Editorial

My thanks to Liz White of the British Library for answering my many questions about the much-awaited Single Digital Presence below. In other news, there’s a couple of possible new cuts (Bolton and the Isle of Man), a library closed for reapirs, and two stories of closires/co-locations from Scotland. But, frankly, we’re all waiting for what Mr Johnson announces tomorrow and whether children’s events in English libraries this August will be a thing or not.

Changes by local authority

• Bolton – £430k cut.
• Highlands – Tain library may close, to be co-located in school.
• Isle of Man – Funding shortage.
• North Ayrshire – Irvine and Ardrossan libraries close and be co-located, Bourtreehill will become volunteer, Springside will close.
• Richmond – Richmond library closed June to September for repairs

Some more on the Single Digital Presence

Liz White from the British Library very kindly answered a few of questions on the project below:

Can, or will, library catalogues be searchable directly from the proposed SDP. So, if someone types in the author and book title, all the nearest library copies (print and ebook) are shown, with a link to how to search? 

Earlier user research has shown that people are most interested in what loan copies are held by the libraries closest to them and part of the next phase of development will be to determine what kind of search functionality is most beneficial at national and local level and then how to deliver this. Having a shared national platform where freely-available content can be shared will also help understand the further potential for inter-library lending although there would be a number of issues to work through across sectors before this could become a reality.  We are able to learn from the purchasing models and user journeys offered by consortia already, for example Merseyside, Greater Manchester and The Library Consortium in London.

Will any e-resources e.g. Britannica, Ancestry, be available on it? This isn’t in scope at the moment but users starting out on the national pages will be able to find out how to access the online resources held by individual public libraries (and then access these via existing systems)

Will the website be able to direct to a local library service, and, if so, how? This is a really important part of the development, to ensure that there is an easy and user-friendly navigation between the two which is intuitive – there has been some user testing undertaken already about the attractiveness of postcode searches, but more will be undertaken to map out possible user journeys between national and local in the next phase.

What sort of content is being expected to be uploaded? The first step is to work with libraries and stakeholders to develop the content strategy for the site, alongside branding. However it will in essence: showcase what libraries and Librarians are doing today; connect people to their local library branch and service; surface great content created by and with Librarians and library staff; share recommendations and opinions from the community of Librarians (of interest nationally, trending, seasonal and thematic); enable location search with map-based results; use tried and trusted common web technology, accessible to all and easy to update and, finally, provide a vehicle to communicate unified national campaigns, issues and activities

What is meant that it is “not a website”? We describe the SDP primarily as a platform rather than a website as it will host and curate content from many different users and will enable connectivity with and between libraries and users. As this project is something new and different there are no direct comparisons we can make with existing services, however Youtube is one high-profile example of this kind of model (although very different in terms of scale and content!). The SDP project is also a wider programme of change, as the funding is supporting development of local web presences, and it is about the connectivity and joint communications between local and national rather than a single website solution.  We hope to make a live product available by the second year of the programme, so that we can test and iterate ideas based on feedback.

How long until it is available for the public to use? Yes it will be mobile optimised, but SDP is a wider programme of change, as the funding is supporting development of local platforms, and it is about the connectivity and joint communications between local and national rather than a single website solution.  We hope to make a live product available by the second year of the programme, so that we can test and iterate ideas based on feedback.

National news

British Library Single Digital Presence Update – CILIP. 24 June, 12.30. “Staff members from the British Library will give a presentation on the Arts Council England and Carnegie UK Trust funded ‘Single Digital Presence’ project. The project began in 2018 to explore digital transformations in public libraries and what a national online presence for the sector could look like. We have recently reached the end of the project’s research and development phase. As well as explaining its drivers, methods and findings, we will also outline the next steps for development and answer questions from attendees.”

• British Library to open seven new business support centres in North East – Business Live. “The network has had a centre at Newcastle’s City Library for a number of years, but Government funding has allowed it to set up more than 80 new sites, including seven in the North East. BIPCs will be established in Hexham, Morpeth, Berwick, North and South Tyneside and Sunderland. A new regional centre will also open at Stockton Central Library, with potential to extend across the Tees Valley to local libraries in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Redcar.”
• Featherbed Tales – Included here because it’s possibly the sweetest thing I have heard this year. A small child provides the narration for a picture book for her grandparents. This is a service currently being trialled in Suffolk. “Little Emily’s grandparents said “This is wonderful! It’s really effective.  It was as if she was there reading to us.  It was a real surprise to us as well”. “
• FestivIL Award – Medium. List of nominees for information literacy awards, with their projects. ” for a member of the IL community who has been a local hero supporting, leading or inspiring colleagues or library users in information literacy during the last 12 months.”
• Five questions with… Festival of Libraries – Arts Council England. “From the 9-13 June 2021, Manchester City of Literature are running Festival of Libraries – 80 free online and in person events across every Greater Manchester borough. The festival, which is supported by Arts Council England, showcases a vibrant programme covering wellbeing, culture and creativity, digital and information and, of course, reading. We caught up with Jo Flynn from the festival to discuss how everyone can get involved, how they’ve adapted through the pandemic, the role libraries can play in bringing communities together and her hopes for the future. “
• ‘The Future is Phygital’ – Libraries roundtable – CLOA. Please God, don’t let that term catch on. ” explored how library services are building on the innovation during the pandemic to develop a ‘three channel’ service (digital, physical and outside the walls) to provide maximum engagement and impact for users and contribute towards local strategic priorities.”
• The Great Outdoors – Libraries Connected & St Helens Borough Council Library Service Webinar. “As libraries begin to navigate their roadmap out of lockdown and with more authorities than ever thinking about utilising outdoor spaces to remain Covid-19 compliant, Alan Lane from Slung Low explores the challenges, pitfalls and opportunities that programming, hosting and staging activities outdoors present.”
• The Librarians’ Virtual Toolkit: Books and Reading Supporting Mental Health – West Midland Readers Netowrk / Eventbrite. 17 June 2pm. ” explore the relationship between our various reading offers and mental health”
• ‘Libraries saved my life’, says Lowborn author Kerry Hudson – BookSeller. ““I am extremely grateful to be here to tell you how essential libraries have been to me in my life. Mine is a happier ending than I could ever have imagined for myself, for a kid from a background like mine. And that is thanks to libraries. It is thanks to librarians. It’s genuinely no overstatement to say I don’t think I’d be alive today without libraries.””

International news

• USA – Overdrive to acquire Kanopy – Overdrive. “Kanopy provides academic institutions and public libraries with an award-winning catalog of over 30,000 highly curated films.”
  • A New Podcast From the LA Times : “How the Los Angeles Public Library Made Libraries Cool” – Library Journal. “he city’s system has become an incubator for making libraries hip.”
  • Maryland Passes Law Requiring Publishers to License Ebooks to Libraries Under “Reasonable Terms” – Library Journal. “requires publishers to offer electronic “literary product” licenses to Maryland libraries “on reasonable terms,” and prohibits publishers from instituting embargo periods during which ebook and electronic audiobook licenses are available for sale to the public but not to libraries.”
  • Welcome to LJ’s 2021 Movers & Shakers – Library Journal. A chance to see what some of the best (almost all) USA librarians are doing.

Local news by authority

• Barnsley – Students bring Barnsley Libraries to life – FE News. “Matt and Becky have been funded by Youth Music and Barnsley Libraries to work alongside LfLW students to create an accompanying soundtrack and original artwork to the story The Little Blue Bird, which will play across the Barnsley Library sites.”
• Bolton – Council opens consultation on Library changes – Bolton News. “Under the new proposals, all the borough’s libraries will be kept open but with some reductions in opening hours and neighbourhood collections.” … “It means that the Libraries and Museums Service must find savings of £430,000.” Consultation here.
• Croydon – Croydon Council says it will not fully close five libraries but concerns remain over alternatives – London News Online. “The full closure of five Croydon libraries has been ruled out but campaigners are concerned alternatives could lead to a ‘postcode lottery’ in the borough. As the council faces a financial crisis it originally proposed closing South Norwood, Broad Green, Bradmore Green, Sanderstead and Shirley libraries to save just £500,000 a year. But now the council says it has ruled out these closures and is consulting on alternatives.”
• Cumbria – Kendal Library redesign – Cumbria County Council. “This is already a fantastic library, but we want to make it even better with even more on offer. So as well as books, Local Studies and everything you’d expect we’re also thinking about how new digital technology could be integrated and how the building could be used more flexibly. Perhaps to host events, exhibitions or provide a space for community groups or just to meet socially with family and friends. We’re really open to your ideas about how we can make the most of this exciting opportunity.”
• Devon – Puzzles, books and replica village pieces at Barnstaple Library help people with dementia – In Your Area.
• Essex – Concerns remain over Loughton and Debden library plans – Epping Forest Guardian / Letters. “We … need to see our libraries adequately resourced and professionally staffed.”
  • Fears of a ‘closure plan by stealth’ on libraries despite reassurances – Saffron Walden Reporter. “the main campaign group against library closures – said while the decision is positive, it believes the threat remains of many libraries morphing into community hubs manned by volunteers.”
• Flintshire – Empathy Day celebrated across Flintshire’s libraries – The Leader.
• Glasgow – Save Maryhill Library – Tik Tok. Short video of protestors saying “save our libraries”.

