be replaced—and very quickly, this autumn. “
- Together We Read – Digital bookclub. “During this two-week program, there will be no waitlists and no holds for the selected ebook. Download Libby to borrow the free ebook from your library using your phone or tablet. “
International news
- China – Concrete wormhole library – Designing Libraries. “The wormholes, of varying size and intervals, provide surprise and let in natural light. As well as provision for around 10,000 [censored – Ed.] books, the library has bicycle parking facilities, bathrooms and showers.”
- Global – Libraries In Movement – Princh. A look at mobile libraries worldwide including those using donkeys and boats.
- India – Pandemic is the perfect time to build community libraries, here’s why – Times of India. ” news of small community libraries being opened up in different places in Balochistan caught international bestselling author Paulo Coelho’s attention. The idea is to convert unused buildings or places previously misused for drug consumption into small community libraries in towns and villages so that people and young readers get a glimpse of the outside world through stories and books”
- USA/Ireland/ – What’s it like to be a library cat during the pandemic – I Love Libraries. “Library staff know him to be extremely self-sufficient, but during the pandemic people have still been sure to drop by his hut to check in and share snacks.”
Local news by authority
- Aberdeen – Aberdeen’s libraries open doors to welcome back readers – Evening Express. “Central and Tillydrone libraries opened on Monday and the libraries at Airyhall, Bridge of Don, Cove, Dyce and Mastrick opened on Thursday.”
- Aberdeenshire – Public access PCs available to book at Aberdeenshire libraries from next week – Evening Express. “Hour-long slots allow 45 minutes use and the chance for staff to ensure hygiene between users, who are asked to wear face coverings.” From 2 libraries.
- Birmingham – Millions to be spent after fears Birmingham library could soon become unsafe to occupy – Birmingham Mail. “Around £3 million is set to be spent on the Library of Birmingham over the next three years.” … “Last week it was revealed that the library, which opened in 2013, risks becoming unsafe to use without £11 million in maintenance works over the next ten years.”
- Bradford – Call for Bradford poets to enter library competition – Telegraph and Argus. “Libraries hopes to produce two books – one book featuring poems and artwork by children & young people under 18 and another with artwork and poems by adults (over 18).”
- Bridgend – Libraries Reopen For Book Browsing – Awen Libraries. “reopened its Aberkenfig, Bridgend, Maesteg, Pencoed, Porthcawl and Pyle branches for book browsing and borrowing”
- Buckinghamshire – Marlow residents urged to contribute to library art – Maidenhead Advertiser. “Bucks Council is urging Marlow residents to take part in the creation of a new art installation for the refurbished library.”
- 3,000 people still have library books from before lockdown, but be warned – fine amnesty ends this month – Bucks Free Press. “The fines amnesty that has been in place during lockdown will end on September 30.”
- Denbighshire – Libraries across Denbighshire open for appointment visits – Journal. “Visits to browse and choose books are limited to 20 minutes, and computer sessions are currently limited to 45 minutes, and one per week.”
- Derbyshire – Derbyshire’s mobile libraries gear up to return to the road – Derbyshire County Council. “From Monday 21 September both our mobile library vehicles will start operating again for mornings only and following new routes.” … “Appointment times will last 5 minutes, and for the time being people will not be able to select their own books by going onto the vehicle. Instead, they will be asked what type of books they like reading and a selection will be made for them so they can pick them up at their allotted time.”
- Derbyshire county libraries to be open by end of the month – Derbyshire Council. “A total of 44 of the county’s 45 libraries will be open and welcoming customers to browse the shelves and choose books by 28 September 2020. Only Wingerworth Library will remain closed for the time being.”
- Dorset – Bookworms rejoice as reservation system gets back up and running – Bridport News. “Reservations will be limited to 10 items per library member at any one time.”
- Edinburgh – Edinburgh Libraries phased re-opening – Tales of One City. “The first phase of opening will see a selection of library buildings across the city reopening on Tuesday 13 October.”
- Eileen Siar – Western Isles libraries to reopen with ‘Connect & Collect’ – Stornoway Gazette. “The phased reopening will initially involve reduced opening hours at Liniclate and Stornoway libraries which will offer a special ‘Connect & Collect’ service.”
- Glasgow – Glasgow Lib Dem library closure letters ‘untrue’, says Susan Aitken – Glasgow Times. “It is understood that Glasgow Life, an arms-length organisation which manages Glasgow’s libraries on behalf of the council – is facing significant financial difficulties. Despite local concerns and an online petition to “save” South Side libraries, there has been no suggestion that libraries will be permanently closed. But the Greens have said that the council is responsible for causing confusion. “
- Pollokshields residents frustrated as Glasgow Life removes signs expressing love for libraries – Glasgow Times. “locals in Pollokshields designed signs to hang outside their local hub – but these keep being removed by library staff. Resident Katherine Mackinnon said: “I obviously can’t speak to the reasons other folk put them up but, for me, I put a banner up because I was concerned for the future of our extremely well-used and beloved library.” … “One sign, which was removed, read “Reading is Hope” while another said “Our libraries belong to our communities”.”
- Gwynedd – Library appointments available to book from today – Cambrian News. “As part of a pre-booking system, residents will be able to access the public computers and go to the library to browse and choose their own books.”
- Hampshire – Library opening hour changes to be unveiled in Hampshire – Salisbury Journal. This month. “The 40 county council-run libraries, including Fordingbridge and Ringwood, are set to have new opening hours following a public consultation.”
- Inverclyde – Inverclyde Libraries has unveiled the new theme for its online discussion group – Greenock Telegraph. “For the next few weeks, readers are being encouraged to choose books with strong female lead characters”
- Kingston – Kingston Council to work with local communities to reimagine local library services – Kingston Council. “The first phase of the transformation process will take place between 1 September and 21 October. “
- Leicester – Five more city libraries to reopen next week – Leicester City Council. “From Monday 14 September, Evington Library, Fosse Library, Knighton Library, Rushey Mead Library and Westcotes Library will reopen to the public.”
- Leicestershire – Thousands of people have visited Leicestershire’s main libraries – including Harborough’s – since a browsing service has been restarted – Harborough Mail. “More than 5,500 people have visited Leicestershire’s main libraries”
- Manchester – More Manchester libraries set to reopen from next week – About Manchester. “Abraham Moss, Arcadia, Beswick, Brooklands, Hulme and North City will all reopen, along with community libraries in Burnage, Barlow Moor, Fallowfield, Miles Platting and New Moston. For the two remaining Manchester libraries where a reopening date is yet to be confirmed, Northenden and Powerhouse, work is continuing to ensure that these facilities can reopen to visitors as soon as possible.”
- Northern Ireland – Libraries in local area return to normal hours – Coleraine Times. “Libraries NI has announce that libraries that were part of Libraries NI’s first two pilot phases for reopening have returned to normal hours including opening Mondays and Saturdays.” … “These libraries are Antrim, Ballymoney, Bangor Carnegie, Belfast Central, Brownlow, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Cookstown, Derry Central, Downpatrick, Enniskillen, Lisburn City, Maghera, Newry City, Omagh, Portaferry and Strabane.”
- North Somerset – More libraries reopen across North Somerset – Mercury.
- Northumberland – Some services could return to Northumberland libraries – News Post Leader. Time limited browsing in some libraries.
- North Yorkshire – North Yorkshire’s home library service resumes – Harrogate Informer. “Home library service volunteers select books and audio books for delivery. All books are left on a pre-arranged date in a secure place and collected and quarantined afterwards.”
- Libraries welcoming back customers with measures – Northern Echo. “Customers can visit, browse for and borrow books in many libraries, and most are offering access to computers, which allow for two-metre social distancing and are cleaned between each use.”
- Plymouth – All Plymouth public libraries to reopen in the next few weeks – Plymouth Live. “Following the coronavirus lockdown, the council introduced a collection service at Central, Plymstock, St Budeaux and Southway. In a second phase, Central Library in the city centre opened for browsing and pre-booked use of computers.”
- St Helens – Letters in lockdown initiative praised after engaging with 180 isolated residents – St Helens Star. ” sending hand-written letters in stamped addressed envelopes to residents registered with the library service’s Home Delivery Service.”
- Shropshire – Million-selling author at online libraries event – Whitchurch Herald. “Lesley Pearse will give the talk to Shropshire on Wednesday, September 17 at 6pm to complement the Libraries from Home initiative from Libraries Connected”
- Somerset – Book lovers invited back to browse at Somerset library – In Your Area. “The county council in Somerset rolled out a phased opening of libraries by offering an order-and-collect service and now Wellington is one of the first libraries to let the public back in to browse the shelves for themselves – all done with strict social distancing and infection control measures in place.”
- South Gloucestershire – Leader’s column: Libraries are now fully open again – Gazette series. “All customers are required to wear face coverings. Opening times are shorter than normal hours with all libraries closing at 4pm. The number of people using a library at one time is limited and IT users are encouraged to book in advance to ensure a PC is free at the time they want to visit.”
- Southend – Southend Council re-opens libraries today – Clacton Gazette. All now open.
- Suffolk – Online coffee mornings for new parents – Ipswich Star.
- Browsing returns to Suffolk’s libraries in September – Suffolk Libraries. “Around half of libraries have reintroduced browsing already, with one-way systems in place and limitations on the number of customers allowed in library buildings in any one time.”
- Vale of Glamorgan – Penarth Library to undergo extensive refurbishment project – Vale of Glamorgan Council. “Brand new computing facilities will replace the current IT suite. The space will also house a makerspace, a location where library users can gather to co-create, share resources, work on projects and network.”
- Waltham Forest – New Wood Street Library building opens – Waltham Forest Echo. “Originally supposed to open late last year, the new building in Troubridge Square on the Marlowe Road Estate is open seven days a week, for double the hours of the previous library building. The former Wood Street Library site will be sold for redevelopment to fund both the new library and part of the extension of Lea Bridge Library. Many residents have mourned the loss of the original building, which dates from the 1950s and is set to be demolished.”
- Warrington – Padgate and Penketh libraries latest to reopen – Warrington Guardian. “Warrington’s remaining closed libraries, Birchwood and Westbrook, are provisionally scheduled to reopen in late October.”
- Warwickshire – Whitnash and Lillington libraries are now open for click & collect services for first time since lockdown – Kenilworth Weekly News.
- West Berkshire – Funding pledge to support Thatcham Library for another year – Newbury Today. “Town councillors agreed to pay West Berkshire Council the sum, which amounts to around £24,000, at a meeting last week. The district council had proposed to close libraries as part of budget cuts. But after strong protests and the Government saying it couldn’t, the council asked town and parishes to help cover a £150,000 shortfall to keep eight of its nine libraries open.”
- West Sussex – Share a Poem of Hope with West Sussex Libraries – District Post. “The poems are being requested as part of an online campaign to celebrate National Poetry Day which takes place on Thursday 1 October.”
- Wiltshire – Further eight libraries to reopen – including Amesbury – Salisbury Journal. “From Monday, September 14, libraries in Amesbury, Bradford on Avon, Calne and Marlborough will open, followed on September 21 by Royal Wootton Bassett, Westbury and Melksham. People won’t be able to drop-in and browse at these libraries but an order and collect service has been set-up providing access to books.”
- Windsor and Maidenhead – Windsor and Maidenhead library hours could be slashed to save money – Royal Borough Observer. “It is proposed to reduce opening hours during the week by 123 hours – which RBWM believes it will still deliver a ‘comprehensive library service’ and deliver savings at the same time.” … “The borough currently has 475.5 total library opening hours a week – the most in the Berkshire area.”
- Wrexham – Wrexham Library Service: research your ancestry for free – The Leader.
Do libraries treat their readers as racists?
Sep 6th
Editorial
Sometimes a thing comes along that crystallises your thinking and makes you realise things about your work. One of these for me was watching a recording of the “Promoting Diverse Content” webinar put on by Libraries Connected. The excellent panel made clear a few fundamental things wrong about libraries. Libraries too often treat non white literature as different and not as a fundamental part of our normal collections, sometimes not buying good material because it is felt that it does not reflect the user base.
Jolly well reflect good books, not your clientele, who will show they actually enjoy reading stuff by non-whites was the answer to that. Don’t treat your readers like they’re racist. Another was that hunting out such books should be our job, and that we shouldn’t blame side-lined authors and publishers for not having it on Askews or Peters but rather push for them ourselves. Finally, I could not help but thinking that seasonal promotions libraries do, like Black History Month, are getting a bit tokenistic now and that we should consider other options. After all what would think people think about a White History Month? And worse than that, isn’t that absolutely everything else we do?
So a lot of potentially far-reaching stuff to think about but this also raises another library failing. Far too much over the last decade has the crucial task of choosing the books been passed on to suppliers. These are companies, while very good, who respond to commercial pressures and, rigidly, to the buying templates services send them. These templates that are sometimes old and depend on someone in the library service to change it to reflect current needs. Some library services no longer have these skills, and most staff ratios certainly don’t reflect demographics. So this is a bit of a provocative editorial and deliberately so. Have a think yourself. But make sure you watch the webinar first, including the questions at the end.
National news
- Black Stories Matter : Promoting diverse content – Libraries Connected. “n this session we will hear from an author, publisher and bookseller to find out more about the challenges they face in ensuring that Black stories are published and promoted.”
- Black Stories Matter: Talking about race – Libraries Connected. Tuesday 15 September 3pm. “The webinars aim to provoke debate, discussion and extend our thinking. We want them to be a safe space for discussion and questioning and to lay the groundwork for future work.”
- Burning the Books — why memory matters – Financial Times. “In free societies, there is still a danger to our records, not only in events such as the Windrush card destruction, but in the underfunding and closure of public libraries. It is tempting to think the danger of literature erasure is now behind us because we can store it all digitally. This, Ovenden says, is mistaken. Digital records are fragile.”
- Burning the Books by Richard Ovenden review – the libraries we have lost – Guardian.
- Burning the books by Richard Ovenden – BBC Radio Four. Five 14 minute podcasts on the book.
- The case for public libraries: Creating a safe place for everyone – Living Libraries. “We’re currently spotlighting our policy intervention, Living Libraries: The case for public libraries in the words of those who use, work in and run them. In this short publication, we make eight recommendations for decision-makers, on four themes: health and wellbeing; community; information; and the environment. Read on to find out more about the second strand of our research, on the vital role libraries play in communities:”
- Coronavirus: Hundreds of libraries could close amid Covid-19 crisis, warn campaigners – Independent.”Councils are going to be cutting anything they can lay their hands on because the situation is so severe,” Laura Swaffield, chair of the group, told The Independent. “And in these situations, we know from years of experience, they come for libraries because they are seen as an easy target. The numbers lost are not going to be good.” … “Ian Anstice, a librarian who runs the super-comprehensive Public Libraries News website, said he also feared for the future.”
- The library — like working from home, but better – Nick Poole. “You could not invent a network of trusted locations with the power to help get the nation back on its feet like our public libraries. No commercial enterprise could achieve the same scale or reach, with the same impact as cost-effectively. Thanks to initiatives like the British Library’s business and IP Centres, no other network could leverage the same authoritative startup support, nor provide the same platform for inclusive local economic growth.”
