Editorial

Two long-running library battles have been won,, with Glasgow libraries receiving funding to reopen threatened libraries there and the near-future of the library in the book paradise of Hay on Wye also being secured. Scottish libraries have also received funding to aid with fall-out from Covid. On the debit side, Torfaen is looking at big cuts and the once large Grays Library in Thurrock is looking to be reduced to a shadow of its former self. Internationally, it’s all about censorship, with China reducing what can be read in Hong Kong while, on the other side of the Pacific, there are continuing moves to censor a ton of stuff in what those pushing the moves probably still unironically say is the Land Of The Free.

Changes by library service

• Thurrock – Grays Library to be reduced in size.
• Torfaen – Temporary opening hours and staff cuts during review

National news

• CILIP Library and Information Supplier Showcase – Autumn 2021 – CILIP. 30 November, London.
• Final reflections: Ka-Ming – #uklibchat. ” We were connecting people together, and we also inspired other groups to set up their own Twitter chats.”
• Let’s hear it for our libraries – the unsung heroes of our cultural life, says Maggie Ritchie – Herald. “Libraries are the unsung heroes of Scotland’s cultural life, and like all those going quietly about their vital business, they are easy to overlook. Libraries have been open for a while now but with restricted opening times, and with buying books only a mouse click away, I’d got out of the habit of browsing the shelves for serendipitous finds.”
• Libraries across the north and north-east awarded ‘lifeline’ funding for innovative projects – Press and Journal. “Libraries across the north and north-east [of Scotland] have been awarded more than £100,000 to combat the impact of Covid and improve their services.”
• Prime time for audio-books – Nielsen. “From July 2020 to June 2021, audiobook purchases in the UK saw their highest 12-month period on record, surpassing the previous record highs that the format had been setting basically every month since last spring.”
• Support our Libraries: ‘We need a local and national government funding model that allows them to thrive’ – Sean McNamara – Scotsman. “It has been wonderful to see Scotland on Sunday’s campaign getting such widespread backing and that it has got under the bonnet and looked at why other countries financially support their libraries sometimes more than we do in Scotland and the wider UK.”
• ‘This is a place for me, I’m welcome here’: how libraries are reaching out after Covid – I. “BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, wants to make visiting the local library a regular and long-lasting habit, especially among disadvantaged groups” … “A recent survey by the charity of 1,000 families in poverty with a child in that age group found that fewer than half (49 per cent) of these families are registered with a public library.”

International news

• Argentina – BIC Celebrates Global Education Week By Honoring 10 Educators In Second Year Of BIC Cristal Pen Awards – Cision. “Herńan is one of the founders and current president of the library Biblioteca Popular Palabras del Alma. The library began operating on a mobile basis, only on weekends and now offers art, a community garden, and workshops for reading writing, computer, language, theater and many topics for people of all ages, including high school students and children without access to kindergarten. Herńan also coordinates a project for indigenous people where a dozen new libraries in their communities have since been built. He is also the creator of a community theater group and radio station that allows poor people, women, children and adolescents, people with disabilities or who are part of indigenous peoples to express themselves.” [My wife is the UK award winner – Ed.]
• Canada – A Toronto library card will give you free access to the city’s top attractions starting tomorrow – Flipboard. “For Toronto Public Library cardholders, one pass is permitted per person every week. Each venue has its own restrictions on the number of people that can be admitted with one pass. Generally, each pass admits two adults and two children.”
• China- Hong Kong libraries removed 29 books about Tiananmen massacre: Report – Big News Network. ” Hong Kong libraries have removed 29 out of 149 books about the Tiananmen massacre over the last 12 years.”
• Singapore – Choa Chu Kang Public Library: Libraries Can Be Gardens Too – Medium. “Instead of taking up just one floor within Lot One Shoppers’ Mall, the new library now spans across two floors (Levels 4 and 5) and accommodates a more extensive literary collection than its predecessor. The overhaul is aligned to the National Library Board’s (NLB) Libraries and Archives Blueprint 2025 (LAB25): a five-year road map to streamline library and archive services to support lifelong discovery and learning, build an informed citizenry, nurture a stronger appreciation of the Singapore experience, and ensure equal access and opportunities for everyone.”
  • Covid-19: Unvaccinated in Singapore barred from NLB libraries – Yahoo. ” From 1 December, the list of places and events that unvaccinated individuals cannot enter or attend will be expanded to include National Library Board libraries and selected activities in People’s Association venues. “
• USA – Texas Library Cancel Children’s Event After Transgender Misinformation Sparks Threats – Newsweek. ” the library was not, as had been falsely claimed, an event to “indoctrinate children into a transgender way of life.””
  • More Republican leaders try to ban books on race, LGBTQ issues – NPR. Lists various moves to censor books, mainly in school libraries.
  • Viral photo of near-empty library shelves sends powerful message: ‘We removed every book with content that could offend someone’ – Yahoo. “The pair of side-by-side photos, shared by Pflugerville Public Library in Texas, aims to provide a visual of what library shelves might look like if everything containing subject matter that could cause someone discomfort was to be removed. “This is a before and after shot of what a single shelving unit in the library’s Teen Space would look like if we removed every book with content that could offend someone,” the caption begins. “Out of 159 books, there are ten left on the shelves. We removed books that contained profanity, teen drinking, religious content, racism, magic, abuse, sexual content, and more. But in taking away those books, we also removed examples of friendship, love, courage, creativity, faith, forgiveness, reality, resilience, humor, and history.””

