Labour in Libraries
Jul 7th
Editorial
Wow, so that was a quite a victory for Labour. With such a majority, they have five years now to do what they can before the next election and, given the volatility of the electorate, the possibility of another change in government. There are huge challenges for Labour, including a distinct lack of money and economic weakness, and promises about not increasing taxation made pre-election. This will make it very difficult for them to follow the impulse, more natural to them than the Conservatives, to send money the way of local government and libraries. But it needs to be done. Local councils are on the verge of bankruptcy and public libraries have not had significant investment since, well, the last Labour Government. Hopefully, the capacity of libraries to do all sorts of things all over the country, not least boosting literacy, at cheap prices, means that the needed investment will be made. We can hope so. And perhaps the easiest low-cost maximum-impact way to start would be to find a way of removing late fees for all public libraries. Now that would be fine.
And then we have the problem of staff-less libraries. Back in the old days, a library was staffed by paid human beings. Since that Golden Age, increasing numbers of paid staff have been replaced by either volunteers or by technology, in terms of the ever expanding number of PIN-entry libraries. This lack of labour in libraries removes that chance of social interaction, and of unbiased expert help, that is one of the key selling points of the sector. It was done initially, mainly in other countries, as a way of expanding opening hours but, being the budget for UK libraries is what it is, is increasingly be done here to replace costly human beings. This has led to the Guardian writing an article called “The end of the librarian?” which is worth looking at. I’ve also collated information on the staff-less phenomenon here. If there’s still any human beings out there who wants to look.
National news
- End of the librarian? Council cuts and new tech push profession to the brink – Guardian. “officials in some local authorities are proposing that libraries can be operated at times without any professional librarians, relying on self-service technology, smartcards for entry and CCTV.”. A look at Buckinghamshire and Croydon.
- Libraries give us power. The next government must trust libraries to continue delivering for communities – Big Issue. CILIP CEO article. The public trusts libraries and that can be used.
- Libraries should be at the heart of public life – Financial Times. Richard Ovenden. “The British public library system marks two important anniversaries this year. One hundred and seventy five years ago a debate was held in parliament which led to the Public Libraries Act of 1850, giving local authorities the ability to establish free public libraries through a modest increase in local taxation. Sixty years ago the Public Libraries and Museums Act of 1964 upgraded that law to made it a requirement for local authorities to provide the service.” … “In this anniversary year, it is a tragic irony that the system is now facing one of the most severe challenges in its history.” … “One solution? A distinct Minister for Libraries. A new ministerial brief could help highlight the contribution made by libraries across different areas of the government’s agenda.”
International news
- Ireland – Turning over a new leaf – Irish Examiner. “GIY and Libraries Ireland have come together in a novel food and literacy education programme, beginning in Waterford but with the ambition to see the initiative evolve across Ireland, creating food-growing communities wherever there is a library to be found. Growing your own food is of course a positive climate action and also fosters food empathy and promotes sustainability, so along with the free seeds and information packs, the library will provide the know-how including online videos in this attempt to find a whole new audience for the superlative efforts of GIY. ” See LibraryLeaf.
- USA – Placer County libraries extend hours to provide relief from excessive heat – Yubanet. California.
- ALA 2024: Librarians Rally for the Right to Read – Publishers Weekly. “Freedom to read tops the list of librarians’ priorities, and the American Library Association’s 2024 conference emphasized the existential threats posed by book bans and the populist undermining of public institutions and trust.”
- A Reader Asked for My Ultimate Top Ten Tips for the Most Effective Library Marketing Possible: Here’s the List – Super Library Marketing. Send emails, post only once a day on social media, put a bookmark into every reserved book, short script for staff to say about every event/promotion, talk to one community group per month, review your social media metrics monthly, plan calendar for 6-12 months ahead, speak to staff meetings about marketing, professional media releases, blog, 20 minutes per week to learn.
Local news by authority
- Birmingham – Library cuts will devastate people in Birmingham, say campaigners – Rayo. “Proposed cuts to library services in Birmingham could be devastating for the city and increase inequalities, according to a libraries campaign group. Birmingham Loves Libraries has written an open letter to Birmingham City councillors, demanding all cuts to be paused.”
- Blackburn with Darwen – Thousands ‘inspired’ by Children’s Literature Festival – Lancashire Telegraph. 6th Children’s Literature Festival. Christina Gabbitas: ““I would like to thank all the staff in Blackburn with Darwen Libraries for their amazing support, and all who have helped fund the festival; Darwen Rotary, Lloyds Trust, Darwen Town Council, and Spot On Lancashire.”
- Bridgend – Awen Launches First Countywide Adult Reading Challenge – Awen Cultural Trust. “Free ‘bingo sheets’ can be collected from Awen Libraries and prizes* will be awarded after 7, 14 and 21 books have been read.” Prizes while stocks last.
- Buckinghamshire – Bucks Council slammed for library cuts set to dramatically reduce staffing – Bucks Herald. “Kari Dorme, aged in her late 70s, warned that new cost-cutting measures, including the roll-out of self-service technology, would further erode the vital function the county’s libraries play in society. The former branch and area librarian for Beaconsfield and High Wycombe said: “These cuts will, in time, kill off the whole ethos and character of what library work is about.”” Staffless opening.
- Croydon – Croydon locals rally to save Shirley Library from closure – Sutton and Croydon Guardian. “Residents have called for Croydon Council to reconsider plans to close Shirley Library, claiming it would receive more footfall if it was open more often. This comes following the news that the council could be closing three other libraries due to a poor post-Covid slump in visitation as well as the overall costs of running all 13 libraries in the borough.” 1800 signature petition.
- Dorset – Libraries to help keep children’s minds active over summer holidays – Dorset Echo. Marvellous Makers. Minimal offering.
- New library hours come into force across county – BBC. “There has been some backlash to the new hours, with hundreds of people signing a petition urging the council to reverse the changes in Swanage, where Saturday opening hours will be cut from six-and-a-half to three.”
- Essex – Former library goes up for sale for £2.6m – BBC. “Delaware House, in Shoebury, Essex was previously home to a library on the first floor and a blood test clinic on the ground floor alongside a nursery. However, it has remained empty for several years.”
- Hackney – Innovative art programme to transform libraries into cultural hubs with training for artists – Hackney Council. “Art at Heart was developed in response to feedback from around 8,500 Hackney residents, and residents expressing that one of their top desires is for libraries to become dynamic centres for creativity. This summer, the project will train early-career artists through paid residencies in libraries across Hackney, collaborating closely with local community groups. ” ACE funded.
- Havering – Summer Reading Challenge – Havering Council. Marvellous Makers. Minimal offering.
- Hertfordshire – Children invited to free reading Challenge at libraries this summer – In Your Area. Marvellous Makers. 20,000 took part in 2023.
- Kent – Children challenged to become ‘Marvellous Makers’ in KCC Libraries summer reading challenge – Kent Council. Free events plus publicity video.
- Leicestershire – Challenge encourages children to read over summer – BBC. Marvellous Makers. “Children taking part in the challenge can also receive free entry to Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, as well as the 1620s House and Garden at Donington le Heath.”
- New play project at libraries rolled out – BBC. “Sixteen libraries are now hosting the Pop-in Play Library project, run by not-for-profit organisation Boromi, with the original pilot funded by a Leicestershire County Council grant.”
- Lincolnshire – Multi-sensory room opened at Cleethorpes Library – BBC. “Equipment in the room include an astronaut star projector, sensory fidget tubes, a weighted blanket and a white noise machine.” Can be hired.
- Norfolk – Breathing Space with Xenia Horne at Norfolk libraries as bereavement cafes are being put on – Lynn News. “The bereavement cafes are part of a Norfolk Libraries project called Know Your Neighbourhood and this particular event is in conjunction with Creative Arts East”
- Oldham – It’s time for stories to come alive – Oldham Council. Storyfest with various author events. and Marvellous Makers.
- Oxfordshire – Children encouraged to get creative at Oxfordshire libraries this summer – Oxfordshire Council. Marvellous Makers. Minimal offering.
- Renfrewshire – Paisley Central Library wins silver at design awards – Gazette. “The new building is housed in a former High Street shop and is spread over four floors and has a reception area, children’s library, and storytelling area with a play structure that includes a climbing wall and slide which are co-designed with Scottish artist Claire Barclay.”
- Rotherham – Rotherham Libraries and Neighbourhood Hubs participate in the “Marvellous Makers” Summer Reading Challenge – Rotherham Council. Set a personal reading goal, rather than 6 books. “a celebration ceremony will take place on Sunday 20 October at Magna Science and Adventure Centre.”
- Sheffield – A decade ago, over half of Sheffield’s libraries lost their staff. Against the odds, they’ve thrived – Sheffield Tribune. Behind subscription paywall.
- Stockport – Stockport library cuts ‘deeply concerning’ – Stockport Nub News. Staff-less opening. “Stockport council was asked for a full breakdown of the new staffed hours and how this has changed for each library, but it has not provided one, citing restrictions due to the pre-election period.”
- Suffolk – New cancer and wellbeing books donated to Suffolk Libraries by SmartestEnergy – Suffolk Libraries. £2,000 donation by energy company.
- LinkedIn Learning – a new free service for library users in Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries. “LinkedIn Learning is a collection of over 16,000 online courses in business, computer technology, software and creative skills, all conducted by experts in their fields.”
- Reading Quest starts soon – sign up from 13 July – Suffolk Libraries. In-house SRC. “Children will be encouraged to take part in activities and experiences across the summer rather than read an expected number of books. These ‘quests’ will range from ‘reading under the covers with a torch’ to ‘choosing a recipe book and ‘making something together as a family’.” Nursing agency Advantage Angels is sponsoring £20k over 2 years for this.
- Suffolk Libraries can help you get ready for school – Suffolk Libraries. “The bags contain handy information booklets that cover all the skills that children need to be ready to start school such as developing speech, using the toilet and wearing school uniform.”
- Torfaen – Torfaen’s Summer Reading Challenge kicks off in libraries – South Wales Argus. Marvellous Makers. “Aside from the reading incentives, a £100 Smyths Toy Store gift voucher will be awarded to one lucky participant selected in a prize draw at the end of the challenge.”
- Walsall – Marvellous Makers – Summer Reading Challenge 2024 – Walsall Council. Minimal offering.
- West Dunbartonshire – West Dunbartonshire libraries unveil summer activity plans – Clydebank Post. See here for events, mainly crafts and story-times.
Vote for Libraries
Jun 30th
Editorial
By the look of the opinion polls, Public Libraries News will be reporting, for the first time it its 14 year history, soon on what impact a government without any Conservatives in it is having on public libraries. You already know the impact that the Conservatives have had. What will happen is unclear. Last general election, Labour’s manifesto was full of promises for public services including a likely bonanza for public libraries but it was all kind of moot because Labour stood no chance of being elected. This time around, everyone is more certain of Labour being elected than any other time I can remember in my 53 years, but there is not a single mention of libraries in their manifesto. So it’s unlikely to be a bonanza.
But I will most definitely vote. I read somewhere that a general election is better thought of as voting for a bus and not a marriage partner. You’re not voting for someone who you completely love and want to spend the rest of your life with. You’re voting for the one that gets you nearer to your desired destination. Which is why I will be voting for the party for that will take me closer to what is desired, rather than the one which most agrees with my beliefs (which stands no chance of being elected here). Because we live in a country with the first-past-the-post system and not proportional representation. Any other vote other than the one for a party likely to win is therefore, in this harsh winner-takes-all world, a wasted vote. It may make you feel better and principled and that’s great, do what you will. But for me, 14 years of Conservative Prime Ministers has taught me pragmatism. Public libraries need a vote. And not voting, or voting for someone with no chance of getting in, is not going to help anyone. So vote to make a real difference if you can. And heaven knows, many people think we need that.
Please email any news or comments to ianlibrarian at live co uk. Thank you. As stated elsewhere on this webpage, this website represents my personal opinions and is entirely my own work. It does not represent that of anyone else, including my main employer.
Changes by local authority
- Wolverhampton – £61m restoration of main library.
National news
- CILIP highlights impact of libraries as part of Libraries Change Lives Week – BookSeller. “CILIP, the library and information association, has unveiled more than 150 stories that reveal the life-changing impact libraries have on their users as part of Libraries Change Lives Week across the UK”
- If there’s nowhere else to go, this is where they come’: how Britain’s libraries provide much more than books – Guardian. Crafts sessions, help with council queries, computers, problems with opening hours, quiz, loans of items like footballs,
“The average public library is not only a provider of the latest Anne Enright or Julia Donaldson: it is now an informal citizens advice bureau, a business development centre, a community centre and a mental health provider. It is an unofficial Sure Start centre, a homelessness shelter, a literacy and foreign language-learning centre, a calm space where tutors can help struggling kids, an asylum support provider, a citizenship and driving theory test centre, and a place to sit still all day and stare at the wall, if that is what you need to do, without anyone expecting you to buy anything … The trouble comes when libraries – and the underpaid, overstretched people who work in them – start to become sole providers for all these things”
- Libraries are a lifeline that we cannot afford to lose – Guardian / Letters. North Yorkshire Libraries volunteer regrets that library could close without volunteering. Reminiscences and positive thoughts about the library. Folkstone Library has been closed for 18 months as council cannot afford to repair it. “They fill the many gaps left by the state, yet they are constantly under threat of closure.”
- Travelling printer to cycle to libraries across UK – Bristol 247. “A Bristol artisan is currently planning his latest adventure that will see him cycle his custom-made printing bike from library to library across Britain making bespoke bookmarks along the way.”. Crowdfunder.
International news
- Gulf – As Gulf countries continue to grow, they need more public libraries – National News / Opinion. “in 2022, the five Gulf countries for which data is available all had less than 0.5 public libraries per 100,000 people, as compared to more than five public libraries per 100,000 in the UK and US.”
- USA – NYC public libraries have their funding restored, will reopen on Sundays – CNN. $11m. Initial cut due to flat funding and rising costs. Reverse of decision due to public unhappiness.
- No computers. Keep books. Seattle library network outage nears a month – Seattle Times. “The library and its 27 branches continue to struggle through a ransomware attack that has disabled its networks, rendered its hundreds of public computers useless and turned its normal operations upside down.”
- The Quiet Crisis Facing U.S. Public Libraries – Publishers Weekly. Written by Tim Coates. “The latest IMLS data show library visits are half what they were a decade ago—where is the response from library leaders?”. Author sure that reduction in books is to blame. “The data suggests that the shrinking gate counts is largely coming from existing users visiting libraries less often, rather than a falling number of people using libraries at all. There is no evidence to suggest that people’s need or desire for libraries has waned.” … ” the U.K. stands as a cautionary tale, where library funding has been slashed by more than 50% [sic – ed.] over the past decade, and a third of the U.K.’s public libraries have now closed.”
- Urban Public Libraries in the 1980s: Evolving Library Services for an Information Society – Public Library Quarterly. ” As the U.S. shifted from an industrial society of large workplaces linking whole communities toward an “information society” with a more heterogenous workforce divided by educational attainment, urban public library workforces, target audiences, collections, and programming both adapted to and mirrored these changes.”
Local news by authority
- Barnsley – Barnsley Libraries announces this year’s ‘Library Lates’ public programme – Barnsley Council. “Sessions delivered by a range of local artists will include writing workshops, open mic nights, ceramics and figure drawing, and many more.”
- Birmingham – Campaigners urge pause in library closure plans – BBC. “Birmingham Loves Libraries has published an open letter, which said: “Our libraries are lifelines and we cannot afford to lose them.” It has asked for public interest and value-for-money assessments to be carried out.”
- Birmingham Loves Libraries – Webpages bringing together all Birmingham library campaign groups. “To cut costs, Birmingham City Council is proposing a mixed delivery model that will mean closing libraries, cutting staffing levels, transferring library services to other non-Council owned locations, and creating an unspecified number of ‘hub’ libraries. Birmingham Loves Libraries believes our community libraries should remain open, public, and run by trained library staff as part of an effective city-wide library service for generations to come.” See The Unofficial Guide to the BCC Libraries Consultation.
- Final phase of libraries consultation to take place later this summer – Birmingham Council. “The Birmingham libraries consultation has been taking place since 4th April and is currently running until 17th July. The consultation so far has included an online survey, online consultation sessions, in-person consultations and targeted engagement.” … “The final phase will run from the end of August to Friday 27th September and consist of a new online Be Heard survey and in-person consultation sessions taking place in each library from Monday 2nd September through to Thursday 26th September 2024.”
- Brighton and Hove – People banned from Brighton libraries for drug use and other reasons – Argus. “42 people were barred from libraries in Brighton and Hove between April 2023 and June 2024.” Theft, drugs, sleeping, abuse, assault. And one for what is mysteriously described as “inappropriate use of library card”.
- Caerphilly – Annual Summer Reading Challenge returns for 2024 – Caerphilly Council. Reading Agency.
