News

Book borrowing enters the digital age as libraries and readers swap to e-books – Independent.  Amazon allow libraries to lend Kindle titles, list of public libraries lending ebooks, ebookexchange.com.

 “… an unscheduled stop at a local library [in Manchester]  in a rather devastated council estate revealed a lively group of teenagers who were regular users, welcomed by staff, glad of a place to do homework, gossip and feel secure.  Space, opportunity, the time to discover a larger world to live in – where are the clearly articulated priorities in public discussion that would spotlight all this, so as to make us think twice before dismantling what’s already there and disappointing more hopes for the future?”  2011 Easter Sermon – Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams

Efforts being made to keep city libraries open – 10News (USA).  San Diego libraries use volunteers to extend opening hours.  Other savings suggested but cuts may be too severe.
Greatest library funding idea ever written – Agnostic, Maybe.  Librarian blogger suggests commercial sponsorship and examines the pitfalls – the end (keeping libraries open) justifying the means.
“Library? How Quaint!” – LISNews.  CNet Technology editor fails to understand libraries – useful comments though.
LSSI appoints Brad King as chief executive officer – PR-USA.net.  New CEO is from contract services, not libraries.  “LSSI offers a powerful alternative for governments [my bold on “s”] wanting to preserve the vital libraries in their communities, and expand the impact of those libraries during this difficult economic downturn”.
Support New Reader Libraries petition – GoPetition.  Reader Organisation organises “campaign to save libraries”
What the public library service could have done – Good Library Blog.  List is (a) renovating all buildings, (b) standardised book ordering/distribution, (c) created national libraries catalogue and (d) website, (e) national training for library assistants, (f) international bookstock, (g) digitised local history collections, (h) investment in IT

Changes to Tally

Birmingham – Birmingham Music Library loses half its staff, suspends non-telephone interlibrary requests.
Rutland – Evening and weekend opening hours cut at  Uppingham, Oakham, Ryhall and Ketton.

News by Authority

Brent – Camden and Brent Consulting – James Powney’s Blog.  Councillor appears to have different understanding of the word consultation to that of his electorate – “I suspect that some people would be complaining, whatever the nature of the consultation, because they don’t like the decision”
Calderdale – Friends of Todmorden Library – Blog.  “We are a new group. We aim to find ways of encouraging more people to use Todmorden Library. We shall work to make Todmorden Library a resource for the whole community, and resist any attempt to reduce the library service.”
Cumbria – Links supplies lifeline for Cumbria areas without libraries – Westmorland Gazette.   Looks at an existing 400-book “Library Link” which council wishes to roll out across county while closing 18 libraries.  No reading space but can order books for free via computer for delivery in one week. 
Derbyshire – Library hours to be cut – Matlock Mercury.  Matlock to close for two hours, Wirksworth for one hour and a half.
Gloucestershire – Prestbury Library given lifeline – This is Gloucestershire.  Council has agreed to run Prestbury for at least 12 hours per week.  30 volunteers could help double these opening hours.
Lincolnshire – Help Stamford Library buy more books – Rutland and Stamford Library.  Collection box outside library to raise money for bookfund. 
Oxfordshire – Charge for parking outside County Hall and “save libraries” – Oxford Mail. £170k could be raised, enough to keep eight libraries open.  Councillors currently use the spaces for free.
Suffolk – Village rejects a library run by volunteers alone – Bury Free Press.  Village rejects 100% volunteer model for Thurston Library but considers three different options – (i) extra £17 p.a. on rates (ii) village matching county funding or (iii) local partnership with other threatened libraries.
Suffolk – Battle to save libraries in Suffolk – Leigh Day & Co Solicitors.  Outlines legal case against Suffolk that consultation is flawed as decision already made to cut 30% of budget.

Two stories stand out today.  The first is that Camden solicitors suggest that the Localism Bill, should it become law, will mean that all councils will need to consider privatisation as an option in running their libraries.  Labour councillors call this a “one way ticket” to privatised libraries, Conservative councillors described Labour as “closed minded”.  See the “Privatized and Volunteer Libraries” link on the right for more  information on the subject of privatised libraries.

The second story is that CILIP are expecting there to be more library closures announced after May 5th election.  This is undoubtably true.  It is sobering to think that a figure of 517 may be an underestimate for the number of libraries under threat.