International news
- Australia – Rosewood Library shines bright – Public Libraries Connect. “Performance-wise, the new library is less than four weeks old at time of writing but in that time has amassed several hundred new members and circulated over 4,500 loans”
- Global – “The Futures You Didn’t See Coming” at CIL & IL Connect Conference, 23rd September – Mechanical Dolphin. “On September 23rd, at 09:30 AM Eastern Time, I’ll be joining Erik Boekesteijn at the online CIL & IL Connect 2020 conference for a quick chat about foresight and futures for information professionals, their institutions, and the communities they serve. Erik is running a daily interview strand with a range of information professionals and their allies as part of the event.”
- Nigeria – British Council Launches Digital Library – This Day Live. “Access to the Digital Library will be free for 3 months for every registered member.
As a member of the Digital library, there will be access to world-class resources, from online study resources and academic journals to popular eBooks and audiobooks, award-winning movies and documentaries, magazines and newspapers, comics and graphics novels from around the world and learning resources for skills development.”
Local news by authority
- Aberdeen / Aberdeenshire – Aberdeen libraries reopen doors for browsing today as Aberdeenshire venues increase collection and delivery offerings – Press and Journal. “Central Library, on Rosemount Viaduct, and Tillydrone Library on Hayton Road, have been offering a “click and collect” and home delivery service, however will now welcome visitors to browse the shelves at limited times for the first time since March”
- Aberdeenshire – North-east libraries to host leading crime writers in virtual event – Evening Express.
- Buckinghamshire – Buckinghamshire libraries reopen for book borrowing in person – Bucks Herald. “Buckinghamshire Council said they were ‘delighted’ to announce that all 29 libraries in Buckinghamshire are now open again for book borrowing in person.”
- Bury – Chance to ask bestselling author a question during Bury stop – Bury Times. “Lesley, who has sold more than 10 million copies, will be answering question on Thursday, September 24, at 7pm on the Bury Libraries Facebook live platform. The popular author is working with Libraries Connected to promote her new book “Liar”.
- Cardiff – Coronavirus book for children translated into Welsh – In Your Area. “Cardiff Hubs and Libraries have collaborated with the publishers and Bilingual Cardiff, which translates more than 12 million words into Welsh each year, to ensure children and families across Wales can enjoy the books too.”
- Carmarthenshire – Ammanford and Llandeilo libraries due to reopen next week – South Wales Guardian. “The mobile library service will also be re-introduced in a phased re-opening, again with occupancy restrictions. The click and collect services will also be available at route stops.”
- Dorset – Library to reopen in September – Lyme Online. “ remaining 11 libraries that have been closed since the beginning of the pandemic are set to open their doors from next week.”
- Essex – Library protesters finish 75-mile trek across Essex – Clacton Gazette. “Members of the Save Our Libraries Essex (Sole) group spent more than a week walking through north Essex to demonstrate their opposition to plans to make some libraries volunteer-led.”
- Harlow campaigners join 75-mile Essex march for libraries – Your Harlow. ” Twelve year old SOLE supporter Josefine Bäckman Julif said to the crowd:- ‘I’m so happy to see so many of you library lovers here. I’m here today because I think libraries are so important. Books and education go hand in hand. Libraries are not just for borrowing books. Did you know that twelve percent of all eleven to eighteen year olds have no internet at home?’”
- Gateshead – Gateshead’s libraries set to reopen following coronavirus lockdown – Chronicle Live. “From Monday, libraries across the borough will reopen to the public with limited capacity and reduced opening hours.”
- Hampshire – Changes to Hampshire libraries’ opening hours to be revealed -Hampshire Chronicle. “As reported, the libraries set for closure are those in Blackfield and Lyndhurst , Fair Oak, South Ham, Elson library in Gosport, Horndean,Lee-on-the-Solent library and Odiham library in Hart. The authority also withdrew its support to community libraries in Lowford, Milford-on-Sea and North Baddesley. “
- Hertfordshire – Donate to Hertfordshire Libraries – Hertfordshire Council. “Donate- specify amount: We support all communities across the county, issuing 5 million items from 48 service points To donate, please visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/librarydonations. 100% of your donation goes directly to Hertfordshire Libraries and is used to maintain and enhance our services.”
- Summer Reading Challenge Continues – Hertfordshire Council. “There is still time to pop into any of the libraries listed above to collect your free pack. The online challenge ends on 30 September, but you can still continue the challenge at home beyond that date.”
- Lancashire – Padiham, Colne and Clitheroe libraries latest to reopen next week – Pendle Today. “Libraries in Clitheroe, Colne and Padiham are among another 15 branches due to be reopened by Lancashire County Council next Wednesday”
- Liverpool – Joe Anderson puts halt to controversial city centre zip wire – Liverpool Echo. “Mayor Joe Anderson has stepped in to halt a plan for a zip wire that would have landed on the roof of Liverpool Central Library, after weeks of controversy over the scheme. The city’s planning committee approved an application for the zip wire to pass from the Radio City tower and over St John’s Gardens before landing on the roof of the library. However, the decision faced serious opposition from conservationists, architects and residents who said it would lead to the “disneyfication” of the city centre.”
- Moray – Library scheme in Moray to be expanded after proving hit with readers – Press and Journal. “An “order and collect” scheme was launched at Elgin Library two weeks ago to give residents access to the service again. Since then, 257 collection slots have been used with 976 books borrowed. Now Moray Council has confirmed that the ordering service will be expanded elsewhere due to the demand. Libraries in Forres, Buckie, Keith, Aberlour and Lossiemouth will be running the scheme from Monday.”
- North Yorkshire – North Yorkshire libraries press ahead with phased reopening – North Yorkshire County Council. ““Some customers thought browsing meant look but not touch, but this isn’t the case,” said County Councillor Greg White, Executive Member for Libraries. “So we apologise for any confusion. You can now enjoy selecting books to borrow. Many of you have visited, but we know others have not yet done so, so why not put on your face covering, use our hand sanitiser and venture in to see for yourself how safe we have made it for you.”
- Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire’s library staff share plans to prevent virus’ spread – Oxford Mail. “Oxfordshire’s libraries have been gradually reopening with 20 of the 44 now open for business – and work behind the scenes has not stopped.”
- Library still shut – Henley Standard. “Councillor Tim Horton told a parish council meeting this week: “There’s some frustration, even anxiety, in the town, that the library has not re-opened, nor has it a date to open.””
- Powys – Library ‘order and collect’ service in Powys has been a success – Powys County Times.
- Somerset – Burnham-On-Sea Library unveils new order-and-collect service to get library books – Burnham on Sea. “The mobile library is also back on the road”
- South Gloucestershire – South Gloucestershire libraries to reopen – Gazette Series. “From Monday, customers will be able to drop-in and browse the books on offer for the first time since March.”
- South Lanarkshire – Dates announced for pools and libraries in South Lanarkshire to re-open – Daily Record. “The libraries at Avondale Community Wing, Uddingston, Greenhills and Larkhall will also reopen on the same day.”
- Staffordshire – Staffordshire libraries re-introduce browsing – Tamworth Informed. “From this week, (1 September) library customers will be able to make their own choices at the 16 libraries directly managed by the county council.”
- Suffolk – New publication shines a light on how Suffolk Libraries supports positive wellbeing across the county – Suffolk Libraries. “During lockdown Suffolk Libraries saw a huge surge in interest in its eLibrary services with physical books temporarily unavailable. Figures for 2019/20 showed that there had already been an increase before COVID-19. The total number of library items borrowed, downloaded or streamed rose to 3.4 million in 19/20, an increase of over 8%. This positive trajectory far outweighs the national trend of fewer physical books being borrowed.”
- West Dunbartonshire – West Dunbartonshire Libraries online service still open – Clydebank Post. “Several libraries in the region are offering a click and collect service to borrow books where a maximum of five items can be requested remotely by telephone or online and once available a collection time will be arranged.”
- Worcestershire – More than 1,500 people visited Bromsgrove Library in the first month after lockdown – Bromsgrove Standard. “Overall across the county, 16,000 people headed out to their local library with The Hive being the highest at 5,400. Since re-opening, Libraries have also provided much needed digital access to local residents, recording more than 1,500 unique computer sessions during the period.”
- York – Book quarantines and hand gel – everything you need to know as York libraries prepare to reopen – Press. “All 15 libraries, plus the three reading cafés, will be open for you to browse and borrow books – and at most of them you’ll also be able to access the internet on library PCs. You’ll even be able to get a cup of coffee and a bite to eat.”
And then there was one
Aug 30th
Editorial
Recovery continues, although the latest Libraries Connected figures showing a far slower return to libraries than to shops. This is, however, honestly to be expected as still only a small fraction of branches are fully open, with most only offering partial services and many still closed, although Sandwell is now the only library service not to have any form of physical service at all.
In other news – now there is other news – it’s been reassuring to see the huge fight put up in Glasgow over possible closures, resulting in the assurance this week that all branches are safe. Like most book readers, I do like a happy ending and the Scottish have apparently managed to get one there.
Changes by local authority
- North Yorkshire – Malton Library to be refurbished.
- St Helens – Central Library will reopen inside Heart of Glass museum on 14 September.
National news
- Boris Johnson and the revenge of the school librarian – TES. “Lining the shelf just behind Mr Johnson’s head were titles with rather unflattering associations for any political leader, including “The Twits”, “The Subtle Knife”, “The Resistance”, and “Betrayed”. And sticking out like a sore thumb was “Fahrenheit 451”, a dystopian novel about a society where books are banned.
- Burning the books by Richard Ovenden – BBC Radio 4. 14 minutes, first episode of five. “Richard Ovenden, director of the Bodleian Library, explains how attacks on libraries and archives have been a feature of history since ancient times, but have increased in frequency and intensity during the modern era. Libraries are far more than stores of literature, through preserving the legal documents such as Magna Carta and records of citizenship they also support the rule of law and the rights of citizens.”
- Leicestershire librarian ‘feels sorry’ for PM over book backdrop – BBC. “A former school librarian has said she “feels sorry” for Boris Johnson after a book display intended as a message to her former employers ended up making waves on social media.”
- Lesley Pearse launches Libraries Connected #LibrariesFromHomeLIVE virtual event series – Libraries Connected. “Hosted via Zoom, Facebook Live and Live Webinar the series will kick-off with Bristol Libraries on the 10th September and conclude with a special Friday Fizz! Event with Manchester Libraries on the 25th September.”
- Libraries: helping local communities find work – Arts Council England. “As the country tries to recover economically from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, libraries are extremely well-placed to help people looking for work and support their communities.” … “Data provided by Norfolk Library Service, Somerset Library Service and Wandsworth Library Service to Libraries Connected for the weeks immediately following lockdown indicate that …”
Sue Williamson, Director, Libraries, Arts Council England
- Reading Challenge aims to support pupils returning to school – Grampian Online. “he challenge is available to all primary and secondary schools as well as community groups and libraries in Scotland, and aims to build positive reading cultures and improve literacy for young people. Now in its fifth year, the programme is run by national charity Scottish Book Trust and over a third of all schools in Scotland took part in the challenge last year. The First Minister’s Reading Challenge aims to support teachers and pupils returning to school after lockdown with additional resources and funding.”
- Troubled Capita to Sell Another Software Business – CBR. “Capita’s Education Software Solutions business also includes “Reading Cloud”, a library and resource management system that is used by some 15,000 schools, and AGILIT-e: management software for universities that is used by 30 higher education institutions in the UK and Ireland, according to Capita.”
- Webinar: Phased Reopening of Libraries :Warwickshire Libraries and IF_DO Architects – Bibliotheca. Tuesday 1 September 2pm.
- We’re back! How public libraries have been reopening their doors – Libraries Connected. “We have just a snapshot of around 1 in 3 public libraries at the moment, but we’ll be collecting this data over the coming months to build up a more detailed picture of how library services are recovering. ” … “In the first week of opening, libraries saw 8% of their usual visitor numbers, and over the 6 weeks to mid- august this rose to 15%. However, this comparison is based on footfall numbers last year when all library sites were open, so with the 15% figure is more likely to be between 20 and 40% of usual footfall for those sites that are open. “
- What Does Quality Mean for a Modern Library Service? – Libraries Connected. Recording of video chat, virtual consultation.
International news
- Kenya – Stevenage charity appeals for hands-on help with delayed library project – Comet. “A charity is appealing for volunteers to help load tens of thousands of donated books into a shipping container, which will then be sent to Kenya and converted into a library for a deprived community.”
- USA – You CAN Run a Successful Library Card Sign-up Month Campaign in the Age of COVID-19! Try These Six Ideas for Recruiting New Cardholders – Super Library Marketing. “we won’t let a pandemic stop us from bringing new cardholders into our library family”
- To-Go Library Services – ALSC Blog. “… as the months wear on, we’ve come to realize that patrons (much like their hard-working librarians) are pretty burnt out on technology. So last month when we reopened to the public, the Youth Services Team rolled out a few fresh ideas for engaging with our community.”
Local news by authority
- Aberdeenshire – More libraries join Aberdeenshire wide click and collect scheme – Grampian Online. “Click and Collect and doorstep deliveries will be available from both Inverurie and Peterhead libraries from next Tuesday (September 1), offering a safe way to access resources.”
- Blackpool – Blackpool’s main library is to reopen and here’s what you need to know – Gazette. “Blackpool Council will be opening the library on September 1 as the start of a phased steps towards a full reopening.”
- Caerphilly – Caerphilly Libraries Launch ‘Order And Collect’ Service – Wales 247. “From Monday 24th August, residents can request items of stock which they can collect at a convenient time from one of seven libraries operating the scheme.”
- Cheshire East – Alderley Edge Library prepares to re-open – Alderley Edge .com. “The library has been closed since the early stages of the pandemic and was unable to reopen along with other libraries in Cheshire East due to its size and ability to respect social distancing. The library will initially open on Tuesdays only …”
- Conwy – Conwy libraries resume computer access after coronavirus lockdown – Journal series. “Conwy County Borough Council said its library members at Abergele, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Llandudno and Llanrwst must pre-book before arrival as there is limited access to computers to ensure a safe environment. The free call and collect service is also in action at the county’s libraries, in which books can be ordered online or by phone.”
- Cumbria – Cumbria County Council reports surge in use of online library services since Covid-19 lockdown – Westmorland Gazette. “Figures released by Cumbria County Council reveal that the number of people using eBooks and eAudiobooks more than doubled in the 19 weeks since libraries were forced to close, compared to the previous 19-week period, with 2,042 people using the service for the first time compared to 861.”
- Dumfries and Galloway – Stewartry libraries and galleries back open in latest round of lockdown easing – Daily Record. “The sites in Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie and Kirkcudbright are open on a limited basis due to current guidelines with the facilities in Dalry and Gatehouse remaining closed for the time being.”
- East Riding of Yorkshire – Council delivers appy news for library customers – Pocklington Post. “Using the same app that Library members already access free eMagazines and eAudiobooks – RB Digital – users will now notice that eNewspapers are also available to download. “
- Essex – Anthony Roberts Column: Here we come! The cavalry on our bikes – Clacton Gazette. “The little party we joined are walking from branch library to branch library this week. They duly set off for Stanway Library – now don’t get me started on tiny little Stanway Library, even by branch library standards it’s an absolute little peach of a library.”
