Editorial

A fair bit about censorship in the UK this week, although from a different slant to what we are used to from the USA. Over here the articles are from several generally right-wing newspapers, and whatever GB News is, complaining about the ease with which children’s books can be banned. One ban is because of the use of the word “n*****” and the classic Fungus the Bogeyman ban is due to the use of the “g******g”. Both words, to be fair, especially the n* one, that few would push for protection of. The articles are warning that we have library censorship in the UK but it’s more covert than in the USA. And of course another crucial difference is that the censorship is from what is seen as from the left-wing rather than from the right. A similar line of argument is also in an article this week from an ex-school librarian who has resigned due to not wanting to put what she considers overly woke books on the shelves for children. On the other hand, there is the anonymous and unverified source from Hampshire Libraries which says that Pride displays are not being allowed to be publicised due to one complaint. Put together, these complaints suggest that British libraries may not be entirely up the intellectual freedom fight. And that the media will be unforgiving.

Which is unfortunate, because CILIP clearly thinks this is very important. The CILIP ten pledges to the public and the incoming government which “sets out how CILIP, and the profession we represent, will keep libraries and their place in society as a trusted and essential service at the top of the new Government’s agenda”. The relative importance of various items is curious. “Access to culture” is half of the very first pledge, jammed together with the completely different “to deliver trustworthy information”. You’ll be glad to know that reading does get a mention, but at only number four as “the right to read”, again jammed together with the not-the-same-thing “and intellectual freedom”. However, there’s no mention of the word “book” or indeed even “ebook”, presumably because these are seen as the tool and not the use. As a call to arms, as you can probably tell, I think this is somewhat lacking and suggests campaigning-by-committee. But if I see a party leader, or indeed any politician of any level, waving it around then I’ll be glad to be proved wrong.

Changes by local authority

• Bromley – Library £10m repair programme 2024/5 for Southborough, Beckenham, Burnt Ash, Chislehurst, Orpington, Mottingham, Petts Wood, Penge, Hayes.

National news

“Take a short break on Saturday afternoon, 15 June, to swap notes with other library supporters and chat to a best-selling author – in London, or online. It’s TLC’s mini-conference and AGM. It’s free, and open to non-members. The venue is Victoria library, 160 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9TR. It’s close to Victoria Coach Station and a short walk from Victoria station and tube (or take a 170, 185, 211 or C10 bus). Or, of course, just put your feet up at home… Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served from 1.30pm. The meeting starts at 2pm. 

We’re delighted to have as our guest Louise Candlish, best-selling writer of psychological thrillers – now shortlisted for this year’s Dagger in the Library award from the Crime Writers’ Association (pic below.) We already know her as a supporter of libraries, who will have insightful answers to your questions. We’ll then move on to discussing your concerns, and what The Library Campaign is up to, with a short AGM, finishing at 3.30pm. (We have vacancies for trustees. If you want to know more, contact us at thelibrarycampaign@gmail.com). Please register here – if you plan to attend online you must do so to receive the link.”

Email from the Library Campaign

• Are little libraries doomed to be filled with rubbish books? An argument with myself – The Spinoff. “Why does it feel so sacrilegious to throw away a book? And do the little free libraries that dot our suburbs primarily exist to assuage our guilt? ” … “Big public libraries are more pleasant to visit, have a bigger selection of books that people actually want to read, provide heaps of services to the community. And get this: they’re also free.”
• Fungus the Bogeyman and a Jules Verne classic are among the books banned from libraries after a single complaint – LBC. “More than a dozen books have been removed after members of the public complained about their content or because librarians deemed the books offensive. They include Briggs’s Fungus the Bogeyman, McKee’s Three Monsters, Verne’s Five Weeks in a Balloon, Chris Claremont’s The Uncanny X-Men and Victor Appleton’s Tom Swift series. Louise Cooke, emeritus professor of information and knowledge management at Loughborough University, said the increasing tendency to remove anything that could offend someone is “massively” dangerous.” … “Jo Cornish, interim chief executive of CILIP, said: “Our general view as a profession is that it’s better for the reader to have access to material, not proscribed by law, than it be banned.” article also covered in multiple other titles – GB News; Daily Mail; Daily Express; Times.
• How libraries changed from local sanctuaries to antisocial behaviour hotspots – Telegraph. “Colchester Library is just one of the latest reading idylls to be affected, with incidents including fires and physical assault” Good look at library, with lots of people saying how well they use it but main focus is on the bad behaviour of kids these days.

• Incoming ministers ‘will face UK public services on brink of collapse’ – Guardian. “The IfG said it was not plausible for the victorious party on 4 July to stick to current spending plans at a time when the performance of hospitals was arguably the worst in the history of the NHS, prisons were at crisis point, and councils were shutting libraries and cutting back on waste collection and social care.”
• Libraries Connected Awards 2024 winners revealed – Libraries Connected. “he winners were chosen by an expert panel including Lesley Parr, the award-winning author of children’s historical fiction. Parr was joined by judges from organisations including Arts Council England, The Reading Agency, the Queen’s Reading Room, the Guardian Foundation and digital book platform OverDrive, creator of the Libby reading app for libraries and Sora reading app for schools, which again generously sponsored the Awards. Celebrated crime writer Ann Cleeves – creator of the Vera Stanhope, Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn series – was chosen as recipient of the inaugural Public Library Champion award.”

• New Libraries Connected President Ed Jewell sets out his agenda – Libraries Connected. “Our communities need free, well-funded, properly staffed and dynamic public libraries if they in turn are to constructively engage with the challenges ahead; be that in dealing with immediate issues such as the cost-of-living crisis, mental health and educational attainment, or developing challenges, such as the advent of AI, climate change and the changing nature and make-up of those very communities. ” … “I want to ensure our funders and key stakeholders fully appreciate the potential that properly funded public library services can achieve. That libraries are natural partners within local authorities to work with, to deliver programmes that achieve broad educational, health and cultural ambition”
• Trust Libraries: 10 Pledges for libraries to a new Government – CILIP. Pledges are (1) Information and Culture (2) inform better decisions in government (3) Warm and welcoming spaces (4) Reading and intellectual freedom (5) learning (6) imagination (7) green (8) business (9) research and innovation and (10) ethical.
• We Make Music Instrument Libraries – North Edinburgh News. “Scotland’s flagship Tinderbox Orchestra announces Live in Libraries UK & Ireland Tour to spread a campaign that gets musical instruments into public libraries so people can borrow them for free, just like borrowing a book”
• Why I quit as a school librarian Progressive activism is now considered the norm – UnHerd. “I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I decided to quit my post as an assistant librarian at a private school, but it was most probably when Andersen Press defended its decision to publish a book intended for under-sevens that contained illustrations of men in fetish gear.”

International news

• IFLA PressReader International Marketing Award Winners 2024 – IFLA. “We loved how the top campaign by Auckland Council Libraries embraced marketing with their “100 reasons to have a library card” campaign. The campaign was based on clear insight and defined audiences and objectives. Not only did this campaign deliver on its aims of recruiting new members with 61% of recent members joining directly as a result of seeing the marketing campaign – it also did a brilliant job of bringing to life the full breadth of library activities, using the community as advocates and delivering this in a fun and eye-catching way.” See 100 reasons to have a library card.
• China / Russia – Library sector seeks more cooperation to capitalize on AI influence – Global Times. “China and Russia are seeking more cooperation in facing the challenges and potential opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing to the library sector, officials and experts said at the Second China-Russia Library Forum held in Beijing.”
• Ghana – Kid author Sarah Kittoe to launch reading and writing clubs in schools across Ghana, Africa – Modern Ghana. Child author of four books gives money for libraries in Ghana and in the UK.
• Ireland – Summer Stars Reading Programme at Louth Library Service – Louth Live. “Summer Stars is a free national reading programme for children taking place in all public libraries, which encourages children to read for enjoyment during the summer. Once children sign up for Summer Stars they will receive a free Summer Star bag and activity pack. ”
  • New plan launched for Mayo library development – Mayo Live. “Improved opening hours, new libraries in Westport and Ballyhaunis, 365-day opening in Swinford and Ballina libraries, maker spaces and sensory rooms, and the recruitment of a county archivist are just a few of the big ticket items in the exciting new plan. The central focus of the plan is the promotion of reading and literacy, whether that be through class visits, the Summer Stars programme, the provision of book bags, book clubs for young and old and the hugely popular Children’s Book Festival held in October each year.”
• Nigeria – Repositioning Nigerian Public Libraries for Innovative Revenue Generation Strategies – Ayandokun and Onyemachi. Insufficient funding means libraries can no longer rely on State income for all their needs. Librarians need to be trained and allowed to look for other sources.
• Russia – ‘Russia now is like 1984’: Inside a Russian dystopian library – BBC. ““These books show our readers that the power of autocratic regimes is not forever,” Alexander explains. “That every system has its weak points and that everyone who understands the situation around them can preserve their freedom. Freedom of the brain can give freedom of life and of country.””
• USA (Censorship) – Book bans have become a powerful censorship tool in Colorado. Libraries and patrons hold the line – Rocky Mountain PBS. Interview with James LaRue. “all of a sudden, the people that said, “The national narrative is all about me,” became aware that all these books were finally showing up in the library that reflected these perspectives of previously marginalized people. And so they were like, now 97% of the collection about me is not enough, and it needs to be 100%.”
  • Seeking Sanctuary – American Libraries. “Public libraries establish themselves as book sanctuaries to counter bans”
  • Stop trying to restrict library books – Chronicle. Ohio. Under 18s need parent permission for certain books. see also New Ohio bill could restrict minors in libraries from seeing any book deemed ‘harmful’ – NBC 24 News
  • Texas library must reinstate books with ‘butts and farts,’ court says – Chron. “As more and more Texas school boards seek to censor books deemed too controversial or sexual in content, a conservative court in Texas ruled Friday that government entities, including public libraries, cannot just ban or censor books they disagree with.”. Popular picture book “I need a new butt” [UK – “bottom”] by Dawn McMillan had been banned.
  • The US librarian who sued book ban harassers: ‘I decided to fight back’ – Guardian. Louisiana librarian has published book on the fight against censorship in libraries. “Amanda Jones vividly remembers the time she received her first death threat. Hate, online bullying or photos sent to her house circling her face with red Biro like a target had been unsettling, but not uncommon. This was different.”
• USA (Other) – Deep Dive in Five with Sandra Hirsh on The Future of Libraries – SJSU News Center. “libraries and librarians who commit to innovation, stay ahead of emerging technologies, and strongly advocate their value will stand strong and tall with roots well-grounded as an essential community resource for learning, communicating, playing and working.” ”
  • Expanding Connection to Nature: The Outdoor Gear Library – Keene New Hampshire. New circulation system designed and implemented for Library of Things to ensure items kept together e.g. all the items necessary for a tent.

