Editorial

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

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

National news

• Fermeture en masse des bibliothèques britanniques : quel bilan ? – ABF. Summary of French library conference panel talk on the closure of English public libraries. In French.
• How Local Libraries Help Welcome Refugees – Book Riot. “while many libraries have stepped into the role of supporting refugees, there is always more work that can be done. Vincent’s CILIP article gives suggestions on ways that libraries can become more accommodating of and welcoming to refugees and asylum seekers, including consulting with these users and the local organisations that support them to ensure that all their needs are met, and promote the library’s role as a centre for information provision, language learning, and community support.”

• Libraries Connected welcomes Ayub Khan MBE as new President – Libraries Connected. “As the first Black President of Libraries Connected, Ayub has vowed to use his platform to encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to pursue a career in libraries.”
• Library fine survey: results and summary report revealed – Libraries Connected. “In March 2022 we surveyed our members and had 61 responses”. 16 of the 61 told us they had removed library fines, 15 more considering it. “40% of libraries that had removed library fines had seen an increase in adults using the library, 30% had seen an increase in families and people from disadvantaged areas, and 20% had seen an increase in 5 – 16-year-olds.”. Response from those not considering going fines-fress is income-related and fears books will not be returned.
• Making Music publishes proposal to save UK music libraries – Classical Music. “The public library network, which has so far been the largest and most cost-effective provider of sheet music to music groups, has been impacted by local authority budget cuts. A lack of investment in developments towards financial sustainability has placed the future of this resource in peril.” … “Local music library services under threat can email info@makingmusic.org.uk for support from Making Music and its partners.”
• Reading the Planet: Libraries in a Changing Climate – Youth Libraries Group. 16 to 18 September Conference in Sheffield. “We will be offering a virtual programme for those who cannot travel or who cannot afford the full conference. Those who sign up for the live conference will be able to access the virtual sessions for free.”

• Re-engaging Library Customers – LIEM Training. Webinar, 30 June, charged. “Even before COVID libraries faced the dual problem of reduced funding, but also, more worryingly, reduced usage. Our readers are getting older, using online sources of information or using their time in other ways. This has lead to a decline in the use, and possibly relevance, of libraries.”
• Schools and libraries face huge cuts after soaring costs create £1.7bn shortfall – Guardian. “School-building projects, swimming pools and libraries have been earmarked for emergency funding cuts because town halls have been hit by an unexpected £1.7bn hole in their budgets, the Guardian can reveal. Rampant inflation and soaring energy bills mean that council leaders have been forced to rip up financial plans from a few months ago” … “The deterioration in the financial outlook is rapid and unexpected. In January, when 2022-23 budgets were agreed, councils were typically factoring in average pay and inflation costs of about 3%. However, inflation is currently 9%, with the Bank of England predicting it to hit 11% by October.”

International news

• Global – Four impressive libraries nominated for the Public Library of the Year 2022 award – Systematic. “This year, four widely differing libraries have been nominated – from a library in the mountain-ringed city of Missoula in north-west USA to a library in the provincial town of Ogre in Latvia.”
• Ireland – Everything you always wanted to know about Irish Libraries – IFLA. Webinar, Monday 20 June.
• Ukraine – Ukraine Tells Its Libraries to Pull ‘Russian Propaganda’ From Shelves – Wall Street Journal. “Among the Russian books to be removed are those that: call for ending Ukrainian independence; promote war, national and religious enmity; promote change through violence of the constitutional order or territorial integrity of Ukraine; deny that the Russian Federation attacked Ukraine, according to parameters detailed by the ministry.”

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

Local news by authority

• Bolton – Bolton Town Centre Library to move to a temporary home from September – Bolton Council. “Bolton Council has secured the £23.9m Towns Fund and is investing in four key projects one of which is the upgrade of the library. An investment of £3 million has been secured for the work, the refurbishment will expand and upgrade the children’s area, improve social spaces and update the digital facilities in the main area with the addition of a mezzanine floor. A report proposing temporary relocation of Central Library will be considered by the Leader of the Council on 21 June.”
• Calderdale – Halifax library staff rescue rare peregrine falcon chick – Halifax Courier. “Calderdale Libraries said: “With her coordinator’s help, and some towel support from the chefs at Trading Rooms in The Piece Hall, little Cilip was taken back up to the library roof where mama could keep an eye on him.””
• Cheshire West and Chester – West Cheshire Museums sustainability festival begins in July – Standard. “There will also be a prize-giving for West Cheshire Libraries’ and West Cheshire Museums School Competition”
• Cornwall – Redruth’s former library building unveiled at community event on Murdoch Day – Cornwall Council. “A new Redruth Former Library Community Interest Company has plans to breathe new life into the striking historic building after agreeing with Cornwall Council to take on a five-year lease.”
• Coventry – More than a million library books read in Coventry’s City of Culture year – Arts Council England. “Launched by the Duchess of Cornwall and beginning in May 2021, One Million Reads Coventry (OMRC) was funded through Arts Council’s National Lottery Project Grants as part of the City of Culture programme and invited people to record everything they read over the year.”
• Croydon – South Norwood doesn’t want to see ‘incredibly ugly’ library demolished – Sutton and Croydon Guardian. “It is two years since a brand new library in the area was built but the service still hasn’t moved from it’s 1970s building loved by many fans of its architecture. More than 1,700 people signed a petition to save the brutalist library last year. There were fears the library would never move into its new home as the building, from council-owned developer Brick by Brick was not up to scratch. The new site in Pump House, next to Norwood Junction Station, still hasn’t opened despite signs on the window reading: “New library coming soon, delivered by Brick by Brick on behalf of Croydon Council.””
• Darlington – A first glimpse inside Darlington library during its £3.2m restoration – Darlington and Stockton Times. “The first artist’s impressions show how the £3.2m refurbishment is going to create light, airy rooms within the Gothic building full of comfortable workstations and collaborative areas.” … “In 2016, councillors voted to close the library and move its services into the Dolphin Centre to save £300,000-a-year, but the public outcry forced a rethink – and perhaps even a change in the political make-up of the council. A new Conservative-led administration was elected in 2019 and is now overseeing the library’s reshaping.”
• Enfield – ‘Sensory space’ launches at Enfield Town Library – Enfield Dispatch. “The facility, created by Enfield Council’s library services team, employs the latest in sensory technology to provide “a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment” specifically designed to help both children and adults develop through sensory play. The space includes an interactive projected floor, activity panels, an infinity mirror, colour changing mood lights and a projector TV.”
• Highlands – High Life Highland’s libraries to provide technological support for people living with type 2 diabetes – Highland Council. “The project is a partnership with NHS Highland, High Life Highland, Diabetes Scotland and AbilityNet to provide iPads, mobile internet connections, training and support for people at risk of diabetes and those newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.”