Local news by authority

• Bath and North East Somerset – Seasonal Gift a Book campaign calls for donations – Journal and Gazette. “Libraries in Bath and North East Somerset are inviting book donations, to be gifted to people in the community who may not otherwise receive a Christmas present. The Gift a Book campaign ran for the first time in 2019 when more than 2,000 books were donated by residents and charities across B&NES.”
• Darlington – Plans for Darlington library’s restoration and how long it will take – Northern Echo. “The Grade II listed building will be brought back to its former glory with a 15-month restoration programme that will include the roof covering and key heritage features such as decorative plasterwork. There will also be improvements to the library’s digital infrastructure and a general refresh of the internal area.”
• East Dunbartonshire – Here is why East Dunbartonshire Council buildings will light up in orange – Glasgow Times. “East Dunbartonshire libraries, community hubs and libraries will take part on the first and last day of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Action against Gender Based Violence Campaign.”
• East Riding – Business and IP Centres will launch in three East Riding Libraries next month – Bridlington Free Press. “The new centres are launching following last year’s pledge of £13 million in Treasury funding for The British Library Business and IP Centre Major Expansion of its highly successful network of library based BIPCs from 14 to over 100 regional and local libraries across England.”
• Falkirk – £40k cash boost for Falkirk libraries to help staff support users’ mental health – Daily Record. Scottish Government covid funding. “The £39,992 funding will enable the libraries to work with Falkirk’s Mental Health Association (FDAMH), training all their staff so they can better support library users with their mental health.”
• Fife – Library book returned more than seven decades late – Shropshire Star. This story has had international coverage. ““For a bit of fun we worked out how much could have been due in fees and it comes to a whopping £2,847. “It arrived with a lovely letter from the borrower’s daughter who was able to give us a bit of detail.” OnFife Libraries have had an amnesty on late fees throughout the pandemic to encourage members to return books.”
• Glasgow – Protests at Maryhill and Whiteinch libraries to continue in fight for future of Glasgow venues – Glasgow Times. “In their calls for long-term funding, campaigners will continue to hold read-in protests outside libraries in Maryhill and in Whiteinch.”
  • Glasgow Life announce extended library opening hours – Glasgow Times.
  • Five Glasgow libraries to reopen after funding lifeline – BBC. “Five libraries in Glasgow that closed during the Covid pandemic are set to reopen after securing £450,000 in Scottish government funding. The money will help reopen libraries in Maryhill, Whiteinch, Barmulloch, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Couper Institute. It is part of a Scotland-wide £1.25m public library Covid relief fund. However, Glasgow Labour councillor Malcolm Cunning said it “falls well short” of what is needed.”
• Gloucestershire – Free intellectual property information service launched by Gloucestershire Libraries – Punchline. “The new information service launched by Gloucestershire Libraries is called Ask Us Business and Patent Library Centre (PatLib) and is based at Gloucester Library.”
• Highland – Book Week Scotland celebrated as High Life Highland libraries organise activities for literary lovers of all ages – Inverness Courier. “Literary lovers can join in Book Week Scotland at libraries across the Highlands. With the annual celebration of books and reading taking place across the country between now and November 21, High Life Highland (HLH) libraries are running a huge range of activities”
• Inverclyde – Partner press release: Library service honoured – Inverclyde Council. “The award recognised the talent, innovation, and achievement of library teams throughout Scotland during the pandemic. It welcomed entries from all SLIC members, including university and specialist libraries, and presented an opportunity for services to showcase staff-driven initiatives which have greatly enhanced user experience. The East Lothian service won the award for its sustained, imaginative, and ambitious response to the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic.”
• Manchester – Give the Gift of Reading this Christmas – Just Giving / Manchester Central Library Development Trust. “Thanks to your amazing generosity last year, we raised £4,000 to buy new books for children and young people in Manchester as part of our Book Gifting Campaign. Despite our libraries and schools being fully open again, the impact of Covid on children’s learning means that access to books at home has never been more important.” … “We work with over 100 local organisations including foodbanks, community groups, SureStart Centres, refugees and youth groups.  Working together we can ensure that we are reaching the children and families where free books can really make a difference.”
• Northern Ireland – Enniskillen library burglary condemned as ‘disgraceful’ with building closed due to damage – Belfast Telegraph. “I was disgusted to hear about the burglary at the library on Halls Lane and the significant damage caused. This is an important community hub, a place where people young and old gather to read or just to socialise.”
• South Gloucestershire – South Gloucestershire sports facilities and libraries to benefit from £550k investment – Gazette series. ” £96,000 is also set to be used to enhance facilities at libraries in Emersons Green and Downend to improve library facilities across South Gloucestershire.” … “The funding comes in the form of developer contributions”
• Oldham – Libraries have been with Mary through every chapter of her life – Oldham Council. “ailsworth-born Centenarian marked the occasion with a special visit to her local library, where she was presented with a birthday cake. The library staff also put together a special display of books about the area and presented Mary with a birthday present – ‘Mary’s Memories Scrapbook’, which included a collection of photos of Failsworth supplied by the Local Studies and Archives team and articles from a newspaper dated from the week she was born.”
• Oxfordshire – Libraries could help to tackle above-average levels of loneliness and social isolation for residents of Banbury and Oxfordshire – Banbury Guardian. Council says ““One of the areas we are particularly interested in is looking at the role of libraries as safe places that people feel comfortable attending and how their role can potentially be expanded, not just as physical spaces but the role they have in book delivery to people who cannot get to a library,” she said.”
• Powys – Five-year fight to save library ends in success – Brecon and Radnor Express. “The announcement comes as a result of extensive negotiations between Powys County Council and HayPublicLibrary.org, the Community Interest Company (CIC), set up by Hay-on-Wye Library Supporters (HOWLS) in 2019. The company worked with Cllr Rachel Powell, Powys Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, Culture and Leisure, to draw up a five-year commercially binding contract. This guarantees Hay Library will retain the same opening hours and staffing levels”
  • Covid tests available at libraries – My Welshpool.
• Renfrewshire – £40k cash boost will help launch Renfrewshire libraries project to tackle social isolation – Daily Record. “The Scottish Government has handed Renfrewshire Leisure the grant from the £1.25milliion Public Library Covid Relief Fund”
• Suffolk – Library cancels Insulate Britain event after claiming it was ‘misled’ – East Anglian Daily Times. “Woodbridge Library’s meeting room was privately booked for an event tonight (November 23). We were aware that it was an event to discuss climate change, but we weren’t previously made aware it was being promoted as an Insulate Britain event.“We have now decided to cancel the booking as we were misled over the nature of the event. “We have concerns that literature being used to promote it to local people could make it appear as if it is a library event and we have concerns that the controversy surrounding Insulate Britain may result in negativity towards our staff.”
• Thurrock – Campaigners cautiously welcome chance to save a much-loved Thameside Theatre – Thurrock Gazette. “They want to move the library and the registry office but they aren’t giving them much room. The library will have room for eight bookshelves and two computers but at the moment they have about 30 computers and two floors of books. “They are talking about putting us in an empty shop in the High Street but there won’t be enough space as we have so many artefacts. We want to stay where we are and we want to be together with the library.””
• Torfaen – Cwmbran, Blaenavon, Pontypool library opening hours cut – Free Press. “There are currently four vacant library assistant roles within the borough’s service, which is leading to staff shortages as more people return to using libraries following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. Torfaen council is currently carrying out a review of library services, and it says filling the four vacancies while this is ongoing would ‘prejudice’ its outcome.”
• Warwickshire – New eco merchandise promotes Warwickshire Libraries and green-living – Leamington Observer.
• Wigan – Community libraries reopen after Covid-enforced closures – Leigh Journal. “A majority of facilities opened their doors on Monday, November 15 and will initially operate on reduced opening hours, so that staff can carry out additional work in relation to operating in a Covid-safe environment.”
• Wirral – More Wirral libraries reopening from today – Wirral Globe. “The new items were designed with book lovers and environmentalists in mind with each one promoting the library service. Products include cotton tote bags, coffee cups and water bottles with designs ranging from the Hungry Caterpillar and Harry Potter to Shakespeare. Available to purchase in county council managed libraries, it is also hoped the new range will encourage less frequent library-goers to return to their local library.”

Editorial

There have been some more reports of councils looking to cut services due to Covid, either directly due to budgetary pressure or because of reductions in usage. This is what has been feared in library circles. What’s strange though is that the reports I am seeing is that some library services are reporting getting back to almost normal levels of business while others are at barely half of what they were in 2019. That’s a major difference and I’m not seeing much explanation of it. Perhaps we’ll see it soon.

In other news, COP26 has not gone un-noticed in libraries this week, with a report on how GLL are being more sustainable in their libraries, and a lovely quote from Surrey Libraries saying “what we recycle are stories”. Finally, I’m pleased to include an extract from a new book on the history of libraries, called “fragile” – something which some users of Bolton, Dorset, Nottinghamshire, Slough and the Wirral may have particular recent reason to agree with, as would those users of the Staffordshire Schools Library Service which follows a long list of others in announcing its closure.

Changes by local authority

• Bolton – 70 hours cut.
• Leeds – Change of opening hours so no Sunday opening but more opening in week.

Staffordshire – School Library Service closed.

Extract from “Libraries: A Fragile History” by Andrew Pettegree and Arthur Der Weduwen

“Carnegie brought little romance to the business of libraries, but much of the clear-minded rationality with which he had made his business fortune: when he sold out to John Pierpont Morgan in 1901 to devote himself entirely to philanthropy, he was the richest man in America. His sense of purpose was precisely what the public library movement needed at the time Carnegie was most active, between 1880 and 1919. Libraries proliferated during the nineteenth century, responding to the rapidly growing demand for books, a product of radical social and technological change. Books became cheaper and more abundant, and more men and women were looking to read, for recreation, information and social advancement. Yet abundance brought its own challenges: if books became cheaper, the imperative to borrow, rather than own, which had sustained the subscription and circulating libraries in the eighteenth century and the first decades of the nineteenth, fell away. The public library had to find a motive, a clientele, and a niche in the library world. Until the arrival of Carnegie, it was by no means certain that it had succeeded.”

About the book

“Throughout their long and tumultuous history libraries have taken almost every form imaginable, from humble wooden chests to vast palaces of marble and gilt. But one thing has always remained the same: the immense, sometimes obsessive lengths to which humans will go in order to acquire and possess knowledge. In this, the first major work of its kind, Andrew Pettegree and Arthur der Weduwen explore the rich and dramatic history of the library, from the famous collections of the ancient world to the embattled public resources we cherish today. Along the way, they introduce us to the antiquarians, philanthropists and eccentrics who shaped the world’s great collections, trace the rise and fall of technologies, ideologies and tastes – and reveal the high crimes and misdemeanours committed in the pursuit of rare and valuable manuscripts. From the age of the scroll to the disappearance of the bookmobile, the story of a library is also the story of the society or individual that created it: this erudite and fascinating account reveals what libraries can tell us about ourselves, and why we continue to collect, to destroy – and to make the library anew.”

, published by Profile Books.

