This emergency will end sooner or later and, when it does, public libraries better be ready. This is both in terms of safety – we don’t want to infect anyone – and in terms of adjusting to the changes in society over the last few months. One imagines there will be a huge demand for visits to libraries at least initially but as well as that there will be a heightened expectation for our digital offering, which will need to be maintained. This is not going to be easy but it will be necessary.

On a more national scale, the post by Nick Poole below looks at the future of public libraries and how they should be positioned in the future. There is also an update on the much delayed Single Digital Presence – basically a national website for public libraries which would have been superb to have two months ago but looks like still being in pre-development, after at least ten years of research papers and discussion. I don’t blame the British Library for this – they’re doing their best in a systematic way to develop a top quality product – but rather the only people who could realistically pull it off, which is whoever happens to be the libraries minister. They’re the one who needs to bang heads and put money in to get it sorted and I’m not seeing much of that happening now or indeed during this last decade. Hopefully it will be different looking forward.

National news

• Bibliothèques publiques britanniques contemporaines – Enssib. In French. “This book aims to look back at the massive closures of public libraries in Britain since 2010. What was the timeline of the more than 300 site closures? How can we understand its history and logic? For the first time accessible to French readers, specialized documentation, translated and editorialized, allows us to understand the stakes of the debate on public reading in a country historically spearheaded for its network of libraries. Directed by Cécile Touitou, assisted by Karine Lespinasse, the book brings together a collective of expert authors, French and British”
• Capturing the Voice of CMLs – Community Libraries Network. ACE/DCMS surveying volunteer library response to Covid emergency.
• A new future for Public Libraries – Medium / Nick Poole. “ibraries before COVID-19 had been in a kind of limbo. Having left behind the Victorian era that shaped them, with its basic belief in emancipation and education, there was an implicit question hanging over our institutions — “what will you be for, now that I have the world’s knowledge at my fingertips?”” … libraries have never stopped being a place of refuge and empowerment … COVID-19 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our sector to correct this lingering sense of doubt. We must articulate — loudly and confidently — the role we intend to occupy in the daily lives of every citizen in our fast-moving, connected society. It is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.”

“It is incumbent on every generation to re-shape libraries to meet the emerging needs of their future society. For too long, we have been in thrall to a previous generation’s idea of what public libraries are for. COVID-19 is a tragedy on a global scale. But it might also just be the impetus we need to transform public libraries. Let’s not waste it.”

Nick Poole, CEO, CILIP

• National Shelf Service – YouTube. Views per video range from 100 to 400.
• A Single Digital Presence for UK libraries: the project and the platform – British Library. “he Single Digital Presence project turned two years old just over a month ago. We can’t really believe it either. During that time we may have published one report, but we have also consulted over 75 library authorities, spoken to hundreds of library users, and learnt from a staggering number of amazing library projects happening here and overseas.”. See also presentation at Building a ‘single digital presence’ for public libraries – SlideShare / British Library.

“I’d love to be able to fast-track our work. Build the website, develop the app and get library users discovering new titles, connecting with each other and taking part in library activities all in one space online. However as we outlined in our report, a future-proof, sustainable digital platform that increases public library use in the digital and physical world requires a future-proof, sustainable technical infrastructure, supported by ongoing resource, and a clear and accountable delivery model.”

Jacob Fredrickson project manager of the Single Digital Presence project at the British Library.

International news

• France – Media library in a landscape – Designing Libraries. “Thanks to the floor-to-ceiling window on the ground floor, users have the feeling of reading while being immersed in the surrounding landscape. The upper floor, on the other hand, offers a different experience. Through the curved glass window, the media reference spaces become part of the large crown of the plane tree.”
• Germany – We are opening the book bus on the Südermarkt for now – Stadt Bibliothek. In German. “With more than 30,000 media items to be returned, we expect a significant influx of visitors and want to reduce the risk of infection for everyone to a minimum. For this reason, we are currently only opening the book bus for picking up pre-ordered media and returns. We will quarantine all returned media for 72 hours.”
• Global – You can’t keep a good public library (locked) down – Eifl. A look at how libraries across all the world are coping with Covid.
• USA – Alaska school board removes ‘The Great Gatsby,’ other famous books from curriculum for ‘controversial’ content – NBC News. “”I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou, “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller, “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison were all taken off an approved list of works that teachers in the Mat-Su Borough School District may use for instruction”. Good grief.
  • 2020 Library Systems Report – American Libraries. “Ex Libris, a ProQuest company, acquired Innovative Interfaces and shifted the balance of power, strengthening Ex Libris’s position in technology for academic libraries and propelling it as a major player in public libraries.” … and other changes.
  • Five Unexpected Benefits of Eliminating Library Fines – Infospace. Librarians and staff can provide better service to patrons; Being fine-free is more aligned with the real mission of the library; Libraries seeing an increase in item returns; Libraries can use their resources better; Eliminating fines can lead to a renewed appreciation for the library (or at least provide some good PR)
  • Why You Shouldn’t Do Curbside During COVID-19 | Backtalk – Library Journal. “Part of libraries wanting to implement curbside is to demonstrate our value to our county boards, administrations, and managers, because budget cuts are here and more are coming. But we need to figure out new ways to demonstrate our value without putting peoples’ lives at risk.”

Local news by authority

• Bolton – Bolton Library’s At Home service keeps kids busy – Bolton News. “There are lots of resources available including art activities, quizzes, and interactive posts. Book readings are streamed every Friday at 11am on Facebook for babies and toddlers to enjoy. The storytime sessions are interactive with real time two way chats.”
• Brent – Brent Council extends measures on library returns and fines until July – This is Local London. “Library fines across Brent have been suspended for the duration of their closure. It comes as Brent Council announced that loans for items from the borough’s libraries have been extended until June 30.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Cheshire West: Stay at home party and mass sing song is planned to celebrate VE Day – Chester Standard. “West Cheshire museums, libraries, the record office, heritage and the arts teams will be sharing stories, photographs and wartime objects from their collections.”
• Edinburgh – Edinburgh libraries online – access free ebooks, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines – Edinburgh Live. “30,000 ebooks and 150,000 newspapers/magazines being downloaded in April alone. This compared with 116,000 newspapers/magazine downloads and 17,000 ebooks or audiobooks in January this year.”
• Fife – Fife library staff reach out to vulnerable readers – Courier. “Library staff have been phoning customers to keep them informed about what services are available and have a chat to prevent them from becoming isolated. So far more than 80 staff have volunteered to make the calls and the project aims to reach out to more than 2500 readers.”
• Gateshead – Libraries reach milestone for frontline staff – Gateshead Council. 2000 visors produced. “Libraries across Gateshead closed last month to help prevent the spread of coronavirus however, using some of the latest technology, library staff have been helping frontline staff by printing  and cutting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The visors continue to be delivered to care workers, care homes and others providing care to Gateshead residents.”
• GLL – Better’s online library views ‘through the roof’ during lockdown – Better. “A major success is the number of people now tuning in for library activities on Facebook and Twitter, which are normally provided in library buildings. In some cases, audiences have grown by 2,000%. Better’s Librarians have shown their creative sides, taking Producer/Director/Actor credits when turning their gardens, kitchens and living rooms into ad hoc broadcasting studios for story times, rhyme and sign, and craft sessions for children. Receiving up to 5,200 views per video, individuals are gaining a loyal fan base amongst viewers who are getting familiar with their local librarians on screen.”
• Glasgow – Woodside Library revamp gets go-ahead from Glasgow City Council – Glasgow Times. “Glasgow Life, which runs the library on behalf of the council, requested permission to refurbish the 115-year-old building.” … “The main objectives of the refurbishment are to address “multiple areas of water ingress, increase the number of sanitary facilities, improve fire escape routes within the library, repair stonework/windows/rooflights and to maximise the potential use of the building”.”
• Jersey – Soaring growth in demand for e-books and newspapers – Jersey Evening Post. 259% increase. “Online membership registration was a relatively new service last year and before lockdown, the vast majority of new members would have joined in one of our libraries but membership registrations have jumped from 24 in March/April 2019 to 345 in March/April 2020”
• Lancashire – Lancashire Libraries undertake pyjama-themed reading campaign – In Your Area. “Beginning on Friday May 1, participants across the UK can get involved by dressing in pyjamas and reading a book with their children.”
• Manchester – Creative Spaces – Creative Spaces MCR. “Longsight, North City and Wythenshawe Forum Libraries are Creative Spaces where you can get involved in arts and culture. Everything from film and music to poetry and storytelling. Be part of your local library this Autumn. Enjoy the arts and get creative, right on your doorstep.”
• Perth and Kinross – Culture Perth and Kinross smashes milestone in libraries fundraising target – Courier. £2000 received. “The campaign to support Perth and Kinross libraries during lockdown raised more than £1,000 in its first few hours with public donations continuing to come in. The Book Heroes campaign encourages people to donate around £7, the average cost of a book in efforts to save local libraries and museums from closing.”
• Renfrewshire – Renfrewshire Leisure cancels all overdue library fines – Gazette. “Bosses at RL have confirmed they have cancelled all existing fines and will not be applying any further overdue charges during the period libraries remain closed.” … “e-book and magazine loans from libraries had rocketed during the lockdown by more than 70 per cent.”
• Somerset – Use of online library services in Somerset soars by 544 per cent during lockdown – Burnham on Sea.
• Hundreds of Somerset families are getting involved in a brand-new library offer – run entirely through social media – Frome Times. “visit ‘Somerset Libraries UK’ on Facebook or find them on Twitter or Instagram”
• South Gloucestershire – Home Library Service supports older and vulnerable residents – South Gloucestershire Newsroom. “The initial phone call to the library users has proved very welcome, many of the people contacted haven’t spoken to anyone for several days so the libraries staff have been able to talk to them and where required refer them to local and Council support. Key contact information is also provided with the books, as many people they support don’t use any digital services.” … “South Gloucestershire Council’s library service is delivering books to Home Library Service users as part of our commitment to supporting older and more vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic.”
• South Lanarkshire – South Lanarkshire team ensure show goes on – Daily Record. Dedicated YouTube channel for children launched.
• Staffordshire – Libraries get ready for Staffordshire Day – Tamworth Informed. “An online Facebook Group ‘Staffordshire CreateSpace’ will also be launched with a series of online crafting videos involving local artists and a Q&A.  Library events will be available through the Staffs Libraries Facebook and Twitter pages.”
• Suffolk – Let’s Get Cultural and Creative in Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries. “A new online resource has been launched to make it easy for people to find quality online arts and culture experiences during the current lockdown.” … “The directory includes a wide choice of links to local and national activities to enjoy including dance exercises from Dance East, Time Out’s virtual gallery tours, free National Theatre pieces and Red Rose Chain’s short films about real life Suffolk experiences.”
  • Coronavirus: Library books rearranged in size order by cleaner – BBC. “A well-meaning cleaner who took the opportunity to give a locked-down library a thorough clean re-shelved all of its books – in size order. Staff at Newmarket Library, Suffolk, discovered the sloping tomes after the building underwent a deep clean.”
  • UK librarian’s worst nightmare as cleaner rearranges books by size – Newshub. Story hits New Zealand.
• Surrey – Use your library on lockdown -Surrey Matters.
• Warrington – LiveWire receives £1,000 grant to develop library service’s e-services during lockdown – Warrington Worldwide. “Since the closure of library sites LiveWire have seen a 194% increase in e book borrowing figures with the online offer attracting 246 new members to the service.”