- SOLE to host protest through Essex to protect future of libraries – Clacton Gazette. “The seven day march, which started at Manningtree Library last Saturday, is set to stop at libraries across Great Wakering, Hullbridge, Hockley and Rochford, before ending outside County Hall in Chelmsford on Saturday.”
- Glasgow – Susan Aitken: Closing Glasgow’s libraries would not help us rebuild communities – Glasgow Evening Times. “Despite what some Glasgow Times readers may have heard in the past week, there are no plans to close any of Glasgow’s libraries. And no libraries will remain closed for any longer than is absolutely necessary. I say that as leader of the City Council on whose behalf Glasgow Life delivers its services.”
- Hampshire – Reduced opening hours for Hampshire libraries to be revealed in September – The News. ” a county council document revealed that the opening hours of some libraries could increase or decrease by up to 39 per cent ‘to achieve a standardised approach’.”
- Inverclyde – Inverclyde Libraries continue click and collect service – Greenock Telegraph. “The service runs at Greenock Central, Port Glasgow and Gourock and books can be picked up between 10am and 2pm.”
- Kent – Library to reopen at Dover Discovery Centre and browsing at Deal is expected to follow – Kent Online. “In the meantime, KCC has also re-opened the archive search room at the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone.” … “The first 12 libraries that opened across Kent in July will continue to offer a “select and collect” service for the time being.”
- Leicester – Five more city libraries to reopen next week – Leicester City Council. “From Tuesday 1 September, the Brite Centre Library, Belgrave Library, Hamilton Library, Highfields Library and New Parks Centre Library will reopen to the public”
- North Lanarkshire – Opening date announced for one local library only – Cumbernauld News. “… readers in Kilsyth and Condorrat will not be able to visit their own branches as yet – because the only other local authority library to re-open at this stage is is in Coatbridge.”
- Northumberland – Time-limited browsing now offered in some Northumberland libraries – News Post Leader. “The service to Northumberland Library members has been introduced at Rothbury, Wooler and Bellingham. Other libraries are expected to follow suit in the coming weeks. Customers will have 15 minutes to browse and make their own selection.”
- North Yorkshire – Dogs Trust online workshop courtesy of Northallerton library – North Yorkshire County Council. “The Dogs Trust Education Team has teamed up with Northallerton library to host the online workshop “
- Malton library to close for major refurbishment – Gazette Herald. “The improvements by North Yorkshire County Council will include a new-look children’s library, an IT and study area and new books for all ages.”
- Nottingham – Nottingham’s Central Library will not reopen as council prepares to sell building – Nottingham Post. “Central Library on Angel Row has been declared ‘surplus to requirements’ prior to its sale, it has been confirmed today. It is set to be replaced by the new Central Library in the Broadmarsh Bus Station and Car Park.”
- Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire libraries celebrate 150 years of education for children with events – Herald series. “School – Best Days of Your Life? will run from September 2-16 on Oxfordshire Libraries Facebook page.”
- St Helens – The new St Helens library will open next month inside The World of Glass – St Helens Star. “… new St Helens library is set to open to the public next month after being created inside The World of Glass. St Helens town centre has been without a library since the closure of Central Library, based in the Gamble Building, in March 2017.” … “on Monday, September 14, the new library site will be unveiled inside The World of Glass.”
- Surrey – More Surrey libraries to open their doors – Surrey News. “In all, 38 libraries will be open for public access and will also offer limited use of PCs in the library buildings. Customers can continue to make use of the new Ready Reads service where the library team selects books based on individual preferences.”
- Vale of Glamorgan – Bestselling author Lesley Pearse launches Libraries Connected – Barry and District News. “A much-loved author in libraries, Ms Pearse will speak at six events across the UK during September co-ordinated to lead up to National Libraries Week which runs from October 5 to October 10, 2020.”
- Wiltshire – Wootton Bassett Library to reopen as students return to school – Swindon Advertiser. “The library in Borough Fields will only be offering an order and collect service, with computers available for advance booking online.”
- Wokingham – Library stays closed for now – Henley Standard. Wargrave: “Wokingham Borough Council has re-opened the bigger Woodley and Wokingham libraries with new safety measures due to the coronavirus outbreak. But librarian Ros Fernley says she doesn’t know when Wargrave will follow suit. She said: “I guess we need to see how the big two get on first and monitor how safely we can work.””
- York – York Explore libraries all set to re-open again – The Press. “Smaller libraries, as well as the larger Explore centres which opened in July, will be open and customers will be able to drop-in to browse the books for the first time since March. Opening times will vary, with shorter than normal hours at some places and all libraries closing by 5pm. The Reading Cafes at York, Acomb and Tang Hall libraries will re-open too and there will be books to borrow again at the cafes in Rowntree Park and Hungate.”
And then there were two
Aug 23rd
Editorial
Generally, libraries are continuing to reopen and usage is slowly, so slowly, beginning to rise. It looks like that usage drops after the inevitable spike of opening and then slowly recovers. The question for all library services is when that recovery will reach pre-lockdown levels. And if it will reach pre-lockdown levels. After all, there’s a lot of people out there, who out of previous habit used libraries but will now have had four or five months now to explore digital alternatives. It will also take a time, how long no-one knows, for our more cautious users to decide things are safe enough to come back. And that will in turn depend on if there’s a second spike or not, and when this nightmare fully ends.
More specifically, only two library services in England are currently not offering any physical service (inc. click and collect) at all. One of these, Barking and Dagenham, have been extra careful since the beginning and announced a long while ago they’d reopen on 1 September. The other, Sandwell has just a note saying “closed until further notice” on their webpage. Elsewhere, Glasgow Life – the trust that runs libraries – is having a budgetary problem brought on by lockdown and has announced some libraries may not reopen, much to the chagrin of the public and the local paper. Even Nicola Sturgeon is stepping in there.
Changes by local authority
- Glasgow – Several libraries under threat of closure.
- Nottingham – No central library while new one is being built.
- Nottinghamshire – Retford Library refurbished.
National news
- 1000 Tiny Fun Palaces – Fun Palaces. 3 and 4 October. “While Fun Palaces usually have anything from 20 to 2000 participants, in response to Covid-19, we are encouraging extra-small, hyper-local Fun Palaces this October.”
- Beyond digital literacy: STEM learning ideas from library professionals in the UK and Ireland – CILIP.
- The complicated business of keeping books clean of COVID-19 – Jisc News. Academic library perspective.
- Digital events in public libraries: learning from our lockdown experiences – Libraries Connected. 10 September. “Colleagues from three public library services will be sharing their experiences of developing creative digital activity for their communities during lockdown. They will be describing how they planned the programme, the impact their activities have had and will reflect on skills used/needed and other lessons learned.”
- Libraries: A place to learn to love culture – DCMS Blog. “Library services are opening again with enthusiasm. Reopening libraries with social distancing measures in place is going smoothly, with libraries placing a strong emphasis on safety of both staff and users. As more measures are relaxed, libraries will begin to move back to running events. “
- Libraries Week – CILIP. “In 2020, Libraries Week will take place between the 5th and 10th October, celebrating the nation’s much-loved libraries and their vital role in the UK’s book culture. We will be encouraging libraries in all sectors to celebrate books and reading, showcase their reading offer and the contribution they make towards building a Nation of Readers.”
- Shop – Reading Agency. Special emailed appeal – “We’d really appreciate if you can include a call-out for adult librarians to be added to our weekly newsletter – they can email zoe.sadler@readingagency.org.uk“. Also, the Agency are “encouraging the libraries to order packs to use them wherever they can – putting posters in windows, bookmarks on desks, instead of the creative displays they usually make. We also have digital packs available with social media assets and downloadable activities”
- Survey – DCMS. 10-20 minute survey. “This survey has been commissioned by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to better understand the needs of its stakeholders. Your answer will remain anonymous and will be used to inform DCMS’ preparedness efforts.”
- With coronavirus lockdowns many libraries (and librarians) have been more fabulous than ever – Guardian. A “First Dog on the Moon” cartoon to make ever public librarian proud.
International news
- Australia – Since the pandemic, an Australian library called 8,000 elderly patrons just to check in – Boing Boing.
- Lebanon – Help rebuild Beirut’s libraries – Libraries Deliver. “Among the tremendous human tragedy and loss of life caused by the explosion in Beirut on the 4th August came the heartbreaking news that three of the main municipal public libraries in the city had been destroyed. ” 162 donations so far.
- New Zealand – Library book is returned 118 years late – but fortunately the 86,000 penny fine is waived – Mail Online.
- USA – Alameda library offers relief from heat, world’s worst air quality with first-ever ‘clean air center’ – ABC 7 News. “Once your inside you won’t be permitted into the library itself but into a back room and cafe area where there is a 25-person maximum total. You’ll also have to bring your own entertainment since no library books are allowed to prevent cross contamination.”
Local news by authority
- Aberdeen – Aberdeen library to stop offering click and collect from Monday – Evening Express. “Anyone who has made a booking to use the service at Bucksburn Library between August 24 and 28 will be contacted to make alternative arrangements, and are being advised that the nearest library for click and collect is in Tillydrone.”
- Argyll – Thousands of library books due back – Argyllshire Advertiser. “A total of 14,000 library books have been out on loan in Argyll and Bute since lockdown measures were introduced, the charity in charge has revealed.”
- Bedford – Bedford Borough libraries launch Select and Collect Service – Cranfield and Marston Vale. “From tomorrow (Thursday 20 August 2020), Bedford Central and Kempston libraries will be open for a new ‘Select and Collect’ service. Customers will also be able to return books they have had on loan during lockdown.”
- Council starts phased re-opening of libraries in Bedford – Bedford Today.
- Bedford Central and Kempston Libraries to re-open this week – Bedford Independent.
- Bradford – More libraries to offer call and collect service” – Telegraph and Argus. “Our ‘Order and Collect service has proved really popular and we want to extend it to as many libraries as possible.”
- Cumbria – Cumbria’s main libraries all reopen – Westmorland Gazette. ” “Our six main library buildings reopened this week with new safety measures in place. Our opening hours are a little different and we’re doing our very best to guide you through the new arrangements to keep our staff and customers safe.””
- Derby – Nominate your favourite book for a chance to win an Apple iPad Mini 5 – Ripley and Heanor News. “In April, there were 6,044 downloads of electronic and audio books by members of Derby Libraries, compared to 3,242 downloads during the same month in 2019.”
- Edinburgh – Chief library body urges council to reopen Edinburgh’s libraries – Edinburgh News. “Two thirds of libraries in Scotland have already reopened to the public, however at a meeting earlier this month the council voted not to unlock the doors to its 30 branches until at least early next month.” … “In a private letter, Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council, has urged Council Leader Adam McVey to do all he can to reopen Edinburgh’s libraries in “a timely manner”.”
- Essex – Essex March for Libraries: Where the marching starts on Saturday – Clacton Gazette. “The socially distanced Essex March for Libraries event will start outside Manningtree Library on Saturday at 11am.”. Fear some libraries will become volunteers. ““People power won a vital victory last year, and it needs to so again to stop this act of cultural vandalism.””
- How you can take part in a week of Essex library marches – Clacton and Frinton Gazette.
- Glasgow – Nicola Sturgeon vows to help Glasgow Life and other cultural bodies – Evening Express. “The Scottish Government will do everything possible to help organisations like Glasgow Life which run libraries and swimming pools, Nicola Sturgeon has said.” … “Glasgow Life expects to lose around £13 million in income, putting the future of places like Whitehill Pool and Govanhill Library at risk, he said. Mr Harvie told Ms Sturgeon: “So far Glasgow Life have no plans to reopen almost two-thirds of their venues. These facilities are a lifeline”
- On Nicola Sturgeon’s love of reading and protecting our South Side libraries – Glasgow Times. “No matter where I go in the world, there is one place guaranteed to bring comfort, friendship and happiness. Libraries are the most important part of town centres and also the most under appreciated.”
- Petition to save Glasgow libraries from closure, including Govanhill, Langside and Pollokshields – Glasgow Times. “Glasgow Life revealed not all of its libraries would be able to reopen following an income loss during the pandemic. It is understood libraries in Govanhill, Langside and Pollokshields are among those which will not recover from lockdown.”
- ‘This is such an important facility’ – Councillors push for earlier re-opening of Cardonald Library – Glasgow Times. “A recent change.org petition was launched to help save Glasgow Life libraries, including Govanhill, Langside and Pollokshields, from closure following financial trouble during lockdown.”
- Times Past: Seven things you did not know about Glasgow’s libraries – Glasgow Times.
- Gloucestershire – More libraries set to reopen – Punchline. “Four libraries – Newent, Longlevens, Prestbury and Stonehouse – received a hugely positive response to their reopening last week.”
- Hackney – Hackney libraries to reopen services in “phases” to reduce risk of coronavirus – Hackney Gazette. “Resident Nigel Gansell, 80, told the Gazette: “I don’t know why they have taken so long to rearrange seating in a library and to rearrange the computers.”
- Hampshire – Have your say over Aldershot, Fleet, Farnborough and Yateley library hours – In Your Area. “Hampshire County Council wants to cut opening times at 40 libraries to help save £1.76 million”
- Islington – Phased reopening of Islington libraries announced – Islington Gazette. “Archway Library, Central Library, Finsbury Library, N4 Library, West Library and the Local History Centre will be open Monday to Friday from 11am to 4pm and Saturday 11am to 5pm.”
- Kent – More libraries and archives search room to reopen – Kent County Council. “A further 12 Kent Libraries will reopen over the course of week beginning 24 August. These will be the first libraries to also offer a socially-distanced book browsing service for customers so they can select books from the shelves.”
- Lambeth – Lambeth Heritage Festival – Lambeth Council. “With over 40 different events, there will be something happening on just about every day of the month. The big difference is that this year everything will be online. You can chose from virtual walks, archive film screenings, online talks, podcasts, virtual reality films, banner making and drawing workshops, discussion groups, virtual building tours and author interviews – hopefully there should be something for almost every taste.”
- Lancashire – Lancashire County Council is reopening more of its libraries this week – here is the full list of all that are now open – Lancaster Guardian. “In Lancashire 26 libraries have now reopened their doors, with 14 opening in the last week, including, Heysham, Longridge and Ribbleton”
- Liverpool – Zip Wire decision to be challenged in court – Engage Liverpool. “The Victorian Society announced in a press release this afternoon (19.08.20) that they have started legal proceedings against Liverpool City Council’s decision to grant planning approval to create a zip wire visitor attraction through the historic core of the St George’s Quarter (also known as the Culture Quarter in the UNESCO World Heritage Site documentation) involving a huge new construction on the roof of the Grade II* Listed Central Library.”
- Manchester – Inside the new normal at Manchester Central Library – Manchester Evening News. “A maximum of 250 visitors will be allowed into the library at any time, with hand sanitiser stations available on all four floors.”. Face masks and test and trace in place. “floor cafe will be opened, with slimmed down seating for social distancing and a reduced menu.”. … “Space inside the library’s fantastic Wolfson Reading Room – with its huge dome roof and wonderful echo – has been reduced from 300 to 60, but it is open.” Reduced opening hours.
- Norfolk – Two more Norfolk Libraries set to re-open – Watton and Swaffham Times. “Swaffham Library and St Williams Way Library in Thorpe St Andrew are set to reopen on Tuesday, August 25 with safety measures in place.”