- Ceredigion – Aberaeron to hold public meeting over library future – Cambrian News. “A public meeting is to be held following “anger and disbelief” at a “nonsensical” proposal to move Aberaeron’s library to county hall, Penmorfa.” Council is short of money and library is expensive compared to a co-location. Local businesses fear closure will mean footfall will dramatically fall.
- Cheshire West and Chester – Chester libraries re-launch reading challenge for adults – Standard. Read two books to have chance of winning £50 book voucher. “A similar book voucher prize will also be awarded for 13 to 17-year-olds.” … “From August 1, book enthusiasts can join the #BooketList, a compilation of 30 favourite books as selected by the Libraries team.”.
- ‘Marvellous Makers’ in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge – Dee Radio. Reading Agency. Events include “animal handling to digital crafts, dance and science,”
- Cornwall – One Week To Go: Cornwall Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge 2024 – Cornish Stuff. Reading Agency. “After reading your first two books, visit the library to share your reading experience with a volunteer and receive your first prize.”
- Dorset – New opening hours for Dorset libraries on Monday July 1 – Dorset Echo. “Weekly staff hours have seen only a minimal change, at 630 hours instead of 631, and all previous services, information and support will continue to be available.” More flexible staffing.
- Hackney – Free summer fun and prizes for children in the Great Hackney Libraries Quest – Hackney Council. Locally produced, in connect with relaunch of local carnival. Stamps for various library activities. “Players will receive bronze, silver or gold certificates and badges depending on the number of stamps collected, and be entered into a prize draw to win book tokens.”
- Kent – Libraries and household waste recycling centres ‘face the axe’ as Kent County Council hunts for £81m savings – Kent Online. “The leader of the county’s largest local authority has sought to quell fears tips and libraries are set to be axed to save money. Kent County Council leader Cllr Roger Gough has no intention of closing the facilities despite needing to find £81m to fill the budget gap in 2025-26.”
- Leicester – Join in a summer of fun at Leicester Libraries – Leicester Council. Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge until 15 September. Adults reading six books could win £30 worth of books.
- Leicestershire – Libraries set for Summer Reading Challenge – Leicestershire Council. Reading Agency. “Children taking part in the challenge can also receive free entry to Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, as well as the 1620’s House and Garden at Donington le Heath. ”
- New play project at libraries rolled out – BBC. “Sixteen libraries are now hosting the Pop-in Play Library project, run by not-for-profit organisation Boromi, with the original pilot funded by a Leicestershire County Council grant.” … “The play bags are borrowed and used in libraries, but people cannot take them home, hence the “pop-in” name.”
- Manchester – Be part of ‘Manchester Central Library at 90’ events this summer – Manchester Council. “Library staff are asking for help in finding Mancunians born in the city, 90 years ago or earlier, or who are also celebrating their 90th birthdays in July and are able to attend this unique event, to get in touch with the library. Staff will send a special invite to attend this anniversary event. “
- North Somerset – North Somerset libraries will celebrate ‘Marvellous Makers’ this summer – North Somerset Council. Reading Agency.
- Northumberland – Discover how ‘Libraries Change Lives’ in Northumberland – Hexham Courant. Showing all the services libraries provide, including local knowledge and business support.
- Nottingham – Nottingham lace: from craft to industry – LibraryOn. Local history. LibraryOn “wanted to test content that highlights the depth of special collections in public libraries.”
- Nottinghamshire – New chapter at South Yorkshire Library following homebuilder’s donation – Yorskhire Post. 40 books given.
- Portsmouth – Portsmouth pupils enjoy huge celebration of books, libraries and reading – Portsmouth Council. “Portsmouth City Council’s School Library Service runs an annual Book Award and Reading Champion competition across three age groups to promote a love of reading: Year 1, Year 5 and Year 8/9. In separate events this month, the winner in the Year 1 Picture Book Award was revealed as Do Lions Hate Haircuts by Bethany Walker and Stephanie Laberis. This year, Scare Me by Teri Terry won the prize for the Year 8/9 Book Award, an honour she has received for the third time from the city’s secondary school pupils.”
- South Lanarkshire – Podcasting in Libraries: New Opportunities at South Lanarkshire – Lorensbergs. What’s needed and case study.
- Stockport – From the Tardis to Central Library: Christopher Eccleston shares his love of libraries with Stockport residents – Stockport Council.
- Suffolk – The Blank Page Project returns this Summer with brand-new artist workshops – Suffolk Libraries. HAF funded events for 10-16s. Competition to win 1:1 session with artist.
- Three Suffolk case studies highlighted by Libraries Change Lives week – Suffolk Libraries.
- Warwickshire – Warwickshire Libraries launches What’s on Guide as service celebrates one year with Arts Council England – Warwickshire Council. Paper booklet. “The guide highlights free regular and special activities for children, young people, adults, and families, as well as Warwickshire Libraries’ digital offer, and library services for those unable to attend their local library due to ill health or disability, including the Mobile Library and Home Library services.”
- West Sussex – Marvellous Makers is coming to a library near you – West Sussex Council. Reading Agency. “After registering online for the challenge at arena.westsussex.gov.uk/src, children receive a special code word. They then reveal this to staff at their local library to get their Marvellous Makers fold-out poster and first set of scratch-and-sniff stickers.”
- Wiltshire – Devizes Library set to close for weeks as improvements made – Wiltshire Times. “Devizes Library, located on Sheep Street, will close its doors on Monday, July 1, and won’t open them again until Thursday, July 25. According to Wiltshire Council, this is so that energy-efficient lighting and an air source heat pump can be installed to improve the library’s overall efficiency.”
- Wolverhampton – Library remains open as restoration work begins – BBC. “Wolverhampton Central Library will remain open as work begins to restore its roof and exterior, as part of multi-million pound plans for a new learning quarter in the city. The £61m scheme will also see internal remodelling, new rear entrance lobby and landscaping of the Grade II listed building later in the year.”
- Worcestershire – Worcestershire Libraries need your help for dementia memory bags – Bromsgrove Advertiser. “appealed to knitting enthusiasts to create twiddle muffs for new themed memory bags.” … “The novelty bags will include items such as books with a pictures-to-share book, themed objects and photos, a game, and a specially-designed ‘twiddle muff’.”
- Have fun with Marvellous Makers’ Summer Reading Challenge 2024 – Worcestershire Council. Reading Agency.

Too little Trust?
Jun 23rd
Editorial
There have been many different new types of library governance since austerity began in 2010. We’ve seen Leisure Trusts taking over (a mixed picture), private companies (failure), local charities/parish councils taking them over and volunteers (at least 621 and rising, proving surprisingly resilient). A different type of Trust, though, has had – at least from my inexpert eye – been entirely successful. This is the Library-only Trust (Devon’s “Libraries Unlimited”, Suffolk Libraries and “York Explore”) which apparently have been able to combine providing traditional library services with a great deal of innovation, fund-raising, and an ability to stand up for themselves against councils keen on budget cuts. Not having to go through council publicity departments, whose eyes are often elsewhere, they are also very good at raising public awareness.
There are downsides to them of course but then there are – sometimes in spades – with council-run services. Just this week, if you don’t believe me, look at the poor library staff at Dorset, where many are losing their jobs at the moment while the council is trying to downplay the whole thing. Or in Birmingham, with a huge number of libraries are at risk. Or in Buckinghamshire which is looking to get rid of nearly a third of its staff and replace them with (checks notes) automatic doors and keypads. Such cuts have not happened in the Library Trust Three yet. I trust they will at least put up a fight, like York did, if such things are mooted. So, why are there not more? Well, it takes quite a different type of management skill to run one and a council will to give up control. A lack of trust, if you will.
Let me know your views by emailing ianlibrarian at live.co.uk.
Changes by local authority
- Buckinghamshire – £555k cut – 25 to 30% cut in staff but staff-less opening will increase hours by 50% or more.
- Bury – Radcliffe Library to be closed before move into new “civic hub” in 2027: no temporary home found for it as yet.
- Glasgow – £4m refurbishment Elder Park Library reopens.
- Highland – Ten mobile libraries reduced to seven, of which five are standard Transit vans.
- South Lanarkshire – 7 threatened libraries reduced to 5 – Halfway, Cambuslang, Greenhills (East Kilbride), Blantyre and Hillhouse (Hamilton). Cambuslang will stay open for 2 years.
- Staffordshire – Eccleshall Library now run by parish council, was run by Rotary since 2019.
National news
- Coelho and Becker on their Yoto Carnegie wins – BookSeller. “Coelho’s relationship with libraries goes all the way back to when he was a child himself, visiting the library to discover new books, study for his exams and meet up with friends. He also got his first Saturday job at his local library, and worked at The British Library when he was studying at university. As a writer, Coelho is constantly visiting libraries for festivals and events, most recently as part of the Library Marathon—one of his laureate tenure projects—through which he sought to encourage people to visit their local branch.”
- Our message to the next government – Libraries Connected. “But public libraries cannot function effectively without adequate funding. This is why we are calling for fundamental reform of local government financing from the incoming UK government. Fair and sustainable local authority funding will enable libraries to fulfil their manifold roles: inspiring lifelong learning, supporting health and wellbeing and enriching our economic and cultural life.”
International news
- Collection of Library case studies – ADELE. “As part of the ADELE project, we collected 100 case studies of digital innovation in public libraries. These best practices have been compiled and made public with the aim to initiate the integration of technology into non-formal education activities within public libraries. ” Excellent list of innovation across Europe, neatly categorised and presented. See also here.
- Canada – Canadian libraries more inclusive than those in the U.S. – Standard Freeholder. Canadian librarians looks worriedly south while extolling diversity in Canadian libraries.
- Ireland – Exciting New Libraries Promotional Campaign Features Interactive QR Code Illustration – Dublin City Council. “a specially commissioned illustration that doubles as an interactive QR code. This creative initiative invites the public to explore and enjoy the vast digital resources offered by Dublin City Libraries, completely free of charge. ” … ” Embedded within it are clues to the titles of 100 books”
- President Higgins condemns “censorship” attempts by far-right groups targeting libraries – Gen. ” those who intimidate library staff and destroy books “hide behind the mask of ‘protester’, but must be called out for what they are: vigilantes attempting to censor, some of whom are committing criminal offences”.” … “In one instance last year, the Cork City library had to close for one day to protect library staff and patrons after a small group of far-right nationalists blocked the entrance with a banner.”
- New Zealand – Libraries cut hours as councils face double-digit rates hikes – RNZ. “”As a result of, in many cases, double-digit rate increases being considered by councils, lots of services provided by the councils are under duress”
- USA – LGBTQ+ librarians grapple with attacks on books – and on themselves – Independent. Librarians being physically attacked and having to cope with censorship. “When we see attacks on those books, we have to understand that those are attacks on those kinds of people as well”. Pro-censorship “Moms for Liberty” argues they are not anti-LGBTQ but rather anti-sexually implicit. Louisiana requires parents to agree to if their children can read certain kinds of books. Staff “frequently misgendered” deliberately.
- How one county is reimagining libraries, from teaching kitchens to woodworking shops – CBS. “The Richard library has its own teaching kitchen, where patrons can learn about culinary techniques. It also comes with a fully equipped woodworking shop, a seed library and a “library of things,” with shelves filled with items like instruments, games and toys.”
- Huntington Beach library privatization bidder withdraws proposal – Orange County Register. LS&S withdraws bid so privatisation postponed.
- The Week in Libraries: June 21, 2024 – Publishers Weekly. “Targeting books in public schools and libraries is purposeful. Create a frenzy over lies and disinformation about the content in libraries and classrooms, then profit by claiming students are being indoctrinated”
Local news by authority
- Barnsley – Barnsley Libraries announces new creative commissions to increase cultural access and engagement across the borough – Barnsley Council. ACE funds mean new mural, ceramicist, dance, artists for green issues and Black History Month and an “artistic” project in Royston.
- Birmingham – Community libraries face reduced opening hours from next month – B31. “Birmingham Community Libraries are currently in a transitional period as we consult on the new libraries model amalgamating with the Neighbourhood Advice service.” Reduction in hours due to fewer staff.
- Bolton – Maxine Peake says libraries are more than just for borrowing books after refurb – Bolton News. “And if they’re trying to cut everything here, it is because they are scared working people will educate themselves. “Because libraries teach us to ask questions, and to explore, so we should be teaching people this.” Maxine called libraries a “safe haven” for people in Bolton.”
- Bradford – City library reopens after ‘nature’ revamp – BBC. “Manningham Library in Bradford was one of just six in the country to get funding from Natural England for its Culture Nature project, which aimed to turn libraries into “thriving hubs for nature enthusiasts”.” … “Large graphics showing local green areas and parkland have been put up at the library, as well as details of how visitors can best access them. Other improvements included a children’s sensory space, ceiling repairs and meeting equipment, Bradford Council’s library service said.”
- Buckinghamshire – Taylor Wimpey unveils new outdoor libraries to enhance reading skills – Bucks Herald. “Celebrating literacy in the local community, the new libraries, which are currently being installed at Aston Reach, Franklin Park, Coopers Grange, The Heath, The Vale, and Stortford Fields, will offer residents a diverse range of books suitable for all ages, and will give them chance to discover new and old stories.”

- Bucks Council to replace librarians with self-service machines in cost-cutting measure – Bucks Herald. £555k cut. “The savings plan – dubbed ‘library flex’ – will be introduced at eight county libraries: Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Chesham, Hazlemere, Marlow and Princes Risborough.” … “The council claims that this will allow it to cut staff hours by 25-30 per cent, while increasing public access by 50 per cent or more. At High Wycombe Library, services will now only be delivered from one floor in a bid to reduce staffing, while at Burnham, the council will try to increase volunteer numbers to save money.”
- Bury – No site found for temporary library in Radcliffe amid redevelopment – Bury Times. “The present library is to be converted into a £1.7m Enterprise Centre with work set to start in September.”. Radcliffe Library will move into new “civic hub” in two years time.
- Ceredigion – Cuts may force libraries away from town centres – BBC. “Ceredigion council is considering relocating Aberaeron and Lampeter libraries, which it said would save £70,000 out of a total budget reduction target of £5.8m.”
- Conwy – The library bans issued in Conwy since 2021 – and why – North Wales Pioneer. 15 bans: antisocial behaviour, abuse towards staff, inappropriate behaviour, damage to property.
- Cumberland – People banned from Cumberland libraries for abuse and indecent images – Times and Star. 11 bans since start of 2021. Antisocial behaviour, abusive, viewing inappropriate images, misuse of computers. No new bans in 2024.
- Dorset – Dorset library staff leaving amid changes to service – Dorset Echo. “The council says it is unaware of any job losses at this stage, but the Local Democracy Reporting Service has information which suggests that at least twenty mainly experienced, staff are to leave the service in the coming weeks.” … “New staff being employed from now on will have different job descriptions to existing staff to encompass a wider work role on pay grades between £23,893 and £25,119 for full-time posts, pro-rata for part-time positions.”. New “Library customer advisors” will also answer council enquiries.
“As many of you know we will shortly be losing 5 skilled and experienced staff due to redundancies. I would like to thank Jo (Library Manager) Liz (Library Assistant) Penny (Library Assistant) Andrea (relief librarian) and Julia ( relief librarian). Between them they have clocked up nearly 60 years working at Swanage Library, it will be very sad loss to the library and the community.”
Dorset – Swanage Library Friends.
- Falkirk – In pictures: Libraries are for Everyone fun day in Larbert – Falkirk Herald. “As well as launching this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, there were activities for all ages in the Hallam Road venue. Youngsters were able to enjoy Bookbug sessions, Storytimes, coding workshops, retro gaming and Lego, while the crafts for adults and children proved popular. The free event also included a cartoon workshop and teen book group.”
- Glasgow – Historic library to reopen after £4m restoration of listed building – STV. “A historic A-listed Glasgow library and community hub is due to reopen following a £4m restoration project.” … “The upgrades include a full interior and exterior refurbishment which provides improved library and community spaces, a new community kitchen and more bookable areas for people to use.”
- Gwynedd – The library bans issued in Gwynedd since 2022 – and why – North Wales Chronicle. 5 bans: computer misuse, antisocial behaviour, intimidation.
- Highland – Fears of ‘death’ of mobile libraries as yellow vans disappear in Highlands – Scotsman. ” a fleet of 10 yellow mobile libraries – plus a spare – has now been reduced to seven vans. Of these, five are standard Transits, which are now packed with crates, carry fewer books and have to be loaded and unloaded.”
- Kirklees – Kirklees Libraries Win Award for Supporting Isolated Residents with their English Language Skills – Kirklees Local TV. “Kirklees Librarians Ambreen Aziz, Becky Longwood, and Mazhar Iqbal have won the Libraries Connected Reading Award which recognises their work in running weekly English Talk sessions for Kirklees residents.”
- Lincolnshire – Final chapter for library in working phone box – BBC. “a notice from BT, posted on the phone box on Monday, requested the literature be removed. The notice praised the “creative” efforts of those behind the scheme, but said that the payphone was still in use.”