• FCC Adopts $200M Cybersecurity Pilot Program for Schools and Libraries – Benton Institute. Funding to provide protection to schools and libraries from hackers.
  • Looking for a book from another library? You may have a long wait. Here’s why. – Spectrum Local News. Maine. Delivery service which lost out on van contract is taking case to courts meaning who system of moving books between libraries is frozen.
  • Working for Well-Being – American Libraries. Help for the mental well-being of public library staff – therapy dogs, beekeeping, $150 lifestyle spending account. Also includes academic and other libraries.

Local news by authority

• Aberdeen – Volunteers commended during anniversary celebration – Aberdeen Council. “Volunteers who worked a combined 594 hours in libraries over the past year were honoured” … “Volunteer opportunities are available through the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Saltire Awards, through work experience and for different events throughout the year”
• Angus – Centuries-old Angus archives could be moved in a near £300,000 Arbroath library move – Angus County World. “Angus Archives has been based in the Hunter Library beside the ancient Restenneth Priory on the outskirts of Forfar since 2005 and is home to documents charting eight centuries of Angus history. However, its 20-year lease expires in February and Angus Alive says it’s no longer viable for the archives to remain at Restenneth.”
• Bath and North East Somerset – Costume donations being sought for dressing up corners in libraries – Bath Echo. “Good quality, clean children’s fancy dress costumes are requested, such as princess dresses, mermaid tails, tutus and pirate, superhero, police, nurse and vet outfits. Accessories in good condition such as wings, tiaras, masks and hats will also be gratefully received.”
• Berkshire – Library set to be turned into flats – BBC. “A library that has stood for 39 years is set to be sold and converted into dozens of new flats. Reading Central Library opened in 1985, but now Reading Borough Council is seeking to sell it after it won £19.164 million from a Levelling Up Fund (LUF) grant. The funding will be used to establish a new library at the Civic Offices in Bridge Street.”
• Blackburn with Darwen – Children’s Literature Festival returns to borough for sixth year – Lancashire Telegraph. “It is organised in partnership between Blackburn with Darwen Libraries and the Children’s Literature Festivals charity, founded by local author Christina Gabbitas.”
• Blackpool – Workshops to open up world of virtual reality to Blackpool teens – Blackpool Gazette. Lottery funding.
• Bromley – Temporary library to open in Beckenham – Bromley Council. “This follows the recent temporary closure of Beckenham Library to allow for the refurbishment and repair works to be completed”
• Cambridgeshire – Cambridgeshire Libraries team wins 2024 Libraries Connected Award – Cambridgeshire Council. “Our winning team introduced two new library services to help people in the community, including Cambridgeshire-based asylum seekers, stay connected in a digital world – LendIT and the National Databank. This work also allowed them to lead a national conversation about digital inclusion and share best practice with libraries across the UK.” Lending Laptops and tablets and providing SIM cards.
• Cheshire East – Voters urged to prepare for the upcoming General Election – Cheshire East Council. “visit one of our Cheshire East libraries, where staff will be able to assist you with your online application”
  • Residents band together to fight possible Cheshire library closures – Cheshire Live. “About 120 people packed into the Civic Hall at Bollington to discuss how to fight controversial proposals to close the town’s library. Cash-strapped Cheshire East Council has refused to confirm or deny reports it is looking to close four of its libraries to cut costs.” … “The Friends of Bollington Library (FOBL) meanwhile are taking legal advice to help their fight and have said they will also be contacting the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.” see also Macclesfield MP hopefuls and 120 people attend meeting on uncertain future of Bollington Library – Macclesfield Nub.
• Dorset – Dorset’s library opening hours to change from 1 July – Dorset Council. “ased on feedback and identified community needs, we’ve updated our library opening hours. These new hours were published in July 2023 and will launch next month. We will also update our activities and events timetable to align with these new hours. The new opening hours will come into effect on 1 July 2024.” … “While some libraries may see a bigger change than others, overall, we have been able to keep almost the same number of weekly staffed hours, 630 instead of 631, across our library network.”

“All staff had to apply for their own or another job. They had to fill in a long, detailed application and then be interviewed … There are 40 (!) vacancies altogether on Dorset Council Jobs website for Libraries Customer Adviser posts, full time and part time.  The new hours are to start 1^st July – but [they’re] obviously never going to get new people in post by then are they?  Getting rid of casual staff but trying to keep them on whilst short staffed – and then not use them again … So it looks like staff decided they didn’t want to jump through the hoops of applying.”

Email received anonymously from Dorset

• Dudley – Dudley libraries to host authors at first writer’s festival – Halesowen News. “Running from June 8 to 22, the new book festival will feature crime and thriller authors Lindsey Davis, Priscilla Masters, Natalie Marlow, Caz Frear and Angela Marsons; family saga authors Annie Murray and Joanna Toye; romance writers Miranda Dickinson, Sally Jenkins and Suzan Holder and fiction writer Mike Gayle among others.”
• East Riding – Get set to go Live ‘n Loud in local libraries – Bridlington Echo. “The festival runs from Monday 22 July until Saturday 31 August and includes a varied and exciting programme – featuring live music, forensics, activities, author visits and much more. “. Funded through Arts Council England.
• Guernsey – Woman recognised for improving library accessibility – BBC. “Jackie Burgess, the community and wellbeing lead at Guille-Alles Library in Guernsey, was named first runner up in the Vision and Print Impaired People’s category at the Libraries Connected awards.” … “Mrs Burgess has been recognised for spearheading the library’s Stories on USB service, which provides blind and visually impaired islanders with free audiobooks”

“Hampshire Libraries have instructed staff not to post any pride displays on social media, and a planned pride month promotion of books for teens has been removed from Borrowbox. Staff are disappointed, but cannot speak out publicly, both because they’ve been told the pre-election period applies. if you look at Hampshire Libraries Branches social media you can see the lack of posting, and look at Borrowbox to see there are no pride bookshelves”“