- Northern Ireland – All local libraries set to reopen next week – Derry Journal. “Several libraries across Derry and the wider north west will reopen for the first time in five months next week, it has been confirmed.”
- Nottingham – Next chapter for Nottingham’s Central Library – My Nottingham News. “While the progression for the new Central Library continues at pace as part of the new Broadmarsh Car Park, Bus Station and retail development, a decision has been made to not re-open the Nottingham Central Library at its current location on Angel Row, since its closure on Friday 20 March following the COVID-19 lockdown. “
- Nottinghamshire – Retford Library set to reopen after extensive refurbishment – Lincolnshire Live. “The county council say the refurbishment has made the library more visible and accessible to the local community with easier to navigate shelving, which will also be able to be moved to create larger spaces for performances and cultural activities.”
- Peterborough – Three Peterborough libraries to open next week – Peterborough Telegraph.
- Sheffield – List and reopen Tinsley Carnegie library, Sheffield – Change.org. “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.”
- Shetland – Community / Librarian with ‘huge sense of fun’ nominated for national award – Shetland News. “Catherine Jeromson is up for the 2020 library and information professional of the year award from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland.” … “Her nomination highlights her improvements to the mobile library, and services for the visually impaired. Her work with the library’s Twitter account – which has received widespread attention, partly due to some light-hearted banter with Orkney Library – is also noted.”
- Staffordshire – Staffordshire’s mobile library service prepares to return – Express and Star. “Staffordshire County Council has announced the return of the mobile service as part of the library service’s phased reopening, with two vehicles travelling to smaller communities around the county. The mobile service will be limited initially to no more than two communities per day per vehicle, and borrowers will not enter the vehicle but deposit their books with staff and collect new loans arranged in advance.”
- Warwickshire – Southam Library latest to reopen – Leamington Observer. ““Our other library buildings remain closed just for the time being – although we have ten other library locations offering the ‘Click and Collect’ service – but there will be further announcements about the opening of more libraries around the county very soon.””
- West Sussex – Libraries are back open in Crawley – Crawley News 24. “All 36 libraries are now open for people to browse the shelves, but the number of visitors allowed in the buildings at any one time will be limited to allow for social distancing.”
- Wiltshire – Westbury Library will reopen next month – White Horse News. Click and collect plus bookable PCs. ” Libraries were given the go-ahead by the government to open in July. However, instead, Wiltshire Council chose to run the public consultation about how libraries could be opened safely, in a move that was criticised by the local community”
- Worcestershire – Worcester Festival: What’s on for today? – Worcester News. “Worcestershire Libraries are part of the Living Knowledge Network and they have opened up their Network to Library users providing exclusive access to cultural events, include literary and cultural debates; author talks and panel discussions on key cultural developments.”
- Wrexham – Wrexham Library Service: creating green spaces inside and out – The Leader. “Sprucing up our green spaces both indoors and outdoors is right on trend, and there are plenty of titles on design, planting, DIY projects, indoor plants, as well as vegetable and herb patches to offer inspiration and guidance.”
“In a word, online”
Aug 16th
Editorial
At time of writing, it has been 144 days since the official start of lockdown and things are continuing to open up. Holidays are being taken, relatives visited and shopping done. However, many places abroad are seeing the much-feared second wave and the curve for the UK itself is looking worryingly upward-turning. In public libraries, more services are being added and librarians continue to emerge blinking (and, one cannot help but notice, often very tanned) into the new world, with as far as I can tell only 3 out of 150 English services (Barking and Dagenham, Bedford and Sandwell) still not offering some sort of physical service.
Speaking personally, the high point of my week was hosting a very successful session from John Kirk, who did a brilliant online Twits show for 40 or so enthralled (and highly participating) children. Interestingly, that’s more kids than I’d normally expect for a physical show. We got talking afterwards (see the interview below for the result) and discussed what will be happening to libraries medium term. And basically what we agreed was that it is going to be online. It looks like Covid may well come back, or at least not go away, and that the risks it induces mean that physical events will be difficult for the foreseeable future. This, combined with more people getting used to teleconferencing, shows the need for us to do more of that. And, as time goes by, the quality will need to continue to improve.
The good news is that digital should be very cheap and it is just the skills and the will that libraries need to develop. For example, it’s far less costly for a library service anywhere in the country to hire a storyteller like John for Zoom than it would be to pay his travelling expenses. And if 2 or 3 library services clubbed together, it’d be frankly ridiculously cheaper. So the opportunity is there. Libraries just need to grab it, as they have done before, and not let the digital slip but, rather, continue to improve.
An interview with John Kirk, professional storyteller
What do you enjoy most about storytimes in public libraries?
I have been working in public libraries since 2012. To date, I have worked with 80 library authorities in England, Scotland and Wales and a few school’s library services. I love working in public libraries. For me, it’s all about getting out there, meeting new people, seeing new places and sharing the fun of stories with family audiences. I suppose these are also the things I have missed the most during the lock down. Nobody treats me and my work with more respect than the library staff I have worked with and it’s a real privilege to be a small part (in some cases a fixture) in some family’s summers.
Nobody treats me and my work with more respect than the library staff I have worked with
What do you least enjoy?
My life has changed hugely over the time I have been telling stories in libraries. As the years have passed I do more and more travelling. It’s very satisfying to work with library audiences across the UK but the nights away from my three year old daughter can be tough at times. I also find it quite hard to have built relationships with librarians, to hear about cuts and restructures and then to invoice people I consider friends – there are some libraries whom I would pay to work with I enjoy visiting them so much, honestly I would!
Is there something that a library service did that really impressed you?)
Librarians are an incredible breed of people. I don’t think they always get the credit they deserve for what they do in their communities. They are also risk takers and I owe what has been a fabulous period of my life to people like Sean Edwards, Geoff James, Lesley Davies, and Hilary Marshall to name just a few of the wonderful people who have been so very supportive of my work.
For me there are a couple of authorities who offer a really varied programme of activities and then promote them really well to their audiences (not to embarrass them but Brent and Redbridge).
For me the biggest challenge that libraries face is telling the world how great the stuff they do is; that libraries are about more than books. For me there are a couple of authorities who offer a really varied programme of activities and then promote them really well to their audiences (not to embarrass them but Brent and Redbridge). Most libraries now push events on social media but nothing beats proactive staff talking to their service users about what they are doing and posters, big, colourful posters.
Looking at the changes wrought by the current crisis, where do you see storytelling in the next year or so?
In a word; online. In the week before lock down I was touring Yorkshire Libraries. On the Monday we managed to persuade a group into a library in Wakefield, on the Tuesday Rotherham Libraries ran me round to the local schools but by that evening remaining dates in Sheffield, Barnsley and York were indefinitely postponed. In the following weeks I had to cancel my plans and bookings for summer 2020 and put an entirely new plan in place. This summer I have run sessions using Youtube, Facebook Live, Zoom and Google Meets literally all over the country (in one day I worked with Stoke on Trent, Bristol and Swindon and North Tyneside without going beyond my front door!).
I’d love to think that on a given date at a given time I could do an event and simultaneously broadcast to every library in a given authority. Yes, it’d probably be a technical headache but imagine the sense of community when the different audiences could see each other joining in with a story? Then there are all kinds of opportunities to work with other library services. One of my favourite moments of the summer was when I told “The Gingerbread Man” and staff from Croydon, St Helens, Hertfordshire, Thurrock, Swansea, Kingston and Tameside Libraries were there because they had promoted the event in their authorities. To be a part of the discussions afterwards was very special.
Yes, this isn’t how I saw my summer and I am gutted not to be telling Mr Gum in libraries as planned but actually the crisis creates an opportunity for storytellers like me to work with more libraries in far flung places at much more affordable prices (I don’t have to charge travel expenses to walk from the kitchen to the spare bedroom). I can see libraries reopening but I can’t see face to face events taking place for a while yet. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try to do live events. It’s a lot easier for a public audience to socially distance if the front portion of the room isn’t taken up with my kit.
Is there anything libraries can do to adapt to the new world better?
I think that libraries have to embrace the new normal and the technology. If you don’t have an active social media channel where you control the content and are engaging with service users everyday this should be a priority – Greenwich Libraries Baby Rhyme Time sessions on Facebook are brilliant example of how social media can work harder for library services. I know that there has been resistance to Zoom from some councils because of security concerns. I will always preference video conferencing over video sharing platforms because in a shared space, albeit a virtual one, you can interact with the audience. In my retelling of Roald Dahl’s “The Twits” I encourage the adult in charge to spray sticky glue (water) over my audience. I have also developed a scavenger hunt storyline for families with children 3+. These elements of my sessions have been very popular and came about because I have tried to push the limitations of the technology and make my storytelling a 4D experience.
How did you get into storytelling?
Twenty years ago I trained as an actor. When I decided to stop I struggled with an office job and it was suggested that I should write my own show. When a school described me as a storyteller the title stuck. I am still a high energy performer with a fairly theatrical style but these days I do a lot more traditional storytelling. I have been very lucky with the authors I have worked with; people like Jeremy Strong, Terry Deary and Tom Palmer were brilliant to work with but the key moments were when Haringey Libraries recommended me to tell Michael Morpurgo’s “Private Peaceful” as part of City Read 2014 and when I got the rights to tell Roald Dahl’s “The Twits” in 2016; in two years I went from working in a small area of north London to travelling to libraries, schools and festivals around the country and to date have worked as far afield as Germany and the UAE. I love what I do. I wouldn’t have changed the last twelve years for anything but it’s not been without challenges and whatever the world looks like for me after the current crisis you can be sure it’ll include storytelling.
How do you adapt storytelling to Zoom?
It hasn’t been easy but I try to make everything I do fit the camera. I am very conscious of framing when I tell a story to the camera. I also like to play with my proximity to the camera (I’ll come right up to it and I’ll talk directly to members of the audience). I’ve already mentioned some of the ideas I have played with to make my sessions more interactive but I also encourage the children to pull faces and I do a lot of role play and movement within stories. I am also conscious of the adult watching and encourage them to take photos, leave comments and like and share videos. It’s all about getting them to come back to the library’s website and enagage with the next activity so that when services return, libraries hit the ground running.
How do kids take to it?
I do tell a lot of different stories but by far the most popular are by Roald Dahl. I use wigs, instruments and props to find fresh and dynamic ways to tell my stories which hold the children’s attention but The Twits and The Enormous Crocodile endure as masterpieces and I reckon a child would be hooked by Dahl’s words if they were watching whilst wearing a swimsuit in an igloo. Seriously though, the feedback has been beyond my wildest expectations and I’m just so happy to have been a part of my seventh Summer Reading Challenge.
Have you been surprised by anything online / had an amusing moment etc?
A couple of weeks ago I completely forgot I was supposed to be running a session and had to do all my preparation in literally ten minutes – I can laugh about it now but at the time I was frantic. I was interrupted by a lawnmower whilst running a session for Thurrock and one of my neighbours went to check on another of my neighbours after hearing a lot of shouting – it was me, I had the windows open! They’re all quite used to it now and some say they know all the words!
John Kirk is originally from Chorley in Lancashire but is now based in East Sussex. He’s trained as an actor, been involved in several theatrical productions, as well as doing other jobs. John works regularly work in early year centres, primary schools, libraries and museums and has been involved in several major events including the Cultural Olympiad (2012), Great War commemorations (2014-2018) and #Shakespeare400 (2016). His website is here.
National news
- 1000 Tiny Fun Palaces – Libraries Connected. Watch recording of webinar from Stella Duffy “This year, Fun Palaces weekend on 3 and 4 October will be different – sometimes smaller, always safer, but as ever remarkable. We hosted this webinar on 4 August led by Fun Palaces’ amazing and inspirational Director Stella Duffy to talk through the new possibilities for extra-small, hyper-local Fun Palaces in libraries.”
- ‘George Eliot’ among 25 female writers being republished using their real names – CNN. “The 25 novels are being offered as e-books, which are free to download via the prize’s sponsor, Baileys. Physical box sets of the republished titles will also be donated to libraries across the UK.”
- Library Open Data: an update – DCMS Libraries. ” How can we engage services and library staff to understand how important this data could be? How do we make sure that staff have the skills and confidence to take on a data role? We hope that some of the examples on the schema site will go some way to highlighting what can be done if data is published in an open and standard format.”
- Local advocacy – Libraries: An essential part of local recovery – Libraries Connected. “In our new local advocacy resource, we’ve identified five key areas where libraries can play a central role in meeting the needs of individuals and communities who may be struggling to overcome the effects of the Covid-19 crisis.”
- Supporting public libraries through a national digital presence – British Library. Looking at the minimum viable product (that is, the least that can be done for it to be worthwhile) and what more could be achieved, plus progress before and future plans.
- What does quality mean for a modern library service? – Libraries Connected. 21 August 2pm webinar. “The session will begin with some provocations from speakers outside of the sector talking about what a quality library service means to them. The virtual floor will then be open to everyone who would like to contribute, or just listen in on what should be a great discussion.”
- When will libraries open in Scotland and have they reopened in the rest of the UK? – Metro.
International news
- Colombia – Pandemic pen pals: How Colombian libraries lift spirits – Christian Science Monitor. ““the kids kept coming to the library,” she says, and family programming continued. “It’s the protective space of the community, a space of liberation from the problems of the neighborhood. Here, libraries have played a really important role in constructing peace, but even more than that, creating community.””
“The written word allows us to understand other humans, and whether we’re reading a novel, a story, or a letter, it helps us understand we’re not alone,”
- EU – Will European public libraries be set back tens of years from 2021? – Biblioteket tar saka. As well as the likelihood of budget cuts “it will not be easy to run, or to re-invent, a library in a generalised two-meter society where events are forbidden, 75 % of chairs are removed, services to customers have to comply with social distancing rules and library’s outreach is restricted in many ways.”
- Ireland – Libraries remove vital trans teen book after disgraceful far-right letter writing campaign linking LGBT+ lives to paedophilia – Pink News. “Beyond Magenta by Susan Kuklin consists of six interviews with trans teenagers about their lives and was published in 2014. Since then, the book has been assailed by anti-trans activists who have called for it to be banned. Cork City Libraries opted to remove Beyond Magenta from its shelves and have it re-processed for “adult/YA lending” – which requires adult consent – after they received a letter from a far-right activist.”
- Lebanon – Help rebuild Beirut’s libraries – Libraries Deliver. “Among the tremendous human tragedy and loss of life caused by the explosion in Beirut on the 4th August came the heartbreaking news that three of the main municipal public libraries in the city had been destroyed”
- Pakistan – Charting the Role of Pakistani libraries in a Post-COVID19 World – Global Village Space. “Crisis like these can be redefining moments and with close collaboration, technology, and digital transformation, public libraries in Pakistan can break free of their old mold and have an overhaul, which is long-due. It is a pity that very few public libraries have any online services and have remained closed, but that could change with collaboration between volunteers, NGOs and the government.”
- USA – Envisioning the New Model Library: Navigating through the pandemic and beyond – Hanging Together. “Our broad questions include:
• Will the current environment of physical distancing and precautions persist in the post-pandemic era? • If so, will most of our services and programs continue to be offered in an online environment? • How will we – or can we? should we? – create experiences similar to the physical spaces in our libraries in our virtual library spaces?””
