Public libraries in the public eye
Aug 25th
There were two big national news stories concerning libraries this week. The one is the number of requests to school libraries to withdraw books, with many ending up being removed. This is strongly reminiscent of what is happening in US public libraries, although on a far smaller and less organised scale. The big difference is that a major political party here isn’t supporting such censorship, although I suspect Mr Farage wouldn’t be against and also parts of the Conservative Party.
The other big story, which really blew up this week, is the anti-racism training being planned for Welsh public librarians. The particular part of the training which has really annoyed some commentators is that which covers avoiding buildings with links to slavery in the past, or at least acknowledging that they have such links.
Regardless of what one thinks about these developments, both stories together show that the stock decisions and training policies of public libraries are now in the public eye far more than I ever remember them in the past. This awareness, and desire to get involved, in what was normally seen as, well, not even something to know about at all, shows the politicisation of the sector, whether we like it or not.
Do you have an opinion or a story you’d like to share? Please email me at ianlibrarian@live.co.uk

Changes by local authority
- Birmingham – More details on £2.3m cut: 10 libraries to remain full-time; 14 to be “part-time”, 4 to close and “co-locate”, 7 to close if others do not pay for them, 1 (Spring Hill) to definitely close.
- Derbyshire – £910k cut between 2024 and 2029: 10% cut in opening hours, reduce mobile/home library service, co-locations, volunteers.
- Newport – £159k cut over 2 years. Pill Library closed. £46k cut in book fund (now £136k). Bettws and Malpas libraries to move into co-locations.
National news
- Books are being banned across Britain. We are not as tolerant as we pretend – Telegraph. “The Index on Censorship discovered that 28 of the 53 British school librarians they polled had been asked to remove books – many of which were LGBTQ+ titles – from their shelves. It appears that pressure had come from parents and, on some occasions, teachers too. For a society that’s meant to be modern and tolerant, these findings are depressing: the culture wars are failing to subside, and we seem to think nothing of using our children’s education as an ideological battleground.” see also School libraries ‘censored’ as survey reveals 28 librarians ‘asked to remove books from shelves’ – BookSeller. and Dozens of UK school librarians asked to remove LGBTQ+ books, survey finds – Guardian.
- British Library reveals £400,000 plan to rebuild after “catastrophic” ransomware attack – Stack. “It has issued a £400,000 tender looking for contractors to take part in Phase 1 of its “Web Foundations” project, which involves rebuilding the website to ensure it is “robust, scalable, sustainable, and secure.””
- CoP: AI for public libraries with Phil Bradley and Somerset Libraries – LibraryOn. “The feedback from this session was overwhelmingly positive, with genuine enthusiasm from attendees for the opportunities AI could bring to the sector.”
- The Dublin award’s place in the Irish literary scene – Guardian / Letters. “The award develops interest beyond Ireland but, by doing that, must contribute to the wide interest in “native” Irish writing. Unfortunately, only one UK public library nominated a novel for the 2024 award (thank you, Norfolk Library and Information Service). Here in the UK, we don’t need a competitor for the Dublin award; we do need more libraries to nominate books.”
- Librarians being told not to arrange meetings in ‘racist’ buildings – Daily Mail. “Libraries across Wales have been given the task of promoting ‘anti-racism’ as part of a £130,000 project. Local librarians are being taught ‘critical whiteness studies’ as well as how to deal with problems such as the ‘dominant paradigm of whiteness’, the Telegraph report.” … “The Gladstone Library in Hawarden and The Goronwy Owen primary school in Anglesey were both flagged as examples due to their names linking to slavery.” see also Librarians attending ‘whiteness studies’ to avoid ‘racist’ venues – Spectator. “Just when you think the equality and diversity police can’t get any madder, they do. ” and ‘Woke’ training in Wales urges librarians to avoid holding meetings in ‘racist’ historic buildings – GB News. “Alka Sehgal Cuthbert, the group’s [Don’t Divide Us] founder and education expert, said: “Libraries are places associated with rationality, enlightened thinking and public service for the general public. “They are not the playthings of those whose preferred radical politics means that librarians have to assent to false and wholly negative beliefs about the country in which they live, and by extension, also about its people. “This is the opposite of public service.” and British Libraries Advised to Avoid Meetings in ‘Racist’ Buildings, Confront ‘Dominant Paradigm of Whiteness’ – Breitbart. Over 100 comments inc. “Drag queen story hour will not be a big hit with the replacement population”
International news
- IFLA Statement on Libraries and Artificial Intelligence – IFLA. “How can these developments impact both everyday practices and the broader social mission of libraries? IFLA’s new statement sets out some key principles.”
- India – Libraries in India make youth’s dream of progress come true – Rappler. “In South Gujarat’s Adivasi areas, a network of community-funded libraries is helping bridge the gaps left by the education system”
- USA – Siouxland Libraries Reports Growth and Community Usage – Sioux Falls. “a 35.3 percent increase in meeting room bookings, a 78 percent increase in study room utilization, and a 32.7 percent increase in digital material checkouts. Additionally, library visits have reached nearly half a million.” … “the library system’s dedication to providing diverse programming and engaging digital content has contributed to this success. ”
- Books and brews: Douglas County Libraries partner with local brewers – KDVR. “Local craft breweries and coffee shops have partnered up with Douglas County Libraries to put on the “Douglas County Libraries’ 2024 Brew Tour.” The event, which runs until Sept. 30, invites the community to visit local libraries and engage in the Douglas County brewing culture all while participating in events that can earn rewards and prizes.”
- Local Republican Party look to ban books at public libraries – ABC News 4. Youtube.
Local news by authority
- Barnsley – Updated library hopes to inspire local children – Barnsley Chronicle.
- Birmingham – Anger over Birmingham libraries cuts and closures plan as defiant campaigners say ‘not over yet’ – Birmingham Live. “There’s been a fierce and defiant response to a Birmingham City Council proposal to shut five city community library buildings and leave the fate of seven others in the balance as part of massive cost cuts, with campaigners pledging to press on to fight downgrades.”
- Have your say as libraries consultation final phase launches – Birmingham Council. “Under our new proposals, we have shared what the future of our library service could look like, with our recommended option providing 28 building-based libraries funded by BCC which includes a Community Library Hub in each constituency. There is also potential for up to 34 Library based buildings with the inclusion of Partner led Libraries.”
- Bromley – Help shape the Bromley Central Library – Bromley Council. “The news follows proposals to relocate the Bromley Central library into the heart of Bromley town centre, with the council seeking residents’ views on newly developed proposals following a survey held earlier this summer.”
- Cheshire West and Chester – Children Today expands inclusive initiative in Cheshire – The Standard. “”We’re incredibly excited to be building on the success of our previous event and already have some fantastic authors lined up, with more to be confirmed, as well as collaborating with the Cheshire Education Library Service team and Cheshire West libraries to deliver another exciting programme of events.”
- Cornwall – Library membership at 10-year high – council – BBC. “Cornwall Council said library membership had grown faster than at any time in the past 10 years as people of all ages were encouraged to explore beyond the bookshelves. In the last year, there were more than 22,000 new borrowers and more than 1.5m books were loaned from libraries across the county, the authority said.”
- Derbyshire – Heritage day to celebrate library’s 120th anniversary – BBC. “Ilkeston Library was opened on 24 August 1904 by the Duke of Rutland, with crowds filling the Market Place to see it open its doors for the first time.”
- Derbyshire council launches consultation into planned library changes to save nearly £1m – Derbyshire Times. “draft Derbyshire Public Library Service Strategy for 2024 to 2029 – entitled A Modern Library Service for Derbyshire – and it has launched a 12-week public consultation which will run until November 2 to consider views before making any final decisions.”
- Essex – Colchester Library temporarily closes for new look and children’s centre – Essex Council. “Colchester Library will close from Monday 2 September 2024 until next summer for refurbishments.This includes an interactive Children’s Imagination and Literacy Centre. It will have fun equipment and materials to help children read and learn.”
- Leicestershire – Schools and libraries get ‘lightning-fast’ broadband – BBC. “Connection speeds will also be boosted in seven libraries in Desford, Fleckney, Lutterworth, Market Bosworth, Sapcote, Sileby and Stoney Stanton”
- Liverpool – Attorney General donates books to riot-hit library – BBC. “Attorney General Richard Hermer, who is the government’s chief legal adviser, said the damage inflicted on the library and subsequent renovation efforts had shown the worst and best of the country.”
- Library fundraiser exceeds £250,000 – BBC. “A delegation, including Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, parliamentary colleagues Dan Carden and Kim Johnson, and Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council, visited the library earlier this month to assess the damage.”
- Newport – Call for ‘innovative solution’ rather than close library in deprived area of Wales – South Wales Argus. “The closure of Pill Library in Newport on August 28 is just one arm of the city council’s strategy to cut costs within its book-lending services.”
- Nottingham – Families protest at Sherwood Library over reopening delays – West Bridgford Wire. “Frustrated families and campaigners staged a protest outside the new Sherwood Library to demand it is finally opened after a series of delays.”
- Nottingham City Council leader warns another ‘bankruptcy’ notice could be issued if cuts not made – Nottinghamshire Live. “On top of a raft of other service and job cuts, the council is now proposing to close the Basford, Bilborough, Radford-Lenton libraries and Aspley Library in a bid to save £1.5m in its libraries service.”
- Peterborough – Peterborough residents rally to save library from threat of closure – Peterborough Telegraph. “Woodston Library has been placed on a list of assets Peterborough City Council is considering disposal of to save money.” … “Woodston Library Friends has now been formed as residents seek to secure a bright future for the library.”
- Reading – Project to relocate Reading library slammed over poor maintenance – Reading Chronicle. “A neighbour who uses the Reading Central Library has accused Reading Borough Council of poor maintenance and throwing away ‘tonnes of books’ as part of the upgrade project.” … ” “The council haven’t even funded having the Central Library windows properly cleaned.”
- Somerset – Wellington library will be a “wonderful hub for the community” when it reopens – Wellington Today. “The town will see its library reopen in a number of weeks once the £900,000 revamp project of its Fore Street base comes to an end.” see also Somerset town will be without its library for three weeks – Somerset Live.
- Southwark – Dulwich Library to refurbish to attract young people – Southwark News. “Eleven to eighteen-year-olds are being surveyed about how it could be improved to suit their needs. The results of the survey will contribute to the development of ‘teenage areas’ across other Southwark libraries.”
- Southwark residents urged to donate their electricals – In Your Area. “Environmental solutions company Veolia in partnership with the London Borough of Southwark and Community TechAid has unveiled new drop-off points for any unwanted tech devices, across Southwark. The donation points are easily accessible, and located at all Southwark libraries and the Reuse and Recycling Centre.”
- Stoke on Trent – Library development plans resubmitted – BBC. “Stoke-on-Trent Council blocked plans to renovate City Central Library in Hanley last year, criticising a “poorly designed, disproportionate and dominant” extension, as well as raising concerns over residential amenity, traffic and fire safety.”
- Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries recommends Wizzie app to help children with learning – Suffolk Libraries. “Suffolk Libraries has partnered with the creators of ‘Wizzie’ – a new, free reading companion developed in Suffolk which can improve vocabulary, pronunciation, spelling and comprehension through reading.”
- Surrey – Surrey Libraries invite all residents to experience the transformation of their local library, a welcoming space for everyone – Surrey News. “Everyone is invited to visit their local Surrey library, with the launch of Surrey County Council’s ‘It’s My Library’ promotional campaign. Some of our biggest libraries have significant and exciting building projects underway that will continue into 2025. We are ensuring that they are great places for all residents to use year-round. Every library provides free access to high-speed internet, computer workstations and digital tools ensuring that all our residents can stay informed and connected.”
- Thurrock – Meet our Summer Reading Challenge volunteers – Thurrock Council. “What I like most about being a volunteer is the meeting new kids and hearing what they are enjoying about the books they’re reading. I’m also lucky enough to be working with the great library team.” “
Labour shortage: will austerity continue?
Aug 18th
Editorial
It was great to see the public response to the idiotic attack on Spellow Lane Library last well but, as Frank Cottrell-Boyce points out, another kind of vandalism has occurred in British libraries on a far larger scale. Due to the general hopelessness of official statistics on library closures, the exact figure since 2010 is hard to say but it’s commonly see as 8-900ish. So Spellow Lane, which got such coverage and even a book donation from the Queen, represents about one-tenth of one percent of library closures. That year 2010 is of course not an accident. That is they year that Austerity started under a Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition and then successive Conservative governments. In that time, public libraries have seen a cut in spending power of over 50%. That is huge.
Now we are under a different government, one that has been seen historically as more in favour of public spending. But there’s no sign as yet of any change. Indeed, just this week, two Labour-run councils (Enfield and Nottingham) are pushing ahead with further serious budget cuts and closures. So, are public libraries, so long the poster boy for cuts, heading for more of the same? Or were those hoping for more funding now labouring under a delusion?
Changes by local authority
- Conwy – Public consultation over whether Llandudno library should move to Venue Cymru.
- Essex – £450k refurbishment of Colchester Library.

Ideas
International news
- India – CM Mann inaugurates 14 ultra-modern libraries for rural areas – Hindustan Times. “aiming to inculcate reading habits among youth and empower them to contribute to the state’s social and economic progress.” … “equipped with high-end facilities such as Wi-Fi, solar power and digital analogs”
- New Zealand – Overdue fines removed in new chapter for Queenstown Lakes District Libraries – Queenstown Lakes District Council. “to help eliminate financial barriers and encourage even greater accessibility to all library resources.”
- Palestine – Mezna Qato: “Without our libraries and universities, how will we tell the story of Gaza?” – New Statesman. “A thick residue of concrete dust now covers books lining the shelves of the Gaza Municipal Library after the roof was pulverised by a missile in November. The Great Omari Mosque, which housed the Islamic Manuscript Library – one of the most important archives in Palestine, with artefacts from the 14th century – was destroyed in December. The Israeli military detonated the last remaining university building in Gaza in January.”
Local news by authority
- Barnsley – Transformation works completed at Mapplewell Village Hall and Library – Barnsley Council. Library “transformed by refurbishment, `and a complete revamp of the children’s library to make it more welcoming”
- Bromley – Southborough Library Bromley set for re-opening event with guest author appearance – News Shopper. “Southborough Library will reopen on Friday (August 16) following a recent refurbishment and is the second library after St Paul’s Cray Library in the borough to receive a revamp.”
- Cheshire East – Cheshire East sets out plan to tackle £100m deficit – LocalGov.
- Campaigners optimistic of avoiding drastic cuts to library opening times – Cheshire Live. “Bollington Town Council’s working group on libraries has now met with Cheshire East officers and offered to contribute to the cost of keeping the library open on its present hours, subject to final agreement by the full town council. At present the library is open for 32.5 hours a week.”
- Conwy – People banned from libraries banned for drunken abuse of staff – North Wales Pioneer. “Customers being banned for abusing staff, drinking, and vandalism – with Llanrwst library appearing to be the worst hit by bad behaviour.”
- Cornwall – Cornwall’s libraries receive 5* reviews – Rewind Radio. “More than 3,600 people took part in this year’s survey, with a staggering 98% of respondents saying they were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the service.” … “Book borrowing is up compared to 5 years ago, and library membership is growing faster than at any time in the past 10 years.”
