The world we live in now

Editorial

As you may have noticed from last week’s editorial, the subject of intellectual freedom and public libraries is on my mind a bit recently. This is partly due to me being about to do a short presentation on it at the CILIP Conference this week. But it’s also because it’s, well, been in the news a lot. The far-right in the USA have been targeting public libraries for a while now for a range of things that they don’t agree with. Being this is the USA, this includes turning to children’s libraries with guns and liberally scattering accusations of paedophilia around.

This infection is now spreading to other countries, with Canada reporting multiple outbreaks as well. The disease of aggressive close-mindedness is also, worryingly, becoming part of the scene in the UK with very similar tactics (thankfully, minus the guns) being deployed against drag queen story-times here. The time when such thought-burning trends could be seen as part of just one country’s make-up appears gone. The internet has allowed such prejudice to go global as easily as local. And the English-speaking world, being able to understand American bigoted social media posts and the like easily, is as susceptible as anywhere else. Perhaps even more so.

Of course, being British, some of this tragedy translates as something closer to comedy. You will recall from last week that Nottingham, which is moving forward with its plans to close libraries, decided to ban a radical feminist author from speaking last week. But of course they still have the author’s books. And that of JK Rowling, who prominently thinks the same way. So why? Well, I guess censoring book-stock would be going a bit too far. And banning Harry Potter is, amusingly, exactly what the Religious Right in the USA would want to do. And also there’s a court ruling that could be used against such a thing. But the author is going to sue anyway. Because, well, this is the world we live in now.

Changes by local authority

National news

  • Anti-vaxxers select their next target – Scout News. “Where America leads, Britain follows. Protesters are trying to cancel a tour of the Drag Queen Story Hour traveling across England and Wales this summer. ” … “we don’t know the exact contents of the show, but I’m willing to bet any schedule that involves reading aloud the adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare won’t be especially damaging to children.” … “A group called Outreach WorldWide, which has campaigned against Covid jabs, has turned its attention to LGBT affairs. Based on Telegram, where it has 4,000 members, it has been instrumental in protesting against the story tour. It has encouraged members of its 37 regional teams to complain to their local library and contact their councillors and MPs to get the event cancelled.”

“it’s not like the event is being forced upon children. It’s ticketed and in libraries over the summer holidays, so unsuspecting children are unlikely to wander in. And even if they did, they are only likely to find a solitary drag queen reading the works of Michael Rosen. There are far worse things children could be watching.”

  • CILIP Conference – CILIP. Last chance to book for 7 and 8 July. “Libraries, Information and Knowledge for Sustainability”
  • Essential services websites in UK ‘should be accessible to all’ – Guardian. DCMS minister says “Public libraries play an important role in tackling digital exclusion. About 2,900 public libraries in England provide a trusted network of accessible locations with staff, volunteers, free wifi, public PCs, and assisted digital access to a wide range of digital services,”
See Dagger in the Library – The Crime Writers’ Association (thecwa.co.uk)
  • Inflation could push English councils into bankruptcy, say leaders – Guardian. “When budgets were set earlier this year, councils were typically factoring in average pay and inflation costs of about 3%. However, inflation is now at 9%, with the Bank of England predicting it will hit 11% by October.”
  • Libraries Connected welcomes Ayub Khan MBE as new President – Libraries Connected. “As the first Black President of Libraries Connected, Ayub has vowed to use his platform to encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to pursue a career in libraries.”
  • Libraries key to closing post-pandemic literacy gap, new report reveals – Libraries Connected. “Public Libraries and Literacy Recovery – produced for Libraries Connected by the National Literacy Trust and supported using public funding by Arts Council England – examines the role of libraries in raising the literacy skills of children whose learning has been disrupted by the pandemic. It highlights evidence that, despite the huge achievements of teachers and librarians in supporting pupils through periods of school closures, the pandemic has exacerbated the literacy gap between children from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers.”
  • Library fines – Libraries Hacked. ” Library fines are a policy that should be informed by data. Libraries cannot argue to continue doing something with no affirmative research, just because they don’t think there’s enough research to stop.” … “no service has released any publicly available open data that would make such analysis possible. “

“Why would someone return books to the library if they were going to have to pay £20, and they need that to feed their family? It’s more likely they’ll stop using the library.”

  • New training programme aims to improve diversity in library leadership – Libraries Connected. “The modules, which were produced by the Birmingham Leadership Institute at the University of Birmingham, are structured around four core leadership capabilities: Leading for Resilience, Leading for Dialogue, Leading for Inclusion and Leading for Innovation. Unlike many online learning modules, Leading Libraries has been designed to be worked through gradually, allowing time for personal and group reflection. It can be accessed by all library staff, regardless of seniority.”
  • Website survey – DCA/Koios. “a new survey for librarians designed to shed some light on how library websites are perceived and used. The survey includes questions on discoverability, purpose, and utility and asks how successful librarians think their websites are at supporting the library mission. The survey takes five minutes to complete and DCA will make a donation to Clear Voice Interpreting Services, a social enterprise that supports refugees and other people in need with free translation services, for every response received.”

International news

  • Australia – Decolonising Libraries: Who controls the narrative? – ABC. “Hit play to hear Kerry’s story and learn what you can do to make sure libraries are a safe space for all.”
    • The world gets worse, but public libraries are forever – Sydney Morning Herald. “With all they have to offer, it’s odd then that the main users of libraries are babies, students and tech-phobic grandmothers looking to print out emails at 8am. The rest of us should rediscover the public library’s infinite assets. In fact, take my credit cards because the most valuable card in my wallet now is my library membership. (Note: Don’t take my credit cards.)”
  • Canada – Libraries in Canada hit by wave of hate, threats, as right-wing groups protest all-age drag events – CBC. “More than half a dozen libraries and drag performers, from Saint John to Victoria, reported being inundated online and over the phone by homophobic slurs and, in some cases, threats of violence” … “library staff were, among other things, accused of assisting paedophiles and threatened with lawsuits. Their personal information was also circulated online.”. Comments include “one that said it was time to “light the torches,” and another that called for Saunders and a fellow performer to be burned alive.”
    • Calgary’s Central Library is a stunner to rival Seattle’s – Washington Post. “Visitors could easily spend an entire afternoon engrossed in the Calgary Central Library’s architecture, amenities and programming — or not. It’s also a beautiful place to simply pass the time and people-watch.”
  • Ireland – Library reopening: ‘It’s one of the last great sanctuaries’ – Irish Times. ” you quickly begin to believe that if librarians were running the show, the world would be a better and nicer place. ” … “In February, when Libraries Ireland asked people to join the Ireland Reads campaign (irelandreads.ie) and pledge to put aside time to read a book each day, 570,000 people signed up.”

“It’s inherent in being a librarian that you move with the times, you move with society, you move with the world. You still work with people, that hasn’t changed. The library is a safe, secure, democratic space. it’s not for any one category or group. It’s a place where people can be free to meet, they don’t have to spend money. It’s one of the last great sanctuaries.”

  • New Zealand – Horowhenua Libraries To Be Fine-free – Community Scoop. “We want our libraries to be inviting to everyone, allowing equal access to the information and inspiration found within the walls and resources, however fines can deter people from enjoying the services our community centres provide.”
  • UAE – UAE unveils ‘Library of the Future’; over 1.1m books available for readers – Baaghi. “‘Mohammed bin Rashid Library’, a new cultural beacon in the region.” £225m cost (1 billion UAD). … ” “The economy needs knowledge … politics needs wisdom … nations need to learn … and all of that can be found in books.” see also Dubai opens new book-shaped library – Book Riot. “It’s been deemed the largest cultural project in Dubai. In addition to its unique design, it features eco-friendly features such as solar panels and and water recycling, used for its green spaces.”