Local news by authority
- Argyll – Thousands of library books due back – Oban Times. “Live Argyll, which manages libraries and leisure facilities in the area, has said users can start returning books at town libraries from the week beginning Monday August 24 at designated times”
- Bedford – Bedford libraries’ reopening date still under review – Bedford Independent. “A Borough Council spokesperson said, “With the infection rate locally having been higher than in other places, Bedford Borough Council took the decision that libraries would remain closed for the time being.”
- Calderdale – Safely reopening Central Library – News Centre. “Calderdale Council is pleased to be able to offer access to selected services at Halifax Central Library and Archives from Tuesday 11 August 2020.”
- Cheshire West and Chester – Wharton Library might not reopen during the coronavirus pandemic – Winsford and Middlewich Guardian. “”Reopening the remaining libraries in Hoole, Malpas, Tarporley, Tarvin, Tattenhall, Wharton and the mobile libraries has raised some operational challenges. “We are exploring whether an alternative service, such as order and collect, can be offered safely for customers of these sites.”
- Sandiway Library reopens from lockdown with reduced opening hours – Northwich Guardian.
- Cumbria – Cumbria’s main libraries to reopen today – News and Star. “It’s been more than 140 days since libraries across the county closed …”
- Devon – Wild film fun for Devon’s Summer Reading Challenge 2020 – North Devon Gazette. “Entertainingly Different aka performer Rob Pudner and Great Torrington-based Really Wild Learning’s Kim Insull have teamed up to create two shorts films called Entertainingly Wild.”
- Dorset – Verwood Library reopens its doors – Salisbury Journal. “The opening of the library by Dorset Council, along with others in Shaftesbury and Swanage follows the successful reopening of nine libraries, in Blandford, Bridport, Dorchester, Ferndown, Gillingham, Sherborne, Wareham, Weymouth and Wimborne.”
- East Riding of Yorkshire – East Riding Libraries Re-Open – Yorkshire Coast Radio. “Those wishing to browse books will be allocated a limited time in the library, and may have to queue based on the number of customers in the building, which will vary from site to site based on size. “
- Gateshead – Libraries and gyms in Gateshead are set to re-open over the coming weeks – Chronicle Live.
- Gloucestershire – Gloucestershire libraries reopen – Punchline. “During the past few weeks more than 25 libraries have been offering a collection service that enables customers to request books, DVDs and other available materials they would like to borrow. From this week, four libraries will reopen with strict social distancing measures in place.”
- Hampshire – Consultation on cuts to library hours in Hampshire – Salisbury Journal. “This comes after Hampshire County Council agreed to close eight of its 48 libraries and reduce the opening hours of the remaining ones.” … ““They are looking to make library hours more uniform across the county.”
- Council’s push for volunteers amid cuts at local libraries – Advertiser and Times. ““We’re also very open to ideas from local groups or organisations who might wish to offer volunteer support to expand on those staffed opening hours to keep their library open to the public longer on some days.””
- Lancashire – More libraries to reopen in Lancashire – The Visitor. “Fourteen more Lancashire libraries will be opened on Wednesday, August 19, but people will need to book an appointment before visiting”
- Liverpool – More libraries reopen in Liverpool – The Guide. “After the successful reopening of Central Library on 13 July, three further libraries will be opening their doors to the public once again …”
- Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire library driver now delivers PPE around county – Oxford Mail. “I make safe deliveries by first ringing the door, placing the items by the doorstep before moving at least two metres further away to let the person know their goods are delivered. Other steps I have to keep safe are gloves, a mask and sanitising spray which I use for the van.”
- Pembrokeshire – Public computer access to resume at selected libraries – Western Telegraph. “Limited computer access will be available to customers at libraries in Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Tenby.”
- Portsmouth – Annual Short Story Competition Now Open for Entries – About My Area. “This year’s theme is ‘Reunion’, which might lead writers to take inspiration from the experience of social distancing during the pandemic, but writers can interpret the theme in any way they wish. Young adults and adults over 16 are invited to share their stories for a chance to win £500 and have their short story published on the Libraries and Archive website and in a future compilation of winning and shortlisted entries.”
- Staffordshire – Families urged to get creative with libraries over summer – Tamworth Informed. “There are two programmes, ‘Creative Explorers’ for children & young people and ‘Createspace’ for adults.”
- Stirling – Stirling libraries now offer more items for collection as part of reopening – Brig News. Click and collect includes dog poop bags, caddy liners and hearing aid batteries.
- Surrey – More libraries to reopen – Surrey County Council. “Further library services will restart in Surrey from Monday 17 August. A total of 40 libraries in Surrey will be operational from that date, offering revised services. Several libraries will newly open their doors to the public to browse, borrow and return books, whilst operating strict safety and social distancing measures. In all, 26 libraries will be open for public access.”
- Swindon – More Swindon libraries reopen after coronavirus lockdown – Swindon Advertiser. “Central Swindon North Parish Council has started a click and collect service for its Moredon and Rodbourne Cheney Library.”. Council libraries reopened: “First the Central Library operated with a new click-and-collect system. In its first week it had more than 1,000 reservations. Then the remaining four libraries – North Swindon, Parks, Highworth and West Swindon – followed suit with the same system.”
- Vale of Glamorgan – Vale of Glamorgan library buildings reopen on a controlled basis – Penarth Times. “Now residents will be able to access further facilities as the use of PCs and the physical browsing of books is permitted again.”
- Warwickshire – Kenilworth Library to re-open on Monday – Kenilworth Weekly News. 10 libraries currently open.
- Wirral – Wirral libraries launch order and collect service – Wirral Globe. Click and collect.
- Wrexham – Wrexham Library Service: Access 1,000 new comic titles – Leader Live. “We are delighted to announce that from August, there will be 1,000 additional comic titles from across the globe for you to select from your RBdigital library.”
Slow recovery continues
Aug 9th
Another week of recovery and things gradually returning to normal. Only 6 out of 150 English public library services do not offer either a browsing or click and collect service at the moment, with services also reopening elsewhere in the British Isles. At least two mainland library services are also operating mobile libraries.
In the libraries that are open , and from the library library services I am in contact with, the picture appears to be that of a slow increase in usage week on week (apart from the initial rush) as people become more confident in coming out into public spaces. It’s all dependent on there being no “second wave” of course so cross fingers. And wear a mask, it’s the law.
Changes by local authority
- Derbyshire – New £1.7m library in Belper opens
National news
- Library Open Data: an update – Gov.uk. The big question is what happens next and how do we integrate use of the schemas into everyday business as usual for library services?”
- Library Open Data. “These pages describe a core dataset for public library open data. Having standard data will enable local services to share data analysis, and build open applications from that data.”
- Our Survey Says…E-learnings from Lockdown – LinkedIn.”First rule of e-content in libraries: Usage always disappoints. ” … “only 9% said they had ‘total control’ over this aspect of their library offer.” … “80% who said that they have no strategy for promoting their library sources to non-users” …” most libraries make little effort to reach non-users and that their e-resources are underused.”
- Quiz: Which librarian from pop culture are you? – Book Riot. “f you are a lover of books and reading, there is a good chance you were obsessed with a fictional librarian at some point. Perhaps you still are! Whether it’s Marian, Giles, or Twilight Sparkle, there are several iconic librarians in pop-culture that inspire admiration.”
- Urgent investment needed to boost mental health recovery – LGA. “Libraries, leisure, housing, money advice and other essential council-run services, alongside statutory mental health services and public health, all play a crucial part in supporting people’s mental wellbeing.”
- What does quality mean for a modern library service? – Libraries Connected. “Libraries Connected are working with Arts Council England and CILIP to develop an accreditation framework for public libraries. An important part of this work is to engage as many people who care about libraries as possible.” 21 August 2pm.
- What Re-opening looks like in some CMLs and a call for Volunteers – Community Managed Libraries Network.
International news
- Australia – Snapshot of Australia’s public library services – Public Libraries Connect. ” in 2018-19, there were more than 273,000 public library programs country wide attracting over 7.4 million attendances, an increase of approximately 23,000 programs and 400,000 attendees from the previous year.” … “Other key highlights include total expenditure on public libraries has increased from $1.14 billion in 2015-16 to over $1.32 billion in 2018-19, and access to public library services provided through 1,683 service points – an increase of 13 service points from the previous year.”
- USA – Blackstone’s $4.7B acquisition of Ancestry raises privacy questions – Med City News. ” privacy experts said more consumer protections are needed, when the world’s largest real estate owner — which has an ownership stake in Change Healthcare, Hilton, and several other large brands — is buying a genetics company.”
Local news by authority
- Aberdeenshire – New click and collect service for north-east library – Evening Express. “Bookings for a click and collect and doorstep delivery service for a north-east library will be available from Monday.”
- Bedford – Council dismisses Bedford Central Library ‘for sale’ conspiracy – Bedford Independent. “The post, which caused panic amongst some members of the group, claimed there was a “rumour” the library in Harpur Square would “permanently close in about two weeks.”
- Bradford – Ilkley, Wyke and Laisterdyke libraries added to ‘order and collect’ service – Telegraph and Argus. “The service was launched in early July and Bradford Council says nearly 3,000 people pre-ordered and collected books in the first three weeks.”
- Bury – Libraries begin to reopen next week in Bury – and there’s no fines – This is Lancashire. Click and collect from 3 libraries.
- Camden – Welcome to Request and Read – Camden Council. “To start with, this service is only available from Swiss Cottage, Holborn and Highgate Libraries.”
- Carmarthenshire – New approach to borrowing at Llandeilo and Ammanford libraries – South Wales Guardian. “In addition to the click, collect and delivery service people can now access IT services by appointment at Ammanford, Llanelli and Carmarthen and branch libraries in Llandeilo, Llwynhendy and Burry Port. Ammanford library’s makerspace is also open for 3D printing by appointment. “
- Cheshire West and Chester – More libraries to reopen in west Cheshire – with face coverings required – The Standard. “Following the successful opening of the first sites, a further five libraries will now open. Helsby, Lache, Little Sutton, Sandiway and Upton Libraries will reopen with reduced opening hours and a limited service offer on August 10. From August 24, Barnton, Frodsham, Great Boughton, Hope Farm and Weaverham Libraries will also reopen.”
- Cumbria – Select and collect from Cumbria libraries – The Mail. “Library staff can create a selection of up to six items, and whilst they are currently unable to offer a request service for specific titles, they will choose books by your favourite authors, or particular categories of books which you enjoy.”
- Derbyshire – New Belper library to open its doors for the first time – Derbyshire County Council. “Our new library will welcome its first customers on Monday 10 August 2020, with the added bonus that people will be able to browse the shelves for the first time since lockdown when all county libraries were temporarily closed due to the pandemic. The new £1.7 million library in Derwent Street will replace the library in Bridge Street, and is part of a wider council development which includes a new care centre for older people, the Ada Belfield Centre, next door.”
- Chesterfield library set to relax measures and allow readers to browse shelves – Derbyshire Times.
- Devon – Holsworthy Library working well under new conditions – Camelford Today. ” The new service is completely contactless and had been working well so far.”
- Doncaster – Library services update – Doncaster Council. “Libraries will be looking at expanding the services offered on a phased basis when it is safe to do so “
- Durham – Pick and Collect Library Service Rolled out – Newton News. 19 libraries click and collect, no PCs or browsing.
- East Riding of Yorkshire – East Riding Libraries will reopen for browsing with new systems in place on Monday August 10 – Pocklington Post. “East Riding Libraries are pleased to announce that they will be opening their doors for browsing from Monday August 10”
- Gloucestershire – Share your lockdown experiences for future generations – Wilts and Glos Standard. Lechlade volunteer library reopened on 1 August.
- Greenwich – Secondary glazing enhances Plumstead Library refurbishment – PBC Today. “The secondary glazing makes Plumstead Library more thermally efficient and creates quieter spaces for the local community user groups”
- Hampshire – Basingstoke library set for 28 per cent opening hour cut – Basingstoke Gazette. “A consultation that will set the future opening hours of the county’s libraries has been launched, and could see Basingstoke Discovery Centre have its hours cut by 28 per cent. Hampshire County Council are asking for the public’s views over the next two weeks on the future opening hours of libraries, after a review of the service saw eight libraries across the county close and the others to open for an average of 20 per cent less.”
- Gosport council working to save Lee-on-the-Solent Library – The News. “Ahead of the council’s announcement, a consortium between the Lee Residents Association, Lee Business Association and Cllr Graham Burgess began developing plans to try and save the library.”
- Hertfordshire – Browsing returns to Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage and St Albans libraries – Welwyn Hatfield Times. “libraries have announced the next phase of reopening plans which will see 13 of the county’s libraries allow customers to browse bookshelves for 15 minutes.”
- Isle of Wight – Isle of Wight Libraries to reopen to visitors – Island Echo. “Cowes, Lord Louis, Ryde, Sandown and Ventnor Libraries will open their doors to customers for book borrowing during week beginning 10th August, while Freshwater Library will do so a week later from Tuesday 18th August.” PCs not available for first couple of weeks.
- Lambeth – Lambeth Libraries events for August 2020, with talks, competitions, homework help, book chats and more – Brixton Buzz.
- Lancashire – Fulwood and Leyland libraries to be open for longer – Blog Preston. Longer opening hours, “The browse and borrow service means customers can visit the library for a pre-booked 30 minute period, and choose up to 20 books”. Some PCs available.
- Chorley, Fulwood, Garstang & Leyland Libraries Will Have Extended Opening Hours – Preston Hub.
- Home Library Service Is Providing A Lifeline To Lancashire Residents Again – Preston Hub. “A socially distanced delivery service is provided by library service drivers, at a time arranged with the customer.”
- Leicester – Libraries and children’s centres to reopen in Leicester next week – Leicester Mercury. “Four of the city council’s libraries and two of its children’s centres will be opened up for the first time in almost five months on Monday (August 10).”
- Leicestershire – Public libraries in Market Harborough, Lutterworth and Broughton Astley have re-opened – Harborough Mail. “There will be an online booking system, allowing members to book a 25-30 minute slot at their preferred library.”
- Newport – Libraries in Malpas, Ringland and Rogerstone re-opening – South Wales Argus. “The buildings in Malpas, Ringland and Rogerstone will reopen for 20 hours a week, Newport City Council has announced, after preparations concluded to make the libraries safe for customers and staff. The council reopened the city’s Central Library in John Frost Square for booked appointments last month and intend to roll-out the system at other libraries.”
- North Ayrshire – New click and collect service in North Ayrshire while libraries closed – Irvine Times. “local residents will be able to borrow up to four books, for four weeks.”
- North Yorkshire – Chairman’s first visit celebrates reopening and future of libraries – North Yorkshire Council. “Cllr Clark saw how Harrogate library was welcoming back customers to browse for books while maintaining social distancing and hygiene guidance in the latest phase of the reopening of the service across the county. He spent time talking to volunteers, who have returned to support the library.”
- Oxfordshire – Wantage Library reopen with new rules – Oxford Mail. Libraries reopening for browsing.