- Croydon -Selling off borough’s public libraries is act of social vandalism – Inside Croydon. “At the beginning of this year, Croydon Council opened a consultation over its proposals to close four public libraries – Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead and Shirley. The consultation closed in April, but nothing yet has been heard about its findings”
- Denbighshire – More than 1,000 sign up for Denbighshire libraries’ reading challenge – Rhyl Journal. Marvellous Makers.
- Devon – Events celebrate 100 years of library service in county – Devon Live. Robin Ince at celebratory event says “Libraries are so much more than many people imagine,” he said, as he appeared at a 100th-anniversary celebratory event. “Perhaps most importantly, they are the safest space and the most curious place in town. They are not just the guardian of knowledge but a place of activity, security, and possibility.””
- Library launch for village bookworms – Mid Devon Advertiser. “Abbostkerswell has a new library. All thanks to the efforts of a group of volunteers who were determined to keep the village reading after Devon County Council cut its mobile library service earlier this year”
- Dorset – Omaze: Dorset library given money for essential repairs – Bournemouth Echo. “Colehill Community Library, an independent charity established in 2013, will use the funds for the maintenance of the building and to help encourage young people to read. ”
- Dudley – Library becomes Makaton Aware – Dudley Council. “The Makaton Aware designation is given to organisations committed to breaking down communication barriers, so everyone feels valued and understood.”
- Enfield – Bid to force rethink of Enfield Council library closures fails – Enfield Dispatch. “The Labour administration doubles down on the eight closures while opposition Tories criticise impact on local people”. Council says that users of closed libraries also sue the still-open ones, [apart from an unlucky fifth and, also, unclear which is their preferred library, the one they most use etc – Ed.] : “We know that 85% of visits are to the eight libraries that we’ve proposed to retain and 78% of active users use their library card at those eight libraries proposed to remain open.””
- Essex – Huge Colchester library to close for nearly a year for six-figure refurbishment – Essex Live. ” refurbishment will cost around £450,000 and take almost a year to complete” … “The centrepiece of the work is a new children’s imagination and literary centre on the ground floor. This will be a specialist, highly-interactive play space with equipment and materials for learning.” … “A large amount of the funding has covered by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) via Arts Council England’s Libraries Improvement Fund. Funding of £337,500 has been provided by the DCMS whilst Essex County Council (ECC) has contributed an additional £112,500 towards the project.”
- Gloucestershire – Gloucestershire Libraries to launch new “digital bootcamp” programme – The Forester. “The programme will involve working with businesses like SAND Visuals, Phoenix Consultants and others who will support participants to get real experience of work in the industry. It is part of Gloucestershire Libraries National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status, funded by the Arts Council for three years”
- Isle of Man – Library rebrand to mark city status confirmed – BBC. “The Henry Bloom Noble Library will be renamed the Douglas City Library when its signage is replaced.” see also Proposals to rename library in Manx capital – BBC.
- Leicester – New ‘study zones’ set up at city libraries – BBC. “Leicester City Council said the dedicated study areas, which come with new desks complete with built-in charging for devices, have been installed in 16 libraries.”
- Lincolnshire – Library use is back on the rise but falls short of target – Spalding Voice. “Lincolnshire County Council say there were a million users of its libraries in the 2023/24 financial year, a 16 per cent increase on last year when they saw a 17 per cent increase in the number of items loaned.” … “there’s a trend of visiting the library less often than before the pandemic, but taking out more items on each visit.”
- Liverpool – Queen Camilla’s gift to help Liverpool rebuild – Liverpool Echo. “Her Majesty, who read to Liverpool schoolchildren on a royal visit to the city’s Central Library last year, provided a box of 67 books for the library to help it rebuild. The donation follows almost £250,000 being raised to repair the library that was heavily damaged in an attack.” [The photo shows the books are new and useful titles, not random – they look like she asked Liverpool Libraries what they wanted first – Ed.]
- Authors send books to restock library burned in riots – BBC. “Author Marnie Riches posted on X after seeing pictures of the building alight, saying she had sent a parcel of her books to the city using the hashtag Reading Not Rioting. Since then, inspired by her actions, hundreds of other authors, including Philip Pullman and Val McDermid, have followed suit.” … “he generosity shown had been appreciated by the staff at Spellow Hub, adding it was “really important to help them in their recovery journey”.”
- Nearly £250,000 raised for Liverpool library damaged by rioters – Guardian. “The plans for the library are still being decided, with a clear agenda to be set in the coming weeks. The council is liaising with with members of the community including McCormick and the centre’s manager, Debbie Moore. McCormick hopes that the “people who caused such mindless damage” can “redirect their energy into something positive in the future”.”
- ‘Resolute’ commitment to reopen Spellow library ‘in weeks’ after County Road riots – Liverpool Echo.
- North Northamptonshire – Oundle Library to reopen ‘as soon as works are completed’ as council insist there are ‘no plans’ for permanent closure – Northamptonshire Telegraph. “Following a fire at Oundle Library last month, the North Northamptonshire Council has reassured patrons that there are ‘no plans’ to close the facility for good, and that it will reopen once remedial work is complete and the whole library is deep cleaned.” Reopening date unknown.
- Nottingham – Nottingham may have to ‘accept reality’ of library closures but services could continue – West Bridgford Wire. “The Labour-run council, which declared itself effectively bankrupt in November, is looking to save £1.5m over the next two years in its libraries service.”
- Nottinghamshire – Council customer services moves to West Bridgford Library this month – West Bridgford Wire. ““The widening of our offer in partnership with the Borough Council places the library as the one stop information centre for West Bridgford.”
- Slough – The Curve won’t close council leader says – but hours might be cut – Slough Observer. “The Curve will not close Slough Borough Council leader has pledged – but opening hours may be cut if a hoped-for deal with a university goes through.”
- South Lanarkshire – Ex South Lanarkshire librarian starts new musical class for the under fives – Daily Record. “There is a misconception that librarians want people who use libraries to be quiet and keep quiet.”
- Suffolk – ‘More than just books’: Library hosts beach pop-up – BBC. “The three-day event, which started on Wednesday, aims to spread awareness of some of its services and give out lots of free books.”
- Beyond the Bassline – new library exhibition and events celebrate 500 years of Black British music – Suffolk Libraries. “Suffolk Libraries have worked in partnership with Aspire Black Suffolk to create an interactive record wall display at Ipswich County Library. This is a unique sound installation showcasing local black British musicians and sharing interviews previously collected by the Suffolk Libraries Community Arts Team, which are shared through the ‘Museum in a Box’ speaker.”
- Torfaen – Torfaen library scheme to lend out sports equipment – Free Press Series. “Torfaen residents eager to take up a new sport following the Paris Olympics can now borrow equipment from a new library scheme.” … “The Lending Library, run by Torfaen Libraries in partnership with Torfaen County Borough Council’s sports development team, aims to promote physical activity by providing easy access to sports equipment for residents of all ages. Borrowing sports equipment will be as simple as borrowing books, needing only a library card. Those who do not have a library card can sign up for free on the day.”
- Take part in ‘Marvellous Makers’ reading challenge at Torfaen’s libraries – Cwmbran Life. “A £100 gift voucher for Smyths Toy Store is also up for grabs.”
- Wokingham – Twyford Libary sees 59 per cent boost in book loans – Bracknell News. “The library, located in the former Old Polehampton Boys School, opened its doors to the new venue on Thursday, June 13, after moving across the road to Polehampton Close.”
- Worcestershire – Malvern Library to adopt new Unlocked model next week – Malvern Observer. “Libraries Unlocked membership is for ages 15 and over. Under 15s can visit the library during Libraries Unlocked opening hours if they are accompanied by a Libraries Unlocked member.”
- York – Lawn dancing and a Lego map attack: York library’s fundraising fun day – York Press. “it has all been for a great cause – to raise money for the York library service’s programme of summer activities for children.”

239,000 reasons to hope
Aug 10th
Editorial
The library week was dominated by first the horror at the setting ablaze of Spellow Lane Library during the far-right/racist/opportunist riots and then by the hope caused by a huge local, national and international response to a fundraiser for it. Famous authors and celebrities donated large amounts of money (the largest being £5,000 from author Matt Haig) as did loads of library lovers and locals. The result was that, as of now, £239,000 has been raised compared to the initial £500 target.
This should give all of us hope. There is something visceral about an attack on a public library and it has given nearly a thousand people a chance to register their disgust at what went on. What will be done with the money is quite the question: the building will have insurance but this amount of money can make a difference even then. One hopes that something really positive, that helps those in the local area, comes from this.
In other news in this week’s post, I had not noticed before but there are no less than eight libraries under threat in the London borough of Enfield and another in Peterborough. Additionally, Cheshire East has reported initial success in getting local councils to help fund the libraries it has announced it did not have sufficient money for. Finally, there are a couple of criticisms of current public library culture, both suggesting a move back to focusing on reading, quiet study and education.
Oooh, and also there is the first ever book giveaway for this newsletter. The first five readers who email Neil Jurd OBE at neil@neiljurd.com will get sent a copy of “The Leadership Book” by Neil Jurd OBE. Gosh.

Changes by local authority
- Enfield – Bullsmoor, Enfield Highway, Enfield Island Village, Bowes Road, Southgate, Winchmore Hill, Oakwood and John Jackson libraries may close in 2025.
- Peterborough – Woodston Library may close
National news

- The Concept, Experience and Inspiration of Bibliotherapeutic Service in British and American Public Libraries – Library Journal.
- Green Libraries Week 2024 – the map – Libraries Week. “Library partners, spread the word and let people know what your library is up to for Green Libraries Week by adding your library to the map”
- Stop-Verify-Correct: How to combat misinformation online and beyond – CILIP.
- Why It’s Time for Libraries to Step Up and Help Young People – Shout Out UK. “Unfortunately, in areas such as the North East of England, libraries appear to have become hubs for computer use rather than reading. While free access to digital resources is vital, so is access to traditional print novels and a quiet place to read — something which children may not have at home.”
“The Public Library system [needs to be]revised to back the education system rather than being a social centre. This was its original purpose following on from the Mechanics Institutes, the Chartists and the Luddite era. Library history shows that the Public Library has moved from a working-class to a middle-class institution in its development. Education, Information, Research and Recreation are still at the heart of Public Library purpose. The emphasis on these four services changes according to the times we live in. Public Libraries need to move from the current emphasis on recreation to support education and provide information for society. I see no prospect of this being implemented by CILIP, the Arts Council or the DCMS all of whom misunderstand Libraries at a fundamental level. The Library Profession has also contributed to its own downfall to which the irrelevant CILIP conference bears testimony. Furthermore, the fragmented, volunteer run and unstaffed libraries are in no position to respond to the changing social circumstances. The problems are more sociological and anthropological than political.”
Glyn, received via email
Spellow Lane Library
- Books for Spellow Lane Library – Go Fund Me. £239,000 raised as of Saturday 2pm including £5,000 from author Matt Haig, £500 from Frank Cottrell-Boyce and £500 from Nigella Lawson.
- CILIP statement on the fire damage at Spellow Hub Library in Liverpool – CILIP. “This shocking incident is a new low during a week of worrying news from many parts of the country. The violent actions of this extreme minority group illustrate the need for exactly the kind of services provided by trained staff in public libraries such as Spellow – informing citizens with a broad range of trustworthy information and helping develop literacies for the modern world. We hope the new government invests in such services and reverses 14 years of funding cuts”
- City vows ‘we will not let hate win’ after riots – BBC. “Cousins Esme Mullen and Connie Brown, who live in Walton, have placed posters and drawings on the boarded-up library which read: “We will not let hate win – Walton is stronger when we stand together”. Esme told the BBC she wanted to help build the library again because she likes to read books while Connie said “we should never live in hate”. Frank Brady, who lives over the road from the library, said it was an important part of the community. He said: “It is so important that it keeps going because of the road itself.””
- Far-right rioters loot shops and set fire to library and food bank in shameless day of disorder – Independent. Context.
- ‘Fight back’: Wrecked Liverpool library stands defiant against UK riots – Reuters. “Seeing a library be damaged in the riots was just so heart-breaking,” McCormick said. “Never did I imagine that (the fundraiser) would go as far as it has. I think it’ll be lovely to see when it’s restored back to its former glory.”
- Generosity for fire-hit library after riots ‘humbling’ – BBC. “Councillor Ruth Bennett said the donations alongside offers of the use of buildings to hold activities which were planned for the library over the summer showed the “very best of the people of Liverpool and beyond”.” … “Ms Bennett, cabinet member for finances, resources and transformation, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our residents, partners and people from right across the country.”
- Liverpool library torched by far-right rioters receives £50,000 in donations in one day for books – Independent. “Firefighters fought the blaze even as an engine’s rear windscreen was broken by a missile thrown by a rioter.”
- Liverpool library torched by far-right rioters raises repair funds – Guardian.
- Minister pledges support on visit to riot-hit library – BBC. “The business secretary has said the government will support businesses affected by the riots which have taken place across the country after three girls were stabbed to death in Southport. Jonathan Reynolds visited Spellow Library in Walton, Liverpool which was set alight amid violence and disorder last Saturday.” … “A 69-year-old man, who armed himself with a wooden cosh and joined a “mob” which took part in the destruction of the library, was jailed on Thursday for two years and eight months.”
- Mother thanks judge after sons jailed over library burglary during riots – Sky News. “The pair pleaded guilty to burglary with intent “to steal from the Spellow Lane Library Hub, in Walton, which was opened last year to provide support for one of the most deprived communities in the country and included a food bank.” … “She said they just got “carried away” and their behaviour was “very out of character”, adding: “We’ve never had riots before.”
- Shameless thugs set a library and foodbank ablaze, target middle eastern cafes and set fire to looted shops as anarchy descends in flashpoints across Liverpool, Hull, Manchester and Belfast – with more violence expected today – Mail. “Shocking photos from this morning show the burnt out interior of the library, with bookshelves tipped on their side, and glass surrounding the remaining computers. ” [No mention of where all the anti-immigrant hate came from – Ed.]
- Spellow Lane Library sees hundreds of authors donate backlists after riots destruction – BookSeller. “Over 150 members of the books community – including Tracy Chevalier and Diana Beaumont – are donating backlist copies to the riot-hit Spellow Lane Library as part of crime writer Marnie Riches’ Reading Not Rioting campaign.” … ““There’s certainly going to be tens of thousands of pounds of stock sent in.. It’s been an enormous response,” she said. “In tandem with the crowdfunder it’s been a good way for the bookish community to express their outrage at the rioters and sympathy with the library and its readers.” “
- ‘We are not the far-right’ insist protesters setting fire to libraries and migrant hotels – News Thump. “As violent protests entered their third night across the UK, many of those who took to the streets have insisted that this is not a ‘far-right protest’, and any similarity to the tactics of the Nazis is purely coincidental.” … “the Nazis burned books, not libraries. Which is very different. If you can’t tell the difference, I can’t help you.”
International news
- Public libraries’ role in supporting Ukrainian refugees: A focus on Hungary and Poland – Journal of Librarianship and Information Science. “The study underscores public libraries’ role in addressing community needs, rooted in their core values of inclusivity and community engagement. However, their effectiveness hinges on inclusion in community-level efforts, awareness among new groups and securing economic and political support”
- India – Floating libraries help rekindle reading habit among boat passengers in Kerala – The Hindu. “More passengers in Kerala who commute on boats operated by the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) will soon be able to enjoy their rides by reading short stories, novels, poems, and other literary works.”