News

Because even our libraries are cool: Shepard Fairey joins LA’s young literati in supporting the LAPL – LAist.  Young professionals see public libraries as key to promote Los Angeles as an intellectual and literary centre. 
Cameron: we’re the people’s party – Northern Echo.  David Cameron asked if cutting libraries was the “true face” of Conservatives – he replied deficit needs to be cut and council “waste” would pay for it.  Any cuts to front-line services are politically motivated to hurt Conservatives.
More library closures set for Summer – BookSeller.  Likely to be more closures after May 5th elections. More library cuts expected in universities as tuition fees are introduced.

 “We’ve had 500 in six months,” he said. “A lot of councils are waiting for the flak to die down from the first round, and think we will then all be used to the idea that libraries have to go.” He predicted a new wave of announcements over the summer, adding: “Brent and Lewisham [which are closing 11 libraries between them] seem to have got away with it. The secretary of state has been asked to intervene but has not yet produced a response. He is talking to people and taking evidence, but he’s just going through the motions.” Tim Coates

Public libraries feel strain of budget cuts – Daily Herald.  72% of libraries reported cuts last year, 43% cut staff, 19 states cut funding, 17 states closed libraries.  Urban libraries affected the most.  7 in 10 libraries do not have enough computers to cope with demand. (USA).
Save our Libraries! – Women’s Weekly, 12th April p.20-21 (not available online).  Double page spread includes interview with Elaine Hoare (volunteer) at Chalfont St Giles, Heather Wright (campaigner for Goodmayes library) and Joephine Cox (author).

Changes to tally

Edinburgh – £602k cut (rather than previously reported £550k); may reduce opening hours.
Windsor and Maidenhead – Has 105-110 staff with 45-50 volunteers 

News by authority

Bolton – Campaigners out in force to save libraries – Bolton News. 50 protesters lobbied councillors before meeting.  600 signatures collected in two hours outside Harwood Library.  200 attended read-in at Astley Bridge last week.  Consultation ends 20th May.
Camden – Labour pledge not to sell off library service to private companies – Camden New Journal.  Labour would like to rule out privatisation but Localism Bill may soon make such a pledge illegal. LSSI asked to speak at meeting but were refused. Conservative group call opposition to privatisation “closed minded”.
Cumbria – Walney: Library supporter, 97, calls for library to stay – North West Evening Mail.  Loss of library will mean loss of community and lack of books for those who cannot travel.

“We believe that libraries and the staff who run them are vital, not just in this borough, but across the country and that Councils should not see them as an easy way to make savings. The use of volunteers is important but they should be used to enhance the library offering not to replace skilled librarians.” Cllr Simon Dudley, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Windsor & Maidenhead Council.

Dorset – Weymouth: Councillors’ anger as five local libraries face losing their funds – View Online.  One library for 64k people, ten mile travel to nearest library.  Consultation described as a “sham and disgraceful”.  Poorer areas like Littlemoor will lose vital internet access and be unable to become volunteer-run.
Edinburgh – Turning page to a new chapter for city libraries – Edinburgh Evening News. Initiatives to stop decline in usage (down 6%) face problem of large budget cut which may reduce opening hours.  Library chief suggests online services may be the answer.
Enfield – Tories claim Enfield Festival cash better spent on adult services and libraries – Enfield Independent.  £200k multicultural Enfield Festival supported “in principle” but money needed elsewhere. 

“I am 100 per cent committed to Staffordshire’s libraries. I want to expand and develop the services that they offer residents which is why, when many areas are closing facilities, the county council is investing in libraries by providing technology such as Wifi. Libraries offer a full range of resources for the whole community. Our network of 43 libraries and the mobile library service provides a knowledge hub for people in all walks of life.”. Staffordshire – Libraries in Lichfield and Burntwood switch to Wifi – Lichfield Blog.  

Sutton – Last chance to comment on future of Sutton libraries – Sutton Guardian. £935k cut consultation closes on April 23rd.  “Suggestions so far include introducing iPads into libraries to replace desktop PC’s; charging for the use of the computer suite; reviewing the DVD/CD hire service; making better use of volunteers and hosting children’s birthday parties”
Warwickshire – Thousands petition over library proposals – Warwickshire Direct.  6000 people have signed petitions during the consultation so far, which ends on June 9th.  The council refuses to say if the petitions are for or against council proposals.