“On Saturday (June 5) trade unions and local communities came together in a rally in George Square in central Glasgow. It was the first time in several weeks of campaigning against the closure of libraries and other venues, that the various action groups had come together in at united display of anger at Glasgow City Council – and their ‘arms-length’ cultural body Glasgow Life. Their strength was emphasised by their keeping the weekly read-ins and picketting going at the local libraries under threat, while the rally proceeded. There was visible support from local branches of trade unions such as GMB, Unison and UNITE, as well as from Glasgow Trades Council.

Many see their activity as part of the long running national campaign against library closures and rundowns, with one activist displaying the logo of a similar campaign in Devon. She is Ruth Gillett of the ‘Friends of People’s Palace, Winter Gardens & Glasgow Green’ fighting to preserve a large area of Glasgow long seen as belonging directly to the people of the city. She welcomed a photograph being taken of their newly created banner, and told Workers it was made by artist Stasia Rice. Their representaive spoke at the rally before it marched the short distance to the City Council building. An umbrella campaign ‘Glasgow Against Closures’ has been set up to co-ordinate further action.”

Eddie McGuire, via email

• Glasgow Life: Authors back Save Whiteinch Library campaign – Clydebank Post.
• Highlands – Public consultation into proposed relocation of library in Tain in Easter Ross to site of new school campus at Craighill – Ross-shire Journal. “It is proposed to move the public library in Tain from the existing Stafford Street site to the new 3-18 school campus at Craighill, creating a new community library.”
• Isle of Man – Isle of Man family and mobile libraries could close over funding – BBC. “Half of the libraries’ £250,000 annual running costs have been donated by a benefactor since 2012, with the rest covered by a temporary government grant for the last two years. Covid-19 meant replacing the grant has not been possible, a spokeswoman said. She said “all options”, including closure, would now be considered.”
• Kent – KCC joins forces with British Library to roll out small business support – Kent Council. “Following last year’s pledge of £13 million in Treasury funding towards the expansion, KCC has been allocated £627,245 to equip the Kent History and Library Centre with Business & IP Centre spaces, resources, and services. It is set to launch during Libraries Week in October.”

• Lewisham – Consultation launched on future of Lewisham libraries – This is Local London. “The council is reviewing the library service to fund cuts of £300,000 to £500,000, £100,000 to £230,000 of which could be made this year. ” … “Part of the cuts includes a hiring freeze as the service’s salary budget makes up 80 per cent of its total budget. The council is currently preparing to fully reopen the borough’s libraries after they closed during the pandemic and has launched a survey asking the public what they want from them. “
• Lincolnshire – A silver key has been donated to North Lincolnshire Museum that was used for the official opening of Ashby Free Library in March 1906. – Gi Media. “where there is also a commemorative trowel used to lay the first stone for Scunthorpe Free Library in 1903.”
• Northamptonshire – Permanently closed Northampton community library could become pregnancy clinic – Northampton Chronicle. ” Far Cotton Library was permanently closed this year after the county council ruled there was ‘no viable business plan’ in place for volunteers to run it. Instead, a proposal has been put to the local planning board to refit the library – on the first floor of the Far Cotton Recreational Centre in Towcester Road – into an antenatal clinic.”
  • Northampton museum acquires 33-piece art collection via country-wide donation scheme – Northampton Chronicle. “Northampton Museum and Art Gallery has obtained the collection from the Derbyshire County Council Schools Library Service”
• North Ayrshire – Councillors decide on future of 40 libraries and community buildings in North Ayrshire – Daily Record. After a backlash, council “dramatically abandoned moves to relocate Beith, Dreghorn, West Kilbride and Saltcoats libraries to community centres.” … “However, a number of libraries still face closure. Irvine Library is to shut and the service will be shifted to Bridgegate House. Ardrossan’s library service is earmarked for relocation to the town’s new secondary school. The ownership of Bourtreehill Library is set to be handed to a community organisation. Springside Library space will be used for another function and books are to be delivered through click-and-collect services instead.”
• Northern Ireland – Government Response to a Consultation on the proposal to extend the Public Lending Right to include remote e-lending from public libraries in Northern Ireland. – Gov.uk. Minister agrees, going to parliament.

• Richmond – Richmond Library closes to repair lasting bomb damage – SW Londoner. “London’s oldest public library still in use – will temporarily close from today (June 11) at 6pm until September 2021 to complete major renovation works. ” Unrepaired WW2 damage (!) has “gradually worsened, and we need to fix it to protect the building that holds so much history.””
• Shropshire – Late book charges suspended as Whitchurch Library welcomes back visitors – Whitchurch Herald. “Overdue fines currently remain suspended so there will be no charges for library stock that is brought back late.”
• Southend – Southend: Libraries help support mental wellbeing through the power of reading – Leigh Times. “The ‘Read, Talk, Share’ campaign will see every library in Southend provided with books from the Reading Well collections to support mental health for children, young people, and adults. “
• Staffordshire – Search is on for new Staffordshire Young Poet Laureate – Lichfield Live. “The role is open to young people aged 14 to 18 and is a one year position.”
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries upgrades to become a Premium Employer Partner – CILIP. “n addition to being able to access an amazing spread of webinars, courses and conferences for colleagues, this partnership gives five frontline colleagues paid membership for a year so they can explore the sector further.”
• Torbay – Torbay libraries host domestic violence project – In Your Area. “Libraries Unlimited is launching a resource centre at Torquay library, where visitors will be able to access books and information, and benefit from a safe space where staff will be available to provide support and guidance. A grant of £300 for the project has been awarded “
• Windsor and Maidenhead – Council to rethink library closures following resident objections – Maidenhead Advertiser. Boyn Grove Library may be “saved”.
• York – Queen’s birthday honours for people carrying out heritage work in York – Planet Radio. Barbara Swinn of Explore York received BEM. “Barbara joined Explore in 2015 as manager of city centre library York Explore and has worked in the libraries sector for over 40 years. The team there said: “She is a passionate advocate for public libraries and a gifted leader. In particular her work with the award winning Explore Labs project shows Barbara’s exceptional talent for development and innovation.”

Editorial

Potentially big news from Essex, with the new leader of the council saying that no libraries will close. This comes after the council announced that up to 25 branches could close or go volunteer back in 2018 and a substantial, and very well-organised, campaign movement being formed in reaction. The new announcement doesn’t rule out volunteers so campaigners there are still very much on the alert. Meanwhile, being two or three years earlier in their cuts cycle, St Helens council has launched a library review, noting a reduction in usage in the last decade and is actively looking for thoughts on/from alternatives such volunteers and parish councils to bridge the gap. Finally, Northamptonshire, has announced – reportedly with four days notice – that Kettering Library is being closed while it is having a GLAM makeover, with no substitute being as yet in place.

Away from service-related news, it’s great to host a short interview with Fiona Evans of the National Literacy Trust about their call for evidence on primary school libraries. Public libraries have very close links to primary schools and so I would encourage you all to consider responding by giving the Trust your thoughts. And also, the Trust are obviously on our side so we should be on theirs too. Time to reach out.

Changes by local authority

• Essex – No libraries will close.
• Gloucestershire – Dursley Library co-located with visitor information centre.
• Northamptonshire – Kettering Library closed for long-term building work, with no alternative as yet in place.
• St Helens – Library review focuses on reducing cost and on alternative service provision.

An interview with Fiona Evans, Director of School Programmes, National Literacy Trust

Who are you and what is this thing you’re doing? 

The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity dedicated to raising literacy levels in the UK. Our mission is to give disadvantaged children and young people the literacy skills to succeed in life. This year, we are working with Penguin Random House to look into the provision of primary school libraries through a Primary School Library Review. This project is looking into the role of primary school libraries before, during and post COVID-19 and will imagine what the future of primary school libraries could look like.  