- New Zealand – Meet the metalhead makerspace librarian – Wellington Government. “he spends his days helping the public with their laser cutting projects, 3D printing, coding, robotics, sewing, weaving, music recording and virtual reality pursuits. ”
- USA – Advocates react to Utah ban of 13 books in schools and libraries: ‘It’s a tragedy’ – Guardian. “Utah is first in the US to outlaw titles statewide they deem ‘indecent’ as free speech advocates worry about impact” … “Utah ordered 13 books to be removed from public school classrooms and libraries” including “included Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur and Forever by Judy Blume” … “The banned materials must be “legally disposed of” and “may not be sold or distributed” per the guidelines” … “this law now puts librarians and teachers and school board members in legal jeopardy just for having highly regarded and award winning works of literature on high school library shelves”
- As LGBTQ library material comes under fire, California may ban book bans – Cal Matters. “Fresno County is about to appoint a library review committee that critics say will censor children’s books. But a bill before the Legislature would outlaw such groups in California.”
- BuildingWork references local culture in small Washington library – De Zeen. Beautiful small library built. “Among the elements honouring the Swinomish Tribe is a traditional story pole at the library’s entrance.”
- The Week in Libraries – Publishers Weekly. “the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has weighed in on Iowa’s SF 496 with a mixed decision; Utah bans 13 books from all public schools in the state, six of which are by Sarah J. Maas; and Kelly Jensen of ‘Book Riot’ offers a how-to guide to fighting book bans.”
Local news by authority
- Bromley – Southborough Library set for celebratory reopening – Bromley Council. “As well as complimentary refreshments, event attendees will be able to enjoy children’s crafts, outdoor games and admire Bromley Football Club’s winner’s trophy on display following their recent promotion to the English Football league. Children’s author Mo O’Hara will also host a storytelling session with activities based on her book, Honey’s Hive.”
- Buckinghamshire – Aylesbury Vale charity has ‘major safety concerns’ over proposed library redundancies and cuts – Bucks Herald. “The chair of the Friends of Buckingham Library, Roger Edwards, has penned an open letter expressing his concerns with changes to library services in Buckinghamshire.”
- Cheshire East – Campaigners hopeful of retaining existing library hours after fears of cuts – Northwich and Winsford Guardian. “Bollington Town Council’s working group on libraries has now met with Cheshire East officers and offered to contribute to the cost of keeping the library open on its present hours, subject to final agreement by the full town council. At present the library is open for 32.5 hours a week.” see also Library action group backs top-up proposal between Bollington Town Council and Cheshire East Council – Macclesfield Nub News and Ex-deputy leader criticises library cuts plan – BBC. “Craig Browne said he “strongly” opposed the proposals, which would see some libraries only receiving funding to stay open for one-and-a-half-days a week. Mr Browne stood down as the leader of the Independent group, which runs the council in coalition with Labour, in February.”
- Have your say on future running of Cheshire East’s libraries – Alderley Edge.com. “Cheshire East Council has launched a six-week consultation on its draft libraries strategy, which includes asking for feedback on a tiering system for how library services would be run going forward and reducing the opening hours at Alderley Edge. The council must make savings in library services of more than £600k over the next two years to support the council’s medium-term financial strategy (MTFS) 2024-2028. The MTFS needs to achieve budget savings of £100 million to continue offering support to Cheshire East’s most vulnerable residents.”
- Cheshire West and Chester – Design work begins on the renovation of Northwich Library – Silk Radio. Library as well as “an accessible first floor hosting the Work Zone and flexible activity and meeting spaces for all” … “it is anticipated that the library will reopen to the public in 2026.”
- Cornwall – New born Cornwall babies to be issued with library card after birth in new reading initiative – Voice Newspapers. “When new parents register the birth of their baby, the child will be given their own ‘my first library card’. Parents will be encouraged to use the card to sign up to their local library.”
- Enfield – Bid to stop Enfield Council closing eight libraries – Times series. “As part of a proposed new library strategy, eight libraries have been earmarked for closure, with declining usage and budget pressures cited as reasons to justify the move.”
- Lincolnshire – Libraries welcome a million visitors a year – BBC. “The authority said over two million items were borrowed from the service and more than 87,000 people attended activities such as story telling sessions, crafting and history groups. The figures represent a 16% increase in visits compared to the previous 12 months.”
- Nottingham – Read-in protests planned over library closures – BBC. “The Save Nottingham Libraries group said the read-in protests would see library members selecting books to read together “in a peaceful demonstration of solidarity”, adding they hoped to encourage new members to register at threatened sites. Demonstrations will take place from 09:30 BST on Saturday at Bilborough, with another scheduled for 09:30 at Basford on 17 August.”
- Developer promises Sherwood Library will open as soon as possible – West Bridgford Wire. “The developer behind Sherwood Library has promised the new facility will open soon after more than 100 defects were found in the building.”
- Window smashed during break-in at city library – BBC. “Radford and Lenton library’s office area was ransacked and one of its windows smashed at about 00:30 BST on Thursday, police said.” … ” it was unclear what was taken from the building.”
- Peterborough – Community hopes to save 73-year-old library – BBC. “Woodston Library on Orchard Street, Peterborough, was listed among Peterborough City Council’s assets at risk of being cut in order to balance budgets.” … “Council said a decision on the facility would be made in the next few weeks.”
- Reading – Why library in Reading is being moved to council offices – Reading Chronicle. “Questions have been raised about why Reading Borough Council is building a brand new library instead of refurbishing its existing purpose-built library in the town centre.” … “It comes after the council won £19.1 million from the government’s levelling up fund for a new arts centre and library. Of that cash, £8.6 million is being used to build a new library at the council’s offices in Bridge Street. But residents and readers have been asking questions about why levelling up funding wasn’t used to upgrade the library at its existing site.”
- Sheffield – Sheffield Post Office: Move in date confirmed as services set to return to Firth Park at local library – The Star.
- Southampton – Southampton libraries keep sanctuary status in aid of refugees – Dorset Echo. “Officially reconfirmed in May, the library was first granted this honour in 2020, underlining their continuous commitment to offering a safe and welcoming environment to asylum seekers”
- Suffolk – Please support Suffolk Libraries’ summer fundraisers – Suffolk Libraries. “Board member Belle Bradley and her partner Jacob Bathgate recently raised £830 doing a parachute jump at Ellough Airfield and CEO Bruce Leeke and Head of Finance and Infrastructure Mandy Wilkinson raised £1,164 completing the Orwell Challenge. This Sunday (11 August) weekend a local library user from Felixstowe, Tina Boniface is undertaking a daunting sponsored cycling challenge.”
- Brand-new crime book festival announced at Bury St Edmunds Library – Suffolk Libraries. “The Body in the Library is a brand-new crime-themed book festival taking place on Saturday 7 September, featuring special events with bestselling crime and thriller novelists including Louise Candlish, William Shaw, and Jack Jordan.”
- Over 5,000 children signed up for the Reading Quest so far – Suffolk Libraries. “The new Reading Quest summer reading programme has hit the ground running with 5,260 children already signed up and enjoying the various challenges. Nearly 1,300 children have signed up for a library card in Suffolk since 13 July and there have been nearly 77,400 loans of children’s books.”
- Torbay – Paignton Community Hub to offer free health checks at libraries – Torbay Today. Based on ground floor of library.
- Walsall – Discover the joy of reading on National Book Lovers Day – Walsall Council. Marvellous Makers, BorrowBox.
- Warrington – Lit Fest is a big hit – Warrington Council. “Newly released figures from Lit Fest 2024, which took place throughout June, show that over 700 people attended the headline events, with a further 200 people dropping into community libraries to take part in festival-themed activities.”
- West Dunbartonshire – West Dunbartonshire Libraries awarded funding to teach sewing skills – West Dunbartonshire Council. “The Threads of Change project, developed by libraries staff, are one of five council projects in Scotland to have successfully secured £1500 funding from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIPS) Green Libraries Scotland Grant Fund.”
- Worcestershire – Over 3,000 Children Sign-up to the Summer Reading Challenge – Worcestershire Council. Marvellous Makers.
- York – ‘Sparking a passion’ – York libraries to stage a fund-raising family fun day – York Press. “York’s independently-run library and archives service, is celebrating ten years of independence by inviting local people to join in some old-fashioned fun. The ‘Fun Day’ at York Explore central library on August 17 will also be a chance to raise money to support holiday activities for children and teenagers.” … “This summer, children can choose from more than 100 high-quality events, from interactive storytelling, marionette making and theatre performances to robotics and AI sessions. But they all cost money – hence the fund-raising element of the fun day.”

Rioters set fire to Spellow Lane Library
Aug 4th
Editorial
Right-wing thugs decided to set fire to Spellow Lane Library in Liverpool last night. Unlike Greggs, which was looted, it appears that no books were stolen in the attack. Not even Mein Kampf, presumably because it had too many words.
In the meantime, there is a fundraiser for library here, which had already attracted over £13,000 at the time of writing this post. This is the act of the majority, who care and construct. Not the violent minority, who prefer to hate and destroy.
Changes by local authority
- Cumberland – Aspatria Library refurbished and co-located with children’s centre.
- Leeds – £200k cut in opening hours.
- Liverpool – Spellow Lane Library set fire by rioters.
- Perth and Kinross – Mobile library trashed by vandals.
National news
Will ‘smart’ libraries dumb down Britain? – Telegraph. “Penny-pinching councils want to replace librarians with robots and CCTV – but the young, the vulnerable and the elderly will lose out” … “From our inner cities to the Home Counties, from the north to the south, technology is coming for Britain’s libraries – and our librarians.”. Buckinghamshire, Camden and Croydon introducing staff-less libraries. “Fans of the institutions, of which there are many, are left asking themselves if a building with books but no librarian can even call itself a library. “. Visits Central Library in Islington (London) “The library’s purpose as more than a place to borrow books was evident with posters promoting free period products, an over-60s club and a knit-and-natter session.”
“I’m an Information Management student at UWE currently working on a dissertation about public libraries in the UK. I’m specifically examining what training public library workers get regarding applying for grants, and I’m working on developing a guide to bid writing from the public library perspective. I’m focusing on the LibraryOn grant scheme as an example, and writing a hypothetical application based on their process. It would be really helpful to hear from public library workers on what their experience is regarding training and applying for grants, especially if they applied to LibraryOn and were happy to talk about their experience.” Caroline2.Vryoni-Dickson@live.uwe.ac.uk
Caroline Vryoni-Dickson, Caroline2.Vryoni-Dickson@live.uwe.ac.uk>
International news
- Canada – Halifax Public Libraries workers vote overwhelmingly to strike – Halifax Examiner. “The union represents some 350 of the library’s workers, including librarians, library assistants, and administrative, technical, and maintenance staff. Union president Christina Covert told the Examiner members voted 82% in favour of a strike”
- Singapore – An “Aye” for AI? Librarians Finding New Jobs in an Age of AI – Library Association of Singapore. The summary is AI generated and says an “adaptive learning mindset will be crucial for librarians to stay ahead of the curve and maximize the potential of AI enhancing library services and user experiences.”
- USA – Report: Project 2025 and Its Consequences for Libraries – EveryLibrary. “Our institutions are under threat by policy proposals that could lead to the elimination of federal funding and the rolling back of enforcement of protections for students, families, and the right to read. The Heritage Foundation manifesto institutionalizes censorship and paves the way for greater political control over educational content.”
- 15 Cool Things You Can Borrow From Public Libraries for Free – PC Mag.
- Mother points out ridiculousness of new library law that bans children from adult section – Independent. “At the library, her older daughter Scarlett just finished reading The Hobbit and was looking for JRR Tolkien’s follow-up The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, which was located in the adult section. However, towards the entrance, there was a large sign that said “Stop.””. Mum stopped from taking baby into adult area without signing permission this was OK.
- Sunday service to resume at 10 libraries this weekend – Spectrum News NY1.
- The Week in Libraries: August 2, 2024 – Publishers Weekly. “a new EveryLibrary report explores the threat to libraries posed by the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025; Maggie Tokuda-Hall weighs in on book bans for ‘Book Riot’; and a mother and TikToker in Idaho details her experience with the state’s new harmful to minors law”
Local news by authority
- Bedford – Summer fun for young people with The Base – Bedford Council. Marvellous Makers.
- Bolton – Free family activities at Bolton libraries with Octagon Theatre – Bolton News.
- Octagon on storytelling tour of libraries – British Theatre Guide. “The Octagon Theatre will present free family storytelling and creative activities at libraries across Bolton during the summer in its Sharing Stories community project, originally launched in 2022.”
- Bradford – Views sought on plans to cut library opening hours – BBC. “Bradford Council wants to save £175,000 on its public library running costs next year, and is seeking views on proposals to reduce opening hours by about 15%. The service has already been stripped back in recent years, despite concerns from campaigners and workers, with volunteers now running the majority of formerly council-managed public libraries.”
- Cumberland – Newly transformed Aspatria Library set to open – Cumberland Council. “Aspatria Library has been transformed to combine the local library and children’s centre into a modern, fit-for-purpose building designed to meet the needs of residents. The building will feature a fresh and contemporary library space, offering a wide range of services to patrons. Among its highlights is a fantastic new children’s library, designed to inspire and engage young readers. The library will also include a PC station, providing access to computers and internet for all visitors. In addition to the library, the hub will house a state-of-the-art dedicated space for 0-5 years …”
- Derby – Roof concerns close city library for ‘short period’ – BBC. “Derby City Council said Spondon Library, on Sitwell Street, will remain shut “for a short period of time” while further investigations are carried out.”
- Derbyshire – Plans outlined to save Derbyshire libraries from possible closure – Derby Telegraph. Options to cut budget without closing libraries inc. opening hours cuts (while removing reservation fees), merge mobile and outreach service using greener/cheaper vehicles, re-locating/co-locating libraries, replace staff with self-service, volunteers.
- East Riding – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library; all 0-5 year olds in East Riding can join the free book scheme – East Riding Council. “The first of several events across the East Riding is taking place at Goole Library on Wednesday 31 July, between 10am and 11.30am. The event provides an opportunity for families to sign up to the free scheme, which is devoted to inspiring a love of reading, along with helping improve children’s reading skills, language and communication.” … “It’s fantastic that so far we have 5,000 children signed up to the scheme, and our events are a chance for families to come along to their local library and find out more.””
- Haringey – Summer fun for kids in Haringey’s leisure facilities and libraries – Haringey Council.
- Jersey – Children to get library membership from birth – BBC. “Parents and carers visiting the Superintendent Registrar to register the birth of their baby, will be given a membership to the library. From Monday 29 July, they will receive a ‘My First Book Bag’, which contains a Jersey Library card, two board books, activity ideas for under-fives and information on the ways to support baby’s speech, language, and communication development.”
- Kirklees – Council urged to reverse customer service closures – BBC. “Kirklees Council announced in February that two centres in Huddersfield and Dewsbury would close and be integrated into Kirklees’ libraries. The Unison union warned the move could have a negative impact on elderly and vulnerable residents.”