• West Sussex – Why High Fidelity by Nick Hornby is librarian Tom’s favourite lockdown book – Littlehampton Gazette.
• Wokingham – Youngsters invited to join Wokingham’s virtual origami club – Wokingham Today. “The virtual club has received highly positive feedback, with children enjoying having a focused and calming activity to get stuck into.”
• Worcestershire – Worcestershire libraries see massive increase in online downloads since Coronavirus crisis started – Droitwich Standard. “Since libraries were closed across the county at the end of March, library members have downloaded 9,794 e-books and e-audiobooks – 111 per cent higher than the same period in 2019 – and 3,830 e-magazine, up 53.8 per cent on 2019 levels.”
  • Lockdown sees rise in digital borrowing – Worcester Observer.
• York – Library ‘massive help’ in crisis – Press. “York Explore has seen double the number of e-books checked out during the lockdown.” … “The library has seen 514 people join in the past month – four times more than the previous month. City of York Council put £17,000 towards subscribing to Press Reader, buying more audiobooks and e-books and help to get more people online to use the services.”

Editorial

The last couple of weeks have been marked by the settling down of the new normal. More library staff have been redeployed to other services and more people continue to discover and use library online resources. What’s not yet clear is when libraries will get back to normal and what that will be. Will there need to be screens between more distanced out computers? Should library books have their plastic jackets removed? Who knows. Hopefully, hopefully, we will find out soon.

Take care, keep well.

Changes

• Luton – Now run by Active Luton leisure trust, not Luton Culture.

National news

• The Bookseller’s Library of the Year Award launches despite lockdown – BookSeller. “The coronavirus crisis puts libraries—alongside all the rest of us—in an unprecedented situation. Yet we still want to recognise the crucially important work they do, through thick and thin. A shortlist of outstanding libraries will be profiled in a special issue of The Bookseller to be published in July; that issue will also reveal an overall winner, who will receive a golden Nibbie, the coveted trophy of the British Book Awards, and be named Library of the Year 2020.”
• CILIP moves celebrations for 2020’s Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medal winners – BookSeller. “CILIP is postponing the winners’ ceremony for the 2020 Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals and extending its Shadowing Scheme until October, taking into account the government’s advice concerning the ongoing pandemic.”
• Libraries from home – Libraries Connected. “We want to help families to choose live and recorded events not just from their own library service but anywhere in the country. We’re also promoting activities to keep adults connected through library reading groups and book discussion groups.”. Lists five services each doing rhymetimes, storytimes, lego clubs, reading/book groups. Also “efestivals” and code clubs. Also mentions World Book Night and Get Creative At Home. Lists e-resources available.

“Local libraries are important community hubs and a fantastic source of entertainment and education for people. While we all stay at home to protect the NHS and help save lives, I am delighted to see so many libraries increasing their digital offerings through initiatives like this.”

Libraries Minister, Caroline Dinenage:

• Libraries see new online memberships soar amid lockdown – Breaking News. “New online library memberships have rocketed by up to 770% in some parts of the UK, as the nation turns to books for solace during the Covid-19 outbreak.”
• Public library services and Coronavirus: GLL – Public Libraries News. A summary of the first “closed” week amongst GLL library services.
• Yorkshire library volunteers must be treasured – The Yorkshire Post says – Yorkshire Post. “It is simply not feasible for local councils to pay for full-time professional librarians at every remaining branch in the county, the desire of some.” … “And that means supporting those volunteers, backed up by paid library staff,”

International news

• Austria – Austrian museums, libraries can reopen from mid-May as lockdown eases – Reuters. “The conservative-led government says the action it took early in the outbreak and the fact infections are increasing by less than 1% a day make it possible to reopen parts of the economy, but it will make adjustments if infections accelerate.”
• Canada – “We can pack 850 food hampers in two hours”: How the Toronto Public Library turned its branches into food banks – Toronto Life. “The discussions to turn libraries into food banks happened a day or so after the decision to close the branches. We see libraries as community hubs and librarians as public servants… Almost right away, we decided to redirect our resources to help with this critical need. We have 100 buildings in neighbourhoods all across the city. We realized, “Okay, we can do this.” The library handles materials all the time. We do plenty of packing and unpacking. We work with communities. It just made sense.”
• Finland – Finnish libraries adapt to life under quarantine – The Mayor. “while these individual approaches are proving to be somewhat effective, municipalities are lobbying for a nation-wide approach that would bring together all local libraries in a single structure that is able to accommodate the needs of all Finnish citizens who are on the lookout for a good book to pass the time.”
• Germany – Angela Merkel says small shops can reopen and considers easing restrictions on schools, despite Germany seeing its deadliest day of coronavirus deaths, with 285 fatalities yesterday – Mail. Bookshops to reopen.
• Global – “Never let a serious crisis go to waste”: Libraries transforming in the age of Corona – Christian Lauersen. Lists the various ways libraries are responding to the crisis.
  • COVID-19 and the Global Library Field – IFLA. “The information and resources below are provided on a non-exhaustive basis but will be updated regularly. It is based on publicly available information, and that submitted to updates@ifla.org. We welcome additional ideas, references, suggestions and corrections to this address. Please see also our  FAQs specifically concerning IFLA.”
• Greece – Writing a fairytale together: an initiative from Katerini Public Library (Greece) – Naple Sister Libraries. ““One day I dreamt of becoming a doctor. I think I’ve always wanted to become a doctor. Then, I thought I was too young to make such an important decision. I picked up my toys, placed them in the magic chest and off I went…”.
• Spain – #TheLibraryatHome: the answer of Huesca Municipal Libraries (Spain) to the coronavirus – Naples Sister Libraries.
• USA – COVID-19: How Libraries are Responding & How to Keep Yourself and Your Team Productive and in Good Spirits – SirsiDynix. “onspiring responses of libraries across the country and discuss how to gauge individual and team morale while balancing management during a time when staff may feel uneasy”
  • Hennepin County tells library workers to staff homeless hotels or take PTO – CityPages. “Those who weren’t able or willing would have to start using their paid time off days. Should they run out of PTO, they could borrow up to 240 hours of leave and go into debt with the county. Their final option is to take unpaid leave.”