- Norfolk – Norwich man banned from libraries and shops in Norfolk – Eastern Daily Press. ” items such as alcohol, wire cutters, cash and two charity boxes were stolen from shops and libraries in Norwich, Gorleston and Dereham.”
- North Ayrshire – Three Towns: Petition launched to oppose library cuts – Ardrossan Herald. “The appeal is being made by Three Towns locals Catherine-Anne Tierney and Linda Cameron, who form part of a group of around ten mothers who use the library resources on a daily and weekly basis.” … “A Herald source has claimed that proposals rubber-stamped at the authority’s budget meeting in February will see the vital service slashed.”
- North Northamptonshire – Progress made on Kettering Library roof project – North Northamptonshire Council.
- Nottingham – Two Nottingham buildings win at RICS East Midlands regional awards – West Bridgford Wire. “Nottingham Central Library won both the Community Benefit Project category and Public Sector Project category.”
- Nottinghamshire – Life changing Notts libraries – Mansfield 103. Libraries Changing Lives campaign. Promotional copy from Inspire.
- Oldham – Konnie Huq celebrates libraries and literature in Oldham – Oldham Times. ” “I think it’s really important, especially in current times, that libraries are supported and continue to flourish and continue to be a place where people feel that they’re welcome.” … “She said she believes reading and visiting libraries are crucial for young people in today’s day and age.”
- Renfrewshire – Free activities and prizes in Renfrewshire’s libraries – Gazette. “The libraries also reward young readers with incentives such as free swim passes for OneRen swimming pools and cinema tickets, sponsored by Consilium Contracting Services, for one winner in each library.”
- South Lanarkshire – Campaigners fighting to save Lanarkshire libraries welcome ‘phenomenal’ news that services will remain – Daily Record. “Campaigners who handed a petition with 8500 signatures over to council leader Joe Fagan on Tuesday have welcomed the news that Cambuslang Library will remain open for the next two years .” … “nitially seven libraries were at risk but that number was reduced to five – those in Halfway, Cambuslang, Greenhills (East Kilbride), Blantyre and Hillhouse (Hamilton). It was then revealed then that those affected would be kept open for three months using money from the council’s £1 million “Community Fightback Fund”, while options were explored to reprovision some activities in alternative venues.”
- Staffordshire – New chapter for successful community library – Staffordshire Newsroom. “Eccleshall Parish Council has agreed to run the market town’s popular library from August as part of a five-year arrangement with Staffordshire County Council” … “The library has been managed by Eccleshall Mercia Rotary Club since 2019 and Catherine Mann thanked the Rotarians and local volunteers for their excellent work.”
- Library to temporarily close for revamp – BBC. “Staffordshire County Council said the project would see the ground floor of the building repurposed into a “vibrant, multi-purpose, accessible and inclusive space”. The £1.3m scheme will also create a mini-theatre and an area for children”
- Stoke on Trent – BBC’s The One Show meets Tunstall Library user Sharon who’s learning to read for first time – Stoke on Trent Live. “The library featured in the latest episode of The One Show which was shining a light on the work of Read Easy North Staffs. The charity pairs people who struggle to read with their own personal trained coach. They then meet twice a week for short sessions at local venues such as libraries and community centres.”

- Suffolk – Chantry Library launches children’s story competition to remember a much-loved staff member – Suffolk Libraries. “‘Sally’s Stories’ is a children’s story writing competition being launched to encourage local children to use their imagination and creativity to come up with their own story.”
- Introducing Move It – Suffolk Libraries. “The equipment you can borrow includes: 4kg and 6kg kettlebells, a dumbbell set, resistance bands, mini pedals, wobble cushion, weighted hula hoop, rounders set and football and cones. Other items such as swing ball, skipping ropes and yoga mats are also available from a previous initiative.”
- New pop-up library launched in Beck Row, Suffolk – East Anglian Daily Times. “Finance for this new project comes from Section 106 development planning money via Suffolk County Council.” … “”Suffolk Libraries Local pop-up library sessions have been a success elsewhere in the county and enable us to bring a slice of library life to local communities where there is not an existing library branch.”
- What happens in the library? Please help us to pass the message on – Suffolk Libraries. “Creative workshops for young people, lively singing and storytimes for toddlers, social meet-ups for adults and even free exercise sessions – it’s all going on at Suffolk Libraries! This is the message behind our new campaign to let Suffolk residents know ‘what happens in the library’. We want to get the word out to even more people so they can benefit from our many free services and activities. “
- Introducing Move It – Suffolk Libraries. “The equipment you can borrow includes: 4kg and 6kg kettlebells, a dumbbell set, resistance bands, mini pedals, wobble cushion, weighted hula hoop, rounders set and football and cones. Other items such as swing ball, skipping ropes and yoga mats are also available from a previous initiative.”
- West Dunbartonshire – Summer Reading Challenge 2023 [sic] – West Dunbarthonshire Council. Webpage about 2024 challenge has wrong date at top. Non-Reading Agency. ” The West Dunbartonshire Council primary school with the biggest improvement in completion rate from the previous year will receive a beautiful trophy, fabulous books, and a special prize for their school”. Those completing the local challenge will entered into mystery prize draw.
- Westmorland and Furness – Council responds to library shutting for The Coro events – The Mail. “The Coro has been used as a temporary library space since the building on King’s Road was closed last year due to issues with the electrics during routine statutory checks. On Friday June 7, the library was closed between 11am and 2pm due to an event taking place in the building. The library closed for four days over the May bank holiday due to Printfest taking place in the The Coro.”
- Wokingham – New library opens in former school building – BBC. “The former Old Polehampton Boys School, in Twyford, Berkshire, has been leased to the council by Polehampton Trust after sitting empty for many years. The library space has high ceilings, large windows, a specially-designed children’s area and an extension which offers an accessible entrance and additional space.”
- Worcestershire – Worcestershire libraries announce new digital skills learning programme – Evesham Observer. “Worcestershire County Council’s Library Service is excited to announce the launch of the new Learn My Way digital skills learning programme, provided by Good Things Foundation. The programme offers a variety of self-led courses which can be accessed on a mobile, tablet or computer.”
Don’t mention it
Jun 16th
Editorial
Hmmm. It’s been an odd election. Themes which are extremely important to us all such as Brexit and the Environment have had barely a mention. A party to the right of the Conservatives is having the strongest showing of any such party I can remember in a national election. And the main argument appears to be all about taxation rather than the importance of what the taxes are for.
The Conservatives commit to “continuing to support” libraries and, in the same Manifesto, promise to help volunteers who take them over, presumably if councils unaccountably find for some strange reason they don’t have enough funding for paid staffing any more.
The Labour Manifesto, wait for it, does not mention libraries at all. And nor do the Liberal Democrats or Reform. The Greens say that they will keep libraries “open and thriving”, showing one can always count on the Greens to support libraries – after all, re-use is fundamental to what we do. Groovy news, too, with the Psychedelic Movement party who offer to protect libraries if they get in. Thank goodness for that.
Congratulations to those on the Honours List connected to the public library world. Nick Poole, formally of CILIP, Andrea Ellison (Leeds) and Julie Duffy (Portsmouth). To all three of you I say, it’s OK if you’re ever feeling down to go to wherever you keep the medal and handle it a bit while staring at it fondly. Works better than a stress ball.
Changes by local authority
- Surrey – Woking Library to be refurbished.
- Swindon – West Swindon Library reopened after flooding.
National news
- Love of libraries to be shared at city-wide festival – BBC. “Presenter and children’s author Konnie Huq, Salford actor Christopher Eccleston and British poet laureate Simon Armitage will all be involved in the festival.”
- Politicians urged to save UK grassroots music venues and libraries, by urgently investing in the arts – Left Foot Forward. “Actor Christopher Eccleston was among the speakers. Addressing an audience at Stockport Central Library on June 13, Eccleston shared his passion for libraries and books and highlighted some of the challenges libraries face, including funding cuts. He noted how Britian needs to proper arts funding system in place like the French and he hoped that there will be more change of getting arts on the agenda with the new government. “As an actor, words are the tools of my trade. When I was growing up in Salford the local library provided a vibrant lifeline to the wider world. Libraries feed people’s interests and passions and provide access leading to connections being forged,” said Eccleston.”
- Power readers – BookSeller. “Here’s a fun thing to do, download the political manifestos of the leading contenders in the general election, and search for some relevant words, “book”, for example, or “arts”, if you must, or “library”, if you truly want to despair, or “retail”, if you want to go granular. The Conservative manifesto contains three references to books (none relevant to us), one mention of arts (venues), one of libraries, and one tangential reference to retail; the Liberal Democrats have plenty on arts education in schools (good for them), but not a single reference to books, or libraries, or retail. The word “author” is absent from both of them.” [There is no mention of public libraries in the Labour Manifesto – Ed.]
- Why you might struggle to find this year’s International Booker winner in UK libraries – and why publishing suffers as a result – Conversation. Cataloguing quirk means Kairos may not be as easily found as it should be.
International news
- Australia – The importance of libraries in this socially disconnected and democratic world – Medium. “At the end of the day libraries are not just “nice” to have, Cathie remarked, “they are essential for communities and democracy to function well”.”
- China – Does China Still Need Libraries? – Sixth Tone. “Many libraries and bookstores have become popular wanghong spots, where people go to take photos to share on social media” … “public libraries will always be free so they are accessible to people from all social backgrounds” … “In general, the number and quality of libraries in China are on the rise, but there are huge regional differences. For instance, Shanghai has more than 200 public libraries, and they run very smoothly, but in Shaanxi province, it wasn’t until the end of 2020 that we pledged to have a public library in every county.” … “having libraries alone are not enough — people must know how to use them for them to be impactful.”
- Global – The Impact of Social Media in Public Libraries – CS Burns. “This study focuses on what impact the public libraries that are using social media are experiencing and how it is effecting their knowledge management decisions. It expands on previous studies by seeking to confirm the results of those earlier studies, as well as to better explain the reasoning behind the results”
- Iran – Study the Status of Providing Health Information Services in Public Libraries in Tehran – Payavard Salamat. Many public librarians are not aware of what is available.
- Spain – Barcelona libraries open until midnight for Selectividad 2024 – Barcelona Secreta. Public libraries stay open later to help students study for examinations.
- USA – Banishing Captain Underpants: An investigation of the 3,400 books pulled in Iowa – USA Today. Iowa. “districts removed nearly 3,400 books and two DVDs to comply with the law, including nearly 1,000 unique titles.” Books include ““To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, the Newbery Medal novel “The Giver” by Lois Lowry and “Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot,” 1984 by George Orwell also removed by several library districts. see also The effects House Bill 710 will have on one room libraries in Idaho – KMVT. “House Bill 710 explicitly states that a book that an adult deems inappropriate, has to be relocated to the adults-only section in the library. For one-room libraries, this poses an issue, of whether they will completely take the book out of the library as a whole or change their policies.”
- With censorship on the rise, Providence librarian says Rhode Island needs to do more to protect libraries – Publics Radio.
Local news by authority
- Bolton – Bolton Library to celebrate Festival of Libraries this week – Bolton News.
- Bristol – Toy library helps parents save money ‘and the planet’ – BBC. “The library was set up by Ms Berryafter she returned from living in New Zealand, where toy libraries are common.”
- Calderdale – Refugee Week: Films, football matches, cooking sessions and more as Calderdale celebrates kindness to refugees – Halifax Courier. Virtual reality experience of entering Heathrow in 1968 with their passport being refused.
- Dorset – Litter Free Dorset expands beach toy library with Weymouth Town Council – Dorset Live. “The toy library allows visitors to borrow and reuse toys for free, helping to reduce waste and prevent plastic from entering our oceans.”
- Denbighshire – Why three people were banned from Denbighshire libraries – Denbighshire Free Press. Drugs and alcohol.
- Falkirk – Falkirk Library staff want you to help them make music – Falkirk Herald. “The days of not making a noise in libraries is long gone but next Friday, June 21 the Hope Street venue will be hosting an event as part of Make Music Day.”
- Flintshire – Authors John Connolly and Adele Parks at Mold Library – Leader. £5 each.
- Highlands – North-west primary children write to Highland libraries head over ‘missing’ mobile library van – North West Times. ““It has been missing since before Christmas and no one seems to know why it is still away or when/if it will be back. “I believe it went into the garage for some reason and just never returned. There has been a small hire van coming round with a few boxes of books in it, but the children have to stand outside, often in the rain, and you can’t see the books properly and it is a very small selection of books.”
- Hull – Open a book, open a world: children’s reading conference set to ignite curiosity – Hull Council. ” The James Reckitt Reading Conference has been launched in conjunction with the year’s celebrations, commemorating 100 years since Sir James Reckitt died, in March 1924. The conference is aimed at a range of professionals involved in young people’s reading; including teachers and teaching assistants, literacy coordinators, school and public librarians, and those responsible for encouraging reading in a learning environment. It will take place on Monday (17 June) in the Big Top at Malarkey Park, in East Park.”
- Merton – Merton Libraries launch The Merton Big Read for 2024 – Merton Council. Brooklyn by Colm Toibin. ACE funded.
- Knowsley – Knowsley’s libraries host a summer of authors – Knowsley News. Free.
- Lancashire – Chorley Library closed for essential repair works – Lancashire Council.
- Manchester – Manchester City Council and Zeus 360 bring virtual tours to all 22 of authority’s libraries – Prolific North. “funded by a £20,250 grant from the Arts Council England’s LibraryOn programme.”
- Newcastle – Support for people and carers living with dementia – Newcastle Council. All libraries dementia-friendly, book and picture collections, Tovertafel, music list.
- Northern Ireland – More than 30,000 library accounts suspended due to overdue books – Belfast Telegraph.
- Nottingham – Buyer found for Angel Row library in Nottingham is an ‘established operator’ – Bridgford Wire. ” Holding costs for the vacant property currently amount to £162,000 annually, with potential increased insurance costs estimated at £319,000. The sale is expected to mitigate these costs”
- Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire to offer free period products in new trial – Herald Series. “The scheme proposes to provide period products in 18 libraries and eight children and family centres across Oxfordshire on a trial basis.”
- Portsmouth – King’s Birthday Honours List: Every Portsmouth and Hampshire individual recognised by King Charles III – The News. “Julie Kay Duffy. Vision Impairment Services Officer, Portsmouth Library Service. For services to Public Libraries and to the community in Portsmouth.”
- Reading – Town centre library building sold in homes plan – BBC. “Reading Central Library opened on Kings Road in 1985, but now most of its collection is set to be moved into an extension to the borough council’s offices in Bridge Street. The authority’s policy committee has agreed to instruct a sales agent to begin marketing the site ahead of its closure next year.”
- Somerset – Get active in the library – Somerset Council. “A huge variety of fun activities will be on offer over a ten-month programme, with ‘taster sessions’ which may include gentle stretching, Tai Chi, Yoga and …” … “The sessions are funded via Sport England “
- Southend on Sea – ‘Psychedelic Movement to bring Southend cannabis cafes’ – Echo News. Psychedelic Movement parliamentary candidate promises “protecting local libraries, offering psychedelic therapy …”
- Suffolk – New Suffolk Libraries weekly session set to start in Beck Row near Mildenhall – Suffolk News. ” hour weekly pop-up session paid for by Section 106 funding.
- Surrey – Public invited to preview library improvements – BBC. “The venue is to get a more flexible layout, including a performance space, new furniture and toilets and more study space.” … “Other improvements include meeting rooms and the library being added to the list of those offering Super Access, external, where technology is used to offer longer opening hours to registered members.”
- Swindon – Flood-damaged library set to reopen – BBC. “West Swindon Library, which is located at the Link Centre, closed suddenly in September when flood water damaged most of the building.”
- Wiltshire – Wiltshire Libraries see changes in reading habits – Salisbury Journal. “In 2011, the number of these books loaned totalled at 2,589,982 but in 2023, the number sat at 1,514,665.” 40,000 ebook loans.”1.8m books borrowed in 2023-2024, up 9.8 per cent on 2022-23″
- Worcestershire – Crime authors to host ‘thrilling’ talks at county libraries – Malvern Observer. Caz Frear, Rachel McLean, Sue Watson. Free attendance.
- York – Explore some more activities at your local York library – York Press.
More than one kind of censorship
Jun 9th
Editorial
A fair bit about censorship in the UK this week, although from a different slant to what we are used to from the USA. Over here the articles are from several generally right-wing newspapers, and whatever GB News is, complaining about the ease with which children’s books can be banned. One ban is because of the use of the word “n*****” and the classic Fungus the Bogeyman ban is due to the use of the “g******g”. Both words, to be fair, especially the n* one, that few would push for protection of. The articles are warning that we have library censorship in the UK but it’s more covert than in the USA. And of course another crucial difference is that the censorship is from what is seen as from the left-wing rather than from the right. A similar line of argument is also in an article this week from an ex-school librarian who has resigned due to not wanting to put what she considers overly woke books on the shelves for children. On the other hand, there is the anonymous and unverified source from Hampshire Libraries which says that Pride displays are not being allowed to be publicised due to one complaint. Put together, these complaints suggest that British libraries may not be entirely up the intellectual freedom fight. And that the media will be unforgiving.