• Leeds – Yorkshire Ghostbusters fan, 8, with heart condition, hunts ghouls in library and thanked by mayor in dream day out – Yorkshire Post. “With the help of Make-A-Wish UK and a supportive community, George was driven to Leeds Central Library in the film’s famous Ecto-1 vehicle alongside a group of local Ghostbusters volunteers.”
• Manchester – Manchester Festival of Libraries returns for its second year – Manchester Council. “This year, there are roughly 100 vibrant events happening in Greater Manchester’s public libraries and special libraries. 20 of these events will take place in Manchester’s public libraries.” …”See Myself in Books is an initiative launched by Read Manchester and Manchester City Council to increase the diversity of children’s literature and to ensure characters come from a wide range of backgrounds.”
• Middlesbrough – ‘Always ahead of the game’: Innovative service launched in Middlesbrough libraries – Teesside Live. “It is the first service in the North East to add eMagazines to Borrowbox” … “Central Library has received £270,000 from the Libraries Investment Fund, plus an extra £30,000 in match funding, to provide technology upgrades to help the library adapt to the new ways people access its services.”
• Monmouthshire – Library’s 25th birthday upgrade – Forest Review. “Caldicot Library closed yesterday (June 9) for work to start on providing new flooring and two new community rooms at the Caldicot Hub where it is based.”
• Norfolk – Norwich Millennium Library awarded Library of Sanctuary status – Norfolk Council. “The award recognises that the libraries are safe and welcoming spaces for everyone and highlights our commitment to helping those seeking sanctuary have all the help and support they need to settle into the community.”
• Northamptonshire – Council agrees set to off-load three more libraries in final chapter of cost-saving saga – Northamptonshire Telegraph. “Out of the original 36 county libraries, 21 were surplus to statutory requirement” … Irchester, Rothwell and Raunds to become volunteer.
• North Yorkshire – Praise for Colburn community library’s welcoming refurbishment – Darlington and Stockton Times. “Richmond MP Rishi Sunak conducted the formal re-opening of Colburn Library after a refurbishment designed to create a bright and comfortable space to encourage use by the local community. The work was carried out after the charity which manages the library, asked the community” … “Low cost options were pursued including using kitchen worktops instead of standalone desks for the public computers, recovering soft furniture and reusing shelving. The library has been re-carpeted throughout, energy efficient windows installed and the computer suite relocated to improve the layout.”
  • The next stage of public engagement on the £450,000 revamp of Scarborough library will begin this month (June). – North Yorkshire Council. “The library has secured £200,000 through the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports/Arts Council England Libraries Improvement Fund, which helps libraries upgrade their buildings and boost their digital offer. This grant, backed by a further £250,000 investment from us, will be spent on reconfiguring the ground floor to create a brighter, more attractive space with areas for relaxation, study and to meet friends”

• Nottingham – Landmark building wins major award – My Nottingham News. “The development of the new Broad Marsh Car Park, Bus Station and Central Library building has won a major construction industry award. The £50m project was winner of the Integration and Collaborative Working Award and came runner-up in the Building Project of the Year at the East Midlands Construction Excellence Awards.”
• Nottinghamshire – We Talk to Entrepreneurs on Overcoming Business Fears at Notts Libraries’ BIPC Mansfield launch – Left Lion. “four shiny new Business and IP Centres at Beeston, Bulwell, Mansfield, and Sutton-in-Ashfield Libraries. Run by Inspire Libraries on behalf of the County Council, entrepreneurs and business owners can meet with BIPC Advisors to discuss their business and access online reports and resources which have a combined worth of over £5 million.”
• Powys – Less than a fortnight left to join discussion on library hubs development – Brecon and Radnor Express. Survey in two parts: “Access to Services and Digital Exclusion Survey -will assess how easy or difficult it is for residents to access key services and information in Powys and how that might be improved by creating digital hubs in libraries where people can get support. Digital Hub Workspaces Survey – will gauge the interest in the development of workspaces within libraries aimed at people who might currently be working from home or those considering starting a small business.”
• Tower Hamlets – The London Underground station that has the ‘weirdest entrance’ in the basement of an old library – MyLondon. “Aldgate East station must have the weirdest entrance anywhere on the network as it is actually entered through an opening in the ground floor of Whitechapel Library. It’s one of the oldest libraries in London, and can feel like you are walking down the steps into the lost basement of a gothic mansion – one which wouldn’t look out of place in any Scooby Doo cartoon.”
• Warrington – Warrington Libraries’ first LitFest is a hit – Warrington Worldwide. “he week-long celebrations included the performance of The Ragged Trousered Philanthropist by Neil Gore of Townsend Theatre Productions, at Padgate Library, which was sponsored by Torus and Unison. The Jubilee family fun day attracted 500 participants with sessions by Cheshire Fire and Rescue, Mulan Culture and The Warrington Signing Choir.”
• Wirral – Why you will see more than 8,000 flowers on display – Liverpool Echo. “8,372 white paper flowers will go on display at Birkenhead Central Library. Each flower will represent one Muslim man or youth who was killed in a bid to raise awareness of the tragedy and spread a message of unity and tolerance throughout the region.”
  • Wirral Council cuts: Golf courses and libraries spared – BBC News. “Libraries will be retained at Birkenhead Central, West Kirby, Wallasey Central, and Bebington Central, with a further four smaller locations in Eastham, Moreton, Upton, and Heswall. Libraries earmarked for closure in Hoylake, Irby, Pensby, Prenton, Wallasey Village, Higher Bebington and Woodchurch will also move to the next stage of a community asset transfer.”
  • Wirral’s first covid testing site to reopen as a library – Liverpool Echo. “Heswall Library, on Telegraph Road, was the first indoor covid testing site to open in the Wirral. First opened in November 2020, it remained open throughout the pandemic until the government ended the requirement for testing on Friday, April 1 of this year, when it was closed. The building has now been decommissioned as a testing centre and will resume its original purpose, as a community library, next week, on Tuesday, June 21. The council said that library staff have been working “flat out” to restore the space to its past life.”
• Worcestershire – New tech allows customers to visit county libraries after hours – Worcester News. “Libraries Unlocked membership is only available for those aged 16 and over however under 16s can visit during the new hours if accompanied by a member.”
• Wrexham – Build your own fun with Lego Clubs at Wrexham libraries – The Leader. Library news update.

Editorial

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

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

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

Changes by local authority

• Knowsley – Becomes fines-free.
• Monmouthshire – Caldicot Library being refurbished.

National news

• Are libraries open on Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday? – The Sun. “t is likely that your library will be open at some point across the weekend, although running on shorter hours for the Queen’s Jubilee. If you have a very small local library then you may find the library is shut as employee numbers are minimal.”
• Fun Palaces: The Library Special – Fun Palaces. “In this podcast, we meet librarian Zoey Dixon who will tell you all about why Fun Palaces are so perfect suited to libraries.”
• Helping jobseekers help themselves – Arts Council England. “investigates how jobseekers use libraries, and the role library services play in improving employment outcomes. The report recommends that libraries should take actions such as coordinating their support for jobseekers with other forms of jobseeker support, and reinstating in-person support for jobseekers in libraries that was paused because of the pandemic.”