- Pembrokeshire – Pembrokeshire library members urged to return books – Western Telegraph. “Although library buildings have not re-opened yet, an appointment system was set up in early July enabling people to return books to drop-off points at libraries in Fishguard, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Tenby and Haverfordwest (The Riverside). More than 1,980 books have been returned, but over 16,000 are still currently on loan.”
- Portsmouth – Cosham Library to Reopen This Month – About My Area. “The re-opening of Cosham library follows after the successful re-opening of Central, Southsea and North End libraries on 6 July.”
- Somerset – Mobile library will visit Street Library during refurbishment – In Your Area. “The Street Library and Parish Rooms are currently being refurbished and the new community facility will re-open towards the end of the year. In the meantime, the mobile library will be at Street Library from 10am to noon on alternate Mondays.”
- South Lanarkshire – East Kilbride Central Library to open doors to bookworms once again as lockdown eases – Daily Record. “East Kilbride Central Library will open its doors from Monday, August 10 with reduced hours and safety measures in place”
- Staffordshire – Story walks to get children reading launch in Cannock – Express and Star. ““Included in the trails will be ideas for silly activities, stories, competitions and signposting to online family events, so there’s plenty of fun for all the family.”
- Torfaen – Torfaen library service extended to Pontypool and Blaenavon – South Wales Argus. Click and collect: “From Monday, August 17, the service which has been operating from Cwmbran Library will be extended to Pontypool and Blaenavon Libraries.”
- Wandsworth – Putney librarian’s delight at continued demand for libraries – Wandsworth Times. ““Books can now be ordered via a click and collect service, and computers are available for 30-minute slots.” … “she said the library has had 100-200 requests for books a day. “
- Warrington – Culcheth Library reopens – Warrington Worldwide. “These new reduced opening hours are in line with guidance and designed to help ensure the safety of customers and staff at the site.”
- Warwickshire – Big increase in digital resources use at Warwickshire libraries – Leamington Observer. “More than 1,300 people have joined the library service in Warwickshire since lockdown began and downloads of eBooks and eAudiobooks have now passed the 50,000 mark – a 100 per cent increase in the number of downloads when compared to the previous three months – with over 2,500 residents signing up for BorrowBox.”
- Wiltshire – Three Wiltshire libraries reopened this week – Wiltshire Times. “This week the three largest libraries in Chippenham, Salisbury and Trowbridge opened their doors for the first time since March 20, with new safety measures.”
- Wrexham – Wrexham Library Service: free audio books, and order & collect – The Leader.
Public library issues to be reduced by half in 2020?
Aug 2nd
For a guide to how each library service in the UK is approaching reopening, see this webpage.
Editorial
Physical public libraries are slowly coming back to life, with only 11 out of 150 English library services not physically open in some way. Many library services are offering at least a few open to freely borrow from as well. Meanwhile, click and collect has become the norm in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with opening up more hopefully coming soon. So reopening is continuing apace. Also in the good news category, many in libraries will also be breathing a sigh of relief, no pun intended, that it will soon be mandatory for masks to be worn in libraries.
However, with no regular or one-off events and with only a fraction of all libraries being open and a minority of them being more than than click and collect, it’s no surprise that library usage will take a dive this year. RIBA points out that the 3 months of closure along will likely have cost 50 million of an expected c. 226 million visits annually. Adding in that library service overall will still be very limited in August – the busiest month of the year for the sector – and that people may well be slow in coming back, it is possible to envisage anything up to a halving of physical visits, and of issues of physical items, to libraries this year.
I’m of course careful to say “physical” as 2020 is proving a Wonder Year for the digital offer of libraries, especially in online joining and loan of ebooks, as well as a flowering of social media. However, being this was starting from quite a low base in many library services, it seems to me at least that this is unlikely to seriously affect the overall figure to a significant degree.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d rather have libraries slow to open and be safe than fast to open and not be. Libraries should never kill people, after all. But the cost of being such a responsible sector is a real one. The fear is that some of the people visiting us may find other ways of getting what they need and may not come back. How many that will be is perhaps, along with possible deep cuts to council budgets, the most serious question facing libraries today.
National news
- Coping with Covid: How library design will need to change – RIBA Journal. “Flexible spaces that allow for social distance, quarantined books and fewer touch points will need to maintain the sense of welcome and community” … “According to Libraries Connected, the national umbrella body for public libraries, there were more than 226 million library visits last year, suggesting that over 50 million visits were lost in the three months of closure.”
“How libraries can return to being the all-welcoming places they were before the pandemic is one of the biggest concerns for senior librarians. They are used to bringing people together, so actively keeping people apart goes against their natural instincts. It will require sterilising the space but not the experience.”
- New research will explore importance of libraries in lockdown – Press and Journal. “A new academic project to examine the importance of public libraries across Scotland and their role in communities during lockdown has received a major funding boost.”
“I’m pretty sure that library stats will be in decline, but I wanted to draw to your attention the fact that CIPFA does not collect any statistics for community managed libraries which are not part of the “statutory network”, as defined by the relevant local authority. So all books borrowed through our library, for example, are deliberately omitted from all “official” statistics. We do collect the information, but no-one seems interested in collecting it”
Chris Clarke
Friends of Jesmond Library
- Public Library Apparel is making a fashion statement for libraries – Big Issue. “Lottie is now plotting a Kickstarter campaign to kick off in September in a bid to raise £2,500 to cover printing, postage and promotion of the new brand.”
International news
- Denmark – Wanted: A new language for the value and impact of libraries – Christian Lauersen. “And that is a problem because new public management is a game libraries can not win and the value of libraries can’t be extended from statistics alone. So at Roskilde Libraries we have decided to launch a project that aims to develop a more nuanced understanding of the value that public libraries brings to citizens and societies. We want to create a new language for talking about the value and impact of libraries.”
- EU – Public Libraries in Europe and COVID-19: Findings from NAPLE Members, April-July 2020 – Naple Sister Libraries. “NAPLE has produced two reports to summarise the measures taken in response to the virus by public libraries in 20 NAPLE member countries to date, with specific focus on the extent of closures across Europe; the engagement of staff during closures; services offered to the public (both physical and online) while buildings were closed; quarantining of books and other health and safety measures; efforts by libraries to support national healthcare initiatives; and library efforts to address misinformation about the COVID-19 virus.”
- Global – Many libraries are moving to a fine-free model. Here’s why —
and how to do this successfully – III. “Going fine-free might not be the right decision for every library. But when done well, it can remove barriers to library usage while also improving customer relations and staff morale.” - Taiwan – ‘Not Just Library’ reopens at Songshan Creative and Cultural Park – Focus Taiwan. “”Not Just Library,” the name of the library, has a collection of over 20,000 design-themed books and more than 100 periodicals, according to the state-backed institute.” … “it also has a reading area and is a venue for design related exhibitions, lectures, and experiments”
- USA – Wardsboro Public Library staff resigns over reopening plans – Bennington Banner. “”In a nutshell, the three of us (staff) would not work in an ‘open’ library and would have liked to stay with ‘curbside pickup’ for the safety of patrons and staff”
- Bridging divides: reimagining the public library – Medium. “We’re building something special in downtown Memphis. We’re building a space that will provide opportunities for people from all walks of life to learn, connect, and share with others. And we’re working to do it in the most equitable way possible. “
- A Nevada library wanted to back Black Lives Matter. The sheriff said he wouldn’t respond to 911 calls there – Washington Post.
- Libraries vs Bookstores? No, False dichotomy. They are different Animals – Brewster Kahle’s Blog. “There is a recent written attack on libraries that I find odd and somewhat dangerous– libraries overlap too much with new-book bookstores. At first I thought it was trolling, but I now believe it is sincere. More worrisome is that anti-library lobbying is generally growing in strength but their attacks on the concept of libraries have been more implied and disguised, until recently. Maybe it is time to think a bit about what a library is and what they are for.”
Local news by authority
- Cumbria – Libraries to reopen in Cumbria- Westmorland Gazette. “Cumbria County Council will open Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Penrith, Whitehaven and Workington libraries on August 10.”
- Library fines suspended as Cockermouth branch awaits reopening – News and Star. “The town council, which runs the Main Street building which contains the library, announced this week that all library fines are suspended until December 31. “
- Derbyshire – Libraries to allow people to browse the shelves as more re-open in Derbyshire – Ripley and Heanor News. “And from Monday, August 10, the council will start to re-introduce browsing at selected libraries which have already re-opened, and this will roll out as the remaining libraries begin to re-open.”
- Dorset – Dorset council libraries set to reopen their doors today – Dorset Echo.
- Dudley – Dudley’s main libraries re-open for book fans to browse – Stourbridge News. “Dudley, Stourbridge, Halesowen, Brierley Hill, Kingswinford and Sedgley libraries had been offering a takeaway service – issuing pre-selected and pre-issued books for customers to collect since July 6 – but they have now re-opened to enable customers to visit once again to select their own books between 10am and 3pm Monday to Saturday.”
- East Lothian – Fines for overdue library books are suspended – East Lothian Courier.
- Essex – More choices for readers as Essex Libraries joins the UK’s largest library consortium – Saffron Walden Reporter. “This is because Essex Libraries is joining The Libraries Consortium (TLC), the UK’s largest library consortium made up of 18 other library authorities. Joining the consortium means an upgrade of the existing library management system which will be managed by SirsiDynix. “
- Fife – Fife libraries confirm date for re-opening – Fife Today. “Limited browsing will be available from Wednesday, August 5, as libraries welcome members back to browse, albeit with restrictions in place.”
- Hampshire – ‘A great loss’ – village libraries confirmed to close – Advertiser and Times. “Blackfield and Lyndhurst are among a total of eight closures across the county. All the remaining libraries will have their opening hours reduced by an average of 20%, with a public consultation on the details.”
- Inverclyde – Young Inverclyde bookworms still have time to get involved in a fun summer reading project – Greenock Telegraph. “Summer Reading Challenge packs – containing books, activity sheets and a special surprise – are now available from Greenock Central Library, Port Glasgow Library and Gourock Library.”
- Lincolnshire – Libraries in North East Lincolnshire ready to reopen with new rules and safety measures – Grimsby Telegraph.
- Middlesbrough – Middlesbrough’s community hubs and libraries start to emerge from lockdown – Northern Echo. “From Tuesday, August 4, a phased programme will see a number of venues re-open part-time, albeit with a different look and feel in order to ensure a safe environment for staff and visitors.”
- Moray – North-east council to offer click and collect service at libraries – Evening Express. “Libraries will offer the “order and collect” service in a phased roll-out by the end of August, starting with Elgin library.”
- North Ayrshire – New call, click and collect library service – Arran Banner. “From Monday August 3, residents will be able to borrow up to four books for four weeks. The new service has been launched as libraries remain closed to allow staff to continue delivering lifeline Community and Childcare Hub provision as part of the council’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic”
- Northumberland – Select and Collect libraries pilot service includes Morpeth – Morpeth Herald. “The Select and Collect initiative is now available at Morpeth, Berwick, Blyth and Hexham as part of the phased approach to library services getting back up and running.”
- North Yorkshire – Whitby Library re-opens for book browsing – Scarborough News. “The move is the latest in the phased return of the county’s library services, which so far this month have seen the launch of a select and collect book borrowing service, the return of access to public computers in libraries and the restart of the Home Library Service.”
- Powys – Powysland Museum to reopen Saturday – My Welshpool. “All developments will run alongside the current order and collect library book scheme operating from seven sites, which will gradually extend to other libraries. It will continue to be offered for the long term, for those readers who would prefer a non-contact service. Deliveries of books which have been quarantined are provided across the county by volunteers.”
- St Helens – What to expect from St Helens’ new-look library service – St Helens Star. “Eccleston, Parr and Chester Lane libraries opened on Monday as part of a phased return, with more than 400 people attending on the first day alone.”
- Sheffield – Council announces plans to offer ‘order and collect’ service at Sheffield libraries – The Star. “Sheffield Council is currently carrying out risk assessments and making sure signage is in place as it prepares to introduce the service in some libraries from August 10.”
- South Tyneside – What you need to know as book browsing returns to South Tyneside libraries – Shields Gazette. “Library visitors will be able to browse books again from Monday, August 3, as South Tyneside Council moves to the next stage in a gradual return of services.”
- Staffordshire – County’s teens urged to take on #MissionYTF – A Little Bit Of Stone. “Now in its third year, the scheme run by Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries service is encouraging 11 to 14 year olds to compete in a series of reading themed challenges. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions in place, this year’s activities will be online.”
- Surrey – More of Surrey’s libraries due to reopen – Surrey News. “From 3 August, a further 12 libraries will start offering a click and collect door service allowing customers to return their items and collect Ready Reads and reserved books. These libraries are Ash, Banstead, Bookham, Caterham Hill, Chertsey, Dittons, Ewell, Hersham, Knaphill, Leatherhead, Reigate, and Walton. However, the public will not be allowed into the buildings for the time being.”
- Swindon – Libraries reopen across Swindon – Swindon Advertiser. “Initially only the Central Library in the town centre had reopened with a new click-and-collect system. But now the remaining four libraries – North Swindon, Parks, Highworth and West Swindon – have followed suit. Despite only reopening last week, the Central Library has already received more than 1,000 reservations.”
- Trafford – Three more Trafford libraries are set to reopen – Messenger. “Plans have been put in place to relaunch Partington, Stretford and Old Trafford libraries during August. Altrincham, Sale and Urmston’s sites were given the all-clear to restart limited services in July.”
- Wakefield – More libraries to reopen and extend hours across Wakefield district – Wakefield Express. “Ossett Library and Castleford Museum will re-open on Monday, August 3 in the next stage of the council’s phased re-opening of its libraries and museums”
- Warrington – Culcheth Library set to reopen – Warrington Worldwide. “If all continues to go to plan, the next phase of library reopening will see the remaining four libraries – Birchwood, Padgate, Penketh and Westbrook reopen in September and October.”
- Warwickshire – Young bookworms bury their heads in a good read – Leamington Observer. “Warwickshire Schools Library Service worked with the publishers, authors and Warwickshire Libraries to ensure the books were as accessible as possible for pupils during the pandemic…”
- Wiltshire – Wiltshire leader says library consultation is not about closures (but is considering click and collect) – Wiltshire Times. “”All the town libraries will re-open at some point.” But he said that some of the very small libraries run by volunteers could become click and collect services based in village shops.”
- Author who talks of the ability of reading to free the imagination – Wiltshire Times.
- Wokingham – Wokingham Libraries To Open Next Week – Woking.co.uk. “We’re happy to announce Wokingham Borough libraries will begin to reopen from next Monday 3 August, starting with Wokingham and Woodley.”
- Wrexham – Wrexham Library Service: order and collect, and free ancestry access – The Leader. “Wrexham Libraries are taking the next step towards the phased re-opening of the service. The new Order and Collect service is being rolled out to Coedpoeth Library, Llay Library, Cefn Mawr and Ruabon Library from Wednesday, July 29. “
Quantity has a quality all its own
Jul 26th
For the list of how libraries in the UK are reopening, see this page.
Editorial
Every now and again, a debate flares up about public library usage statistics. It has on one side those concerned about the (UK) decline in book issues and visits to public libraries over the last decade or so and on the other those who query the worth of such statistics and point instead to the wonderful impact and personal stories libraries can achieve, plus also that digital usage has gone up.