Local news by authority

• Aberdeen – Aberdeen libraries take Bookbug online for children – Evening Express. “On Saturday, the first online session took place, with a 30-minute video created to keep children entertained while continuing to support their development.”
• Aberdeenshire – Aberdeenshire Libraries team tasks 3D printers to create protective visors for health and social care staff – Grampian Online. “using the three 3D printers at libraries headquarters in Oldmeldrum to create protective visors for Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership colleagues.”
• Brighton and Hove – Letter: Our libraries must be treasured because reading is a pleasure – Argus. “People relish books. We must take this opportunity to ensure that our libraries system is better placed to cater for this, by restoring the rôle of librarians in book selection.”
• Cambridgeshire – Coronavirus: Record numbers using online library service during lockdown – Peterborough Telegraph.
• Cheshire East – Cheshire East Council welcomes support for heritage sector – Cheshire East Council. “The Heritage Emergency Fund is accepting applications for funding from £3,000 to £50,000” inc. libraries.
• Cheshire West and Chester – Cheshire West offering online movies, drama, crafts and karaoke during lockdown – Cheshire Live. List of library online activities and resources.
• Cumbria – Council reminder that digital services are on offer throughout lockdown – News and Star.
• Dundee – Video: A look back at Tayside’s libraries through the years – Evening Telegraph. “The great thing about the libraries around Dundee is not only do they hold vast collections of novels, children’s books and non-fiction delights but they are also examples of fantastic architecture.” One minute video.
  • Online reading rockets at Dundee libraries during lockdown – Evening Telegraph. “Digital book and eAudio books have grown by 67% and eMagazines and comics are up by 60% in the last month.”
• Durham – Coronavirus: Libraries offer free family history learning at home – Northern Echo. Ancestry.
• East Riding of Yorkshire – eBooks and eAudiobooks soaring in popularity at East Riding libraries – more titles added to collection – Scarborough News. “Over the last month, issues of eBooks have increased by 68 per cent, and more than 700 titles have been added, making a total of around 4500. For eAudiobooks, issues have increased by over 30 per cent, with more than 450 titles added, making a new total of over 4000 titles.”
• Essex – Essex Libraries eAudio and eBook users rise during lockdown – Gateway 978. “In response to demand, a selection of e-audio books has been added to Essex Libraries eMagazine and eComic range.  The number of e-comics available has also been increased from 238 to over 1,500, all with unlimited access.”
• Fife – ONFife campaign to keep Fifers entertained while libraries, museums and theatres shut – Courier. “Other schemes include ‘LibrarYAY’, a new Facebook group developed by the Libraries Young People team”
• Gateshead – Libraries helping frontline workers – Gateshead Council. “Libraries across Gateshead closed last month to help prevent the spread of coronavirus however, using some of the latest technology, library staff are now helping other Council services by printing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). “
• Hampshire – Coronavirus: Decision on Hampshire library closures put on hold – BBC. “Sean Woodward, executive member for recreation and heritage, said the decision due to be taken in June would be delayed but was still expected to happen over the summer, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. He said he would be “taking into account” the rise in digital users when the responses to the consultation were being considered.”
  • Civic chiefs urged to save libraries from being axed as digital service spikes – Romsey Advertiser. “Hampshire County Council (HCC) has seen a 770 percent increase in people joining the digital service to access their favourite books using Borrowbox – an app offering thousands of free audio-book and ebook titles. Now a Test Valley community leader is urging the county council to save ten libraries across Hampshire from being axed, claiming there is “a need for these services in the community”.”
• Herefordshire – Herefordshire’s library service available online – Malvern Gazette. “over 150 new members joining in the past three weeks alone.”
• Hertfordshire – Three hundred per cent rise in BorrowBox sign ups in Hertfordshire – Hertfordshire County Council. “The number of people using our library online loaning service, BorrowBox, increased by 332 per cent in one week during March.”

Kensington and Chelsea’s Home Library Service delivers books and other reading materials to vulnerable residents (e.g. elderly, disabled, people with mental health issues, mobility issues) is returning for our residents from tomorrow Tuesday 7 April. pic.twitter.com/mYQEU7KwLB

— RBKC Libraries (@RBKClibraries) April 6, 2020

• Kent – Bookworms can now join libraries online to access e-books – Times Local News. “To sign up for library e-services, residents of Kent just need to visit kent.gov.uk/libs and submit their details and create a PIN number.”
• Lambeth – Lambeth Libraries online events include reading groups, online quizzes, history talks and film clubs, April 2020 – Brixton Buzz. includes book quiz on Zoom, Kanopy film watch party,
• Leicester – Leicester Libraries launches free online storytelling – Leicester City Council. “From today – 8 April – two new stories will be told online every week, available to stream from Wednesdays.”
• Leicestershire – The eBooks Leicestershire library members are reading during lockdown – Leicestershire Live. “Leicestershire County Council revealed this week that demand for digital books was up thanks to libraries being closed due to the country’s efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19. The authority said it will buy additional eBooks and eAudiobooks to keep up with demand.”
• Moray – Moray libraries open for business online – Grampian Online. Ebooks.
• Newcastle – Newcastle libraries put hundreds of books online to help beat lockdown boredom – and it’s all free – Chronicle Live. “Library staff have added 240 new titles to their online collection and have also made it easier for people to sign up as a new member online, which can also be done for free, so you can get reading or listening straight away to help beat the lockdown boredom.”
• Newport – Children’s art competition deadline extended – South Wales Argus. “young artists now have until the end of this month to submit their entries for a Newport library competition. And the rules have been changed to allow parents or carers to take a photograph of the design so they can be safely sent for judging amid the coronavirus crisis.”
• Norfolk – Revealed: Top 10 books Norfolk is downloading to read during isolation – Eastern Daily Press. “he county’s libraries have closed due to the pandemic, but keen readers have been borrowing downloadable eBooks from Norfolk Library and Information Service, with almost 20,000 borrowed in March. There have been more than 800 new sign-ups to the service.”
• Northamptonshire – Northamptonshire library staff redeployed to check on vulnerable residents told to shield from coronavirus – Northamptonshire Chronicle. “Library staff across Northamptonshire have been redeployed to help vulnerable residents who are self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic. Around 70 staff from Northamptonshire County Council will be supporting the community resilience hub from today (Friday, April 17). They will be calling vulnerable people from library phones to check that they are safe and well, and if they need any support.”
• North Yorkshire – Action to help North Yorkshire’s libraries serve as ‘community focal points’ – Northern Echo. “authority which handed over 33 libraries to varying levels of community responsibility to cut costs will next week consider the authority’s first strategy for the service since the major reorganisation.”
  • Online library service sees surge in demand – Northern Echo. “In the first fortnight of the lockdown, 474 people joined the library remotely, an increase of 490 per cent compared to the previous two weeks.”
• Perth and Kinross – Culture Perth and Kinross appeals for public support – Daily Record. “CPK is asking members of the Perth and Kinross public to consider donating £7 – the average cost of a new book. The chief executive points out how that one single book could then be loaned out up to 30 times in one of their libraries. Helen wrote: “With our venues closed to the public, we are no longer able to generate income, impacting on the budgets and resources we have available for these services.”
  • Culture bosses ‘absolutely overwhelmed’ by response to Book Hero crowdfunder to support Perth and Kinross libraries – Courier. Raised £1k within hours.
• Powys – Powys Council waives library fines on books due back during coronavirus – Powys County Times.
• Redbridge – What’s on Redbridge app relaunched to help keep users entertained during lockdown – Ilford Recorder. “The app was originally used to display events on digital screens in libraries. However, it has been refocused to entertain.”
• Richmond – Call for coronavirus stories at Richmond Library for future – Guardian series. “The Library’s Local Studies Library and Archive will coordinate the plan to document residents’ experiences during the unprecedented global pandemic of Covid-19 coronavirus.”
• Sheffield – £20k boost to eLibrary content for Sheffield Libraries – Sheffield Newsroom. “Sheffield City Council is pleased to announce that the eLibrary service has been given a £20,000 boost. This online resource, available to every Sheffield Library member, is accessible on any digital platform and is free of charge to use.”
  • Calls for Sheffield libraries to be returned to council control are ‘damaging’ – Star. “A petition demanding that Sheffield libraries are returned to council control has been criticised by the chair of a local volunteer library.” … “Mr Smith argued that Sheffield City Council should follow the Leeds model, which has 33 staffed libraries under Council control. He added: “You’re supposed to be opposing this austerity and all you’re doing is implementing it. If it’s acceptable to run libraries with volunteers why not schools or hospitals?”
  • Explore the history of Sheffield and your own family tree at online library – The Star. Stories from Sheffield past online.
• Shropshire – Rainbow at Market Drayton library to spread joy – Shropshire Star. “Market Drayton Library is closed to help address the coronavirus crisis but the team of staff left it with a rainbow and a friendly teddy bear in the windows to keep morale high.”
• Somerset – Lockdown Library Service – here for you 24/7 – Frome Times.
• Stirling – Residents to be given a say on new ‘once in a lifetime’ £500k library – Daily Record. “Residents in the Strathblane area are being given the chance to say what they want from a proposed new library, made possible by the generosity of a local family. Thanks to a £500,000 donation from Angus Graham, the villages of Strathblane, Blanefield and Mugdock are looking forward to creating the new facility.
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries goes online and interactive to keep Suffolk stimulated and entertained – Suffolk Libraries. “It’s a very challenging time for everyone at the moment and with library buildings closed we’re doing everything we can to provide content, information and entertainment. We’re working on plans to keep in contact with regular customers who might be isolated but we’re delighted that so many of our wonderful staff have risen to the challenge to run online activities which will hopefully make a difference to people across the county”. Email from library service: Visits to the eLibrary pages are up 600% from the same time last year.
  • Fighting and urinating in a lift – extent of anti-social behaviour in Suffolk’s libraries revealed – Stowmarket Mercury. “Urinating in a lift, defecating on a roof garden and fighting are some of the worst examples of anti-social behaviour which has been reported by Suffolk’s libraries over the past two years” … “The information showed that library staff dealt with 511 incidents of anti-social behaviour between January 2018 and February 2020 including racism, violence and bad language.”
  • Which Ipswich library is planning a £45,000 extension? – Ipswich Star. “Gainsborough Community Library in Clapgate Lane has lodged plans to expand the facility into its rarely-used garden area. According to the library – which recently scooped a High Sheriff’s Award – the extension will be for a “garden room” space that community groups and activities could use, and feature window boxes and plants”
• Swindon – Swindon Libraries live streamed story time is watched by thousands – Swindon Advertiser.
• Tameside – Public libraries and Coronavirus: Tameside – Public Libraries News. A list of what services Tameside are doing for the public online.
• Warrington – Book in to enjoy an escape – Warrington Guardian. “libraries might be closed but LiveWire’s community librarians have come up with a list of recommendations for some books to read during lockdown.”
• Warwickshire – Hundreds sign up for online library services – Stratford Upon Avon Herald. “More than 500 users have recently signed up to the service as staff work hard to ensure that people still have access to digital books, music and other library material.”
• Wiltshire – Rise in eBook loans from Wiltshire Council’s library service – Salisbury Journey. “In the last few weeks, the council says, the service has seen 177 new members and loans of eBooks are up 43 per cent.” emags up 90%, eaudio up 10%.
• York – Thousands of free online magazines and books available via York Explore – thanks to a £17K council grant – York Mix. “Newspapers, magazines and ebooks will be made available to library card holders online – thanks to a £17,000 grant from City of York Council. Audiobooks and ebooks for children and adults are already available through the York Explore website – as well as ancestry research tools and historic images of the city. But the extra cash means the library can buy more online books – and subscribe to Press Reader – a service that offers access to more than 7,000 newspapers and magazines from all over the world.