Hampshire – anonymous email

• Haringey – Hornsey Library adults’ section to re-open – Haringey Council. Section of library reopened after RAAC dealt with.
• Isle of Wight – Isle of Wight libraries offer free access to the British Newspaper Archive – On the Wight.
• Kirklees – Kirklees Libraries win award for supporting isolated residents with their English language skills – Kirklees Council. “Librarians Ambreen Aziz, Becky Longwood and Mazhar Iqbal have won the Libraries Connected Reading Award that recognises their work in running weekly English Talk time sessions for Kirklees residents.” 300 attended since 2018.
• Manchester – Top 5: Must-see highlights at the 2024 Festival of Libraries – Manchester Wire.
• Newham – £756,616 funding secured to progress Canning Town Old Library Transformation – Newham Council. Old library to be turned into community asset inc. archives.
• Northern Ireland – More than 30,000 library accounts suspended due to overdue books – Belfast Telegraph. Registration needed to read article.
• Somerset – Reopened toy library aims to reduce waste – BBC. Frome Library. “Run by local charity Purple Elephant, the Toy Library has more than 50 “play sacks” to lend out to children up to the age of six. Available to library members, the newly revamped scheme allows toys to be reused and help parents and carers save money.”
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries rewards its amazing volunteer champions for 2024 – Suffolk Libraries. ” Around 120 people came along to hear many moving and uplifting stories about the volunteers who were shortlisted with the winners then being announced and being presented with their certificates by a series of special guests … uffolk Libraries currently has 1,262 registered volunteers who dedicated an amazing 35,500 hours of their time in 2023-24 in various roles including running the Home Library Service, supporting library Friends’ Groups or the summer reading challenges and many other volunteering roles in libraries.”  
• Surrey – Call for children’s artwork for ancient trees book – BBC. “The book will be distributed across all 52 of Surrey’s libraries and to local schools. The competition runs until 4 September and templates can be collected and returned to any Surrey Library.”
• Tameside – Top-class Ballet is on its way to Tameside – Tameside Correspondent. “Black British Ballet’s performance of “Island Movements.”” … ““Island Movements” is a collaborative effort between Black British Ballet, Tameside Libraries, the Department for Levelling Up and Communities, and Near Neighbours (Bringing People Together).”
  • Libraries ACT on HiVis Mission to Support People with Sight-loss – Tameside Council. “This year’s theme is “ACT” which stands for accessibility, connection and tactile.”
• Thurrock – Dual-language children’s books – Thurrock libraries – Thurrock Council. “BookTrust has donated 350 dual-language children’s books to Thurrock’s library service. These are being offered to Thurrock residents for free from Grays library from Monday 17 June on a first-come, first-served basis”
• Walsall – New digital technology for Walsall Libraries as part of borough-wide improvements – Walsall Council. “The borough’s seven libraries, mobile library and archives service have been updated, thanks to a £202,349 grant from the Arts Council England Libraries Improvement Fund. Improvements have included various furniture pieces that create flexible work and study spaces, as well as new tables and chairs for children’s groups and activities.”
• Warwickshire – Warwickshire Libraries Celebrates Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month with community events – Warwickshire Council. “Warwickshire Libraries has commissioned Gemma Lees, a Romany Gypsy artist, performance poet, and journalist, to lead the roadshow project. ” ACE funded.
  • Celebrate National Crime Reading Month at Warwickshire Libraries – Warwickshire Council. “n a generous gesture to promote reading in the county, local author Penny Batchelor has gifted Warwickshire Libraries with 600 copies of her latest psychological thriller, The Reunion Party, which will be given away for free to the public. “
• Wokingham – Is there a book in you? – Wokingham Today. Creative writing class.

Editorial

So, an election has been called. The British public can now decide on who they think is best to govern them. On hearing the news, I immediately ran a poll to see which political party the nice people on Twitter who follow me think should win. The result wasn’t really open to interpretation. I could be wrong but I think a 87.3% vote for Labour would mean they take government. Out of 142 votes, the Conservatives and Lib Dems tied on five or six votes each, with Reform getting none. Twitter polls only allow four options so I went with the biggest polling parties but responses suggest that the Greens would have got a good showing if they had been included. Clearly, not many Reform voters – shocker – follow me, as they received zero votes.

Last week’s editorial suggested the Single Digital Presence / LibraryOn received £3m of budget in the last three years. I have been contacted since then with more accurate figures. The project actually received £3.4m of funding but £1.54m was for direct grants to library services. I was heartened to be told in the same email that ACE and the DCMS have not lost their ambition for a single library card but, considering there are 153 very independent councils and the move would be voluntary then the challenge will be considerable. If not impossible. Perhaps a new Labour Government could do better, however much of a hard act to follow this – checks notes from Conservative Central Office – uber-competent, stable and well-loved Conservative Government will be.

Changes by authority

• Bridgend – Consultation, expected cuts to opening hours and book fund.
• Leicestershire – Ibstock volunteer-run library closed.
• Pembrokshire – Consultation launched. Cuts expected.
• Worcestershire – Redditch Library will stay where it is due to Redditch council now being under Labour control.
• Wrexham – Consultation launched.

National news

• Libraries are told to install panic buttons, hire guards and get staff wearing bodycams after surge in ‘disruptive behaviour’ from customers – Mail. “National charity Libraries Connected published the guidance to protect staff “. Increase in anti-social behaviour. [This story is also covered on various national newspaper websites, some international – Ed.]
• Libraries facing closure as budgets squeezed – BBC. Cuts to Havering and Croydon. Kamal Shah of North Harrow Community Library, who is also chairman of the Community Libraries Network, suaggests using volunteers instead of closing them.
• Look for a Book challenge returns during May half-term – Oldham Evening News. Across Greater Manchester. “Manchester’s Festival of Libraries will be opening a new chapter this summer, with writers, artists, musicians and poets preparing to fill the region’s 133 libraries with performances, trails, talks and crafts, with a huge part of the programme designed to be Family Friendly.” … “Hidden in and around the green spaces of Manchester’s libraries will be 500 copies of Konnie Huq’s Fearless Fairy Tales lying in wait to be found.”

Hi, I’m Maddie, a Masters student researching green libraries and environmental education and am looking for public librarians to interview. If you’re interested in participating or want more details, please contact me at 22560062@stu.mmu.ac.uk Thank you

Email received

• Public Libraries as Social Innovators – Public Library Quality. “This reflects a change in service logic, moving away from the mobilization of technical capabilities in a low interactivity context and toward the mobilization of human capabilities in a high interactivity context. Public libraries now stand as social innovators in that their activities modify interaction patterns among individuals.”

International news

• Australia – Community libraries that lend things promote neighbourhood sharing and reduced consumption – ABC News. “The Sydney Library of Things is like the most helpful neighbour you can imagine”. Volunteer run, items almost all donated by public.
• Canada Innisfil, Essa libraries split $15K in Smile Cookie proceeds – Barrie Today. “Thank you to local Tim Hortons restaurant owners and many guests who bought Smile Cookies in support of our local libraries.”
• Iran – Personality Characteristics of Librarians and its Relationship with Digital Literacy Skills in Public
  Libraries of Kermanshah Province – Journal of Knowledge Retrieval and Semantic Systems. “The research results confirm the relationship between personality traits and digital literacy skills among librarians and on this basis, it is concluded that to empower librarians it is necessary to pay attention to personality traits and promote to librarians digital literacy.”

• USA – Donnelly Public Library will become adults-only to comply with new ‘library porn’ law – Boise State Public Radio. “Donnelly Public Library will no longer allow anyone under 18 to visit unless accompanied by a parent starting July 1. That’s due to the implementation of House Bill 710 passed earlier this year, which requires all libraries – both public and private – to relocate a book to an adults-only section within 60 days of receiving a written complaint. If the library declines to do so, it could face a civil lawsuit under the law. That comes with a mandatory $250 fine for the library and plaintiffs could receive uncapped damages. “Our size prohibits us from separating our ‘grown up’ books to be out of the accessible range of children,” the library’s statement reads, noting it’s only 1,024 square feet.”
  • Jodi Picoult: ‘It’s not a badge of honour to be banned’ – BBC. “Picoult said her books My Sister’s Keeper and Nineteen Minutes were affected by the bans.” … “She said the reason Nineteen Minutes, which is about a US school shooting, was banned, was not because of the shooting scenes: “They have no problem with that. The problem is that on page 313, I use the term ‘erection’.””
  • Librarians: Watch authoritarians in action – Coeur d’Alene Press / Post Falls. Idaho. “Is it OK for library trustees to freely impose their wills while they discount citizen, expert or staff views? Is it really OK if our community belongs only to some of us now?”

• Making Democracy Work: How local libraries work toward sustainability – TBR Newsmedia. Some libraries “offer a wide range of talks, activities, and displays to answer patrons’ questions or broaden their expertise. Some sponsor “carbon crews,” which are small groups of residents working toward reducing their carbon footprints with support from a leader and other members. Some have started “repair cafes” where patrons can get help from other patrons to fix items they want to keep using.”
  • Not your childhood library – New Yorker. “An ambitious experiment in Minneapolis is changing the way librarians work with their homeless patrons and challenging how we share public space.”. Gives away free clothing . “The police regularly clear the city’s streets of encampments, but officers don’t run unhoused people out of Central. As long as they follow the rules, any patron—and everyone at the library is called a patron—can stay all day, every day.”