National news

• Baby Babble (A NAGwebinar week event) November 9 @ 11:00 – National Acquisitions Group. “Baby Babble is a five-week programme for babies aged around 4 to 9 months and their parents/carers. The sessions, developed with speech and language therapists and led by Derbyshire Sure Start librarians, are fun and interactive with activities and ideas to encourage babies’ early communication skills, speech and language.”
• Characters of Colour in UK kids books have quadrupled, and more good book news – Book Riot. “numbers has risen to 8% of books featuring a minority ethnic main character and 15% including minority ethnic characters. There’s still a way to go to represent the 34% of elementary school children who are from an ethnic minority background, but it’s demonstrating steady growth every year.”
• CILIP Library and Information Supplier Showcase – Autumn 2021 – CILIP. “We are looking to the future” by having a physical event in London, 30 November.
• Letters: Libraries need to move with the times and look to a digital future – Herald. “The library service has been in a steady decline over recent years, I think because it has mainly been built and designed as a singular unit, rather than being part of a hub, hosting other popular and essential local services, which would surely in turn bring in more local members of the public. “
• Libraries and climate change: reducing, reusing and recycling in GLL – DCMS Libraries. “Libraries are often viewed as the perfect example of recycling – one book is used by many people – but does that mean that we can sit back and relax, feeling the job is done and the world is saved for future generations? GLL is a charitable social enterprise and manages five public library services – and over the last few years, we have been exploring ways in which all aspects of our services can become more sustainable. We are librarians – and so our first task was a literature search, which lead us to adopt “reduce, reuse and recycle” as our mantra.”
• Libraries are linked to the values that define the character of a nation – Marc Lambert – Scotsman. “Libraries, in short, are essential to the individual, to families, and to the communities they live in. They are central to the social fabric of a properly democratic nation. The invention of the alphabet and writing is commonly viewed as one of humankind’s greatest inventions. But in a sense the creation of the public library system goes one better. Whereas the early scribes and the Kings they served jealously guarded the technology of writing and the information it encoded, libraries flipped that on its head.”
• Libraries, bitstreams and the threat to our repositories of knowledge – Financial Times. “The enduring vitality and importance of libraries is underscored by the arrival of two timely new books. They address both the history and future challenges facing these important institutions. Andrew Pettegree and Arthur der Weduwen take a broad view in The Library, ranging across the millenia. Meanwhile in Bitstreams, Matthew Kirschenbaum, professor of digital humanities at the University of Maryland, focuses on the growing issue of how, in our digital world, we can ensure the future preservation and understanding of literary texts.”
• Libraries Connected Awards 2021: Vision and Print Impaired People’s shortlist – Libraries Connected.

International news

• Canada – Ontario school board reviews every book in every library to cull those ‘harmful’ to students – National Post. “Trustee Mike Ramsay said he is concerned that “censoring or book burning” is being done under cover of human rights and equity. “Not only as a person of colour on the board but also after being around for many years now,” Ramsay said, “my concern is that the criteria for banning books comes only from staff being informed by a select few.”
• Iraq – UK publishers donate 10,000 books to restock Mosul library after ISIS attack – BookSeller. “The UK’s leading international book donation and library development charity has supported the restocking of the library and said the total number of books provided through their services now totals 20,099. The charity was approached by Mosul Book Bridge, a group set up in the aftermath of the 2015 attack, aiming to restore the library.”

Local news by authority

• Bolton – Seventy hours to be lost under Bolton libraries shake-up – Bolton News. “Several libraries have seen their hours curtailed – with Harwood being the major loser. The Gate Fold branch will see its hours slashed by 15 – with an extra closing day pencilled in for Fridays. Another location to bear the brunt is Horwich, where 12-and-a-half hours are being stripped out from the timetable”
• Cambridgeshire – Rapid Covid tests available from Cambs libraries as local cases rise sharply – Cambridge News.
• Central Bedfordshire – What’s On: Murder, Mystery and Mayhem with Central Bedfordshire Libraries – Cranfield and Marston Vale Chronicle. “There will be competitions, quizzes and reading challenges for adults in libraries with lots of opportunities to win goodies, meet popular crime authors and get books signed.”
• Cheshire East – Celebration of reading inspires children to join the library – Knutsford Guardian. “More than 172,350 physical and digital items were borrowed and 1,685 children became library members. A total of 4,390 young people took part and 326 youngsters joined in online.”
• Coventry – One Million Reads commissions Photographer-in-Residence – Coventry Observer. “Local photographer, Russell Whitehead, will visit four libraries in Coventry, taking portraits of members of the public to reveal the positive impact reading can have. Following photography shoots at libraries in Coundon, Bell Green, Willenhall and Stoke Aldermoor, an exhibition of the final photographs will go on tour around the city.”
• Dorset – Public consultation over the future of Dorset libraries after drop in visitor numbers – Bridport News. “It comes after figures showed the number of visitors to Dorset Council libraries during 2020/21 went down by 93 per cent from the previous year – with 1,216,132 visitors recorded in 2019/20 falling to just 83,078 the following year. This was due to significant periods during the Covid-19 pandemic when the council’s library buildings were closed, followed by phased re-opening of libraries, with only limited services available.”

“I popped into my local library to pick up a consultation form – only to find that the staff suggested I did it online. I said I would really prefer to write it out – and eventually a paper copy was provided. The staff explained that the Council wanted to save paper. It struck me that many customers using library buildings to borrow books would not fill out an online form and that by not providing forms to complete in a paper format, the consultation was building in a bias to a digital future. “

Dorset – Email received

• Edinburgh – Libraries offering digital help – book a session now – Edinburgh Reporter. “For anyone needing help getting started with the library’s downloadable ebook, audiobook, magazine and newspaper services, there are bookable Digital Help Surgeries available to book on Tuesdays in November.”
• Gateshead – Residents urged to have their say on plans to transform five Gateshead libraries – Chronicle Live. “Residents have until January to have their say on a shake-up which could see five Gateshead libraries run by community organisations. A report heard by the Gateshead Council’s cabinet in October revealed it needs to save £1.2m on services it provides under its public health and wellbeing group, which libraries fall under.”
• Highland – Get bitten by the Bookbug at Caithness libraries – John O’Groat Journal. ““Over the course of the last 18 months, our library staff have continued to sing songs, say rhymes and read stories to young children online – so being able to once again hold these sessions in person in our libraries has been fantastic”
• Inverclyde – Top author books in for Inverclyde COP26 talk – Inverclyde Council. “Alastair McIntosh will be at Gourock Library on Tuesday 9 November from 5-6.30pm to discuss how to tackle climate change after the UN summit in Glasgow.”
• Leeds – Leeds City Council announces new library opening hours – Leeds Council. “the survey showed that Sunday was the day when they were least likely to visit a library and as a result the council has made the decision to close them on Sundays to provide the increased flexibility of later hours on other days.”
• North East Lincolnshire – Grimsby Central Library closes suddenly until further notice – Grimsby Telegraph. “Central Library has been closed while work is carried out on the building due to asbestos fears after an inspection of the main foyer.”
• Nottinghamshire – ‘Significant reduction’ in Nottinghamshire library use but no plans to close services – Worksop Guardian. “With 112,087 physical visits to our libraries, I have worries our library estate may not be fit for purpose as more residents go online.”. Reply was ““In Nottinghamshire, our return to normal operating is notably quicker than in many other parts of the country.”
• Slough – Slough library opening times could be cut and two closed completely – Get Reading. “The consultation – open to all residents and library users outside the borough – will be used to make a final decision in 2022. The survey will run from October 28 until January 20.”
• Staffordshire – Staffordshire school pupils to lose library books service – Stoke Sentinel. “Last academic year, just 67 schools – 15 per cent of all schools within the county – subscribed to its package of resources and support. This term, that has dropped to 23 schools. Now the plan is to replace it with a ‘teacher’s ticket’ from January. This will enable individual teachers to borrow up to 15 children’s non-fiction books for 12 weeks from a public library. One member of staff at the schools’ library service is to be made redundant. While the two others affected have secured posts within the main libraries and arts service.”

• Tameside – Library to close for ‘fire protection works’ – just two years after huge multi-million pound development first opened – Manchester Evening News. “Ashton-under-Lyne library was built in March 2019 as part of the multi-million pound Vision Tameside project. But it will be shut for 12 weeks from tomorrow (November 6), as building works to ‘boost’ its fire protection take place. Insurers suggested the works would ‘reduce risk and insurance premiums’ for the building at Tameside One. It comes following changes in the fire insurance market in light of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.”
• Wirral – Wirral Council criticised for avoiding ‘difficult’ financial decisions – BBC News. £9m budget hole. “The authority was criticised for its reluctance to make cuts to any of its 16 libraries, make staff redundant or increase car park charges.” … “Ms Williamson said the council had tried to keep facilities open wherever it could and Wirral residents’ interests were “at the heart of every decision we make”.”
  • Threats to Wirral’s libraries and leisure centres ‘disgraceful’ and ‘disgusting’ – Liverpool Echo. “One person said: “Yes of course take our libraries, something that serves the public, is educational and has a useful purpose. “Well they will have a fight on their hands if they try to close Hoylake Library.” While another said: “Why? What all of a sudden has caused this to be a necessity? For decades the libraries have been an integral part of our communities and the very few people in high up positions are trying to take them away from the many that need them, disgraceful!””