Local news by authority

  • Barnet – Barnet City of Stories Home Celebration Event – Eventbrite. “Come along to this special free event celebrating the launch of the City of Stories Home Anthology featuring talented new writers from across London, alongside published authors.”
  • Bradford – Bradford Libraries scrap overdue book fines from today – Telegraph and Argus. “This decision has been taken in recognition of the financial pressures facing communities, particularly given the current cost of living crisis. Several library services across the country have dropped the charges and noticed more use of libraries and more stock returned.”
Manchester – Me and My Library: Sandra and Barbara at Gorton Library
  • Cheshire East – Cheshire East libraries helping support people in crisis – Winsford and Middlewich Guardian. “Adults coming in to browse the book stock and borrowing of books has not returned to pre-pandemic levels yet” … “Winter wellbeing resources were delivered to all Cheshire East libraries enabling other agencies working in communities and library staff to provide residents in need with much needed equipment including duvets, hot water bottles, gloves, and slow cookers.”
  • Coventry – Digital Spaces present event to showcase at Coventry libraries – Coventry City Council – News Anyway. “a two-day showcase of live events that will feature digital activities, artwork and immersive experiences that celebrate Coventry Libraries as places of creativity, community and new perspectives.”
  • Croydon – Croydon Mayor makes statement on South Norwood Library – Croydon News. “mayor has blamed “rising costs and construction delays” after a new library left empty for two years was put up for rent as a shop.” …”In 2021, there was a chance the library was going to be sold off as the building was not finished to the standard expected, but the council said it would use Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money to make it usable.”
  • Devon – Secret Book Quest on a mission to reverse the literacy gap – Libraries Unlimited. “The Secret Book Quest – aimed at kids aged five and older. The Secret Book Quest has been challenging them to read a total of 50 books to collect all the stickers, decipher the code, and win a special prize”
  • Dorset – Dorset Library Service participates in the ‘Gadgeteers’ Summer Reading Challenge – News Anyway.
    • New proposed strategy for libraries across Dorset – Bridport News. “Councillors reviewing the future strategy for the service say that while libraries should change to meet emerging needs and offer new services books should still be at its core. A new proposed overall strategy recognises that there has been a year on year decline in library use with some age groups seldom, if ever, stepping inside one.” … “the pattern over the last 20 or 30 years had seen the heavy use of libraries for younger children and their parents, followed by a drop in interest and then more library use by older people.”
  • East Lothian – Continued staff shortages impact opening of several East Lothian libraries – East Lothian Courier. “Council libraries have faced closures ever since the Covid-19 outbreak, but recent staffing issues have resulted in difficulty fully reopening the sites. Six of the county’s smaller libraries have been affected, with the larger facilities remaining open on normal hours.”
  • Essex – New partnership with HSBC UK to improve financial literacy – Essex Council. “We have joined forces with HSBC UK to bring a series of pop-up events to residents, sharing the bank’s financial literacy programmes in Essex Libraries.” … “They will offer face-to-face guidance around things like digital banking, fraud awareness and managing finances.” … “I am delighted that colleagues from HSBC UK are partnering with us to support our levelling up agenda”
  • Gloucestershire – Proposal to move Stroud Library to shopping centre approved – BBC. “Gloucestershire County Council has agreed to move it to the Five Valleys Shopping Centre in Stroud. The council is expected to enter into a 25-year lease for the property within on the lower ground floor of the shopping centre in King Street. More than 500 people took part in a survey asking for people’s views on the proposal, with 70% in favour.”
  • Highlands – High Life Highland libraries offer boost for those with type 2 diabetes – Ross-shire Journal. ” provide iPads to support those with type 2 diabetes. Packed with information and support the project is a partnership with NHS Highland, Diabetes Scotland and AbilityNet to support those at risk of developing diabetes as well as those newly diagnosed with the condition.”
  • Inverclyde – Summer Reading Challenge set to sizzle – Inverclyde Council. Events include “the BodyWorks roadshow from Glasgow Science Centre, ‘Wee Storybox’ storytelling sessions, ‘Animal Man’ visits, and silent discos, as part of the challenge. “

No-one’s minds were changed

Editorial

One of the main problems the world faces today is that people can hear only one side of the argument. Self-tailoring social media allows readers to receive news only from sources that they agree with, so when one comes across an opposing view it comes across as alien and shocking. In the UK, the BBC prides itself on giving all points of view and thus now gets into all sorts of trouble as people on both extremes can feel angry against its “bias” against them, sometimes over the same article. Those watching the Beeb are at the very least going to know at least what the other side actually says but many now do not and rely on far more biased sources instead. Personally, I like reading news and editorials that I disagree with. It makes me think and change, or moderate, my view. One of my most successful debates I ever had was in the Battle of Ideas at the Barbican. But I did not win it. In fact, it was lost badly. But it changed my viewpoint to a better one. Imagine never being argued with and thus always, perhaps, consistently holding the wrong point of view.

It will some as no news to many that the public library sector is suffering from attacks on its neutrality, notably in the USA. Indeed, even that statement I just made about libraries being neutral may trigger some into angry rebuttals. The situation is very tenuous over the pond due to the American Right leading an attack on anything that disagrees with its agenda (esp. anything LGBT). Some of this is abominable. But the American Left is not blameless, with many calls from that side to censor stock and speakers. The poor library profession stuck in the middle is likely to be attacked from both sides. And of course we know that in the Ukraine, arguments over stock are now settled in war. Thankfully, the situation in this country is somewhat less fraught. But it’s also not entirely safe. Lasty week, a radical feminist writer was blocked by a council when she tried to speak in a library. So she spoke outside instead. And no-one’s minds were changed. Either way.

Changes by local authority

National news

  • ‘Anxiety’ over council library services as tough financial decisions lie ahead – Scotsman. “Research carried out during the pandemic has highlighted “anxieties” among library managers over how local authorities view the issue of statutory provision, with some warning that it is seen to “mean nothing” or “doesn’t carry any weight” among council decision makers.”
  • CILIP Conference – CILIP. 7 and 9 July, Liverpool. “Topics under discussion include media and information literacy, working towards Net Zero, decolonising the curriculum, data driven decisions, evidencing your impact and intellectual freedom.”
  • City of Stories home celebration events open for booking – Spread the Word. “Throughout June, the City of Stories Home offers 33 free workshops in libraries across London, with special readings marking the publication of the City of Stories Home Anthology.”
  • Communities suffer when library budgets are cut​​​​​​​ – Sean McNamara – Scotsman. “How much value a nation or local authority attaches to its libraries can often be a good indication over how much it values its people.” … “During recent campaigns, all major parties have been supportive of how essential libraries are at both local and national level. However, now the 2021 and 2022 elections are over, the proof of that will be seen in the coming months and years. Library budgets simply can’t be cut any further if they are to continue making the difference that they do.”
  • Harry Potter 25th Anniversary: Libraries and the wizarding world ‘opened the door’ to reading for many children – Scotsman. Mitchell Library opened at midnight when Goblet of Fire was released to allow children who couldn’t afford to buy the book to read it at the same time as others. ” … “The main emphasis for the library within these festivities is that children, regardless of family income, should have access to books so their land of possibilities was not compromised.”
  • Libraries providing inclusive opportunities – CLOA. “Isobel Hunter MBE, CEO, Libraries Connected covers what libraries are doing to ensure this rings true for people with disabilities, and how they’re thinking beyond physical access to their buildings to develop a digital offer and work in communities to ensure libraries are as inclusive as possible.”
  • Library Social Media Manifesto – Ned Potter. Slides and thoughts from the master.
  • The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson – Good Reads. “Based on true events, The Little Wartime Library is a gripping and heart-wrenching page-turner that remembers one of the greatest resistance stories of the war.” … Each chapter has a quote from a librarian or a user , the first being by Carol Stump, President of Libraries Connected.
  • ‘Our work to get children reading has never been more urgent’ – Nursing World. “Annie Crombie of BookTrust on how a pilot scheme is reconnecting young children and families with their local libraries post-Covid” … “Storytime pilot, designed to encourage families with children aged 0-5 to share stories and visit their local library” … “BookTrust Storytime will be returning to libraries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from September this year – and we look forward to delivering it in partnership with our fantastic network of library and community partners. “
  • Parliamentary Culture and Library History in Britain – Intellectual History. ” The earliest ‘public’ libraries were founded in Norwich in 1608, Ipswich in 1612 and in Bristol in 1613″ … “The subscription library model was first pioneered in Philadelphia in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin’s famous ‘Junto’ debating club as a pragmatic solution to the practical difficulties of accessing new books in a colonial city far from the centre of British book publishing in London. ” … “The first formal subscription library in Liverpool was founded in 1758, followed by similar libraries founded in Warrington (1760), Carlisle, Halifax and Leeds (all 1768), Macclesfield (1770), Sheffield (1771), and Bristol (1772/3).”

Public libraries play an important role in tackling digital exclusion. Around 2,900 public libraries in England provide a trusted network of accessible locations with staff, volunteers, free wifi, public PCs, and assisted digital access to a wide range of digital services.

Chris Philp MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
  • Public Libraries and Literacy Recovery – Libraries Connected and National Literacy Trust. Webinar. “Join us to find out about a new report and assets developed by the National Literacy Trust that will help libraries to deliver and demonstrate their role in supporting post-pandemic literacy recovery.” Tuesday 28 June, 11am
  • Solus releases Ukrainian language support – Solus.  Ukrainian added to app.
  • University libraries ‘should censor resources’, say students – Research Professional News. “According to a Higher Education Policy Institute poll of more than 1,000 UK undergraduates, 34 per cent believe libraries should include all resources for the purpose of academic study—down from 47 per cent when the survey was last conducted six years ago.”. 11% even want to no-platform the Conservative Party, 12% the Communists.