Local news by authority

• Bolton – Maxine Peake to appear at Bolton Central Library next month – Bolton News. She comes from the town. “Maxine, renowned for her captivating roles in Three Girls, Black Mirror, and Silk, will be sharing how libraries have shaped her life and work. The visit is part of the Festival of Libraries.”
  • The Creative Core designs Bolton Library in multi-million-pound renovation project – Blooloop. Spectacular, very white, photographs. “Visitors enter Bolton Library through a portal which takes them straight to the middle of the space. Here they will find a welcome desk and seating, surrounded by rows of bookshelves which radiate outwards from this central point.”
  • People banned from Bolton’s libraries for abuse and alcohol – Bolton News. “A total of 34 bans have been issued since 2020 for reasons including indecent exposure, aggressive behaviour, drinking alcohol, racist abuse, vandalism, and swearing.”. Such behaviour is increasing.
• Bridgend – Bridgend Council to engage with public on cuts to library services – Bridgend Herald. “set to begin public engagement with residents this month over potential cuts to its library and cultural services.” … “Some of these savings would include a reduction of £50,000 from the library book renewal fund” … “There could also be a public consultation over changes to the borough’s library services, which could see a reduction to opening hours by around 60 hours per week across the entire library estate, as well as ending the local books on wheels service which currently delivers books to 345 households.”
• Ceredigion – Lampeter vows to fight library relocation – Cambrian News. “In Lampeter, the plan is to relocate the library an eight-minute walk away into the town’s Wellbeing Centre, but petitions have already been launched, collecting hundreds of signatures calling for the library to stay put in its current location near the town’s Sainsbury’s supermarket.” Well attended meeting against move.
• Cheshire East – Macclesfield MP candidates share their thoughts on potential closure of Bollington Library – Macclesfield Nub News. “This could leave the town of over 7000 people without a local library.” Closure not officially announced but Friends group claims it would be from January 2025. “While the community group has remained tight-lipped regarding the source, and Cheshire East nor confirming or denying, it has been reported across the media and concerned people who want to become Macclesfield’s next MP.”. No candidates unsurprisingly say they support the closure.
  • ‘Strong concern’ over potential library closures – BBC. Cuts concentrated in north of borough.
• Edinburgh – ​We must support our libraries and community hubs – Foysol Choudhury – Edinburgh News. “Libraries provide communities with a multitude of benefits. Not only do they give free access to books but they are also community hubs with clubs, events, room hires and warm, welcoming spaces.”
• Essex – Body-worn cameras considered after librarian assaulted in Colchester – BBC. “A library has been considering giving staff body-worn cameras after more than 50 anti-social behaviour incidents, including an assault on a librarian, took place over the past three months.”
• Gloucestershire – More library choirs for over-60s to fight loneliness – BBC. “More library choirs are being set up to combat loneliness among the over-60s in Gloucestershire. The project which started in Longlevens, Gloucestershire, in December will be rolled out to Coleford and Tuffley libraries after a successful funding bid. The groups were created to help people who are more than 60 years old cope with loneliness and isolation.”
• Hammersmith and Fulham – Special events for children at libraries – Hammersmith and Fulham Council. Spine Festival events.
• Haringey – Adults’ section at Hornsey Library to re-open – Haringey Council. After RAAC found.
• Havering – Havering Council told to reconsider library closure plans – Romford Recorder. Opposition mounts to announced cuts. Union and a Labour and a Conservative MP all criticise move.
• Hull – The Big Malarkey: Kids’ reading festival returns to East Park – Hull Story.
• Leicestershire – Council ‘reluctantly’ closes library for good – BBC. “The facility was most recently run by a group of volunteers, but they told the council in September that they could not continue. This prompted a hunt for a new team to keep the doors open, which was ultimately unsuccessful.”
• Manchester – ‘Quiet Storm’ went down a storm with pupils! Read all about this year’s Manchester high school Transition Read  – MancLibraries Blog. “Every child starting Year 7 in a Manchester high school in September will be gifted a copy of this book when they attend their ‘transition day’ in July.”
• North Ayrshire – Parent council to petition local councillors on re-design of North Ayrshire library service – Daily Record. “Both parents and school pupils have been left feeling “happy” that the re-design of North Ayrshire library service is paused until August 2025, following a meeting of full council earlier this month.” … “Currently, there are five librarians across secondary schools in the region. One of the proposals from the budget meeting was that only two term-time jobs would remain within the school library service”
• Nottingham – Campaigners say four Nottingham libraries could be closed by council under plans – Notts TV. “Des Conway, who helped campaign to save the Basford, Aspley, and Radford-Lenton libraries in 2022, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service in February the council held a meeting with UNISON. This meeting revealed all but three libraries could face closure.” but now says ““If the rumour mill is to be believed, then the nuclear option of closing all but three of the city’s libraries fortunately will not now happen,” … ” it is understood the four libraries which could be earmarked for closure are Aspley, Basford, Bilborough and Radford”. Council has not confirmed or denied.
• Pembrokeshire – Pembrokeshire Library Service seeks residents’ input – Western Telegraph. Cuts expected. “Cllr Harvey has announced an extensive library needs assessment exercise, seeking input from residents.”
• Southend – Labour take control to lead coalition in Southend – BBC. “r Cowan used his first speech as leader to rule out closing libraries saying he would not find savings in “improper places”. “This administration will not even contemplate any proposals to scrap libraries, family centres or dementia community support services while we hold office,” he said.”
• Stirling – Off the Page Stirling Libraries Book and Culture Festival – List. “Our Stirling Council Libraries and Archives book festival ‘Off the Page’ is returning this year starting Thursday 25th May and running until Tuesday 30th May.”
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries welcomes new Environmentalist in Residence – Suffolk Libraries. “During his residency Martin will be working on the development of a project called Seconds of Sound (S.O.S), inviting the public to take part in weekly sound walks that connect all 45 of our branches (plus some of our local prison libraries too).” Museum in a box – RFID’d objects which cause sounds to play.
  • 100 years of Ipswich County Library – our new exhibition launches this week – Suffolk Libraries. ” staff from Ipswich County Library and Suffolk Libraries’ Arts team have put together a display showcasing images from the past, historic books, objects, and memorabilia relating to the library’s 100 years of service the local community.”
  • Chantry Library in Ipswich to delay reopening after legionella detected – Suffolk News. “Chantry Library has been shut since May 8 after a routine water test revealed the risk of the bacteria being present in the water supply of the taps in its toilet.” … “After liaising with Suffolk County Council, work to replace the library’s roof will also take place while the building is closed.”
  • Introducing Reading Quest! Where will reading take you this summer? – Suffolk Libraries. “Reading Quest is being supported by official sponsors Advantage Angels, one of the fastest growing private nursing agencies in the UK who have their HQ in Ipswich and support care homes, hospitals, private homecare nursing, primary care and mental health institutions across the country. Advantage Angels are providing £20,000 of sponsorship to help Suffolk Libraries create a range of colourful and free resources for children over the next two years.”
  • Suffolk Libraries’ reading scheme back with 5 author talks – East Anglian Daily Times. Five adult authors.
• Swansea – Libraries’ warm welcome saluted with national honour – Swansea Herald. Library of Sanctuary.
• Wandsworth – More than a million people visit Wandsworth libraries – Wandsworth Council. “Well over a million people enjoyed visiting Wandsworth’s libraries last year – an increase of 17 per cent on the previous year. Close to two million books were issued, 75 per cent of them physical books, and the rest e-books. Figures are two per cent up on 2022-23.”
• Wirral – Creative writing and art workshops for adult beginners in Wirral – Wirral Globe. ACE funded.
• Worcestershire – Library demolition halted by new council leader – BBC. “Plans to demolish and relocate Redditch Library have been halted. The library was set to be moved into the town hall, despite some opposition from residents. But new borough council leaderJoe Baker said he was looking at unwinding contracts signed for the project, plus new proposals for the town centre. Labour won control of Redditch Borough Council in local elections earlier this month, after six years under the Conservatives. “The library has been a quite contentious subject on the doors,” Mr Baker said. “We’ve listened… The library is not going to be moving into the town hall.””
  • Worcestershire libraries are bidding for more volunteers – Worcester Observer. For Summer Reading Challenge. “Last year, 116 young volunteers helped deliver the challenge, they completed 1,600 cumulative hours.”
• Wrexham – Wrexham Council launches consultation on library services – Leader Live.

Editorial

The big news for me this week was the spreading of the idea that councils can decide what books libraries should have on their shelves to that normal paragon of library-ness, Australia. In descriptions that sound almost identical to similar debates in the USA, one said it was a matter of following their religion. Meanwhile, in Ireland, such challenges are being met with a strengthening in the power of libraries in being able to oppose those who wish to direct what others are allowed to see and read. There’s been no such strong challenge in the UK as yet to that common in the USA and now in Australia. When there is, we’ll see if we are non-geographically closer to the USA or Ireland.

Some things happen over time so slowly that one does not notice them happening until years afterwards. I had one of these “oh” moments a while ago when thinking about children’s fiction and non-fiction sections and then adult non-fiction sections. The realisation was that, actually, there’s no hard difference between them now in terms of why they’re used. If one can get the answer to most factual questions by speaking a question to one’s watch, as one of my daughters does, there’s no need for a Library of Alexandria type approach to non-fiction sections. What this means in practice is that the purpose of most non-fiction books, child and adult, are essentially leisure now. And, scarily, that means that all of the books in a library are essentially for leisure purposed. That’s not to say they’re not important, due to their power in health and welfare, literacy, awareness etc. But it does mean that those staff who want one of everything are missing the point. For that, see the internet. For the library, see the stuff people actually want to read. And that is overwhelmingly the fun stuff, one way or another.

Changes by local authority

• Aberdeenshire – Portsoy and Whitehills libraries to close.
• Bracknell Forest – Twyford Library will move into old Polehampton Boys School.
• Havering – £300k cut proposed: Five libraries to close Collier Row, Elm Park, Gidea Park, Harold Wood and South Hornchurch.
• Norfolk – Hunstanton Library may be refurbished
• Worcestershire – Malvern introduces staff-less hours.

National news

• Brought to book: Library cash plea amid ‘brutal cuts’ to budgets – Scottish Sun. Scottish Labour says “Years of brutal cuts to council budgets have devastated communities, causing the closure of one in seven libraries and threatened the future of more.” … ““The SNP must give a cast-iron guarantee it will not inflict more cuts on these vital services by reducing the Public Library Improvement Fund.”” … “Investment fell from £135million to £92million in ten years.”