News

Improving literacy through school libraries –  Sign On San Diego (USA).  “We cannot afford to lose the academic enrichment that a library brings to a school community … let’s choose to be a literate society”.
Beyond the fragments – Public Finance.  Austerity is forcing sharing services between councils thus making councils less local.  Government is shifting the blame to councils for closing libraries etc while at the same time still subjecting them to “endless Whitehall diktats”.
Disintermediation and its discontents – Scholarly Kitchen.  Discussion about library purchasing, publishers and the lesson learnt by Britannica. “We have to stop talking to our customers”.
Librarians and Rome: Rules for the University of Gloucestershire c. 1943. – Johanna Bo Anderson’s Blog 

“However, people who don’t own those devices [eBooksare left behind. Underfunded schools, for example, barely have funds for printed books, much less e-books, e-readers or laptops, educators say. “I hate to see our increasingly divided culture leave the poor further behind by making texts available mostly in unaffordable and impractical formats,” says Denver School of the Arts literature teacher Gregg Painter.” New way we read: ten ways digital books are changing our literary lives – Denver Post (USA).

Public library use – ALA (USA).  Fact Sheet showing current state of play for public libraries in the USA.  82% offer wifi, three-fifths of Americans own a library card. Children account for a third of use.
Whither the dream of the universal library? – Guardian. Copyright concerns are preventing the digitisation of all printed works.  

Changes to tally

Walsall – Libraries may be privatised.

News by Authority

Derbyshire – Library opening hours slashed – Derbyshire Times. 30 libraries will have reduced hours. £1.76m cut.
Enfield – Fight begins against possible Enfield library closures – Enfield Independent. “Hands off Libraries” petitions started by Nick De Bois MP (Conservative).
Enfield – “No library short-listed to close” says Councillor Bambos Charalambous – Enfield Independent.  Councillor in charge of libraries suggested no library in particular is highlighted to close in seeming contradiction to the words and actions of others in the Council.  One of the libraries highlighted for closure, Ordance Road, would be controversial as it is currently undergoing refurbishment, due to reopen April 26.

Gloucestershire – Rev. Keith Hebdem “We need to continue to speak truth to power” – FoGL. Matson vicar organised vigil with line ““Were you there when they crucified our library?”. Council has given up on volunteers running it and suggest people go to nearest other library “20 minutes away by car”.
Lewisham – Battle lines are drawn over libraries’ future – South London Press. Campaigners presented case to DCMS last week, the council defended them to the DCMS, and community groups put forward their case for taking over the libraries, due to closed on May 28th.
Lewisham – Would you borrow a book from these people? – Brockley Central. Interesting comments. 
Liverpool – Central Library transformation makes progress – Liverpool Echo. £50m project, the new features will include a “Discovery” zone for children, modern IT facilities and a rooftop terrace cafe.
Suffolk – Promise of big changes at county council – EADT.  New council leader seems to be aiming to tone down the radical divestment strategy of predecessor.
Walsall – Walsall council staff may be moved to private firms – Express & Star. Education and Roads already contracted out. “We need to look at outsourcing jobs. Let’s take libraries for instance, there may be someone who comes to us and says ‘we will run your libraries for you’.”

Comment

Nick Clegg has said that it is not the Lib Dems closing libraries.  For this, Alan Gibbons calls him the world’s biggest hypocrite.  Library campaigner Shirley Burnham‘s response is well worth reprinting in full

“The Liberal Democrat Party included nothing about public libraries in its 2010 manifesto, in spite of being cognisant of the threat to the service and in touch with the best minds in the country on the issue well before its publication. Contact with library experts was strictly confidential whilst Lib Dem shadow ministers attempted to draft a policy for public libraries. No-one has to date broken that confidentiality. Now, reading Nick Clegg’s protestations about Libraries, I am angry…. So, I confirm that, when it mattered and when they had opportunity, the Lib Dems performance was abysmal. Subsequently they chose to ally themselves with the Tories who seem hell bent on overseeing the destruction of this great institution, wholly against the public will.

Making political speeches about Libraries now, Mr Clegg, does not convince this former member of your Party. Please take the Culture Minister and Secretary of State by the lapels and insist that they undertake their statutory duties. Failing that, you have no credibility on this issue whatsoever.” 
 
News
(S) shows article added on Sunday

Beast’s business model and what it means for your library – Privatisation Beast (USA) Review of doctoral thesis on the LSSI business model (S)
Clegg tells Lib Dems: Take fight to Tories – Sky News “Speaking in his Sheffield consituency, Mr Clegg attacked cuts made by both Tory and Labour councils to libraries and Sure Start children’s centres across the country. He said: “If you value these services, my message to you is very clear: Lib-Dems are with you.”
Ebooks pass another milestone – Guardian.  Ebook sales in the USA have now overtaken paperback sales in terms of value (not in terms of absolute number) after a 203% increase compared to the same time last year.
Ed Miliband slams Nick Clegg over Lib Dems’ string of broken promises – Mirror.
It is the fate of libraries to die – Financial Times.  [There is a certain irony that this article is found behind a paywall].  Article argues that libraries are luxuries that can no longer be afforded.
Lib Dems go on offensive ahead of council elections – Independent.
Manifestos – Stage one accomplished – Posterous.  Summary of how libraries have been put on the political agenda in Scotland.
Tigers, poets and superheroes – Voices for the Library. Highlights library initiatives including Kirklees housebound borrowers special event, Chris Manby author visit, Swansea Easter events including a superhero party, Edinburgh “Tiger Tales” with event held at Edinburgh Zoo.