- Leeds – Leeds libraries to operate on reduced hours – BBC. “Twenty libraries across Leeds are to reduce their opening hours on evenings and weekends in a bid to save the council money while keeping the facilities open. The changes follow a public consultation which looked at how people used libraries and community hubs across the city. Leeds City Council said the new opening hours would save about £200,000 a year, helping with some of the £63.9m it needs to save this financial year. From August, some sites will see a reduction in evening opening hours while others will be open for a shorter time on Saturdays – but many will see no changes.”
- Lincolnshire – Lincolnshire loves its libraries – Lincolnshire World. 2023 saw 1 million library visits and borrowing of 2 million items, representing 17% rise over 2022. see also Libraries welcome a million visitors a year – BBC.
- Liverpool – ‘Nazis burn books – these have gone one step further and burnt a library’ – Liverpool Echo. “Looters targeted businesses, bins were used to start fires and the Spellow Library and Community Hub was set alight. Flames were visible inside the building within minutes.” … “Far-right social media channels had called for people to gather there during the evening.”
“Targeting the Spellow Library hub, which has recently been reopened, taking that away from children while they’re on their summer holidays is absolutely disgusting. We don’t appreciate it around County Road and we don’t want to see it again around our area … You’ve seen what happened to Spellow Library Hub, not all areas have a library, to see what’s been done to it will hurt a lot of people.””
John Jennings, a councillor for the County ward
“It’s just not a library. It’s a community hub. I’ve lived off County Road for 20 to 30 years – I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Andy Stokes, County Road resident
- Fire at library building as serious violent disorder goes on in Liverpool – Liverpool Echo. “A “library of the future” opened last year as a way to help people get education and routes in to work was set on fire amid scenes of violent disorder in north Liverpool.” … “The Spellow Hub was created in the former Spellow Library, in a refurbishment funded by Mayor Steve Rotheram’s City Region Town Centre Fund. At the time, it was hailed by Liverpool council as a “library of the future” which would help people get education and pathways to work.”
- Manchester – Blue Peter Book Club Live Badge Trail – Loads To Do. “welve special Blue Peter Book Club badges form a trail around the city and your challenge is to find them. There’s even a bonus badge in the Blue Peter Garden in Media City” … “Find all 13 letters to spell out three special names. Fill in your answers on the competition slip on your trail map and hand it in to any library “
- Merton – Developing Culture and Communities in Libraries through Music – Living Knowledge Network. “How can libraries incorporate music into their broader cultural offer and community development work?”
- Norfolk – ‘Fire safety much improved’ since city library blaze – BBC. “A suspected electrical fault on 1 August 1994 sent Norwich’s Central Library up in flames, destroying heritage documents and more than 100,000 books.” … “Anne Tidd, manager of the library, said fire safety was now “excellent” and a similar blaze today would be contained … We’ve got 600 sprinklers, a disaster recovery plan and 160,000 litres of water on site which would be supplied by two pumps”
- North Ayrshire – Council team launch digital roadshow in local libraries – Largs and Millport News. “Delivered by youth work modern apprentices, the sessions focus on cyber resilience and online safety, young people’s rights online, digital technologies, inclusion, and digital opportunities to learn online or take the next step in employment.”
- North Northamptonshire – Oundle Library remains closed but their shows will still go on – North Northamptonshire Council. “Oundle Library remedial works are still ongoing after the recent fire, but staff are determined the show must go on for two of their Summer events this week. Initially planned to be held inside, Circuits and Crazy Colin’s Magic Workshop will now be held in the library’s garden.” [the nearest libraries to Oundle are now community-managed ones – Thrapston and Raunds. The former has statutory protection, but not Raunds – Ed.]
- Nottingham – Knitters protest over proposed library closures – BBC. “Members of affected libraries – including ‘knit and natter’ groups which use them – congregated at the Brian Clough statue in the city centre to voice their opposition. The city council has previously described its bid to redesign library services and save £1.5m as “a daunting and challenging task”.”
- Perth and Kinross – Police appeal after thugs trash Perthshire mobile library – Courier. “The van was parked at is base at the AK Bell library in Perth at the time of the attack. The hooligans smashed windows and automatic doors and damaged the electrics, rear skylight and internal cupboards and drawers. They also made off with a small amount of cash.”
- Redbridge – Fullwell Cross Library reopens after £380K makeover – Redbridge Council. digital maker space, better wifi, sensory, study areas, gaming projections, further improvements to come. “The project was supported with funding from Vision, Redbridge Council, and the Libraries Improvement Fund administered by Arts Council England. “
- Shropshire – Twenty potential library sites deemed unsuitable – BBC. “Whitchurch Library in Shropshire was forced to move out of the Civic Centre in 2023 when engineers found Raac (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) in the building”
- Five sound-proof meeting pods installed in Shropshire libraries – Shropshire Star. “Library users across the county can reserve five new sound-proof meeting pods thanks to a £236k grant.” … “purchase the one-on-one interview pods with supporting technology. The council says that the pods are an ‘ideal space’ for online or in-person meetings, or for individual work.”
- Suffolk – What next for Suffolk Libraries as contract talks continue? – EADT. “Suffolk Libraries is preparing a bid to retain the contract to run the service in the county for another six years – which could be extend by another six years later.” … “But there are fears that the £80m contract offered over 12 years might not be enough to protect all current services. The current contract finishes at the beginning of June next year but talks over the new deal have been going on for several months.” … “here is now one more library than there was when the service was launched – a new library branch opened in Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds, in 2022.” … “The new contract amounts to £6.8m a year, compared with £5.9m a year currently, but there are fears that inflation could erode this income and force whoever is running the service to make serious cutbacks.”
- Suffolk Libraries celebrates 12 years as an independent charity – Suffolk Libraries.
- Thurston Library opens new sensory garden – Suffolk Libraries.
- Tower Hamlets – Idea Store chosen as only UK library to take part in Build the Change scheme – Tower Hamlets Council. “The Idea Store service, run by Tower Hamlets Council, was chosen as the only UK library to take part in the Build the Change project created by the Lego Group alongside libraries in Berlin, Prague, Barcelona and Aarhus in Denmark. Youngsters can take part in free summer workshops in Idea Stores across the borough to build their eco-friendly habitats using Lego bricks. More than 40 children took part in the first Build the Change workshop …”
- Westminster – Westminster unveils new mini community hubs to strengthen local connections – City of Westminster Council. “The mini community hubs in Victoria and Charing Cross provide free and low-cost activities designed to meet the needs of the local community. They are part of our #2035 initiative to reduce health inequality in the borough. Another hub will open in the north of the borough later this year.”

Petitions, computer problems and Carnegies
Jul 28th
Editorial
The power of local public protest to cuts in public libraries never ceases to amaze me. A campaign to save libraries in Lanarkshire managed to get 8,500 signatures, which is quite amazing by the way, resulted in Cambuslang staying open and smiling pictures of local people in the newspaper. Kirklees also has a petition in the thousands but it’s less clear if there will be a happy ending there for the 47 library staff who may lose their jobs if the cuts go ahead. But if there’s no protest then such reductions certainly will go through, so it’s worth a placard or two.
In other news, it looks like the change of computer system in LibrariesWest has caused big problems, resulting in official apologies being issued. There’s pretty big investment announced in Australia, a country which appears to genuinely value their libraries. Then there’s the sad stories of cuts in Birmingham and other councils. Finally, the two articles about what to do with old Carnegie Libraries prompts some sadness. There are 660 such libraries, or were, in the UK but with closures and moves, quite a few are undergoing changes of use. But there’s hope at last for at least one in Bradford, which has been derelict for a while. Can’t see that happening in Australia.
Changes by local authority
- Rotherham – Swinton Library and Civic Hall “neighbourhood hub” opens.
- Rutland – £950k to turn Oakham, Ketton, Ryhall and Uppingham Libraries into “community hubs”
National news
- 2024 Yoto Carnegies Ceremony Highlights – 2 minute video.
- Basic dataset for Libraries – Arts Council England. Updated list up until December 2023. “The Libraries Basic Dataset is intended to capture permanent instances of libraries, local history libraries, and archives from 1 April 2010 to 31 December 2023. It is also intended to capture the number of mobile libraries. It is possible to use this data to gain a national overview of the number of libraries and archives within local authorities in England, and some basic information about them. Data accurate as of May 2024.”
- GLL Libraries promote Summer Reading Challenge – GLL. Marvellous Makers.
- Participation Survey 2023–24 annual publication – Gov.uk. “Total engagement in the arts (91%) was the highest, whilst library engagement was the lowest (30%).”
- Public libraries in England: Work towards a new national strategy – House of Lords Library. “This briefing provides a summary of work over recent years towards a national library strategy, including Baroness Sanderson of Welton’s independent review of public libraries. It has been prepared ahead of Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay’s (Conservative) debate scheduled for 12 September 2024 on whether the Labour government plans to publish a new strategy for public libraries.”
- System problems affecting book lovers at libraries across the Vale and beyond – Blackmore Vale. “New IT system is causing problems for library users in Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and beyond. The system, which manages library stocks, lending, borrowing histories and more, has been installed at hundreds of outlets which are part of the LibrariesWest group” … ” people trying to return or check out books, or perform other actions, have found the system not working, including crashing or freezing.”. LibrariesWest say “we have been having repeated issues with our new Library Management System running slowly, crashing and generally not performing as we would expect. “We appreciate this is causing significant disruption in using our services and we would like to apologise to you for the negative impact this is having on your customer experience.”
International news
- Reading as a Social Act : 15 Micro-Libraries in Urban and Rural Settings – Arch Daily. “Public libraries have transformed into contemporary community centers, offering various social engagement opportunities while utilizing minimal urban space. Emphasizing the importance of building a sense of community, these institutions prioritize connecting individuals with common interests.”
- Australia – Victoria invests in public libraries – Government News. “The state government has invested more than $48.2 million in Victoria’s 283 public libraries this year as part of its Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, which was established to help councils and regional library corporations fund infrastructure and minor works.” – Victoria has 7 million population so equivalent for UK would so this is around $450 million / £228 million.
- Greece – We Need Books. “We are Athens’ first multilingual lending library and multicultural center. We house an ever growing collection of over 14,000 books in over 60 languages, a children’s library, and a serene little garden. We aim to make our library a friendly atmosphere where migrants, refugees, children, locals, visitors, students, and pensioners come to read, have conversations, work or participate in our various language lessons, artistic workshops and cultural activities.”
- Ireland – ‘Meet a Farmer’ at Offaly library this August – Offaly Live. [For some reason, I find this very funny but I don’t know why – Ed.]
- Israel – Approved in final readings: Reregulation of public libraries’ activity and sources of funding – Knesset News. “It is proposed to replace the Public Libraries Law -1975, with a new law that would be adjusted to the current situation and would regulate issues such as the appointment of a public libraries council, defining its roles, and streamlining and regulating its activity, as is customary in updated legislation pertaining to public councils. It is further proposed to regulate the budget of the activity of public libraries, and determine that the government will allocate a sum of NIS 100 million [£21m – £125m to UK population] towards this activity, annually, beginning in 2026. This amount will be linked to the Consumer Price Index beginning in 2027.” Currently, there are some 680 [4000 equivalent in UK population terms] public libraries in 220 local authorities..
Local news by authority
“DCMS officials have met with Birmingham City Council officers to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities to provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ library service across the area as required by the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, and to advise on superintendence processes. However, the development of options for future library service provision in Birmingham is the responsibility of the Council.”
Birmingham – Chris Bryant – The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
- Bolton – Radcliffe Library to stay in current building during conversion works – Bolton News. “As part of the £40m Radcliffe regeneration project, the existing library building in Stand Lane will be turned into an enterprise centre to support businesses. Construction is due to start in the next two months and cannot be delayed, because the £1.2m secured from the government, complemented by £455,000 from the council, must be fully spent by March 2025. Only last month the council ruled out keeping the service within the present building during conversion due to health and safety issues.”
- Bradford – Plan to revive town’s former library building – BBC. Shipley Carnegie Library now derelict.
- New fears over future of Keighley Library – Keighley News. “Opening hours are set to be cut at the North Street building and other Bradford Council-run libraries across the district. And additional money-saving measures are being introduced, including the scrapping of national newspaper provision. In total, the council is looking to chop £175,000 from its libraries service. The plans have come under fire, amid concerns that more reductions in provision could follow.”
- Cheshire East – New council leader expects ‘tough challenges’ – BBC. “”Yes there will be decisions that will not be popular but we have to explain why those decisions have been taken and why someone is going to have a library that’s perhaps open for fewer hours than it was previously and move forward on that.”
- Angered residents tell councillors under-threat library is ‘more than just a public bookshelf’ – Cheshire Live.
- Concerns over plans to close tips and libraries – BBC. “Cheshire East Council, which is led by a coalition between Labour and the Independent group, has announced the emergency closure of three tips and is undertaking a review of libraries – which could see some opening hours slashed.” … ” the previous government’s austerity measures had put significant financial restraints on the council “
- Cornwall – LOTE 4 Kids – Storytime in 70+ languages – Cornwall Council. “an online collection of digital children’s books in over 70 languages. It allows children access to picture books that they can enjoy in LOTE – Languages Other Than English. “
- Derbyshire – The history of Carnegie Library in Long Eaton in Derbyshire – Derbyshire Life. “With its semi-circular pediment, tall side-panels, mosaiced illustration and words of wisdom, the central bay of Long Eaton’s Library must rank as one of the most original and eye-catching examples of Art Nouveau architecture to be found anywhere.” … “Regardless of this excellent provision, the best asset of the library is the staff, who are knowledgeable, pleasant and more than happy to answer queries.”
- Residents to have their say on library service cuts – BBC. “the county council agreed to ask residents for their views on the plans, which would reduce opening hours at all but two of the county’s 45 libraries, among other proposals. Announcing the cost-cutting plan to cut spending by £625,000 over four years, the council’s leader Barry Lewis pledged no libraries would close “on his watch”.”
- Dorset – A message to library customers affected by the new library software – Dorset Council.
- Dudley – Dudley libraries promote summer reading challenge – Express and Star. Marvellous Makers.
- Falkirk – Sessions at Falkirk area libraries show how technology can make life better – Falkirk Herald. “the sessions are being hosted by Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership to demonstrate the range of technology, apps, and devices which people can use in their own homes to aid their daily lives and wellbeing.”
- Fife – How kids can take part in Reading book challenge | Reading Chronicle – Central Fife Times.
- Gloucestershire – Gloucestershire Libraries challenges residents to get active – Forest Review. “The Library Challenge” … “receive a free challenge journal, with nine exciting sports-themed tasks. Stamps can be collected for each completed task and special rewards are available at each level including stickers, certificates and much more.” Multiple page journal.
- Hackney – Dalston Library to host monthly drop-in sessions for children and families with questions or concerns around education, mental health or the police – Hackney Council. “Hackney’s new ‘Community 1 Stop’ is launched by Hackney’s Improving Outcomes for Black Children and Young People Accountability Board, community charity PERM Inc. and Hackney Libraries. “
- Isle of Man – Children encouraged to keep reading during summer – BBC. Marvellous Makers.
- Kent – Kent History and Library Centre celebrates Shaun the Sheep coming to Maidstone – Kent Council. “The craft and chat group from Allington Library has risen to the occasion and spent the first part of this year knitting and creating to help raise awareness of the trail for the hospice.”