“Our local volunteer-run library has recently reopened after being unceremoniously dumped by the local council as a cost-saving measure: a common occurrence as I understand it. We took over the original building, which was a small branch library (and I mean small!). Again, like so many similar enterprises, refurbishment has been protracted but we now have a popular, pleasant space which is also destined to become a small community hub. So, we have a staff toilet downstairs, but in no way shape nor form is this accessible by anyone but an able-bodied person. Building costs and lack of space mean that we can’t afford to get a loo installed on the ground floor and the downstairs loo is unlikely to change. I don’t think this problem is widely discussed(?) but I’d appreciate any other readers’ experiences and hopefully solutions to this tricky problem! Can you help? “

“Captain Bogbrush”

• How rental ‘libraries of things’ have become the new way to save money – Guardian. “Clothes rental for children is one of the latest chapters in how “libraries of things” are becoming an increasingly common way to save money, space and waste. The theory is simple: instead of buying a household item or a piece of clothing or some equipment you might use once or twice, you take it out and return it.”

“Libraries Change Lives, 24-28 June 2024 – building on a proposal from Baroness Sanderson’s review of public libraries this will be a week of advocacy demonstrating the value of libraries ahead of this year’s General Election.

Green Libraries Week, 7-13 October 2024 – our annual celebration of libraries with a focus on the climate and sustainability.”

CILIP explains the about the two Weeks

• TikTok bookshelves to open across UK to get young people reading – Independent. “TikTok is teaming up with the National Literacy Trust (NLT) to place “BookTok Bookshelves” in 11 UK areas that need a boost in literacy levels. Cities like Birmingham, Blackpool, Bradford, Doncaster, Manchester, Middlesborough, Newcastle, Nottingham, Peterborough, Stoke and Swindon will get 20 BookTok Bookshelves starting with around 100 books each. The shelves will be placed in areas which see a lot of children over 13, like youth clubs and community centres.”

International news

• Australia – I’m no stranger to having work banned. If you want to protect kids, this is not the way to do it – Guardian / Opinion. ” I know a book ban is not something we can simply spin as good publicity. These bans come from a rightwing playbook designed to continue a culture war against LGBTQ+ people that chips away at fundamental human rights protections in policies. These attempted bans – whether they are upheld or not – do real world harm to members of my community.”
  • Labor councillor stands by vote to ban same-sex parenting books in Sydney council libraries – as it happened – Guardian. “This decision was made in line with my religious beliefs and I will not be comprising those beliefs.”
  • Rainbow Street Libraries Launch in The Face of Book Ban – Star Observer. “Following the recent decision by Cumberland City Council to remove books about same sex parenting in local libraries, local organisation Street Library Australia have launched a colourful campaign against the book ban.” … “The group took to their facebook page to offer free local libraries to residents in the area, on the proviso they paint them rainbow in support of the issue.”
  • Sydney council bans same-sex parenting books from libraries – video – Guardian. “Western Sydney’s Cumberland city council has voted to place a blanket ban on same-sex parenting books from local libraries in a move the New South Wales government warns could be a breach of the state’s Anti-Discrimination Act. The amendment, put forward by a councillor, Steve Christou, proposed that the council take “immediate action” to remove same-sex parents books and materials in its library service. Six councillors voted in favour of the amendment and five voted against, while four councillors were not present to vote”
• India – Beyond shelves, binding selves – Times of India. A look at public libraries in the country.
• Ireland – Dublin City Council condemns recent anti-LGBTQ+ library protests – GCN. “Following the recent spate of anti-LGBTQ+ demonstrations and actions targeted at Irish libraries, Dublin City Councillors have passed a motion condemning the attacks and have endorsed their faith in the Library Management” … “the Dublin City Libraries’ management has confirmed that no publications have been removed as a result of the protests.”
• Italy – Public libraries as social infrastructures: libraries’ response to the COVID crisis in the Emilia-Romagna region – Cultural Trends.
• USA – John Oliver on public libraries: ‘Another front in the ongoing culture war’ – Guardian. “You do get the sense that people who want to censor these books can have no real idea of what’s inside them or, indeed, if they’re even at the libraries they’re protesting at all,” Oliver said, citing a case in Idaho where activists demanded that more 400 books be removed from the library, even though it already didn’t have them. “As far as protests go, that’s about as meaningful as marching to the Hollywood sign to demand that Frankie Muniz return his Oscar for Schindler’s List,” he joked. “He’s not there, he wasn’t in that, and the very fact that you’re protesting this tells me you’re probably not familiar with the material.”
  • SNF Dialogues Recap – Beyond Books: How Libraries Can Serve the Publ”ic – National Herald. “he first SNF Dialogues discussion in the US explored the multifaceted role of libraries as cornerstones of democratic societies, and how they transcend their traditional role as repositories of books to actively facilitate community participation and advance civic engagement.” … “They are community centers, safe havens during crises, bastions of knowledge and equality, and shining examples of democracy, especially in uncertain times”
  • The Week in Libraries: May 10, 2024 – Publishers Weekly. Legal action in defence of library rights in Alabama.

Local news by authority

• Aberdeenshire – Portsoy and Whitehills communities asked to help shape future provision of local library services – Aberdeenshire Council.
• Birmingham – Umbrella group launched in Birmingham to help save city’s libraries – Planet Radio. “Local campaigners are urging others to have their say in the council’s public consultation to save as many as possible. Acocks Green campaigner Joe Simpson’s told us they’re making good progress so far and that locals should use it as incentive to keep fighting.”
  • Hundreds gather to protest against council cuts – BBC. “”What we’re seeing today is the people of Birmingham people coming together to protest about the council cuts that have been forced upon Birmingham City Council by austerity that’s been implemented through government cuts to council funding,” “
• Bournemouth Christchurch Poole – Residents asked about future of libraries – Bournemouth Echo. “BCP Council wants to know how you currently use the library service and what you hope to see in the future.Library open hours have been slashed by an average of 10 hours per library each week, as part of cost-saving measures for its 2024/25 budget.”
• Bracknell Forest – Twyford Library announces opening of new location next month – Bracknell News. “The new library will open in the newly refurbished Old Polehampton Boys School on the opposite side of the close. The beautiful new space will benefit from improved library spaces with high ceilings and large windows letting in natural light.” Open 21 hours per week.
• Bromley – Orpington Literary Festival 2024 – Orpington 1st. “A week of town centre events celebrating the written and spoken word, brought to you by Orpington 1st in partnership with Bromley Libraries, supported by Orpington Rotary.” … ““We’re really pleased to work with Orpington’s business community for this year’s literary festival. It’s a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of literature and the vital role which libraries play in our community.”
• Cheshire East – Fears Bollington Library could be shut down within months – Macclesfield Nub News. “The recently-formed Friends of Bollington Library Committee claims that Cheshire East Council is planning to consult the public on proposals to close Bollington Library with effect from January 1 2025.”
• Devon – Beach toy plea for seafront libraries – Mid Devon Advertiser. “Teignbridge Leisure is looking for donations of unwanted buckets, spades, balls and beach toys to fill its seafront libraries in Teignmouth and at Dawlish Warren.”
• Falkirk – Falkirk Council libraries branch out with new garden lending initiative – Falkirk Herald. “Gardening bags can now be borrowed from all eight libraries across the area and are designed to equip budding gardeners with th -e tools and knowledge to cultivate fresh, home grown fruit and vegetables.” … “Each bag contain hand tools, gardening books and kneeling mat, as well as seeds, plant markers and growing advice cards and recipe cards so people can start cooking with what they have grown.” Due to  £8300 from The Europe Challenge Fund.
• Hampshire – Blood pressure monitors now available from Hampshire libraries – Hampshire Council. “Each monitor is borrowed on a ‘first come-first served’ basis. It comes in a box, with a leaflet containing easy-to-follow instructions on how to use the device and understand the results, as well as what to do if you are concerned about the readings. “
• Haringey – Haringey Council’s Head of Libraries, Brian Mihayo, receives nationwide Top Talent recognition – Haringey Council. ” Brian helped secure trust and foundation funding for a major project supporting young people to design and organise diverse cultural events and innovative programmes across Haringey libraries, including concerts, comedy nights and spoken word performances.”
• Havering – Havering launches new library strategy – Havering Council. “The library strategy consultation, which will run for 12 weeks until 2 August 2024, comes at a difficult time for the borough. The Council continues to face financial challenges while delivering our legal duty to provide services for the most vulnerable along with the services residents say they value most.” – £300k cut. Five libraries to close: Collier Row, Elm Park, Gidea Park, Harold Wood an South Hornchurch.
• Manchester – The Enlightenment – Simon Armitage lyric shines a light on libraries for Manchester’s Festival of Libraries – About Manchester. “The track has been specially commissioned for Festival of Libraries 2024, with words by poet laureate Simon Armitage, music by Richard Walters and Patrick Pearson, and guest vocals from Josephine Oniyama. The Enlightenment will be released on streaming platforms on Friday 7 June and will be performed live for the first time at Manchester Central Library as part of the festival on Wednesday 12 June (doors open at 7.30pm)”
  • Blue Peter Book Club live takes off in Manchester Central Library – Manchester Council. “Blue Peter, the BBC’s iconic children’s TV series is partnering with Manchester Libraries and The Reading Agency on an exciting new project – Blue Peter Book Club Live. It launches in Manchester Central Library on Saturday 18 May with a fun-filled, free event, open to all and the chance to meet Blue Peter presenters Abby, Joel, and Shini along with Henry the Blue Peter Dog. ” … “A book inspired art-installation created by 10,000 local school children, creative crafts, special story times, masses of books and a chance to meet some magical classic book characters will make it a day of adventure and fun where classic stories come to life in the library.”
• Norfolk – Plans for new library and bus station in Hunstanton – EDP. “Norfolk County Council has finalised plans to redevelop the former library and revamp the bus station at Hunstanton and hopes to start work later this year.”
• Somerset – Could you volunteer to help the Home Library Service? – Somerset Council. “olunteers are needed across Somerset to help keep a vital Somerset Council library lifeline thriving.”
• South Lanarkshire – Award-winning authors back protests to save libraries in Cambuslang, Halfway and Blantyre – Daily Record. “Just under 40 authors and literary figures have shown their support for the Save Our Libraries protest taking place this week.” … “Author of Fallen Angel, Chris Brookmyre, added: “We all appreciate that in these difficult times, difficult choices must be made but, in my opinion, libraries should always be among the last things a council cuts when it needs to save money.”
• Southend on Sea – Pub-goers see ‘light’ – and save burning library – BBC. “At about 21:00 BST on Tuesday, drinkers at a table in The Old Walnut Tree, Southend-on-Sea, noticed a ‘light’ inside Southchurch Library. They realised it was on fire. With the help of pub staff they filled “large containers” with water, dashed over, and poured it through a broken window.””
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries Board member takes on tandem skydive – Suffolk Libraries. See Just Giving page..
• Wirral – Gym sorry over library bench ‘alcoholics’ claim – BBC. “A firm which wants to turn an ex-library into a gym has apologised over comments suggesting a bench outside is “popular with local alcoholics” and should be removed. Nomad wants to convert the former council building in Hoylake, Wirral. A document lodged with Wirral Council said the use of the bench by “alcoholics” jarred with its brand.”
• Worcestershire – Dementia in Focus at Worcestershire Libraries – Worcestershire Council. ” Library Service is teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire, and The University of Worcester for Dementia Action Week, taking place from 13th May to 19th May.” Reading Well books. “Groups include Classic Film Club, Reminiscence Groups, Knit and Natter, Hook Buddies, and Scrabble, all of which offer engaging activities beneficial for individuals with dementia.”
  • Libraries Unlocked to be introduced at Malvern Library – Worcester News. Once the system is up and running, library members aged 15 and above will have the chance to upgrade their membership.They will then be able to use the library facilities outside the regular hours of operation”
• York – ‘It’s a safe space, welcoming and free’ – York’s unique library service celebrates ten years – York Mix. “Explore York Library and Archives is marking a whole decade of providing the community of York with a public library and archive service with a series of family-friendly fundraising activities and events.” … “There is currently no further comment on the contractual dispute” between Explore and York Council over proposes budget cut.