Changes by Authority

Enfield – 3 out of 16 under threat (Ordnance Road Library,Enfield Highway Library,Bullsmoor Library) under threat. £578k cut 2011, £300k 2012 and 2013. If massive opposition, libraries could stay open but staffed with volunteers.  Decision to be made in “Summer”.
Portsmouth – £650k cut – proposal is for Central Library closed every Friday, whole service cutting 22 full-time equivalent posts. 
Swindon – £45k external consultancy report on the future management of its libraries includes June decision on privatisation. (S)

News by Authority

Croydon – Bradmore Green Library is the favourite of users, according to consultation – This is Croydon Today (S).  Smaller libraries attact more “favourite” ticks than Central library.
Croydon – Survey finds threatened libraries more popular than Croydon’s central library – This is Croydon Today (S).
Cumbria – Libraries at risk in council shake-up – Whitehaven News.  Council says closing 20 libraries and putting 400 (sic) books into pubs shows they’re thinking differently. Family Centre deputy chief executive disagrees.

“Officers at Cumbria County Council want to close 20 public libraries and move them into village shops, post offices and pubs – which are closing even faster than libraries because they’re not seen as cool either. It’s not to save money, they say. Library closures and reduction in book stocks are for… er, I’m not sure they explained that fully but it’s for reasons of coolness, is my guess. Council officers who are not at all keen on libraries are clearly cooler than those of us who are. They must by iOfficers.” Cumbria – Where is the romance, the community in a Kindle, an Ipad? – News and Star. 

Doncaster – MP Rosie Winterton lends her support to Save Doncaster Libraries – Save Doncaster Libraries.  Labour Chief Whip/MP Doncaster Central.
Doncaster – Naming and shaming library cutters – Save Doncaster Libraries.  Two conservatives who voted for library closures, despite being told not to by their party whip are shown. (S)
Enfield – Libraries under threat again as budget cuts bite – North London newspapers. ““This is very worrying, especially in an age where we are trying to promote education and when there are so many changes coming in. People need their libraries, and not just for books – they are learning resource centres and have internet access for those who don’t have it at home. We would be in favour of having volunteers staffing the library if it means they can stay open.”
Hertfordshire – Bushey Library to close for three month refurbishment – Watford Observer. More computers, wifi, events space, larger children’s area. (S)
Portsmouth – Readers in protest against council plans to slash library staff – News. ‘I have a learning disability and the library has been a great place for me to come. It has so much more information than anywhere else and it’s very wrong to cut back library services.’
Surrey – Library closing? Borrow a phone book – This is Surrey Today. Telephone box still in use has shelf added with donated books – “Writing on the shelf says “You’re welcome to take me, but make sure to replace me” (S)
Swindon – Council meeting 14th April – Save Old Town Library Campaign.  Swindon’s libraries may be privatised. (S)

News

Book spend cut “easiest” way to save library revenue – BookSeller. “”It’s not going to hit the headlines, and it’s not immediately obvious. It’s about two years down the line before it makes an impact. But it results in a slow death for library services as fewer people use the service.” says chief of Warwickshire Libraries (Ayub Khan). Warwickshire has 16 libraries under threat.
Man with a vision for the future of the public library – Yorkshire Post. Ronan O’Beirne, “Rather than looking at the number of books lent out – a service whose days may be numbered – he argues that we should consider libraries as the social glue of community and culture, each one a hub of informal learning for the wider community.”
MLA Chief heads for New Zealand – BookSeller. “Roy Clare’s move comes as the MLA’s transfer of key responsibilities to Arts Council England is confirmed for 1st October. Corporate services director Paul Lander will take charge of the body in the last months as it moves towards closure.”
National Library Week 2011: The importance of libraries in genealogical research – Archive 
Public libraries open door for e-books – Guardian. A quarter of public libraries offer ebooks. Phil Bradley from CILIP surveys the issues and the public library response.