• Nine Scottish libraries to loan out musical instruments – West FM. “There will be six libraries from Edinburgh, two from North Ayrshire, and one from Fife all part of the new project.” … ““There’s a music group going to be associated with each library. So, there’ll be music classes and taster classes for young people to try it out. And we’ve also got the tinderbox online music school, where people can get online lessons for free.””
• Not as I like it! War Horse author Michael Morpurgo says Shakespeare plays ‘need a bit of editing’ – Mail Online. “Sir Michael said: ‘Libraries, and particularly the librarians who work in them, are vital for us all, but especially for those who need them most.’”
• PRH UK donates entire audiobook library to charity Calibre Audio – BookSeller. “Under the new partnership, around 6,000 titles as well as future releases will be made freely available to Calibre’s 16,000 members, who have a range of disabilities that make reading and understanding text difficult, including visual impairments, learning disabilities, cognitive impairments and physical dexterity conditions. Earlier this year, the service was made available to people with long Covid …”
• Refugee week and Libraries of Sanctuary – Libraries Connected. Monday 13 June, 2pm. “In this webinar we will have an update on support for Ukrainian newcomers from Larysa Bolton from the Association of Ukrainian Women in the UK, Julie Hayward from Book Trust, and a more general update on the Libraries of Sanctuary submission process from Ashley Beckett of City of Sanctuary.
• Thousands of UK public buildings now have gigabit broadband – Techradar Pro. “The figure includes 1,200 schools, 340 libraries and 50 hospitals …”

Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours

MBE

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

BEM

• Anthony Lambert Tyrrell Brown. Chair, Suffolk Libraries. For services to Public Libraries
• Christopher John Lawrey Clarke. Company Secretary and Treasurer, Friends of Jesmond Library. For services to the community in Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne.
• Sorrelle Clements. Service Development Manager, Coventry Libraries. For services to Libraries.
• Susan Ann Comitti. Libraries and Heritage Service Manager, London Borough of Hackney. For services to Public Libraries.
• Robert John Jones. Library Service Manager, Isle of Wight Council. For services to Public Libraries.
• Emma Claire Noyce. Assistant Director, Culture and Information Services, Hampshire County Council. For services to Public Libraries during Covid-19.

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

International news

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

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

• Canada – Promoting Food Security in Public Libraries – Hamilton Public Library and McMaster University. “This project reviews relevant literature on food insecurity, investigates current food access initiatives in Hamilton, and outlines promising practices and initiatives from other Canadian public libraries to help inform HPL’s involvement in addressing food insecurity in Hamilton”
• Global – Odilo raises $64M as its white-label e-learning library passes 8,500 customers and 170M users – Yahoo. “Odilo has so far racked up 8,500 customers in 52 countries, covering some 170 million users in all, with the list including government bodies, libraries and education organizations like MIT, but also big corporate customers such as Google and Vodafone.”
• New Zealand – Removing Library Fines – Lianza. Excellent guide to how to remove fines including case studies. “Our toolkit helps libraries, councils and communities remove significant barriers to accessing trusted information, the joy of reading and connecting with others.”
• USA – Louisiana County Libraries Block Displays for Groups, Issues – Bloomberg. Libraries self-censor to avoid fighting. “Book displays targeting specific groups or topics such as Cajun heritage, Pride Month or Black History Month are prohibited indefinitely at public libraries in Louisiana’s Lafayette Parish, a newspaper reported.” … ““I’m doing this because everything’s a fight,” he said. “And if I put these books out right now, I feel like I am inviting people to challenge these books.””
  • DC is sending 10,000 copies of DC Pride 2022 anthology to US libraries – Pop Verse. “DC is doing this in partnership with PFLAG National, the US’s largest organization supporting LGBTQIA+ people and their allies.”

• How Rural Librarian Jessamyn West is Alleviating the Digital Divide – The Slate. Podcast. “a librarian in rural Vermont who’s working to improve computer literacy and access to library services in her community.”
  • Library, author, bookseller groups condemn legal action attempting to censor books in Virginia – ALA. “No book has been banned for obscenity in the United States in more than 50 years. Prohibiting the sale of books is a form of censorship that cannot be tolerated under the First Amendment.”
  • Once More for Those in the Back—Libraries Are Not Neutral – Publishers Weekly. “In a February New York Times editorial, conservative opinion writer Stanley Kurtz took to task the efforts of what he called “woke” librarians and pleaded for a return to “neutrality” in libraries. What Kurtz got wrong, however, is that libraries are not–and have never been–neutral.”. Those arguing for censorship have argued that having LGBT books on shelves is like having bleach accessible for children on the bottom shelves of shops. Those wanting to ban books wants libraries not to be neutral but rather biased towards them, and not others.

Local news by authority

• Bolton – Big borough book hunt hailed a huge success – Bolton News. “Bolton Library hid Lenny Henry’s new book ‘The Boy With Wings’ across the borough for a chance to meet Lenny in June and hear all about the book.” … “”The book hunt was very successful, with a fantastic response on social media which resulted in hundreds of families’ searching high and low across Bolton’s for books”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Six-year-old lands first prize in Jubilee art competition – Northwich Guardian. “The competition was organised across Cheshire West and Chester libraries, with two aspects – one for poetry and another for art.”
• Coventry – Coventry reaches One Million Reads – Coventry Council. “The project, which has been running throughout the City of Culture year, set the ambitious target of counting 1,000,000 reads across the city. HRH Duchess of Cornwall launched the project and submitted the ‘first read’ back in May 2021. Now, in May 2022, that figure stands at a staggering 1,262,798. Reads have been counted across Coventry’s libraries, as well as at universities, schools, and workplaces.”
• Halton – Book your Jubilee fun at your library – News Anyway.
• Knowsley – No more library fines in Knowsley – Knowsley News. Includes amnesty for late books. ““I hope the end of late charges will mean more residents will take out a library membership, visit their local branch and discover all Knowsley libraries have to offer.””
• Lambeth – Lambeth Libraries – listing of events for June 2022 including the Children and Young People’s Readers and Writers Festival – Brixton Buzz.
• Leicester – City libraries take part in Big Jubilee Read – Leicester Council. Also “lots of displays, events and activities”
• Liverpool – Business support scheme at Liverpool Central Library sees record year and supports hundreds of entrepreneurs – Business Live. “The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Liverpool City Region said it had a record year, supporting more than 1,500 people between April 2021 and March 2022 – up 39% on the previous year.”
• Manchester – Festival of Libraries: what’s on at the Greater Manchester event, when it is and how to get tickets – Manchester World. “The Manchester UNESCO City of Literature’s Festival of Libraries celebrates the 133 public libraries as well as heritage and independent collections of books across the city-region.”
• Monmouthshire – Refurbishment to close Caldicot library for six weeks – South Wales Argus. “Caldicot Library is celebrating 25 years of providing books, community spirit and support this year. To mark the milestone, Monmouthshire County Council will be rejuvenating the community hub building in which its based. The refurbishments include new flooring, re-painting and the creation of two new community rooms, making the space ready for its next quarter century. “
• Newcastle – Newcastle named among 10 best places to raise a family in the UK – here’s why – Chronicle Live. “The figures also highlighted the number of museums (17) and libraries (35) in the city.”