To understand the current provision within primary school libraries and make recommendations to government, the Primary School Library Review is holding a call for evidence to gather views on this important topic from across the sector. The design of the consultation has been supported by a steering group from across the sector of; The Open University, BookTrust, CILIP, The Reading Agency, CLPE, School Libraries Group, and the School Library Association. The final report will be launched in the Autumn at an Literacy All-Party Parliamentary Group event.  

How important do you think reading is for children? 

We know that reading for pleasure is incredibly important for children; research has shown that children who enjoy reading don’t just do better at school, but have increased mental wellbeing among other benefits. In fact, OFSTED has recognised the vital role that reading for pleasure plays in improving literacy levels. School libraries are an essential tool in this. National Literacy Trust and Nottingham Trent University research found that children using their school library were more likely to read for pleasure and had better reading and writing attitudes – this difference was especially marked for those eligible for free school meals. 

Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success, more so than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational background or income. Libraries are an important place to foster this lifetime love of reading, and will be crucial in the post COVID-19 academic recovery.  

Are primary school libraries totally paid for just by schools at the moment? Any other sources of funding? 

At the moment, there is no ring-fenced funding for primary school libraries, which means many struggle with adequate funding. One in eight primary schools don’t have a library, with this doubling in schools with a higher proportion of children on free school meals. 

There are a number of initiatives that support primary school libraries, including Puffin World of Stories which is a collaboration between the National Literacy Trust and Penguin Random House. The project has supported over 200 primary schools so far, giving them 300 new books, bespoke training, audiobook downloads and colourful resources.  

How can public librarians get involved in the Review? 

We would love to hear from the public library sector about the ways that they currently work with primary school libraries, and any ideas they have about what the future of this provision could look like. So far in our call for evidence, we have heard from primary schools that work closely with their local public libraries, organising class visits and joint projects and would like to hear more about other initiatives and ways of working together.  

We currently have an open call for evidence, you can see the full scope here and either fill out this form or email your response to Policy@LiteracyTrust.org.uk.   

Is there anything else apart from this that public librarians should be aware of from the National Literacy Trust? 

If you want to hear more about our projects and resources then you can sign up to our mailing list here. You can also visit our website to find out more about our other research reports and work.   

National news

• Building cultural infrastructure across England – Arts Council England. £5m Libraries Improvement Fund. “Libraries sit at the heart of our communities, providing a safe space for residents while offering services such as reading groups and back to work programmes. The Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF)  has a budget of £5 million  for 2021/22 which will help libraries to deliver these services and reach their local communities.  A grant could be used to refurbish a library to make it more suitable for delivering cultural events like plays and writing workshops, or health and wellbeing classes. Or it could support the improvement of library buildings by increasing baby-changing facilities or purchasing furniture or equipment.”
• Building excellence in the cultural sector – Arts Council England. Bids for the Library Improvement Fund may benefit from taking into account this document on how to develop a capital project.
• Library Campaign Zooms in on a Publicity Campaign for Libraries – Library Campaign. “Hear Nick Poole (Chief Exec of CILIP) talk about their advocacy work and National Libraries Week (4-10 October 2021) and then a general discussion about how friends groups can advocate / publicise libraries.”
• Plea to save libraries as pandemic sparks new round of cuts – Express. “The crucial community hubs have been hit hard by a year of building shutdowns on top of slashed funding and staff cuts. Pressure groups last night said the situation is critical, with further council cutbacks of around 14 percent in the pipeline. Laura Swaffield, chairwoman of the Library Campaign charity – which fights to save the institutions – said libraries were more important than ever and battled to offer crucial services during lockdown.”
• Public Library Work in a Pandemic – #uklibchat. Monday, 7 June 2021, 7.00 – 8.30 pm. Twitter conversation to discuss the impact of Covid, including reopening, anxiety, digital and the retention of new services when libraries reopen.
• Quarter of libraries shut despite lockdown easing – BBC. “More than a quarter of Scotland’s libraries are still closed a month after they were allowed to reopen. And there is concern that some of the 123 public libraries across the country that remain locked will not return. Some have not opened their doors in more than a year, and many areas are only offering reduced or remote services such as click and collect.”

International news

• China / UK – Push in UK to turn page on books ban – The Standard. “Hongkongers in Britain have launched a campaign calling for people to donate “banned books” in Hong Kong, which will be stored in libraries in the United Kingdom. The UK-based expatriate association group said many books can no longer be kept in Hong Kong public libraries after the passing of the national security law.”
• USA – To patrons who place holds (and don’t pick them up) – Book Riot. “Even if a patron has lost interest in a subject after placing a hold on it, it still gives staff information about what people in the community are thinking about. “

