admin – Page 25 – The Library Campaign

Renfrewshire 24 News : 9 March
Funding boost means green light for £5m High Street library
Plans for Paisley Central Library to be relocated from its existing home adjoining Paisley Museum to location on High Street to form a new learning and cultural centre.
http://www.renfrewshire24.co.uk/2017/03/09/funding-boost-means-green-light-for-5m-high-street-library/

The Star : 9 March
Sheffield | New library will be in the heart of the city
Cabinet member refutes claims made
http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/your-say/new-library-will-be-in-the-heart-of-the-city-1-8429051

Wharfedale Observer : 8 March
Guiseley library will be moved from its “perfect” location
Plans to move the centrally located library into the Leisure Centre criticised
http://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/news/15143838.Guiseley_library_will_be_moved_from_its__quot_perfect_quot__location/

Bath Chronicle : 9 March
Bath Central Library consultation so confusing it is ‘of little use’, lawyer says
http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/public-consultation-on-bath-library-s-future-so-confusing-it-is-of-little-use-lawyer-says/story-30192334-detail/story.html

Craven Herald : 9 March
North Yorkshire | More volunteers needed at Skipton library
http://www.cravenherald.co.uk/news/15145504.More_volunteers_needed_at_Skipton_Library/

News and Views

March 8, 2017 admin No Comments

Huddersfield Examiner : 7 March

As more libraries in Kirklees face the axe, what can communities do?

Volunteer-run ‘library’, open just four hours a week in a church hall. Call for customers to use the facility.

Please take a moment to watch the video.

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/more-libraries-kirklees-face-axe-12701056

Lancashire Telegraph : 7 March

County culture boss hits back at MP’s Whalley Library claim http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/ribble_valley/15136300.County_culture_boss_boss_hits_back_at_MP__39_s_Whalley_Library_claim/

Lancashire Post : 7 March

Anger as removal van arrives at closed down library – on World Book Day

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/anger-as-removal-van-arrives-at-closed-down-library-on-world-book-day-1-8426077

PRIVATE EYE | Issue No. 1439

Library News | Closures & brutal budget cuts

available to purchase

Fife Today : 8 March

Library savour group press on despite concerns

http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/business/library-savour-group-press-on-despite-concerns-1-4386180

Gazette & Herald : 8 March

North Yorkshire | Work underway to create community library in Norton

Volunteers needed to help in the library and to help with cleaning, painting and general maintenance

http://www.lep.co.uk/news/anger-as-removal-van-arrives-at-closed-down-library-on-world-book-day-1-8426077

Bournemouth Echo : 8 March

Bournemouth and Poole could create joint tourism and library services to save £1m

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/15140726.Bournemouth_and_Poole_could_create_joint_tourism_and_library_services_to_save___1m/

Blackpool Gazette : 8 March

How reluctant readers can discover the joy of books

Essential role played by library staff and need for good access to libraries highlighted

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/how-reluctant-readers-can-discover-the-joy-of-books-1-8426372

Hereford Times : 8 March

Kington Library ‘vulnerable’ due to no permanent staff, says town councillor

http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/15140762.Library_to_have_no_permanent_staff_leading_to_fears_over_its_future/

Local Guardian : 8 March

Last chance for Battersea residents to have say on Northcote library and community hall

http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/local/15141670.Last_chance_to_have_your_say_on_Northcote_library_and_community_hall/

Liverpool Echo : 8 March
5 things we learnt from “the most distasteful council meeting in memory”

The Mayor’s proposals could also see four of the city’s libraries close down in two years as the council looks to find £1.6m in the year 2018/19, something which prompted protests from library campaigners outside the meeting. But the Mayor said tonight it his “not his intention to close any libraries” and said a new taskforce will explore all options of how to make the savings.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/5-things-learnt-the-most-12714123

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March 7, 2017 admin No Comments

The Guardian : 7 March

Councils are facing bankruptcy – is this the end of public service?