Which is unfortunate, because CILIP clearly thinks this is very important. The CILIP ten pledges to the public and the incoming government which “sets out how CILIP, and the profession we represent, will keep libraries and their place in society as a trusted and essential service at the top of the new Government’s agenda”. The relative importance of various items is curious. “Access to culture” is half of the very first pledge, jammed together with the completely different “to deliver trustworthy information”. You’ll be glad to know that reading does get a mention, but at only number four as “the right to read”, again jammed together with the not-the-same-thing “and intellectual freedom”. However, there’s no mention of the word “book” or indeed even “ebook”, presumably because these are seen as the tool and not the use. As a call to arms, as you can probably tell, I think this is somewhat lacking and suggests campaigning-by-committee. But if I see a party leader, or indeed any politician of any level, waving it around then I’ll be glad to be proved wrong.
Changes by local authority
National news
“Take a short break on Saturday afternoon, 15 June, to swap notes with other library supporters and chat to a best-selling author – in London, or online. It’s TLC’s mini-conference and AGM. It’s free, and open to non-members. The venue is Victoria library, 160 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9TR. It’s close to Victoria Coach Station and a short walk from Victoria station and tube (or take a 170, 185, 211 or C10 bus). Or, of course, just put your feet up at home… Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served from 1.30pm. The meeting starts at 2pm.
We’re delighted to have as our guest Louise Candlish, best-selling writer of psychological thrillers – now shortlisted for this year’s Dagger in the Library award from the Crime Writers’ Association (pic below.) We already know her as a supporter of libraries, who will have insightful answers to your questions. We’ll then move on to discussing your concerns, and what The Library Campaign is up to, with a short AGM, finishing at 3.30pm. (We have vacancies for trustees. If you want to know more, contact us at thelibrarycampaign@gmail.com). Please register here – if you plan to attend online you must do so to receive the link.”
Email from the Library Campaign
- Are little libraries doomed to be filled with rubbish books? An argument with myself – The Spinoff. “Why does it feel so sacrilegious to throw away a book? And do the little free libraries that dot our suburbs primarily exist to assuage our guilt? ” … “Big public libraries are more pleasant to visit, have a bigger selection of books that people actually want to read, provide heaps of services to the community. And get this: they’re also free.”
- Fungus the Bogeyman and a Jules Verne classic are among the books banned from libraries after a single complaint – LBC. “More than a dozen books have been removed after members of the public complained about their content or because librarians deemed the books offensive. They include Briggs’s Fungus the Bogeyman, McKee’s Three Monsters, Verne’s Five Weeks in a Balloon, Chris Claremont’s The Uncanny X-Men and Victor Appleton’s Tom Swift series. Louise Cooke, emeritus professor of information and knowledge management at Loughborough University, said the increasing tendency to remove anything that could offend someone is “massively” dangerous.” … “Jo Cornish, interim chief executive of CILIP, said: “Our general view as a profession is that it’s better for the reader to have access to material, not proscribed by law, than it be banned.” article also covered in multiple other titles – GB News; Daily Mail; Daily Express; Times.
- How libraries changed from local sanctuaries to antisocial behaviour hotspots – Telegraph. “Colchester Library is just one of the latest reading idylls to be affected, with incidents including fires and physical assault” Good look at library, with lots of people saying how well they use it but main focus is on the bad behaviour of kids these days.
- Incoming ministers ‘will face UK public services on brink of collapse’ – Guardian. “The IfG said it was not plausible for the victorious party on 4 July to stick to current spending plans at a time when the performance of hospitals was arguably the worst in the history of the NHS, prisons were at crisis point, and councils were shutting libraries and cutting back on waste collection and social care.”
- Libraries Connected Awards 2024 winners revealed – Libraries Connected. “he winners were chosen by an expert panel including Lesley Parr, the award-winning author of children’s historical fiction. Parr was joined by judges from organisations including Arts Council England, The Reading Agency, the Queen’s Reading Room, the Guardian Foundation and digital book platform OverDrive, creator of the Libby reading app for libraries and Sora reading app for schools, which again generously sponsored the Awards. Celebrated crime writer Ann Cleeves – creator of the Vera Stanhope, Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn series – was chosen as recipient of the inaugural Public Library Champion award.”
- New Libraries Connected President Ed Jewell sets out his agenda – Libraries Connected. “Our communities need free, well-funded, properly staffed and dynamic public libraries if they in turn are to constructively engage with the challenges ahead; be that in dealing with immediate issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, mental health and educational attainment, or developing challenges, such as the advent of AI, climate change and the changing nature and make-up of those very communities. ” … “I want to ensure our funders and key stakeholders fully appreciate the potential that properly funded public library services can achieve. That libraries are natural partners within local authorities to work with, to deliver programmes that achieve broad educational, health and cultural ambition”
- Trust Libraries: 10 Pledges for libraries to a new Government – CILIP. Pledges are (1) Information and Culture (2) inform better decisions in government (3) Warm and welcoming spaces (4) Reading and intellectual freedom (5) learning (6) imagination (7) green (8) business (9) research and innovation and (10) ethical.
- We Make Music Instrument Libraries – North Edinburgh News. “Scotland’s flagship Tinderbox Orchestra announces Live in Libraries UK & Ireland Tour to spread a campaign that gets musical instruments into public libraries so people can borrow them for free, just like borrowing a book”
- Why I quit as a school librarian Progressive activism is now considered the norm – UnHerd. “I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I decided to quit my post as an assistant librarian at a private school, but it was most probably when Andersen Press defended its decision to publish a book intended for under-sevens that contained illustrations of men in fetish gear.”
International news
- IFLA PressReader International Marketing Award Winners 2024 – IFLA. “We loved how the top campaign by Auckland Council Libraries embraced marketing with their “100 reasons to have a library card” campaign. The campaign was based on clear insight and defined audiences and objectives. Not only did this campaign deliver on its aims of recruiting new members with 61% of recent members joining directly as a result of seeing the marketing campaign – it also did a brilliant job of bringing to life the full breadth of library activities, using the community as advocates and delivering this in a fun and eye-catching way.” See 100 reasons to have a library card.
- China / Russia – Library sector seeks more cooperation to capitalize on AI influence – Global Times. “China and Russia are seeking more cooperation in facing the challenges and potential opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing to the library sector, officials and experts said at the Second China-Russia Library Forum held in Beijing.”
- Ghana – Kid author Sarah Kittoe to launch reading and writing clubs in schools across Ghana, Africa – Modern Ghana. Child author of four books gives money for libraries in Ghana and in the UK.
- Ireland – Summer Stars Reading Programme at Louth Library Service – Louth Live. “Summer Stars is a free national reading programme for children taking place in all public libraries, which encourages children to read for enjoyment during the summer. Once children sign up for Summer Stars they will receive a free Summer Star bag and activity pack. ”
- New plan launched for Mayo library development – Mayo Live. “Improved opening hours, new libraries in Westport and Ballyhaunis, 365-day opening in Swinford and Ballina libraries, maker spaces and sensory rooms, and the recruitment of a county archivist are just a few of the big ticket items in the exciting new plan. The central focus of the plan is the promotion of reading and literacy, whether that be through class visits, the Summer Stars programme, the provision of book bags, book clubs for young and old and the hugely popular Children’s Book Festival held in October each year.”
- Nigeria – Repositioning Nigerian Public Libraries for Innovative Revenue Generation Strategies – Ayandokun and Onyemachi. Insufficient funding means libraries can no longer rely on State income for all their needs. Librarians need to be trained and allowed to look for other sources.
- Russia – ‘Russia now is like 1984’: Inside a Russian dystopian library – BBC. ““These books show our readers that the power of autocratic regimes is not forever,” Alexander explains. “That every system has its weak points and that everyone who understands the situation around them can preserve their freedom. Freedom of the brain can give freedom of life and of country.””
- USA (Censorship) – Book bans have become a powerful censorship tool in Colorado. Libraries and patrons hold the line – Rocky Mountain PBS. Interview with James LaRue. “all of a sudden, the people that said, “The national narrative is all about me,” became aware that all these books were finally showing up in the library that reflected these perspectives of previously marginalized people. And so they were like, now 97% of the collection about me is not enough, and it needs to be 100%.”
- Seeking Sanctuary – American Libraries. “Public libraries establish themselves as book sanctuaries to counter bans”
- Stop trying to restrict library books – Chronicle. Ohio. Under 18s need parent permission for certain books. see also New Ohio bill could restrict minors in libraries from seeing any book deemed ‘harmful’ – NBC 24 News
- Texas library must reinstate books with ‘butts and farts,’ court says – Chron. “As more and more Texas school boards seek to censor books deemed too controversial or sexual in content, a conservative court in Texas ruled Friday that government entities, including public libraries, cannot just ban or censor books they disagree with.”. Popular picture book “I need a new butt” [UK – “bottom”] by Dawn McMillan had been banned.
- The US librarian who sued book ban harassers: ‘I decided to fight back’ – Guardian. Louisiana librarian has published book on the fight against censorship in libraries. “Amanda Jones vividly remembers the time she received her first death threat. Hate, online bullying or photos sent to her house circling her face with red Biro like a target had been unsettling, but not uncommon. This was different.”
- USA (Other) – Deep Dive in Five with Sandra Hirsh on The Future of Libraries – SJSU News Center. “libraries and librarians who commit to innovation, stay ahead of emerging technologies, and strongly advocate their value will stand strong and tall with roots well-grounded as an essential community resource for learning, communicating, playing and working.” ”
- Expanding Connection to Nature: The Outdoor Gear Library – Keene New Hampshire. New circulation system designed and implemented for Library of Things to ensure items kept together e.g. all the items necessary for a tent.
- FCC Adopts $200M Cybersecurity Pilot Program for Schools and Libraries – Benton Institute. Funding to provide protection to schools and libraries from hackers.
- Looking for a book from another library? You may have a long wait. Here’s why. – Spectrum Local News. Maine. Delivery service which lost out on van contract is taking case to courts meaning who system of moving books between libraries is frozen.
- Working for Well-Being – American Libraries. Help for the mental well-being of public library staff – therapy dogs, beekeeping, $150 lifestyle spending account. Also includes academic and other libraries.
Local news by authority
- Aberdeen – Volunteers commended during anniversary celebration – Aberdeen Council. “Volunteers who worked a combined 594 hours in libraries over the past year were honoured” … “Volunteer opportunities are available through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Saltire Awards, through work experience and for different events throughout the year”
- Angus – Centuries-old Angus archives could be moved in a near £300,000 Arbroath library move – Angus County World. “Angus Archives has been based in the Hunter Library beside the ancient Restenneth Priory on the outskirts of Forfar since 2005 and is home to documents charting eight centuries of Angus history. However, its 20-year lease expires in February and Angus Alive says it’s no longer viable for the archives to remain at Restenneth.”
- Bath and North East Somerset – Costume donations being sought for dressing up corners in libraries – Bath Echo. “Good quality, clean children’s fancy dress costumes are requested, such as princess dresses, mermaid tails, tutus and pirate, superhero, police, nurse and vet outfits. Accessories in good condition such as wings, tiaras, masks and hats will also be gratefully received.”
- Berkshire – Library set to be turned into flats – BBC. “A library that has stood for 39 years is set to be sold and converted into dozens of new flats. Reading Central Library opened in 1985, but now Reading Borough Council is seeking to sell it after it won £19.164 million from a Levelling Up Fund (LUF) grant. The funding will be used to establish a new library at the Civic Offices in Bridge Street.”
- Blackburn with Darwen – Children’s Literature Festival returns to borough for sixth year – Lancashire Telegraph. “It is organised in partnership between Blackburn with Darwen Libraries and the Children’s Literature Festivals charity, founded by local author Christina Gabbitas.”
- Blackpool – Workshops to open up world of virtual reality to Blackpool teens – Blackpool Gazette. Lottery funding.
- Bromley – Temporary library to open in Beckenham – Bromley Council. “This follows the recent temporary closure of Beckenham Library to allow for the refurbishment and repair works to be completed”
- Cambridgeshire – Cambridgeshire Libraries team wins 2024 Libraries Connected Award – Cambridgeshire Council. “Our winning team introduced two new library services to help people in the community, including Cambridgeshire-based asylum seekers, stay connected in a digital world – LendIT and the National Databank. This work also allowed them to lead a national conversation about digital inclusion and share best practice with libraries across the UK.” Lending Laptops and tablets and providing SIM cards.
- Cheshire East – Voters urged to prepare for the upcoming General Election – Cheshire East Council. “visit one of our Cheshire East libraries, where staff will be able to assist you with your online application”
- Residents band together to fight possible Cheshire library closures – Cheshire Live. “About 120 people packed into the Civic Hall at Bollington to discuss how to fight controversial proposals to close the town’s library. Cash-strapped Cheshire East Council has refused to confirm or deny reports it is looking to close four of its libraries to cut costs.” … “The Friends of Bollington Library (FOBL) meanwhile are taking legal advice to help their fight and have said they will also be contacting the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.” see also Macclesfield MP hopefuls and 120 people attend meeting on uncertain future of Bollington Library – Macclesfield Nub.
- Dorset – Dorset’s library opening hours to change from 1 July – Dorset Council. “ased on feedback and identified community needs, we’ve updated our library opening hours. These new hours were published in July 2023 and will launch next month. We will also update our activities and events timetable to align with these new hours. The new opening hours will come into effect on 1 July 2024.” … “While some libraries may see a bigger change than others, overall, we have been able to keep almost the same number of weekly staffed hours, 630 instead of 631, across our library network.”
“All staff had to apply for their own or another job. They had to fill in a long, detailed application and then be interviewed … There are 40 (!) vacancies altogether on Dorset Council Jobs website for Libraries Customer Adviser posts, full time and part time. The new hours are to start 1st July – but [they’re] obviously never going to get new people in post by then are they? Getting rid of casual staff but trying to keep them on whilst short staffed – and then not use them again … So it looks like staff decided they didn’t want to jump through the hoops of applying.”
Email received anonymously from Dorset
- Dudley – Dudley libraries to host authors at first writer’s festival – Halesowen News. “Running from June 8 to 22, the new book festival will feature crime and thriller authors Lindsey Davis, Priscilla Masters, Natalie Marlow, Caz Frear and Angela Marsons; family saga authors Annie Murray and Joanna Toye; romance writers Miranda Dickinson, Sally Jenkins and Suzan Holder and fiction writer Mike Gayle among others.”
- East Riding – Get set to go Live ‘n Loud in local libraries – Bridlington Echo. “The festival runs from Monday 22 July until Saturday 31 August and includes a varied and exciting programme – featuring live music, forensics, activities, author visits and much more. “. Funded through Arts Council England.
- Guernsey – Woman recognised for improving library accessibility – BBC. “Jackie Burgess, the community and wellbeing lead at Guille-Alles Library in Guernsey, was named first runner up in the Vision and Print Impaired People’s category at the Libraries Connected awards.” … “Mrs Burgess has been recognised for spearheading the library’s Stories on USB service, which provides blind and visually impaired islanders with free audiobooks”
“Hampshire Libraries have instructed staff not to post any pride displays on social media, and a planned pride month promotion of books for teens has been removed from Borrowbox. Staff are disappointed, but cannot speak out publicly, both because they’ve been told the pre-election period applies. if you look at Hampshire Libraries Branches social media you can see the lack of posting, and look at Borrowbox to see there are no pride bookshelves”“
Hampshire – anonymous email
- Haringey – Hornsey Library adults’ section to re-open – Haringey Council. Section of library reopened after RAAC dealt with.
- Isle of Wight – Isle of Wight libraries offer free access to the British Newspaper Archive – On the Wight.
- Kirklees – Kirklees Libraries win award for supporting isolated residents with their English language skills – Kirklees Council. “Librarians Ambreen Aziz, Becky Longwood and Mazhar Iqbal have won the Libraries Connected Reading Award that recognises their work in running weekly English Talk time sessions for Kirklees residents.” 300 attended since 2018.
- Manchester – Top 5: Must-see highlights at the 2024 Festival of Libraries – Manchester Wire.
- Newham – £756,616 funding secured to progress Canning Town Old Library Transformation – Newham Council. Old library to be turned into community asset inc. archives.
- Northern Ireland – More than 30,000 library accounts suspended due to overdue books – Belfast Telegraph. Registration needed to read article.
- Somerset – Reopened toy library aims to reduce waste – BBC. Frome Library. “Run by local charity Purple Elephant, the Toy Library has more than 50 “play sacks” to lend out to children up to the age of six. Available to library members, the newly revamped scheme allows toys to be reused and help parents and carers save money.”
- Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries rewards its amazing volunteer champions for 2024 – Suffolk Libraries. ” Around 120 people came along to hear many moving and uplifting stories about the volunteers who were shortlisted with the winners then being announced and being presented with their certificates by a series of special guests … uffolk Libraries currently has 1,262 registered volunteers who dedicated an amazing 35,500 hours of their time in 2023-24 in various roles including running the Home Library Service, supporting library Friends’ Groups or the summer reading challenges and many other volunteering roles in libraries.”
- Surrey – Call for children’s artwork for ancient trees book – BBC. “The book will be distributed across all 52 of Surrey’s libraries and to local schools. The competition runs until 4 September and templates can be collected and returned to any Surrey Library.”
- Tameside – Top-class Ballet is on its way to Tameside – Tameside Correspondent. “Black British Ballet’s performance of “Island Movements.”” … ““Island Movements” is a collaborative effort between Black British Ballet, Tameside Libraries, the Department for Levelling Up and Communities, and Near Neighbours (Bringing People Together).”
- Libraries ACT on HiVis Mission to Support People with Sight-loss – Tameside Council. “This year’s theme is “ACT” which stands for accessibility, connection and tactile.”
- Thurrock – Dual-language children’s books – Thurrock libraries – Thurrock Council. “BookTrust has donated 350 dual-language children’s books to Thurrock’s library service. These are being offered to Thurrock residents for free from Grays library from Monday 17 June on a first-come, first-served basis”
- Walsall – New digital technology for Walsall Libraries as part of borough-wide improvements – Walsall Council. “The borough’s seven libraries, mobile library and archives service have been updated, thanks to a £202,349 grant from the Arts Council England Libraries Improvement Fund. Improvements have included various furniture pieces that create flexible work and study spaces, as well as new tables and chairs for children’s groups and activities.”
- Warwickshire – Warwickshire Libraries Celebrates Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month with community events – Warwickshire Council. “Warwickshire Libraries has commissioned Gemma Lees, a Romany Gypsy artist, performance poet, and journalist, to lead the roadshow project. ” ACE funded.
- Celebrate National Crime Reading Month at Warwickshire Libraries – Warwickshire Council. “n a generous gesture to promote reading in the county, local author Penny Batchelor has gifted Warwickshire Libraries with 600 copies of her latest psychological thriller, The Reunion Party, which will be given away for free to the public. “
- Wokingham – Is there a book in you? – Wokingham Today. Creative writing class.
Pre-election period
Jun 2nd
Editorial
Public libraries were clearly not a major focus for electioneering this week, without a single article spotted. CILIP is hoping that this will change and we can hope, although of course currently employed library staff would get into potential hot water if they were political in their jobs at this time. Certainly, wherever cuts are announced, such as in Nottingham, people mobilise but they do so in an ad hoc fashion and not in any meaningful national way. Speaking of that city, it’s sad to see that one of the proposals is to cut the opening hours of the new Nottingham Central Library, which has only been open for a few months. This is reminiscent of the cuts in hours to the mega-expensive Library of Birmingham a decade ago, under the same government. Other than that, it’s fairly quiet out there, as perhaps one would expect in a pre-election period where councils scramble to remove anything political from their schedule.
I would recommend. though, a couple of happier stories this week: first, watch the amazing pianist who walked in with this builder team into Edmonton Library in Canada. It’s good for the soul. Then have a read of the poor (fool-hardy?) reporter who got locked in a Scottish library at the start of the bank holiday and was only saved from an undignified escape through a window due to the timely arrival of a cleaner. Having people stuck in closed libraries is a recurrent nightmare of many staff who have a to look up the building at the end of the day so it’s interesting to read about it from the other side’s point of view.
Changes by local authority
- Nottingham – £1.5m cut over 2 years. Aspley, Basford, Bilborough, and Radford-Lenton under threat. 12 week consultation.
National news
- Better social media for libraries and cultural organisations – next steps – CILIP. 6 June, online.
- CILIP welcomes General Election call – CILIP. “oday’s announcement is an opportunity for this skilled and trusted profession to show the next government how it could do even more for the public with the right support and investment.”
- ‘Hate messages won’t stop me – I’m changing lives’ – BBC. “When Sab Samuel became the first drag queen to read children’s stories to youngsters at UK libraries it sparked protests across the country.” … “Some events go by unnoticed, while others make international news. “It can be just one tweet that sets things off,” Sab said.”
- Learning from audiobook usage in public libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic – Journal of Librarianship and Information Science. “Some surprising findings arose, including how limitations related to social media promotion of audiobooks were indicative of wider issues, and how questions around the future of audiobooks can shed light on what may be needed in the public library of tomorrow”
- Libraries Change Lives – Join the campaign in the build up to the general election – CILIP. “n the build-up to the general election, we will be launching the Libraries Change Lives social media and press campaign to engage politicians and decision-makers so that they truly understand the impact and value that library and information professionals add to their communities.”
- The Library Campaign mini-conference and AGM – Library Campaign. Saturday 15 June, London and online.
- Meet Rachel | Read Manchester Literacy Champion – National Literacy Trust. Sets up little free libraries in shops and hospitals.
- Titles from Taylor Jenkins Reid, Tom Daley, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Haruki Murakami part of the BBC and The Reading Agency’s Big Sporting Read – BBC. “Data from The Reading Agency shows that sports-themed content used in previous programmes has been a key driver of getting people of all ages across the UK involved in reading-related activity, with four in five librarians agreeing that a sports theme brought new audiences into the library.”
- Vera author Ann Cleeves named first ‘public library champion’ by library charity – Northumberland Gazette.
- Walked 400 miles across Scotland only to get locked in a public library – Scotsman. Reporter is locked into Kirkcudbright Library after going to bathroom near closing time. After working out how to escape, the reporter is saved by a cleaner coming in. “The funny thing was a day or two later, arriving in the neighbouring village of Gatehouse of Fleet, I checked out the local library as a space to work for the morning and saw the very same man who had locked me in by accident sitting at reception.”
International news
- Finland – Better late than never! Book borrowed in 1939 returned to Finnish library after 84 years – Yahoo. Finnish librarian says ““Our purpose is not to guard the books, we are here to promote reading and enable access to books and knowledge to everyone. The library is a very humane place, and people in Finland use the libraries a lot and understand how they work. Library books belong to all of us and late returns are not a big problem.””
- Spain – Spanish design duo reveal secrets behind award-winning Barcelona library – Euro News. Gabriel Garcia Marquez Library. “From the outside it looks like a huge, white stack of books and that is precisely the idea at the self-styled ‘Cathedral of books.’ Inside, the red spruce finish throughout gives it a clean, airy, feel which helps make it seem like a pleasant place to enjoy books.” … “People spend a lot of time in the library. They don’t just come in and get a book. They feel more comfortable here than at home,” Elena said. “That is the real idea of the palace of the people,” Guillermo added.”
- USA – Activists and librarians are fighting a wave of challenges to books, many with LGBTQ themes – WPLN. “The American Library Association recorded the highest number titles challenged since it began recording them more than 20 years ago.”. Nearly half of challenges are over sexuality or race. “Banning books and removing books from libraries is a fascist practice. It’s something that fascists do”
- 2 petitions look to overturn controversial changes at Huntington Beach libraries – NBC Los Angeles. Over book censorship and privatisation.
- Human Rights Hero: The Librarian – American Bar Association. “despite facing the greatest existential threat in the history of libraries at the toughest time to be a practitioner, librarians keep showing up to ensure that the public has the support they need to access and navigate the print and digital materials that can inform and enrich their lives. That is truly the definition of “hero.””
- Ransomware attack on Seattle Public Library knocks out online systems – The Record. “it has taken all systems down and has contacted law enforcement. There is no estimated time of recovery”
- Vending library program expands into new locations – WVUA 23. “The two new vending libraries will be installed at the Faucett Brothers and Bobby Miller PARA Activity Centers. The kiosks will contain books covering subjects to include adult fiction and nonfiction, children’s fiction, picture books, and pre-K reading materials.”
Local news by authority
- Blackpool – Blackpool libraries to showcase creative technology careers to young people – Blackpool Council. “Blackpool Libraries are working with The Reading Agency, StoryFutures and other partners to provide access for young adults (13 to 17) to technology and to mentors in this field”. ACE grant. VR. Links with technology companies. Creative Minds training library staff on improving tech knowledge and dealing with teenagers.
- Ceredigion – Petition against Ceredigion library move to be heard next week – Tivy-Side Advertiser. “A near-200-strong petition calling for Lampeter’s library to remain in the town’s Market Stret is to be received by senior Ceredigion councillors next week.”
- Derby – Three proposals to run community libraries shortlisted – Derby Council. “Three organisations have been invited to submit formal bids to run the city’s ten non-statutory libraries as a Trust.” … “The ten community libraries are Allestree, Allenton, Blagreaves, Chaddesden Park, Chellaston, Derwent Community Library, Mackworth, Sinfin, Spondon and Springwood (Oakwood).”
- Derbyshire – Derbyshire temporary banking hub opens in library – Chad. Cash Access UK involved. “The temporary Banking Hub will provide locals with basic banking and cash services, while plans for the permanent Hub continue to progress. The temporary Banking Hub is located at Shirebrook Library on Patchwork Row.”
- Hampshire – Volunteers’ Week: 3 – 9 June 2024 – Hampshire Council. “Across our whole service our volunteers give back over 800 hours to their communities every week. Whether they support someone who uses the Home Library Service, help with the Summer Reading Challenge, or volunteer to run a Saturday Fun Time, Rhymetime or Chat About session they all help to make our libraries warm and welcoming places.”
- Hartlepool – Have your say on hub and library opening hours – Hartlepool Council. “Opening hours at the hubs and libraries had been reduced in previous years due to financial pressures and lower visitor figures on evenings, however some people have subsequently been unable to get to the venues during the current hours” … “The opening hours wouldn’t be increased or decreased, but instead redistributed across times that are more convenient for residents.” … “Community Hub Central in York Road is now opening later on Wednesday evenings until 8pm, giving people more time to enjoy lots of great activities including Fab Lab sessions, a weight management group, homework groups and much more – plus of course the library.”
- Hertfordshire – First ever Hertfordshire CareFest announced for June – Hertfordshire Council. “rganised as part of a collaborative initiative by our Adult Care Services and local libraries, HILS (Health & Independent Living Support), Carers in Herts, Herts Sports Partnership, and the NHS.”
- Inverclyde – Inverclyde Librarian books in for top award – Inverclyde Council. ” nominated for her work last year to integrate a health and wellbeing focus into Inverclyde’s libraries following the Covid-19 pandemic.”
- Isle of Wight – ICRTouch teams up with Isle of Wight libraries to boost tech learning resources – On the Wight. ” ICRTouch and the Isle of Wight council have curated a list of reading resources that comprises approximately 100 books which are now available at local libraries.”
- Kent – Thanet libraries receive Know Your Neighbourhood £85k grant – Isle of Thanet News. “The Know Your Neighbourhood project is a national initiative aiming to widen participation in volunteering and tackle loneliness in 27 disadvantaged areas across England. Thanet libraries have received a share of £2.5 million of the £30 million fund” … ” Examples of the activities include walking and gardening for wellbeing, children’s craft activities, menopause cafes, family learning support events and social prescribing.”
- Nottingham – Nottingham news: Four libraries at risk of closure as council scrimps to save £1.5m – Nottingham World. Aspley, Basford, Bilborough, and Radford-Lenton under threat. 12 week consultation. see also Campaigners launch petition against four Nottingham library closures – Notts TV. “In less than 24 hours the petition received more than 400 signatures. Wendy Smith, former Lord Mayor of Nottingham and former Labour councillor for Bilborough, will also be supporting the campaign against the closures.” and see consultation here.
- Nottingham Central Library opening hours could be cut months after opening – Nottingham Post.
- Nottinghamshire – New ‘Meet Me at the Benches’ book themed art trail to launched July 11 during Newark Book Festival, organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council and Inspire Culture, Learning and Libraries, featuring designs by East Midlands artists – Newark Advertiser.
- Oldham – Oldham libraries launch ‘look for a book’ competition – Oldham Times.
- Orkney – Northern Isles Libraries funding boost for vision project – Orkney Islands Council. “Orkney and Shetland Libraries are putting aside their friendly rivalry with a joint project to boost services for the visually impaired. “Make a Noise in the North” highlights what libraries and their partners can offer people with sight problems. This project is supported by the Public Library Improvement Fund via the Scottish Library and Information Council.”
- Waltham Forest – Relief as South Chingford Community Library saved from closure – Yellow Advertiser. “South Chingford Community Library, in Chingford Mount Road, was originally set to close at the end of June after Waltham Forest Council pulled its funding last September. But the trust has now been offered another year’s funding, with the council saying it has “arranged a short-term tenancy while we complete our review of how we deliver library services”.”
- Warwickshire – Get involved in thrilling “Body in the Library” murder mystery events this June at Warwickshire Libraries – Warwickshire Council. “There will be separate interactive sessions available for young people aged 11 – 17 years, and adults aged 18+ years, taking place at four library locations across the county.” … “inspired by real crimes found in Warwickshire’s Local History archives.” £20 per person including a free drink. £3 for young people events.
- Worcestershire – Worcestershire libraries offering ‘Study Happy’ for students – Worcester Observer.
National election called: public librarians know which way they will be voting
May 27th
Editorial
So, an election has been called. The British public can now decide on who they think is best to govern them. On hearing the news, I immediately ran a poll to see which political party the nice people on Twitter who follow me think should win. The result wasn’t really open to interpretation. I could be wrong but I think a 87.3% vote for Labour would mean they take government. Out of 142 votes, the Conservatives and Lib Dems tied on five or six votes each, with Reform getting none. Twitter polls only allow four options so I went with the biggest polling parties but responses suggest that the Greens would have got a good showing if they had been included. Clearly, not many Reform voters – shocker – follow me, as they received zero votes.
Last week’s editorial suggested the Single Digital Presence / LibraryOn received £3m of budget in the last three years. I have been contacted since then with more accurate figures. The project actually received £3.4m of funding but £1.54m was for direct grants to library services. I was heartened to be told in the same email that ACE and the DCMS have not lost their ambition for a single library card but, considering there are 153 very independent councils and the move would be voluntary then the challenge will be considerable. If not impossible. Perhaps a new Labour Government could do better, however much of a hard act to follow this – checks notes from Conservative Central Office – uber-competent, stable and well-loved Conservative Government will be.
Changes by authority
- Bridgend – Consultation, expected cuts to opening hours and book fund.
- Leicestershire – Ibstock volunteer-run library closed.
- Pembrokshire – Consultation launched. Cuts expected.
- Worcestershire – Redditch Library will stay where it is due to Redditch council now being under Labour control.
- Wrexham – Consultation launched.
National news
- Libraries are told to install panic buttons, hire guards and get staff wearing bodycams after surge in ‘disruptive behaviour’ from customers – Mail. “National charity Libraries Connected published the guidance to protect staff “. Increase in anti-social behaviour. [This story is also covered on various national newspaper websites, some international – Ed.]
- Libraries facing closure as budgets squeezed – BBC. Cuts to Havering and Croydon. Kamal Shah of North Harrow Community Library, who is also chairman of the Community Libraries Network, suaggests using volunteers instead of closing them.
- Look for a Book challenge returns during May half-term – Oldham Evening News. Across Greater Manchester. “Manchester’s Festival of Libraries will be opening a new chapter this summer, with writers, artists, musicians and poets preparing to fill the region’s 133 libraries with performances, trails, talks and crafts, with a huge part of the programme designed to be Family Friendly.” … “Hidden in and around the green spaces of Manchester’s libraries will be 500 copies of Konnie Huq’s Fearless Fairy Tales lying in wait to be found.”
Hi, I’m Maddie, a Masters student researching green libraries and environmental education and am looking for public librarians to interview. If you’re interested in participating or want more details, please contact me at 22560062@stu.mmu.ac.uk Thank you
Email received
- Public Libraries as Social Innovators – Public Library Quality. “This reflects a change in service logic, moving away from the mobilization of technical capabilities in a low interactivity context and toward the mobilization of human capabilities in a high interactivity context. Public libraries now stand as social innovators in that their activities modify interaction patterns among individuals.”
International news
- Australia – Community libraries that lend things promote neighbourhood sharing and reduced consumption – ABC News. “The Sydney Library of Things is like the most helpful neighbour you can imagine”. Volunteer run, items almost all donated by public.
- Canada Innisfil, Essa libraries split $15K in Smile Cookie proceeds – Barrie Today. “Thank you to local Tim Hortons restaurant owners and many guests who bought Smile Cookies in support of our local libraries.”
- Iran – Personality Characteristics of Librarians and its Relationship with Digital Literacy Skills in Public
Libraries of Kermanshah Province – Journal of Knowledge Retrieval and Semantic Systems. “The research results confirm the relationship between personality traits and digital literacy skills among librarians and on this basis, it is concluded that to empower librarians it is necessary to pay attention to personality traits and promote to librarians digital literacy.”