Editorial

What a week. In seven days that will likely remain in everyone’s memory for life, it started with chief librarians – and frontline staff – arguing vociferously for councils to shut down library services. Boris freaking Johnson then went on television and officially closed the sector for the duration. Whoa.

Then everyone had to get used to the new normal, which included basic precautions not previously seen outside of zombie movies. Those with laptops and jobs they could do at home did so, others did what was necessary at the workplace and then went home. Then came the concept of “furlough” where government give 80% of the salary, the idea of the “shielded” who will have to stay indoors indefinitely and then the need to redeploy staff to other services, prominent amongst them Registrars.

It’s no surprise people were feeling a bit shell-shocked. Several librarians, all of them senior, have confided in me that they’ve never worked so hard before in their lives. Some point out that it’s something there were no plans for this, or case studies, and a bunch has been made up on the fly. It turns out that contingency/scenario planning has not been a strength of government at any level, despite repeated near-miss epidemics in the past. Oh well.

So what will the future bring? In terms of keeping the goodwill of staff, I think the key will be fairness. Walk outs happened in at least one service last week, with more on the cards if things hadn’t changed so much on Monday evening. I can see other such pitfalls for the future and the challenge of management will be to be clear and open with staff. everywhere.

Public libraries will become entirely digital for quite some time. A whole ton of money is going to be spent on e-books and other distance resources that would not have been bought before. Printed books will not be bought in normal quantities for a while. Library staff are taking a crash-course in video rhymetimes, zoom and conferencing. These developments alone will revolutionise the service. Also, nationally, Libraries Connected has discovered it can be an independent voice, which can only be good. And if the Single Digital Presence, or whatever a national libraries website will be called, for libraries doesn’t get off the ground this year then it never will.

And when will libraries reopen? Well, I’m guessing not until Coronavirus is wiped out. Keeping books quarantined for 72 hours after being touched isn’t going to fly (unless we go full closed-access of course, now there’s a thought) and it’s hard to see people, especially children, keeping two metres apart. So not for a few months at least. By that time, society itself may be changed.

So this will be a marathon, not a sprint. The good news is that the sector has shot out from the starting blocks far faster than could reasonably be expected. I look forward to reporting more in the future and have started a list (what else?) here for things that catch my eye.

But whatever the week brings, remember to look after yourself first. These are traumatic times and will not be helped if your ill, with stress or otherwise. Keep well, take care.

National news

• Coronavirus – Public library ideas and responses – Public Libraries News. Lists ideas spotted, useful resources, list of councils deploying staff (as far as is known), items for when considering reopening.

What are the Government doing about those without internet access? Many people in our communities rely on libraries to access the internet, but now those libraries are closing. What measures will the Government bring in to ensure that people can get online, whether for benefit services or to maintain some form of social contact? These are huge demands being placed on the civil service, and I pay tribute to all those public servants throughout our public administration who are working day and night to establish these schemes. They are not often praised, but they are in this situation.

John McDonnell, 24 March, House of Commons.

Kid Normal – E-audiobook now free.

Public Health England did not realise libraries covered books with plastic and so gave the wrong advice. Here’s the correction. https://t.co/C4monQOkiv

— Ian Anstice (@publiclibnews) March 27, 2020

• UK Libchat Monday 6 April: Virtual Libraries – taking our services online – “The chat sessions start with general introductions and then we move on to the discussion topics.  Please add the questions that you would like to discuss below in under 280 characters.””
• W H Smith closes 60% of stores as Johnson shuts shops and libraries – BookSeller. “Johnson’s decision to close libraries comes after Libraries Connected, in a letter to ministers, demanded further action. Although the vast majority of local authorities had already closed all their libraries, as of Monday afternoon, around 22 still had some open according to the organisation. Those that had some buildings still running included Waltham Forest in London, Worcestershire and Sefton, which pointed out in a tweet  to concerned residents over the weekend that “libraries are not amongst the public facilities listed for compulsory closure by the government at the moment”. On Friday, Unison members working at 10 Lambeth libraries walked out, saying they refused to come back to work because of fears over coronavirus. Libraries Connected said authorities had been forced to make the decision whether or not to close based on their own interpretation of government guidance and this was not enough.”

” libraries have been responding to the crisis with innovative ideas and had seen spikes of up to 100% in e-membership in recent days. Other ideas include Facebook Storytime, online book clubs, live streaming activities via social media and rotas of phone calls to regular library users.”

