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

• Torfaen – Sports equipment being lent out in libraries

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.”
  • Read-in protests planned over library closures – BBC.
• 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.”

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.”

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 “

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.
  • ‘Our Croydon library is on 5 London bus routes so increase its opening hours instead of closing it’ – MyLondon.
• 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.

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. “
• 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.”