Editorial

It was good to see the Libraries Connected Awards this week. They served several purposes, including sharing best practice, publicising the sector, putting the best face on at a challenging time, and of course rewarding and recognising staff. These are all good things and especially necessary at the moment when public libraries at the frontline level are in a worrying time. It’s clear that while usage is very different between services and even between branches, many services are still seeing reduced usage compared to two years ago, sometimes significantly so. This needs addressing by more than Awards. Frequent readers will know my desire for a national publicity campaign, increased (or at least no more cuts) in funding and a reappraisal of normal library practices such as fines and requiring ID for joining. Awards are not much compared to that. But it’s a start. I look forward to more.

National news

• 10 November – What’s new? What’s next? – Library Campaign. “Here’s your chance to catch up on all the news you need to know. The Library Campaign aims to give library users and Friends a complete one-stop update, via Zoom. Plus a chance to discuss it all. A lot has happened in public libraries since our last Zoom in May. More is due to happen in the next few weeks. By November 10 we may have a clearer picture of the immediate future –  good and bad. So – what happens next? Where do library users come in? There will be plenty to discuss… You don’t have to be a TLC member to join in.”
• Baby Babble (A NAG webinar week event) – National Acquisitions Group. Tuesday 9 November 11am. “Baby Babble is a five-week programme for babies aged around 4 to 9 months and their parents/carers. The sessions, developed with speech and language therapists and led by Derbyshire Sure Start librarians, are fun and interactive with activities and ideas to encourage babies’ early communication skills, speech and language. This webinar gives a brief background to the sessions and an overview of pre-pandemic provision. It will go on to illustrate how the librarians have adapted the delivery of the sessions to ensure continuity during the past 18 months, and to secure its delivery for the future.”
• The Booker Prize Libraries Shortlist event – Reading Agency. “Libraries, colleges and secondary schools are invited to register to host an exclusive shortlist event. Hosted by Coventry University and chaired by Lemn Sissay, the event will feature live readings and a Q&A with the six shortlisted authors. More information about the shortlisted books can be found here.  Participating libraries will receive a link to stream the event. This can either be shown live (29 October, 7-8.30pm) or as a recording in the following days before the winner is announced on 3 November. Participating libraries will also receive additional materials including information about the shortlisted books and a quiz to use during your event. Please fill in this survey to register your interest to host a shortlist streaming event. You can also download a free digital pack to help promote the Prize in your library.”
• Creating an Impactful and Viable Sustainability Plan – Libraries Knowledge Network. Thursday November 4, 1pm – 2pm. “Join Sara Kassam, Sustainability Lead at the V&A in London, to explore the key principles behind creating a viable sustainability plan. With practical examples and advice, this webinar aims to inspire impactful changes that will support your planning and help underpin your Library’s green initiatives.”
• Directions for public library technology – Ken Chad Consulting. Survey. “Consolidation of library tech vendors doesn’t seem to be a big issue for librarians. Is that your view? What do you see as the key library tech trends/issues?”

Libraries Connected Awards winners announced – Libraries Connected. “Libraries Connected is delighted to announce the winners of its first ever awards to recognise and celebrate the achievements of library staff over the past year.”:

Health & Wellbeing Award: The Death Positive Library Project Team, Vision Redbridge, Kirklees and Newcastle. For their work promoting the role of libraries as powerful and compassionate spaces to support conversations around death, dying and bereavement.

Reading Award: Laura Smith, Library Apprentice, City of London Libraries. For her work developing the ‘What Next? Book Recommendation Quiz’ that enables users to get recommendations for eBooks which resulted in a significant increase in eBook loans.

Culture and Creativity Award: Sam Whitehouse, Customer Service Assistant, Wakefield Libraries. For his work on the ‘Cinema in the Library,’ a Libraries Connected Yorkshire and Humber funded project that provides free cultural experiences to local people.  

Information & Digital Award: Basia Godel, Library Assistant, North Yorkshire Libraries. For her work on community cohesion and racial justice during Black History Month by curating an event on the contribution of black people to North Yorkshire and diversifying the library stock.

Children’s Promise Award: Shaun Doyle, Library Assistant, North Yorkshire Libraries. For his work in establishing the Young Adult Library Team made up of younger members of library staff who help the service to reach out more effectively to young people and young LGBTQ people.

Vision and Print Impaired People’s Promise Award: Helen Cunningham, Access and Inclusion Librarian, Derbyshire Libraries. For her work in transforming Buxton Library Listening Group for people with sight loss to 

• Post Pandemic Panaceas: the role of libraries’ initiatives and impact on the young generation – EuroLis. “The seminar will seek to explore the effect that library closures due to the pandemic had on children and how libraries have reacted. Through online presentations from European speakers, we will learn what creative strategies of connecting young audiences and other digital outreach programs European librarians have come up with and the impact on children’s learning and development.” 3, 10 and 17 November, 4 to 6pm, online conference.
• Reading Partners Roadshow – Reading Agency. “The Roadshows are an opportunity for librarians and teachers to hear from 29 of our publishing partners about their latest titles, meet authors, and have the chance to ask questions about promotional opportunities. The Children’s Reading Partners Roadshow will take place on Wednesday 10 November and the Adult Reading Partners Roadshow will take place on Thursday 11 November.”
• Reviving our High Streets: The Role of Libraries – Lorensbergs. “This paper explores the relationship between libraries and high streets. It draws upon the perspectives and plans of several public library authorities and identifies how libraries can bring practical support and a brighter future to our town centres. It includes input from the library services of Bolton, Brent, Fife, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and North Somerset, who all contributed their perspectives on how their services are being developed to the benefit of their wider environment. Together their examples show how libraries are providing brighter horizons for all those who live in, work and visit our town and city centres.”
• The terrifying future of Wales’ decimated councils, where millions are being lost each month and broken staff are in short supply – Wales Online. “In Cardiff, 300 staff from St David’s Hall and from the call centre were working on Test, Trace, Protect. The head of libraries was managing the distribution of PPE across the city.”

International new

• USA – Librarians to the Defense – Progressive. “Despite the challenges, the American Library Association, EveryLibrary, the Progressive Library Guild, #SaveNilesLibrary, and librarians, library workers, and patrons nationwide agree that preserving public libraries as citadels of free thought and intellectual freedom is imperative, and doing so comes down to something basic: community organizing.”