• North Yorkshire – Knaresborough library closes for bank work – The Press. “The project will see a new community branch of the Newcastle Building Society created within the library building. Executive member for libraries, Cllr Greg White, said: “We can’t wait for the community branch to open which will offer the Society’s full range of services.”
• Oxfordshire – Oxfordshire eBook Short Story Competition 2022 winners announced – Oxfordshire Council. “An unconventional sci-fi story, a magical tree and a much loved grandad are the subjects of the well-scripted tales that have been selected as winners of Oxfordshire County Council Library Service’s eBook Short Story Competition for 2022.”
• Southampton – Southampton library celebrates Platinum Jubilee with residents – Southern Daily Echo. Tea and scones, tree planting.
• Warrington – Summer Reading Challenge to take place at LiveWire Libraries – Warrington Guardian. “Young volunteers between the ages of 14 to 24 are needed to help with activities and events for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge”
• West Sussex – Library mural gives insight into children’s vision of the future in Crawley – West Sussex Council. “Crawley Library unveiled its new mural depicting what the future of Crawley looks like to local nine- and ten-year-olds. The library was able to offer a previously blank wall at the entrance of the Children’s Library to display this 6ft x 6ft vinyl mural permanently, inspired by a series of interactive workshops over several months.”

Editorial

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

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

Changes by local authority

• Sheffield – Stocksbridge Library to move into new co-location
• Stoke on Trent – Cuts in opening hours reversed after consultation

Floating or dynamic stock.

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

Comments:

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

National news

• £750,000 funding announced to boost libraries and museums in Wales – Wales 247. “The funding, which will be delivered as part of the Transformation Capital Grant Scheme, will support Wales’ local libraries, museums, to develop and revitalise their facilities, with a particular focus on widening access, partnership working, decarbonisation, and developing sustainable services.”
• Arts Council future under review by government – BookSeller. “The review will look to identify a minimum of 5% savings for each organisation.”
• Bookbug Week aims to inspire ‘an early love of books’ – The National. “Bookbug, Scottish Government funding for which over 2022/23 has been increased by £1.7 million, is developed in partnership between the national literature and literacy charity the Scottish Book Trust, local authorities, libraries, children’s publishers and health trusts across the nation, and provides free books to every baby, toddler, three and five-year-old in Scotland.”

• Five tips to enhance your institution’s civic engagement by working with public libraries – Times Higher Education Campus. “Good two-way public engagement can connect communities, inspire learning and stimulate curiosity. So what better partner than libraries to support higher education institutions to engage the public with their work and build on civic engagement strategies?”
• Green Libraries – CILIP. “CILIP has announced the Arts Council England funded Green Libraries Partnership, a multiyear research and development programme to enable public libraries in England to address Environmental Responsibility.”. Various links and events.
• Handbook of Library Appliances – Library Association / Project Gutenberg. 1898 handbook to what library furniture is available and how to use it. Fascinating [and disturbing – I recognise some of this furniture – Ed.]
• How well do you know your libraries? Quiz – OUP Blog. “Were you born to be a librarian? Are you a library fan? Or do you just like a bit of trivia? Whatever your reason it’s time to prove to us how well you know your libraries with this short quiz.” [I only got 4 out of 8 so I guess the jury is still out on me – Ed.]

• Libraries Connected publishes draft accreditation scheme for public libraries – Libraries Connected. “Libraries Connected has now embarked on the next stage in the process: identifying a sponsoring body that can manage, assess and promote the public library accreditation scheme.”

• Opportunity to Tender: Impact and Evaluation of Public Library Services in East of England – Libraries Connected. “We are looking for an expert individual or agency who can lead research on the social value of libraries “

International news

• Australia – National Simultaneous Storytime coming soon – Libraries Connected. ” Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops, and many other places around the country. ”
  • ‘I want to change the country’: Albanese – Sydney Morning Herald. “Marrickville Library became a backdrop to tooting car horns, dozens of selfies and several rounds of applause this morning as Anthony Albanese made his first appearance in his inner-west Sydney electorate since winning the election last night.”
• Global – Recent Report from IFLA: How well did copyright laws serve libraries during COVID-19? – IFLA. “The short answer to this question from a report recently published by IFLA appears to be: not very well at all. The report documents a worldwide survey of 114 libraries, 83% of which said they had copyright-related challenges providing materials during pandemic-related facility closures. “
  • A Brief History of Library Cats – Mental Floss.

• USA – Texas librarians face harassment as they navigate book bans – Texas Tribune. “Librarian Suzette Baker said she faced a hard choice last year when her boss asked her to hide a book on critical race theory behind the counter.” … “She spoke up, telling her supervisors that the library was facing a censorship attack.” … “Baker was fired for insubordination”. Others “have already quit, and others are considering it.”

• Idina Menzel and Cara Mentzel get loud for libraries as honorary chairs of Library Card Sign-up Month 2022 – ALA. ” Tony Award-winning performer, actress, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist Idina Menzel and her sister, author and educator Cara Mentzel, have been named honorary chairs of Library Card Sign-Up Month.”

• Libraries Help Veterans Transition to Civilian Life – EveryLibrary. “… there is no one-size-fits-all veteran archetype. Veterans are found at nearly every demographic level of America. They and their families have long found libraries to be great resources when they move somewhere new, a one-stop-shop of community information and events to help them adjust. So, libraries want to continue offering support beyond the term of duty.”