International news

• USA – Internet Archive’s ‘national emergency library’ has over a million books to read right now – CNet. The library has 1.4 million books, all available for immediate loan.
• COVID-19: How One Library is Coping with Being in the Epicenter and How Controlled Digital Lending Can Benefit Libraries – Sirsi Dynix. 1 April. “Director of the American Hospital Association Resource Library, as she shares the experience of her and her team as demands on their library has increased and how they have adapted. Then, hear from Chris Freeland, Director of Open Libraries at Archive.org, as he talks about how to add great electronic content for free.”
• How to Combat COVID-19 Related Misinformation – EveryLibrary. “On Friday, March 20th, The EveryLibrary Institute hosted a webinar on How To Combat COVID-19 Related Misinformation. Now you can watch this webinar at your convenience with this webinar on demand.”
• How to Sanitize Collections in a Pandemic – American Libraries. “The easiest, safest, and most inexpensive disinfectant is time.” … “That also means libraries should plan to stay closed until the risk of public infection is eliminated.”. But if not possible, “Internal hard surfaces, including tabletops, door handles, book drops, and computers, should be professionally cleaned. “
• Macmillan Abandons Library E-book Embargo – Publishers Weekly. “Macmillan’s controversial two-month embargo on new release e-books in public libraries officially kicked in on November 1, 2019, over the strong objections of the library community, which has consistently rejected the embargo as violating a core value of librarianship: equity of access. The embargo policy came just over a year after Macmillan instituted a four month “test” embargo on new release e-books from its Tor imprint. “

Local news by authority

• Aberdeen – Coronavirus: All Aberdeen libraries close as result of outbreak – Press and Journal.
• Bradford – Bradford Council outlines steps to help people stay active – Keighley News.
• Buckinghamshire – Here’s how you can still access Buckinghamshire Library Services online – Bucks Herald.
• Cheshire East – Cheshire East libraries close because of coronavirus risk – Knutsford Guardian.
• Cheshire West and Chester – Coronavirus: Cheshire West Council leader Louise Gittins urges residents to stay at home – Northwich Guardian. “Libraries and Leisure centres have already closed their doors, and some will be re-purposed as hubs for council staff and voluntary organisations supporting the most vulnerable. “
• Coventry – Council closes all but five libraries in Coventry as coronavirus limits staffing – Coventry Observer. ” “Libraries will only be open on the basis of a self-service offer – residents are welcome to come into the library, choose books from the available stock and self-issue using the available equipment.”
• Devon – Good news for readers: Staff aim to provide services differently as libraries across Teignbridge close due to coronavirus – Teignmouth Today.
• East Riding of Yorkshire – East Riding Libraries offering free e-books service – York Press.
• East Sussex – Coronavirus: All East Sussex libraries to close – here’s what happens to your loaned books – Eastbourne Herald.
• Hampshire – 1,800 sign petition to save Kingsclere library – Newbury Today. “The petition – signed by more than 1,800 people – aims to prevent the council from cutting its financial support to the venue. However, the authority admitted it is unlikely to save the library.”
• Hertfordshire / Essex – Herts and Essex county councils close libraries in response to coronavirus – Bishops Stortford Independent.

“Northamptonshire waited until end of day on 23rd March before closing all of its main libraries.  Smaller ones had mostly closed earlier than then because NCC had decided not to staff them and most library support groups felt that their volunteers should not, or could not, offer to open those libraries. The business of each library authority being allowed to make its own decision as per the reply from DCMS to Libraries Connected is yet another example of ‘localism’ not serving libraries well.
At the local level, our community-managed libraries were put in the same position.  They had to decide for themselves whether or not to stay open.  Some were more reluctant to close than others but it seemed that all appreciated that they should not be using volunteers aged over 70.”

Alison Richards, via email

• North Yorkshire – County boosts online library service as branches close temporarily – Scarborough News. “Most community libraries run by other groups or organisations have already closed.”
• Nottingham – Central Library wish list – Dawn of the Unread. Wishes include a human library, digital screen/Tik Tok. library app.
• Salford – Salford celebrates three-year partnership with BookTrust – About Manchester. “This month Salford City Council, working with Salford Libraries, which is part of Salford Community Leisure, celebrates a three-year partnership with BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity. This partnership will see BookTrust provide books and resources to the value of £496,392 to Salford communities which are distributed via schools, libraries and healthcare visits.”
• St Helens – Take advantage of digital library service during coronavirus lockdown – St Helens Star.
• Wandsworth – Ravi Govindia, Leader of Wandsworth Council visits new Coronavirus Helpline Hub – Wandsworth Conservatives. “The hub is staffed by 40 members of staff drawn from other service areas including libraries and  electoral services. When he visited this morning, Cllr Govindia heard that staff has already dealt with more than 200 calls in just over 24 hours. “
• Warwickshire – Coronavirus: Warwickshire County Council update for residents – Leamington Observer. “While all Warwickshire Libraries are closed, the county council is reassuring customers that they don’t need to return their library books, and we have extended the loan period for all items currently on loan until the start of July. All fines will be waived so people can keep hold of their books and stay safe at home.”
• Worcestershire – Libraries close under coronavirus guidelines – Express and Star.
• York – Libraries provide book fun online – York Press.

Editorial

There’s never been a week like this before in our lives. I count 171 library services in the UK now fully closed, with many of those remaining open running a reduced service to varying degrees of severity. There are very few left who are aiming to keep all libraries open. I estimate at least a 80% closure rate, and it’s likely to be a lot higher as some services are not updating their websites, I am being cautious in my estimate and the situation is changing very fast. The 60% estimate LC gives below is from a day before mine, to give you an idea.

However, the lack of a firm government directive to close libraries means that at time of writing (5pm on Sunday 22 March) there is no prohibition on councils choosing to keep public libraries open, subject to them following the government advice on social distancing etc. Staff at Lambeth took matters into their own hands, though, and walked out citing a law that makes it illegal to run an unsafe workplace. And, with coronavirus being able to survive for up to 72 hours on surfaces – including on plastic book-jackets – it will be challenging for libraries still open to ensure that they are not, especially as there will be a ton of schoolkids heading their way.

But, look, take care of yourself this week. You cannot be too careful but at the same time take your mind off things for however short a time per day you can. And. above all, keep well.

Click here for a regularly updated list of library services open/closed.

Text of Libraries Connected letter to Government

“Libraries Connected is the sector-led charity for all public library services in England. We are funded by Arts Council England as a Sector Support Organisation.

We note the guidance issued by the government yesterday, which asks various businesses and venues including museums and galleries to close:

On behalf of the public library sector, we are asking that all public libraries in the UK be added to the published list.

Over the past few days, individual local authorities have made decisions about their library services in response to their own interpretation of government guidance. The fast-moving situation has been hard to track, but we estimate that approximately 60% of England’s library services have now completely closed. One library service shared with us the urgent advice they received from a senior clinical lead in their county:

‘I have grave public health concerns regarding the library service remaining open. I have been informed that several aged patients were attending today reading newspapers together in close proximity. This is in clear conflict with government advice on social distancing.  …the mortality associated with Covid-19 spread cannot be overstated. We need to act together, now. Shut the libraries, send your employees home. Now.’

However, the advice to libraries appears to be inconsistent, so many are still operating in a situation that is increasingly confused and alarming for library staff and their communities and puts both groups at risk of infection. This situation will worsen if children, who are not in school, begin to use their local libraries to access computers and other learning resources

Libraries are trusted places which last year welcomed 225 million visits and loaned 175 million books. However, they can no longer operate safely within the government guidelines on social distancing and other Coronavirus control measures. Safety measures that libraries are trying to take are coming under increasing strain due to growing shortages of staff and cleaning supplies.

The very nature of a public library presents serious risks in the current situation, which are very hard (if not impossible) to control.  These critical risks include:

• Circulation of books and materials between people, through lending and browsing. This affects staff, volunteers and library users.
• The very wide cross section of the community who use libraries, including significant numbers of people in the high-risk groups (older people, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions).
• The expected influx of large numbers of children next week, due to school closures. They will be impossible to segregate from users in high risk groups – including pregnant women.
• The extreme difficulty in enforcing social distancing by users, due to the nature of the modern library, with open plan spaces and furniture designed for social interaction. Many libraries have reported users rearranging furniture back into close groupings after library staff had spaced it out.
• The extreme difficulty in protecting staff and volunteers, as the nature of their role is to provide face to face support. Many libraries no longer have reception desks, as staff now floor walk for better contact with their users.

Libraries have responded to the crisis with energy and innovation, to ensure their communities have digital and remote services. This includes marketing their existing e-book and e-magazine service, with libraries reporting 25% – 100% spikes in e-membership. They are also developing more innovative ideas including Facebook Storytime, online book clubs, live streaming activities via social media and rotas of phone calls to regular library users.

Although buildings have closed, libraries are determined to ensure vulnerable people in their communities are not isolated. Libraries will also have a vital role to play to help support and reconnect communities once the current crisis ends.