International news

Local news by authority

  • Aberdeen – Aberdeen Reads returns with a global challenge for the city’s book fans – Aberdeen Council. “For every book read or challenge completed, Library Bear will earn twenty ‘Bear Miles’ which will see him travel around the Globe. The aim is to have Library Bear travel to a variety of destinations around the world as chosen by pupils from schools involved in the ReadMore Project.”
  • Birmingham – Hundreds of new computers for community libraries – Birmingham City Council. ” 520 PCs are now available across the city making it easier for those residents who struggle to access digital devices. Geoff Cross, an ‘IT Buddy’ at Sutton library, said: “The new computers are a godsend. Gone are the tired old lumps and here are the state-of-the art sleek beasts to keep up with the current demands from our customers.”
  • Bolton – First look at Bolton’s temporary new central library – Manchester World. “New images show how Bolton’s temporary new central library will look when it opens in the former New Look branch at Crompton Place.” … “The main body of the temporary library needs space for 30,000 books, a dedicated children’s area, 36 staff and public PCs, three self-service kiosks, study spaces, area for clubs and groups to meet, a library workroom to process stock. and event space. Coun Cox, said: “The central library and Museum are the cornerstones of Bolton’s cultural offer, with hundreds of thousands of residents coming to visit each year.”
  • Bradford – Opinion: Use libraries or lose more of them – Telegraph and Argus. Book returned after being taken out in 1946. Used as launchpad for article on libraries.
  • Croydon – Croydon mayor blames ‘rising costs’ as new library set to become shop – My London News. “Croydon’s new mayor has blamed “rising costs and construction delays” after a new library left empty for two years was put up for rent as a shop. His comments come after the “prime retail unit” was listed at £60,000 a year by council-owned developer Brick by Brick. Croydon ‘s executive mayor Jason Perry said he is “determined” to create a modern and improved library for South Norwood residents”
  • Cumbria – Whitehaven Library hosts murder mystery evening with Highly Suspect UK – News and Star. “Highly Suspect” theatre group does murder mystery in library for fourth time.
  • Shropshire – Overdue library book returned to Shrewsbury after 50 years – BBC.
  • Suffolk – Rushmere library saved from closing down – Ipswich Star. “The only library in northeast Ipswich will be able to continue its activities as the service has received a funding boost – thanks to the efforts of a group of passionate volunteers. The Suffolk Libraries session at Rushmere Pavilion was set to close at the end of July as the funding to pay for it was set to run out. The pop-up library is not part of the Suffolk Libraries contract with Suffolk County Council, and additional funding is essential to keep it going.”
  • Warwickshire – Polesworth Library and Information Centre celebrates 70 years of library service in North Warwickshire – Warwickshire Council.
  • West Sussex – Worthing Library serves nearly 3,500 customers each week since it reopened in June ‘21 – West Sussex Council. Library had not changed since 1975. “We feel privileged to have found an additional 3,000 new library members since last July to enjoy all of this with us, but we always love to see a new face, so to anyone who hasn’t been to visit yet, we invite you to come along and discover all the things on offer for yourself.”” Now co-located with registrars and health.
  • Wirral – Wirral library thrown a lifeline’ by new councillor – Liverpool Echo. “Cllr Percy said: “From speaking to residents and seeing the brilliant work done by the Friends of Bromborough Library, it was clear that more time was needed. I requested officers reopen the community asset transfer window to let interested groups get their bid in. “Together with the council leader, Cllr Janette Williamson, I have offered to work with residents to put together a robust bid. I am confident that we can keep this cherished community hub open, and in the hands of the people who use it most.””
    • Heswall library reopening this week – Runcorn and Widnes World. “Heswall Library was a testing site right up until the requirement for testing was removed on April 1. Now it is set to resume as a community library from next week after improvements to the ventilation system have been put in place and a comprehensive programme of cleaning, repairs and renewals, which were part of the process to decommission it as a testing centre. Library staff have also been working flat out to reinstate shelving, update and restore book stocks and reinstall IT equipment.”

Oho …

Editorial

A truly scary newspaper article from the Guardian points out that without major Government funding, there’s going to be some very serious cuts to local council funding and libraries may be one of the services that bear the brunt. Yay. Been here before. This time around though it’s not austerity but rather inflation and the subsequent necessary wage increases, which haven’t been budgeted for. But don’t worry, the Government is arguing that inflation doesn’t affect a lot of council business (which parts exactly?) and of course if wages are not increased then inflation will go slower. So, that’s OK then.

Faced with potential news like that, it’s good to see that the Libraries Connected conference went really well last week, with lots of sharing of ideas and positive and productive talks about the impact of libraries. And the discovery that Lord Parkinson, who is the Libraries Minister, not only knows his own library card number but is also willing to be used as a library champion. That’s as long of course as he gets robust library data of course. Oho …

National news

  • Fermeture en masse des bibliothèques britanniques : quel bilan ? – ABF. Summary of French library conference panel talk on the closure of English public libraries. In French.
  • How Local Libraries Help Welcome Refugees – Book Riot. “while many libraries have stepped into the role of supporting refugees, there is always more work that can be done. Vincent’s CILIP article gives suggestions on ways that libraries can become more accommodating of and welcoming to refugees and asylum seekers, including consulting with these users and the local organisations that support them to ensure that all their needs are met, and promote the library’s role as a centre for information provision, language learning, and community support.”
  • Libraries Connected welcomes Ayub Khan MBE as new President – Libraries Connected. “As the first Black President of Libraries Connected, Ayub has vowed to use his platform to encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to pursue a career in libraries.”
  • Library fine survey: results and summary report revealed – Libraries Connected. “In March 2022 we surveyed our members and had 61 responses”. 16 of the 61 told us they had removed library fines, 15 more considering it. “40% of libraries that had removed library fines had seen an increase in adults using the library, 30% had seen an increase in families and people from disadvantaged areas, and 20% had seen an increase in 5 – 16-year-olds.”. Response from those not considering going fines-fress is income-related and fears books will not be returned.
  • Making Music publishes proposal to save UK music libraries – Classical Music. “The public library network, which has so far been the largest and most cost-effective provider of sheet music to music groups, has been impacted by local authority budget cuts. A lack of investment in developments towards financial sustainability has placed the future of this resource in peril.” … “Local music library services under threat can email info@makingmusic.org.uk for support from Making Music and its partners.”
  • Reading the Planet: Libraries in a Changing Climate – Youth Libraries Group. 16 to 18 September Conference in Sheffield. “We will be offering a virtual programme for those who cannot travel or who cannot afford the full conference. Those who sign up for the live conference will be able to access the virtual sessions for free.”
  • Re-engaging Library Customers – LIEM Training. Webinar, 30 June, charged. “Even before COVID libraries faced the dual problem of reduced funding, but also, more worryingly, reduced usage. Our readers are getting older, using online sources of information or using their time in other ways. This has lead to a decline in the use, and possibly relevance, of libraries.”
  • Schools and libraries face huge cuts after soaring costs create £1.7bn shortfall – Guardian. “School-building projects, swimming pools and libraries have been earmarked for emergency funding cuts because town halls have been hit by an unexpected £1.7bn hole in their budgets, the Guardian can reveal. Rampant inflation and soaring energy bills mean that council leaders have been forced to rip up financial plans from a few months ago” … “The deterioration in the financial outlook is rapid and unexpected. In January, when 2022-23 budgets were agreed, councils were typically factoring in average pay and inflation costs of about 3%. However, inflation is currently 9%, with the Bank of England predicting it to hit 11% by October.”

International news

  • USA – Group of men disrupt Drag Queen Story Hour at California library – NBC News. Group of aggressive eight far-rightwingers (possibly “Proud Boys”) scream about paedophilia and terrify children. Event took place with windows covered after the men were removed. Library says nothing will stop them from celebrating Pride Month.
    • 5 ways public libraries are being used to fight food insecurity – Shareable. “Free, safe, and accessible to all, community-led libraries serve as a both a resource hub (providing education and information) and an access point, delivering food and other goods directly to the groups that need it most. Here’s how: …”
    • Book bullies attempt to hide our diversity – Chicago Sun-Times. ““Any book with a cover showing a person of color on it gets covered up,” explained Ginny Wehrli-Hemmeter, director of events and marketing at Anderson’s, one of the largest independent bookstores in the Chicago area.” … ““They have a website, a social media presence,” Caldwell-Stone said. “It’s stunning to see they have this idea that public libraries are just for them, and they should take actions to sanitize the library from materials that reflect the lives of gay, queer or transgendered people. It’s a real effort to silence the voices of communities that are finally finding a place on the public stage in our society so that we can understand the experiences of others.””
    • Healthy Aging at the Library – EveryLibrary. “Aging can be lonely, whether you live alone, miss old friends, or want to get out of the house occasionally. Public libraries understand these needs and offer activities, live and virtual, to engage seniors and help make connections with others.”
    • Prince George’s County Memorial Library System Targeted by Anti-LGBTQIA+ Vandalism – Library Journal. “the word “Groomer” was spray-painted on exterior library walls” … “a school librarian at Northview Elementary in Bowie, MD. Sutherland confessed to the vandalism and is currently facing two counts of malicious destruction of property and multiple hate crimes” [I had to read this twice to make sure I had got it right – Ed.]