Local news by authority

• Bedford – Town Centre Jubilee Trail Launches Today – Bedford Council. “Bedford Central Library will be hosting talks on royal visits to Bedford and royal occasions in Bedford with a local historian, and displaying items with a royal theme from the Heritage Library collection during an open morning.”
• Bolton – Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – this is how Bolton will be celebrating – Bolton News. Library ” tea parties, crafts, and story time.”
• Bradford – Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan to attend Sisterhood poetry event in Bradford – Telegraph and Argus. “Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan – a writer, poet and educator born in the city – is attending the Sisterhood Poetry open mic night at Bradford Libraries.”
• Cheshire West and Chester – Ellesmere Port library to welcome ‘Five Days Missing’ author – Standard. Caroline Corcoran at Little Sutton Library.
  • Ellesmere Port Library celebrate 60th anniversary – Standard. Events included the Council Leader reading at a class visit, the local mayor cutting a cake at an anniversary coffee morning and a murder mystery in the evening.
• Cornwall – Cornwall Libraries work with Living Memories Online for Jubilee – Packet. “Living Memories Online is working alongside Cornwall Libraries to ‘bring the past to life’ by showcasing a collection of archive films that show life and historical moments over the decades, as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.”
• Coventry – Carved reading bench to get people in Coventry reading – BBC. “It was commissioned by the city’s library service as part of the One Million Reads campaign, which is aiming to get people in Coventry to read 1,000,000 books by the end of May.” … “There are eight audio recordings saved in the bench, totalling around eight minutes in total and she said it was “beautiful when you see it.””
• Devon – Our library really is the jewel in Ottery’s crown – Sidmouth Herald. The recent history of the library, including its move to new premises. “Undoubtedly the Ottery library is what we could call a real ‘success story’ with its Information Office and public toilets all under the same roof, full disable access and meeting the requirements of all members of the local community with their wide range of activities.”
• Essex – Memory Cafe opens in Harwich Library for dementia patients – Clacton and Frinton Gazette. “The new space has been opened in Harwich Library, in Kingsway, Dovercourt, and will be available to anyone affected by the condition, their loved ones or care partners.”
• Falkirk – Larbert Library to host fun day for all the family – Falkirk Herald. “”Our ‘Libraries are for Everyone’ fun day is the perfect chance for people who have never been to the library, or haven’t used us in a while, to find out all the great stuff we do. We want everyone to know that libraries are welcoming, free and that they’re definitely not the quiet places they used to be.””
• Flintshire – Events across Aura Libraries in Flintshire – The Leader. Mindfulness, Makaton and Mama G.
• Glasgow – Glasgow Southside library to close for ten weeks as repairs planned – Glasgow Live. £183k repairs. It will return to pre-pandemic hours when reopened.
• Leeds – New installation and free activities at Leeds Central Library bring to life the fascinating story of the Cottingley Fairies – News Anyway. “As well as the installation, there will be a programme of events and art workshops with a fairy theme for both adults and children.”
  • Nationally known poets at Otley’s celebration of verse – Wharfedale Observer. “The scheme, curated by the official Town Poet, Matthew Hedley Stoppard, was a season-long festival of poetry in partnership with Otley Town Council, Prince Henry’s Grammar School, Leeds Libraries, Leeds City Council and Otley Courthouse, and boasted a variety of literary activity.”
• Manchester – Free copies of Lenny Henry’s children’s book hidden around Greater Manchester as part of library festival – Manchester Evening News. “Copies of The Boy With Wings are being hidden in various locations until May 22, with clues released by libraries to give families a headstart.”
• Norfolk – Norfolk’s US Military heritage celebrated at American Library grand re-opening – Norfolk Council. “The American Library, based in Norwich’s Millennium Library, has undergone a transformation to bring the history of the 2nd Air Division to a new generation.”
• Northamptonshire – Mixed fortunes for county’s at-risk libraries – NN Journal. “Raunds Community Library Trust says another organisation has lodged an objection to the plans due to the way the council has handled the process. “
  • Latest chapter in Raunds Library saga as council U-turn opens bidding process – Northamptonshire Telegraph. “An announcement that a volunteer-run community library threatened with closure had formed a partnership with an educational trust has sparked a bidding war for the building and service.”
  • Northamptonshire LibraryPlus is delighted to announce the relaunch of Study Happy for 2022 – North Northamptonshire Council. “Starting in May, libraries across the county will provide dedicated areas and tailored resources for students to help them in their productivity and support their wellbeing. As well as free Wi-Fi and tablet use, the libraries will have a selection of stationery, and refreshments available, together with a variety of relaxing activities for revision breaks including games, fidget toys and even play dough.”
• North Yorkshire – Scarborough Library Asks “What Would Make You Use it More?” – This is the Coast. “The library team conducted an initial survey in the library and on social media, asking people what three things they wanted to see. The many suggestions covered accessibility, reading and study spaces, activities, exhibitions, meeting spaces, facilities for young people and much more. With these suggestions as a starting point, the library has launched a follow-up survey to learn people’s priorities for how they want to use the space and layout of the library.”
• Nottingham – Campaigners say threatened community libraries should be funded ahead of Central Library – West Bridgford Wire. “A campaigner fighting proposals to close three Nottingham libraries is ‘over the moon’ after the city council confirmed an opening date for the new central library – but said the services up for closure should be funded first instead.”
  • New pictures of £10.5 million Nottingham Central Library as opening announced – West Bridgford Wire. “Careful management of the city’s property portfolio and successful sales have made the development affordable from within the Council’s capital programme.”
  • Popular poet in Bulwell to speak against library closure plans – Dispatch. Henry Normal “Henry stressed that libraries were important focal points for local communities and he added that every book enabled the reader to immerse himself in a world of knowledge and imagination.
  • Work to start on new £10.5 million Nottingham library this summer, council announces – Nottingham Post. “the library would consist of three floors and include an extensive book collection, high-quality children’s library with a storytelling room, as well as a café and a reception area which can be converted into a performance space.”
• Portsmouth – Portsmouth chosen for first live-streamed reading of Michael Morpurgo’s new book for Queen’s Jubilee – Portsmouth City Council. “Best-selling children’s author Michael Morpurgo will read his brand-new book written for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, via a live-stream from Portsmouth Central Library, from 10.45am – 11.45am on Monday 23 May 2022.”
  • Portsmouth pupils have the chance to meet author and Blue Peter star Konnie Huq at a special event – The News. “The TV star will attend a Reading Sparks event at Portsmouth Central Library on May 26”
• Powys – Free iPads will help residents get online – My Newtown. “The ‘internet ready’ iPads are available to borrow for four weeks at a time. Each iPad holds a sim card with a mobile data allowance for anyone without a home Wi-Fi connection.”
• Sheffield – Competition launched to name Stocksbridge’s new town centre hub building – Welcome To Stocksbridge. “One of the key projects in the £24.1 million plan for Stocksbridge is to build a new Library and Community Hub building which will house a range of facilities, including high quality, managed workspace.”
  • Carnegie Letters (part one) – Reading Sheffield. The origins of Tinsley Library.
• Stoke on Trent – Council U-turn over Stoke-on-Trent library opening times in £280k shake-up – Stoke on Trent Live. “Plans to slash library opening times compared to pre-pandemic levels have been revised – following public opposition. Stoke-on-Trent City Council had proposed to reduce the opening hours of its six libraries, among a raft of other changes, saving £280,000 as part of this year’s budget cuts. During a public consultation on the proposals 60 per cent of people said they did not agree with the proposed opening hours – although most supported the overall strategy. Much of the opposition came from users of Bentilee Library, which was set to be cut to just two days a week under the original proposals, as was Meir Library.Now council leaders have amended the plans in light of the consultation responses. While the overall opening hours across the six libraries will be similar to what was originally proposed, Bentilee and Meir libraries have seen their hours increase”
• Suffolk – Corrin and friends from Chantry group complete cycling adventure for good cause – Ipswich Star. “Members of the Chantry Library’s Men’s Group completed a 300-mile cycling trip and raised more than £500 to support Suffolk Libraries.   Corrin Eaton, a founding member of the Men Can Talk social group at the Chantry Library, and others completed a three-day biking and camping adventure which started from Chantry Library and covered 44 libraries across Suffolk.”

• Dubrovnik library returns long-lost book to UK library after almost 64 years – Dubrovnik Times.

• West Sussex – New reminiscence packs added to West Sussex Library Service collection during Dementia Action Week – West Sussex County Council. “The new reminiscence packs will be available from Friday, 20 May, as Dementia Action Week draws to a close.”