- USA – Donnelly Public Library will become adults-only to comply with new ‘library porn’ law – Boise State Public Radio. “Donnelly Public Library will no longer allow anyone under 18 to visit unless accompanied by a parent starting July 1. That’s due to the implementation of House Bill 710 passed earlier this year, which requires all libraries – both public and private – to relocate a book to an adults-only section within 60 days of receiving a written complaint. If the library declines to do so, it could face a civil lawsuit under the law. That comes with a mandatory $250 fine for the library and plaintiffs could receive uncapped damages. “Our size prohibits us from separating our ‘grown up’ books to be out of the accessible range of children,” the library’s statement reads, noting it’s only 1,024 square feet.”
- Jodi Picoult: ‘It’s not a badge of honour to be banned’ – BBC. “Picoult said her books My Sister’s Keeper and Nineteen Minutes were affected by the bans.” … “She said the reason Nineteen Minutes, which is about a US school shooting, was banned, was not because of the shooting scenes: “They have no problem with that. The problem is that on page 313, I use the term ‘erection’.””
- Librarians: Watch authoritarians in action – Coeur d’Alene Press / Post Falls. Idaho. “Is it OK for library trustees to freely impose their wills while they discount citizen, expert or staff views? Is it really OK if our community belongs only to some of us now?”
- Making Democracy Work: How local libraries work toward sustainability – TBR Newsmedia. Some libraries “offer a wide range of talks, activities, and displays to answer patrons’ questions or broaden their expertise. Some sponsor “carbon crews,” which are small groups of residents working toward reducing their carbon footprints with support from a leader and other members. Some have started “repair cafes” where patrons can get help from other patrons to fix items they want to keep using.”
- Not your childhood library – New Yorker. “An ambitious experiment in Minneapolis is changing the way librarians work with their homeless patrons and challenging how we share public space.”. Gives away free clothing . “The police regularly clear the city’s streets of encampments, but officers don’t run unhoused people out of Central. As long as they follow the rules, any patron—and everyone at the library is called a patron—can stay all day, every day.”
Local news by authority
- Bolton – Maxine Peake to appear at Bolton Central Library next month – Bolton News. She comes from the town. “Maxine, renowned for her captivating roles in Three Girls, Black Mirror, and Silk, will be sharing how libraries have shaped her life and work. The visit is part of the Festival of Libraries.”
- The Creative Core designs Bolton Library in multi-million-pound renovation project – Blooloop. Spectacular, very white, photographs. “Visitors enter Bolton Library through a portal which takes them straight to the middle of the space. Here they will find a welcome desk and seating, surrounded by rows of bookshelves which radiate outwards from this central point.”
- People banned from Bolton’s libraries for abuse and alcohol – Bolton News. “A total of 34 bans have been issued since 2020 for reasons including indecent exposure, aggressive behaviour, drinking alcohol, racist abuse, vandalism, and swearing.”. Such behaviour is increasing.
- Bridgend – Bridgend Council to engage with public on cuts to library services – Bridgend Herald. “set to begin public engagement with residents this month over potential cuts to its library and cultural services.” … “Some of these savings would include a reduction of £50,000 from the library book renewal fund” … “There could also be a public consultation over changes to the borough’s library services, which could see a reduction to opening hours by around 60 hours per week across the entire library estate, as well as ending the local books on wheels service which currently delivers books to 345 households.”
- Ceredigion – Lampeter vows to fight library relocation – Cambrian News. “In Lampeter, the plan is to relocate the library an eight-minute walk away into the town’s Wellbeing Centre, but petitions have already been launched, collecting hundreds of signatures calling for the library to stay put in its current location near the town’s Sainsbury’s supermarket.” Well attended meeting against move.
- Cheshire East – Macclesfield MP candidates share their thoughts on potential closure of Bollington Library – Macclesfield Nub News. “This could leave the town of over 7000 people without a local library.” Closure not officially announced but Friends group claims it would be from January 2025. “While the community group has remained tight-lipped regarding the source, and Cheshire East nor confirming or denying, it has been reported across the media and concerned people who want to become Macclesfield’s next MP.”. No candidates unsurprisingly say they support the closure.
- ‘Strong concern’ over potential library closures – BBC. Cuts concentrated in north of borough.
- Edinburgh – We must support our libraries and community hubs – Foysol Choudhury – Edinburgh News. “Libraries provide communities with a multitude of benefits. Not only do they give free access to books but they are also community hubs with clubs, events, room hires and warm, welcoming spaces.”
- Essex – Body-worn cameras considered after librarian assaulted in Colchester – BBC. “A library has been considering giving staff body-worn cameras after more than 50 anti-social behaviour incidents, including an assault on a librarian, took place over the past three months.”
- Gloucestershire – More library choirs for over-60s to fight loneliness – BBC. “More library choirs are being set up to combat loneliness among the over-60s in Gloucestershire. The project which started in Longlevens, Gloucestershire, in December will be rolled out to Coleford and Tuffley libraries after a successful funding bid. The groups were created to help people who are more than 60 years old cope with loneliness and isolation.”
- Hammersmith and Fulham – Special events for children at libraries – Hammersmith and Fulham Council. Spine Festival events.
- Haringey – Adults’ section at Hornsey Library to re-open – Haringey Council. After RAAC found.
- Havering – Havering Council told to reconsider library closure plans – Romford Recorder. Opposition mounts to announced cuts. Union and a Labour and a Conservative MP all criticise move.
- Hull – The Big Malarkey: Kids’ reading festival returns to East Park – Hull Story.
- Leicestershire – Council ‘reluctantly’ closes library for good – BBC. “The facility was most recently run by a group of volunteers, but they told the council in September that they could not continue. This prompted a hunt for a new team to keep the doors open, which was ultimately unsuccessful.”
- Manchester – ‘Quiet Storm’ went down a storm with pupils! Read all about this year’s Manchester high school Transition Read – MancLibraries Blog. “Every child starting Year 7 in a Manchester high school in September will be gifted a copy of this book when they attend their ‘transition day’ in July.”
- North Ayrshire – Parent council to petition local councillors on re-design of North Ayrshire library service – Daily Record. “Both parents and school pupils have been left feeling “happy” that the re-design of North Ayrshire library service is paused until August 2025, following a meeting of full council earlier this month.” … “Currently, there are five librarians across secondary schools in the region. One of the proposals from the budget meeting was that only two term-time jobs would remain within the school library service”
- Nottingham – Campaigners say four Nottingham libraries could be closed by council under plans – Notts TV. “Des Conway, who helped campaign to save the Basford, Aspley, and Radford-Lenton libraries in 2022, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service in February the council held a meeting with UNISON. This meeting revealed all but three libraries could face closure.” but now says ““If the rumour mill is to be believed, then the nuclear option of closing all but three of the city’s libraries fortunately will not now happen,” … ” it is understood the four libraries which could be earmarked for closure are Aspley, Basford, Bilborough and Radford”. Council has not confirmed or denied.
- Pembrokeshire – Pembrokeshire Library Service seeks residents’ input – Western Telegraph. Cuts expected. “Cllr Harvey has announced an extensive library needs assessment exercise, seeking input from residents.”
- Southend – Labour take control to lead coalition in Southend – BBC. “r Cowan used his first speech as leader to rule out closing libraries saying he would not find savings in “improper places”. “This administration will not even contemplate any proposals to scrap libraries, family centres or dementia community support services while we hold office,” he said.”
- Stirling – Off the Page Stirling Libraries Book and Culture Festival – List. “Our Stirling Council Libraries and Archives book festival ‘Off the Page’ is returning this year starting Thursday 25th May and running until Tuesday 30th May.”
- Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries welcomes new Environmentalist in Residence – Suffolk Libraries. “During his residency Martin will be working on the development of a project called Seconds of Sound (S.O.S), inviting the public to take part in weekly sound walks that connect all 45 of our branches (plus some of our local prison libraries too).” Museum in a box – RFID’d objects which cause sounds to play.
- 100 years of Ipswich County Library – our new exhibition launches this week – Suffolk Libraries. ” staff from Ipswich County Library and Suffolk Libraries’ Arts team have put together a display showcasing images from the past, historic books, objects, and memorabilia relating to the library’s 100 years of service the local community.”
- Chantry Library in Ipswich to delay reopening after legionella detected – Suffolk News. “Chantry Library has been shut since May 8 after a routine water test revealed the risk of the bacteria being present in the water supply of the taps in its toilet.” … “After liaising with Suffolk County Council, work to replace the library’s roof will also take place while the building is closed.”
- Introducing Reading Quest! Where will reading take you this summer? – Suffolk Libraries. “Reading Quest is being supported by official sponsors Advantage Angels, one of the fastest growing private nursing agencies in the UK who have their HQ in Ipswich and support care homes, hospitals, private homecare nursing, primary care and mental health institutions across the country. Advantage Angels are providing £20,000 of sponsorship to help Suffolk Libraries create a range of colourful and free resources for children over the next two years.”
- Suffolk Libraries’ reading scheme back with 5 author talks – East Anglian Daily Times. Five adult authors.
- Swansea – Libraries’ warm welcome saluted with national honour – Swansea Herald. Library of Sanctuary.
- Wandsworth – More than a million people visit Wandsworth libraries – Wandsworth Council. “Well over a million people enjoyed visiting Wandsworth’s libraries last year – an increase of 17 per cent on the previous year. Close to two million books were issued, 75 per cent of them physical books, and the rest e-books. Figures are two per cent up on 2022-23.”
- Wirral – Creative writing and art workshops for adult beginners in Wirral – Wirral Globe. ACE funded.
- Worcestershire – Library demolition halted by new council leader – BBC. “Plans to demolish and relocate Redditch Library have been halted. The library was set to be moved into the town hall, despite some opposition from residents. But new borough council leaderJoe Baker said he was looking at unwinding contracts signed for the project, plus new proposals for the town centre. Labour won control of Redditch Borough Council in local elections earlier this month, after six years under the Conservatives. “The library has been a quite contentious subject on the doors,” Mr Baker said. “We’ve listened… The library is not going to be moving into the town hall.””
- Worcestershire libraries are bidding for more volunteers – Worcester Observer. For Summer Reading Challenge. “Last year, 116 young volunteers helped deliver the challenge, they completed 1,600 cumulative hours.”
- Wrexham – Wrexham Council launches consultation on library services – Leader Live.
Welsh libraries are aiming to have real presence
May 19th
Editorial
The move by Wales towards the ambition of having one library card to be able to be used in all library services in the nation is highly laudable. Public libraries should be about reducing barriers to access and this is an obvious one – you’d need 22 library cards at the moment to get the full Welsh set. And some of these services would be big enough to justify a mere single library in a lot of England: Merthyr Tydfil has a population of 43,000, Caerphilly 41,000. But the nation as a whole has a bigger population than that of all of Greater Manchester. So it’s great to see the Welsh Government is providing £1m towards that goal. If scaled up to England’s population, this would be a very respectable £18m. Which would be six times more than the last three years of funding for the English Single Digital Presence, which has now lost its never-fully-believable ambition to be single and becoming “LibraryOn”.
There are considerable challenges, as Orkney have found (currently actively asking people to stay away) or Bournemouth Christchurch Poole just this week. But it’s do-able. Various English library consortia of library services have shown this. But perhaps the biggest challenge is in terms of scale – it’s 18 times harder in England – which would need considerable funding in library terms. But this would bet tiny in national terms. The Rwanda scheme alone has cost £240m until the end of last year. Crucially, though, it would need a strong directing hand and interest. Which the current English situation is distinctly lacking.
Changes by local authority
- Edinburgh – Now Fines-free permanently. Library officers push for cuts in defiance of councillor’s expressed wish.
- North Ayrshire – £450k cut, 20% cut in opening hours. 9.5 FTE lost, “redesign” of schools library service.
- West Dunbartonshire – Dalmuir Library moved from its own building into community centre.
National news
- Brought to book: Library cash plea amid ‘brutal cuts’ to budgets – Scottish Sun. Labour criticises SNP policy. “The party’s analysis indicates the number of facilities dropped from 627 in 2009/2010 to 538 in 2022/2023. Its culture spokesman Neil Bibby MSP said: “Years of brutal cuts to council budgets have devastated communities, causing the closure of one in seven libraries and threatened the future of more.”
- Greater Manchester Festival of Libraries 2024 – University of Manchester. “From June 12-16 2024, Greater Manchester will once again celebrate the Manchester City of Literature Festival of Libraries – which promises a rich tapestry of vibrant events for all ages and interests”. See also main webpage.
- How are libraries adapting to the rapid advancements in AI technology? – Cryptopolitan. “Libraries are a place where artificial intelligence can have a greater positive impact. AI can reduce librarians’ workload so that they can focus on community engagement. Virtual presence is becoming an essential part of library culture.” … “The librarian’s role is important in keeping everyone on board. AI can be used as a tool, but it can never be a replacement.”
- Library Campaign mini-conference and AGM – The Library Campaign. Saturday 15 June, London or online. “Author Louise Candlish will talk about her books, and why libraries matter.”
- The Reading Agency launches Reading Well for Dementia collection – Bookseller. “The Reading Agency is launching a curated list of books, Reading Well for Dementia, at libraries across England and Wales to help those affected by the condition. The series, dubbed by the charity as a “curated collection of books and resources designed to… support the health and wellbeing of those affected by the condition”, launches, in partnership with public libraries during Dementia Action Week”
Welsh libraries receive almost £1m for new shared digital platform – South Wales Argus. Welsh Government funded. “the digital library will allow people to share their resources with other libraries.” and “pave the way” for a single Welsh library card. [If sized up to England’s population, this would be £18m – LibraryOn, the closest English comparator, receive £3m – Ed.] see also Welsh libraries to get new digital platform – UK Authority. SirsiDynix, project led by Gwynedd.
International news
- Global – Are librarians non-playable characters? – IFLA. There is “a sense that librarians do not have any agency”. Librarians are controlled by others, e.g. councils or universities, and so are not independent. This gives a sense of powerlessness. “we need to be ready to challenge, both when we see fatalism and passivity in our own attitudes, but also when we see others discount libraries and what they bring to the table.”
- Preparing for the unthinkable: A systematic look at disaster preparedness in libraries – Science Direct. ” it is imperative to undertake essential measures, such as revising the LIS syllabus to encompass disaster management studies and enforcing a disaster management ‘policy-in-practice’ in all libraries.“
- Australia – Cumberland Council’s book ban has been overturned, but what is really happening in Australian libraries? – Conversation. “The change was short-lived. People fought back. More than 40,000 signed a petition to lift the ban. Only two weeks later, the Council reversed its decision, voting decisively (13-2), following impassioned pleas by residents, and with many people protesting on the streets.”. Bans “are also part of a wider reactionary movement” … “As the outcry over the short-lived Cumberland City Council ban shows, everyday Australians value libraries and the information they provide to their communities. Public support is needed to defend against future attacks and to send a message to governments that banning books is not acceptable.”
- Ireland – ‘It’s not our job to be censors’: Library staff facing alarming levels of aggression – Irish Times. “Michael Devine, a library worker, currently feels the need to ignore calls to his door in the evening because he is concerned for his safety. It is a temporary measure, he says, taken for the duration of the local and European election campaigns because he does not want one of the candidates to know where he lives. This approach, Devine suggests, reflects the stress public-facing library employees have had to face because of targeting by elements of the far right and more general levels of aggression from other members of the public.”
- South Korea – A Study on the Differences in Awareness of the Social Value of Public Libraries between Public library Users and Non-Users: Focused on Paju City – Korea Science.
- USA – Here’s the latest on Arkansas libraries’ challenge of law criminalizing ‘obscene’ books – Times Record. “Act 372 “is so broad and vague that librarians would have been forced to turn libraries into segregated vaults to avoid going to jail,”
- How are N.Y. libraries adapting to people’s needs? – Spectrum Local News. New teen areas, social workers.
- Ivanka Trump’s Tweet About Libraries Is Getting Trolled By Librarians. Here’s Why – Fortune. Ivanka “tweeted a recognition of the work libraries and librarians do around the country, but some librarians didn’t appreciate her support. That’s because her father, President Donald Trump, released a budget proposal earlier this year that, if passed, would cut federal funds for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency that provides the main source of federal support for the country’s libraries museums. Library organizations used Trump’s tweet to disparage her father’s budget blueprint”
Local news by authority
- Cornwall – Comics Plus eComics – Cornwall Council. “Access a collection of over 19,000 titles. Work is available from publishers like Disney, Dark Horse, IDW and more.”
- Edinburgh – Council to scrap library fines permanently – Edinburgh Reporter. “Overdue book fines are to be permanently scrapped by Edinburgh libraries – as the council prepares to write off almost £50,000 owed by library users. Since the pandemic no overdue fines have been issued in the capital, and now the local authority will join a growing number across Scotland to completely do away with them. Council officers said the charges are “increasingly viewed as being out of step with a modern, accessible, and welcoming service” and the move could result in increased use of a more “equal” service and help tackle poverty.”