- Kirklees – Kirklees libraries: Thousands oppose library job cuts under revamp plans that include Mirfield Library – Dewsbury Reporter. “Under the plans, which have proved controversial, eight out of Kirklees’ 24 libraries would be community-run.” … “These proposals have been heavily criticised by the public, community groups, and councillors across the political spectrum.” … “More recently, a 3,120 signature-strong petition has been submitted to Kirklees Council objecting to the plans, which would also result in 47 jobs being axed.”
- Lancashire – Celebrating apprenticeship success in Lancashire – CILIP. “Lancashire County Council Cultural Services hosted a celebration event in recognition of their achievements, which covered apprenticeship awards in Library, Archives and Information, management, and leadership and maths amongst other awards.”
- Milton Keynes – Free digital services drive half a million visits to Milton Keynes libraries – MK FM. “The city council, which opened MK’s tenth library in 2022, has today confirmed more than half a million visits were made to its libraries in the past 12 months, up by around 70,000 from the previous year”
- Norfolk – Applications to take on historic King’s Lynn Carnegie library are now open, announces Norfolk County Council – Lynn News. “The building has operated as a library since it opened in 1905, but that era will come to an end in autumn 2025 when its facilities are re-housed in the old town centre Argos premises on New Conduit Street.”
- North Somerset – North Somerset libraries creative workshop to design art installation – Weston Mercury.
- North Yorkshire – Library seed hub to help residents grow their own – BBC. “Voluntary group Grow is leading the venture at Scarborough Library, encouraging visitors to pick up free seeds when they come in to borrow books. The aim is to help residents grow their own food, flowers and herbs with the help of other library resources and a free online app.”
- Nottingham – 2,000 free books up for grabs in Nottingham as we launch Summer Book Giveaway – National Literacy Trust. “Running from Saturday 27 July – Saturday 31 August, 2,000 vouchers will be hidden across the city for children to find and exchange for a free book at their local library. This fun-filled holiday activity aims to get families outdoors and excited about books. Families can take the voucher to their local Nottingham City Library to exchange for one free book per child to take home.”
- Nottinghamshire – Newark Library reopens after maintenance and repair work completed – Newark Advertiser. “After a seven month closure for essential maintenance work and repairs following vandalism which saw the building damaged, Newark Library has once again opened its doors today ”
- Age-Friendly status for inspiring and inclusive libraries – Marketing Nottingham. “Beeston, Mansfield Central, West Bridgford and Worksop Libraries have been awarded Age-Friendly Standards status in recognition of the physical environment, cultural programme, staff awareness and behaviour, practises, and communications to provide a positive experience for all visitors regardless of age.”
- Orkneys – Library book returned more than 47 years late – BBC.
- Reading – How kids can take part in Reading book challenge – Reading Chronicle. Marvellous Makers.
- Rotherham – Swinton Library and Civic Hall opening – Rotherham Council. “The new library and Civic Hall neighbourhood hub will create a space for families and community groups to come together in a safe, modern environment.”
- Rutland – County libraries set for £1m refurbishment – BBC. “Rutland County Council has said it wants to turn its libraries in Oakham, Ketton, Ryhall and Uppingham into community hubs where people will be able to access extra services. The authority said the hubs would continue to house library services but also host health and wellbeing activities, adult learning and social events.” … Arts Council cash and a UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant to pay for the £950,000 project.
- Sandwell – Arts and reading fun at Sandwell Libraries – Sandwell Council. Marvellous Makers. “author events, storytelling, children’s theatre, dance performances”. Aardman Animations event.
- Somerset – Young readers challenged to become Marvellous Makers – Somerset Council.
- Southampton – Author Chris Packham honoured with mural and book collection at library – Southern Daily Echo. “In a venture spearheaded by Friends of Cobbett Road Library, artist Joanna Rose Tidey was commissioned to create a mural for the library.”
- South Lanarkshire – Cambuslang Library unveils new opening hours after being saved through community perseverance – Daily Record. “After the Save Our Libraries campaign helped keep the Cambuslang Library going, the library has since announced its new opening hours.” … “The library will be open from Tuesday to Friday every week from 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5pm.” 8500 signature petition.
- Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries is back at Latitude for 2024 – Suffolk Libraries. Activities in library tent from 10am-5pm for the three days.
- New Ipswich Library project is reaching out to local Romanian community – Suffolk Libraries. “The library’s new outreach project has received funding and support from The Europe Challenge which is helping to provide a range of new initiatives and activities. The project will include a Romanian film festival in September and has funded more Romanian language books and resources, and more support for Romanian speakers to encourage them to get a library card and visit the library. Ipswich has around 3,300 Romanian speakers and it’s the second most spoken language in Ipswich.”
- Warwickshire – Warwickshire Libraries invites families to enjoy nature, mindfulness, and storytelling at Park Life Reads event – Warwickshire Council. “The aim of the event, which is being delivered in partnership with The Big Local, is to celebrate the power of words and literature in a welcoming community setting. It will also encourage positive attitudes and engagement with nature, mindfulness, and wellbeing.” … “free activities including stop-motion animation, storytelling, a story-tent, lino printing, nature journaling, gardening, and poetry.”
- Wirral – Wirral Council considering relocating two libraries – Birkenhead News. ” The options were revealed by council officers as the local authority prepares to draw up options for its budget from 2025 onwards.” … “it has been known since the beginning of 2024 that the council was exploring possible relocation options again which could save £250,000.”
Hello Ann Cleeves, a favour please
Jul 21st
Editorial
One of the joys of working in public libraries these days is the sheer variety of the job. One can be ordering books, delivering training, planning events, organising stock rotations, partnering with different organisations and be in a murder mystery all in one week. That last one stuck out to me last week as I hosted an evening using the excellent free Ann Cleeves scripts (see an example here) to a sold out audience. We do several of these per year and get excellent feedback from them, all using library staff. Back when I started even doing a rhyme-time was a controversial idea which I remember arguments doing. And, amazingly, the Summer Reading Challenge too. Heaven knows what those people that argued against those in the 1990s would think about doing murder mysteries. But we have a problem. We’ve run out of free scripts to do. So, Ann, if you’re reading, could you us another one? You’d get a free invite to the first performance and everything.
The change in government hasn’t notably affected the public library sector yet and any such changes would likely take ages anyway. Everything has inertia, not least this one. But the challenge will be to do anything at all considering that there is a commitment to keeping within a very tight budget. Indeed, even a slightly above inflation increase for public sector workers who, lest we forget, have had a significant pay decrease in terms of spending power since 2010, seems questionable. So we’re not out of the woods yet. But at least the job is fascinating. And there’s always another event to do.
Thanks to everyone who got in touch last week. Please send any news or views to ian librarian at live dot co dot uk. Thanks again.
Changes by local authority
- Barnsley – Wombwell Library children’s area refurbished.
- Bromley – Central Library to have £15m move due to asbestos.
- Derbyshire – £625k cut over four years, average 10% opening hours cuts in 43 out of 45 libraries.
- Gloucestershire – Stroud Library reopens in new building.
- Kent – Folkestone Library will be moved into old Debenhams.
- Oxfordshire – Banbury Library to move.
- Powys – Llandrindod Library to be co-located in museum.
- Wandsworth – Putney Library £1 million refurbishment of children’s library and new co-working space.
National news
- Libraries Across England Ignite Children’s Innovation Through Reading Sparks – Reading Agency. “The Reading Agency is working with public libraries in several regions of England to launch innovative activities aimed at engaging children aged 6-11 in creative learning experiences that combine reading, storytelling, coding, and hands-on activities. These efforts are part of Reading Sparks, a programme by The Reading Agency which harnesses the creative power of reading to engage families with STEM activities (science, technology, engineering and maths) and build science confidence. “
- London Libraries creates reading app inspired by ‘Couch to 5k’ – BookSeller. “The London Libraries network has developed a “Couch to 5k”-style reading app, “ReadOn”, including a library map and goal-building features to incentivise reading. Developed by librarians from London Libraries – the city’s network of the national library charity Libraries Connected – “ReadOn” uses curated recommendations, reading challenges, interactive quizzes and personalised reading plans to gradually make reading a regular part of users’ lives.” … “The integrated map feature means users can easily find their nearest London library to discover new books and authors, attend literary events and “connect with fellow book lovers”.”
International news
- Australia – The State Library of Victoria controversy shows what can happen when institutions cling to ‘neutrality’ – The Conversation. Critics of Israel over Gaza were cancelled from doing workshops with little notice. Although State Library’s mission states neutrality, many see this action as bias. “Librarians who critique neutrality argue that when society faces polarisation, misinformation and backlash, alongside efforts to dismantle historical inequities, it becomes clear that libraries cannot be “neutral” information brokers.”
- Librarians have good reasons to ‘weed’ books from their shelves. Why is book removal so controversial? – Conversation. “as the recent Melbourne example shows, even professional librarians can disagree when difficult choices are made. So what drives those decisions?”
- USA – ‘We are not getting rid of books’: How libraries across Idaho are implementing new materials law – Idaho Capital Sun. “Under the new rules, library staff won’t let kids in unless a parent is present with them at all times, a parent signs paperwork allowing their child to enter only for programming, or a parent waives their rights under the new law and lets their child check out materials without a parent present. “This change is painful, and not what we had hoped for at all,” library staff wrote in a letter posted on Facebook. “
Local news by authority
- Barnsley – Barnsley Libraries participates in the ‘Marvellous Makers’ Summer Reading Challenge with free activities for families – Barnsley Council. “Storyteller Olivia Corbin-Phillip, artist and ceramicist Evelyn Albrow, and Bollywood dancer Salma Zamann will be delivering sessions across all Barnsley Libraries branches throughout the summer.”
- Children’s area of the historic Wombwell Library re-opens following a major transformation – Barnsley Council. “The children’s area of Wombwell Library, which has been transformed into a local destination for children, families and schools, has re-opened its doors following an exciting refurbishment. The updated space features a sensory story wall, cosy hideaways, bespoke furniture, tiered soft seating and new shelving. All the new additions have been installed whilst preserving the historic character of the building.”
- Birmingham – Jack Reacher author calls library cuts ‘dumbest decision’ as Birmingham childhood library at risk – Birmingham Live. ” Child said the action hero would never have materialised if not for a Perry Barr library. Despite Child’s Coventry roots, the author credits Birmingham’s libraries for feeding his mind with literary inspiration that kickstarted his writing career.” … “He insisted libraries like Tower Hill made him the writer he was today.”
- Bradford – Book charity founder says library cuts are sad – BBC. “Jan Winter, who set up Canterbury Imagination Library, said: “It’s always sad to see any reduction in library services as access to free books in a safe space is so important to developing a love of reading.”” … “The new government says it has a focus on the importance of Early Years and I hope there might be more funding for young children, including improved access to high quality experiences in their local libraries”
- Job losses would severely damage libraries – union – BBC. “The council clearly needs to find ways of saving money, but making redundancies in libraries would severely damage the level of service provided.”
- Bromley – South East London council to spend £15m moving library after asbestos found in new site – My London. “Bromley Council has moved forward with a £15 million plan to move its central library after asbestos was found in its future site. The authority opened up a consultation last week with residents to consult on plans to move Bromley Central Library to the former Topshop unit on Bromley High Street, which has reportedly been empty since 2020. The new site is located across the street from the library’s current home in a shared building with the Churchill Theatre. Plans for the move were revealed in October last year with council officers claiming a full strip out of the library’s current building would be required after asbestos was found in the vacant Topshop unit.”
- Buckinghamshire – Plan to reduce library staff hours is ‘innovation not cuts’, says Bucks Council – Bucks Free Press. “Under ‘Library Flex’, staff hours will be reduced by 25-30 per cent with a potential ‘headcount reduction’ of 18-20 full time equivalent members of staff. Alongside the staff reduction, self-serve kiosks for book borrowing and printing will be installed, and community groups encouraged to use libraries when there are no staff on site.” … “The council says its plan will increase the hours of access by 50 per cent, saving £555,000 per year.” … council said vulnerable groups were being consulted. Council said eBooks now existed.
- Library cuts: People may ‘struggle’ with self-service – Bucks Free Press. “Bucks councillor Robin Stuchbury has raised concerns that the council’s increased reliance on self-service kiosks in libraries would affect vulnerable residents.”
- Bury – Radcliffe library to stay in current building while it’s converted into enterprise centre – Manchester Evening News. “As part of the £40 million Radcliffe regeneration project, the existing library building in Stand Lane will be turned into an enterprise centre to support businesses. Construction is due to start in the next two months and cannot be delayed, because the £1.2 million secured from the government, complemented by £455,000 from the council, must be fully spent by March 2025.” … “decided that the best and least disruptive solution would be stay at its current site and move the library to the first floor of the building.”
It seems that Cardiff Council are preparing to hand part responsibility for Cardiff’s hub and library service over to volunteers. Cardiff Council are running a trial where trained volunteers work on shifts to deliver key library and hub services including serving customers, using the internal catalogue system and running story times for children. There are concerns that a volunteer dependent service will not be able to deliver the same service to Cardiff residents.
Paid employees who have training and experience bring professionalism, knowledge and consistency to their roles. These things are essential to an effective and inclusive library and hub service. Another concern is that library and hubs will become more exclusive in terms of staffing as people from lower income backgrounds and BAME people who are more likely to come from lower income backgrounds cannot afford to volunteer. Libraries and hubs, it is suggested, will become members clubs for retired professionals. While wanting to help the service continue ‘in the face of budget cuts’ some volunteers themselves have said they do not want to be ‘job blockers’, that is filling what should be a paid role and so preventing younger people from getting the opportunity to join the service and so ensure its future.
More simply, residents comment that Cardiff people deserve a dependable, professional library and hub service … The most recent development in this story is this trial using ‘professional’ volunteers, who will be expected to take part responsibility for delivering library and hub services. It will be interesting to see what the outcomes of this trial will be for our hubs and libraries.”
Cardiff – email received
- Cambridgeshire – Mobile libraries playing important role 60 years on – BBC. “bookworms living in the internet age still engaged with the mobile library.”. Mobile library is “hugely valued here and always lovely to see the engagement with people of all ages – especially young children.” see also Cambridgeshire mobile libraries 60th year celebration – Hunts Post.
- Cheshire East – Cheshire East to consult on plan which could see library hours slashed – Knutsford Guardian. “The environment and communities committee voted by seven to six yesterday (Thursday) in favour of going to public consultation.” see also Council leader resigns over bankruptcy risk report – BBC.
- Bollington: Residents fight library cut proposals at council meeting – Knutsford Guardian. “Angry Bollington residents protesting against any proposed cuts to their library service told councillors it is ‘more than just a public bookshelf’.” … “What is proposed today further degrades provision for a planned, sustainable, properly funded library service for all”
- Wilmslow Library awarded community grant for Lego Discovery day – Wilmslow.co.uk. “The Wilmslow Town Council grant will be used to fund a Lego Discovery day, provided by Lego Education specialists, enabling 120 participants plus their families to take part. The grant will also fund four additional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and Craft events, run by Wilmslow Library staff.”
“If we do enter S114 then there won’t be any discussion – libraries will just close straight away.””