Local news by authority

• Bradford – Boffins will use Pokemon Go-style technology to bring Bradford’s history to life – Telegraph and Argus. “Bradford Council’s Libraries Service will be taking part in the project, which will see audiences travel back in time via computer enhanced special effects to experience local events where they actually happened.”
• Calderdale – Flagship development of existing Northgate site to transform future of Halifax – News Centre. [Correspondent reports that “When the Council wished to relocate the Library the buildings were declared ‘unfit for purpose’ and only worthy of demolition. Once the Library had been relocated the former Library building was refurbished as a Sixth-form College. The Council Offices, as you will read, are now refurbished as retail space. The new Central Library is one-third less floor area than the former Library. Services such a bibliographic services, reserve book stock and the School’s service are decentralised at two separate sites one mile distant from the new Library. The former Library was on a prime central site which is now being praised as such for the sixth-form College and retail development.”]
• Cheshire East – Council offers young people chance to work on digital arts project – Cheshire East Council. “Cheshire East Council’s libraries team is seeking young people from Crewe aged between 11-16 to get involved in a new library-based digital arts project. Luminate Youth is an after-school digital project and Arts Council England funded programme which gives young people an opportunity to try a range of digital arts activities, including: coding, e-textiles, paper circuitry, electronics and digital light art. “
• Devon – Devon’s libraries ensure county’s traditional folklore is not forgotten – Devon Live. The Folklore Library & Archive has announced it will work with Devon Libraries in order to provide a physical site for its important reference library and document archives at Crediton Library.”
• Essex – Family Learning Fair comes to Rayleigh Library – Leigh Times. “Simply drop-in and learn new methods to support your child’s learning, fun ways for children to develop their language and communication skills as well as access to free online learning resources.”
• Greenwich -Better Libraries Recognised In National Awards – Better. Runner up in Health and Wellbeing for Libraries Connected Awards. “Better’s Greenwich Libraries are the home of the Football Library project that has seen dozens of library loans of good quality footballs – made in Kenya by social enterprise ball manufacturer Alive and Kicking. The initiative helps youngsters in Greenwich get more active and socially confident through play, while helping build sustainable communities in Africa. The scheme has been so successful it has now been extended to Better libraries in Bromley and Wandsworth since May 2021.”
• Oldham – Royton Town Hall and Library revamp finally underway after pandemic delays – Manchester Evening News. “Work to transform the iconic Royton Town Hall and Library into a multi-use community hub has begun. The project will breathe new life into the town hall and adjoining library to create a welcoming, family-friendly venue in the heart of the town, Oldham town hall bosses say. As well as creating an improved library area and better community rooms, there will also be space for a local business to launch.”
• Isle of Wight – Out on an Island present ‘Our Stories Matter’ documentary with free coffee and croissants – On the Wight. “Thanks to everyone who came along to StoneCrabs’ Out On An Island Pop Up Cafe in Lord Louis Library, Newport on Saturday. Also thanks to library staff who showed  how easy it is to join the library and access books and audiobooks.”
• Northamptonshire – Kettering gallery, library and museum project starting to take shape – Northamptonshire Telegraph. “Plans for a refurbished gallery and improved library in Kettering’s town centre are picking up pace this month – with builders laying steel foundations and new visuals unveiled.” … “It was back in August 2020 that funding was first approved for the project, with South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) awarding £3m from the Government’s Getting Building Fund (GBF) to redevelop the town’s Alfred East Art Gallery and library which sit adjacent to the Manor House Museum.” [A correspondent notes “Lots of money being spent here but most of our community-managed libraries still have to pay rent to the two Unitary Councils unless a town council or other organisation has bought the building” – Ed.]
• Northern Ireland – Ministers extol virtues of reading to mark Book Week – Coleraine Chronicle. “The First Minister was at Lisburn City Library while the deputy First Minister visited Cookstown Library. They met staff, as well as representatives from Libraries NI and the BBC, who are jointly coordinating Book Week.”
• North Yorkshire – Libraries Connected awards for top library workers – Northern Echo. “North Yorkshire’s youngest librarians have been crowned winners in an awards scheme that celebrate the achievements of people working in libraries. Basia Godel, 25, won the Information and Digital category and Shaun Doyle, 23, scooped the Children and Young People award in North Yorkshire County Council’s Libraries Connected scheme.”
• Slough – Slough library consultation will only ‘reduce services’, Tory councillor claims – Slough Express. ““The consultation is clearly about reducing services but not about improving the library services. “All the options we have are either to reduce the hours, reduce the staff or close the buildings. “There’s no option for improving the services.”” but “Council leader James Swindlehurst said: “People are cynical about consultations and think we have decided an answer before we go out which is absolutely not the case in this instance.”
• Somerset – Library set to close until the new year – West Somerset Free Press. “During refurbishment of the Bancks Street library, which started in March, books and library services were moved to temporary accommodation in the Old Hospital building. Now the county council library service has decided that the hospital building is not suitable for winter use and library users will be asked to renew items online or use other libraries in Somerset.”
• Suffolk – Heaven & Hell: Sylvia Knights – Eastern Daily Press. “A director of Suffolk Libraries since its creation in 2012, she is passionate about the value of books and learning”
  • New library set to open on site of former middle school – Ipswich Star. “Families in Needham Market will soon be able to step inside the town’s new library, which is set to open in November on the former site of the town’s middle school. Funded by Mid Suffolk District Council, the new library will be more spacious than the current location and will also have bookable meeting rooms. “
• Swindon – 27 targets Swindon Borough Council wants to achieve by 2025 – Swindon Advertiser. “Parks and open spaces, waste collection and recycling and the council-run libraries service were the services that most people were most satisfied with. “
• Worcestershire – Spooky activities on offer at Tenbury Wells Library this half-term – Malvern Observer. “Monster Mania Story Time, involving stories, mask making and colouring, will be among the activities on offer”
  • Bromsgrove library launches new business support centre – Bromsgrove Advertiser. “The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) is now open at six libraries across Worcestershire, with Bromsgrove’s officially opened last week by councillor Karen May.”
• York – Residents are being invited to have their say on plans for a new home for a Library – York Mix. “Haxby and Wigginton Library has been without a permanent base for the last 5 years – but now it has found a potential home at Oaken Grove Community Centre. Residents are being invited to have their say on the location. Over the past 18 months, the Council, along with Explore York, has been working with Oaken Grove Community Centre to develop plans to permanently co-locate the library inside the Community Centre..”

Editorial

Nadine Dorries announced £5 million for libraries in February this week. Or did she? As was pointed out to me by someone this afternoon this sounds suspiciously like the Libraries Improvement Fund (awards due to be announced in Feb 2022) which offers £5 million. Compare that with the Nicola Sturgeon who got some flack from the Scottish Sun, who is giving £1.25 million – a quarter as much but for a population one tenth the size. In other news, the relentless rise in fines-free libraries claimed it’s biggest US convert so far, with the New York Public Libraries ceasing charging its customers. Its boss called fines “an antiquated, ineffective way” to get back books. Finally, a shout out to Manchester Libraries who continue to invest in its libraries. Oooh, and by the way, in personal news, the puppies are growing wonderfully – eyes open and starting to walk.

Changes by local authority

• Manchester – Chorlton and Longsight to be refurbished. New libraries at Gorton and Abraham Moss, improvements at Central.

National news

• The 100 Novels that Shaped our New World – Libraries Connected. “Library users and staff around the country chose the novel that had meant the most to them during the pandemic. Whether it gave them hope for the future or simply provided them with comfort or escape, over 400 people chose novels and this new list is the result.”
• Black History Month in Libraries – Libraries Connected. Lists some of the events.
• BookTrust Storytime – how libraries are supporting families to discover reading – DCMS Libraries. “This Autumn we’re excited to be delivering a new national pilot, BookTrust Storytime. This aims to test new ways to support disadvantaged families with children aged 0-5 to enjoy books and stories together.  Funded by Arts Council England, the pilot is a true collaboration, with partners across libraries, local authorities, the wider library sector including ASCEL, CILIP and Libraries Connected, and families involved at all stages: developing innovative ideas; testing concepts and their viability in library settings; and reviewing the design of resources and the overall family experience. “
• Collection Development Policies: A NAG Template for Public Libraries – NAG. “Updating, or even creating, a collection development policy is on the long term “to do” list for so many librarians in public libraries. With frequent requests for “ideal” “sample” and “recommended” policies, NAG decided to commission a consultant to review policies across the sector and pull together the best elements from a range of examples to offer a template for NAG Members.” 20 September, 1.30 – 3, Zoom.
• Dorries declares war on councils who shut libraries and is on mission to reopen them – Express. “Ms Dorries, 64, said £5million would be made available in February to enable library services to upgrade buildings and technology so they are better placed to respond to the changing ways people use them” … “If I have one mission as Culture Secretary, it’s to open doors for those who need it the most. Libraries are the front line for that effort and I’ll press councils hard to invest in libraries because of the enormous value they provide.”