- Fury at cuts to library opening hours – Edinburgh Reporter. “Officers were accused of putting elected members in a “very difficult position” and acting “dangerously” by seeking approval for a consultation on changes to library service times against their expressed wish. Council officers say the library estate could be “maximised” by “redistributing” operational hours across the city – closing some branches earlier and others later. All options currently on the table, set out in a report, would result in “an overall net increase to opening hours across the city” and save the cash-strapped authority between £70,000 and £225,000 a year. However as councillors agreed to review the library service to develop a new “strategy and vision” in December, they agreed it should not lead to any being closed or having their opening hours reduced.”
- Essex – Library booking charge paused thanks to avid-reader – BBC. “the councillor responsible for libraries said he would “not proceed” with the proposal “in its current form” after being told about an avid reader in Holland-on-Sea. Mark Durham told a full council meeting that she reserved and borrowed about 20 books every fortnight and returned each one “diligently”. “I, therefore, came to the conclusion that rather than unfairly disadvantage this lady and others like her,”
- Barclays Locals open in Clacton and Rayleigh libraries – Essex Council. ” These are fantastic spaces where local residents can now manage their money and access financial help without needing to travel to a branch.””
- Gateshead – New look Pelaw Library now open – Gateshead Council. “This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.”
- Hampshire – Helping new parents and their babies to flourish at Hampshire libraries – Hampshire Council. ” free weekly event at selected libraries across the county, specifically for parents and carers with newborns.” … “New Parents Meet and Connect is one of two pilot health schemes being delivered through the Library Service that aim to support new families. The second, called First Words Together, supports babies – from birth up to their second birthday – with speech, language and communication development.”
- Havering – East London borough plans to axe nearly half their libraries to save £300,000 – Evening Standard. “The council has also proposed slashing their budgets to buy new stock by a one-off reduction of £161,000 (around 61%), and then decreasing it by a further £60,000 over the next two years. By retaining just six centres – which see more than 80% of visits per year, according to council data – the authority hopes to put the extra £300,000 towards a more balanced budget.”
- Norfolk – Village launches project to record memories of 1960s and 1970s – Eastern Daily Press. Brundall Library.
- Little Olive community library in Costessey raided – Evening News 24. 80 books taken from book box.
- North Ayrshire – North Ayrshire Council plan cuts to local libraries – Irvine Times. “library opening hours would be cut by 20 per cent – a move which, alongside a planned ‘re-design’ of the area’s school library service, will save £450,000 during the current financial year.” … “”Librarians are so scared for their jobs. All staff have been strictly warned not to tell the public until after the redundancies, when it’s too late to stop anything.””
- Northern Ireland – Public Appointment Opportunity: Appointment of Members to the Board of Libraries NI – Communities NI.
- Northern Ireland libraries now offering free period products thanks to new law – Belfast Live. “The significant development follows the passing of the Period Products (Free Provision) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, marking a pivotal step in addressing an essential aspect of personal care and normalising access to these vital products. Local libraries will stock a range of period products, ensuring that anyone can access the specific items they require with ease.”
- Northumberland – Blyth Library has windows smashed twice in three weeks – BBC. “There were now plans to install a perimeter fence around the library to protect it from further harm”. CCTV also recommended.
- Nottinghamshire – Newark Library reopening delayed due to vandalism – Newark Advertiser. “Newark Library closed its doors on January 17 for essential planned maintenance work to its heating and cooling systems and was set to reopen on Monday, June 3 — but due to damage to the building it is no longer able to be reopened on that date. All work was on schedule until the library was the subject of vandalism, which caused five high-level roof windows to be smashed and additional damage”, water damage.
- Pembrokeshire – Chance for residents to have a say on the future of libraries in Pembrokeshire – Pembrokeshire Herald. Preliminary to cutting budget.
- Redcar and Cleveland – ‘Fight goes on’ as concern continues over council plans for community library – Gazette Live. “Redcar and Cleveland Council’s cabinet agreed proposals in March aimed at creating a “comprehensive, efficient and fit for purpose” library service and potentially saving £400,000 a year. Some smaller libraries in the borough are to close and reduced opening hours at others are being put in place with the council also hoping volunteers will help operate some facilities.”
- Shropshire – New dementia resource launches at Church Stretton Library to mark Dementia Action Week – Shropshire Council. Books and jigsaws. “The collection was purchased for the library by two local charities: Friends of Church Stretton Library and Stretton Dementia Friends.”
- Somerset – New computer system to manage Somerset libraries means two weeks of disruption – Wellington Today. “The changeover will be kick-started on Thursday, May 23, and should take up to 14 days to be completed, during which time libraries will operate with a reduced system.”
- South Lanarkshire – Progress made to save Cambuslang Library from closure following second large-scale protest – Daily Record. “Demonstrators met on Thursday outside of the library at Cambuslang Gate to fight for its survival in the second ‘Save Our Libraries’ protest organised after their picket outside of South Lanarkshire Council HQ.”. Protesters gained support from local councillors and met MP.
- Suffolk – Welcome to our new website – Suffolk Libraries. Funded by LibraryOn. “The website is now more colourful with more interactive elements, whilst still being fully responsive, and accessible, so anyone can access it from desktops to smartphones. You’ll see a new video on the home page which shows a colourful slice of library life introducing our strapline of ‘Where I Belong”
- Suffolk’s biggest daisy chain takes shape in Stowmarket – Suffolk Libraries. Fundraising.
- Surrey – Library scheme offers extended opening hours – BBC. “The Super Access scheme has been introduced for users in Egham, Camberley, Dorking and Horley. Membership allows library entry outside normal opening hours and access to most services even when staff are not present.”
- Tameside – Museum and Libraries Unveil Half-term Activities – Tameside Council. Crafts.
- Warwickshire – Discover the power of storytelling with Human Books at Rugby Library this Saturday – Warwickshire Council. Arts Council England funded.
- West Dunbartonshire – Dalmuir Library to temporarily close for three weeks – Glasgow Times. “WDL confirmed it is being transferred to Dalmuir Community Centre on Duntocher Road.”
- Wirral – People ‘can’t wait’ as Pensby library reopens its doors – Wirral Globe. Local charity takes over closed library and has “set up tables and chairs, some made from old sewing machines, a bike, and a cable reel with an antiques store, a stocked library, and a coffee shop also inside. It will be opening at 9am three days a week to start with on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with cakes, coffees, homemade Belgian waffles, paninis, soup, and sandwiches.”
- York – Access a collection of over 19,000 titles. Work is available from publishers like Disney, Dark Horse, IDW and more – York Press. “At Acomb Library, firefighters, families, local businesses and craft and other organisations came together to celebrate in style and to raise funds.” … “Membership is increasing, with 10 people joining on one day alone. She attributed the rise to people appreciating the value of being able to borrow books and eBooks for free.”. Library has a permanent library cat, Betty, and has her own merchandise.
Do you feel more Irish than Australian?
May 12th
Editorial
The big news for me this week was the spreading of the idea that councils can decide what books libraries should have on their shelves to that normal paragon of library-ness, Australia. In descriptions that sound almost identical to similar debates in the USA, one said it was a matter of following their religion. Meanwhile, in Ireland, such challenges are being met with a strengthening in the power of libraries in being able to oppose those who wish to direct what others are allowed to see and read. There’s been no such strong challenge in the UK as yet to that common in the USA and now in Australia. When there is, we’ll see if we are non-geographically closer to the USA or Ireland.
Some things happen over time so slowly that one does not notice them happening until years afterwards. I had one of these “oh” moments a while ago when thinking about children’s fiction and non-fiction sections and then adult non-fiction sections. The realisation was that, actually, there’s no hard difference between them now in terms of why they’re used. If one can get the answer to most factual questions by speaking a question to one’s watch, as one of my daughters does, there’s no need for a Library of Alexandria type approach to non-fiction sections. What this means in practice is that the purpose of most non-fiction books, child and adult, are essentially leisure now. And, scarily, that means that all of the books in a library are essentially for leisure purposed. That’s not to say they’re not important, due to their power in health and welfare, literacy, awareness etc. But it does mean that those staff who want one of everything are missing the point. For that, see the internet. For the library, see the stuff people actually want to read. And that is overwhelmingly the fun stuff, one way or another.
Changes by local authority
- Aberdeenshire – Portsoy and Whitehills libraries to close.
- Bracknell Forest – Twyford Library will move into old Polehampton Boys School.
- Havering – £300k cut proposed: Five libraries to close Collier Row, Elm Park, Gidea Park, Harold Wood and South Hornchurch.
- Norfolk – Hunstanton Library may be refurbished
- Worcestershire – Malvern introduces staff-less hours.
National news
- Brought to book: Library cash plea amid ‘brutal cuts’ to budgets – Scottish Sun. Scottish Labour says “Years of brutal cuts to council budgets have devastated communities, causing the closure of one in seven libraries and threatened the future of more.” … ““The SNP must give a cast-iron guarantee it will not inflict more cuts on these vital services by reducing the Public Library Improvement Fund.”” … “Investment fell from £135million to £92million in ten years.”
“Our local volunteer-run library has recently reopened after being unceremoniously dumped by the local council as a cost-saving measure: a common occurrence as I understand it. We took over the original building, which was a small branch library (and I mean small!). Again, like so many similar enterprises, refurbishment has been protracted but we now have a popular, pleasant space which is also destined to become a small community hub. So, we have a staff toilet downstairs, but in no way shape nor form is this accessible by anyone but an able-bodied person. Building costs and lack of space mean that we can’t afford to get a loo installed on the ground floor and the downstairs loo is unlikely to change. I don’t think this problem is widely discussed(?) but I’d appreciate any other readers’ experiences and hopefully solutions to this tricky problem! Can you help? “
“Captain Bogbrush”
- How rental ‘libraries of things’ have become the new way to save money – Guardian. “Clothes rental for children is one of the latest chapters in how “libraries of things” are becoming an increasingly common way to save money, space and waste. The theory is simple: instead of buying a household item or a piece of clothing or some equipment you might use once or twice, you take it out and return it.”
“Libraries Change Lives, 24-28 June 2024 – building on a proposal from Baroness Sanderson’s review of public libraries this will be a week of advocacy demonstrating the value of libraries ahead of this year’s General Election.
Green Libraries Week, 7-13 October 2024 – our annual celebration of libraries with a focus on the climate and sustainability.”
CILIP explains the about the two Weeks
- TikTok bookshelves to open across UK to get young people reading – Independent. “TikTok is teaming up with the National Literacy Trust (NLT) to place “BookTok Bookshelves” in 11 UK areas that need a boost in literacy levels. Cities like Birmingham, Blackpool, Bradford, Doncaster, Manchester, Middlesborough, Newcastle, Nottingham, Peterborough, Stoke and Swindon will get 20 BookTok Bookshelves starting with around 100 books each. The shelves will be placed in areas which see a lot of children over 13, like youth clubs and community centres.”
International news
- Australia – I’m no stranger to having work banned. If you want to protect kids, this is not the way to do it – Guardian / Opinion. ” I know a book ban is not something we can simply spin as good publicity. These bans come from a rightwing playbook designed to continue a culture war against LGBTQ+ people that chips away at fundamental human rights protections in policies. These attempted bans – whether they are upheld or not – do real world harm to members of my community.”
- Labor councillor stands by vote to ban same-sex parenting books in Sydney council libraries – as it happened – Guardian. “This decision was made in line with my religious beliefs and I will not be comprising those beliefs.”
- Rainbow Street Libraries Launch in The Face of Book Ban – Star Observer. “Following the recent decision by Cumberland City Council to remove books about same sex parenting in local libraries, local organisation Street Library Australia have launched a colourful campaign against the book ban.” … “The group took to their facebook page to offer free local libraries to residents in the area, on the proviso they paint them rainbow in support of the issue.”
- Sydney council bans same-sex parenting books from libraries – video – Guardian. “Western Sydney’s Cumberland city council has voted to place a blanket ban on same-sex parenting books from local libraries in a move the New South Wales government warns could be a breach of the state’s Anti-Discrimination Act. The amendment, put forward by a councillor, Steve Christou, proposed that the council take “immediate action” to remove same-sex parents books and materials in its library service. Six councillors voted in favour of the amendment and five voted against, while four councillors were not present to vote”
- India – Beyond shelves, binding selves – Times of India. A look at public libraries in the country.
- Ireland – Dublin City Council condemns recent anti-LGBTQ+ library protests – GCN. “Following the recent spate of anti-LGBTQ+ demonstrations and actions targeted at Irish libraries, Dublin City Councillors have passed a motion condemning the attacks and have endorsed their faith in the Library Management” … “the Dublin City Libraries’ management has confirmed that no publications have been removed as a result of the protests.”
- Italy – Public libraries as social infrastructures: libraries’ response to the COVID crisis in the Emilia-Romagna region – Cultural Trends.
- USA – John Oliver on public libraries: ‘Another front in the ongoing culture war’ – Guardian. “You do get the sense that people who want to censor these books can have no real idea of what’s inside them or, indeed, if they’re even at the libraries they’re protesting at all,” Oliver said, citing a case in Idaho where activists demanded that more 400 books be removed from the library, even though it already didn’t have them. “As far as protests go, that’s about as meaningful as marching to the Hollywood sign to demand that Frankie Muniz return his Oscar for Schindler’s List,” he joked. “He’s not there, he wasn’t in that, and the very fact that you’re protesting this tells me you’re probably not familiar with the material.”
- SNF Dialogues Recap – Beyond Books: How Libraries Can Serve the Publ”ic – National Herald. “he first SNF Dialogues discussion in the US explored the multifaceted role of libraries as cornerstones of democratic societies, and how they transcend their traditional role as repositories of books to actively facilitate community participation and advance civic engagement.” … “They are community centers, safe havens during crises, bastions of knowledge and equality, and shining examples of democracy, especially in uncertain times”
- The Week in Libraries: May 10, 2024 – Publishers Weekly. Legal action in defence of library rights in Alabama.
Local news by authority
- Aberdeenshire – Portsoy and Whitehills communities asked to help shape future provision of local library services – Aberdeenshire Council.
- Birmingham – Umbrella group launched in Birmingham to help save city’s libraries – Planet Radio. “Local campaigners are urging others to have their say in the council’s public consultation to save as many as possible. Acocks Green campaigner Joe Simpson’s told us they’re making good progress so far and that locals should use it as incentive to keep fighting.”
- Hundreds gather to protest against council cuts – BBC. “”What we’re seeing today is the people of Birmingham people coming together to protest about the council cuts that have been forced upon Birmingham City Council by austerity that’s been implemented through government cuts to council funding,” “
- Bournemouth Christchurch Poole – Residents asked about future of libraries – Bournemouth Echo. “BCP Council wants to know how you currently use the library service and what you hope to see in the future.Library open hours have been slashed by an average of 10 hours per library each week, as part of cost-saving measures for its 2024/25 budget.”
- Bracknell Forest – Twyford Library announces opening of new location next month – Bracknell News. “The new library will open in the newly refurbished Old Polehampton Boys School on the opposite side of the close. The beautiful new space will benefit from improved library spaces with high ceilings and large windows letting in natural light.” Open 21 hours per week.
- Bromley – Orpington Literary Festival 2024 – Orpington 1st. “A week of town centre events celebrating the written and spoken word, brought to you by Orpington 1st in partnership with Bromley Libraries, supported by Orpington Rotary.” … ““We’re really pleased to work with Orpington’s business community for this year’s literary festival. It’s a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of literature and the vital role which libraries play in our community.”
- Cheshire East – Fears Bollington Library could be shut down within months – Macclesfield Nub News. “The recently-formed Friends of Bollington Library Committee claims that Cheshire East Council is planning to consult the public on proposals to close Bollington Library with effect from January 1 2025.”
- Devon – Beach toy plea for seafront libraries – Mid Devon Advertiser. “Teignbridge Leisure is looking for donations of unwanted buckets, spades, balls and beach toys to fill its seafront libraries in Teignmouth and at Dawlish Warren.”
- Falkirk – Falkirk Council libraries branch out with new garden lending initiative – Falkirk Herald. “Gardening bags can now be borrowed from all eight libraries across the area and are designed to equip budding gardeners with th -e tools and knowledge to cultivate fresh, home grown fruit and vegetables.” … “Each bag contain hand tools, gardening books and kneeling mat, as well as seeds, plant markers and growing advice cards and recipe cards so people can start cooking with what they have grown.” Due to £8300 from The Europe Challenge Fund.
- Hampshire – Blood pressure monitors now available from Hampshire libraries – Hampshire Council. “Each monitor is borrowed on a ‘first come-first served’ basis. It comes in a box, with a leaflet containing easy-to-follow instructions on how to use the device and understand the results, as well as what to do if you are concerned about the readings. “
- Haringey – Haringey Council’s Head of Libraries, Brian Mihayo, receives nationwide Top Talent recognition – Haringey Council. ” Brian helped secure trust and foundation funding for a major project supporting young people to design and organise diverse cultural events and innovative programmes across Haringey libraries, including concerts, comedy nights and spoken word performances.”