Congleton councillor Heather Seddon (Lab)
- Darlington – Turn the page for summer fun with Darlington Libraries – Darlington Council. Not Marvellous Makers. “To take part, simply borrow books from Darlington or Cockerton Library and you can enter a maximum of once per day into a free prize draw to win a host of prizes, including: Playstation 5 and game, SimFly family flight experience, Lego set, Cluedini escape room experience, Sim King gaming party, family match day tickets for Darlington FC, family pantomime tickets for Darlington Hippodrome and The Majestic, GiGi’s soft play vouchers, Jellycat Octopus, baby sensory box, Sculpd Kids craft kits, Minions Operation game.”
- Derbyshire – Library changes as council looks to balance books – BBC. “the leader of Derbyshire County Council, Barry Lewis, has pledged that none of its 45 libraries will shut “on his watch”.” … ” it is proposed opening hours at all but two of the county’s libraries will be reduced and the authority will explore opportunities to share buildings with other services to cut costs.” … “A public consultation into the four-year plan to make the required £625,000 savings will be held if the draft plans are given the go-ahead on Thursday.”
- Devon – Libraries across Devon celebrate 100 years of free reading – Exeter Council. History of Devon’s public libraries over the last century.
- Gateshead – Whickham volunteers celebrate importance of local libraries on anniversary – Chronicle. “Whickham Volunteer Library Association (WVLA) celebrated the seventh year of operation on Wednesday” … “A group of around 50 residents volunteered to help out” when the council announced it would be closed.
- Gloucestershire – New library in Stroud formally opened – Stroud News. “new location at the Five Valleys Shopping Centre” … “According to the county council, it welcomed around 750 customers on the opening day. Meanwhile, in the period from April 2024 to June 2024 it has welcomed 35,778 visitors and 815 new members have joined. The site includes access to a range of resources such as micro computing kits, 3D printers, scanners and software, Virtual Reality sets and a laser cutter.”
- Guernsey – Guernsey library launches summer reading challenge – BBC. Marvellous Makers. “The library is working with reading volunteers from local charity Bright Beginnings to provide a “friendly face to meet and greet children, talk to them about the stories they’ve read over the holidays and listen to them read”.”
- Havering – Save our libraries. School children unite in a desperate bid to save their much loved library. – Havering Daily. “Mr Fryd and his pupils from Harold Wood Primary School, yesterday 15 July, gathered outside of the library alongside parents, protesters and the three local councillors who had organised the event.”
- Hull – Hull rapper Chiedu Oraka to perform library gig – BBC. ““It is a great example of how Hull Central Library is becoming a major player in the city’s events space and I have no doubt that this will attract people from Hull and beyond.”
- Kent – Plans revealed to move library into former town centre Debenhams in Folkestone – Kent Online. “A former town centre Debenhams store could become home to a library, new plans reveal. Residents in Folkestone have called for the return of their library after the building in Grace Hill was “temporarily closed” in 2022 due to safety concerns.” … “Chiefs at KCC say after “exploring all options” they can not finance the renovation of the Grace Hill site.”
“Deepings Community Library is still going strong (indeed is still the most successful community library in Lincolnshire) and last year we had a record 450 young readers who finished the SRC. This included the mini challenge and a home grown Teen Challenge, too. However, we have a serious problem of funding for the SRC. Lincolnshire will only fund the materials to run it for its ‘core’ libraries, i.e. the ones still run by the county. It will not fund it for the Community Libraries, nor will the Reading Agency let us have a library discount. This means that, this year, the SRC has cost us £800 – a considerable amount for a largely self-funding library to find. We have some support from local sponsors, and our schools have donated £50 each this year, but there is still a large shortfall. Several Community Libraries in Lincolnshire have given up the SRC as a result. We are committed to continuing it here at Deeping, because the families and schools value it so much, but it is not going to get any easier unless the Reading Agency and/or the county start treating Community Libraries fairly. ”
Lincolnshire – Email received.
- Manchester – Lifelong library visitors celebrate 90th anniversary at Manchester Central Library – Manchester Council. “My mother said we should go to Manchester Central Library’s opening to see King George V and I remember the crowds, the waving flags and people shouting, ‘God Save the King!’”
- Middlesbrough – Central Library modernisation takes step forward – Middlesbrough Council. “The £2m redevelopment will see captivating spaces created where children can read, play and explore. The major works at the Grade II listed building will also protect the unique features of the reference library. Work to clear the library started in January, with further surveys and other preparations taking place in the meantime.”
- Norfolk – Get creative with the Summer Reading Challenge at Norfolk libraries – Norfolk Council. Marvellous Makers. Events.
- North Lincolnshire – Get ready for Wonderful Wednesdays all through the summer – North Lincolnshire Council. “Each week has a different theme, and starts off with a free breakfast at Scunthorpe Central library between 9.30am and 11am with the Breakfast and Books session, where you can join in with the Summer Reading Challenge – Marvellous Makers.”
- North Northamptonshire – GP surgeries and public services hit by IT outage – BBC. “Council services such as libraries, social care and country parks were also disrupted.”
- North Somerset – North Somerset mobile library vehicle ‘taken off the road’ – Weston Mercury. “The vehicle has been taken off the road permanently due to the discovery of a defect with the chassis. But North Somerset Libraries said they secured more than £309k in funding through the Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF), administered by Arts Council England, to purchase a new electric library outreach vehicle.”
- Orkney – 8 Key Pieces of Social Media Marketing Advice From a Library Marketer Who Works at One of Scotland’s Oldest Public Libraries – Super Library Marketing.
- Oxfordshire – Town’s library set to move to former Wilko shop – BBC. “Banbury Library is currently based in a Grade II listed building in Marlborough Road, external and was used by almost 79,000 people in 2023/24. But Oxfordshire County Council, which rents the building, said it is had spent £100,000 on “reactive maintenance” in four years, and bringing it up to scratch could cost more than £2m. It said a unit in Bridge Street, which had been disused since Wilko closed last September, would be more suitable.”
- Powys – Council library to move to museum building – Powys Council. “Llandrindod Library is to move a short distance and into the same building as Radnorshire Museum, Powys County Council has announced. The move will follow the same model of service delivery adopted in Brecon, Llanidloes and Welshpool where both museum and library share space, resources and staffing.”
- Reading – Get Creative – Reading Libraries Popular Summer Reading Challenge Returns – Reading Council. Marvellous Makers.
- Town’s library building put up for sale – BBC. “A town-centre library has officially been put on the market amid plans to move services to another building. Estate agents have put Reading Central Library up for sale for an unspecified amount of money. It has been suggested the building on Kings Road could be transformed into 46 new flats.” … “An “improved” library will instead be built in a three-storey extension to the borough council’s offices on Bridge Street.”
- Wandsworth – 125 years of Putney Library celebrated with £1million refurbishment – Wandsworth Council. “bright, refurbished children’s library, a new Start-Up Wandsworth co-working space”
- Warwickshire – Children invited to get involved in ‘Marvellous Makers’ Summer Reading Challenge at Warwickshire Libraries – Warwickshire Council. “including interactive ‘Myths and Masks’ storytelling sessions with Pyn Stockman, and more music and craft activities.”
- Westmorland and Furness – Ulverston town council slams ‘breakneck speed’ of library plans – North West Mail. Town councillor says ” “The consultation that you presented finishes on August 23 and we feel that is too short a period for such an important decision.” … ““The mood in Ulverston is that decisions have been taken without a wide debate on what the public would speak up for.”
- Wiltshire – ‘Disorderly behaviour’ cited for library bans – BBC. “there were 14 incidents since 2021, which escalated in people being excluded from the county’s libraries. Of these incidents, 10 involved disorderly behaviour, where the offender was intoxicated and abusive. There were also four accounts of “inappropriate” behaviour, including one case of harassment.”
- Wirral – Wirral libraries team up with park rangers to deliver summer festival – Wirral Globe. “Green Bibliofest will see libraries across the borough transformed into event and theatre spaces, with workshops and live performances on the themes of climate, nature and sustainability, taking centre stage.”
- Worcestershire – Worcestershire libraries can help parents get their children ‘school ready’ over the summer – Bromsgrove Standard. “Engaging Storytime sessions introduce children to the joy of reading, enhance their listening skills, and ignite their imaginations. These interactive sessions are designed to develop early literacy skills in a fun and welcoming environment.” plus selected book-stock. “Special Get School Ready Bookbags “
Two annual events in danger of losing their shine
Jul 14th
Editorial
Two annual library events have got me thinking this week. The first is the Summer Reading Challenge. By far the most popular promotion that any public library normally puts on, the Challenge is aimed at those in primary school, created by the Reading Agency and voluntarily bought into, or not, by library services. The format of it has not seriously changed since its introduction a quarter of a century ago. Probably the biggest change many have noted in that time is the replacement of the shiny “gold-looking” metal medal by a more environmentally friendly wooden one. Some library services, though, have got bored with this medal, sorry, model, or can no longer afford buying into it, or feel very independent, leading to some individual council designs, ranging from sub-SRC knock-offs to some genuinely impressive examples that must have taken a considerable amount of staff time and funding. This causes a problem because the more that go it alone then the more expensive it is for everyone else due to economies of scale. And more may go it alone in response. A vicious circle. So, something that was a great example of a national promotion is quite literally in danger of losing its shine. Which would be a tragedy.
Something else that happens nationally is the CILIP Conference, which was on this week. The vast majority of those working in public libraries, including many managers, may not have been aware of this at all. The cost of attending is prohibitive – several hundred per day – so only few can attend and the sessions themselves are not recorded or shared outside of the lucky few who can attend. This is not to decry the event. Like the Summer Reading Challenge, I strongly support the idea of bringing library workers together and have been in the privileged position myself of attending more than a few. I find them very useful and it’s a great way of getting people learning about what is going on nationally (other than reading Public Libraries News of course, naturally). But there is now something demonstrably improvable, at least for the public library contingent, about a conference that now attracts only a handful from that sub-sector and has little impact other than for the tiny handful of public librarians who can attend. And I hope it is fixed.
Do you agree on this, got suggestions or want to comment about something else? If so, lease email your views to me at ianlibrarian at live dot co dot uk. Thank you.
Changes by local authority
- Bradford: Proposed £175k (15%) cut to include no printed newspapers, cuts to staff.
- Bromley: Bromley Central Library may move to larger new site.
- Cheshire East: £600k cut over next 2 years inc. opening hours cuts.
- Lancashire – Briercliffe Library may reopen in museum.
- Stockport – Staffing replaced by staff-less technology.
National news
- Librarians told to challenge ‘paradigm of whiteness’ in Welsh Labour anti-racism plan – Telegraph. Welsh Government has “provided funding that aims to “eradicate” systemic racism in libraries by training staff in “anti-racist principles”.” CILIP Wales “secured government funding for a project titled Anti-racist Library Collections, which will seek to transform libraries by rolling out new training for staff.” … explaining ““decolonising libraries is essential”, and suggests “prioritising the acquisition of materials authored by ethnic minority people”.”
- Our libraries are on borrowed time – Prospect. Richard Ovenden. “we urgently need the incoming government to place a long overdue focus on libraries, and to develop a supporting national strategy, bringing together all of the library ecosystem, including public, school, national, university and specialist libraries. Libraries are a key part of the infrastructure of democracy: in Ukraine, libraries are being deliberately attacked by Russian forces—here we are effectively attacking our own provision through severe cuts to funding.”
International news
- USA – New rule restricts what’s allowed on shelves in SC public libraries – WIS 10. “The temporary law written into the state budget, called a proviso, requires county libraries to certify to the State Library that their children’s section does not contain any books or materials that appeal to the prurient interest — defined in state code as “a shameful or morbid interest in nudity, sex, or excretion and is reflective of an arousal of lewd and lascivious desires and thoughts” — of kids under 13.”
Local news by authority
- Barnet – Creative health projects to improve wellbeing are coming to Barnet libraries – Barnet Council. ACE funding.
- Barnsley – Mapplewell and Staincross Library re-opens its doors following refurbishment – Mapplesworth Council. Council and “Shared Prosperity Fund” grant.
- Bath and North East Somerset – 100 years of Bath Central Library: A historic celebration – Journal.
- Bedford – ‘Marvellous Makers’ announced as the theme for this year’s Bedford Borough Libraries reading challenge – Bedford Independent. “When children join, they will receive a bookmark with spaces for eighteen stamps, which they will receive each time they return a book they’ve read to a library.” Medal when read eighteen books.
- Birmingham – Primary school pupils bemoan proposed library losses – BBC. School protest. “Kate Taylor, organiser of campaign group Brum Rise Up, called on the new Labour-led government to make more money available to local authorities.”
- Bradford – Opening hours of Bradford’s libraries could be cut by 15% – Ilkley Gazette. Councils says “likely to have a significant impact on staff contracted hours and could result in the risk of redundancies.”. Donation boxes considered. No printed newspapers. Proposed £175k cut.
- Bradford Libraries launch Summer Reading Challenge – Ilkley Chat. Marvellous Makers. “Watch out for the National Literacy Trust yellow Stories Bus where library staff will be offering a treasure hunt, free book and encouraging families to sign up in the Bradford City Centre Library.” 8 page brochure of events.
- Brighton and Hove – Sparking children’s creativity with Summer Reading Challenge – Brighton and Hove Council. Marvellous Makers.
- Bromley – Have your say on Bromley Library’s major move to former Topshop premises – News Shopper. “Bromley Council is seeking feedback to refine plans for the relocation, which was announced in October 2023. The new location will be the site of the former Topshop store on the High Street. The larger site will not only accommodate the library’s existing resources but also make room for enhancements such as a children’s section and modern study areas.”
- Buckinghamshire – Have your say on future of Bucks Libraries – Bucks Radio.
- Cheshire East – Cheshire East library proposals to be discussed – Cheshire East Council. Proposed 3 tiers: Tier 1 (Congleton, Crewe, Macclesfield, Nantwich and Wilmslow) to become hubs inc. council, health, banking. Tier 2 (Alsager, Holmes Chapel, Knutsford, Middlewich, Poynton and Sandbach) to have some hours changes Tier 3 (Alderley Edge, Bollington, Disley and Handforth) to have council support 1.5 days per week. Other organisations/councils being approached to support Tier 3 sites at other times. If approved by committee on 18 July, changes will go to public consultation.
- Children protest against closure of ‘vital’ Cheshire libraries – Cheshire Live.
- Pro-Bollington Library campaigners set to show up to Cheshire East Council Meeting – Macclesfield Nub News. “Nigel Macartney told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that even though closure no longer seems to be on the cards, he is still incensed by what is proposed.” and says “”The general public in Bollington will be very, very disappointed that the library is still being shut on all days, apart from one and a half”
- Could Nantwich Library be privatised under CEC plans? – Nantwich News. “another proposal could see some libraries privatised – although there is no explanation as to how this would work.”
- East Sussex – The volunteer-run library that’s securing a future for reading in Hastings – Sussex World. “The cherished local library is celebrating a recently approved 20-year lease, ensuring it remains a community cornerstone for years to come.” It was going to be closed in 2018 but volunteers stepped in. “With the help of an initial grant from North East Hastings Big Local, matched by a local housing association, a total of £15,000 was raised to save the library.”
- Havering – ‘If you cut our libraries you cut our communities’- Residents and trade unions unite in the battle to save our libraries from closures. – Havering Daily. “The protest was organised by the Trade Union Council who gathered many of its members to join in the battle to save these libraries from closing.” Now, “With more than 1,000 members and a collection of over 6,000 book titles, the library offers a range of services, including a book club and story time sessions for children under five.”