“When I was a young girl growing up in Liverpool, I loved my local library, partly because it was one of the only places I could enjoy central heating. We’d just moved from Breck Road to an overspill council estate, and we only had the one fireplace at home. The library was somewhere cosy and comforting, offering peace and a chance to escape. I still vividly remember taking my little brother with me one day, he must have been about four at the time, and sitting down with him at a table and poring over a huge book about atoms. I’d never even heard of atoms. But that’s the joy of a library – there’s a whole world of knowledge waiting to be explored.” Nadine Dorries, Culture Secretary

• New library roles to launch five-year green digital plan – Cambrian News. “National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth is set to appoint a new president and vice president as it embarks on a new five-year plan to enhance digital access and the library’s green credentials”
• New library! Tooting Library (England) – Naple Sister Libraries. “We are very happy to announce the incorporation of the first British library to the Naple Sister Libraries program. We hope it’ll be the first incorporation of many to come! Tooting Library is a busy high street library in a vibrant multi cultural suburb of South London. The library serves a population between 10.000 and 100.000”
• Post Pandemic Panaceas: the role of libraries’ initiatives and impact on the young generation – Eurolis. Nov 3/10/17 online, 4pm. “The seminar will seek to explore the effect that library closures during the pandemic had on children and how libraries have reacted to the challenge. We will learn what creative strategies of connecting young audiences through online presentations and other digital outreach programmes European librarians have come up with and the impact on children’s learning and development.”
• Public Libraries and Climate Change – British Libraries Living Knowledge Network. Thursday 14 October, 2 – 4.30pm. “You are warmly invited to attend an online event on 14 October between 14.00-16.30 on the topic of Public Libraries and Climate Change. There will be introductory high-profile speakers followed by two panels on Strategy and Policy (Chaired by Sue Williamson, Director of Libraries, Arts Council England) and on Climate Projects in Libraries (Chaired by Nick Poole, CEO, CILIP). Speakers will represent a diverse and international range of experiences to discuss and address this timely topic. We will also discuss ways we can keep talking about this topic as a community post-event. Please sign up to the event using the Go-To-Webinar link. The event is open to all library professionals”
• Scotland’s new National Librarian Amina Shah on starting new chapter as first female leader – Sunday Post. “But as head of Scotland’s largest library – one of Europe’s leading research libraries – she knows acutely the weight of her responsibility. To give a voice to those whom history has silenced or omitted, such as women and people of colour, and to deliver a library for everyone, where they can “see themselves reflected in the collections”. Equally, she says, it must be relevant in the post-pandemic world, a library that can help address society’s inequalities deepened by the impact of Covid.”
• “Shameless” Nicola Sturgeon accused of allowing Scotland’s libraries to be ‘decimated’ amid spending cuts over past 10 years – Scottish Sun. “Labour analysis of council finance stats found spending on public libraries has been slashed in real terms by a third since 2010/11 – from around £135million to just £92million last year. The figures, provided by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre suggest libraries would have received an additional £116.4 million over the decade if spending had remained at the 2010 level. Adjusted for inflation, Scottish Labour say that the real terms figure is as “astonishing” £220 million of ”cumulative cuts”.”
• Teaching Skills for Library Staff – LIEM. 17 November, all day, in Leicester. “The course which aims to build on participants’ current experiences of teaching information skills in libraries and learning centres, offers stimulating discussion and an excellent opportunity to share experiences.”

International news

• Global – Libraries ‘can support researchers more effectively’ – Research Information. “Commissioned by Ex Libris, the study was conducted by Alterline, an independent research agency. The report presents findings from a survey of more than 400 researchers and research office leaders across a range of disciplines in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.”
  • Celebrating the Librarians of SFF – Tor. Librarians featuring in Science Fiction and Fantasy listed.
• India – Notts historian founds public library in home village in India – Eastwood Advertiser. “Dr Arun Kumar is the university’s historian of modern India and assistant professor in Modern British Imperial, Colonial and Post-Colonial history. He was inspired to open the library in his family home in Kalyanpur, Uttar Pradesh, after his experience of book poverty in his early years and his recent research on workers’ libraries in India. The Rural Development Library is one of the first privately-owned village libraries in rural North India.”
• USA – The nation’s largest public library system is ending late fees forever – NPR. “Fines are “an antiquated, ineffective way to encourage patrons to return their books; for those who can afford the fines, they are barely an incentive,” New York Public Library President”
  • Circulating Ideas: Scenario Planning With Reading Public Library – Mechanical Dolphin. “Bronwen Gamble, Executive Director of Pennsylvania’s Reading Public Library, appeared with me on the American library podcast Circulating Ideas to share our experiences of scenario planning during a pandemic.”

Local news by authority

• Bradford – Bradford Library to start new writing course for South Asians – Telegraph and Argus. “Manningham Library will be hosting a 10-week creative writing course for South Asian people, sponsored by publishing company Fox&Windmill.”
• Cambridgeshire – Wisbech Library to encourage young readers – Planet Radio. “Each of the chosen libraries will receive ten sets of the Storytime shortlisted books, including large format versions for Storytime sessions as well as a range of resources and collectables to help encourage families to take part.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Borough’s Summer Reading Challenge is huge success as thousands of children take part – Northwich Guardian. “Of the 2,344 children who took park, 1,226 completed the challenge to read six books over the summer holidays. Lots of events took place in libraries across the borough, including 19 animal handling workshops, events by Cheshire Dance, Chester Zoo, Noodle Performance Arts, Radiate Arts, Jem Bear and lots of environmentally themed craft sessions.”
• Conwy – How Welsh poet inspired design of Conwy children’s library section – North Wales Pioneer. “Conwy County Borough Council’s Libraries team has revealed The Story of Wales by Welsh poet, author and publisher Myrddin ap Dafydd, and illustrated by artist Dorry Spikes, influenced the set up of the children’s area of the Library at Glasdir. The Libraries team, along with Myrddin, Dorry, and design company Opening the Book, have created a flagship children’s section following the relocation of the library last month.”
• Cumbria – Cumbria police on tour for National Libraries Week – Times and Star. “they will be running a drop-in session and joined by Copeland Age and Advice Team.”
• Devon – Kingsbridge Library secures lottery funding for new meeting space – South Hams Gazette. “A new meeting space funded with £10,000 from the National Lottery has been officially opened in Kingsbridge Library. The room has a large Smart TV for presentations, free WiFi, a projector and screen, and users of the room can also access brand new kitchen facilities.”
• Dorset – Dorset digital champions offer free help with computer and internet problems – Dorset Echo. “Dorset Council’s volunteer digital champions provided their services over the phone during the pandemic. With restrictions lifted, they are no going out into the community to help people and will be at libraries offering their technical advice.”
• Dudley – Union calls for Dudley library staff to earn living wage – Express and Star. “The union revealed rates for library assistants are 12 per cent below what they would have been had the service stayed within the council, and have dropped below any other recognised council salary scale. Branch secretary at UNISON Dudley General Branch Theresa Kelly said: “Greenwhich makes a mockery of the term ‘social enterprise’. “Its flawed business model is based on zero-hours contracts and job cuts. The public services it pledged to maintain, such as leisure centres and libraries, are being eroded.””

“Since taking on the management of Dudley Libraries, GLL has made a number of improvements to working practices including; staff rotas and structures and the removal of lone working in libraries – a practice that we inherited. We have never employed staff on Zero Hours contracts within our libraries.  We do offer flexible working, in order to help cover instances of staff sickness or annual leave. “We are aware that some staff have concerns around the level of their recent pay rise and we are currently addressing these.  We are committed to paying the Real Living Wage across all our facilities and are working with local staff to reach this point as soon as possible. “ We would be delighted to meet and discuss the issue with both Theresa Kelly and Billy Gibson, as we have yet to have any direct contact from either of them.“