As ever, I tend to suspect both extremes. While libraries can indeed not just be described by black-and-white data (especially the dodgy stuff that CIPFA prints), it seems to me that if we have fewer people using us then we have lesser impact, heartwarming personal stories or no. I also suspect that physical visits have a stronger impact than their digital counterparts, although admittedly this is just a gut feeling on my part. On the other hand, simply counting the number of books issued, without regard to what impact they have, seems limiting at best.
But I do find myself drawn to the quote “Quantity has a Quality all it’s own” and not just because it allows me to have three “qu” words in a sentence. There needs to be a substantial number of people using libraries in order to justify them and the fewer they are, the more worrying it is. And in the UK, usage has fallen and continues to fall – for whatever reason (my favourite suspect is budget cuts) – faster than in similar countries such as Canada, the USA, Australia or New Zealand.
And this decline cannot be helped by the extended closures that many libraries are still experiencing, although less than a tenth of English public library services have yet to announce their plans for reopening while a few are already on their second and even third wave of recovery. News from branches continues to be generally good, with some complaints starting to be recorded about some libraries not yet being open. Worries about people not wearing masks – not mandated in libraries unlike in shops – appear to be minor at the moment.
So that’s good. Perhaps we can start breathing again, soon anyway. Although, sadly it seems not in Hampshire.
Changes by local authority
National news
- Coronavirus: New guidance on face masks and coverings released for England – BBC. “rules on face coverings were in place for shops and public transport but not for some other enclosed spaces such as libraries, register offices and civic centres.”
- DCA Survey Results – Digital Content Associates. “DCA surveyed over 85 librarians and library-related staff or managers during July 2020 to give voice to their experiences and learning during the explosion of digital usage during the Covid-19 lockdown. “
“72% of respondents either agree or strongly agree that their e-resources are being underused
Nearly 80% of respondents have no strategy for reaching non-users
Nearly 40% of respondents thought users had little or no awareness of their digital offering
95% of respondents said their library doesn’t use any kind of search engine optimisation or marketing to promote their library”
Alicia Pocock, Digital Content Associates
- The Jason Farradane Award 2020 – CILIP. “It will be awarded to an individual or a team in recognition of exemplary and innovative practice. This may take the form of a specific project, a piece of research or the development of a service or resource, for example.”
- Public Library Apparel: a quick interview with Lottie Begg – Public Libraries News. “I had an email out of the blue from Lottie Begg, who is starting a Kickstarter to start “Public Library Apparel”, producing public library related clothing and raise funds for the sector. Intrigued, I got in touch to ask a few questions …”
- Remembering Josephine Cox: British Author Whose Books Sold Over 20 Million Copies – She The People. “Cox has also been one of the most borrowed authors from the UK’s libraries” and campaigned against closures.
- Sports centres face uncertain future as Government vows to tackle obesity – Yahoo News. “Mark Sesnan, managing director of Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), the UK’s largest operator of non-profit public leisure facilities, estimated it would take three to four years to recover from the crisis. GLL, which runs more than 250 sport and leisure facilities and libraries across the UK, had no help covering its non-staff costs during lockdown. He told the PA news agency: “We’ve used our reserves to pay for that, but they’re running out and running out fast.”
International news
- Canada – Overdue: Throwing the book at libraries – Globe and Mail. ” libraries operate largely with public funding, which has been disrupted far less than commercial revenues their competitors rely upon. As a result, libraries are likely to gain still more market share at the expense of booksellers in the months and years ahead.” … “The dirty secret of public libraries is that their stock-in-trade is neither education nor edification. It’s entertainment. ” … “A commercial publishing industry is unsustainable if four out of every five readers are reading at no charge.”
- China / Hong Kong – National security law: Hong Kong’s librarians must stand firm to protect intellectual freedom – South China Morning Post. “When asked for his reaction to his books such as I Am Not A Hero (2013) having come under review for being potentially subversive, democracy activist Joshua Wong Chi-fung reportedly said: “This is like the live-action version of Library War, fully staged!” … “No one is saying it is going to be easy to stand on principle. Yet bearing in mind those basic principles, hopefully ingrained in each and every librarian, will be the only way that libraries, and their keepers, can survive these latest assaults on our integrity.”
- EU – Emerging international voices: the Goeth-Institut programme with IFLA – Goethe. Need to be under 35. “The Goethe-Institut is looking for young library advocates to share best-practice examples of libraries worldwide engaging with their digital communities. Apply to participate and become a part of an international network”
- Lithuania – Kamishibai theater and book at Panevėžys City Public Library (Lithuania) – NAPLE Sister Libraries. “Kamishibai stories can be made individually, in pairs (one illustrator, one writer), in small groups or as a class project. “
Local news by authority
- Bradford – Ilkley Library to reopen for limited service in August – Ilkley Gazette. Order and collect. “The failure to re-open Ilkley library in the first wave has been criticised by district councillors and MP Robbie Moore. Councillor Kyle Green (Con, Ilkey) said: “Much as Golden Butts was not included in waste site reopening plans this is another example where the council has chosen to ignore those living on the edge of the district.”
- Great news for Silsden book lovers – Keighley News.
- Bridgend – Removal Of Overdue Book Fines and Lockdown Leads To A Surge In Library Memberships – Awen Cultural Trust (press release). “Awen’s commitment to breaking down barriers to book borrowing are already achieving positive results, with new members rising by over 20% within the first 12 months alone. Survey results from library members also show that removing the fines has led to an increase in engagement levels and improved customer experience. “
- Two more local libraries prepare to provide ‘Book and Collect’ services – News From Wales. “Awen Cultural Trust is preparing to offer two more ‘book and collect’ services, following a successful pilot scheme at Pyle and Aberkenfig Libraries. These will begin at Maesteg and Pencoed Libraries on Monday 27th July.”
- Camden – First of Camden’s libraries set to reopen from Monday 3 August – Camden Council. “Pancras Square, West Hampstead and Queen’s Crescent Libraries are preparing to reopen with limited computer access from Monday 3 August. ” … “The council will open libraries in three phases, following Public Health England guidelines.”
- Cheshire East – Residents advised about new face covering regulations – Cheshire East Council. “We are asking residents to wear face coverings in council premises where services are provided to the public, for example libraries, as well as adhering to social distancing measures. “
- Cheshire West and Chester – Coronavirus: Number of new cases in west Cheshire continues to fall – The Standard. “”Staff in the council’s public buildings and libraries are taking visitors’ contact details so we can pass them to NHS contact tracers if required to do so. I would strongly encourage all businesses to do the same.””
- Library building will be retained but future use uncertain – Northwich Guardian. “It’s a beautiful building, but we have to consider whether it’s the right place for a library or for something else, and if not a library, what should it be used for”
- Cumbria – Workington Library is all-set to open its doors to public soon – News and Star. “Other larger libraries opening across Cumbria, run by the county council, include Carlisle, Whitehaven, Penrith, Kendal and Barrow.”
- Denbighshire – Get silly with this year’s summer reading challenge at Denbighshire libraries – Rhyl Journal.
- Denbighshire libraries move to next phase of re-opening – News From Wales. “From Monday (July 27) libraries in Rhyl, Prestatyn and Corwen will be offering limited access to public computers and One Stop Shop services by appointment and similar access will be available in other libraries over the coming weeks.”
- Derbyshire – All you need to know as Chesterfield and Derbyshire libraries reopen – Derbyshire Times. “Derbyshire County Council has reopened libraries in Chesterfield, Buxton, Dronfield, Heanor, Long Eaton, Matlock and Swadlincote. The authority says Alfreton and Bolsover lbraries will reopen on Monday and announcements will be made soon about facilities in Belper, Ripley and Ilkeston.”
- Devon – Youngsters required to sign up for the Silly Squad – Exmouth Journal. “Throughout the summer, a series of fun events have been scheduled for the kids including weekly online Bounce and Rhyme, weekly digital craft sessions and a Library Llama Live online event with Sidmouth Library.”
- Dorset – Nine Dorset libraries to re-open on 27 July, including Gillingham – Gillingham News. “Since 8 July residents have been able to use an order and collect service at 22 of Dorset Council’s 23 libraries, but from Monday 27 July, nine Dorset Council libraries will reopen.”
- Edinburgh – Libraries and community centres will open again – soon – Edinburgh Reporter. “a three-stage phased plan to reopen its libraries and community centres from today with the second and third stages subject to committee approval.” Reopening shortly after 6 August.
- Essex – Campaigners are marching against Essex library ‘cuts’ in August – Clacton Gazette. “Save Our Essex Libraries (SOLE) campaigners will hold the socially-distanced marches during the final week of August. They say proposals for community-run libraries are a closure by stealth and they will be marching across the county to converge at County Hall in Chelmsford.” … “Essex and Thurrock Libraries will also soon join The Libraries Consortium (TLC), the UK’s largest library consortium. This will mean our library users will now have access to almost 8 million items of stock.”
- Essex insists libraries are ‘safe’ ahead of SOLE march – Epping Forest Guardian. “The county council has reopened 69 libraries since the end of lockdown and has pledged to open the remaining five libraries in August.”
- Flintshire – Flintshire children encouraged to join in Summer Reading Challenge – The Leader. “Children can collect their ‘Silly Squad’ Bags from Buckley, Connah’s Quay, Flint, Mold and Mobile Libraries from Monday, July 27.”
- Hampshire – Paper preview: Town’s beloved library saved – Basingstoke Gazette. “As previously reported, ten libraries across Hampshire including three locally faced being permanently shut down. Cllr Sean Woodward will make the final decision next week, and it is recommended that Chineham Library remains open but South Ham and Odiham’s facilities close.”
- Letter: We need more libraries not less – Andover Advertiser.
- Hampshire County Council to close libraries – Hampshire Chronicle. “Hampshire County Council has announced its intention to close eight of the 48 council-run libraries and reduce the opening hours of the remaining ones by an average of 20%. The authority is also set to withdraw its support to four community libraries. The move aimed at saving £1.76m would put 50 jobs at risk.”
- Hampshire County Council to shut libraries in £1.7m savings plan – BBC. “Libraries will shut in Blackfield, Lyndhurst, Fair Oak, South Ham, Elson, Horndean, Lee-on-the-Solent and Odiham”
- Herefordshire – Click and collect service and garden waste sacks now available at libraries – Hereford Times. “A ‘click and collect’ service for books and green garden waste bags are now available at Hereford, Leominster, Ledbury and Ross-on-Wye libraries” … “The collection points will be open from 2pm to 4pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 11am to 1pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday”
- Lancashire – Lancashire County Council confirms one of its Fylde coast libraries will reopen next week – Lytham St Annes Express. “A phased reopening is set for libraries across Wyre and Fylde from Monday July 27, but only one Fylde coast library will reopen.”
- Here’s what you need to know as more Lancashire libraries get ready to reopen – Chorley Guardian.
- North Ayrshire – Libraries and museums remain closed while staff continue hub work – Irvine Times. “Council chiefs are unable to confirm a date when libraries and museums to reopen with residents being offered online cultural services instead over the Summer. Staff from libraries, museums, ranger service were among those redeployed to work in the emergency childcare and community hubs during the COVID-19 crisis.”
- Northern Ireland – Just the ticket… Northern Ireland libraries reopen their doors – Belfast Telegraph. “A new book and collect service is being provided to customers in 90 libraries. Five will fully reopen for book browsing and limited IT access. Omagh library and Lisburn City library opens today and Bangor Carnegie, Derry Central and Belfast Central open on Thursday.”
- Coronavirus: Libraries to open with a new approach to book borrowing – BBC. “Customers will be able to borrow books from 20 July with new operational measures put in place for their safety.”
- Oxfordshire – Volunteers are ‘frustrated’ libraries cannot re-open – Henley Standard. “Volunteers who run village libraries in the Henley area are “frustrated” that they have not yet been told they can re-open despite the Government easing the coronavirus lockdown. They are also concerned that Oxfordshire County Council, which is responsible for the services, is “strapped for cash” and fear any possible funding cuts could result in closures.”
- Renfrewshire – Ann books in for appointment as Renfrewshire libraries reopen their doors – Gazette. “The sprightly 77-year-old was at the head of the queue on Monday morning to return 15 books and borrow another nine to keep up with her favourite pastime of reading.”
- Book in with the Silly Squad this summer – fun for ages 4 to 11 years-old – Renfrewshire 24.
“It is very evident that a massive change of direction is needed in terms of priorities for investment at both local and national level across the UK in light of what is happening to businesses and the economy post lockdown. Sheffield makes an interesting case study in this respect. The main investment priorities for the Council in Sheffield seem to be to create more retail and office space in the city centre, and in the suburbs. This is despite there being high profile examples of businesses downsizing and not requiring office space anymore in the city centre. The council is also pressing ahead with a highly controversial scheme to shoehorn catering outlets and office space into Walkley Carnegie library, despite local opposition from businesses and the fact that existing catering outlets in the area are struggling and even closing in light of the downturn in trade due to the lockdown.
In light of the economic downturn due to lockdown, a much better strategy for Sheffield and the UK would be to invest in professionally staffed library services and expanded market spaces for independent traders to allow people educational opportunities in order to live greener lifestyles and get better jobs, and to allow independent traders to fill the gap left by the absence of big brands which may be closing down or downsizing. Professionally staffed library services have a big role to play in rebuilding our economy post-coronavirus given the huge positive benefit they have to local economies and the role they play in teaching people to live cleaner greener lifestyles and raise educational attainment.””
Matthew Smith, Sheffield – by email.
- Shropshire – Book-ing in to read once again at Ludlow Library – Shropshire Star. “Run by Shropshire Council, Shropshire Libraries has begun a phased reopening of centres this week, starting with libraries in Ludlow, Oswestry and Shrewsbury.”
- St Helens – The reopening of St Helens libraries: what you need to know – St Helens Star. “Selected libraries across St Helens will reopen to the public from Monday as part of a phased return, with measures in place to keep visitors and staff safe.”
- Staffordshire – People in Lichfield and Burntwood urged to join summer reading challenge as libraries reopen – Lichfield Live. “Lichfield Library reopened yesterday (20th July) with the library in Burntwood due to open open 27th July.”
- Stoke – Two more libraries reopening in Stoke-on-Trent – Stoke Sentinel. “Stoke-on-Trent City Council is extending the ‘click, call and collect’ service to the City Central library in Hanley and Meir library, following its successful launch at Longton and Tunstall libraries on July 6. Bentilee library will reopen on the same basis on Monday, July 27. But no reopening date has been announced for Stoke library yet.”
- Thurrock – Over six million new items of stock for Thurrock libraries – Your Thurrock. “Essex County Council has today announced that both Essex and Thurrock Libraries will join The Libraries Consortium (TLC), the UK’s largest library consortium made up of 18 other library authorities.”
- West Dunbartonshire – Dalmuir Library open for books to be collected – Clydebank Post.
- Wolverhampton – Wolverhampton Central Library to open doors to visitors again – Express and Star. “From Monday, August 3, it will initially offer a ‘we select, you collect’ service through which customers can pre-order books and other items online and pick them up at an agreed time”
- New chapter for city’s libraries as physical service resumes – Wolverhampton Libraries.