Local news by authority

• Aberdeen – More libraries in Aberdeen to reopen doors to readers – Evening Express. “Kincorth and Woodside Libraries will be welcoming readers back for browsing, borrowing and computer access from Monday.”
• Aberdeenshire – More Aberdeenshire library services become available following easing of restrictions – Grampian Online. “A Book to Browse service has been introduced at a number of larger libraries, which will allow customers to book to go into the facility for up to 30 minutes to browse and borrow resources.”
• Borders – ‘Long overdue’: Live Borders brought to book over closure of region’s libraries – Planet Radio. Service one of last in Scotland to reopen. “The charity which operates them has previously indicated a phased reopening will begin on August the 16th – although it states earlier opening may be possible in certain circumstances. Euan Jardine, who’s Executive Member for Wellbeing, Sport and Culture at Scottish Borders Council, says it’s long overdue.”
• Bradford – Clayton and Wyke libraries open to the public in Bradford – Telegraph and Argus. “Clayton and Wyke libraries have now joined the ever growing list in opening for essential IT use, bookable study space, browsing and self-service issue and return, as well as continuing the Order and Collect service.”
• Devon – Jobs – Libraries Unlimited. Includes Reading Development Manager £32k full-time.
• Essex – Essex County Council leader: ‘We will not close the county’s libraries’ – Basildon Echo. “The new leader of Essex County Council says there will be no library closures –a stark U-turn after years of turmoil and one of the council’s most controversial plans. ” … “The council’s new leader, Kevin Bentley, has now announced no libraries will close at all. Save Our Libraries Essex – the main campaign group against library closures – believe that the threat of many libraries morphing into community hubs manned by volunteers remains.”
• Gloucestershire – New visitor information centre launched in Dursley Library – Gazette. “The Visitor Information Centre will be run by the library under a partnership agreement with Dursley Town Council for an initial trial period to the end of October this year, which could be made permanent if it is a success.”
• Gwynedd – Click and collect library link to launch in Harlech – North Wales Chronicle. “Click and Collect Library Links have been set-up by Gwynedd Libraries to make it easy for the county’s people to order and collect books from the Library at a location close to them, without having to travel to their usual Library.”
• Inverclyde – All six libraries in Inverclyde have now re-opened – Greenock Telegraph.
  • Villagers Mark A Decade Of Kilmacolm Library – Inverclyde Now. “The facility opened on 31 May 2011 as part of the new Kilmacolm Community Centre, also known as The Cargill Centre, following a £2.2million restoration of the former Victorian school building which was part-funded by Inverclyde Council. Over the past decade, the library has welcomed on average of 25,500 visitors each year and issued more than 160,000 books.”
• Kirklees – Nostalgia with Margaret Watson: Full of character and charm – Batley and Birstall News. “the man who was to become Dewsbury’s first borough librarian in 1889, was also called W H Smith” … “he was allowed to stay in his position until the ripe old age of 83”. Children’s library: “It was a special place where children could go into their own library without an adult to accompany them, and choose any book they wished. We moved around in silence.”
• Lambeth – Lambeth Libraries announces Children’s Book Festival and other events for June 2021 – Brixton Buzz. “we have something for everyone whether you’re celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride, the Windrush generation, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, Refugee week or are a lover of authors and great writing.”
• Northern Ireland – Covid-19: Looking forward to hugs, pints and a trip to the library – BBC. “Orla McKeating cannot wait to get back to books and to her children’s story telling groups. The Belfast-based entrepreneur takes her eight-year-old son Elliot to the library regularly. “My son is really into reading and we go a lot with him,” she told BBC News NI. She said she is looking forward to seeing how libraries will reflect issues which lockdown has brought to the fore, such as “more mental health awareness and diversity”.”
• North Yorkshire – The ‘six weeks’ volunteer who has clocked up 21 years’ service – North Yorkshire County Council.
  • Filey school gets set to convert double decker bus into library – Scarborough News.
  • Harrogate library turns back the clock on historic landmarks – North Yorkshire County Council. Then and now photos of local area.
• Northamptonshire – Kettering Library to shut as £3.9 million GLaM building works set to start next week – Northants Telegraph. “With no new temporary home for the library yet found, users of the facility face a trek to the nearest alternative lending outlet – all community-run libraries.”
• Rochdale – Virtual Lego club keeps budding architects entertained during lockdown – Rochdale Online. ““The plan is to go back to our in-person Lego clubs once social distancing rules have been removed, so the virtual club is a great way to keep it going on at the moment.””
• Sandwell – Browsing back at libraries in Blackheath and Oldbury – Halesowen News. “Blackheath Library and Bleakhouse library in Oldbury are open for people to browse – there is no need to make an appointment – but people won’t be allowed in unless they can show their library card.”
• St Helens – St Helens Libraries service faces review – and public urged to have their say – St Helens Star. “St Helens Borough Council’s cabinet this afternoon approved a draft strategy which sets out plans to “create a modern, inclusive library service over the next five years”.” … “”Some areas in the UK, such as Essex and Doncaster, have changed to a community-led management model, and the council keen to hear from individuals, community groups, parish councils and businesses to explore the idea of introducing this approach in St Helens borough.””
• Staffordshire – Protest over controversial library proposals in Burton town centre – Staffordshire Live. “Protests took place this weekend in Burton town centre amidst controversial plans to move the library into the indoor market.” … “Thousands use the library every week and it is one of the most popular libraries in the county. The council wants to move it into the market hall. We want them to reconsider.”
• Surrey – Surrey Libraries’ Summer of reading – Surrey Matters. Lists SRC activities.
  • Surrey becomes the first county in England to provide free period products – Surrey News. “Donation bins and collection boxes where residents can help themselves to pads if needed, can be found in selected libraries across Surrey.”
• Sutton – Sutton Council’s Cultural Services launches a video game for children, to raise awareness about misinformation – London Post. “The game has been launched with supporting educational resources for parents, carers and teachers. Both the game and resources aim to enhance digital literacy and introduce children to the skills needed to critically think about misinformation. NewsFlash! will enable pre-teens to analyse their research habits, develop skills for assessing the legitimacy of information consumed, and support better understanding of the impact of misinformation.”
• Wandsworth – Spine Festival Returns To Wandsworth Libraries – Better. “Wandsworth Libraries has special funding from Apples and Snakes (England’s leading spoken word poetry organization) to host SPINE arts festival, a series of workshops aimed at children, families, and schools in the borough. Throughout the month of June, a series of online events will be taking place– from artist-led workshops on Zoom, to theatre showings on the library website. Wandsworth Libraries are teaming up with Merton Libraries this year to programme events for children aged from 5 to 12 years.”
• Warrington – New Pop-up Museum and Library open for business in Golden Square – Warrington Worldwide.”These much-loved services have temporarily upped-sticks and moved over to the shopping centre to allow for essential maintenance work to be carried out on the historic Museum Street building and is free to enter and open seven days a week.”
• West Dunbartonshire – West Dunbartonshire libraries to reopen alongside council services – Dunbarton Reporter. “The local authority will soon re-open its libraries in Clydebank and Alexandria, and will also complete the integration of “one stop shops”, which provide a range of council services under one roof, with libraries.”
• West Lothian – West Lothian libraries buck national trend to fully re-open – Linlithgow Gazette. ” all 14 libraries in the county were now open- along with community museums. A library browsing appointment allows people to visit community museums housed in libraries or housed in the same buildings as libraries.”
• Windsor and Maidenhead – Libraries in Maidenhead and Sunninghill facing closure – Greatest Hits Radio. Library review said that “This could involve closing four libraries, including Boyn Grove, Old Windsor, Datchet, and Sunninghill.” … “Respondents were asked to prioritise their top 10 library services from a list of 20. A total of 914 people responded to this question. The results show that an online digital offer alone cannot meet the reading and learning, health and wellbeing, or creativity needs of communities and cabinet will consider these outcomes.”
• Wirral – Four Wirral libraries reopen as Covid-19 cases fall in borough – Liverpool Echo. ” people will be allowed to enter four of the borough’s council-run libraries to browse once again.”
• Worcestershire – Worcestershire libraries offer digital lifeline and support to adults with learning difficulties – Bromsgrove Standard. “30 adults with learning disabilities have been given a ‘Digital Lifeline’ by Worcestershire Libraries after receiving free Internet-ready tablets, connection and ongoing digital support”. 20 places on Digital Unite‘s Aspire programme.
  • Kidderminster Library no longer a rapid Covid test site – Shuttle. “The last tests will be available at the library on May 29, but the library will still be used as a collection point for self-test kits”

Editorial

Things feel slightly less certain this week than last, what with the Indian variant causing headlines, but public libraries are continuing the slow task of reopening. This is happening at different paces in different places – this is the UK public library service after all – but some problems are becoming obvious. The first, mentioned in the BookSeller, is that quarantining books is a bit of a problem now and will get to be a bigger and bigger problem as more people come in. And then of course there is the issue of physical regular groups and events. Some services are already tipping their toes into this water but if the Summer Holidays are as busy as normal (and it’s even possible, just about, that they may be busier – after all, foreign holidays are going to take a dip) then it’s going to be, at the least, a bit of a shock for the quarantining shelves just two months away. The rush to open on the High Street outside of library doors is also a concern for those library chiefs not wanting to look overly cautious. So, this summer is already presenting all sort of challenges, and not just the one that normally ends with certificates and medals.

National news

• CILIP NW Libraries Day and AGM 2021 – CILIP. 28 May 10am to 4pm. “This free event is open to all, both CILIP members and non-members. This event will showcase the creative ways that libraries in the North West have adapted during the last extraordinary 12 months.”
• Cynhadledd CILIP Cymru Wales Conference 2021 – CILIP. 20-21 May. “oin us as we embark on our very first virtual conference to recognise and celebrate information professionals in Wales. This last year has been a strange one for everyone. We want to help demonstrate confidence as a sector, commitment to diversity, and impact and influence across communities, Wales and beyond. Our 2021 conference is packed with an exciting list of speakers to help inspire you to make a bigger impact. Thanks to the Welsh Government, CILIP Cymru Wales is delighted to offer bursaries to public librarians to join us at CILIP Cymru Wales Conference 2021.”
• Freckle Report 2021: Digital or Diverse? The future of public libraries – Tim Coates. “The Freckle report 2021 includes survey results from the studies ‘Where did you get your book’ of April 2019 and April 2021. These show the picture of reading both before and late on in the period of the Covid 19 pandemic”. Covers USA, Australia and UK, £63.
• I’ve been to the library – A Sense of Place. “I’ve been to the library, that’s my big news for today and it’s more than enough to be getting on with. I’ve been to the library.”
• Library Campaign Zooms in on a publicity campaign for libraries Monday 24 May 2021 19:30 -21:00 – Library Campaign. “We’ll focus on following up the ideas that came up in April for a campaign to publicise libraries. The meeting will include a chance to discuss with Nick Poole, the Chief Executive of CILIP (the librarians’ professional body) what they are doing to advocate for libraries, and their plans for this year’s National Libraries Week”
• Many libraries now open but 72-hour quarantine rule causing ‘huge pressure’ – BookSeller. “Library authorities say more than 90% of their facilities have reopened since lockdown eased, with nearly half offering browsing, though many have suffered “huge pressure” from a 72-hour book quarantine rule.” … “93% of libraries are offering PC access and have browsing at some or all sites while 45% have opened for browsing at all their buildings.”

“Libraries have operated this quarantine for a year now, and it is slowing down the rate at which materials can be lent as well as placing huge pressure on available space. Libraries Connected and DCMS have both been working with government contacts and PHE to explore whether this guidance can be revised or relaxed while maintaining the safety of library users.”

Nick Poole, CILIP

• Shelf Love: Several Fascinating Facts About Libraries – BBC Radio Four. “To mark the documentary Late Returns, in which writer Nicholas Royle returns three library books – three decades after he borrowed them, we’ve collated some interesting facts using our own version of the Dewey Decimal System…”
• Townscapes: The Value of Social Infrastructure – Bennett Institute for Public Policy. Mentions public libraries seventy nine times.
• Universal Library Offers Project Manager – Libraries Connected. “The postholder will work with the Universal Offer Leads, supporting them to implement the plans, and will also oversee the creation of the annual plan. The postholder will also ensure engagement between Libraries Connected and the public library sector on the delivery of the plans.”. 14 hours per week.