Editorial

A few news pieces catch my eye today. The first is an ex-magistrate sating in the Mail – where else – that libraries could be turned into court venues as they are under-used public buildings. Words fail me sometimes. Sadly, they don’t fail the Mail. Then we have the normal US madness of censorship, with 17 states now considering imprisoning librarians for their stock choices. There’s also a heart-rending story from that torn country about a child, are regular visitor to a library, whose parents decided to play the story-time song at the funeral. Oh my.

The thing that really caught my eye though was news from Ireland. The government there is spending – get this – £21 million to provide 11 new libraries and 12 new mobiles in rural areas. That’s twice as much as the Libraries Improvement Fund right there. But then scale that up to take into account the relative populations and you’d have, if it happened in the UK, £210 million in capital expenditure with 110 new libraries and 120 new mobiles. Then lift your jaw off the floor. Ireland led the way a few years ago in national publicity and national initiatives like removing all fines and now it is apparently reaping the benefits.

National news

• All rise. Former judge says ‘pop-up courts’ should be set up in pubs, libraries and supermarkets in bid to restore faith in criminal justice system – Daily Mail. Dame Anna Rafferty said that ” Covid had boosted technological advances within the courts, with laptops and tablets being used by court officials meaning the process can be easily moved from location to location.”. Including sex offence cases. ” Look for buildings in daily use but with slack, or buildings just sitting there.'”
• The experts: librarians on 20 easy, enjoyable ways to read more brilliant books – Guardian. “In the age of digital distractions, it is easy to struggle to find the time and headspace to get lost in literature. How can you get back into the habit? Librarians share the best ways to rediscover reading, make it a regular habit – and their tips for the most unputdownable books.”
• “It’s a Lively Place”: The Impact of Public Library Clubs for Adults on How Attendees of These Clubs Perceive and Use Public Libraries – Public Library Quarterly. “Participants tended to be using library services more often – and in different ways – due to their attendance of library clubs. Interviewee believed that the library had become more relaxed over time, and that the purpose of public libraries went beyond a focus on books. These findings suggest that library clubs might lead to attendees expanding their ideas of the role libraries can play in their lives”
• Leading children’s reading charity, announce the BookTrust Storytime book of the year for children under five – Book Trust. “Children’s book Are You a Monster, by Guilherme Karsten and published by Happy Yak has been recognised as the best new book for sharing with young children”
• One Day author David Nicholls says he’s ‘really furious’ over library closures: ‘Access to libraries changed my life’ – Independent. “Nicholls spoke about his views on education in the UK, stating that he gets “very angry” about libraries closing and “the way the arts are not accessible”.”
• UKeiG CPD Zoom Course: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and beyond: video marketing for libraries – CILIP. 16 May, online.

International news

• Belgium – A celebration of Belgian libraries for World Book Day – European Council, Council for the EU. Mechelen public library is in 17th-century baroque monastery.”, ultra-modern library B3 in Liege.
• Europe – Writing Competition – How A Library Changed My Life – Win Prize of EUR 500 – European Cultural Foundation. “Submissions must be in English, with a maximum of 3,000 words in length. Five winners will receive a cash prize of 500 EUR, be published in The Europe Challenge publication and have the opportunity to travel to Amsterdam to do a public reading of their winning piece at our event and book launch in September 2024. The deadline for submissions is 20 May 2024 at 12.00 (noon) CET. Winners will be informed via email in June 2024.”
  • Georgians arrested over cross-Europe thefts of rare library books – Guardian. Nine people arrested after either breaking into libraries and stealing books or replacing them with replicas. Europol says “In total, the criminal group is believed to be responsible for the theft of at least 170 books, causing financial damages amounting to around €2.5m [£2.1m] and an immeasurable patrimonial loss to society”
• Ireland – Minister Heather Humphreys announces €25 million to deliver new public libraries across Ireland – Irish Independent. “The funding will provide 11 new public libraries and 12 new mobile library vehicles across the country” … “The new libraries will be based in old buildings that are no longer in use” … “This goes to the heart of what we are working to achieve under our five-year rural development strategy, ‘Our Rural Future’.””
  • “The more they learn, the more they understand”: Irish Travellers and public libraries in the Republic of Ireland – The Irish Library. “Many of the disadvantages Irish Travellers face may be countered by public library provision; we decided to examine the extent to which the information needs of this group are met by Irish public libraries in a qualitative and exploratory project, in which five Irish Travellers, two settled persons working with Traveller organisations, and a public library professional were interviewed.”

• Ukraine – “It’s never too late to learn.” How libraries help older people overcome fear and master computer technology – UNDP.

• USA – 17 States Are Considering Laws That Would Imprison Librarians – Vanity Fair. “Ron DeSantis has been forced to limit certain Floridians to only one book-banning attempt per month.”
  • Beloved Bunny’s Death Shows How Libraries Help Parents – Ms Magazine. “rather than forcing children to think a certain way, libraries help us find our words in life’s most challenging moments.”. When a child passed away who was a regular attender at story-time, ““They sang the goodbye song from story-time” at the funeral.
  • Does The Future of Libraries – or Narrative Itself – Include Books? – Indiana Public Media. Podcast. Book issues down. Non-fiction section “irrelevant” in age of the internet. More library events. “more librarians now have a performance mindset”. People are still reading but doing it digitally. Libraries “are for bringing people together in a free and open space”.
  • It’s Time to Take a Hard Look at Public Libraries – Cato. “Like local post offices, neighborhood libraries once served an important community function but are now becoming increasingly irrelevant. And, as with post offices, libraries continue to receive funding because they enjoy support from a relatively small but vocal segment of the population, while the rest of us are usually too reluctant to question their utility.”
  • The Week in Libraries: April 26, 2024 – Publishers Weekly. “a deadline looms for federal library funding; the FCC votes to restore net neutrality rules; Maryland passes a law designed to discourage book bans; and why Alabama librarians are feeling exhausted”

Local news by authority

• Barnsley – Book festival attracts more than 3,000 visitors – Rotherham Advertiser. “saw locals enjoy a packed schedule including 49 library and six partner events and 42 authors and artists.”
• Birmingham – Future of Birmingham’s libraries sparks row as campaigners pledge action – Express and Star. “Asked why steps were not taken to notify ward councillors and communities in good time of the consultation programme, cabinet member Saima Suleman responded: “There were some online consultations that were registered last week which I believe councillors were not informed of.” … ” in Hall Green, residents gathered once again on Saturday for a ‘read-in’ at the local library – following similar events elsewhere in the city. The demonstration was attended by over 100 people, spanning all ages and backgrounds, as well as authors and renowned woodcarver Graham Jones.”

