Public libraries in the public eye

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

National news

Talk TV not a keen fan of anti-racism training
  • 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.”

International news

  • 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. ”

Local news by authority

Labour shortage: will austerity continue?

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

Ideas

International news

Local news by authority

  • 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.

239,000 reasons to hope

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

National news

The first five readers who email Neil Jurd OBE at neil@neiljurd.com will get sent a copy of this book, described by Sir Patrick Sanders, the head of the British Army as ‘deeply impressive’ and ‘becoming reference material for the army at all ranks’. Available on both Askews and Peters, ISBN 9780956928573

“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.”

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

Rioters set fire to Spellow Lane Library

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.

The saddest thing about this, and there is much to be sad and angry about, is that those who were using this as a looting/fun arson opportunity as well as those who genuinely are xenophobic, are precisely the ones who could benefit the most from what a library offers. And when the library is rebuilt, as it surely will be, then those same people will be welcome to come in and take advantage of what is available. And hopefully learn why their mindless attacks around the country are so misguided.

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

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

Local news by authority

Kent
  • 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.”
  • 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

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

National news

  • 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.”
Bromley – Children’s Librarian Jenny Hawke [yes, Hawke} with owl. 12 events with owls this Summer
Gloucestershire

Hello Ann Cleeves, a favour please

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

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

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”
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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)
Cheshire West and Chester – Summer Reading Challenge promotional video
  • 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.

Two annual events in danger of losing their shine

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

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

Labour in Libraries

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

  • 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

Vote for Libraries

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

National news

“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.”

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

Too little Trust?

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

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

Dublin – Can you see the 100 books? Scan the QR code too
  • 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.”
  • 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

  • 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.”
Bromley – Empathy Day in Bromley – GLL. “Empathy Day was recently celebrated in Bromley’s libraries with a range of innovative activities to encourage kindness and compassion in young people. The library team would like to encourage libraries in other areas to take part in future.”
  • 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.”

“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.
Suffolk – “We’ve launched a new engagement campaign for the summer is designed to encourage more people to get actively involved with their local libraries” See story below.
  • 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. “
  • 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.”