- Havering – Havering launches new library strategy – Havering Council. “The library strategy consultation, which will run for 12 weeks until 2 August 2024, comes at a difficult time for the borough. The Council continues to face financial challenges while delivering our legal duty to provide services for the most vulnerable along with the services residents say they value most.” – £300k cut. Five libraries to close: Collier Row, Elm Park, Gidea Park, Harold Wood an South Hornchurch.
- Manchester – The Enlightenment – Simon Armitage lyric shines a light on libraries for Manchester’s Festival of Libraries – About Manchester. “The track has been specially commissioned for Festival of Libraries 2024, with words by poet laureate Simon Armitage, music by Richard Walters and Patrick Pearson, and guest vocals from Josephine Oniyama. The Enlightenment will be released on streaming platforms on Friday 7 June and will be performed live for the first time at Manchester Central Library as part of the festival on Wednesday 12 June (doors open at 7.30pm)”
- Blue Peter Book Club live takes off in Manchester Central Library – Manchester Council. “Blue Peter, the BBC’s iconic children’s TV series is partnering with Manchester Libraries and The Reading Agency on an exciting new project – Blue Peter Book Club Live. It launches in Manchester Central Library on Saturday 18 May with a fun-filled, free event, open to all and the chance to meet Blue Peter presenters Abby, Joel, and Shini along with Henry the Blue Peter Dog. ” … “A book inspired art-installation created by 10,000 local school children, creative crafts, special story times, masses of books and a chance to meet some magical classic book characters will make it a day of adventure and fun where classic stories come to life in the library.”
- Norfolk – Plans for new library and bus station in Hunstanton – EDP. “Norfolk County Council has finalised plans to redevelop the former library and revamp the bus station at Hunstanton and hopes to start work later this year.”
- Somerset – Could you volunteer to help the Home Library Service? – Somerset Council. “olunteers are needed across Somerset to help keep a vital Somerset Council library lifeline thriving.”
- South Lanarkshire – Award-winning authors back protests to save libraries in Cambuslang, Halfway and Blantyre – Daily Record. “Just under 40 authors and literary figures have shown their support for the Save Our Libraries protest taking place this week.” … “Author of Fallen Angel, Chris Brookmyre, added: “We all appreciate that in these difficult times, difficult choices must be made but, in my opinion, libraries should always be among the last things a council cuts when it needs to save money.”
- Southend on Sea – Pub-goers see ‘light’ – and save burning library – BBC. “At about 21:00 BST on Tuesday, drinkers at a table in The Old Walnut Tree, Southend-on-Sea, noticed a ‘light’ inside Southchurch Library. They realised it was on fire. With the help of pub staff they filled “large containers” with water, dashed over, and poured it through a broken window.””
- Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries Board member takes on tandem skydive – Suffolk Libraries. See Just Giving page..
- Wirral – Gym sorry over library bench ‘alcoholics’ claim – BBC. “A firm which wants to turn an ex-library into a gym has apologised over comments suggesting a bench outside is “popular with local alcoholics” and should be removed. Nomad wants to convert the former council building in Hoylake, Wirral. A document lodged with Wirral Council said the use of the bench by “alcoholics” jarred with its brand.”
- Worcestershire – Dementia in Focus at Worcestershire Libraries – Worcestershire Council. ” Library Service is teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire, and The University of Worcester for Dementia Action Week, taking place from 13th May to 19th May.” Reading Well books. “Groups include Classic Film Club, Reminiscence Groups, Knit and Natter, Hook Buddies, and Scrabble, all of which offer engaging activities beneficial for individuals with dementia.”
- Libraries Unlocked to be introduced at Malvern Library – Worcester News. Once the system is up and running, library members aged 15 and above will have the chance to upgrade their membership.They will then be able to use the library facilities outside the regular hours of operation”
- York – ‘It’s a safe space, welcoming and free’ – York’s unique library service celebrates ten years – York Mix. “Explore York Library and Archives is marking a whole decade of providing the community of York with a public library and archive service with a series of family-friendly fundraising activities and events.” … “There is currently no further comment on the contractual dispute” between Explore and York Council over proposes budget cut.
The reason for it
May 6th
Editorial
One of the strange things about covering public libraries since 2010 is seeing how things could have gone with more funding. The Library of Birmingham was one such. Opened in the years of coalition government but planned before, this was seen as a big shining symbol of the city and for the future of libraries generally. But the money ran out. Now it is open only 40 hours per week, areas of it hired out and many other libraries in the city under threat of closure. In an alternate world, the Library of Birmingham is a world leader. Not in this one.
Similarly, there is the movement to going fines-free. The arguments for an against are many and are listed here but a report by libraries in New York last week suggested that if was a big success, with an increase in issues, visits and late books being returned. But fining customers creates income, at least in the short-term and if one ignores associated costs (which, to be fair, like staff, may be built-in to some extent) and so cash-strapped English libraries have started not only stalling on going fines-free but also, this week, one service has returned to charging fines again after being fines-free. The reason Havering gives for this is, simply. financial. Sadly, I suspect, the future historian looking for the reason for the decline of public libraries in the UK – as opposed to success stories like New Zealand or Ireland – may give the same reason.
Changes by local authority
- Havering – Fines reintroduced due to budget shortage.
- Wirral – Hoylake Library was closed in 2022 with intention of it being taken over by community groups: now to be turned into gym.
National news
- Blue Peter Book Club Live to kick off at Manchester Central Library – Literacy Trust. “Local primary school-aged children can come and join Blue Peter presenters and top authors at the free launch event at Manchester Central Library. They’ll enjoy a fun day of stories, crafts and lots of books. A special Blue Peter Badge Trail will also launch on the day, which will challenge families to discover massive Blue Peter Book Club inspired badges at 12 different venues across the city with an additional bonus badge in the Blue Peter Garden in Salford.”
- Development of the residents’ protest campaign against the closure of public libraries in the UK – Bulletins of Japan-UK Education / J-Stage. “This study analyses an intensified residents’ campaign against cuts in public library services(library campaign) in Lincolnshire. “
- Librarians slam Penguin Random House for ‘irresponsible’ Instagram post which claims libraries can provide ‘mental health support’ – and stress they are ‘not therapists’ – Daily Mail. PRH says “‘Libraries offer free public spaces where everyone can feel safe, relax, and find opportunities. Librarians can even provide mental health support and quiet spaces for relaxation.’
- Not balancing the books – Morning Star. “Public libraries are low-hanging fruit for cash-strapped local councils.” Looks at Birmingham and Nottingham. Communist Party branches “can join these campaigns and work alongside local communities as they fight to defend their libraries.”
- Public libraries to promote public health and wellbeing: a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling adults – BMC Public Health. “Libraries in the UK have evolved from traditional book-lending institutions into dynamic community hubs, This study aims to explore the potential of libraries to act as community hubs to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults, drawing on insights from both library users and library staff in England.”
International news
- Australia – The State Library of Victoria is in crisis. Is it time to rethink how libraries are governed? – Conversation. Disagreement over stance on Palestine leads to boycotts. “The State Library of Victoria has handled the dispute in a manner that brings to mind fiascos in the corporate world. Non-transparent decision-making, muddled communications, the apparently clumsy attempt at “risk management” that created the problem in the first place: the imbroglio has a distinctly managerialist feel.”
- Canada – Hacker strikes some B.C. libraries – Times Colonist. Ransom demand.
- China – How Public Libraries Drive Economic Vitality in Surrounding Communities – Critical Debates in Humanities, Science and Global Justice, PDF. “Although the findings may be constrained by presence of confounding variables, the limited volume of data, the lack of causational relationship and the weak correlation, the paper still provides valuable insights into the economic importance of libraries, highlighting the diverse impacts they have and the potential opportunities they could offer for investment and commercial developments in the future.”
- Europe – Recipes from three countries – International recipe exchange with sister libraries from Finland, Lithuania and Slovenia – Naple Sister Libraries. “Individuals from each of the three countries eagerly submitted their cherished recipes. We then exchanged recipes and translated them into our languages, allowing everyone to understand them. From traditional family recipes to modern everyday meals, each recipe offered a glimpse into the culinary traditions of Slovenia, Lithuania, and Finland. Together, we have woven a network of interesting flavours, recipes from three countries, which we’ve publish in a booklet (see attached file). Furthermore, we’ve made exhibitions within libraries, where we presented the recipes and exhibit the recipe books.”
- Iran – The role of rural public libraries in empowering farmers – Iran Public Libraries Foundation. Public libraries could empower farmers given sufficient resources.
- New Zealand – Auckland’s libraries standing strong in t”he digital age – Te Waha Nui. “Auckland’s 56 libraries are flourishing in their communities as physical spaces offering vital services, even as their books are digitised for reading online.” … “Our e-collections are hugely popular and represent approximately 28 per cent of our recent borrowing, placing Auckland libraries in 22nd place internationally for e-lending.”
- SLovenia/USA – Library Connections: Think globally, library locally – Harpswell Anchor. “ne of the largest library collections of “things” in Maine, we now have such diverse items as a fermenting crock, a fruit tree harvester, a sewing machine and a pressure washer.”
- South Korea – Exploring older adults’ motivation to use public libraries in South Korea using the attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction (ARCS) motivation model – Library and Information Science Research.
- USA – 2024 Library Systems Report – American Libraries. ” a handful of large organizations with considerable resources—Clarivate, EBSCO Information Services, Follett School Solutions, and OCLC—continue to expand their portfolios, covering multiple business sectors and library types. Middle-tier companies, including Axiell, ByWater Solutions, The Library Corporation (TLC), and SirsiDynix, offer growing suites of products used by thousands of libraries. And finally, a group of smaller companies round out the industry, covering specialized libraries with niche products and services.”
- Adams Hints $58M Funding That Forced Libraries to Close on Sundays Could Be Restored in Near Future – Westside Spirit.
- City Libraries Eliminated Late Fees Three Years Ago — How Has it Gone? – The City. “In October 2021, the city’s libraries abolished fines on overdue materials and predicted it would unlock hundreds of thousands of people who had their cards blocked. The result two-and-a-half years later has been a resounding success with a spike in materials taken out, library cards issued, and program attendance, according to officials in charge of New York City’s three library systems. ” … “In New York City, patrons returned thousands of long overdue items shortly after the fines were lifted, the New York Times reported in March 2022.”
- How Ben Franklin Invented the Library as We Know It – Smithsonian. In the next issue, how the Americans invented soccer and fish and chips.
- Libraries Without Borders: Using Outreach to Build Community – Information Today. “it’s harder for decision makers to say no or be dismissive when they know your face, your name, and something about you as a human being.” … “When your policies take into account the needs of the community, your library is positioned for maximum outreach impact.” … “The modern library is a place and an idea. Consistently engaging in the improvement of people’s lives through community outreach leads to strong libraries that are part of the solution.”
- Viva La Library – Nautilus. “Rebel against The Algorithm. Get a library card.”
Local news by authority
- Angus – New display charts town library’s history – Angus Country World. “Arbroath has had a continuous library service since 1797, when its first library, Arbroath Subscription Library, was opened on Christmas Day.”
- Central Bedfordshire – Help shape the future of culture, the arts and libraries in Central Bedfordshire – Bedford Today. Consultation.
- Cheshire East – Cash-strapped Cheshire East could close libraries, campaigners fear – Nantwich News. “It is feared that the libraries at Alderley Edge, Bollington, Disley and Handforth are all under threat of closure from next year.” … “The council side-stepped the questions when the Local Democracy Reporting Service asked whether closure is on the cards for the four named libraries and, if so, when.” … “Friends of Bollington Library have launched a rallying call to locals to help save their service.”
- Dudley – Reader in residence events at Brierley Hill Library this May – Dudley News.
- Haringey – Have a Marvel-lous time at Stroud Green and Harringay Library – Haringey Council. “If your children are avid fans of comic books, why not bring them along to Stroud Green and Harringay Library tomorrow (Saturday 4 May 2024) at 12:30pm for the next instalment of their Comics Club”
- Havering – Havering Council reintroduces library book late return fines – Romford Recorder. ” the authority will start charging a late fee of 42p per adult book and spoken word item per day, with a maximum fine of £10 per book from June 10.” … “Late fee charges were historically in place in Havering before the onset of the Covid pandemic in 2020 when the fine stood at 39p per book per day, peaking at £10 per book.” … “After a review of the library income and given its current financial challenges, the council has decided to bring the fines back.”
- Isle of Wight – Isle of Wight Libraries celebrate World Book Night – Isle of Wight Radio. Free books given to various charities and also shops for public to find and take.
- Newcastle – Welcome to the Library – Jesmond Community Library. “One of the outcomes of Amanda Quinn’s six months as Jesmond Library’s Writer in Residence was an anthology of writing, some about Jesmond Library itself, some about other libraries, and some about books. Copies of the anthologies, called “Welcome to the Library”, are now available in Jesmond Library, price £5.”
- North Somerset – All North Somerset Libraries to close for one day this May – North Somerset Times. “so staff can be trained to use a new computer system.” … “The upcoming closure is part of preparations for a new computer system to be launched by LibrariesWest, a consortium of seven local authorities, including North Somerset Libraries.”
- North Yorkshire – North Yorkshire Library Fines to Increase – This is the Coast. “North Yorkshire Council has increased the fine for an overdue book at its libraries from 30p to 35p per day. The council said it was the first increase in almost a decade and was being made “in the light of increased pressures on finances.””
- Northamptonshire – Events launched to help mental health in pregnancy – BBC. “Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust will host free drop-in sessions at libraries across the county.”
- Northumberland – Northumberland Library Service celebrates its success for its 100 year anniversary – Northumberland Gazette. “During 2023, residents borrowed almost half a million physical items from libraries and 321,674 digital items, up a total of 26 percent on the previous year.” Council says Libraries are “a shining-star led by a fantastic team of committed and enthusiastic staff who bring creativity and positivity to everything they do.”
- Nottinghamshire – Newark library windows and equipment damaged by vandals – Nottinghamshire Live.
- Portsmouth – UK library could reclaim £42,500 Harry Potter book sold at auction in US – Yahoo News. “The library service confirmed the book went missing 23 years ago – a month after it was published for the first time – and the book also contained a stamp from August 1997. It said: “Our records show that this book was originally owned by Portsmouth’s school library service and was one of three first editions we purchased in 1997 when the first Harry Potter story was published.”
- Library exhibition celebrates 500 years of Black British music – Portsmouth Council.
- Staffordshire – Perton Library Science Fair & Spring Festival is back – Staffordshire Council. “The event, being organised by Perton Library and Wild About Perton, is packed full of family fun and is part of the celebrations for Green Libraries Month.” … “Dr Phil Jemmett and his team of scientists from Warwick University will be demonstrating experiments all day”
- Libraries going green to highlight sustainability and environmental issues – Lichfield Live. “Sessions across Staffordshire include exhibitions, author talks, craft workshops and recycling projects. Among the initiatives will be a trial of biodegradable library cards at Shenstone Library.” … “Green Libraries Month is being delivered in partnership with Staffordshire Community Learning, who are offering taster sessions in things such as upcycling, mini-bug hotels, cress caterpillars, kitchen composters and saving money by growing your own veg. “
- Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries launches daisy chain fundraising campaign – East Anglian Daily Times. “The Make a Difference with a Daisy campaign from Suffolk Libraries is to raise money for the 45 libraries across the county, and projects they run like the period poverty service and warm spaces project.”
- New base in Lowestoft for East Suffolk’s customer services? – Eastern Daily Press. “East Suffolk Council leaders are set to discuss potentially spending £165,000 to move its customer services from the Marina Centre, in Lowestoft, less than half a mile away to the town’s library.”. Part of plans for new “cultural quarter”.
- Suffolk Libraries Day book binge is the height of fundraising for Maureen – Diss Express. “Maureen John, who manages Debenham and Stradbroke libraries, read the equivalent of around 18,000 pages, which works out at 5 foot, 2 inches when the books are stacked on top of each other.” She “raised £2,200 for Suffolk Libraries Day last month as a result of the challenge”
- We welcome our new Environmentalist in Residence – Suffolk Libraries. “During his residency Martin will be working on the development of a project called Seconds of Sound (S.O.S), inviting people to take part in weekly sound walks that connect all 45 of our libraries (plus some of our local prison libraries too).”
- Wirral – Former library set to become gym – West Kirby. “Plans have been submitted to turn the former Hoylake Library into a gym and wellness centre. The building was closed by Wirral Council in 2022 as part of a series of budget cuts, and a bid by community interest company The Life Tree to turn it into a venue for book clubs and events was rejected as not being viable.”
- York – Young Reporter: Explore Libraries are turning 10. Sorcha L, Huntington – York Press. “Explore is an important part of York, with the libraries acting as community hubs and education centres, with multiple around the city. Each library is running its own events. “
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