“the same city council that can’t spare Ms. Smith’s libraries plans to spend a total of £100 million on a new nine-story civic center—which will include a new super-library. The council insists the project will save taxpayers £4 million per year, by allowing it to vacate current council buildings. No information yet on how much the council could save by simply moving to cheaper office space, instead of constructing what it aims to be “the greenest building in the U.K.” Forgoing the new center’s wedding garden, winter garden, terrace, and charging points for electric cars might also leave a little more cash for libraries.” Zadie Smith’s libraries – Wall Street Journal.

Changes by authority

Bromley, Bexley – Suggested merger of two councils’ library services may save Bromley £880k – £340k from staff losses, £90k from merging Penge and Anerley libraries.
Buckinghamshire – Burnham Library under threat in 2012
Derbyshire – 1 mobile library to close (longer wait between visits”, £1.76m cut, 30 out of 45 libraries will see cuts of between one and five hours, 11 will not change, 4 will increase opening hours
North Ayrshire – some under threat (previously marked as safe in 2011) with civil servants/councillors deciding the fate of each one.  £50k consultants report ignored.
Walsall – 6 (out of 16) under threat; consultation ended; results from consultation will lead to a decision in the Summer.

News by authority

Brent – Two defining coaltion reforms clash – Spectator. “The various big society groups in Brent lament their powerlessness and are considering calling on the Culture Secretary to intervene under the 1964 Libraries Act. But, as a wasteful Labour council is busy taking responsibility for unpopular cuts, the coalition may not intervene. Also, the government has welcomed previous council rationalisations as localism in action; it is unlikely to turn on Brent to score cheap points, no matter how tempting in the run up to elections next month. However, the big society will struggle to bloom if the government privileges councils above it.”
Bromley – Residents rally to save Bromley’s libraries – Bromley Times 24.  1200 name petition to save Burnt Ash library.  Trades union has handed in 3000 name petition.
Buckinghamshire – Burnham library supporters fight for its future – Maidenhead Advertiser. Big Lottery funding means Burnham Library not included in previous council countywide library closures.  Fear for 2012.
Cumbria – 18 rural libraries in Cumbria face the axe – Westmorland Gazette. “Bosses said libraries which opened fewer than 20 hours a week, including Sedbergh, Shap and Askam-in-Furness, might close to fund hi-tech enhancements, such as free Skype points, at major centres”.  Rural areas get book ordering service (some in pubs) instead.

“Closing these libraries would be a huge mistake.They are the universities of the common man and once closed will never be reopened.” (Taffy Thomas, national storyteller laureate)

Derbyshire – Plans to cut opening hours of libraries look set for approval despite concerns of union – This is Derbyshire. “The union Unison says it fears the moves may lead to job losses and could be the first step towards library closures.”
Dorset – Support community libraries: Ad Lib campaigner urges users to help facilities at risk – Dorset Echo. Public urged to support small cuts in larger libraries to prevent closures of smaller ones that could result in some areas being 14 miles away from a library.
Ealing – Ealing Council leader faces critics over libraries – Ealing Gazette. “I feel as if I am being forced into making these decisions. I would not choose to close libraries, I spent a lot of time there studying for my A-levels and later taking my children there.”
Gloucestershire – County Council to face Whitehall meeting on library cuts – Wilts & Glos Standard. “We are pleased that DCMS policy officials have agreed to meet with us, and can only hope that they and the Minister listen to our concerns, unlike our elected representatives within the GCC administration.” (FoGL)
Gloucestershire – Blockley: Library cuts protest – Tewkesbury AdMag. “Children in the village who regularly use the library are to hand over letters expressing their sadness and disappointment that Gloucestershire County Council is axing the service to save money.”
Lewisham – Will Lewisham bidders focus on library service? – Voices for the Library. “…it is worrying that none of these proposals are coming from organisations that have an emphasis or background in providing library services. Have they involved experts in their discussions?”
North Ayrshire – Future of facilities to be decided one at a time – Ardrossan Herald. “the future of North Ayrshire’s libraries and community centres is to be decided on an individual basis by individual working groups of councillors and civil servants.”
Surrey – Byfleet: Library figures taken to task – Surrey Herald .  Use of library underestimated by council due to six weeks closure not being taken into account (!). “The library is very much a hub for a lot of things. It’s not something that Byfleet wants to lose.”
Walsall – Two thousand have their say on future plans for 16 libraries – Walsall Online. Information from 2152 responses will be used to work out plans for the borough’s libraries, of which 6 were feared to be under threat.
Warwickshire – Warwickshire library cuts in spotlight at roadshow – Coventry Telegraph. “Sixteen Warwickshire libraries have been identified as no longer sustainable in their current form, alongside other cost-cutting measures including reduced opening hours, reductions in the workforce and mobile library fleet, and cutting the number of public computers.”