We will appreciate a swift response to this request, as many libraries remain open this weekend.

Yours sincerely,

Isobel Hunter, Chief Executive, Libraries Connected

Mark Freeman, President, Libraries Connected”

National news

• Coronavirus: Libraries and museums closing across country – BBC.
• Coronavirus: why are UK schools closing and what does it mean for parents? – Guardian. “With cinemas, museums, theatres and libraries closed, all normal entertainment is ruled out.”
• Covid-19: How Libraries are Responding and How to Implement Books by Mail – SirsiDynix. “Join Eric Keith from SirsiDynix as he reviews how libraries are responding the coronavirus (COVID-19). Then Rick Branham will be reviewing Symphony’s “Books by Mail” feature.” March 25 | 1pm ET / 5pm GMT.
• Libraries Connected calls for ‘clear decision’ from government on library closures – BookSeller.
• Request for government to advise the closure of public libraries – Libraries Connected. “Libraries Connected has today written to government ministers to request that public libraries be added to the list of public venues that the government has asked to close.”5
• Self-isolating? Use your local library’s apps for free audiobooks, ebooks and more – Tech Radar.
• UK coronavirus lockdown plans: What the Government advice means for you – Telegraph / Behind paywall. “Although there is no Government advice to close libraries, some smaller local hubs …”

Local news by authority

• Cheshire East – Cheshire East Council launches coronavirus information hub – Knutsford Guardian. “”This may result in us having to make changes to the way many of our services are delivered ..”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Coronavirus: Cheshire West libraries, community centres and other facilities to close on Friday afternoon – The Standard. “such is the extent of this outbreak and following the advice of Public Health England on social distancing, it is a move we have had to take in order to protect the health of our residents. “
  • Storyhouse to support community during Coronavirus outbreak – Storyhouse. “Storyhouse in Chester is re-opening its entrance lobby to support the local community with food, hot drinks and entertainment during the coronavirus crisis.”
• Cumbria – County libraries to close from today due to coronavirus – News and Star. “A contactless home delivery service is also available to existing customers signed up for the service, and may be extended to others if enough staff and volunteers are available. “
• Durham – Durham County Council closes all leisure centres, libraries, venues and cancels all meetings – Chronicle.
• East Sussex – Coronavirus: All East Sussex libraries to close – here’s what happens to your loaned books – Sussex Express.
• Essex – Libraries across Essex to close in response to coronavirus pandemic – Harwich and Manningtree Standard.
• Gloucestershire – Live Coronavirus updates for Gloucestershire as 104 people in the UK die from coronavirus – Gloucestershire Live. “All 31 libraries run by Gloucestershire County Council will be closed from Monday to stop the spread of the coronavirus”
• Halton – Coronavirus closes the Brindley, libraries and leisure centres – Runcorn and Widnes World.
• Hampshire – Hampshire libraries push digital as all branches close due to coronavirus pandemic – Haslemere Herald. “,,, our Hampshire Libraries Facebook site has lots to explore, including Online Rhymetime and a Digital Reading Group.”
• Herefordshire – Ross Library to close on Friday – Ross Gazette.
• Hertfordshire – Libraries across Herts close for next few days to assess impact of coronavirus pandemic – Herts Advertiser.
• Isle of Wight – All Libraries On The Isle Of Wight Closed – Island Echo.
• Lambeth – Walkout at ten south London libraries over coronavirus safety – Socialist Worker. ““It was a hard decision because we care about our library users,” said one worker who walked out in Brixton. “But we also care about their safety and ours. We don’t have hand sanitiser and there are no wipes for the keyboards and touch screens.””

“In a statement, Lambeth Unison said workers were walking out under Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996. This provides workers with the right to withdraw from and refuse to return to a workplace that is unsafe.”

• Lanarkshire – Every council-run Lanarkshire leisure and cultural venue is shutting during coronavirus crisis – Daily Record.
• Lancashire – Lancashire Libraries, Archives & Museums To Close – Preston Hub. “The closure will come into effect from 5pm on Monday to allow library users the opportunity to get books out before they close. “
• Norfolk – Libraries to close from Saturday to curb coronavirus risk – Lynn News.
• North East Lincolnshire – North East Lincolnshire libraries, leisure centres and sports facilities go into coronavirus shutdown – Grimsby Live.
• Oldham – All the ways Oldham Council will tackle the coronavirus pandemic – including extra body storage and cutting bin collections – Manchester Evening News.
• Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire County Council libraries closed – Banbury Cake.
• Pembrokeshire – Pembrokeshire County Council’s leisure centres and libraries to close from tomorrow (Friday, March 20) – Western Telegraph.
• Perth and Kinross – Culture Perth and Kinross closes all libraries, museums and galleries due to coronavirus outbreak – Daily Record.
• Renfrewshire – Coronavirus: Renfrewshire libraries and pools to close from tonight – Daily Record.
• Rochdale – No more Dippy, food festival cancelled and libraries closed – Rochdale Council’s sweeping changes in response to coronavirus – Manchester Evening News.
• St Helens – Coronavirus: The libraries and leisure centres closing this weekend and what will happen to memberships – Liverpool Echo.
• Sandwell – Coronavirus – Sandwell closes museums, farms and most libraries – Birmingham Live. “A total of 13 libraries have closed, including the mobile service, to ensure that key town centre venues can continue to remain open to the public.”
• Staffordshire – Staffordshire Steps Up Measures As Country Battles Coronavirus Update – Tamworth Informed. “Children’s Centre activities, libraries, the archive and heritage service and many day centres for older people are to close as the county steps up action in the coronavirus battle.”
• Stoke on Trent – Museums, libraries and public toilets close as part of ‘managed and proportionate’ Covid-19 response – Stoke on Trent Council.
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries to close until further notice to protect staff and customers during coronavirus outbreak – Bury Free Press. “Overdue book charges have been frozen and return dates have been extended indefinitely, and the eLibrary service, which has around 60,000 items available, is still running.”
• Sunderland – Sunderland Council closes museums and libraries due to coronavirus outbreak – Chronicle.
• Wakefield – Wakefield Council closes leisure centres, libraries and museums, but markets to remain open – Wakefield Express.
• Warwickshire – Coronavirus: All Warwickshire libraries to close by Monday – Leamington Observer. “The mobile library service will also not operate, but the home library deliveries service will be maintained as much as possible for the most vulnerable.”
• West Lothian – Libraries to close in West Lothian temporarily – Daily Record.
• West Sussex – Coronavirus: All West Sussex libraries closed until further notice – Chichester Observer.
• Western Isles – Coronavirus – decision taken to close sport, leisure, libraries, museums across the Western Isles – Stornoway Gazette.
• Wigan – How Wigan libraries could be turned into virtual schools – and all the other ways empty council buildings could be used to aid coronavirus pandemic – Manchester Evening News. “Libraries in Wigan could be repurposed into virtual schools or learning areas when schools close due to the coronavirus, Wigan’s chief executive has said.” … “Wigan announced today that while its libraries will close to the public”
• Wiltshire – Wiltshire Council to shut its libraries and leisure centres – Salisbury Journal.
• Worcestershire – Poet Laureate Simon Armitage in special screening at Redditch Library – Redditch Standard. “Thee screening is part of The Living Knowledge Network, a UK-wide partnership of national and public libraries which Worcestershire libraries will be officially joining next month.”

Editorial

Well, it’s been a surreal week. The news has got worse and worse. As I write this, country after country is closing its borders. Spain is telling its citizens to stay inside and they’re using drones to do it. Austria has just announced it is banning gatherings of more than five people.

Meanwhile, the British Government is moving from its “Do Nothing” stage to its “Wait And See In A Couple Of Weeks” phase. Official policy is that a large part of the population needs to be infected in order to give what is called “herd immunity“. Leaving aside whatever our thoughts are about being called a herd” and the 1%ish death rate of those sacrificing themselves for the others, the vital part of this policy when normally applied (e.g. small pox, polio, measles) is a vaccine. We don’t have a vaccine yet.

In what may be the biggest understatement I have ever made, the government’s relaxed attitude is a bit of a problem for public libraries. While the official policy of “wash your hands” is in action, public services are likely to stay open. Public library workers are employed by councils who appear to be abiding by government advice. Chief librarians are mere employees too. Libraries Connected is made up of chief librarians.