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/mar/06/councils-local-authorities-bankruptcy-public-service

Huddersfield Examiner : 7 March

Kirklees: Developer offers new library for Mirfield – if he can turn old one into an upmarket restaurant

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/developer-offers-new-library-mirfield-12700276

Craven Herald : 7 March

North Yorkshire | Bentham library to get new home

The library is to move and be taken under the wing of a community charity from April, run by a team of volunteers.

http://www.cravenherald.co.uk/news/15137977.Bentham_library_to_get_new_home/

The Press : 7 March

York | Haxby library plan

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/15136599.Haxby_library_plan/

Bradford Telegraph : 7 March

Management committee formed as Silsden Library becomes community-run facility

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/15137553.Management_committee_formed_as_Silsden_Library_becomes_community_run_facility/

Milngavie Herald : 7 March

East Dunbartonshire | New Bearsden Hub is officially opened today

Putting a range of council services under one roof, including the ‘re-provisioning’ of the library

http://www.milngavieherald.co.uk/news/new-bearsden-hub-is-officially-opened-today-1-4385391

Daily Record : 7 March

West Dunbartonshire | library reopens after £100k revamp

‘The facility has seen a massive overhaul and has now become the first of its kind outside Glasgow, offering free use of 12 computers to residents as well as complementary Wi-Fi.’

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/balloch-library-reopens-after-100k-9983348

Northern Echo : 7 March

Darlington Crown Street Library: Plans go back before councillors tonight ahead of final vote on closure

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/15135557.Darlington_Crown_Street_Library__Plans_go_back_before_councillors_tonight_ahead_of_final_vote_on_closure/

The Jewish Chronicle : 7 March

Barnet | Kisharon opens new chapter by taking over Childs Hill Library

From April, learning disability charity Kisharon will be responsible for the running of the library in Cricklewood Lane, in association with Barnet Mencap.’

‘Kisharon’s mission is to help those with learning difficulties gain independence and lead fulfilling working lives. It creates job opportunities through partnerships with local businesses and it is hoped the library will offer further opportunities for clients to gain work experience and learn new skills.’

‘Councillor Reuben Thompstone, chair of Barnet’s Children, Education, Safeguarding and Libraries Committee, said: “Community-run libraries are already working well across the UK. In Barnet, they will form a vital part of our strategy to keep all 14 of our libraries open.” ‘

https://www.thejc.com/community/community-news/kisharon-opens-new-chapter-by-taking-over-childs-hill-library-1.433922

Essex Live : 7 March

Writtle residents pitch pop-up cinema and jazz workshop among ideas for spare library space

Several residents come up with ideas to fill empty space in library left after post office relocated. Ideas include a food bank, a permanent chess club, a pop-up community cinema and a jazz club.

http://www.essexlive.news/pop-up-cinema-jazz-workshop-writtle-residents-pitch-ideas-for-spare-library-space/story-30186723-detail/story.html

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March 6, 2017 admin No Comments

Blackpool Gazette : 6 March

Lancashire | Hopes high as library rescue plans discussed at County Hall

Bids received from groups to run two libraries

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/hopes-high-as-library-rescue-plans-discussed-at-county-hall-1-8423377

Jesmond Local : 6 March

Tyne & Wear | Jesmond Library to receive £50,000 grant for major revamp

The project will renovate the upper room, which used to serve as the librarian’s office but is currently unused (as the library is now run by volunteers), and will create a new space for community use.

http://jesmondlocal.com/2017/03/jesmond-library-to-receive-50000-grant-for-major-revamp/

Mix96 Radio : 6 March

Tourist info & library services to merge in Wycombe district

http://www.mix96.co.uk/news/local/2237578/tourist-info–library-services-to-merge-in-wycombe-district/

Plymouth Herald : 6 March

‘Read-in’ library protest shows strength of feeling, says organiser

includes video

http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/read-in-library-protest-shows-strength-of-feeling-says-organiser/story-30181294-detail/story.html

Plymouth Herald : 6 March

Libraries gave us power – but do we care enough to save them?

http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/libraries-gave-us-power-but-do-we-care-enough-to-save-them/story-30182599-detail/story.html

Grimsby Telegraph : 6 March

Work begins on £270,000 revamp to create tea room and hub at Grant Thorold Library

http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/work-begins-on-270-000-revamp-to-create-tea-room-and-hub-at-grant-thorold-library/story-30180872-detail/story.html

Express and Star : 6 March

New cinema, civic centre and food quarter planned in Cannock masterplan

Council bosses want to develop a new ‘civic quarter’ on the Beecroft Road car park which would also accommodate Cannock Library.

http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2017/03/06/new-cinema-civic-centre-and-food-quarter-planned-in-cannock-masterplan/

Brighouse Echo : 6 March

Calderdale | Inside the Council: Scott Benton (Leader, Conservative Group)

‘A reduction in spending on our libraries will inevitably undermine the service as the model pursued by Lib/Lab has been shown to lead to reductions in other local authorities over recent years. This may mean that some libraries will close.’