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

Editorial

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

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

Changes by local authority

• Kent – Tunbridge Wells Library in new Amelia Scott Centre, co-location
• Perth and Kinross – Fines-free
• Stockport – Adswood and Bridgehall Libraries open on Saturdays.
• West Berkshire – Thatcham Library to be refurbished.

National news

• BIC’s EDI for Libraries Half-Day Training Course (online) – Book Industry Communication Ltd. Webinar, 19 may, 2pm to 5pm.
• CILIP Library and Information Supplier Showcase – Spring 2022 – CILIP. 12 May, London.

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

International news

• USA – Nashville library introduces ‘I read banned books’ card in protest at GOP efforts to restrict access to literature – Independent. “The library says it will issue 5,000 of the bright yellow limited-edition cards in Davidson County over the next month.”
  • 2022 Library Systems Report – American Libraries. “An industry disrupted”. Summary of major moves in the library management systems industry.
  • Boston Public Library will offer one-hour wedding ceremonies for $200 – Boston 25 News. “The Boston Public Library announced Monday it will start offering one-hour, $200 wedding ceremonies starting June 6. That price tag gets couples a ceremony with up to eight guests inside the historic Guastavino Room at the Central Library in Copley Square. Couples may bring an officiant and photographer, but food and beverage service, live music and additional furniture or decorations are not permitted.”
  • The history of bookmobiles: bookmobiles are here, and there and everywhere, to stay – Book Riot. “In 1859, a cart called the Perambulating Library, one of the earliest bookmobiles on record, rolled through the streets of Warrington, England. In 1905, bookmobiles arrived in the U.S. The first recorded traveling library popped up in Maryland. “
  • “Libraries are promoting an agenda to destroy families”: Idaho State Rep partners on program to removed books from libraries – Book Riot. “Comparing the current climate around book bannings to 9/11, Idaho State Representative Heather Scott introduced a workshop called “How to remove inappropriate materials from our schools/libraries” co-sponsored with Amy Henry, founder of Parents for Freedom and Liberty. The event, advertised through the official Idaho state legislature dispatch, called it a a way to learn what to do about “smut in our Idaho libraries.” … “In her opening remarks, Scott called for people to band together like they did in post-9/11 America in order to take back libraries.”

Local news by authority

• Bradford – Check out these old photos of Bradford libraries – Telegraph and Argus. History of the library service. Ends with “The story of Bradford libraries is more than a history of buildings; it’s about the ways libraries have adapted and continue to adapt. The focus now is making library buildings flexible for a range of facilities, activities and events, with partner services providing complementary services, making them community hubs. A recent funding award from Arts Council England means more libraries will have moveable shelving and meeting rooms installed, taking them into the future.”
• Denbighshire – Rhyl Library to celebrate Local History Month with new exhibitions – Rhyl Journal.
• Glasgow – Glasgow Election 2022: Future of libraries, museums and community centres at heart of election battle – Glasgow Live. “Venues were forced to close during the pandemic and income ‘fell off a cliff’ leading to questions over the future of Glasgow Life, the arms-length charity running the services.” … Library campaigner says ““You’re running statutory services such as libraries and you’re basing that on the number of gym memberships. That’s an unsustainable model.” … CILIPS says “We need a local government funding model that allows for robust backing for libraries.””
• Hertfordshire – Local History Month – Hertfordshire Council. “Local History Month is a national campaign co-ordinated by The Historical Association to increase awareness of local history and celebrate the depth and diversity of the collections held in libraries and archives across the UK during May.”
• Kent – KCC welcomes new facilities at Tunbridge Wells cultural hub – Kent Council. “the new cultural hub in Tunbridge Wells, which includes KCC’s library and Adult Education Centre, has been officially opened.” … “The £21 million project was delivered by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in partnership with Kent County Council, the National Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England to integrate and extend a range of cultural and learning facilities in the town. It is expected to attract nearly 500,000 visits each year and 18,000 learners on the site, and be a showcase for learning, culture and the arts.”
• Kirklees – Kirklees ‘Human Library’ event tackles the stigma of mental health – Kirklees Together.
• Leeds – Tiny 1911 Bible rediscovered at Leeds library in lockdown – Guardian. “It was discovered as a result of a comprehensive survey of uncatalogued items in the Leeds collections, carried out during Covid lockdowns.”
• Lincolnshire – Tarina Jones excited with Long Sutton Library set to reopen in May after roof repair works – Fenland Citizen. “ervice will end at 1pm on Saturday, May 7. The library will then be closed for two weeks whilst associated internal works are completed, all scaffolding at the site is safely removed and staff return library furniture and stock ready for the reopening. On Monday, May 23, the library will open its doors to the public again.”
• Liverpool – Governance consultation ballot boxes placed in One Stop Shops and libraries – Liverpool Express. “It is the latest phase of a consultation with residents, who are being asked the question: “How would you like Liverpool City Council to be run?””
  • Vote on future of Liverpool mayor and how city will governed underway as ballot boxes put in place -Liverpool World. “Liverpool City Council has placed ballot boxes in One Stop shops and libraries in the city for people to vote on how the city is governed.”
• Manchester – Former Corrie star set to appear at 2022 Libraries Festival – Manchester Evening News. “There will be 80 events in all, including panels, talks and workshops, at venues like the Central Library, Chetham’s Library, John Rylands, the Met and Manchester University libraries, and The Portico. Iconic Manchester poet Lemn Sissay has also been confirmed as ambassador for this year’s event.”
• Northern Ireland – Death positive library opens in Omagh to encourage discussion – BBC. “The death-positive library provides books to help people discuss this difficult and emotive subject. A dedicated bookshelf in Omagh’s main library will give people access to books on death, dying and grief.”
• Nottingham – Bulwell Riverside Library’s Business & IP Centre formally opens to support entrepreneurs – West Bridgford Wire. “Last week saw the formal opening of the Business & IP Centre local in Bulwell Riverside library. Additional centres at Beeston, Mansfield Central, Sutton-in-Ashfield libraries will also formally open throughout May and June.”
  • What happened at Nottingham protest over living standards and proposed library closures – Nottinghamshire Live. “Various groups are in attendance, for different causes … The Labour-run council is proposing to close Basford Library in Vernon Road, the Radford Lenton Library, in Lenton Boulevard, and Aspley Library, in Nuthall Road, to save hundreds of thousands of pounds.”
• Perth and Kinross – Courier opinion: Perth and Kinross libraries show kindness counts in our cost of living crisis – Courier. ” libraries are scrapping late return fees on books as part of efforts to help borrowers struggling with rising prices. It is a small gesture. But it says a lot about the fragile state of the world we are living in right now.”
  • New chapter as Perth and Kinross libraries scrap fines over cost of living crisis – Courier. “In the year before Covid-19, libraries in the region raked in £12,500 in fines – with the figure dropping to £5,400 for 2021/22 as the number of books borrowed plummeted. Helen Smout, chief executive, says the move will make libraries more “welcoming and inclusive places”. She said: “The traditional systems of library fines have always seemed to be contrary to these values, and I am delighted that we have been able to remove another potential barrier to making use of the wonderful free resources which libraries offer.”
• Renfrewshire – Keep the heid and have a read! Campaign encourages people to read for six minutes – Renfrewshire 24. “Described as a national reading moment, the Keep the Heid and Read! initiative is aimed at encouraging people to read every day to boost their mental health and wellbeing. Renfrewshire Libraries is part of this unique campaign being led by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).”
• Stockport – Come to Adswood and Bridgehall library – we have new Saturday opening times – Stockport Council. ” “We know that weekends are a popular time for people to visit their local library. Hopefully these new opening hours will help even more people to use the services on offer at Adswood and Bridgehall library at a time that suits them.”
• Suffolk – Suffolk: providing wellbeing support from libraries – LGA. “Libraries in Suffolk provide a comprehensive range of mental health and wellbeing help situated in the hearts of towns and villages across the county. “
• Tameside – Theatrical tribute to the Brontë sisters in Tameside – Quest Media Network. “Thanks to a partnership with award-winning Stute Theatre, Tameside Council has arranged for two performances of ‘I am No Bird’ to take place at Droylsden Library on Monday 9 May. As would be expected both are close to being sold out.”
• Warwickshire – Councillors and Kenilworth Deputy Mayor visit exciting Breaking the News exhibition at Kenilworth Library – Warwickshire Council. “The localised exhibition in Warwickshire is part of a collective of more than 30 libraries across the UK hosting the exhibition pop-ups, and runs alongside the major Breaking the News exhibition at the British Library in London from 22 April to 21 August 2022. The Breaking the News exhibition is being delivered in Warwickshire in partnership with the British Library’s Living Knowledge Network.”
• West Berkshire – Temporary Thatcham Library location discussed in possible refurbishment delay – Newbury Today. “Thatcham Library is due to undergo a refurbishment and discussions are being had as to where the service can be temporarily accessed once works begin. The building refurbishment, which was approved on February 4, will see the Bath Road facility get a new disabled-access toilet and entrance area.”