GLL spokesperson in email to Public Libraries News

• Glasgow – Martha Wardrop: We need to support investment in community-led climate action – Glasgow Times. “The pandemic has demonstrated the need for our local libraries in connecting and supporting our communities. We want to look ahead with optimism and ambition to a future in which libraries help everyone to achieve their potential. This requires all libraries in Glasgow to re-open including Whiteinch, Maryhill, GoMA, Barmulloch and the Couper Institute.”
• Isle of Wight – Islanders invited to celebrate National Libraries Week 2021 – Island Echo. ““Libraries offer a range of inclusive creative and social activities that connect individuals and communities. We help combat loneliness and improve wellbeing and make a lasting impact on people’s live. Our libraries support you throughout life. From story time groups for toddlers; supporting job seekers to get online and help with CV’s; to local health walks, we have you covered.””
• Kirklees – Show Love For Your Local Library This Libraries Week – Kirklees Together. ” libraries have been working extra hard to keep communities united and offer services that are accessible to all even when they had to temporarily close their doors. By offering over 29,000 books online, through apps like Libby; our libraries team made sure all avid book lovers got their reading fix.”
• Lancashire – Rare footage unearthed of Adele performing at Lancaster Library in 2007 – Lancs Live. “Footage showing the moment singer Adele performed her hit Hometown Glory as a support act at Lancaster Library back in 2007 has been unearthed. Get It Loud In Libraries’ company director, Stewart Parsons, has shared his memories of the superstar’s laid back performance – more than a decade ago.”
• Manchester – Two more Manchester libraries set to benefit from a re-vamp – Manchester City Council. “Libraries in Chorlton and Longsight are the latest Manchester libraries set to get a re-vamp as part of the council’s ambitious £6m Libraries 2023 strategy.” .. “Chorlton Library will be completely transformed and restored, whilst over at Longsight Library, library users are going to benefit from a complete reconfiguration of the building along with other improvements that will help open up the building to more people and broaden the services it provides.”
• North Somerset – North Somerset celebrates Libraries Week – Weston Mercury. “North Somerset Council’s executive for neighbourhood and community services, Cllr Mike Solomon, believes libraries have the power to make a change in a person’s life”
• Northamptonshire – Two lost and the futures of a few hanging in the balance – NN Journal. “St James library and Kingsthorpe library in Northampton have been closed for more than a year. Two of the 17 libraries dropped by Northamptonshire county council and marked for a community takeover, there’s a possibility these libraries may never re-open. They may follow the fate of those in Far Cotton and Higham Ferrers and close permanently, the books packed away and sent into storage or transferred to the stock collection of another library.”
• Nottingham – 150 Years of Nottingham City Libraries – Nottingham City Libraries. Some amazing photographs including a rather wonderfully large “No Spitting” sign.
• Nottinghamshire – Nottinghamshire libraries to launch new centres to support businesses – Chad. “Libraries in Mansfield and Sutton will be opening Business and IP Centres to support aspiring business owners, entrepreneurs and inventors to start or develop their business.”
• North Yorkshire – Poetry Festival at Ripon Library – Harrogate Advertiser. “It will see a cheese and wine launch-party at 7pm, with an open mic, hosted by Darlington’s Vane Women poetry collective. And Ripon will host a poetry workshop for children about rhythm and rhyme with poet and children’s writer Andy Croft, on Saturday, October 9, 11am.”
• Redcar and Cleveland – Plans to upgrade and improve Ormesby library approved – Northern Echo. “The council is bidding for £280,000 from the Arts Council to “substantially renovate” Ormesby library and also create a modern, multi-use community facility to include a café and lounge area. Other planned changes, subject to consultation with the public and relevant ward councillors, including developing the first floor of the Laburnum Road library building, in Redcar, to create a community space for social activities and groups for local residents.”
• Shropshire – Mobile library to visit rural communities near Wem– Whitchurch Herald. “The trial scheme plans to extend to more locations in the near future and follows the opening last month of the Shropshire Local Ludlow”
• Suffolk – Around Suffolk in 40 Stories: ‘Everybody should tell their story’ – BBC. “Glenys Newton, who lives near Saffron Walden in Essex, spoke to 40 Suffolk residents over the past year for a story relay, with each storyteller nominating the next to create a human library of stories about people in the county. She worked in partnership with Suffolk libraries for the project called Around Suffolk in 40 Stories.”. See Around Suffolk In 40 Stories
• Waltham Forest – How WIILMA partners with local libraries to widen community cohesion and reduce loneliness – DCMS Libraries. “WIILMA is supported by the British Library’s Start-ups in London Libraries (SiLL) program, and are also participating in a national Integrated Communities strategy pilot by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which encourages experimental and unconventional approaches to increasing community integration.”
• Warrington – Friends of Penketh Library host competition for Libraries Week – Warrington Guardian. “The competition involves children creating a poster of their favourite book character.”
• Warwickshire – Warwickshire residents invited to come and say hello during Libraries Week – Rugby Observer. “Warwickshire Libraries are also launching their Book Amnesty campaign, which will run throughout October, allowing residents to bring back any items they may still have at home without incurring fines or charges.”
• Worcestershire – Staff take the Here2Help Community Directory on library tour – Worcester Observer. “The Community Services Directory went live last week, it is the latest offer of the Here2Help service and is designed to help residents find the support they need”
  • Free poetry books for National Poetry Day from Worcester Libraries – Bromsgrove Standard. “Poetry enthusiasts will be able to pick up five different anthologies for free from any of the six main Worcestershire Libraries, The Hive, Redditch, Bromsgrove, Evesham, Malvern and Kidderminster.”
  • Your Letters: Gorcott Hill, our Prime Minister – and Redditch Library – Redditch Standard. “Coun Dormer is not only Leader of Redditch Borough Council, he’s also on the Town Deal Board for Redditch, and is Worcestershire County Council portfolio holder for libraries, putting him in a powerful position over one of the county’s most valuable and important assets: Redditch Library. Why, then, is this supposedly eco-minded councillor currently preparing to waste a perfectly good building, a huge amount of energy, and millions of pounds of public money?”

Editorial

Interesting to see the transfer of Hertfordshire libraries to a library trust being indefinitely postponed. This process has already seemingly taken forever, it being first mooted in 2017 and then delayed during the Lockdowns so perhaps hearts were never truly in it in the first place. But the reason given for the shelving (haha) is revealing: that the council has realised how important and useful its library service was during last year and so needs to think about whether it wants to lose it. This is combined with concerns about if a future financial shock would bring down a trust. So, a virus originating in China has affected the governance of an English county library service. It’s a highly connected world in which we live.

You may have noticed this post is a bit late. This is indirectly due to the appearance of five schnauzer puppies in my life. We want to wait another week or two before thinking about selling them but if any of you live near enough to Cheshire and fancy a bearded heavily eye-browed small canine in your life, with a speciality of sitting on laps, then perhaps let me know.

Changes by local authority

• Hertfordshire – Move to library trust paused “indefinitely”
• Waltham Forest – Lea Bridge Library £1m extended with cafe, multi-use space.

National news

• BIPC Liverpool and British Library join forces to announce major new support lifeline for businesses across the Liverpool City Region – My Sefton. “The Business & IP Centre Liverpool (based in Central Library) and the British Library have announced the roll out of several new local Business & IP Centres (BIPCs) across the Liverpool City Region. Tuesday 21st September sees the official launch of more BIPCs in libraries in Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St.Helens and Wirral.”
• How does your library support people with no fixed abode – Reading Agency. “As part of World Homelessness Day, which falls on the final day of Libraries Week 2021, The Reading Agency and Libraries Connected are collecting information and examples of best practice for the ways libraries can support access to books and services for people with no fixed abode. The information will be used to better understand existing support and areas of need across the sector”
• Missing persons wanted – BookSeller. “Growing up in the West Midlands, I turned my back on reading books and even visiting libraries for many years. When I start to think back to why this was happening, I realised that not seeing Asian representation within publishing and at libraries was a key factor.”
• Of No Fixed Abode: Building the Public Library Offer – Eventbrite. Friday 8 October 3pm. “As part of the Libraries Week 2021 ‘Taking Action, Changing Lives’ events schedule (run by CILIP) and in the lead up to World Homelessness Day (October 10), The Reading Agency and Libraries Connected invite people working in or with the library sector to a panel discussion about the homelessness crisis in the UK today.”
• Read, Talk, Share – Stories from the frontline – DCMS Libraries. “Reading Friends is a befriending programme using reading to start conversations and connect people. It tackles the loneliness challenge head on by bringing people together to read, share stories, meet new friends, and have fun. Through an award by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), The Reading Agency provided funding, training and resources for 102 English library authorities to deliver Reading Friends to diverse audiences at risk of loneliness including new and expectant parents, young carers, older people and those living with dementia.”
• Too many libraries appear to be viewed as ‘easy targets’ when it comes to cutting budgets – John Dean – Scotsman. “Crime writers owe a lot to libraries. Library staff lend out their books, bringing in welcome payments under the Public Lending Right scheme, host their events and raise their profiles. Writers of all genres have much to be grateful to libraries for.”
• Vera creator backs Reading for Wellbeing scheme – Belfast Telegraph. “The author is celebrating the 21st anniversary of her detective character Vera Stanhope – played by Brenda Blethyn in the hit ITV series Vera – by supporting a reading scheme being piloted in the North East of England. Cleeves initiated the scheme, and has donated funds towards the pilot, which she launched in Durham.
• Which library matches your personality? – OUP Blog. “Which library matches your personality? Are you an old soul like the al- Qarawlyyin library? Compassionate like the Beitou Public Library? Quirky like the Culture Perth & Kinross Mobile Library? These are just some of the libraries you could match up with, give our short quiz a go to find out!” [I got the New York Public Library – Ed.]
• With vision and ample funding what could Scotland’s libraries become? – Dani Garavelli – Scotsman. “Yes, libraries have adapted to the times, digitising archives, automating check-out and return, offering eBooks. But library providers have become conscious of the importance of the physical gathering space in a world where people are increasingly isolated. Counterintuitively, the rise of social media – which reduces the opportunity for real-life contact – has fuelled a loneliness epidemic so great supermarkets were at one point being encouraged to set up “chatty cafes” for isolated customers.”