- Kirklees – Kirklees Libraries launch exciting reading programme to boost literacy in children – Huddersfield Hub. “The Library Adventures programme is aimed at children aged four to 11 who can pick up an Adventure Pack from their local library at any time during the year and start their journey through a series of exciting themes – Animal Planet, Magical Lands, Oceans, Rainforests, Space Explorer and Spooky.”
- Lancashire – Historic mill could become library’s new home – BBC. “The former Briercliffe Library has remained shut since 2016, when it was closed down at the same time as the nearby Queen Street Mill museum.”
- Leicester – Museums and libraries bring free fun to your doorstep for summer holidays – Leicester Council. Marvellous Makers. Robot, crafts.
- Manchester – The Summer Reading Challenge spotlights Marvellous Makers – Manchester Council. “lucky draw prizes of packed goody bags to be given away across 22 libraries and just one fortunate winner will be selected for the largest draw of all with a £100 voucher up to spend.”
- Norfolk – Norfolk library staff facing increased anti-social behaviour – Dereham Times.
- North Northamptonshire – Library closed until further notice after fire – BBC. “Oundle Library in Northamptonshire was evacuated when the fire was discovered at 10:30 BST. The fire service said gas and electricity supplies were turned off and the flames were put out shortly afterwards. All staff and customers left the building safely”
- Library hosts 50th celebrations after election delay – BBC. Wellingborough. “It will host performances from local choirs, craft stalls and information from community groups.”
- Summer Reading Challenge 2024 – Marvellous Makers making its way to you from your local library – North Northamptonshire Council. Marvellous Makers. Art competition.
- North Yorkshire – North Yorkshire libraries prepare for summer reading challenge – Hambleton Today. Marvellous Makers. Events.
- Nottingham – Faced With Library Closures, Council Launches Consultation – Left Lion. “Now faced with budget cuts of nearly 40%, four local libraries find themselves on the chopping block – Aspley, Basford, Bilborough, and Radford-Lenton.”
- Sandwell – Live at the Library – Sandwell Arts Festival 2024 – Sandwell Council. “There will be music, comedy, author and children’s author talks, poetry, local history, dance workshops, theatre, family shows, children’s holiday activities and even juggling”
- Slough – Challenge encourages children to read over summer – BBC. Marvellous Makers.
- South Gloucestershire – Children in South Gloucestershire invited to join the Summer Reading Challenge 2024 – South Gloucestershire Newsroom. Marvellous Makers. Crafts and puppetry events.
- Stockport – ‘It’s going to affect thousands’: Stockport library cuts ‘deeply concerning’ – Manchester Evening News. “Signs appeared on libraries in the borough in June advertising the new timetable – part of the ongoing roll out of the Open+ unstaffed library hours.” … “According to a sign at Reddish library, staff will not be around after 4pm on Monday and Tuesday, after 6pm on Wednesday, and after 2pm on Saturday. Thursday, Friday, and Sunday are unstaffed all day.
- Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries offers Fit for Work wellbeing days to local businesses – Suffolk Libraries. “Fit for Work is offering Suffolk-based small and medium sized businesses meeting room space in some of the county’s libraries for staff wellbeing events and away-days. As part of this, Suffolk Libraries will provide a free physical activity session and resources to support your staff’s wellbeing “
- Surrey – Surrey Libraries Rise to the Summer Reading Challenge for 2024 – Surrey News. Marvellous Makers. Launch events. Events include “origami sessions, badge making opportunities and in partnership with Surrey Arts we’ll be hosting free ‘come and try’ music workshops. “
- Warwickshire – Join Stockingford and Lillington libraries this Saturday to enjoy free Summer Reading Challenge launch events – Warwickshire Council. Marvellous Makers. Free creative art packs.
- Westmorland and Furness – Libraries encourage children to take part in Summer Reading Challenge – Westmorland and Furness Council. Marvellous Makers. ” a prize draw for a Kindle e-reader generously donated by The Cumberland Building Society”. Events.
- Public consultation on future of town’s library – BBC. “A consultation has been launched asking for feedback on proposals which range from the full refurbishment of the King’s Road library building to “do nothing”.”
- West Northamptonshire – West Northants libraries launch Summer Reading Challenge 2024 – West Northamptonshire Council. Marvellous Makers. “vibrant array of arts and crafts themed events for children over the Summer from ballet workshops, wind chime making, magic shows, decoupage, slime …” Art competition.
- Wiltshire – Accessing ‘inappropriate websites’ among reasons for bans from Wiltshire libraries – Wiltshire Times. 14 bans: 10 due to disorderliness (inc. drunk, abuse), 1 harassment.
- Reliable health information and signposting to activities and support available at your local library – Wiltshire Council. Health information highlighted for a month.
Labour in Libraries
Jul 7th
Editorial
Wow, so that was a quite a victory for Labour. With such a majority, they have five years now to do what they can before the next election and, given the volatility of the electorate, the possibility of another change in government. There are huge challenges for Labour, including a distinct lack of money and economic weakness, and promises about not increasing taxation made pre-election. This will make it very difficult for them to follow the impulse, more natural to them than the Conservatives, to send money the way of local government and libraries. But it needs to be done. Local councils are on the verge of bankruptcy and public libraries have not had significant investment since, well, the last Labour Government. Hopefully, the capacity of libraries to do all sorts of things all over the country, not least boosting literacy, at cheap prices, means that the needed investment will be made. We can hope so. And perhaps the easiest low-cost maximum-impact way to start would be to find a way of removing late fees for all public libraries. Now that would be fine.
And then we have the problem of staff-less libraries. Back in the old days, a library was staffed by paid human beings. Since that Golden Age, increasing numbers of paid staff have been replaced by either volunteers or by technology, in terms of the ever expanding number of PIN-entry libraries. This lack of labour in libraries removes that chance of social interaction, and of unbiased expert help, that is one of the key selling points of the sector. It was done initially, mainly in other countries, as a way of expanding opening hours but, being the budget for UK libraries is what it is, is increasingly be done here to replace costly human beings. This has led to the Guardian writing an article called “The end of the librarian?” which is worth looking at. I’ve also collated information on the staff-less phenomenon here. If there’s still any human beings out there who wants to look.
National news
- End of the librarian? Council cuts and new tech push profession to the brink – Guardian. “officials in some local authorities are proposing that libraries can be operated at times without any professional librarians, relying on self-service technology, smartcards for entry and CCTV.”. A look at Buckinghamshire and Croydon.
- Libraries give us power. The next government must trust libraries to continue delivering for communities – Big Issue. CILIP CEO article. The public trusts libraries and that can be used.
- Libraries should be at the heart of public life – Financial Times. Richard Ovenden. “The British public library system marks two important anniversaries this year. One hundred and seventy five years ago a debate was held in parliament which led to the Public Libraries Act of 1850, giving local authorities the ability to establish free public libraries through a modest increase in local taxation. Sixty years ago the Public Libraries and Museums Act of 1964 upgraded that law to made it a requirement for local authorities to provide the service.” … “In this anniversary year, it is a tragic irony that the system is now facing one of the most severe challenges in its history.” … “One solution? A distinct Minister for Libraries. A new ministerial brief could help highlight the contribution made by libraries across different areas of the government’s agenda.”
International news
- Ireland – Turning over a new leaf – Irish Examiner. “GIY and Libraries Ireland have come together in a novel food and literacy education programme, beginning in Waterford but with the ambition to see the initiative evolve across Ireland, creating food-growing communities wherever there is a library to be found. Growing your own food is of course a positive climate action and also fosters food empathy and promotes sustainability, so along with the free seeds and information packs, the library will provide the know-how including online videos in this attempt to find a whole new audience for the superlative efforts of GIY. ” See LibraryLeaf.
- USA – Placer County libraries extend hours to provide relief from excessive heat – Yubanet. California.
- ALA 2024: Librarians Rally for the Right to Read – Publishers Weekly. “Freedom to read tops the list of librarians’ priorities, and the American Library Association’s 2024 conference emphasized the existential threats posed by book bans and the populist undermining of public institutions and trust.”
- A Reader Asked for My Ultimate Top Ten Tips for the Most Effective Library Marketing Possible: Here’s the List – Super Library Marketing. Send emails, post only once a day on social media, put a bookmark into every reserved book, short script for staff to say about every event/promotion, talk to one community group per month, review your social media metrics monthly, plan calendar for 6-12 months ahead, speak to staff meetings about marketing, professional media releases, blog, 20 minutes per week to learn.
Local news by authority
- Birmingham – Library cuts will devastate people in Birmingham, say campaigners – Rayo. “Proposed cuts to library services in Birmingham could be devastating for the city and increase inequalities, according to a libraries campaign group. Birmingham Loves Libraries has written an open letter to Birmingham City councillors, demanding all cuts to be paused.”
- Blackburn with Darwen – Thousands ‘inspired’ by Children’s Literature Festival – Lancashire Telegraph. 6th Children’s Literature Festival. Christina Gabbitas: ““I would like to thank all the staff in Blackburn with Darwen Libraries for their amazing support, and all who have helped fund the festival; Darwen Rotary, Lloyds Trust, Darwen Town Council, and Spot On Lancashire.”
- Bridgend – Awen Launches First Countywide Adult Reading Challenge – Awen Cultural Trust. “Free ‘bingo sheets’ can be collected from Awen Libraries and prizes* will be awarded after 7, 14 and 21 books have been read.” Prizes while stocks last.
- Buckinghamshire – Bucks Council slammed for library cuts set to dramatically reduce staffing – Bucks Herald. “Kari Dorme, aged in her late 70s, warned that new cost-cutting measures, including the roll-out of self-service technology, would further erode the vital function the county’s libraries play in society. The former branch and area librarian for Beaconsfield and High Wycombe said: “These cuts will, in time, kill off the whole ethos and character of what library work is about.”” Staffless opening.
- Croydon – Croydon locals rally to save Shirley Library from closure – Sutton and Croydon Guardian. “Residents have called for Croydon Council to reconsider plans to close Shirley Library, claiming it would receive more footfall if it was open more often. This comes following the news that the council could be closing three other libraries due to a poor post-Covid slump in visitation as well as the overall costs of running all 13 libraries in the borough.” 1800 signature petition.
- Dorset – Libraries to help keep children’s minds active over summer holidays – Dorset Echo. Marvellous Makers. Minimal offering.
- New library hours come into force across county – BBC. “There has been some backlash to the new hours, with hundreds of people signing a petition urging the council to reverse the changes in Swanage, where Saturday opening hours will be cut from six-and-a-half to three.”
- Essex – Former library goes up for sale for £2.6m – BBC. “Delaware House, in Shoebury, Essex was previously home to a library on the first floor and a blood test clinic on the ground floor alongside a nursery. However, it has remained empty for several years.”
- Hackney – Innovative art programme to transform libraries into cultural hubs with training for artists – Hackney Council. “Art at Heart was developed in response to feedback from around 8,500 Hackney residents, and residents expressing that one of their top desires is for libraries to become dynamic centres for creativity. This summer, the project will train early-career artists through paid residencies in libraries across Hackney, collaborating closely with local community groups. ” ACE funded.
- Havering – Summer Reading Challenge – Havering Council. Marvellous Makers. Minimal offering.
- Hertfordshire – Children invited to free reading Challenge at libraries this summer – In Your Area. Marvellous Makers. 20,000 took part in 2023.
- Kent – Children challenged to become ‘Marvellous Makers’ in KCC Libraries summer reading challenge – Kent Council. Free events plus publicity video.
- Leicestershire – Challenge encourages children to read over summer – BBC. Marvellous Makers. “Children taking part in the challenge can also receive free entry to Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, as well as the 1620s House and Garden at Donington le Heath.”
- New play project at libraries rolled out – BBC. “Sixteen libraries are now hosting the Pop-in Play Library project, run by not-for-profit organisation Boromi, with the original pilot funded by a Leicestershire County Council grant.”
- Lincolnshire – Multi-sensory room opened at Cleethorpes Library – BBC. “Equipment in the room include an astronaut star projector, sensory fidget tubes, a weighted blanket and a white noise machine.” Can be hired.
- Norfolk – Breathing Space with Xenia Horne at Norfolk libraries as bereavement cafes are being put on – Lynn News. “The bereavement cafes are part of a Norfolk Libraries project called Know Your Neighbourhood and this particular event is in conjunction with Creative Arts East”
- Oldham – It’s time for stories to come alive – Oldham Council. Storyfest with various author events. and Marvellous Makers.
- Oxfordshire – Children encouraged to get creative at Oxfordshire libraries this summer – Oxfordshire Council. Marvellous Makers. Minimal offering.
- Renfrewshire – Paisley Central Library wins silver at design awards – Gazette. “The new building is housed in a former High Street shop and is spread over four floors and has a reception area, children’s library, and storytelling area with a play structure that includes a climbing wall and slide which are co-designed with Scottish artist Claire Barclay.”
- Rotherham – Rotherham Libraries and Neighbourhood Hubs participate in the “Marvellous Makers” Summer Reading Challenge – Rotherham Council. Set a personal reading goal, rather than 6 books. “a celebration ceremony will take place on Sunday 20 October at Magna Science and Adventure Centre.”
- Sheffield – A decade ago, over half of Sheffield’s libraries lost their staff. Against the odds, they’ve thrived – Sheffield Tribune. Behind subscription paywall.
- Stockport – Stockport library cuts ‘deeply concerning’ – Stockport Nub News. Staff-less opening. “Stockport council was asked for a full breakdown of the new staffed hours and how this has changed for each library, but it has not provided one, citing restrictions due to the pre-election period.”
- Suffolk – New cancer and wellbeing books donated to Suffolk Libraries by SmartestEnergy – Suffolk Libraries. £2,000 donation by energy company.
- LinkedIn Learning – a new free service for library users in Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries. “LinkedIn Learning is a collection of over 16,000 online courses in business, computer technology, software and creative skills, all conducted by experts in their fields.”
- Reading Quest starts soon – sign up from 13 July – Suffolk Libraries. In-house SRC. “Children will be encouraged to take part in activities and experiences across the summer rather than read an expected number of books. These ‘quests’ will range from ‘reading under the covers with a torch’ to ‘choosing a recipe book and ‘making something together as a family’.” Nursing agency Advantage Angels is sponsoring £20k over 2 years for this.
- Suffolk Libraries can help you get ready for school – Suffolk Libraries. “The bags contain handy information booklets that cover all the skills that children need to be ready to start school such as developing speech, using the toilet and wearing school uniform.”
- Torfaen – Torfaen’s Summer Reading Challenge kicks off in libraries – South Wales Argus. Marvellous Makers. “Aside from the reading incentives, a £100 Smyths Toy Store gift voucher will be awarded to one lucky participant selected in a prize draw at the end of the challenge.”
- Walsall – Marvellous Makers – Summer Reading Challenge 2024 – Walsall Council. Minimal offering.
- West Dunbartonshire – West Dunbartonshire libraries unveil summer activity plans – Clydebank Post. See here for events, mainly crafts and story-times.
Vote for Libraries
Jun 30th
Editorial
By the look of the opinion polls, Public Libraries News will be reporting, for the first time it its 14 year history, soon on what impact a government without any Conservatives in it is having on public libraries. You already know the impact that the Conservatives have had. What will happen is unclear. Last general election, Labour’s manifesto was full of promises for public services including a likely bonanza for public libraries but it was all kind of moot because Labour stood no chance of being elected. This time around, everyone is more certain of Labour being elected than any other time I can remember in my 53 years, but there is not a single mention of libraries in their manifesto. So it’s unlikely to be a bonanza.