http://www.brighouseecho.co.uk/news/politics/inside-the-council-scott-benton-leader-conservative-group-1-8414929

Guide & Gazette : 6 March

Angus Council | Carnoustie Library closes today

Extensive refit and refurbishment with co-location of council services

http://www.guideandgazette.co.uk/news/carnoustie-library-closes-today-1-4384025

The Northern Echo : 6 March
Darlington library plans to go back before councillors on Tuesday ahead of a final vote

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/15135557.Darlington_library_plans_to_go_back_before_councillors_on_Tuesday_ahead_of_a_final_vote/

Local Guardian : 6 March

Hundreds of thousands of pounds to be cut from Surrey County Council’s libraries budget

http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/15136754.Hundreds_of_thousands_of_pounds_to_be_cut_from_county__39_s_libraries_budget/

The Bookseller : 6 March

Kaufman’s wisdom on libraries

http://www.thebookseller.com/blogs/kaufman-s-wisdom-libraries-500081

News and Views

March 5, 2017 admin No Comments

Plymouth Herald : 5 March
‘Read-in’ protest against plans to close Plymouth library
http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/read-in-protest-against-plans-to-close-plymouth-library/story-30181294-detail/story.html

York Press : 5 March
£500,000 for Haxby Memorial Hall plans
The city council is planning to put £500,000 into redeveloping Haxby Memorial Hall, so the town’s library can move in.
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/15134989.__500_000_for_Haxby_Memorial_Hall_plans/

Newbury Today : 5 March
West Berkshire | Wash Common library set to close at the end of the month
http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/home/20811/wash-common-library-set-to-close-at-the-end-of-the-month.html

Bath Chronicle : 5 March
Confusion rife over the future of Bath central library
Council accused of changing the goalposts and consultation process is confusing with three different iterations, plus extending consultation period but without notification. Was the consultation wording changed as a result of threat of legal action by campaigners?
http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/confusion-rife-over-the-future-of-bath-central-library/story-30180796-detail/story.html

Keighley News : 5 March
Bradford | Management committee formed as Silsden Library becomes community-run facility
http://www.keighleynews.co.uk/news/15134625.Management_committee_formed_as_Silsden_Library_becomes_community_run_facility/

News and Views

March 4, 2017 admin No Comments

Plymouth Herald : 3 March

People think Plymouth library closures plan is ‘a done deal’

Plymouth City Council bosses say they are disappointed with the take-up, which represents just 1.4 % of all library users, putting it down to “an element of apathy” and the perception that a decision has already been made.

http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/people-think-plymouth-library-closures-plan-is-a-done-deal/story-30177353-detail/story.html

Sheffield Telegraph : 4 March

Town Hall in the frame for new Central Library

http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/town-hall-in-the-frame-for-new-central-library-1-8420622

BBC News : 4 March

Berkshire | Cash-strapped council closes Wash Common library

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-39165890

Ledbury Reporter : 4 March

North Herefordshire | Leintwardine Library bucks national trend to increase visitor numbers

http://www.ledburyreporter.co.uk/news/15134095.Leintwardine_Library_bucks_national_trend_to_increase_visitor_numbers/

Bath Chronicle : 4 March

LETTER: Bath Central Library study space is great – why not create more, better free spaces to work

http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/library-study-space-is-a-great-place-to-work/story-30172520-detail/story.html

News and Views

March 3, 2017 admin No Comments

Bucks Free Press: 2 March

Tourist centres in High Wycombe, Marlow and Princes Risborough to merge with library service in bid to save £200,000

Wycombe District Council will pay Bucks County Council Library Services to run the information service, which has centres in High Wycombe, Marlow and Princes Risborough, from April 1.

http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/NEWS/15126295.Tourist_centres_to_merge_with_library_service_in_bid_to_save___200_000/

Times Series : 3 March
Schoolkids celebrate World Book Day by protesting Barnet Council’s library cuts at East Finchley Library
http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/15131946._Don_t_lock_us_out___Costumed_kids_call_for_council_library_compassion/

Hawick News : 3 March

Scottish Borders | End of story for national newspapers at Hawick library

A spokesperson for Live Borders quoted: “We felt that to stock a full range of national papers to avoid any political bias would be an unnecessary cost to the service.”

http://www.hawick-news.co.uk/news/politics/end-of-story-for-national-newspapers-at-hawick-library-1-4382017