• Caerphilly – “A library is a space where you can boost people’s confidence” – Caerphilly Observer. A look at Bargoed Library. Library has a mission. ““Most of our staff are Masters or PhD educated, but choose the vocation of helping people.”. Activities help loneliness, well-being. “if Rhymney library wasn’t there, there wouldn’t be anything there. There is a community centre, yes, but [the library] was a lynchpin to culture within the community and always has been.””
• Devon – Charity celebrates share of £1 million fund – Kingsbridge Today. Benefact Group “The £1,000 donation made as part of the Movement for Good Awards “
• East Riding – East Riding Libraries to hide books around the county for World Book Night – Scarborough News. “Hints for locations where books are hidden will be posted on their social media channels for people to track down.”
• Greenwich – Greenwich library workers plan further walkout to address ‘appalling’ pay and working conditions – MyLondon / Yahoo. “Unite workers’ union members working in libraries in Greenwich have arranged a 24-hour strike for April 30 after the union claimed employer Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) had failed to negotiate an appropriate resolution to an ongoing dispute.”. Dispute is over better pay and conditions and the use of zero hours contracts (60% of national staff). But “the trust did not feel that Unite’s campaign reflected the genuine concerns of its staff and it believed that it was manufactured to reflect the union’s national and political agendas”

• Northern Ireland – Libraries: Almost one million NI books not back on time – BBC. “Fines for overdue library books in Northern Ireland were removed in October 2021. As of March this year nearly 3,000 books were overdue for more than a year.” … “Libraries NI made £73,510 through charging for overdue items from 2018 to 2019. However, after deducting administration costs, the income made by Libraries NI was £7,260 for that period.” … “two-thirds of overdue books are returned within two months.”
  • Paedophile jailed for repeatedly going to libraries across NI to use internet – Belfast Telegraph. Offender used public library computers to get around ban on him going online, although he was only using news websites.
• North Somerset – North Somerset Libraries celebrate World Book Night – North Somerset Council. “the libraries team have worked with the North Somerset UK Resettlement team and Community Learning to give books to people who have recently arrived in North Somerset and are learning English.”
• North Yorkshire – Young volunteers needed for Summer Reading Challenge at libraries across North Yorkshire – could it be you? – Harrogate Advertiser.
• Nottingham – Arts Council funding helps renovate library garden and resource centre – Nottingham Council. Hyson Green Library “With Arts Council support, the garden has undergone a stunning makeover, featuring captivating mosaics crafted by local artist Sophie Robins.”

• Redbridge – Temporary closure of Fullwell Cross Library – Redbridge Council. Refurbishment due to LIF funding.
• Renfrewshire – Revitalizing Paisley: award-winning library project breathes new life into town centre – Design Concept.

• Shropshire – Consultation launched to support decision on future of Schools Library Service – Shropshire Council.
• Suffolk – Suffolk Libraries launches new Reading with Dementia project – Suffolk Libraries.
  • Women with learning disabilities star in menopause film – BBC. “Ace Anglia, based in Stowmarket, has worked with Suffolk Libraries to share what happens before and after periods stop. The film features women supported by the organisation. Nicole Smith, from the libraries’ Menopause and Me Project, external, said the aim was to “reflect different experiences” and to show people they were not alone.”
• Surrey – Work set to start on new Community Hub in Weybridge – Surrey News. “he Weybridge Hub will include a modern library, a space for targeted youth support, accessible community spaces for hire and other commercially lettable space within.  The lettable space  will be 328 sq.m. (approx. 3,530 sq ft). “
• Torbay – Libraries puzzle night is a piece of genius – Torbay Weekly. “Nineteen members of the community and library staff got together and formed 5 teams. Each team were given the same 500 piece puzzle to complete and the fastest team were the winners.”
• Warwickshire – Exciting day of free events at Rugby Library to celebrate Shakespeare’s plays – Warwickshire World.
• West Sussex – Free books on the menu for meals on wheels clients – West Sussex Council. World Book Night books given out.
• Worcestershire – 350 books gifted to vulnerable children for World Book Night – Worcester News / Yahoo. “Several locations and organisations were involved, including refugee community groups, Cranstoun, Action for Children, and Redditch Nightstop.”

Editorial

In a shocking expose from the ever-balanced and fair Fox News, we discover that American public libraries are drug-infested sex dens. This must come as something of a surprise to their users. Also, to their library staff too, it seems, as many have taken to Twitter to ask where these libraries are (including, suspiciously, wanting their precise addresses, presumably for private research purposes).

After we have stopped laughing, it’s worth considering where this headline is coming from. It’s from the classic exaggeration/slander/don’t-look-behind-the-curtain realm of propaganda. To impose one’s views on a democratic country, there needs to be a reason, and this is it for libraries: we are a bunch of pro-drug gender extremists that need to be controlled. It’s nothing to do with freedom of speech, heaven’s no, it’s protecting the children. Thankfully, it has not quite come to this in this country, but it’s getting closer each day. Heck, it’ll probably be an item on officially-not-a-news-channel GB News any day now.

Changes by local authority

• North Northamptonshire – Higham Ferrers volunteer library opens.
• Shropshire – Oswestry Library refurbished with interview pods and mobile shelving due to £237k LIF funding in 2023.; School Library Service to be closed.
• South Gloucestershire – Original cut of £473k reduced to £273k: £25k cut to books, 40 hours opening cut. Management cuts, enquiry service closed.

National news

• CILIP Appoints Louis Coiffait-Gunn as new CEO – CILIP. “Louis was introduced to public libraries at a young age as his grandmother was a librarian in a neighbouring village. As he currently finishes a period of parental leave, he has continued this tradition by taking his baby to storytime at libraries across Hackney.”
• CloudLibrary finds a new home in OCLC – Bibliotheca.
• Fun Palaces Workshops – Fun Palaces. Various workshops on who to involve, what they are, where and how, funding, sustainability and advertising.

Libraries, join the Blue Peter Book Club this May! We are inviting librarians to join this online workshop at 4pm on 16 April 2024 to hear about how you can get involved in the Blue Peter Book Club and encourage children in your library to explore the world of books together. There are some exciting things lined up for the Book Club in May with opportunities for public, community and school libraries to join in, and we want you to be the first to hear about them. Join us in this webinar to find out more about the Book Club, the selected books, and how your library can take part and support children to earn their book badge. The webinar will be recorded and shared to catch up on. Register today – 

The Reading Agency, by email.

• Sir Roly Keating to step down as Chief Executive of the British Library in April 2025 – British Library. “Under Sir Roly’s leadership, the Library has undergone a transformation in its public impact and its visibility across the UK and internationally. With a focus on openness, creativity and innovation, his tenure has seen the establishment of major new partnerships including the Knowledge Quarter around its London HQ, the Business & IP Centre National Network and the Living Knowledge Network of public and national libraries across the UK.”
• The vorfreude secret: 30 zero-effort ways to fill your life with joy – Guardian. ““Making a regular trip to your local library is a great way to insert vorfreude into your life””
• ‘Weathervanes of their Communities’ – The Sanderson Review, public libraries and information literacy futures – Edinburgh Napier University. “Recent independent reviews of public library services in England have argued for a more comprehensive and cohesive strategy to promote the many benefits of these services. However a critical lack of quality data to support these conclusions, particularly on the impact of information literacy formation, means that such reviews are in danger of missing further opportunities to develop the wide and varied roles public libraries play in their communities.”

International news

• Pakistan -Tall tales but no dessert: the storyteller of Karachi and his ice-cream cart library – Guardian. “About 15,000 children have attended more than 700 Kahaani Sawaari storytelling sessions since the project was launched in 2021. Erum Kazi, GoRead’s programme director, says parents have told her how their children have developed a love for reading since the scheme began”
• Ukraine – Send a mobile library to Ukraine – Crowdfunder. “To date over 600 public libraries and 2,000 school libraries have been damaged or destroyed by Russian troops” … “When we asked our partners in Ukraine how we could help, they said they needed a mobile library. With a mobile library they could continue to provide a service when their library buildings have been destroyed or damaged.”. £10,000 needed for reconditioned mobile library: £160 given at time of accessing webpage.