Local news by authority

  • Bolton – Bolton Town Centre Library to move to a temporary home from September – Bolton Council. “Bolton Council has secured the £23.9m Towns Fund and is investing in four key projects one of which is the upgrade of the library. An investment of £3 million has been secured for the work, the refurbishment will expand and upgrade the children’s area, improve social spaces and update the digital facilities in the main area with the addition of a mezzanine floor. A report proposing temporary relocation of Central Library will be considered by the Leader of the Council on 21 June.”
  • Calderdale – Halifax library staff rescue rare peregrine falcon chick – Halifax Courier. “Calderdale Libraries said: “With her coordinator’s help, and some towel support from the chefs at Trading Rooms in The Piece Hall, little Cilip was taken back up to the library roof where mama could keep an eye on him.””
  • Cheshire West and Chester – West Cheshire Museums sustainability festival begins in July – Standard. “There will also be a prize-giving for West Cheshire Libraries’ and West Cheshire Museums School Competition”
  • Cornwall – Redruth’s former library building unveiled at community event on Murdoch Day – Cornwall Council. “A new Redruth Former Library Community Interest Company has plans to breathe new life into the striking historic building after agreeing with Cornwall Council to take on a five-year lease.”
  • Coventry – More than a million library books read in Coventry’s City of Culture year – Arts Council England. “Launched by the Duchess of Cornwall and beginning in May 2021, One Million Reads Coventry (OMRC) was funded through Arts Council’s National Lottery Project Grants as part of the City of Culture programme and invited people to record everything they read over the year.”
  • Croydon – South Norwood doesn’t want to see ‘incredibly ugly’ library demolished – Sutton and Croydon Guardian. “It is two years since a brand new library in the area was built but the service still hasn’t moved from it’s 1970s building loved by many fans of its architecture. More than 1,700 people signed a petition to save the brutalist library last year. There were fears the library would never move into its new home as the building, from council-owned developer Brick by Brick was not up to scratch. The new site in Pump House, next to Norwood Junction Station, still hasn’t opened despite signs on the window reading: “New library coming soon, delivered by Brick by Brick on behalf of Croydon Council.””
  • Darlington – A first glimpse inside Darlington library during its £3.2m restoration – Darlington and Stockton Times. “The first artist’s impressions show how the £3.2m refurbishment is going to create light, airy rooms within the Gothic building full of comfortable workstations and collaborative areas.” … “In 2016, councillors voted to close the library and move its services into the Dolphin Centre to save £300,000-a-year, but the public outcry forced a rethink – and perhaps even a change in the political make-up of the council. A new Conservative-led administration was elected in 2019 and is now overseeing the library’s reshaping.”
  • Enfield – ‘Sensory space’ launches at Enfield Town Library – Enfield Dispatch. “The facility, created by Enfield Council’s library services team, employs the latest in sensory technology to provide “a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment” specifically designed to help both children and adults develop through sensory play. The space includes an interactive projected floor, activity panels, an infinity mirror, colour changing mood lights and a projector TV.”
  • Highlands – High Life Highland’s libraries to provide technological support for people living with type 2 diabetes – Highland Council. “The project is a partnership with NHS Highland, High Life Highland, Diabetes Scotland and AbilityNet to provide iPads, mobile internet connections, training and support for people at risk of diabetes and those newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.”
  • Nottingham – Landmark building wins major award – My Nottingham News. “The development of the new Broad Marsh Car Park, Bus Station and Central Library building has won a major construction industry award. The £50m project was winner of the Integration and Collaborative Working Award and came runner-up in the Building Project of the Year at the East Midlands Construction Excellence Awards.”
  • Nottinghamshire – We Talk to Entrepreneurs on Overcoming Business Fears at Notts Libraries’ BIPC Mansfield launch – Left Lion. “four shiny new Business and IP Centres at Beeston, Bulwell, Mansfield, and Sutton-in-Ashfield Libraries. Run by Inspire Libraries on behalf of the County Council, entrepreneurs and business owners can meet with BIPC Advisors to discuss their business and access online reports and resources which have a combined worth of over £5 million.”
  • Powys – Less than a fortnight left to join discussion on library hubs development – Brecon and Radnor Express. Survey in two parts: “Access to Services and Digital Exclusion Survey -will assess how easy or difficult it is for residents to access key services and information in Powys and how that might be improved by creating digital hubs in libraries where people can get support. Digital Hub Workspaces Survey – will gauge the interest in the development of workspaces within libraries aimed at people who might currently be working from home or those considering starting a small business.”
  • Tower Hamlets – The London Underground station that has the ‘weirdest entrance’ in the basement of an old library – MyLondon. “Aldgate East station must have the weirdest entrance anywhere on the network as it is actually entered through an opening in the ground floor of Whitechapel Library. It’s one of the oldest libraries in London, and can feel like you are walking down the steps into the lost basement of a gothic mansion – one which wouldn’t look out of place in any Scooby Doo cartoon.”
  • Warrington – Warrington Libraries’ first LitFest is a hit – Warrington Worldwide. “he week-long celebrations included the performance of The Ragged Trousered Philanthropist by Neil Gore of Townsend Theatre Productions, at Padgate Library, which was sponsored by Torus and Unison. The Jubilee family fun day attracted 500 participants with sessions by Cheshire Fire and Rescue, Mulan Culture and The Warrington Signing Choir.”
  • Wirral – Why you will see more than 8,000 flowers on display – Liverpool Echo. “8,372 white paper flowers will go on display at Birkenhead Central Library. Each flower will represent one Muslim man or youth who was killed in a bid to raise awareness of the tragedy and spread a message of unity and tolerance throughout the region.”
    • Wirral Council cuts: Golf courses and libraries spared – BBC News. “Libraries will be retained at Birkenhead Central, West Kirby, Wallasey Central, and Bebington Central, with a further four smaller locations in Eastham, Moreton, Upton, and Heswall. Libraries earmarked for closure in Hoylake, Irby, Pensby, Prenton, Wallasey Village, Higher Bebington and Woodchurch will also move to the next stage of a community asset transfer.”
    • Wirral’s first covid testing site to reopen as a library – Liverpool Echo. “Heswall Library, on Telegraph Road, was the first indoor covid testing site to open in the Wirral. First opened in November 2020, it remained open throughout the pandemic until the government ended the requirement for testing on Friday, April 1 of this year, when it was closed. The building has now been decommissioned as a testing centre and will resume its original purpose, as a community library, next week, on Tuesday, June 21. The council said that library staff have been working “flat out” to restore the space to its past life.”
  • Worcestershire – New tech allows customers to visit county libraries after hours – Worcester News. “Libraries Unlocked membership is only available for those aged 16 and over however under 16s can visit during the new hours if accompanied by a member.”
  • Wrexham – Build your own fun with Lego Clubs at Wrexham libraries – The Leader. Library news update.

The real challenge

Editorial

The Summer Reading Challenge for children, this year themed as “Gadgeteers”, is officially launching in England on Saturday 9 July. It’s by far the biggest promotion that public libraries put on each year and has the highest profile in the public mind. Ask most parents, at least in my limited and biased experience, and they’re likely to know about it. Primary schools too. And this is especially key for the sector this year, as both parents and schools are intensely aware that their children may be a bit behind in reading due to lockdowns. So libraries are pushing, hopefully, at an open door this year. Which is good because this therefore represents the biggest and best opportunity have had so far to get adults and childrens back to visiting them. Best of luck then to you all in organising getting as many people as possible into libraries in July and August. There are already articles appearing about it a month before the event so things are looking good and I’ll certainly be covering it more in future posts. Between doing school assemblies that is.

Changes by Local Authority

National news

  • 2022 Marketing Excellence Awards – CILIP. “The awards offer national exposure for your project and communicate the value of what you’re doing among funders, partners, media, peers, managers and customers. You’ve done the hard work, delivering your project. Now win some extra recognition”
  • Books, books, books: An obsessive-compulsive tour of England’s libraries – Times Literary Supplement. “Among the duties he imposes on himself is to make sense of “who, library-wise, runs what”. “We’re Southend”, he’s told when trying to log on using his Essex county council card. Southend is in Essex, but, owing to a pettifogging quirk of local government that he never manages to fathom, its library is municipally independent.” … “In 2009, 68 per cent of all books published sold an average of eighteen copies each. It is to be hoped that An English Library Journey – eccentric homage and passionate clarion call – does better than that.”. Amazon page.
CILIP Library Conference [I’ll be doing a short talk on intellectual freedom in public libraries and will be there both days if you want to say hi. – Ed.]
  • Fantastic for Families Awards 2022: Applications now open – Family Arts. Need to submit before 22 June.
  • Instrument Libraries – call for donations of money and instruments – Edinburgh Reporter. Several public libraries involved. “Each library is paired with a local music project or the local authority’s instrumental music service, and all of the libraries are keen to build links with other local music groups, schools, community projects and venues. The project has just launched a crowdfunding campaign, with a call-out for donations of both money and musical instruments,to help fill the libraries with as many musical instruments and learning resources as possible.”
  • A library alt text bot – Library Data Blog. “There is a significant amount of current bad practice. It’s common to see library services tweet out posters, with key information only in image format, publishing these on social media without any corresponding text. In many cases this is the only place the information is published. To someone using a screen reader all they know is that their library has shared an image. It could be a funny photo of a cat that’s squashed itself into a box, or it could be a notification that the library is closed that day. So, I created the library alt text bot.” … “Many have decided to block the bot and continue to tweet content that isn’t accessible.”
  • Libraries Connected announces Peer Mentoring Scheme – Libraries Connected.
  • Libraries Connected calls for increased support for library services amid cost-of-living crisis – Libraries Connected. “Libraries Connected is urging the Government not to “take libraries for granted” as they cope with increased demand resulting from the cost-of-living crisis. A recent survey of 32 heads of library services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland conducted by Libraries Connected revealed that over 80% expect an increase in people using libraries to keep warm next winter. This has the potential to place extra pressure on library staff.” Report here (PDF).
  • The Library of Things: coming to a town near you – Positive News. “Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, the model will now be expanded from the existing seven neighbourhoods to 50 across England.”
  • Murdering the competition: Richard Osman thriller tops UK library loans – Guardian. “Following Osman’s novel, the second most borrowed book was Blue Moon, from Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series. Other crime and thriller books in the top 10 were The Long Call by Ann Cleeves, Find Them Dead by Peter James and The Sentinel, also by Child.” … “Rowling dominated the list of most borrowed children’s titles, with all seven Harry Potter books coming out on top.The three remaining slots in the children’s top 10 were taken by David Walliams”

“The figures cover a period in which a lot of libraries had to close for periods of time because of the pandemic. Tom Holland, author and chair of the PLR advisory committee said that“to have kept the show on the road during a time of pandemic, and ensured that authors will continue to be paid for library loans, despite the very worst that Covid could do, has been nothing less than heroic”.”