International news

• EU – 2021 NAPLE Forum annual meeting – NAPLE Sister Libraries. 20 May, 12 noon to 2. “Please join us for the NAPLE Forum 2021 where we will be discussing the impact of public libraries as we emerge from the pandemic period, and looking over the horizon to see what’s next for the public library sector in the next 12 months.”
• Ireland – Firm sues over computer system contract for public libraries – Irish Times. “An unsuccessful tenderer for a multimillion-euro computer system for the country’s public libraries has sued over the awarding of the contract. Innovative Interfaces Incorporated, which was unsuccessful in tendering for part of the contract, has also obtained an automatic suspension of the awarding of part of the contract pending the outcome of its legal proceedings which were entered into the Commercial Court on Monday.”
• USA – Why librarians are natural born detectives – Crime Reads. “Whether you’re looking for information about an uncle’s will or a homemade poison, the reference desk is the place to go.”

Local news by authority

• Angus – Home library deliveries resume for elderly and vulnerable Angus bookworms – Angus. “Residents can sign up for the monthly service where books are delivered straight to homes and collected when they are ready to return.”
• Bradford – Free books and activities available as part of pyjamarama event – Telegraph and Argus. ” working with BookTrust to help gift 2,000 copies of the picture book My Pet Star by Corinne Averiss in celebration of this year’s Pyjamarama Day which takes place on Friday.”
• Bridgend – Porthcawl Library Officially Reopened Following Refurbishment – Awen Libraries. “A grant from the Local Government Cultural Service Fund (Welsh Government Culture and Sport Division) was used to reconfigure and redecorate the front half of the library, to increase the size of the children’s library and move the public computers to a space with more privacy and closer to the printing facilities.”
• Caerphilly – Caerphilly Library Service introduces pre-appointment browsing sessions – Wales 247.
• Carmarthenshire – Life in lockdown launched by Carmarthenshire libraries – South Wales Guardian. “By gathering photographs, stories, experiences, poems, diary entries, social media screenshots, drawings, or anything else people wish to contribute, the libraries will be able to record how local people adapted.”
• Devon – Libraries Unlimited launches Arts Award Discover at Home – In Your Area. “Discover at Home enables children to be rewarded for the creative activities they enjoy. If young people would like to apply for an official Arts Award Discover certificate, they will need to complete one of the activities and submit evidence to Libraries Unlimited via the website. There is a small charge to cover the cost of the certificate and postage.”
• East Riding – Chance to join East Riding Libraries’ friendly Facebook book club – Bridlington Free Press. “East Riding Libraries Face in a Book Club on Facebook now has over 220 members who have been enjoying the books selected each month by the Libraries team. The club started back in February 2020, just before the first lockdown and has gradually grown since then.”
• Havering – New rapid testing sites open in Romford and Upminster – Romford Recorder. ” these replace former testing sites in Collier Row and Elm Park libraries, which Havering Council said will shortly return to normal library service.  People can now also collect rapid home testing kits from any of the borough’s libraries, and 30 Havering pharmacies. “
• Hertfordshire – Open call for Hertfordshire Libraries – Hitchin Library – Hertfordshire Council. “We are excited to offer the opportunity to work with Hertfordshire Libraries and partners at Nysa Projects on a key strand of our Culture and Creativity Offer, My Story Artist-in-Residence.”
• Manchester – Manchester’s first ever Festival of Libraries programme revealed – The Manc. Full programme.
• Amnesty for overdue Manchester library books out on loan during Covid pandemic – Manchester Evening News. “More than 12,200 people have visited Manchester Central Library and branch libraries since mid-April, prompting bosses to remind people to return their overdue items. Around 90,000 books and other library materials are currently unaccounted for, a third of which were out on loan before the first national lockdown.”
• Norfollk – Plans for Hunstanton library move announced – Lynn News. Library to be closed while new one built, temporary site. “The move is part of a multi-million pound West Norfolk Council project to redevelop the town’s bus station, which was given planning permission last year.”
• Northern Ireland – North Belfast Carnegie library being transformed into “palace of learning” – Belfast Live. “The Falls Road Carnegie Library is still a functioning public library, the Donegall Road library was restored 25 years ago and is now let out to small businesses. The plans for the Oldpark Carnegie Library, however, bridge the gap. The Northern Ireland Foundation – the group leading its restoration – want to see it flourish in the third sector as a community hub.”
• North Yorkshire – Ground-breaking Ripon author’s love of books starts in library – North Yorkshire County Council. “North Yorkshire author Christina Shingler, who features in one of a series of Black British Stories films commissioned by the BBC, has spoken about the importance of libraries and, in particular, what Ripon library has meant to her.” … “Ripon library provides a backdrop for part of the short film, in which Christina speaks to her ten-year-old grandson, Felix, about growing up in the city in the 1960s.”
• Perth and Kinross – Perthshire author backs region’s libraries as facilities start to reopen – Daily Record. Browsing.
• Sandwell – More libraries set to reopen across Sandwell – Express and Star. Click and collect, PCs.
• Shropshire – Oswestry library ‘delighted’ to launch Dementia Awareness Week – Advertizer. “… a new and wide-ranging collection of loanable objects for people living with memory loss. The initiative has been largely funded by Oswestry Town Council, with an additional donation from Coverage Care’s New Fairholme”
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries announces new virtual author events – EADT. “Suffolk Libraries has been at the forefront of hosting online events with more than 3,000 people taking part since October 2020.”
• Suffolk Libraries providing free fitness sessions as part of Mental Health Awareness week – EADT.
• Rushmere pop-up library to return in May – Ipswich Star. “Visitors will be able to browse the shelves for books and use the Suffolk Libraries Local computers from Wednesday, May 19,”
• Wakefield – Here is what will be allowed to open and what you can do in Wakefield, Pontefract and Castleford from next week – Wakefield Express. “Children’s activities will restart in libraries, contact your local library for details”
• West Lothian – Libraries and community museums set to re-open in West Lothian – Linlithgow Gazette. “All 14 local libraries and the Local History reference library will accept appointments for browsing from Monday. A library appointment will allow you to visit community museums housed in libraries or in the same buildings as libraries. PC access, photocopying, printing and hearing aid services will also resume by appointment at all libraries on this date.”
• Worcestershire – Tenbury library offers more as it returns to something like normal service – Ludlow Advertiser. “The new guidance that allows up to 6 people to meet indoors will mean small social connecting groups such as reading groups and Knit and Natter can once again meet in library spaces. One to one sessions that provide valuable support with digital skills, employability and job seeking, and provide business advice and information will also be introduced over coming weeks.”

Editorial

Glasgow continues to dominate this blog’s local authority news, with a truly impressive amount of text from multiple sources about the leisure trust’s decision not to reopen a few of its branches. It is being used to attack not just local politicians but also Nicola Sturgeon herself, who until now has been a bit of a shining beacon of public library support. As mentioned last week, the coverage is notably more intense than a similar story would have been south of the border, ironically showing the national differences some of the politicians attacking her may not have wish to be highlighted. After all, I don’t remember Boris Johnson facing direct criticism for what happens in Croydon or Lambeth, for example. Having said that, it’s clearly a big thing in Bristol, though, as the local mayor made the point of given libraries prominent coverage in a paid-for news article.

In perhaps lighter news, a community book exchange has received major attention due to a bigot (or a comedian) protesting about some of the stock in it and there’s also a story from the USA about a chap with an extreme addiction to Summer Reading Challenge goodies. Hmm, I do like a good fridge magnet myself. Have a good week everyone.

Changes by library service

• Hampshire – Kingsclere reopens as volunteer.

National news

• British Library Single Digital Presence Update – CILIP. 12 May, 12:30 online. £25+VAT for non-members. “Staff members from the British Library will give a presentation on the Arts Council England and Carnegie UK Trust funded ‘Single Digital Presence’ project. The project began in 2018 to explore digital transformations in public libraries and what a national online presence for the sector could look like. We have recently reached the end of the project’s research and development phase. As well as explaining its drivers, methods and findings, we will also outline the next steps for development and answer questions from attendees.”
• Coming back greener – BookSeller. Nick Poole of CILIP. “Libraries are unique multi-functional spaces, offering comfort and respite while supporting a wide range of uses. We would like to explore how these spaces can co-exist more sustainably with their local ecosystems, communities and economies, using sustainable materials and local skills”

• Intellitec – “Three former senior managers from Bibliotheca, Simon Peacock, Jim Hopwood and Phillip Sykes have now formed Intellitec. With over 50+ years’ experience in the Library Sector, Intellitec has been formed to offer advisory services to libraries. Intellitec would welcome enquires from any library service with a strategy to change or evolve or simply bring new ideas to their users.”
• Julia Donaldson: ‘I worry some children will be unable to sing’ – Guardian. “While the reopening of libraries will be welcomed across the generations, their closure was a pressing matter well before Covid: in Donaldson’s role as children’s laureate from 2011 to 2013, she campaigned passionately against library cuts, writing articles, meeting ministers and (with Malcolm) embarking on a six-week tour of UK libraries. Her newest book in the Acorn Wood series, Cat’s Cookbook, is set in a library; Cat is looking for a recipe book, but is side-tracked by the many literary tangents on offer until she finds what she is looking for under the direction of Frog, the helpful librarian.”
• The Library Campaign Zoom 24 April 2021 – Library Campaign. “The Library Campaign’s first online meeting discussed what the Campaign could /should be doing to promote and protect public libraries. Speakers include Laura Swaffield (Chair of the Campaign), Elizabeth Ash (Save Croydon Libraries) and Liz Miles (SOLE – Save Our Libraries Essex.)”