The Guardian : 3 March

Cuts to Sunderland’s homeless services: a bitter taste of things to come

‘Like many other councils, Sunderland has proposed closing many libraries and suggesting communities run them instead. The richer the borough, the more likely it is people can afford to get involved in running a library for free, penalising poor areas by design. But community-run libraries are never as successful or inclusive as properly run libraries: librarians are professionals, who curate and perform outreach rather than simply shelf stack.’

https://www.theguardian.com/housing-network/2017/mar/03/cuts-sunderland-homeless-services-local-authorities

Essex Live : 3 March

Brentwood Library to stay at its current home amidst town hall move rumours

http://www.essexlive.news/brentwood-library-to-stay-at-its-current-home/story-30176719-detail/story.html

BBC News : 3 March

Wash Common library to close

http://bbc.in/2lB4Liw

Forest of Dean Review : 3 March

Monmouthshire | Views sought

http://www.theforestreview.co.uk/article.cfm?id=106516&headline=Library%20views%20sought&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2017

Grimsby Telegraph : 3 March

Warning of the many changes hidden within the gobbledegook – letter

http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/the-many-changes-hidden-within-the-gobbledegook/story-30175310-detail/story.html

Evening Standard : 3 March

£2bn sell-off of Haringey Council property ‘will force out families and destroy community’

The £2 billion proposal will shift huge swathes of public property including homes, schools, business premises and libraries into private hands. Critics also say the regeneration will drive up rents and destroy the community.

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/2bn-selloff-of-haringey-council-property-will-force-out-families-and-destroy-community-a3480646.html

Echo News : 3 March

Basildon | Wickford’s £1.5m revamp will include library at its core, say senior councillors

http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/15130519.Town___s___1_5m_revamp_will_include_library_at_its_core/

Samantha Galbraith image 4 - People's Lives

News and Views

March 2, 2017 admin No Comments

The Guardian : 2 March

World Book Day: Without libraries we are less human and more profoundly alone

https://www.theguardian.com/voluntary-sector-network/2017/mar/02/without-libraries-and-librarians-we-are-less-human-and-more-profoundly-alone

Daily Echo : 2 March

More than a dozen Hampshire libraries closed – on World Book day

!http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/15126786.It_s_World_Book_Day___and_more_than_a_DOZEN_libraries_in_Hampshire_aren_t_opening_/

Cambridge News : 2 March

Demolition of historic Milton Road library gets go-ahead

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/demolition-historic-milton-road-library-12676793

Sunderland Echo : 2 March

Council in talks over future of Sunderland libraries

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/education/council-in-talks-over-future-of-sunderland-libraries-1-8417171

Northern Echo : 2 March

Sunderland | Groups sought to run local libraries

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/15130192.Groups_sought_to_run_local_libraries/

Swindon Advertiser : 2 March

Communities step in to save libraries

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/15128502.Communities_step_in_to_save_libraries/

East Anglian Daily Times : 2 March

Suffolk | Pop-up libraries in Red Lodge, Shotley and Moreton Hall: Is this needed in your area?

http://www.eadt.co.uk/what-s-on/pop_up_libraries_in_red_lodge_shotley_and_moreton_hall_is_this_needed_in_your_area_1_4912866

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March 1, 2017 admin No Comments

The Bookseller : 28 February

Libraries ‘crucial’ for the nation’s engagement in literature, says RSL

http://www.thebookseller.com/news/rsl-report-finds-libraries-crucial-nations-engagement-literature-499471

Fife Today : 1 March

Farewell to Kinghorn’s librarian

Community-led library to open in its place

http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/lifestyle/farewell-to-kinghorn-s-librarian-1-4379731

Gazette & Herald : 1 March

North Yorkshire | Appeal for volunteers to run Helmsley community library

http://www.gazetteherald.co.uk/news/15113140.Appeal_for_volunteers_to_run_community_library/

Border Telegraph : 1 March

Scottish Borders: Anger as daily newspapers are axed from libraries

Trust put in place to protect and enhance services, cuts national daily newspapers from libraries

http://www.bordertelegraph.com/news/15124863.Anger_as_daily_newspapers_are_axed_from_libraries/

Newbury Today : 1 March

West Berkshire | Hope for Wash Common library

Volunteers encouraged to take on the running of a library earmarked for closure

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/home/20768/hope-for-wash-common-library.html Newbury

Today : 1 March

West Berkshire | Future funding for libraries will not come from parish donations

Request for funds is a one-off, councillor. Services may be scaled back if funds are not forthcoming. Policy of one member of library staff supported by volunteers mentioned.