International news

Ireland: national public library consultation
  • Ireland – Hefty eBook fees causing crisis for library budgets – Irish Examiner. “Scandalous” high eBook prices from English-language “Big Five” publishers.
  • Turkey – In Turkey, book publishers face agonising choices to survive – Al Jazeera. Inflation and high cost or print greatly reducing range of new Turkish books.
  • USA – Quitting Time – American Libraries. “The pandemic is exacerbating attrition among library workers” … “Common reasons for resignations include burnout, frustration, low pay, and low morale. Those factors are notably pervasive in the library world”
    • Conservative parents take aim at library apps meant to expand access to books – NBC News. “Campaigns that started with criticizing school board members and librarians have turned their attention to tech companies such as OverDrive and Epic, which operated for years without drawing much controversy.”
    • The Mind Behind Maus Speaks Out – I Love Libraries. “Art Spiegelman’s life was changed by libraries. The author and artist of graphic novel Maus spoke with American Libraries in their June 2022 issue about the importance of libraries in his life growing up and shared his thoughts on the increase in book challenges and bans occurring across the US—including those involving Maus. Spiegelman’s Pulitzer Prize–winning graphic novel details his father’s experiences during the Holocaust, with Jewish characters depicted as mice and Nazis as cats. Maus has been the subject of multiple challenges and bans since its publication in 1991—most recently in January when the board of McMinn County (Tenn.) School District removed the title from its 8th-grade curriculum for depictions of nudity and adult language.”
    • Mobile library Street Books feeds literary passions of Portlanders living outdoors – OPB. “Near a street corner in Portland’s Old Town neighborhood, street librarian Diana Rempe has set up a cargo bike with a shelf display and a massive wooden box emblazoned with “Street Books”.”
    • Report: “Comics Librarians Are Up for the Fight” – Infodocket. “Graphic novels are easy targets for challenges, because “there are panels that are easy to pull out and throw around on social media and take out of context”
    • We need to have a talk about “censorship” – Pure Unhinged Ideology. Librarian argues against neutrality: “Applying this inclusion of “all views,” as hoopla insists they do, means you get books in their collection on Holocaust denialism (Debating the Holocaust), COVID denialism (Fight COVID with Melatonin), conversion therapy (Attack on the Family), and defenses of the alt-right in their own words (A Fair Hearing).” … “librarianship has got to have a reckoning about this whole censorship/intellectual freedom/neutrality debacle.”.

Local news by authority

  • North Yorkshire – Recycling small electricals can make a big difference – North Yorkshire County Council. “20 libraries across the county will temporarily be collecting small electrical items until July 8. Participating libraries will also be giving away tubs to store used batteries, which will be available while stocks last.”
    • Library visits remain low following pandemic – Craven Herald. “library visits in the year to April were at about 60 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, book issues had returned to about 85 per cent of the number being borrowed before March 2020.” … “although the county’s “almost unique model” of largely volunteer-run libraries had only reopened partially following lockdowns last year, it still attracted more than a million visits last year and saw nearly 1.5 million books issued.”
    • Volunteers sought to help young readers connect with science – North Yorkshire County Council. Summer Reading Challenge: ““Taking part as a volunteer is always rewarding and I look forward to it every year. It feels amazing being able to share my love for reading with the children.””
  • Nottingham – ‘Enormous shame’ as more flats could be created on former Nottingham library site – Nottinghamshire Live. Carlton Road Library closed in 2011. One member of public says “I just think it would be a real shame. A library closes down and it’s for the public. I just think it’s an enormous shame. Libraries are for everyone. I think it would be an enormous shame – we have enough flats.” but others say flats are needed.
  • Shetlands – Library stats best in the UK per head of population – Shetland News. Due to swift recovery after lockdowns. “… during lockdown there was a “huge uptake” in electronic services. We also changed to home deliveries […] of media in print, and that was really appreciated by lots of families as well”

“There can be no levelling up in the UK until there is a restoration of funding for the public services on which we all rely. Conservative Governments since 2010 have decimated funding to local authorities. Central Government funding for Wirral Council dropped 85% between 2010 and 2020. The impact on our communities is devastating. As a result, in Wirral West the future of libraries in Hoylake, Irby, Pensby and Woodchurch is uncertain, as is the future of Woodchurch leisure centre and swimming pool. Far from levelling up, the loss of those facilities means the running down and impoverishment of the lives of everyone who relies on the services. How short-sighted of the Government to ignore the importance of libraries, pools and leisure centres.”

Margaret Greenwood MP, Wirral West
  • Worcestershire – Bromsgrove library helps Ukrainian guests connect in the community – Bromsgrove Advertiser. “The library along with Pershore, Malvern, Kidderminster and The Hive is hosting Ukraine Connections sessions for Ukrainian visitors and their host families living in the area.” … ““Host families are encouraged to bring their Ukrainian guests to their local library, so they can see for themselves the role public libraries in the UK play.””

The Jubilee was wonderful but other countries see the UK as a warning

Editorial

This week will go down in everyone’s memory as Platinum Jubilee week. Public libraries have played their part throughout the country, with flags, displays, coffee mornings and other events. An impressive number of librarians – no less than ten – have also been named in the Platinum Jubilee Honours. While there are arguments against as well as for Honours, I would argue that they at least boost the status of those holding them, which can be very useful.

I had the honour of speaking at the French library conference this week – due to my limitations online alas, rather than where it was taking place in Metz. While the cuts situation has apparently cooled off, for now at least, in many library services, it’s worth reminding ourselves that the UK is see as a warning for what could happen in many countries. The French librarians were anxious to learn about the situation and many were concerned that what happened here could happen there. And well they should. There have been one or two cases there of cuts recently. I remember the complacency of many librarians in the early 2000s. That has gone now in this country and those elsewhere would do well to learn what lessons there are from it.

Finally, well done to Knowsley, which becomes the 39th library service in the UK to go completely fines-free. For those wishing to know how it can be done, New Zealand has produced a toolkit on the subject, including case studies.

Changes by local authority

National news

  • Are libraries open on Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday? – The Sun. “t is likely that your library will be open at some point across the weekend, although running on shorter hours for the Queen’s Jubilee. If you have a very small local library then you may find the library is shut as employee numbers are minimal.”
  • Fun Palaces: The Library Special – Fun Palaces. “In this podcast, we meet librarian Zoey Dixon who will tell you all about why Fun Palaces are so perfect suited to libraries.”
  • Helping jobseekers help themselves – Arts Council England. “investigates how jobseekers use libraries, and the role library services play in improving employment outcomes. The report recommends that libraries should take actions such as coordinating their support for jobseekers with other forms of jobseeker support, and reinstating in-person support for jobseekers in libraries that was paused because of the pandemic.”
Libraries Week
  • Nine Scottish libraries to loan out musical instruments – West FM. “There will be six libraries from Edinburgh, two from North Ayrshire, and one from Fife all part of the new project.” … ““There’s a music group going to be associated with each library. So, there’ll be music classes and taster classes for young people to try it out. And we’ve also got the tinderbox online music school, where people can get online lessons for free.””
  • Not as I like it! War Horse author Michael Morpurgo says Shakespeare plays ‘need a bit of editing’ – Mail Online. “Sir Michael said: ‘Libraries, and particularly the librarians who work in them, are vital for us all, but especially for those who need them most.’”
  • PRH UK donates entire audiobook library to charity Calibre Audio – BookSeller. “Under the new partnership, around 6,000 titles as well as future releases will be made freely available to Calibre’s 16,000 members, who have a range of disabilities that make reading and understanding text difficult, including visual impairments, learning disabilities, cognitive impairments and physical dexterity conditions. Earlier this year, the service was made available to people with long Covid …”
  • Refugee week and Libraries of Sanctuary – Libraries Connected. Monday 13 June, 2pm. “In this webinar we will have an update on support for Ukrainian newcomers from Larysa Bolton from the Association of Ukrainian Women in the UK, Julie Hayward from Book Trust, and a more general update on the Libraries of Sanctuary submission process from Ashley Beckett of City of Sanctuary.
  • Thousands of UK public buildings now have gigabit broadband – Techradar Pro. “The figure includes 1,200 schools, 340 libraries and 50 hospitals …”

Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours

MBE

  • Catherine Mann. Head of Libraries and Arts, Staffordshire County Council. For services to Public Libraries.
  • Christine May. Head, Libraries at Bradford. For services to Public Libraries.
  • Helen Joy Osborn. Lately Director of Library Services, Libraries NI. For services to Public Libraries.
  • Susan Lesley Williamson. National Director, Libraries, Arts Council England. For services to the Library Sector.
  • Susan Elizabeth Wills. Assistant Director, Lifelong Learning and Culture, Surrey County Council. For services to Public Libraries.