• Scots can soon visit library to do banking with new TSB ‘pop-up’ service – Daily Record. “TSB is launching more than 40 new ‘pop-up’ services, appearing in locations such as libraries, town halls and community centres across Scotland.” They “will support customers with banking services such as making payments, getting help with products, and help with bereavements.”
• This can’t be the final chapter for our libraries – Times (partial paywall).

International news

• Australia – Public libraries about ‘more than just books’, say South Australians fearing funding cuts – ABC News. ” negotiations were underway for a new agreement and, if it went ahead as currently proposed, it would mean “less books on shelves” and “probably less content online”. The SA Government would not be drawn on the topic, but simply said it allocated “significant funding to libraries each year”.”
• Canada – Park Passes have arrived at WPL – Waterloo Public Library. “Each kit comes with a park pass, binoculars and nature guidebooks all packed in a cross-body pouch so you can take everything with you on your outdoor adventures. Kits are loaned out for 7-days. “
• Finland – JKMM Architects extends 1980s library to create “public living room” for Kirkkonummi – De Zeen. “The studio doubled the size of the previous library and wrapped it entirely in a copper facade to create a counterpoint to the town’s medieval stone church.” – Church and library are described as the “heart and brain” of the town.
• France – Building Knowledge: New French Libraries Designed for Cultural Exchange – Arch Daily. “France has built many new libraries across the country, buildings that embrace new technology, media, and collection formats. Combining mixed programs and civic amenities, contemporary libraries are rapidly evolving to meet modern demands and anticipate future trends. Libraries are one means by which architects and designers can make space for learning and foster cultural exchange, creating room for education and new ideas. The following work takes a closer look at libraries across France, building upon iconic examples like the National Library of France to ground new ideas on how shared values are discovered, reimagined and expressed.”
• Global – What do you want to share with the library field?  – Next Library. “Next Library Festival 2021 will be a free online event. It will run 24 hours on June 3 starting at 8 am (UTC+2) following the sun around the planet to the next morning 8 am (UTC+2). There will be keynotes, inspiration talks, participatory sessions, ignites, online happenings, The Next Room (drop-in-talkshows), singing, announcement of the winner of the Joy of Reading Award, surprises and much more. “
• Pakistan – Roshan the camel brings books to Pakistan’s homeschooled children – Al Jazeera. “Raheema Jalal, a high-school principal who founded the Camel Library project with her sister, a federal minister, says she started the library last August because she wanted children around her remote hometown to continue learning despite schools being closed.”
• USA – Aaron Yang: Voracious Reader Or Giant Pain To Librarians? – NPR. “There are more than 9,000 public libraries in the U.S., and Aaron Yang has been trying to win summer reading prizes from as many as he can. Not all librarians are happy about it.” … “By his count, he’s now contacted around a thousand libraries and acquired untold numbers of pencils, stickers and awards.”. Aaron is 20. “Thanks to one of his librarian fans, you can now buy a T-shirt online that reads, We Are All Aaron Yang.”
  • If you haven’t been to the library lately you may not even recognize some of the new features some of them offer – Flipboard. Fox 6 TV News “Brian is in Menomonee Falls checking out their public library where guests can create, invent and learn in their new Makerspace.”