International news

• Canada – Why investing in libraries is a climate justice issue – National Observer. “For many, the safest and most accessible place to escape the heat was also free — the library. Public libraries are increasingly opening their doors as cooling centres as officials develop emergency plans for heat and other extreme weather condition”
• Denmark – The public library is the haven where we can rediscover the ability to immerse – Christian Lauersen. “The public library is not interested in getting you through the store as quickly as possible so that a new customer can drive the plastic card through. The library invites to slow time; time to read and time to be present. “
• USA – Whose Safety is the Priority? – International Journal of Information, Diversity and Inclusion. “Police and policing have tacitly, and at times explicitly, been normalized as aspects of library service in the U.S. As American forms of policing are exported at an international scale, this has international implications.”
  • History of Library Hand – Book Riot. “In September 1885, Thomas Edison and Melvil Dewey teamed up to design library hand — though their “team work” was less collaboration than it was one of implementation. Library hand, a rounded, easily legible style was based on Edison’s own handwriting”
  • Name calling, property damage: Public librarians harassed over vaccine mandate enforcement – Hawaii News Now. “Aldrich says since the vaccine and test mandate went into effect Monday, some people have been verbally abusive toward librarians who are trying to enforce the rule. “Calling us names or throwing their library card at us,” said Aldrich. “Our staff really want to serve the community and they care about the communities, so it’s hard when people are angry and they take it out on our staff.””
  • Slow life, slow librarianship – Information wants to be free. “Slow librarianship is an antiracist, responsive, and values-driven practice that stands in opposition to neoliberal values. Workers in slow libraries are focused on relationship-building, deeply understanding and meeting patron needs, and providing equitable services to their communities. Internally, slow library culture is focused on learning and reflection, collaboration and solidarity, valuing all kinds of contributions, and supporting staff as whole people.”
  • Teacher Stuck with $1,400 Fine from Library System that Killed Fines – Voice of San Diego. “Library Director Misty Jones said no patrons were sent to collections for fees attached to unreturned materials during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Ruble’s case had already worked its way to the San Diego treasurer before then, and the fee couldn’t be reversed.”
  • Techdirt Podcast Episode 297: The Future Of Libraries – Techdirt.”The notion that if libraries didn’t exist already, the publishing industry wouldn’t allow them to exist at all is both a grim joke and a depressing truth, as continually evidenced by the opposition of publishers to seemingly unobjectionable technologies like controlled digital lending, which aim to allow libraries to carry their mission forward into the digital age.”
  • Texas mom hijacks school board meeting to rage about young adult novel in school library about love affair between black boy and Mexican girl that features anal sex – Daily Mail. Library book successfully banned.

Local news by authority

• Argyll – Extended browsing at Argyll libraries – Oban Times. Partial paywall.
• Darlington – Winners of Darlington’s summer reading challenge revealed – Northern Echo. “Almost 2,400 entries were received as youngsters across the borough, aged 0-16, took part in the Reading Rollercoaster during the summer holidays.”
• East Renfrewshire – Councillors hit back at ‘misleading reports’ over East Renfrewshire library closures – Glasgow Evening Times. “There are “no plans” to close any East Renfrewshire libraries, the vice-chair of the trust in charge of the venues has insisted. A petition to ‘Save Giffnock Library’ has been signed by more than 900 people. It states there have been “suggestions that it will be closed and the service be moved into a new facility to be built in Eastwood Park”.”
• East Sussex – Free baby books available at Crowborough library – Crowborough Life. Bookstart.
• Essex – SOLE sets out ten-point plan for future of Essex libraries – Braintree and Witham Times. “The group said its concerns were cemented following the closure of Ramsey Community Library, near Harwich due to a lack of volunteers. A spokesperson for SOLE said: “The county council regularly pointed to Ramsey as a flagship example of how a library can rely entirely on volunteers, now we can all see how wrong they were.”
• Glasgow – Glasgow group to rally against public venue closures outside Scottish Parliament – Glasgow Live. “The Glasgow Against Closures group will be taking their campaign to Holyrood next week to ‘hold the Scottish Government to account for the continued defunding of services and communities in Glasgow’.”
  • Councillor David McDonald asks Scottish Government for all of £1.25m fund to re-open libraries to go to Glasgow – Glasgow Evening Times. “Five libraries are currently closed — Whiteinch, Maryhill, Barmulloch, the GoMA and the Couper Institute — and need an estimated £1.26m to allow visitors to return.” … “Last week, the Scottish Government announced £1.25m will be distributed by the Scottish Library and Information Council to help libraries recover from the Covid-10 pandemic.”
• Greenwich – Greenwich launches UK’s first fully biodegradable library cards – BookSeller. “The borough’s 13 public libraries begun issuing the new eco-cards this week and, with more than 121,000 library cards currently in circulation within Greenwich alone, it is hoped the change will reduce the amount of plastic going to landfill. ” … ” According to the EU a naturally biodegradable card should biodegrade in six months. Some of the materials that do this include plant products, leaves, food waste, wood and paper and seamlessly re-enter the earth.”This is in direct contrast to the degradable plastic library cards that have started to be offered as an environmental choice. These claim that they breakdown in between nine months to five years, but what is not advised is they then continuously breakdown into microscopic pieces that still effect the environment”
• Hertfordshire – Plans to transfer Herts libraries to ‘Libraries for Life’ now under review, councillors told – Hemel Today. “Plans to transfer the running of Hertfordshire libraries to a ‘public service mutual’ are being reconsidered, it has emerged – as part of a further review of library services. ‘Libraries for Life’ had been due to take over the running of the county’s libraries last year – with estimates suggesting the move could cut the cost of the service by £500,000 a year. But as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, the transfer of the service was put on hold ‘indefinitely’.”
• Highland – Fortrose and Cromarty Libraries hail Summer Reading Challenge participants and invite browsers in to open a fresh chapter with a visit – Ross-shire Journal.
• Hull – Top UK talent heading to Hull as part of Get It Loud In Libraries – Hull CC News. L Devine.
• Lincolnshire – Stamford Library services move to Stamford Day Centre in Ryhall Road – Rutland and Stamford Mercury. New roof and other repairs needed.
• Manchester – The Little Free Libraries keeping Manchester reading through lockdown – Mancunian Matters. “the trail consists of more than 25 little free libraries and is continuing to grow.”
• Oldham – Climate change festival comes to Oldham – Oldham Times. “The event, created by Crossing Footprints, in partnership with Community Arts North West and Oldham Libraries, is also set to celebrate Oldham Library being awarded Library of Sanctuary.”
• Perth and Kinross – Just a third of users returning to Perth and Kinross libraries after lockdown – Daily Record. “Culture Perth and Kinross chief executive Helen Smout said people had found alternatives but insisted libraries have a vital role to play” … “We are seeing a very varied return across all eight open venues.”
  • From Perth to St Kilda: Archaeologist delivers perfect excuse for late library book – Courier. “Ms Henderson, 41, borrowed the book from the AK Bell Library in Perth when she was applying for the St Kilda job, and after she got the post, asked if she could have it for a bit longer.” but then Lockdown happened.
• Renfrewshire – Read all about it – librarian Jacquelyn is up for national honour – Daily Record. “Primary Outreach Librarian Jacquelyn Else-Jack is one of six nominated in the longlist for this year’s [Scotland’s] Library and Information Professional of the Year.”
• St Helens – The little bookworms who just love reading – St Helens Star. SRC: “Organisers say 767 out of 1149 participants going on to complete the challenge”.
• Thurrock – Thurrock Adult Community College and former Aveley library set for demolition – Thurrock Gazette. “Applications have now been submitted to demolish Thurrock Adult Community College in Grays and the former library in Aveley.”
• Waltham Forest – Lea Bridge library extension opens to public – East London and West Essex Guardian. “The original listed building in Lea Bridge Road, built in 1905, now benefits from a multi-use space and cafe, overlooking Friendship Gardens at the rear. The library opened on September 20 and will be open seven days a week, with part of its new space available to hire.”
• West Lothian – Expert help available at West Lothian libraries – Linlithgow Gazette. “West Lothian Council Libraries and Heriot-Watt University have teamed up to put on an exciting programme of events called Borrow a Researcher, where university staff will help answer questions on issues that people can find overwhelming.”
• Wiltshire – Book returned to Salisbury Library by post from Canada – Salisbury Journal. [Evidently not much happening in Wiltshire that day – Ed.]
• Wirral – Consultation on Wirral Library Strategy ends next week – Wirral Globe. “Better reading materials, video editing equipment, work stations, increased online tools and craft spaces are just a few suggestions of what the future library service could offer.”