BEM

  • Anthony Lambert Tyrrell Brown. Chair, Suffolk Libraries. For services to Public Libraries
  • Christopher John Lawrey Clarke. Company Secretary and Treasurer, Friends of Jesmond Library. For services to the community in Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne.
  • Sorrelle Clements. Service Development Manager, Coventry Libraries. For services to Libraries.
  • Susan Ann Comitti. Libraries and Heritage Service Manager, London Borough of Hackney. For services to Public Libraries.
  • Robert John Jones. Library Service Manager, Isle of Wight Council. For services to Public Libraries.
  • Emma Claire Noyce. Assistant Director, Culture and Information Services, Hampshire County Council. For services to Public Libraries during Covid-19.
  • Bookworm and Arts Council boss Sue Williamson gets MBE for her work in the library service – Lancashire Post. Arts Council England director for public libraries.
  • ‘Emma helped thousands of people access libraries during lockdown’ – Yahoo News. “Emma Noyce, 45, had only been in her post as Head of Hampshire’s Library Service for a year when Covid hit. After overseeing the closure of 48 libraries in just 24 hours, Emma quickly organised a team of staff to phone 500 vulnerable residents who would normally use the home library delivery service.” … “She then convinced senior leadership to invest in £100,000 worth of ebooks which resulted in an 84 per cent increase in daily loans.” … she “also inspired the digital library team to create an online timetable of events and activities including Baby Rhymetime, Story Time and bedtime stories, created on video by library staff. These were being watched more than 1,700 times a day.”
  • Honours Week – Showcasing the best of the UK’s honours system – Cabinet Office.
  • Islanders recognised for public service in Queen’s Birthday Honours list – Island Echo. “64-year-old Robert Jones from Rookley has been awarded a BEM for services to public libraries. Robert is the Isle of Wight Council’s Library Service Manager. Robert is an active member of the Libraries Connected regional network and was previously involved in the Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians. He represented public libraries nationally on the Prison Library Service Partnership Board.”
  • ‘Lovely surprise’: Hackney’s long-serving libraries manager recognised in Queen’s honours – Hackney Citizen. Sue Comitti: ““Hackney’s given me my career,” she said as she reflected on the work that has led to her being awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday honours. It includes the refurbishment of Hackney Central, Clapton and Shoreditch libraries, and helping generations of residents discover a treasure trove of books and activities.”
  • Man who fought to save Beccles Library named in Queen’s Birthday Honours – Beccles and Bungay Journal. “Anthony Lambert Tyrrell Brown, known as Tony, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his outstanding service to public libraries. The 67-year-old former chair of Suffolk Libraries initially started a campaign to save Beccles Library from closure, before becoming involved in a wider project to protect sites across the county. Mr Brown has been a member of the Suffolk Libraries board since 2013, including spending time as chair between 2013 and 2021.”
  • Queen’s Jubilee birthday honours: Library manager gets BEM for autism work – BBC. “Sorrelle Clements is the Service Development Manager for Coventry Libraries and said “we’re not just about books”. She worked with parents of autistic children in the community to find ways to make library spaces more welcoming.”

International news

  • Australia – One of Sydney’s most underrated treasures: our incredible libraries – Sydney Sentinel. “Rather than fork out hundreds of dollars a week for a co-working space where the fridge reeks and people get inordinately excited by ping pong, I get to work somewhere quiet and peaceful, with ample plug sockets and free WiFi. Membership is also free and entitles me to book private rooms to conduct phone calls and interviews. This, my friends, is why I pay my taxes.”

“As the UK closes libraries, we’re opening them in Sydney. And they look unlike any library I saw growing up in Britain, which were mostly dingy, unremarkable, cold and somewhat forgotten buildings.”

  • Canada – Promoting Food Security in Public Libraries – Hamilton Public Library and McMaster University. “This project reviews relevant literature on food insecurity, investigates current food access initiatives in Hamilton, and outlines promising practices and initiatives from other Canadian public libraries to help inform HPL’s involvement in addressing food insecurity in Hamilton”
  • Global – Odilo raises $64M as its white-label e-learning library passes 8,500 customers and 170M users – Yahoo. “Odilo has so far racked up 8,500 customers in 52 countries, covering some 170 million users in all, with the list including government bodies, libraries and education organizations like MIT, but also big corporate customers such as Google and Vodafone.”
  • New Zealand – Removing Library Fines – Lianza. Excellent guide to how to remove fines including case studies. “Our toolkit helps libraries, councils and communities remove significant barriers to accessing trusted information, the joy of reading and connecting with others.”
  • USA – Louisiana County Libraries Block Displays for Groups, Issues – Bloomberg. Libraries self-censor to avoid fighting. “Book displays targeting specific groups or topics such as Cajun heritage, Pride Month or Black History Month are prohibited indefinitely at public libraries in Louisiana’s Lafayette Parish, a newspaper reported.” … ““I’m doing this because everything’s a fight,” he said. “And if I put these books out right now, I feel like I am inviting people to challenge these books.””
  • How Rural Librarian Jessamyn West is Alleviating the Digital Divide – The Slate. Podcast. “a librarian in rural Vermont who’s working to improve computer literacy and access to library services in her community.”
    • Library, author, bookseller groups condemn legal action attempting to censor books in Virginia – ALA. “No book has been banned for obscenity in the United States in more than 50 years. Prohibiting the sale of books is a form of censorship that cannot be tolerated under the First Amendment.”
    • Once More for Those in the Back—Libraries Are Not Neutral – Publishers Weekly. “In a February New York Times editorial, conservative opinion writer Stanley Kurtz took to task the efforts of what he called “woke” librarians and pleaded for a return to “neutrality” in libraries. What Kurtz got wrong, however, is that libraries are not–and have never been–neutral.”. Those arguing for censorship have argued that having LGBT books on shelves is like having bleach accessible for children on the bottom shelves of shops. Those wanting to ban books wants libraries not to be neutral but rather biased towards them, and not others.

Local news by authority

Going staff-less in 2022

Editorial

It’s been a while since this post has covered staff-less libraries but three different mentions this week brings them to attention once again. Having library card and PIN entry to allow customers into libraries has been around more than a decade now. In the UK, this has been used both to extend hours and to replace paid staff, with the prevalence of one or the other being a useful weathervane for where the budgetary winds are blowing. So, it’s good to see that the two reported in the UK today appear to be aimed at extending hours rather than cutting staff costs. In the third mention since the last post, the technology is less conflicted – it’s in Australia, a country which has seen nothing like the budgetary pressures we have, and it’s seen an entirely good, indeed, an award-winning thing.

Changes by local authority

National news

  • Free Makerspace Starter Guide for Libraries – Artefacto. “Previously we have shared this publication with people attending our training or libraries we’ve worked with. But now we wanted to share it more widely to help libraries (and other cultural organisations) interested in launching or developing their own makerspace programme. “
  • Making the Most of National Events: A Toolkit for Public Libraries – Libraries Connected. “gives an overview of how to successfully engage with cultural events. Drawing on the experience and expertise of members of the Culture and Creativity Offer Group supported by Libraries Connected, the toolkit is full of ideas, top tips and templates for developing strategies and planning event activity.”
  • Platinum Jubilee: War Horse author Morpurgo dedicates latest book to Queen – BBC. “Sir Michael said: “Libraries have been, and continue to be, a constant in our communities, our schools, and lives. “Libraries, and particularly the librarians who work in them, are vital for us all, but especially for those who need them most.”
  • Psychosocial needs and the Public Library – University of Aberystwyth. “You are being invited to participate in a research study titled: How prepared are UK public library services to meet the psychosocial needs of their users? With a focus on staff perceptions and trainingThe term ‘psychosocial’ refers to the interrelated mental, emotional, and social needs of individuals.”
  • Public Library Survey – UCL. “for my Library and Information Studies MA at UCL, I am looking into patron-perpetrated sexual harassment towards UK public librarians within the last 5 years.” …”The survey is completely anonymous and cannot be traced back to you or your workplace.  “
  • Refugee week and Libraries of Sanctuary – Libraries Connected. Webinar, Monday 13 June, 2pm. “In this webinar we will have an update on support for Ukrainian newcomers from Larysa Bolton from the Association of Ukrainian Women in the UK, Julie Hayward from Book Trust, and a more general update on the Libraries of Sanctuary submission process …”
  • Updates on the Single Digital Presence – British Library. Currently concentrating on branding. Head of Delivery starts in June. see also Single Digital Presence for public libraries – British Library. “The current phase of funding (June 2021 – March 2024) will enable us to develop and test a public-facing version of the platform. £1.1 million of the funding is ring-fenced to help libraries in England with their digital offers.”
  • Violence on the rise in British Libraries as shock figures lay bare UK’s ‘hubs of chaos’ – Mirror. “Shock figures show they were the scene of nearly 6,000 serious anti-social behaviour incidents in five years.” … “An ex-policeman who spent five years working in a North East library told us: “I was assaulted more times in there than in than in my 25 years in the force.” … “In some areas they are used as a contact point for social services, which is believed to have added to the risk of disturbances.”
  • What it’s really like working in libraries – Socialist Party. “27 million books, 9,000 workers and 800 libraries cut by Tories”

International news

  • Sweden – The library – a bright spot? Biblioteket – en ljuspunkt? – Biblioteket tar saka #librarycase. “Time: Tuesday May 31, 2022, 17.00 pm -18.45 pm UTC +02:00 (time converter) Purpose: to show that – and how – the library can contribute to «sustainable development» and «global justice» and thus be «a bright spot». The workshop will be in English (the first Zoom part) and in Swedish (the following physical part). Both with time for discussions.”
  • USA – Hillsdale to consider banning Harry Potter as library wars hit Michigan – Bridge Michigan. Complaints about too many books by Jewish and Black writers, one librarian resigns over paedophilia accusation, another looks to ban all Potter and LGBT titles. “Paladino said the “city’s library director has begun to fill the library with CRT, LGBT and sexually promiscuous books and displays.” Included as an example of books he felt were inappropriate for the library’s children’s section was a Harry Potter book, plus a book for young readers titled “How to Fight Racism,””. One librarian objected to because she is gay, with one comment being “Is she even Christian?”. Fears over censorship as complaints rise.