Local news by authority

• Barnet – Makerspaces and Make Believe: more on the Hendon Hub and the threat to Hendon’s Listed Library – Broken Barnet. “the case of the proposed new library, which is supposedly meant to replace the Grade II listed building, built in 1929, and which was, before Tory cuts slashed it to pieces, the central library for the Borough – until their meddling, it was the busiest branch in the service. This magnificent building they propose to demolish, other than the facade: the back of the building is not listed, so they intend to knock that out in order to cannibalise the library carcass, and integrate what is left into a brand new development for Middlesex University. “
• Bradford – New online story sessions for under 5s in Bradford – Telegraph and Argus. “Bradford Libraries have teamed up with theatre groups and yoga specialists to share the fun on the Happy Active Stories programme with interactive, engaging stories online involving drama, games, songs and role play.”
  • Three more Bradford libraries to reopen on Monday – Telegraph and Argus. “Bingley, Eccleshill and Laisterdyke Libraries join City Library, Keighley and Shipley in opening for essential IT use, bookable study space, browsing and self-service issue and return, as well as continuing Order & Collect service throughout the day.”
• Bristol – Mayor Marvin Rees answers your questions – Bristol Live. Paid-for article. “Why have you consistently gone back on election promises, like for example with libraries? I haven’t. We made a promise in 2016 to keep all of our libraries and children’s centres going and that is exactly what we’ve done. That’s at a time when national cuts have meant that thousands of these services have been cut by local authorities since 2010. Across the UK, about 850 libraries have closed since austerity started and a many as 1,000 Sure Start children’s centres have closed – that’s one in six. So I think we’ve got a really strong record in this city. We’re extending opening hours and investing to make sure our libraries are fit for the 21st century.”
• Calderdale – Angry villagers fume ‘take that filth to Hebden Bridge’ after erotic novel left in library – Mirror. “… things got hot when one un-named joker placed erotic material in the little green box, which is sat upon a wooden pole next to the village noticeboard. The prank, however, didn’t go down with one resident who pinned a note onto the green box saying: “Whoever is placing the copys [sic] of pornographic literature in here, stop! Cornholme is a God fearing Christian village.””
  • ‘God-fearing Christian village’ hunts for saboteur who fills their free roadside book kiosk with X-rated literature – Daily Mail.
  • ‘Take that filth to Hebden Bridge’: Anger over erotic novel left in shared library – Metro.
• Cheshire West and Chester – Chester and Ellesmere Port: Two new centres offering free covid-19 test kits to open – Chester Standard. At Ellesmere Port Library. “Dozens of people in Glasgow have taken part in a socially distanced ‘read-in’ protest against the closure” … “Save Whiteinch Library campaign group say there was no formal announcement or active community consultation, and that “the fact of the matter had to be winkled out by concerned citizens”.
  • Libraries in Chester Ellesmere Port and Helsby set to reopen next month – Standard. More libraries opening. ” 8,293 visitors during the first week alone”
• Croydon – South Norwood library battle goes on: “We don’t want to be fighting to save the library, but we are” – East London Lines. “the battle to save South Norwood library continued on Tuesday when protesters and Croydon residents put council candidates on the spot during an online meeting demanding answers about what the future held. The group campaigning to save the library, Friends of South Norwood Library (FOSNL), organised a Zoom Q&A on 27 April for local constituents and for FOSNL to pose questions. ” … “The lack of transparency from the council was a focal point “
• Dundee – Better Read than Dead: Memories of Tayside libraries throughout the decades – Courier. “Dundee Central Library, based in the Wellgate, was never just for books.” … “Libraries have often been an incredibly important part of local communities and they were even more at the forefront in previous decades. “. Closure threats in 1981.
• East Riding of Yorkshire – East Riding residents asked to give views on library service – Planet Radio. “The survey has been designed to find out what customers’ views are on the various services offered by East Riding Libraries, and see what has changed over the course of the pandemic. “
• Edinburgh – Call for Edinburgh to set reopening timetable for libraries amid fears vulnerable could be left behind – Edinburgh News. “the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland (CILIP) has written to council chiefs raising concerns about the lack of a reopening timetable. It says as the country looks to a recovery programme, libraries have “never been more needed”.”
• Glasgow –  Library read-in protests in Glasgow continue as more than 3,000 people sign petition – Glasgow Live.
  • Campaigners accuse council leader of ‘breaking promises’ to keep Whiteinch Library open – Glasgow Live. “Councillor Susan Aitken tweeted in November saying that there were ‘no plans’ to close libraries and that Glasgow Life ‘were working on a reopening for the older, Victorian buildings’. It has since been announced that the charity will be closing Whiteinch and Maryhill libraries due to the financial impact of coronavirus.”
  • Campaigners call for more Glasgow libraries to reopen – BBC News. “Glasgow Life, the charity that operates the libraries, said many places needed to be modified to ensure they complied with Covid regulations.”
  • Mike Dailly: Come clean about our libraries and don’t use Covid as an excuse – Glasgow Times. Behind paywall.
  • Dismayed Glasgow residents protest against library closures – Glasgow Times. ““While politicians have been saying that libraries won’t close and that they will instead move, there are still major concerns about the future of these services and how we can access them.””
  • Letters: It will be the poor who suffer most if the SNP wins next week – Glasgow Herald / Letters. “The SNP administration in Glasgow is planning a programme of closures to libraries” … includes letter from councillor defending Glasgow Life’s record on libraries, arguing closures affect technological and societal change.
  • Martha Wardrop: Why you should support for our library buildings across Glasgow – Glasgow Times. “Local library buildings are valued as places for people of all ages to gather for hours on end, as well as giving easy access to resources and technology to learn. The recent pandemic has highlighted their importance by providing access to reliable internet. “
  • Spat breaks out between Nicola Sturgeon and Anas Sarwar amid fears of Glasgow library closures – Glasgow Times. Scottish Labour attacks SNP saying “”Nicola Sturgeon is a self-confessed bookworm yet the SNP is not reopening libraries across the city.” … “The First Minister hit back at Mr Sarwar, adding that the South Side has four libraries. Replying on Twitter, Ms Sturgeon said that she hopes to bring the reopening of Pollokshields Library forward.”
• Hampshire – Kingsclere Community Library reopens for the first time as an independent – Newbury Today. “April 13 was a momentous day for Kingsclere Community Library as it reopened for the first time as an independent. The library, in George Street, has been forced to go it alone after Hampshire County Council cut its support of the service last year.”
• Lambeth – Lambeth Libraries: Readers and Writers Festival and other events for May 2021 – Brixton Buzz. “At the moment only West Norwood and Carnegie offer browsing, but this is being extended to all our libraries during May and June”
• Manchester – Check out rapid Covid tests from Manchester’s local libraries – Manchester Libraries Blog. “The free at-home Covid-19 testing kits are now available to collect from ten of Manchester’s local libraries”
  • Shout out for books – time-limited amnesty for overdue library books – Manchester Libraries Blog. “Fines for overdue items were suspended during Covid-19 but all these books and other library materials need to be returned.  There is a time-limited fines amnesty until 31 May.  From June people will start to be charged fines again.”
• North Lanarkshire – Visitors welcomed back to museums and libraries – Daily Record. “Libraries in Airdrie, Coatbridge, Chryston, Cumbernauld, Motherwell and Wishaw have also reopened today, while the home deliver services for readers has also resumed.”
• Northumberland – Structural damage closes Northumberland library – News Post Leader. “Bedlington Station Library is closed following structural damage to the building.”. Water leak.
• North Yorkshire – Return of library services is welcomed – Keighley News. “in the first week of reopening, from April 12, libraries welcomed 5,125 people – who borrowed almost 21,000 books.”
  • Explore community history at your local library during May – Harrogate News. “Inspired by this year’s theme The High Street, libraries will be sharing resources such as maps and newspapers from their collections on social media. A series of pre-recorded talks will be aired …”
• Perth and Kinross – Perth and Kinross libraries to reopen from May 11 – Daily Record. “From May 11 the AK Bell Library in Perth, Breadalbane Community Library in Aberfeldy, Auchterarder Library, Blairgowrie Library and Scone Library will reopen for visitors to borrow and return books. Strathearn Community Library in Crieff and Loch Leven Community Library in Kinross will reopen from Friday, May 14. Also from May 11, the popular mobile library service, now in its 100th year, will once again be hitting the road and visiting local communities”
• Powys – Could you be a storyteller? – My Newtown. “Volunteers are wanted to help with recording and editing stories for the county-wide Powys Libraries projects.”
• Reading – Libraries reopening – Reading Council. Summary. Open for booked appointments.
• Rochdale – Last chance to complete your Census 2021 – Rochdale Online. At  Alkrington Library, Balderstone Library, Castleton Library, Darnhill Library and Spotland Library.
• Solihull – Vacancy: Libraries Resourcing Manager – WM Jobs. £37890.00 – £43857.00 full-time permanent. “you will lead a team of specialists responsible for developing stock strategy and provide branches with a range of initiatives and resources that will engage the public””
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries launch new digital story-sharing service – EADT. “Anybody with a Suffolk Libraries account can log into the Featherbed Tales website and read and record one of the six short stories and then share a link to anyone by email.”
  • Home testing kits now available from Suffolk libraries and pharmacies – Ipswich Star.
• Swindon – Spark fly over threat to libraries – Library Campaign. “A local library campaigner has decided to make the row an election issue. Author Sean Wilson has become a Labour candidate for Covingham & Dorcan ward – to fight library closures. One library has already closed. A second is about to go the same way, according to Sean. And it all dates back to the council’s decision in 2017 to “outsource” most of its library service. What happened? It’s a mystery story involving ‘seed money’, a charity trust, two parish councils, a Friends group and the council itself.”
• Warwickshire – The Stratford librarian who doubles as William Shakespeare – Stratford Herald.
• Worcestershire – Redditch Library will soon offer rapid Covid-19 testing for residents – Redditch Standard. ” “Libraries offer a convenient location for local people to get free rapid flow tests. We are delighted that Redditch Library will be a test site to further support our local community.””

Editorial

Libraries have reopened in England in the patchwork nature that one has come to expect from our wonderfully diverse network, with some still offering only click and collect, some bookable browsing for varying periods and some with no restrictions on browsing at all. The reports I have heard are of the expected pile of returned books and busy-ness on the first day followed by a calming-down reasonably quickly. Books are still being quarantined and the social distancing measures so familiar after the last lockdown are back again. So it’s all got a feeling of deja vu about it, really. What is different this time is the hope that, with vaccines, we have seen the last lockdown. I am sure we all really hope that is the case.

Now a possible glimpse at the future. I have been talking to some Australian librarians who have, of course, been reopen for months because they live on a huge remote island with a government who realised the blindingly obvious importance of closing borders. They report that, even with their relatively mild brush with the virus, visitor numbers are still down. This ties in with what I am hearing and feeling myself – that Covid means that, even when what passes for normality returns here, there will be a sustained reduction in visitor numbers to buildings for quite a while, as the cautious stay away. And not just the cautious. There will be others who have discovered digital alternatives and it is those that libraries will still have to cater to, with a probable permanent increase in online use of library services, although at a lower level than the peak we saw last year.

Finally, I notice that this newsletter has now passed the 2000 subscriber network. Thank you to you all for making that possible.

Local news by authority

• Glasgow – Whitechurch Library to close.
• Warrington – £100k Penketh improvement.

National news

• 7 of the most beautiful libraries in Britain and Ireland – Independent. Register to read article.
• Better Libraries To Resume More Services From 12 April – Better. “From today, 12 April, and in line with Government guidance, more library services will be available from Better Libraries in Bromley, Greenwich, Dudley, Lincolnshire and Wandsworth. Customers will be able to visit libraries to return items, browse a range of stock and access computers, scanners and photocopiers. “
• Children’s mental health and wellbeing guide – Libraries Connected. “How libraries can support children’s wellbeing: A resource pack developed by Libraries Connected, ASCEL and The Reading Agency. April 2021”
• ELL libraries reopen with Covid safety rules – East London Lines. Info on Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham and Tower Hamlets.
• Fun Palaces 2021 Launch celebration – Eventbrite. 27 April, 11am, online. “Join us to open signups for the 2021 Fun Palaces Weekend, 2/3/4 October 2021… and hear some exciting news”
• How can public libraries effectively and ethically balance freedom of speech in public spaces with ensuring all members of the community feel safe and welcome? – UCL. Student survey for MLIS degree.
• ILIG AGM and talk by CILIP President Paul J Corney – Dad, are you really a spy? – CILIP. “Join us for our AGM, chaired by Jamie Finch, to hear the Annual Reports and confirm our Appointed Officers. We are delighted that this will be followed by Paul Corney, CILIP President, author, and member of the BSI committee which developed ISO KM Standard 30401 and oversaw KM Chartership Accreditation.”
• Libraries in the 21st Century – the next 20 years? – Designing Libraries. “a look back at the evolution of library spaces and looks ahead to the future in a digital, post-pandemic world” … “Now in 2021, we can see the transformation has been extraordinary; over the past two decades librarians embraced a new customer-facing role with enthusiasm, reinventing their role from the stern, finger-on-lips stereotype to a role encompassing aspects of a teacher, research assistant, social worker, events manager, community co-ordinator and in many cases a friend.”

