York Press : 5th February
Deal will see social enterprise running York’s libraries
The society, Explore Libraries and Archive Mutual, will be mainly funded by the council but will work on an independent basis, jointly owned by staff and residents who will be able to stand for election to its board. It has been supported with £100,000 of funding from the Cabinet Office.  The move has been opposed by unions who have claimed employees will take on the service’s financial risks and raised questions about the enterprise’s business plan and accountability. The deal is expected to be rubber-stamped next Tuesday.http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/10987523.Deal_will_see_social_enterprise_running_York___s_libraries/?ref=rss

About My Area : 5th February
Culture Minister Praises Northants Libraries After Towcester Visit
Mr Vaizey said: ” ….  It’s an example from which others can learn”
http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Northamptonshire/Towcester/NN12/News/Local-News/267079-Culture-Minister-Praises-Northants-Libraries-After-Towcester-Visit

But might this be at all relevant – 2013?
Nearly a score of Northamptonshire libraries suffered during unscheduled closures this year
http://www.northampton-news-hp.co.uk/News/Northampton-News/Nearly-a-score-of-Northamptonshire-libraries-suffered-during-unscheduled-closures-this-year-20130618160027.htm

Public Libraries News : 4th February
Editorial | Think big by thinking small: Fab Labs for everyone
http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/2014/02/think-big-by-thinking-small-fab-labs-for-everyone.html

York Press : 4th February
£20m budget cuts agreed by council front bench
The library service will be reviewed, with some libraries possibly closing unless communities take them over, and some children’s centres also face closure while a “significant” number of jobs will be lost.
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/NEWS/10986401.__20m_budget_cuts_agreed_by_council_front_bench/

Birmingham Mail : 5th February
Inner-city community libraries face closure due to new £187 million Library of Birmingham 
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/inner-city-community-libraries-face-closure-6672545

birmingham