Local news by authority

  • Devon – Queen’s Jubilee Exhibition: Huge collection makes debut at Barnstaple Library – North Devon Gazette. “The astonishing treasure trove of royal memorabilia is on loan from North Devon collector Sarah Grant”
    • Library card music player – Crowdfunder. “We aim to build and install a library card music player into Exeter Library in time for the Summer Reading Challenge.”
  • Essex – e-comics and creative writing help from Essex libraries – Saffron Walden Reporter. “A dedicated literacy area has opened at Stansted library this week. And similar dedicated literacy areas for libraries in Saffron Walden, Thaxted and Great Dunmow are due by the end of June. Dedicated literacy areas have materials to support reading and writing for adults and children, printable take-home resources, and creative writing prompts.”
    • A library card for every child – Essex Council. “We want every child to experience the joy of reading. That’s why we’re giving every pupil in Essex a library card as part of our Essex Year of Reading campaign. Pupils will receive their library card and a campaign bookmark from their school. All they need to do is take it to any Essex Library to activate it and start borrowing. As well as access to thousands of books, Essex Libraries also offer e-books, e-audio and e-comics.”
  • Gwynedd – Penygroes and Dyffryn Ogwen Libraries benefit from grant – North Wales Chronicle. ” libraries at Penygroes and Dyffryn Ogwen, Bethesda are set to benefit from £56,000 of Welsh Government funding, through the Capital Transformation Fund. The funding aims to help local libraries and museums to develop their facilities and services” … “A transformation grant will support the development of these two libraries in order to realise ambitious plans to develop Llyfrgell y Petha (the Library of Things) at both sites, as well as creating a virtual reality hub in Penygroes Library and wellbeing garden at Dyffryn Ogwen Library.”
  • HounslowShare your local memories and help create a unique local history archive – Hounslow Council. “Showcasing some fascinating finds from the borough’s archives, every exhibition will be unique, focusing on the history of the area surrounding each library.”
Tower Hamlets

Here to stay?

Editorial

There’s been enough time since Austerity started in 2010 to note some long-term results in the sector. Suffolk Libraries celebrates ten years as a Library Trust this year. It seems to be going well and certainly most of what I see from that service is good and positive. The other library trusts – notably York Explore and Libraries Unlimited (Devon) – also seem to be doing well. Leisure trusts have had a more mixed picture, with Falkirk, Northamptonshire, Peterborough and Wigan all having to return to council control due to various problems. Others have suffered during lockdown – leisure trusts rely on income from leisure centres etc – but have survived.

But the real standout has been volunteer libraries. Focusing just on longevity and not getting distracted by other issues, then the thing one notices is how few have failed in the last decade. Just one or two out of out of the (probably) over 600 have had to close over the time. And some of the first in Buckinghamshire have been open over fifteen years now. That’s a surprising survival rate compared to expectations in 2010 where it was assumed many would not be round for long. It suggests, rather, that they may be here to stay.

Changes by local authority

Floating or dynamic stock.

I recently asked on Twitter if library services use a floating stock system. This is where books are kept at the library where they end up (for example, for reservations) rather than send them back to a “home” library. See this page for some more info on this. The responses on Twitter totalled 4 doing dynamic and 20 doing static. A couple of others do a hybrid system where receiving library keeps the book if they want it, send it back if not.

Comments:

  • Several library services have moved to static stock as it lead to build-up in some branches. On the other hand, it was reported that floating stock automatically moves books around and so refreshes libraries without any extra work (indeed, less work as they’re not returned back) and increases serendipity.
  • Some do a mixed system: for example “We keep them but send them back if less than two years old” and “we send non-fiction back for special collections but keep fiction if we have a stock gap”
  • New Zealand said poorer areas lose out if dynamic because wealthier borrowers reserve all the books.

National news

The first electric mobile library? 1979
  • £750,000 funding announced to boost libraries and museums in Wales – Wales 247. “The funding, which will be delivered as part of the Transformation Capital Grant Scheme, will support Wales’ local libraries, museums, to develop and revitalise their facilities, with a particular focus on widening access, partnership working, decarbonisation, and developing sustainable services.”
  • Arts Council future under review by government – BookSeller. “The review will look to identify a minimum of 5% savings for each organisation.”
  • Bookbug Week aims to inspire ‘an early love of books’ – The National. “Bookbug, Scottish Government funding for which over 2022/23 has been increased by £1.7 million, is developed in partnership between the national literature and literacy charity the Scottish Book Trust, local authorities, libraries, children’s publishers and health trusts across the nation, and provides free books to every baby, toddler, three and five-year-old in Scotland.”
A great T-shirt design from Warwickshire
  • Five tips to enhance your institution’s civic engagement by working with public libraries – Times Higher Education Campus. “Good two-way public engagement can connect communities, inspire learning and stimulate curiosity. So what better partner than libraries to support higher education institutions to engage the public with their work and build on civic engagement strategies?”
  • Green Libraries – CILIP. “CILIP has announced the Arts Council England funded Green Libraries Partnership, a multiyear research and development programme to enable public libraries in England to address Environmental Responsibility.”. Various links and events.
  • Handbook of Library Appliances – Library Association / Project Gutenberg. 1898 handbook to what library furniture is available and how to use it. Fascinating [and disturbing – I recognise some of this furniture – Ed.]
  • How well do you know your libraries? Quiz – OUP Blog. “Were you born to be a librarian? Are you a library fan? Or do you just like a bit of trivia? Whatever your reason it’s time to prove to us how well you know your libraries with this short quiz.” [I only got 4 out of 8 so I guess the jury is still out on me – Ed.]
Unison candidate on library work

International news

  • USA – Texas librarians face harassment as they navigate book bans – Texas Tribune. “Librarian Suzette Baker said she faced a hard choice last year when her boss asked her to hide a book on critical race theory behind the counter.” … “She spoke up, telling her supervisors that the library was facing a censorship attack.” … “Baker was fired for insubordination”. Others “have already quit, and others are considering it.”
  • Libraries Help Veterans Transition to Civilian Life – EveryLibrary. “… there is no one-size-fits-all veteran archetype. Veterans are found at nearly every demographic level of America. They and their families have long found libraries to be great resources when they move somewhere new, a one-stop-shop of community information and events to help them adjust. So, libraries want to continue offering support beyond the term of duty.”

Local news by authority

Lots of library staff talking about what Suffolk Libraries offers
  • York – Clifton Explore Library Learning Centre Development – York Explore. “A new Explore Library Learning Centre at the heart of Clifton, Where you come in wanting one thing, but go out with so much more. A friendly, accessible, safe space, where you will always feel welcome, A library with great books to borrow, the place you meet up with friends, A workspace with Wi-Fi connection, a place to learn something new, A flexible venue for events and groups, hobbies and meetings, A place you can trust for advice when life changes or challenges you. Help us to create your library in Clifton shaped by your needs.”
Wandsworth

Choosing the correct future

Editorial

I was listening to a podcast while walking the Schnausers this morning on the history of libraries. What do you mean, you already knew I was a library nerd? Anyway, a few good points stuck out from it. One was that a public library without books becomes a council community centre or social work building, and not a library. And, another related point, was that printed books appear to be here to stay despite repeated predictions to the contrary – remember the extinction timeline that said the last public library would close in 2019? The book has already seen off microfilm and CD-ROM as challenges and it looks reasonably certain now that the latest contender for the extinction-event for the printed page – eBooks – is instead a complementary technology. So that’s good for us that like printed books but less so for those who appear to think that the future of libraries is entirely without them. A point that stuck with me was that public libraries try to plan for the future but, because no-one can know what it looks like, often end up planning for the wrong one. So perhaps keep hold of those paperbacks for now. Also, another thing that sprung to mind was that a thing one can be fairly certain that the fines-free movement is on the right side of history. One hopes that more services will be able to afford it soon.

Finally, well done to Scottish libraries which took part in the “Keep the heid and read” campaign , which has resulted in over 456 thousand minutes or reading being pledged. It’s a fine example of a national publicity campaign. Such campaigns have also been successful in Ireland but, for some reason (the one often cited is that the country is too big), have not been a factor in England as yet.

Changes by local authority

National news

£12000 of grants available for digitising archives
  • UKeiG 2022 Members’ Day and Annual General Meeting by Zoom – CILIP. 9 June 1pm, Zoom. Includes “The library technology ecosystem- where we are now and what does the future hold?” by Ken Chad.
  • Welcome to National Crime Reading Month – Crime Reading. “Run by the Crime Writers’ Association in partnership with national charity The Reading Agency, NCRM is a festival that takes place throughout June across the UK and Ireland, culminating in the prestigious CWA Daggers ceremony at the end of the month.”