Editorial

At the time of writing this, World Book Night was yesterday. For those libraries who are successful in bidding for free books, it’s a wonderful way to promote their services and reading, although the glory days some of us remember of truly huge numbers of books being given out may be over. Also promoting reading is the Big Jubilee Read which has been released, although it’s adult-only book list means such authors as Rowling are unfortunately missing. The Jubilee is shaping up to be huge and the Read is, I am sure, just one of the ways that public libraries will get involved, including the news of a gift of 5000 Morpurgo books. For those who wish to see how important libraries are all the year around then the Dorset survey makes interesting reading.

Across the pond, the descent of politics into sharp and extreme division is leading to a fight over what books can be bought for library stock and, also, how much power local politicians have over libraries. The sector has long been semi-independent in many states and so this is a worry developing for many American libraries who value their freedom from politicians. Meanwhile, the fight for freedom against Russian tyranny means news continues to be made in the Ukraine with librarians and libraries helping the fight.

Changes by local authority

• Essex – Guarantee no libraries will close for four years.

National news

• Abdulrazak Gurnah and the Big Jubilee Read from the Library of Birmingham – BBC Radio 4. “… And how are libraries faring ten years on from the first austerity cuts and two years after the pandemic? Briony Birdi of the University of Sheffield explains.”
• Breaking the News exhibition shows Edward Snowden’s smashed drives – New Scientist. “The exhibition runs until 21 August at the British Library and then at more than 30 public libraries across the UK.” see also Breaking the News – British Library.
• Designing Libraries Round Table – Designing Libraries. “23 delegates – representing sector organisations, allied professions, suppliers and sponsors – attended the event and made a number of observations and recommendations for the website’s future direction and content. They suggested five potential workstreams for further exploration: inspiration, advocacy, education, marketplace and community.”
• HarperCollins and Reading Agency to give away 5,000 copies of Morpurgo book for jubilee – BookSeller. “Morpurgo said he was delighted by the initiative. “Libraries have been and continue to be a constant in our communities, our schools, and lives,” he said. “Libraries, and particularly the librarians who work in them, are vital for us all but especially for those who need them most: those with least, young and old.”  
• Human libraries, where you can ‘borrow a person’, could help tackle prejudice and other preconceived ideas – Karyn McCluskey – Scotsman. Partial paywall.
• Libraries, Early Years and Family Hubs – Local Government Association. Webinar, Thursday 19 May, 14-16.
• Paintings in Hospitals Brings Art to Better Libraries – Pressat. “Paintings in Hospitals and charitable social enterprise Better announce Art Meets Book, a collaborative project bringing art exhibitions and workshops to communities in London and the West Midlands via local libraries. The project is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.”
• Platinum Jubilee: The Big Jubilee Read is revealed but misses one major author – Royal Central. “A judge from the BBC reading list said there was an extensive discussion about Rowling, but it was decided Harry Potter was more of a ‘children’s book’ and it would not be included in the final list. Professor of modern literature at Queen Mary University, Susheila Nasta, said of the decision: “There was some discussion about Harry Potter, but I think the feeling, in the end, was it was primarily a children’s book. It was decided to make space for a book that was good and equally well received.””
• Rethinking Librarianship with a human touch: experiences of an Indian library professional at IFLA – CILIP ILIG. “Arjun Sanyal, a young library professional from the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, India, the recipient of the 2021 Alan Hopkinson Award, will talk about his experiences of participating in the virtual IFLA WLIC 2021 that emboldened him to rethink the idea of librarianship as a human-centred paradigm underpinned by the notion of social justice and empowerment.”
• #VoteLibraries in the local & national elections 2022 – CILIP. “CILIP is asking our members to reach out to your local candidates and encourage them to ‘Vote Libraries’ in recognition of the tremendous social and economic impact that strong local library services provide to a community.”

International news

• Ukraine – In Lviv, Ukrainian volunteers create camo netting and community – NBC News. “Near the corner of the square, inside an ornate building that now houses a youth library, volunteers convene to create camouflage nets for soldiers on the front lines. Built in the 17th century with walls carrying ornamental painted trim and vaulted ceilings, this library has made room for one of the many beating hearts of volunteer work and Ukrainian patriotism within a city that’s served as a relative safe haven from the horrors of Kyiv, Bucha and the eastern front.” … “In this library, where locals still borrow books and which once housed royalty and then a seminary, volunteers have made more than 500 nets that collectively stretch over 32,000 square feet.”
  • Ukraine blog – The secret weapon in Ukraine’s fight against Russia – libraries – Library Campaign. “Far from being passive victims, the country’s libraries are involved in the fight for victory. Just as British Libraries encouraged their patrons to Read for Victory during WW2 and embedded themselves as Information Bureaus within their local communities, so too are Ukrainian libraries playing vital roles within this conflict.”