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/home/20767/future-funding-for-libraries-will-not-come-from-parish-donations.html

Leigh Journal : 1 March

Wigan | Letter | Saving library

http://www.leighjournal.co.uk/yoursay/leighetters/15060411.Saving_library/

Plymouth Herald : 1 March

‘Mass read-in’ to save Plymouth library from closure

http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/mass-read-in-to-save-plymouth-library-from-closure/story-30172004-detail/story.html

Bath Chronicle : 1 March

Everything you need to know about the Bath central library move consultation Suspicion increases on discovering that consultation extended by 3 weeks but extension was not announced

http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/campaigners-suspicious-about-extension-of-public-consultation-about-bath-central-library-move/story-30172846-detail/story.html

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February 28, 2017 admin No Comments

Herald Scotland : 27 February

Rosemary Goring: To axe librarians is to treat learning with utter contempt

http://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/15121547.Rosemary_Goring__To_axe_librarians_is_to_treat_learning_with_utter_contempt/

View News : 28 February

Devon | Brand new Ottery St Mary library opens to the public

https://www.viewnews.co.uk/brand-new-ottery-st-mary-library-opens-public/

Lancashire Telegraph : 28 February

Ribble Valley MP blasts Lancashire County Council over Whalley Library sale plan

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/15121190.MP_in_new_library_closure_blast_at_Lancashire_County_Council/

2BR : 28 February

Lancashire | Whalley library is put up for sale again

Library back on market as no volunteers to run it

http://www.2br.co.uk/news/local-news/2234210/whalley-library-is-put-up-for-sale-again/

Lancashire Telegraph : 28 February

Library group in Oswaldtwistle has new leader
Group chair steps down due to work commitments

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/15120821.Library_group_has_new_leader/

Spalding Guardian : 28 February

320 books borrowed in first week at new Holbeach library

Holbeach is one of 36 of Lincolnshire’s ‘community hubs’ led by volunteers with the support of GLL, the council’s library provider.

http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/320-books-borrowed-in-first-week-at-new-holbeach-library-1-7843448

Swindon 24 : 28 February

A dozen expressions of interest received for running community libraries

https://www.swindon24.co.uk/community/dozen-expressions-interest-received-running-community-libraries/

Swindon Advertiser : 28 February

Nice spot for a Shame of Swindon award

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/features/15122246.Nice_spot_for_a_Shame_of_Swindon_award/

Biggin Hill News : 28 February

Kent | Library volunteers can change lives

http://www.biggin-hill-today.co.uk/article.cfm?id=113303

This is Wiltshire : 28 February

Big plans revealed for town’s historic library

http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/15122738.Big_plans_revealed_for_town_s_historic_library/

News and Views

February 27, 2017 admin No Comments

Basildon Echo : 27 February
£1.5million regeneration will see library and community centre move
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/15119451.__1_5million_regeneration_will_see_library_and_community_centre_move/

Evening Times : 27 February
Glasgow librarians share gong for helping city fall in love with reading
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/15119336.Glasgow_librarians_share_gong_for_helping_city_love_reading/

The Courier : 27 February
Fife | Candlelit vigil to mark closure of Pittenweem library
Library to close and be replaced by volunteer-run facility in Old Town Hall
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/fife/377140/candlelit-vigil-to-mark-closure-of-pittenweem-library/

Chew Valley Gazette : 27 February
B&NES Council approves budget in wake of opposition
Council decision to relocate Bath central library from its current home to Council Buildings has proven to be contentious. Protesters fear that the move will see a reduction in the number of books stored at the library. However, those in North East Somerset, including Chew Valley residents, where library access is limited to mobile services or the converted telephone book exchanges, the news that the council would be putting £160,000 towards community library developments was welcomed.
http://www.chewvalleygazette.co.uk/article.cfm?id=101585

Cambs Times : 27 February
Devon | Crowds take a peek at Ottery’s new library
Library moved from the Flexton to the former NatWest building
http://www.cambstimes.co.uk/news/crowds_take_a_peek_at_ottery_s_new_library_1_4907962

Cambridge News : 27 February
Cambridge 1930s library set to be bulldozed
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/cambridge-1930s-library-set-bulldozed-12663807

Grimsby Telegraph : 27 February
Lincolnshire | Vital town arts centre secures charity status after funding axe
Caistor facility including library gains charitable status giving potential access to additional funding
http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/charitable-status-for-vital-town-arts-centre/story-30164330-detail/story.html