So here are some publicly known facts that will help them while everyone is deciding if following the government advice is sensible or not:

• Those without symptoms are likely not to be contagious, but this is not 100% certain. However, anyone with a new cough, temperature or difficulty in breathing may be. (Source: Government)
• Being with 2 metres of someone can spread the disease. Touching the infected person or something they have touched can spread the disease (Source: Government). “Under most circumstances, the amount of infectious virus on any contaminated surfaces is likely to have decreased significantly by 72 hours.”
• There is a significant estimated death rate of, on average, around 1%, or lower. (Source: Guardian but fairly well known). Worst case scenarios (80% infection rate) is therefore around 500,000 in the UK (source: Evening Standard). This places it as slightly worse than all UK fatalities throughout World War 2, and more than half that of World War One. While that huge number is unlikely in practice, the normal rate for flu for comparison is just 600 (source: Oxford University).
• Risk is increased “in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.” (Source: Government)

So what does this translate to in public library terms? Here are some more commonly known facts:

• Books are issued and returned in public libraries. Books have surfaces.
• Self service machines are operated by touch. Touchscreens have surfaces.
• Computers have mice and keyboards, both of which have surfaces. They are often not 2 metres apart from each-other.
• Chairs and tables have surfaces. As do door handles. And toys. And musical instruments. It is hard to 100% be sure you have cleaned a toy. Or a tambourine.
• Wipes are in increasing short supply.
• Older people are a core part of the overall library user base. Public library staff are often older themselves, and are thus more likely to have older relations they need to look after.
• Knit and natter groups, rhymetimes and events normally involve people being under 2 meters of each-other. Knit and natter groups often have older people in them.
• People will sometimes use a public library. or attend events, when they are slightly ill.

Amongst libraries not closing abroad, the following has been noted:

• Waiving of fines
• Promoting of e-resources, especially e-books.
• Removal of toys.
• Ending of all events, weekly or otherwise.
• Returning all books by book-drop or other method.
• Moving PCs and other stations further apart than normal.
• Cancelling books on wheels and other activities likely to involve physical contact with vulnerable groups.

I will not go any further than that. I for one look forward to future communications from the Government, news from library services and information from Libraries Connected with great interest. I have quoted the statement of the latter to me below, in full.

Changes by local authority

• Northamptonshire – Danesholme Library now volunteer.
• Sheffield – £10k given to each library, inc. volunteer.

Coronavirus

“Libraries Connected is closely monitoring the situation and implications for library services. This includes hosting an ongoing discussion between Heads of Library services to share approaches and ways of managing the evolving situation as new NHS and government advice is released. Libraries are developing their emergency planning as part of the wider plans of their local authorities, with a focus on protecting staff and library users. At present, in line with current government advice, libraries are operating business as usual. However, many are now increasing cleaning, especially of surfaces like door handles, touch screens and keyboards. Libraries are also considering how best to protect those who may be more vulnerable, such as running risk assessments on events such as rhyme time or older people’s groups. If staff are unsure what to do in their library, they should ask their Head of Service for advice as the situation evolves.”

Isobel Hunter, Libraries Connected – Statement on LC and Coronavirus

• Australian libraries responding to COVID-19 – ALIA.
• CILIP Coronavirus Information Service – CILIP. ” CILIP cannot provide advice to cover every type of library, information and knowledge service. You should in all cases follow the policy and guidance of your institution alongside that of the NHS and Public Health England.”

“It’s time to call for closure of all public libraries as they are an obvious infection point for the virus Many elderly and vulnerable people use libraries and are at risk , not to mention the safety of staff , and the disease is carried airborne , especially in enclosed spaces. 

Email received

• Coronavirus and libraries: Staying safe and staying relevant – Christian Lauersen. “On Wednesday March 11 2020 at 8.30 pm local time, the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, declared a closure of all non-critical public sector institutions likes schools, kindergartens, universities and libraries for 14 days. Critical functions as police and health care will still be in function. All public sector employees who do not perform critical functions was to be sent home for 14 days. ” … “We need to stick together by being as much apart as possible in times like these. That is also why staff don’t come into work in a closed library but are kept at home.”
• Coronavirus: More universities halt teaching and exams – BBC. “Even if teaching and exams are off, libraries will remain open, say universities “

In line with the announcement by An Taoiseach @LeoVaradkar earlier today, all public libraries will close from today. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Our eServices will still be available, please check https://t.co/PJ8cpymPoM to find out how you can use them

— Libraries Ireland (@LibrariesIre) March 12, 2020

• Coronavirus prompts cancellation of large public events during Shakespeare Week – Leamington Observer. “Lcale public events planned for Shakespeare Week have been cancelled in the wake of coronavirus. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT), which organises the annual national celebration of the Bard in primary schools, took the decision in light of growing concern about the potential spread of the disease. While the majority of Shakespeare Week activity will continue as planned in schools, libraries and partner organisations across the country, the following five large scale events, including three in the playwright’s home town, will not take place”
• Coronavirus: Why Britain could be only weeks away from an Italian-style lockdown – Telegraph.
• The Czech Republic declares a state of emergency and closes borders to people from 15 countries hit by the coronavirus – Business Insider. “Gyms, swimming pools, and libraries, among other public spaces, will be closed for at least 30 days.”
• Early Years Classes – temporarily suspended – West Dunbartonshire Council. “Please note that in light of the current COVID-19 situation all early years classes in our libraries have been temporarily suspended between Monday 16th March until Monday 20th April 2020. This includes all Bookbug, Baby Massage, Baby Yoga and Storytime classes. We apologise for any inconvenience. 
• Flexible library staff in Dundee hit out over lack of coronavirus information – Evening Telegraph. “So-called “relief” staff, who are called in to cover full-time librarians on sick leave or holiday, claim they are being left out of the loop. At present, relief workers are not given full access to the organisation’s IT system. This means they have to share log-ins with full-time staff – typically an IT security no-no – and even have to lie to the public if there aren’t permanent staff on shift to operate facilities which require a log-in.”
• How Libraries Are Responding to the Coronavirus Threat and How Your Library Can Prep for Any Crisis – Super Library Marketing.
• Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) – WHO. “It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).”
• Resources for Libraries on Coronavirus – EveryLibrary.

National news

• Applications for bursary places at our 2020 annual seminar are now open – Libraries Connected. “As part of our commitment to supporting the development of future library leaders, we are offering two sponsored places at our 2020 annual seminar.” … In Warwick in June. Seminar is entitled “Creating Our Story”.
• Baroness Neville-Rolfe: Libraries can provide crucial support for women entrepreneurs – Politics Home. “The British Library has a keen ambition to expand this network to 20 regional Centres by 2023, with an increased emphasis on expanding its business support offering beyond city centres and into towns and other locations across the UK. “
• British Library Leeds plan gets £25m boost – BookSeller. “The British Library’s plan to set up a northern version in Leeds has been given a £25m boost by the government, alongside up to £95m to redevelop its existing Boston Spa site.”
• CILIP Library Management Systems Suppliers Showcase – CILIP. Friday 20 March,
• Councils to increase tax across UK as services are slashed – World Socialist Web Site. “The coming year will see nearly all councils across the UK increasing council tax, according to the annual 2020 State of Local Government Finance report, with one in 10 having to make cuts to essential services because they cannot balance the books.”
• Edmund de Waal takes aim at library closures in British Museum installation – Big Issue. “The striking installation stands up for the importance of libraries while telling the stories of people forced to flee their home countries”
  • Library closures are ‘violent and vile’, says Edmund de Waal – Guardian.
• Gift to libraries celebrates women’s roles in politics – Oban Times. “Scottish publishers 404ink and BHP Comics have teamed up with the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) to donate copies of the graphic novel, We Shall Fight Until We Win, to every secondary school library in the country, including Argyll, the Isles and the Highlands, to mark International Women’s Day last Sunday, March 8.”
• Introducing the DCMS Libraries team – DCMS Libraries. “The Libraries Minister is Caroline Dinenage, the Minister for Digital and Culture. We support her by doing things like preparing briefings to support visits she may make or to inform meetings she has with representatives from across the sector.” … “We also support our ministers in dealing with Parliamentary Questions, correspondence, debates and Freedom of Information requests.” … “Underpinning everything we do, is supporting our Secretary of State (Oliver Dowden) in their duties under the 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act. They have a duty to superintend, and promote the improvement of council library services. But what does that mean in practice?”

“However, that is only part of our superintendence work. We’re really keen to talk to and visit library services who are at an early stage in considering changes (or are in the process of making changes) to their library service provision. This helps us understand what’s happening but also provides opportunities for councils to ask us any questions.”