But I will most definitely vote. I read somewhere that a general election is better thought of as voting for a bus and not a marriage partner. You’re not voting for someone who you completely love and want to spend the rest of your life with. You’re voting for the one that gets you nearer to your desired destination. Which is why I will be voting for the party for that will take me closer to what is desired, rather than the one which most agrees with my beliefs (which stands no chance of being elected here). Because we live in a country with the first-past-the-post system and not proportional representation. Any other vote other than the one for a party likely to win is therefore, in this harsh winner-takes-all world, a wasted vote. It may make you feel better and principled and that’s great, do what you will. But for me, 14 years of Conservative Prime Ministers has taught me pragmatism. Public libraries need a vote. And not voting, or voting for someone with no chance of getting in, is not going to help anyone. So vote to make a real difference if you can. And heaven knows, many people think we need that.
Please email any news or comments to ianlibrarian at live co uk. Thank you. As stated elsewhere on this webpage, this website represents my personal opinions and is entirely my own work. It does not represent that of anyone else, including my main employer.
Changes by local authority
- Wolverhampton – £61m restoration of main library.
National news
- CILIP highlights impact of libraries as part of Libraries Change Lives Week – BookSeller. “CILIP, the library and information association, has unveiled more than 150 stories that reveal the life-changing impact libraries have on their users as part of Libraries Change Lives Week across the UK”
- If there’s nowhere else to go, this is where they come’: how Britain’s libraries provide much more than books – Guardian. Crafts sessions, help with council queries, computers, problems with opening hours, quiz, loans of items like footballs,
“The average public library is not only a provider of the latest Anne Enright or Julia Donaldson: it is now an informal citizens advice bureau, a business development centre, a community centre and a mental health provider. It is an unofficial Sure Start centre, a homelessness shelter, a literacy and foreign language-learning centre, a calm space where tutors can help struggling kids, an asylum support provider, a citizenship and driving theory test centre, and a place to sit still all day and stare at the wall, if that is what you need to do, without anyone expecting you to buy anything … The trouble comes when libraries – and the underpaid, overstretched people who work in them – start to become sole providers for all these things”
- Libraries are a lifeline that we cannot afford to lose – Guardian / Letters. North Yorkshire Libraries volunteer regrets that library could close without volunteering. Reminiscences and positive thoughts about the library. Folkstone Library has been closed for 18 months as council cannot afford to repair it. “They fill the many gaps left by the state, yet they are constantly under threat of closure.”
- Travelling printer to cycle to libraries across UK – Bristol 247. “A Bristol artisan is currently planning his latest adventure that will see him cycle his custom-made printing bike from library to library across Britain making bespoke bookmarks along the way.”. Crowdfunder.
International news
- Gulf – As Gulf countries continue to grow, they need more public libraries – National News / Opinion. “in 2022, the five Gulf countries for which data is available all had less than 0.5 public libraries per 100,000 people, as compared to more than five public libraries per 100,000 in the UK and US.”
- USA – NYC public libraries have their funding restored, will reopen on Sundays – CNN. $11m. Initial cut due to flat funding and rising costs. Reverse of decision due to public unhappiness.
- No computers. Keep books. Seattle library network outage nears a month – Seattle Times. “The library and its 27 branches continue to struggle through a ransomware attack that has disabled its networks, rendered its hundreds of public computers useless and turned its normal operations upside down.”
- The Quiet Crisis Facing U.S. Public Libraries – Publishers Weekly. Written by Tim Coates. “The latest IMLS data show library visits are half what they were a decade ago—where is the response from library leaders?”. Author sure that reduction in books is to blame. “The data suggests that the shrinking gate counts is largely coming from existing users visiting libraries less often, rather than a falling number of people using libraries at all. There is no evidence to suggest that people’s need or desire for libraries has waned.” … ” the U.K. stands as a cautionary tale, where library funding has been slashed by more than 50% [sic – ed.] over the past decade, and a third of the U.K.’s public libraries have now closed.”
- Urban Public Libraries in the 1980s: Evolving Library Services for an Information Society – Public Library Quarterly. ” As the U.S. shifted from an industrial society of large workplaces linking whole communities toward an “information society” with a more heterogenous workforce divided by educational attainment, urban public library workforces, target audiences, collections, and programming both adapted to and mirrored these changes.”
Local news by authority
- Barnsley – Barnsley Libraries announces this year’s ‘Library Lates’ public programme – Barnsley Council. “Sessions delivered by a range of local artists will include writing workshops, open mic nights, ceramics and figure drawing, and many more.”
- Birmingham – Campaigners urge pause in library closure plans – BBC. “Birmingham Loves Libraries has published an open letter, which said: “Our libraries are lifelines and we cannot afford to lose them.” It has asked for public interest and value-for-money assessments to be carried out.”
- Birmingham Loves Libraries – Webpages bringing together all Birmingham library campaign groups. “To cut costs, Birmingham City Council is proposing a mixed delivery model that will mean closing libraries, cutting staffing levels, transferring library services to other non-Council owned locations, and creating an unspecified number of ‘hub’ libraries. Birmingham Loves Libraries believes our community libraries should remain open, public, and run by trained library staff as part of an effective city-wide library service for generations to come.” See The Unofficial Guide to the BCC Libraries Consultation.
- Final phase of libraries consultation to take place later this summer – Birmingham Council. “The Birmingham libraries consultation has been taking place since 4th April and is currently running until 17th July. The consultation so far has included an online survey, online consultation sessions, in-person consultations and targeted engagement.” … “The final phase will run from the end of August to Friday 27th September and consist of a new online Be Heard survey and in-person consultation sessions taking place in each library from Monday 2nd September through to Thursday 26th September 2024.”
- Brighton and Hove – People banned from Brighton libraries for drug use and other reasons – Argus. “42 people were barred from libraries in Brighton and Hove between April 2023 and June 2024.” Theft, drugs, sleeping, abuse, assault. And one for what is mysteriously described as “inappropriate use of library card”.
- Caerphilly – Annual Summer Reading Challenge returns for 2024 – Caerphilly Council. Reading Agency.
- Ceredigion – Aberaeron to hold public meeting over library future – Cambrian News. “A public meeting is to be held following “anger and disbelief” at a “nonsensical” proposal to move Aberaeron’s library to county hall, Penmorfa.” Council is short of money and library is expensive compared to a co-location. Local businesses fear closure will mean footfall will dramatically fall.
- Cheshire West and Chester – Chester libraries re-launch reading challenge for adults – Standard. Read two books to have chance of winning £50 book voucher. “A similar book voucher prize will also be awarded for 13 to 17-year-olds.” … “From August 1, book enthusiasts can join the #BooketList, a compilation of 30 favourite books as selected by the Libraries team.”.
- ‘Marvellous Makers’ in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge – Dee Radio. Reading Agency. Events include “animal handling to digital crafts, dance and science,”
- Cornwall – One Week To Go: Cornwall Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge 2024 – Cornish Stuff. Reading Agency. “After reading your first two books, visit the library to share your reading experience with a volunteer and receive your first prize.”
- Dorset – New opening hours for Dorset libraries on Monday July 1 – Dorset Echo. “Weekly staff hours have seen only a minimal change, at 630 hours instead of 631, and all previous services, information and support will continue to be available.” More flexible staffing.
- Hackney – Free summer fun and prizes for children in the Great Hackney Libraries Quest – Hackney Council. Locally produced, in connect with relaunch of local carnival. Stamps for various library activities. “Players will receive bronze, silver or gold certificates and badges depending on the number of stamps collected, and be entered into a prize draw to win book tokens.”
- Kent – Libraries and household waste recycling centres ‘face the axe’ as Kent County Council hunts for £81m savings – Kent Online. “The leader of the county’s largest local authority has sought to quell fears tips and libraries are set to be axed to save money. Kent County Council leader Cllr Roger Gough has no intention of closing the facilities despite needing to find £81m to fill the budget gap in 2025-26.”
- Leicester – Join in a summer of fun at Leicester Libraries – Leicester Council. Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge until 15 September. Adults reading six books could win £30 worth of books.
- Leicestershire – Libraries set for Summer Reading Challenge – Leicestershire Council. Reading Agency. “Children taking part in the challenge can also receive free entry to Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, as well as the 1620’s House and Garden at Donington le Heath. ”
- New play project at libraries rolled out – BBC. “Sixteen libraries are now hosting the Pop-in Play Library project, run by not-for-profit organisation Boromi, with the original pilot funded by a Leicestershire County Council grant.” … “The play bags are borrowed and used in libraries, but people cannot take them home, hence the “pop-in” name.”
- Manchester – Be part of ‘Manchester Central Library at 90’ events this summer – Manchester Council. “Library staff are asking for help in finding Mancunians born in the city, 90 years ago or earlier, or who are also celebrating their 90th birthdays in July and are able to attend this unique event, to get in touch with the library. Staff will send a special invite to attend this anniversary event. “
- North Somerset – North Somerset libraries will celebrate ‘Marvellous Makers’ this summer – North Somerset Council. Reading Agency.
- Northumberland – Discover how ‘Libraries Change Lives’ in Northumberland – Hexham Courant. Showing all the services libraries provide, including local knowledge and business support.
- Nottingham – Nottingham lace: from craft to industry – LibraryOn. Local history. LibraryOn “wanted to test content that highlights the depth of special collections in public libraries.”
- Nottinghamshire – New chapter at South Yorkshire Library following homebuilder’s donation – Yorskhire Post. 40 books given.
- Portsmouth – Portsmouth pupils enjoy huge celebration of books, libraries and reading – Portsmouth Council. “Portsmouth City Council’s School Library Service runs an annual Book Award and Reading Champion competition across three age groups to promote a love of reading: Year 1, Year 5 and Year 8/9. In separate events this month, the winner in the Year 1 Picture Book Award was revealed as Do Lions Hate Haircuts by Bethany Walker and Stephanie Laberis. This year, Scare Me by Teri Terry won the prize for the Year 8/9 Book Award, an honour she has received for the third time from the city’s secondary school pupils.”
- South Lanarkshire – Podcasting in Libraries: New Opportunities at South Lanarkshire – Lorensbergs. What’s needed and case study.
- Stockport – From the Tardis to Central Library: Christopher Eccleston shares his love of libraries with Stockport residents – Stockport Council.
- Suffolk – The Blank Page Project returns this Summer with brand-new artist workshops – Suffolk Libraries. HAF funded events for 10-16s. Competition to win 1:1 session with artist.
- Three Suffolk case studies highlighted by Libraries Change Lives week – Suffolk Libraries.
- Warwickshire – Warwickshire Libraries launches What’s on Guide as service celebrates one year with Arts Council England – Warwickshire Council. Paper booklet. “The guide highlights free regular and special activities for children, young people, adults, and families, as well as Warwickshire Libraries’ digital offer, and library services for those unable to attend their local library due to ill health or disability, including the Mobile Library and Home Library services.”
- West Sussex – Marvellous Makers is coming to a library near you – West Sussex Council. Reading Agency. “After registering online for the challenge at arena.westsussex.gov.uk/src, children receive a special code word. They then reveal this to staff at their local library to get their Marvellous Makers fold-out poster and first set of scratch-and-sniff stickers.”
- Wiltshire – Devizes Library set to close for weeks as improvements made – Wiltshire Times. “Devizes Library, located on Sheep Street, will close its doors on Monday, July 1, and won’t open them again until Thursday, July 25. According to Wiltshire Council, this is so that energy-efficient lighting and an air source heat pump can be installed to improve the library’s overall efficiency.”
- Wolverhampton – Library remains open as restoration work begins – BBC. “Wolverhampton Central Library will remain open as work begins to restore its roof and exterior, as part of multi-million pound plans for a new learning quarter in the city. The £61m scheme will also see internal remodelling, new rear entrance lobby and landscaping of the Grade II listed building later in the year.”
- Worcestershire – Worcestershire Libraries need your help for dementia memory bags – Bromsgrove Advertiser. “appealed to knitting enthusiasts to create twiddle muffs for new themed memory bags.” … “The novelty bags will include items such as books with a pictures-to-share book, themed objects and photos, a game, and a specially-designed ‘twiddle muff’.”
- Have fun with Marvellous Makers’ Summer Reading Challenge 2024 – Worcestershire Council. Reading Agency.

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

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

- Suffolk – Chantry Library launches children’s story competition to remember a much-loved staff member – Suffolk Libraries. “‘Sally’s Stories’ is a children’s story writing competition being launched to encourage local children to use their imagination and creativity to come up with their own story.”
- Introducing Move It – Suffolk Libraries. “The equipment you can borrow includes: 4kg and 6kg kettlebells, a dumbbell set, resistance bands, mini pedals, wobble cushion, weighted hula hoop, rounders set and football and cones. Other items such as swing ball, skipping ropes and yoga mats are also available from a previous initiative.”
- New pop-up library launched in Beck Row, Suffolk – East Anglian Daily Times. “Finance for this new project comes from Section 106 development planning money via Suffolk County Council.” … “”Suffolk Libraries Local pop-up library sessions have been a success elsewhere in the county and enable us to bring a slice of library life to local communities where there is not an existing library branch.”
- What happens in the library? Please help us to pass the message on – Suffolk Libraries. “Creative workshops for young people, lively singing and storytimes for toddlers, social meet-ups for adults and even free exercise sessions – it’s all going on at Suffolk Libraries! This is the message behind our new campaign to let Suffolk residents know ‘what happens in the library’. We want to get the word out to even more people so they can benefit from our many free services and activities. “
- Introducing Move It – Suffolk Libraries. “The equipment you can borrow includes: 4kg and 6kg kettlebells, a dumbbell set, resistance bands, mini pedals, wobble cushion, weighted hula hoop, rounders set and football and cones. Other items such as swing ball, skipping ropes and yoga mats are also available from a previous initiative.”
- West Dunbartonshire – Summer Reading Challenge 2023 [sic] – West Dunbarthonshire Council. Webpage about 2024 challenge has wrong date at top. Non-Reading Agency. ” The West Dunbartonshire Council primary school with the biggest improvement in completion rate from the previous year will receive a beautiful trophy, fabulous books, and a special prize for their school”. Those completing the local challenge will entered into mystery prize draw.
- Westmorland and Furness – Council responds to library shutting for The Coro events – The Mail. “The Coro has been used as a temporary library space since the building on King’s Road was closed last year due to issues with the electrics during routine statutory checks. On Friday June 7, the library was closed between 11am and 2pm due to an event taking place in the building. The library closed for four days over the May bank holiday due to Printfest taking place in the The Coro.”
- Wokingham – New library opens in former school building – BBC. “The former Old Polehampton Boys School, in Twyford, Berkshire, has been leased to the council by Polehampton Trust after sitting empty for many years. The library space has high ceilings, large windows, a specially-designed children’s area and an extension which offers an accessible entrance and additional space.”
- Worcestershire – Worcestershire libraries announce new digital skills learning programme – Evesham Observer. “Worcestershire County Council’s Library Service is excited to announce the launch of the new Learn My Way digital skills learning programme, provided by Good Things Foundation. The programme offers a variety of self-led courses which can be accessed on a mobile, tablet or computer.”
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