• USA – Why Libraries May Never Stop Being People Places – New York Times. “Libby suggests, intentionally or not, that public libraries, the actual buildings, are no longer necessary, that libraries have become — like everything and everyone else — place-less purveyors of content. But if during the past couple of years you replaced in-person library visits with an app, you may be missing out. What many public libraries have done, despite Covid and because of it, is consciously enhance their physical presence on the street and in the neighborhood.”

As Mr. Reyes-Gavilan put it about the King Memorial Library roof deck, “When I’m up there on a warm day like today, people are so thankful that such a space exists.” Or, as Ms. Houben, who argues that every library needs a garden, suggested, “A library should be so nice that you bring your own book, right?”

• New Kentucky Law Hands Control of Libraries to Local Politicians – Publishers Weekly. “Kentucky Republicans say the issue is “accountability,” pointing out that most of Kentucky’s public library boards can levy taxes and should therefore “answer to someone elected by voters.” But critics say the bill is in fact a thinly veiled effort to “politicize” library boards, and give unprecedented control over library operations to politicians.”

Local news by authority

• Cumbria – Cumbrian libraries give out free books for World Book Night – News and Star. “Adult Learning Teams will support the Libraries Service in offering the books to groups that use libraries to develop their literacy and English language skills. “
• Devon – Library exhibition celebrates female football – North Devon Gazette. “Supported by an Arts Council England DYCP grant, photographer Amanda McCormack spent six months capturing images of Fremington FC’s female teams from the Wildcats, who start at five years-old, to the women’s team aged 16 and up.  “
• Dorset – Joint Overview Committee to review draft Library strategy – Dorset Council. Interesting look at what the public values in a library. “The consultation did not include any proposals for change, it sought the views of library users and non-users, partners, businesses, and employees to understand how the service could better meet the needs of residents now and in the future.”
  • Importance of Dorset libraries highlighted – Dorset Echo. “In the consultation, younger people said they would like to see more clubs in the library as well as arts and crafts sessions and board games. Those over 16 wanted a better range of stock and suggested a coffee shop. Responses from businesses and partners showed a need for community spaces, hot-desking and co-working spaces, and the ability for organisations to use libraries to run clinics or groups to support communities with health, wellbeing, and safety.”
• Essex – Essex libraries safe for at least four more years – Thurrock Gazette. “The initiative was signed-off after an eight-week public consolation period in which the views of thousands of residents were taken on board. The project promises to increase the range of online resources available while also investing in training and the upskilling of staff at Essex’s 74 libraries.”

• New creative writing workshops launched in Essex and Thurrock – In Your Area. “A mentorship for under-represented writers will be working with Essex & Thurrock Libraries and Essex Book Festival to deliver creative writing workshops to aspiring authors who are interested in writing for children and young adults, during May 2022.”
• Hertfordshire – £185,000 to fund youth voice project for Herts libraries – Bishop’s Stortford Independent. “The project is part of the Volunteering Futures programme distributed by Arts Council England … The money will be used to fund My Voice, a county-wide project aimed at increasing and improving volunteering opportunities for 16- to 24-year-olds within, and on behalf of, the library service.”
• Inverclyde – Easter ‘crafternoons’ at Inverclyde Libraries – Greenock Telegraph. “Local youngsters have been glueing, cutting and colouring at libraries across the district as part of the popular holiday craft sessions.”
• Kirklees – Dewsbury and Birstall libraries to hold drop-in advice sessions for parents – Dewsbury Reporter. “Parents and carers of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are invited to the sessions which will allow families to discover more about SEND activities, support and services.”

• Middlesbrough – Middlesbrough library grant to tackle digital exclusion – BBC. £270K through Life Improvement Fund. “The funding for the Grade II-listed central library will be used for computers and printing facilities and create a “21st Century service”.”
• North Somerset – Call for memories to create jubilee bunting – Weston Mercury. “Residents are being invited to put a memory from the past 70 years onto a flag which will be made into bunting to decorate North Somerset’s libraries. The memory can be personal, to remember a loved one for example, an event in family life, or a national event. Free workshops are being arranged where people can go along and find out more and complete a flag for the bunting. “
• North Yorkshire – Families welcomed into library’s new-look children’s area – Harrogate News. “The new layout allows children to read in a cosy hideaway or sit under a large tree which is lined with brightly coloured comfortable seating. Mobile shelving has been added to enable flexible use of the space for events and activities, including the popular weekly story times and half-term craft and theatre sessions. The library has also benefitted from a £3,000 investment in reading material including picture books, board books and audio books, as well as popular junior fiction and non-fiction titles”
  • A chance to learn the Yorkshire lingo at the library – The Press. “Events will be held in libraries around the county as Ryedale Folk Museum and the Dales Countryside Museum theme the month around dialect and language. These events are part of a research project into how we speak, led by the University of Leeds.”
• Nottingham – One Hyson: Growing Together – Libraries project funded by Arts Council England (ACE) Libraries Improvement Fund – Nottingham Council. £114k.
  • Nottingham City Council defends decision to close three libraries – LocalGov. “‘The council needs to save money because it has wasted money on vanity projects. That’s not the fault of the libraries. The council is currently employing consultants at a cost of £1,000 a day. They clearly have money. This is about priorities.’” but council says “I certainly didn’t come into politics to close libraries, but we are facing a financial reality which requires incredibly difficult decisions to be made. There is no doubt that there has been a national decline in library usage over the last ten years which has been mirrored in Nottingham, further accelerated by the pandemic. We therefore need to shape our library service to meet emerging and future needs.”
  • Campaign grows as three Nottingham libraries face axe – BBC. “A campaign to save three of Nottingham’s libraries has been gaining traction in recent weeks as thousands of people have signed a petition to keep them open and 100 writers, poets and librarians signed an open letter to the city council leader.”
• Stockport – Edgeley, Great Moor and Reddish libraries go Open+ – Stockport Council. “Open+ is a great way for residents to get the most out of their local library. Once locals have signed up the scheme they can use the library at a time convenient to them, making our services more available to those who may not be able to use the library during staffed hours.””
• Suffolk – Chantry men’s wellbeing group take up ‘new fight’ with 300-mile challenge – Ipswich Star. “The idea to cycle between all 44 of the county’s libraries was born after Corrin Eaton, a founding member of the Men Can Talk social group at Chantry Library, wanted to do something to help the venue that provides a home for the support group. “
• Torbay – Libraries Unlimited South West – Torbay Lottery. “We offer free access to thousands of books, eBooks, audiobooks, eAudiobooks, online reference, music and magazines. Each of our libraries runs numerous events and activities for all the family, and staff are on hand to help you find anything you need. We need your help so we can continue to offer and develop our service in Torbay. Thank you for your support and good luck” £624 of £1300 raised.
• Wakefield – Explore science and industry at this year’s WordFest – Wakefield Express. “The festival, which runs throughout May 2022 and features daily digital activities, a youth-led sister festival ‘LitFest’ producing a ‘zine’ written and edited by young people. All libraries will become WordLabs – with competitions for children and word-themed challenges being set every week such as mini-catapult making, Lego tower building and paper aeroplane design.”