- Worcestershire – County Council reveals when Droitwich Library will reopen – Droitwich Standard. “Droitwich Library will reopen its doors to visitors on August 3. Worcestershire County Council has already reopened a number of its libraries and the rest will return next month. As well as Droitwich, Stourport, St John’s, Tenbury and Wythall will re-open a week on Monday. Pershore Library is also set to re-open later in August, along with Broadway, Upton and Hagley.”
- Wrexham – Library staff in Wrexham donate iPads to those at risk of severe isolation due to Covid-19 – The Leader. “working in partnership with staff from the adult social care team to help deliver a number of iPads, which were purchased out of the Community Inclusion Grant, to support those who were identified as being at risk of isolating even further and being cut off from family and friends during lockdown.”
- Wrexham Library Service: have a laugh with the Summer Reading Challenge – Leader. “Wrexham Library Service now have five libraries operating an order and collect system. “
Covid-safer: At least five-sixths of library services will have a physical service operating by the end of July
Jul 19th
If you’re trying to find how your local library service is reopening, please see the list here.
Editorial
After digitally checking all of the services in the UK over the last week, it is possible to say that at least five-sixths of all English library services will have some sort of physical service to the public by the end of July, with more library openings being announced each day. Some library services are starting their second round of service extension after “successfully” trialling a few libraries since the start of July.
I put “successfully” in quotes because it’s really hard to tell if a library is passing on infection or not. We may never know if any public library has, even with track and trace in operation. Indeed, being that this may mean that a library has been a epicentre of an infection, perhaps its better if we never formally know. This isn’t just me being nit-picky: a new report on public libraries pointedly says “covid-safer”, not “covid-safe” and this is not an accident. Taking this into account though, valuable lessons are being learnt which will help make later library openings easier.
So what about the sixth that aren’t opening in July? Well, with some it is frustratingly hard to tell. Even in 2020, there are services with terrible communications, poor websites and opaque social media out there. Others are being cautious for good reason, notably Leicester and Milton Keynes, which have both had local outbreaks.
National news
- 2020 Silly Squad summer reading challenge launched today – Western Telegraph. “I’m really pleased the Welsh Government can support libraries with this year’s challenge. The scheme has become an annual event for many children, who look forward to taking part every year”
- Can gardens, libraries and museums improve wellbeing through social prescribing? – CEBM. “The research identified three key concepts that underpin the potential of garden, library and museum activities for improving health.”
- Covid 19 Safer Spaces: Helping public libraries to reopen safely – If_Do / Libraries Connected. “The Covid-19 Safer Spaces project is developing a series of free-to-access and easy-to-use design guides, to support people who work in those places to understand how adapt them to enable their safe reopening and operation. The first guide to be published, Covid-19 Safer Libraries, is available to download below, with others coming soon.”
- Libraries could be leaders once again – BookSeller. Tim Coates: No clear way to be covid-safe yet “those who open aren’t being brave; they are being stupid and placing other people at risk”; reputation with public has declined; 3000 English libraries in “mostly quite big” buildings; libraries have lost local connection and interest in books; “There is no reason why libraries could not get the reputation back. Like many things, if the public believe that is what you do well, it doesn’t take long to revive their faith. Eighty percent of library use is about books and nearly all of that is for printed work.”
- Libraries in Lockdown – Activisit Group / Youtube. “Over the last few months, Activist have been finding out how public library services have been responding to the coronavirus epidemic and the interesting new roles their teams have been taking on. They’re celebrating the surprising (and often heroic) work that library staff are doing, especially where they have taken on new roles that have allowed them to demonstrate the extraordinary range of skills and knowledge that Council library staff have. They’ve just uploaded the final episode in the 6-part series of short YouTube videos capturing these conversations”
- National Lottery Project Grants – What’s new? – Arts Council England. Funding available for libraries, amongst others. “The portal is reopening for applications from 22 July, with a budget of £59.8 million available until April 2021. “
“As part of this process, public libraries can now apply for a wide range of activities that support, enhance and enrich libraries’ work, and develop the role of libraries as cultural providers in their communities, ie: relating to the four Universal Offers (Reading, Health and Wellbeing, Digital and Information, and Culture and Creativity).”
Arts Council England
- Navigating Change and Uncertainty – British Library / Living Knowledge Network. Webinar Thursday 23 July 11 am. “This webinar will explore strategies for maintaining personal and professional resilience. Back by popular demand, Creative Consultant, Lawrence Becko will lead the session, which will include plenty of opportunity for interaction and reflection.”
- Re-opening libraries – An international and UK perspective – Libraries Connected. Webinar 20 July. Including presentation from If_Do.
International news
- Global – An interview with “Lets Move In Libraries” – Knowmads.
- Norway – Atelier Oslo and Lundhagem unveil Oslo’s “huge but intimate” central library – De Zeen. “Designed by Atelier Oslo and Lundhagem, the five-storey building contains space for 450,000 books wrapped around a large, top-lit atrium that connects the floors and breaks them into smaller spaces.”
“The library is arranged vertically, with a cinema and 200-seat auditorium in the basement, and a cafe, restaurant and newspapers and magazines on the ground floor … The first floor contains fiction and children’s books, while the second and third floor contains more books and several enclosed areas that include recording studios, a mini cinema and gaming rooms.”
- USA – Summersville Public Library issues statement following incident – WVVA. Man deliberately coughs around library after being asked to wear mask. “This is not the first incident of aggression our staff has endured since we opened the library on Monday.” Due to the safety of the staff and members of the community, the library has resumed operating with curbside service only.””
- America’s libraries are essential now — and this beautifully renovated one in Washington gives us hope – Washington Post. “If you want to understand the abject failure of America, look to its libraries. All across the country, it is libraries that have become a haven for the homeless when it is too hot or too cold to live outdoors. They offer free Internet service for families who can’t afford the vital connection, and they’re an essential educational resource for parents who can’t pay for preschool. In some cities, libraries have evolved into social service hubs, for the mentally ill, the jobless and the victims of domestic abuse. Libraries do all of these things because our society has failed to meet the basic needs of its people.”
- How Libraries Are Stepping Up as a Front Line of Resilience – Governing.
Local news by authority
- Aberdeen – Click and collect service announced for Aberdeen libraries – Evening Express. “Aberdeen City Libraries will begin the staged reinstatement of services with the introduction of a click and collect service at several libraries and the reintroduction of the Home Library Service from July 22.”
- Aberdeenshire – Library books to be dropped off at doorstep for eager readers across north-east – Press and Journal. “A new “click and collect” service will begin in Oldmeldrum on Wednesday, followed by libraries in Fraserburgh and Banchory, then Ellon and Stonehaven by the end of July”
- Barnet – Four Barnet libraries reopen on ‘select and collect’ basis – Times series. “Towards the end of July, the library service is planning to re-introduce pre-booked access to PCs in Chipping Barnet, Colindale, Edgware and Finchley Church End libraries.”
- Blackpool – Here’s what you need to know as Blackpool takes ‘first steps’ to opening its libraries after lockdown – Lytham St Anns Express. “When the doors reopen, people will be able to: return books and other items; borrow and browse items; and access computer facilities”
- Blaenau Gwent – This is when library services in Blaenau Gwent will resume – South Wales Argus. “From Wednesday, July 22, customers will be able to pre-arrange to collect books and other library stock from Abertillery and Ebbw Vale libraries where the service is being trialled.”
- Bradford – More Bradford libraries offer ordering service – Telegraph & Argus. “In addition to City, Keighley and Shipley libraries which have been running the service for the past two weeks, Eccleshill, Manningham, Wibsey, Burley, Menston and Silsden will be the latest libraries to offer this facility. This phase of reopening includes three community-run libraries.”
- Brighton and Hove – Brighton & Hove Libraries awarded Library of Sanctuary status – Brighton and Hove Council. “Working towards becoming Library of Sanctuary, all library staff completed Refugee, Asylum Seekers and Migrant Awareness training, to ensure sanctuary seekers feel welcome in our libraries and staff have a greater understanding of their needs.”
- Cheshire West and Cheshire – People entering reopened Cheshire West and Chester Council buildings will be asked for contact details – Chester Standard. “People visiting reopened Cheshire West and Chester Council libraries and other communities buildings will need to provide their contact details as part of essential coronavirus safeguarding.”
- Croydon – Plans announced to reopen five libraries after covid lockdown – Inside Croydon. “Croydon has announced that five of its dozen public libraries will begin operating again with a reduced service from next Monday, July 20, including offering a home library delivery service for some.”
- Cumbria – Cumbria County Council has revealed when Barrow library will re-open – The Mail. “the county’s six main library buildings in Carlisle, Penrith, Whitehaven, Workington, Kendal and Barrow will reopen to the public on Monday, August 10.”
- Darlington – Darlington libraries will start to open on Monday – Northern Echo. “From Monday, quick pick borrowing and book returns will be reintroduced at Crown Street Library, while Cockerton Library will be open at various times for a click and collect service.”
- Devon – Libraries in Exmouth and Sidmouth to reopen after Honiton hub’s relaunch – East Devon News. “Libraries in Exmouth and Sidmouth are to reopen from Monday (July 20) after Honiton’s hub welcomed back users earlier this month. “
- Dorset – Order and collect borrowing service will be operating in Dorset libraries – Bridport News. “Customers will be able to order online their preferred categories of books, DVDs and talking books and to arrange to collect at an allocated time from 22 of Dorset’s 23 libraries.”
- Dundee – Councillor spearheads call for city libraries to reopen – Evening Telegraph. “It looks like libraries will struggle to open any time soon”.
- Durham – Pick and collect library service – Newton News. “The Pick and Collect service will initially be available at libraries in Barnard Castle, Chester-le- Street, Consett, Crook, Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee and Seaham as well as Belmont, in Durham, and Woodhouse Close, in Bishop Auckland”
- East Lothian – Library service allowing people to pre-order books returns – East Lothian Courier. Click and collect from Haddington 16 July. “Musselburgh Library is expected to follow suit early next month with a similar service on offer.”
- Essex – See which Essex libraries are reopening this week… – Clacton Gazette. 44 libraries open with limited numbers to browse but no computers.
- Flintshire – Aura expands Flintshire ‘select and collect’ book service with mobile library – The Leader. “Library users have been able to use the “select and collect” service provided by Aura Leisure and Libraries since July 6. Under the scheme, books have been available to collect from either Mold or Connah’s Quay Library. But now the company has said from Monday, July 20, its mobile library will be travelling across Flintshire visiting different locations to drop off pre-ordered books.”
- Gloucestershire – Gloucestershire Libraries launch new reserve and collect service – So Glos.
- Hampshire – Everything you need to know about visiting a library – Gazette.
- Harrow – Stanmore and Wealdstone Libraries to reopen on July 14 – Harrow Times. “visitors will not be allowed to browse in the usual fashion, with an ordering service in place.”
- Hertfordshire – Hertfordshire Libraries are launching a new Chatterfamilies session to celebrate Reading Together Day 2020. – Hertfordshire Council.
- Inverclyde – Inverclyde Libraries launches Connect and Collect service – Greenock Telegraph. “Library members can now request five items which can be picked up at Greenock Central, Gourock or Port Glasgow library.”
- Isle of Wight – Place your order to borrow from your local library again – Isle of Wight Observer. “Although the libraries are not yet ready to fully reopen the Isle of Wight Council will be offering an ‘order and collect’ service for borrowers to pick up items from their local library.”
- Lancashire – Libraries across Lancashire set to reopen with online booking system – Lancashire Post. “From Monday July 27, 12 libraries are set to reopen across the borough, however customers wanting to visit will need to book an appointment and make use of two of the new services available. Library staff will be able to select up to six books …”
- Leicester – Families can enjoy #ReadingTogether with digital resources and activities – Leicester City Council. “And to celebrate silliness and laughter, there’s a Joke-a-Day posted Monday to Friday on the Leicester Libraries Facebook page.”
- Midlothian – Midlothian Library service due to resume following lockdown closure – Midlothian Advertiser. “The Midlothian Library service is set to resume on Monday, July 27 with Dalkeith Library the first branch to be re-opened.”
- Moray – Moray libraries working towards reopening date – Grampian Online. “The libraries are likely to re-open in stages and it will be some time before all services are available.”
- North Somerset – Here are the libraries offering click-and-collect services in Weston – Weston Mercury. “Book pick-up services will run at The Campus in Highlands Lane, The Healthy Living Centre in Lonsdale Avenue, Winscombe Library in Woodborough Road, Worle Library in Mendip Avenue, Yatton in the High Street and Weston Town Hall”
- Oxfordshire – More libraries to reopen across Oxfordshire – Oxford Mail. “A further five libraries in Oxfordshire are set to reopen next week. Libraries in Banbury, Cowley, Carterton, Henley and Kidlington will welcome visitors again from Monday. It will join those in Abingdon, Thame, Witney, Bicester and Didcot that reopened on July 13.”
- Powys – Lockdown Library Delivers – FE News. “Powys libraries have not been open since lockdown but have offered an ‘Order and Collect Service’. “
- Renfrewshire – Renfrewshire libraries total 24,000 online loans during lockdown – Renfrewshire 24. “more than 24,000 ebooks and emagazines from Renfrewshire’s libraries during lockdown. The remarkable figure – representing an 80 per cent rise on this time last year – is among a string of successes secured by library staff”. All now click and collect.
- Rochdale – Special collection service is launched at selected libraries – Rochdale online. “Starting on Monday July 13, library customers will be able to borrow books in a safe, contactless way at five local libraries.”
- Shropshire – Ellesmere’s Our Space offers new book services – Whitchurch Herald. “the Ellesmere Community Centre and Library, has set out its plans for a new service as a way of getting more books to people. From this week (Tuesday), the ‘Ready Reads’ will allow users to collect more books until the service resumes on Tuesday, August 4, on reduced hours”
- Slough – Slough’s new ‘click and collect’ library service – Windsor Observer. “Between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday libraries at the Curve in Slough, Britwell, Cippenham and Langley will be allowing customers to come in and collect pre-ordered books.”
- Somerset – Somerset libraries begin order-and-collect service again – In Your Area. “Library buildings in Frome, Yeovil, Minehead and Bridgwater opened for the order-and-collect service from Monday July 13, with members able to choose up to 10 books for collection.”
- Southend – Southend Libraries Digital Summer Reading Challenge – Leigh Times.
- South Lanarkshire – No reopening date yet for Rutherglen and Cambuslang libraries – Daily Record. “At this stage it is too early to confirm when libraries across South Lanarkshire will be reopening.”
- Warrington – Library re-opening safety measures working well with more than 3,300 visitors in just five days – Warrington Worldwide. “LiveWire, the community interest company that manages library services in Warrington on behalf of Warrington Borough Council, say the procedures put in place to safeguard the safety of customers and staff worked very well. If all continues to go to plan, the next phase of library reopening will see Culcheth reopen in August, followed by the remaining four libraries in September and October.”
- West Berkshire – Newbury, Hungerford and Thatcham libraries open from today – Newbury Today. “From today, book collection services by appointment at Newbury, Hungerford and Thatcham Libraries have been resumed but operating hours will initially be limited.”
- West Lothian – Libraries begin phased re-opening – Daily Record. “The service will begin with a click and collect service from Wednesday (July 15).”
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