DCMS Libraries Team

• Libraries Connected Innovation Network National Gathering 2020 – Eventbrite. “The Library Innovators Network is here to support and connect public library staff across the UK and our National Gathering is a one-day event, designed to allow people to share and to learn from others.” May, Leeds.
• Minecraft ‘loophole’ library of banned journalism – BBC. “A virtual library has been meticulously created to host articles written by journalists which were censored online.”.
• Programme Manager, Children and Young People’s Reading – Reading Agency. “The Reading Agency is looking for an experienced project manager to lead our work with children and young people from disadvantaged communities. “
• Public Lending Right explained – DCMS Libraries. A guide to PLR.
• Spring budget: UK Chancellor announces more funding for IP centres – WIPR. Extra £13m for more Business and IP Centres in public libraries. ““This funding demonstrates that the Government have heard our calls for greater recognition of the vital role that libraries play in helping businesses to innovate and grow,” said Gerald Vernon-Jackson, chair of the LGA’s culture, tourism and sport board,”
• Turning libraries into community hubs ‘to blame for decline’ in use, says Coates – BookSeller. “The use of libraries for community activities rather than just as a repository for books has led to a fall in their use rather than an increase, according to a new report by campaigner Tim Coates. In his newly-published Freckle Report, Coates, a former c.e.o. of Waterstones turned advocate for public libraries in the UK and US, published his recent research and made renewed calls to turn around a service that is in serious decline. But, rather than singling out the cuts in funding regularly blamed for the service’s problems, Coates said it was a lack of books that was to blame and two decades spent turning facilities into community hubs, moving them away from their main purpose.”
• Two new member trustees appointed to Libraries Connected board – Libraries Connected. “Anthony Hopkins, BEM from Merton and Kathryn Harrison from Wakefield. “
• World Book Day smashes Share a Million Stories target – BookSeller. “Hundreds of thousands of children, parents, carers, authors, illustrators, schools, bookshops, libraries, and publishers across the UK and Ireland shared 10-minute stories with 1.5 million stories shared at the time of writing. “

Local news by authority

• Barnet – Barnet libraries: Staff cuts went ‘too far’ and replacement volunteers aren’t checked for criminal records – Ham and High. “Barnet’s cuts to library staff have gone ‘too far’ according to an independent review into the impact of the council’s austerity measures introduced in 2016. ” … “The review found that Barnet’s approach of replacing employees with volunteers had been ‘successful so far’, but that cuts had meant staff hours were ‘quite thinly spread’. It recommended increasing the number of library employees in the short-term, during which time more volunteers could be recruited. “
• Bradford – Council to discuss 1,800 strong petition calling for Keighley Library’s future to be secured – Milford Mercury. ““We collected over 1,800 signatures, which means councillors will discuss the matter for a maximum of 15 minutes after the chairperson of Friends has addressed the Council.” “
• Bristol – Bernardine Evaristo celebrates black writers in Bristol libraries – BBC. “A Booker Prize winner who has chosen her top 20 black British writers is involved in a project that will see works by them available in libraries. Bernardine Evaristo released the list of writers to mark International Women’s Day and books by the authors will be available in Bristol libraries. Words Of Colour organised the scheme in a bid to inspire more BAME people to take up writing as a profession. “
• Bromley – Beckenham Library public survey launched – News in Beckenham. “… a number of local residents, as well as campaign group Save Beckenham Library, have already highlighted concerns in regards to what they describe as the “loaded” nature of some of the survey’s questions. The first question, for example, reads: ‘Given the need for housing and the potential opportunity to develop the Beckenham Library Service, do you support the proposal in principle?’”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Dead Ink publishing workshop at Northwich Library – Northwich Guardian.
• Croydon/Lambeth – The ‘Digital Lounge’ – a Case Study from Upper Norwood Library Hub, London – Community Libraries Network. “… here is a collaborative initiative from the Upper Norwood Library Hub (UNLH) and Caspar Kennerdale who runs a local community business called ClearCommunityWeb in Crystal Palace London.  “
• Essex – ‘We will march to save our libraries’ – Thurrock Gazette. “Campaigners who insist libraries across Essex remain under threat are set to embark on a mammoth march ending at County Hall. Save Our Libraries Essex (SOLE) fears Essex County Council is pushing ahead with a “closure by stealth” of its libraries.”
  • Basildon Council may spend £8,000 on new library books – Southend Standard. “Following the council’s £5,000 funding agreed last year which provided more than 700 books for libraries across the borough, the new proposal will be considered by the housing and communities committee tomorrow. “
  • Take part in Essex Library Services book amnesty this March – Gateway 978. “Have you lost your library card or haven’t had time to return your library books? If something has been holding you back from using your local library, don’t let it worry you anymore”
• Flintshire – Flint Library relaunches after ‘huge’ £360,000 investment – Leader. “The official reopening of Flint Library took place on Thursday, coinciding with Aura Libraries’ celebration of World Book Day. In 2019, Aura secured £300,000 of funding for improvement works at Flint Library through a successful capital grant application to the Welsh Government’s Museums, Archives and Libraries Division (MALD). “
• Hampshire – MP piles on pressure to stop councillor from closing Odiham library – Romsey Advertiser. “More than 100 people signed Mr Jayawardena’s petition in the one month it was running, created after the Gazette launched its Save Our Libraries appeal. “
  • Kingsclere’s oldest resident pleads for library to stay open – Newbury Today. “101-year-old Maisie lives two doors down from the venue”
  • “Library closures are ‘violent’ and ‘vile’, says leading artist” – Basingstoke Gazette. “The leading artist, who has recently opened his own temporary library at the British Museum in London, criticised local authorities for making the “heartbreaking” decision to shut institutions down. His comments come as Hampshire County Council is currently proposing to close ten libraries across the county, including three in the Gazette’s patch. “
• Lancashire – Shortlist revealed for Lancashire Book of the Year – Preston Hub. Libraries strongly involved. “The Lancashire Book of the Year Award is sponsored by UCLan for the 18th year.”
• Northamptonshire – Corby’s community-run Danesholme library starts new chapter – Northamptonshire Telegraph. “The county’s latest library to be handed over into community control has opened its doors to customers for the first time yesterday (Thursday). Volunteers at Danesholme Library in Corby will now take over running the service, initially providing staff for the one-day-a-week opening”
• Northern Ireland – Poet Laureate Simon Armitage to appear at Linen Hall Library next week – Irish News. “”The very existence of the library system is under threat, but libraries still stand at the heart of many communities and for some people are an invaluable aspect of everyday life.”
• Sheffield – Council announces extra £10k funding for every library – Sheffield newsroom. “Sheffield City Council is pleased to announce that every library across the city is set to receive an additional one off cash boost of £10,000. The windfall means that each library, including volunteer-run libraries, will have extra money to spend on what will best meet the needs of their space and to do more for the communities who use them.”
• Shropshire – Mayor enjoys time in Oswestry Library’s new ‘living room’ – Advertizer. Temporary “living room” in library until end of March.
• Staffordshire – Project launches for free pre-used school uniforms – Express and Star. “The first market will take place at The Salvation Army, in Cannock on April 6 and 7, 11am until 2pm, with further sessions taking place at Cannock Library during 2020.”
• Swindon – Special report: Why Swindon’s libraries are bucking the national trend – Swindon Advertiser. “Figures published at the end of last year revealed almost 800 libraries have closed in the UK over the last decade, falling victim to government cost-cutting. But things are different in Swindon, where branch libraries are thriving in community centres. ” … “Currently the branch libraries are open for 15 hours a week, but their services will be extended as more staff and volunteers are recruited. “
• Warrington – New literature festival is to launch – Warrington Worldwide. “Warrington Lit Fest will run at libraries and other community venues from Saturday May 9- Saturday May 16 and will celebrate all things literary in the borough and beyond, from storytelling, performances, creative writing, author visits and more.” … “Warrington Lit Fest is one of many special events taking place throughout the year linking into the initiative and supported by Libraries Connected.”
  • Library club to combat loneliness in men celebrates first birthday – Warrington Worldwide. “Silver Fox Club”: “The club which was launched at Burtonwood Library to help address loneliness and social isolation in older men has now celebrated its first birthday.”
• West Lothian – Reduced opening hours at West Lothian libraries from end of month – Daily Record. “The changes come into effect from Monday, March 30, and will see opening hours reduced, with some libraries closing one day per week and others libraries introducing self-service times.”
• West Sussex – Cut to late opening hours at Worthing Library – Worthing Herald. “The cost-cutting measure was approved by West Sussex County Council last year after consultation with users and was then included in its 2020/21 budget. Worthing’s library in Richmond Road is one of nine in West Sussex where changes to opening hours will be made from Monday April 6. Currently it is open from 9am-7pm Mondays to Fridays, but is set to close an hour earlier during the weekday and shut at 6pm.”