“Now libraries must again follow the lead of retail, building their brand in a virtual space, engaging through social media and other online channels with an ever-wider community to encourage take-up of all the services the library has to offer, from leisure reading to study and research.”

Sarah Godowski, Director of architects Bisset Adams

• Save libraries to end education inequality, top author urges PM – Express. ” Cressida Cowell is demanding an end to “library poverty” where some primary schools have great provision while others have none at all.”
• Social media project / Internship – DCA. DCA are “funding a social media project and are looking to collaborate with a UK library and information science student or postgraduate with an interest and aptitude for social media as a tool for promoting library usage and specific offerings from the library. Our budget is £250 per month, for 5hrs per week at £12.50 per hour for an initial six month period. There is the potential for the project to become a longer-term appointment for the right candidate.”
• Universal Library Offer virtual seminar – Libraries Connected. Tuesday 15 June. “The day will focus on our four Universal Library Offer themes and aims to inspire you by offering practical ideas that can easily be put into practice. The event is aimed at mid-level library managers and development staff working in libraries, but anyone is welcome to attend.”. £20 – £100.

International news

• USA – Libraries and Pandemics: Past and Present – JStor. “In 1918, library books were seen as fomites (or objects likely to harbor infectious microbes); today we know that paper and books are not reliable conductors of viral agents, for the most part.” … ” The 1918 flu pandemic was the first in which libraries were central to disseminating public health information” … “The 1918 influenza pandemic had a profound impact on how librarians do their work, giving them a chance to reevaluate what was working and what wasn’t in old models.”
• Sharp rise in parents seeking to ban anti-racist books in US schools – Guardian. “Jason Reynolds’ Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, a history of racism for children and teens, was the year’s second most challenged title. In their complaints, parents claimed that Stamped contained “selective storytelling incidents” and “does not encompass racism against all people””. “The Hate U Give” was challenged because it was “thought to promote an anti-police message””

Local news by authority

• Angus – Libraries and leisure centres lead Angus Alive road to re-opening – Courier. Limited browsing from 26 April.
• Bexley – The Nest in Bexley – Designing Libraries. Pictures.
• Cambridgeshire – Our guide to The Library Presents’ spring outdoor events series – Ely Standard. “Music, theatre, comedy, puppetry, educational shows, samba drumming and online workshops are among the highlights of The Library Presents’ outdoor spring season”
• Cardiff – Bookworms will be able to browse the shelves at their local library from Monday – In Your Area. Bookable 25 minute browsing slots from 19 April.
• Cheshire East – Cheshire East libraries reopen after lockdown – In Your Area. “Sixteen of the council’s libraries have opened their doors again and have done so with full Covid-safe restrictions in place.” … “Library staff also now have access to a new electric vehicle, which is being used to deliver books to residents, who may be socially isolating or who simply prefer to remain at home.”
• Croydon – Save South Norwood Library – Change. 5709 signatures so far.
• Doncaster – Doncaster’s new library opens virtually – Designing Libraries. “DGLAM should open its doors later in the year when it’s safe to do so”
• Fife – Fife’s libraries, museums and galleries confirm re-opening date – Fife Today. Limited browsing from 26 April.
• Glasgow – Whiteinch Library to close after being left off reopening list – Glasgow West End. Library was mistakenly said to be being refurbished when it was noticed it was not on the reopening list. Glasgow Life is in poor financial state after lockdowns. “Glasgow Life’s operating budget this year is nearly 15% lower than pre-pandemic budgets for the charity and the £100 million safety net announced by Glasgow City Council will be fully utilised reopening more than 90 facilities across the city we confirmed last week.”
  • Milton and Springburn libraries reopening delays slammed – Glasgow Times. Partial paywall.
  • Save Whiteinch Library – 38 Degrees. Petition “Do not close this library” … “It is a precious resource for the local community. Is accessed by local schools, nurseries. Provides access to computers and internet and assistance to those who don’t have access to these resources.”
  • @SaveGlasgowLibs – Twitter. Campaign group.
• Hampshire – New Forest libraries welcome customers back as lockdown eases – Advertiser and Times. 30 minute browsing.
• Hertfordshire – Hertfordshire services reopen – Hertfordshire Council. 15 minute browsing in 30 libraries.
• Inverclyde – Inverclyde Libraries has set up a dedicated helpline for people who need help with technology – Greenock Telegraph. “Experts will be on hand to talk callers through connecting to wifi, navigating social media and staying safe online.”
• Islington – Islington’s leisure services and libraries start re-opening as lockdown eases – Islington Gazette. “Archway Library, Central Library, Finsbury Library, N4 Library and West Library have also opened for browsing, and library users can book PCs and study space. “
• Lancashire – Libraries in Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire to welcome visitors again – Blog Preston. “Visitors can browse, borrow, photocopy and use computers without an appointment, but may have to queue before being able to enter as part of social distancing arrangements which limit the number of people allowed in at any one time.”
• Lincolnshire – Market Rasen Library ready to celebrate its golden years’ service – Market Rasen Mail. “The first 50 customers to visit the library on that day will be able to take away a cupcake to celebrate the occasion at home.”
• Not all Lincolshire libraries in Peterborough area towns to reopen on Monday – Peterborough Telegraph. “Fourteen ‘core’ libraries across the county will be open for residents to browse books, pick up reserved items and use computers to access essential digital public services.”
• Northamptonshire – Northamptonshire elections: Tories sorry for ‘farcical’ leaflet gaffe – BBC. “The pamphlet urged voters in West Northamptonshire to vote Conservative “so that we can [insert prominent local pledges here, eg save our libraries]”. Library campaigners called the error “farcical”, given the Tory-run county council had previously drawn up plans to axe 21 library branches.”

• Nottingham – ‘Quite a big name’ – positive response as Sainsbury’s confirms plan to open in Sherwood – Nottinghamshire Live. “The food giant has pledged to open a convenience store planned as part of the redevelopment of the Sherwood Library site”… ” It will be nice just to have the library back as a community hub that people can use.” … “Owned by Nottingham City Council, the buildings at the existing library site in Spondon Street are in a poor state – and the authority has deemed that the library no longer meets the “standards expected” by users. Working with contractor Hockley Developments, the council’s redevelopment plans have been put forward – planning documents revealing that a “blue-chip retail operator” was be announced in due course to operate from a ground floor unit.”

• Redbridge – Vision RCL begins re-opening Redbridge venues – Ilford Recorder. Phased reopening.
• Somerset – Burnham Library welcomes customers back inside again – Burnham on Sea. “Normal opening hours will resume, along with browsing of books and collection of reservations.”
• South Tyneside – South Shields’ The Word and other South Tyneside libraries confirm limited reopenings on April 12 – here’s how to book a visit – Shields Gazette. “Library users will be able to return and collect pre-ordered books, reserve access to libraries’ public computers and enjoy time-limited browsing of selected shelves across all four sites – still on a strict appointment-only basis.”
• Southwark – Southwark reopens eight libraries after lockdown – Southwark News. “Southwark Council has opened up eight across the borough, with four more to remain closed for the time being.”
• Staffordshire – Paper hands tied to railings in protest over proposal to move Burton Library – Staffordshire Live. “Protestors opposed to a proposal to move Burton Library into the town’s Market Hall tied fabric-shaped books with hands on them to the railings outside the current building.”. Council have removed them, put them in a box and are willing to return them to protesters.

• Surrey – Surrey County Council joins The Libraries Consortium – Library Technology. “Members will be able to use their library card at any of the 380 member branches, crossing boundaries into London boroughs, and reaching as far as Essex and Luton. Shared catalogues will offer choice from more than 8 million items of stock, which can be delivered to any Surrey Library in days”
• Swindon – Swindon library click and collect and Steam shop return when lockdown eases – Swindon Advertiser. “The click, call and collect service which allows customers to reserve books online or by telephone has only been available at Central Library during the current lockdown. From Monday, the service will also be available at Highworth, North Swindon, Park and West Swindon libraries.”
• Warrington – Plans for £100,000 improvements at Penketh Library moving forward – Warrington Worldwide. “Warrington Borough Council and LiveWire are progressing with refurbishment works at Penketh Library following consultation with the local community and The Friends of Penketh Library on what improvements should be made.
  The council will shortly be going out to tender to identify a contractor to carry out the works, which will breathe new life into the library and create a more vibrant, flexible space for the whole community to enjoy.”
• Wiltshire – ‘We feel so grateful to be open again…’ – This is Wiltshire. “One customer told library staff: “I’m so, so grateful you have reopened, I missed the library so much.””
• Worcestershire – Libraries are open to public – Worcester Observer. Browsing and PCs available. “Only storytime sessions for pre-school children will be re-introduced at a later date, April 22.”