• USA- ALA Releases State of America’s Libraries 2024 Report – American Libraries. “ALA recorded 1,247 attempts to censor materials and services at libraries, schools, and universities in 2023. Of the 4,240 unique titles that were challenged or banned in 2023, here are the top 10 most frequently challenged”
  • Analysis: A Statehouse rite of spring — a showdown over libraries – Idaho Ed News. “The 2024 legislative session is ending the way the 2023 session did. And the way the 2022 session did. With a showdown over libraries. Something that has become an informal rite of spring at the Statehouse. On Wednesday, the Senate and the House passed a bill that would require school and public libraries to take steps to keep obscene materials away from minors. House Bill 710 now goes to Gov. Brad Little, who vetoed a library bill at the end of the 2023 session.”
  • MAGA Rage Targeting Local Librarians Is Getting Uglier – New Republic. Podcast.

• Post Covid futures planning for libraries: Part 2 – From planning ideas to implementation – Charleston Hub. “there is simply no way to gather data or evidence from the future until it arrives.” Various tools used.
  • The Week in Libraries: April 12, 2024 – Publishers Weekly. Wave of book banning “unprecedented”. Idaho law to move material parents challenge to other sections. Alabama fires library staff and withdraws funding to libraries who do not do likewise. Missouri removal of books challenged in court. Texas librarian is taking court action after being sacked for refusing to remove book.

Local news by authority

• Birmingham – Birmingham City Council leader issues stark warning on future of city’s libraries – Birmingham Live. ““We’ve seen some really good examples of partnership working already around libraries – my own library in Glebe Farm, Tile Cross has been delivered for the last six or seven years now in partnership with one of our local voluntary organisations. It’s actually opened up a whole series of other activities that now take place in the Glebe Farm Library which has almost become a bit of a community hub.””
  • Inside the battle over the future of Birmingham’s libraries amid budget ‘pushback’ – Birmingham Mail. “hundreds of residents of all ages protested by holding “read-ins” at libraries in Acocks Green and Kings Heath, which Mr Simpson said “shows the level of anger and concern” within communities.”. Overall, cuts are bewildering, but ” When you bring it down to what it means for your high street, people can see this is something we need to stand up and express ourselves about,””
  • Reason Birmingham Library is turning orange tonight revealed – Birmingham Mail. “It’s to mark Vaisakhi in the city. The spring festival, also known as ‘Baisakhi’, celebrates the founding of the Sikh community.”
• Bolton – Bolton’s libraries were the fun place to be in 1980 – Bolton News. “We have been into the archive and chosen a selection of photographs from 1980 which show some of the many varied events which ere held at libraries around the town to stimulate young imaginations.”
• Bristol – Bristol Lib Dems’ election campaign promises changes to buses, libraries and schools – Bristol Post. Election in May. Lib Dem’s “six missions for Bristol which includes improving access to dentists, providing more special school places, investing in libraries, and calling for bus franchising. They have also promised to plant one million trees over the next decade.”
• Calderdale – Applause for librarian who has been working for Calderdale Council for an impressive half a century – Halifax Courier. Linda Smith started at 16, just weeks before Calderdale Council was formed.

• Devon – Devon libraries launch reading adventure for under-fives – Tavistock Today. “Almost 7,000 children have so far signed up to read 50 books on The Secret Book Quest, and we are hoping to reach just as many little ones with Libro’s Friends.”
• Flintshire – Flintshire Council strikes “short-term” deal with Aura for running of county’s leisure and library services – Deeside. “The authority is understood to be planning to bring the management of libraries, museums, and play areas back in-house, while exploring an “alternative delivery model” for leisure services.” .. ” the council had offered the company £1 million to continue delivering leisure services in the short-term from April, which would last for approximately three months. But proposals related to libraries, museums, and play areas were described as “less clear”, with Aura unwilling to use its reserves to fund services.”
• Gloucestershire – Library of Things helping Charlton Kings residents save money – BBC. “The Library of Things was launched by CK Futures – a division of the parish council – Vision 21 project Planet Cheltenham, and Gloucestershire Libraries. Residents can borrow pressure washers, carpet cleaners, tools and even chocolate fountains, alongside the library’s books.”
• Hackney – Stoke Newington Library’s refurbishment gets £500k funding boost – Hackney Citizen. “The cash will go towards a redesign of the library’s interiors, with the council hoping to kit it out with the “best facilities possible”. Those include improved reading rooms, study spaces, a new children’s area, and a cultural and digital hub. The community library service will also get its own integrated space.”
• Lancashire – Rawtenstall Library to close it’s doors for ‘investigation into staircase’ – Lancashire Live. “Rawtenstall Library will close for around four weeks from Monday, while investigative work is undertaken on the staircase. A precise schedule for the closure will not be given until the work begins. However, customers are being reassured that fines for overdue loans from Rawtenstall Library will be waived while the building is shut.”
• Monmouthshire – Borrowing a laptop as easy as borrowing a library book with Monmouthshire County Council – Monmouthshire Council. “The laptops that will be available were initially purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic to help pupils continue their learning remotely. Now, residents can use them to access online resources from the comfort of their own homes.”
• Norfolk – Norwich man threatened to kill library staff in The Forum – Eastern Daily Press. “Jamie Turner, 32, became violent and abusive when he was asked to leave the Millennium Library at The Forum in Norwich on January 7. Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told he assaulted one member of staff telling them: “If I see you in the street I’ll kill you.””
• North Northamptonshire – Doors open at new community library and well-being hub in Higham Ferrers – Northamptonshire Telegraph. First library provision in town since 2019.
• North Yorkshire – Discover Skipton’s hidden heritage with three new trails – Craven Herald and Pioneer/Yahoo. “The four trails produced for the HSHAZ programme join three other North Yorkshire trails based on collections from Harrogate, Scarborough libraries and one for Northallerton curated by North Yorkshire County Record Office on the ‘What Was Here?’ app, created by East Riding of Yorkshire Archives, which is free to download now on Google Play and the App Store. Check out the accompanying website at www.whatwashere.org.”
  • Blood Pressure Testing Introduced at Whitby Library – This is the Coast. “Whitby Library is offering a walk-in blood pressure point for the public to make use of which could alleviate the pressures on doctor’s surgeries.”
• Sheffield – Stocksbridge 519 library plan approved – BBC. “The three-storey building will replace the town’s existing library and community shop.” Existing library to be demolished to make way for £24m new build.
• Shropshire – Library to close for a week while council spends Arts Council money on new shelves – Shropshire Star. “Last year Shropshire Council was awarded £236,950 by Arts Council England to install new equipment that will make library spaces more accommodating and accessible to the wider community.” … “Shropshire Council has used the funds to purchase 1:1 interview pods with supporting technology, enabling private consultations with the public” … “It has also purchased new mobile shelving to create flexible space to accommodate health and wellbeing sessions offered through social prescribing and creative health models.”
  • Anger as school library service cut to save money – BBC. “Parents and teachers have reacted angrily to a decision by Shropshire Council to end a service providing schools with new books and learning material. The School Library Service has a catalogue of more than 250,000 books, artefacts, DVDs and online resources. Two-thirds of schools across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin pay to use it. Shropshire Council, however, has said it can no longer afford to subsidise the service. An online petition has been started by the head teacher of Christ Church CE Primary School in Cressage, which paid about £1,300 for the service last year.”
  • Whitchurch Library ‘pop up’ service expanded – Shropshire Council. “Library staff have been running a temporary ‘pop-up’ service on market day every Friday morning since Whitchurch Civic Centre was forced to close for safety reasons in September 2023”
• South Gloucestershire – What South Gloucestershire Council library cuts mean for your branch – Bristol Post. “The local authority is slashing £273K from its annual spending on the vital community facilities, including £25K for books”… “South Gloucestershire’s libraries will be closed for an extra 40 hours every week in total as part of huge cuts. But that is about half of what was originally proposed. This is becauser the authority managed to find some savings elsewhere to cushion the blow for the books budget, which was initially going to be slashed by a quarter – £50,000 – but will now go down by £25,000.”
• Suffolk – New Stoke Library Open Day – Suffolk Libraries. “The new library occupies a slightly bigger space and has new carpets and furniture with flexible wheeled shelving to make it easier to hold events and activities in the library.”
  • Suffolk Libraries shortlisted for national library awards – Suffolk Libraries. “The Be Kind to a Kid appeal was run by Suffolk Libraries in partnership with BBC Radio Suffolk in late 2023. All the county’s libraries acted as collection points for 2,500 donated new toys which were then passed on to over 20 local charities and organisations who then got them to families in need to ensure their children got an extra much-needed Christmas gift.”
• Surrey – Weybridge Library and Weybridge Centre co-locating as part of Hub plans – Elmbridge Council. “there will be a temporary relocation of Weybridge Library into the Weybridge Centre for the Community, while it undergoes a major refurbishment to create the Weybridge Hub, which is expected to open in Spring 2025. “
• Wakefield – Wordfest 2024: Popular celebration to bring hundreds of free events to Wakefield libraries next month – Wakefield Express. “Hundreds of free and exciting events, from author talks and storytelling, film showings and music, will be held in the district’s libraries and other community settings during the month-long festival celebrating words – which aims to encourage residents of all ages to explore their own creativity. The annual celebration has become a staple within the community, with a full programme that has been developed with community partners and features activities across the district.”