International news

Local news by authority

Barnet
Shropshire

Local elections

Editorial

Local elections have resulted in a several changes of control, with perhaps the most significant one for libraries being in Barnet, which has experienced a lot of cuts over the years, has changed from Conservative to Labour. It will be interesting to see if this results on any changed to libraries. Pulling back to see the bigger picture, the results suggest that the Conservatives are increasingly vulnerable, making possible a Labour (and thus higher spending on public services) government is at least possible this decade.

Change-wise, one more library service going fines-free, with 38 now not charge any late fees in the UK, two branches have had an extension of opening hours, one had had a refurbishment and a last library is moving into a new co-location. So on the face of it no bad news there. Across the water, the campaign by some to turn the USA into something close to The Handmaid’s Tale continues with moves to censor what library users are allowed to read.

Changes by local authority

National news

  • Communicate Your Library’s Value through Partnerships – Infobase. Webinar, Wednesday 18 May 8pm. “You know how much your library has to offer. But does your community? The secret isn’t marketing—it’s partnership. In this webinar, Dr. Audrey Barbakoff, an experienced public library leader and founder of Co/Lab Capacity, will discuss how to co-create services and programs that will authentically engage and inspire your community.”
  • Partnership between DMU and UK libraries ensures more young people learn about the legacy of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence – De Montfort University. “The landmark Library of Birmingham – Europe’s biggest public library – is being lit up in orange in honour of Stephen, while all 16 libraries across Leicester have book displays of titles that celebrate diversity and a positive vision for the future.”
  • Who is using public libraries’ digital collections in England? – Kevin J Bolton Ltd. “The study demonstrates that in terms of SEC, education level, age, and ethnicity that those using digital collections are not as representative as those who visit in person. Therefore, library services need to think carefully about developing their digital services to reach a broader range of people.” … “The study also demonstrates the importance of visiting a library during childhood on adult library use.” … “, this study shows the importance of going beyond descriptive statistics and using inferential statistical analyses to understand library use.”

International news

Local news by authority

Under the election radar

Editorial

I’ve not heard the word “hollowed out” for a while and it’s a bit depressing to read it again. There’s an article in the Guardian on the subject, including the downright terrifying statistic that there has been a ” 52% reduction in the number of library visits per person between 2009/10 and 2019/20″. Terrifying because I suspect it is true. I’m not so sure about the statistic quoted that a third of all libraries have closed since 2009/10, though, even if one includes all the volunteer libraries and accepts that it’s the smallest libraries that are closed, but the 44% cut in funding rings true, if inflation is taken into account.

So why this report now? Well, the local elections are going ahead, with not much mention of libraries. On the surface, things seem to be going OK, with there being one entirely new library this week, three moves of libraries and one library likely to close. However, Libraries Connected report that “more than one in four libraries managing cuts of between 5% and 20% this year”, which is pretty dang bad. So why the low profile of libraries in campaigns? Well, it’s only in those areas with particular threats, notably Essex, where libraries are mentioned in campaigns. Councils have learnt to cut libraries, not close them, in order to not push the public into protests.

Changes by local authority

National news

  • 10Tickers – 10Tickers. “The charming 10Tickers book series introduces children to the seven areas of
    learning and development contained in the EYFS curriculum.” … “‘As part of our CSR initiative we are giving 10 sets of our 10Tickers book series to local library authorities for free with the aim of helping young children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The books introduce children to the seven areas of learning and development contained in the Early Years Foundation statutory framework. QR codes are featured in the books, whereby children can access online content. This online content includes simple activities, games and pdfs. To get involved please email info@10tickers.com regarding this CSR initiative! You can also visit www.10Tickers.com to see more information on the books.’”
  • Board Games in Libraries – Newcastle Libraries. Thursday 19 May, 18:00, online. “An online meet-up, primarily for library staff, to share their experiences and learn more about using board games in libraries.”
  • Farshore to be headline sponsor for CILIP Youth Libraries Group Conference – BookSeller. “The conference will take place from 16th–18th September at The Quays Hotel in Sheffield. It will be in person for the first time in two years, but there will be a virtual programme of events running from 12th–14th September for those unable to attend.  This year’s conference will celebrate the theme of “Reading the Planet; Libraries in a Changing Climate …”
  • Libraries Connected Annual Report 2021 – Libraries Connected. “With more than one in four libraries managing cuts of between 5% and 20% this year, we are advocating for libraries in the latest spending review”
  • Libraries Improvement Fund Round 2 – Arts Council England. “This fund will enable library services across England to invest in a range of projects to upgrade buildings and technology so they are better placed to respond to the changing ways people are using them.  ” £5m.
  • Local government in England ‘hollowed out’ under Conservatives – Guardian. “An example cited in the report about the difficulty of comparing local authority services was the impact on libraries. A third of all libraries have closed amid a 44% reduction in spending since 2010. There is, however, little relationship between spending and closures, because many cost savings come through means such as fewer staff and reduced opening hours. The effect has been a 52% reduction in the number of library visits per person between 2009/10 and 2019/20.”
  • Malorie Blackman: ‘If I’m only known for Noughts and Crosses, I’m OK with that’ – I. “she sometimes got a frosty reception – not from the kids, but from the teachers, librarians and writers who didn’t welcome the presence of a black author who wrote about black characters.”
  • Sissay announced as ambassador for Manchester Festival of Libraries – BookSeller. “The festival, which highlights what is offered by the library service, runs from 15th to 19th June and will stage 80 events covering everything from wellbeing to culture and creativity.  “

International news

Local news by authority

  • Bristol – CrimeFest Donates Books to Libraries Across Bristol – Shots Mag. “The Big Library Crime Book Giveaway, organised by the UK’s biggest crime fiction convention CrimeFest, takes place at the end of April. Roughly 650 crime books will be given to all 27 libraries across the city from 29 April – 1 May. The initiative is being supported by bestselling author, Ann Cleeves, who is a vocal advocate of reading and libraries as a ‘lifeline’.”
  • Derbyshire – Ada Belfield Centre and Belper Library, Belper, Derbyshire – Riba Journal. “This enlightened project combines a residential care building for the elderly with a new public library, with both sharing a courtyard and public café. In doing so, it revives a derelict backland former chocolate factory within Derwent Valley Mills Unesco World Heritage Site and connects it back to the energy of the high street.”
  • Devon – Dilapidated library that ‘defied gravity’ gets major £1.7million move in Bideford – Devon Live. “Bideford Library is set to move to a new and modern building in a £1.7million relocation scheme. Devon County Council has completed a competitive tender process with the Bideford Library moving from its current location on New Road to the Bideford Arts Centre building. The total cost for the project is estimated to be £1,696,052.70. Barnstaple firm Pearce Construction will undertake the development.”
    • New mobile library replaces ‘Gertie’ – Tavistock Today. “The replacement vehicle is only six years old and was bought second hand with a £15,000 grant from Devon County Council – a tenth of the cost of a brand new vehicle.”
  • East Riding – Chance to find your voice at library Cuppa and Chorus sessions – Scarborough News. “Cuppa and a Chorus aims to lift mood, encourage wellbeing, and combat isolation. Sessions comprise of a relaxed ‘getting to know you’ social between the facilitator and those taking part, to enjoy a drink and light refreshments and set the tone of togetherness.”
  • Essex – New beach libraries set up in Clacton, Walton and Dovercourt – Clacton and Frinton Gazette. “Run by different community groups around the district, the sites contain fun items such as buckets and spades for groups to use for the day.”
    • Save Our Libraries respond to council proposals – Your Harlow. “‘It stands to reason that when a library has to give up space to share with other organisations and services, there will be less room for books, less room to study, and less room for computers’, said a SOLE spokesperson.”
    • Work gets underway to deliver Shenfield’s new library – Essex Council. “In July 2021, Essex Housing, our housing development company, secured planning consent to revitalise the site through the construction of a new library funded by a modest development of nine high-quality apartments above the library space. The redevelopment was subsequently also given the go ahead by Cabinet in October 2021.”
  • Hertfordshire – Hertfordshire residents invited to share their memories of Her Majesty the Queen for Platinum Jubilee exhibition and archive – Hertfordshire Council. “Visitors will have a golden opportunity to view original documents relating to Her Majesty the Queen, including a letter from HRH Princess Elizabeth to Hertfordshire resident Lady Desborough, as well as other examples of royal correspondence, photos and documents. There will also be a chance to add to this historic archive by sharing memories of previous jubilee celebrations and royal visits over tea and cake, in true regal style.”
  • Lambeth -Lambeth Libraries – community events, talks, quizzes and services for May 2022 – Brixton Buzz. “We are looking to set up Children and Young People Friends Groups for each Lambeth Library. As part of Lambeth becoming a Child Friendly Borough we want to hear what our younger users want. Are we providing the right activities and books?”
  • Manchester – Festival of Libraries 2022 is announced – Manclibraries Blog. “The Festival of Libraries returns in June 2022, and will take place in libraries across Greater Manchester. After a successful debut last year, this year’s festival will run from Wednesday 15 to Sunday 19 June, 2022. The Festival, which is supported by Arts Council England …”
  • North Yorkshire – North Yorkshire libraries encourage you to socialise – York Press. “Events in libraries during Mental Health Awareness Week include Coffee, Cake and Chat drop-ins at which people can enjoy a cuppa and cake and meet new and old friends.”