Author: Elizabeth Ash

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

Public Libraries News : 10th March
It figures? A look at the real spending on English public libraries 2007/12 
http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/2013/03/it-figures-a-look-at-the-real-spending-on-uk-public-libraries-200712.html

Messenger Newspapers : 11th March
Controversial changes agreed by council executive
Labour councillor, Tom Ross, questioned how Cllr Blackburn could claim to have listened to the public, as 73 per cent of those asked were opposed to the changes. The proposal was passed by the executive, along with changes to library services, which will see full time staff gradually phased out and more volunteers brought in.
http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/10274956.Cotroversial_changes_to_Trafford___s_children___s_centres__libraries_and_adult_social_care_provision_agreed_by_council_executive/

The Enquirer : 11th March
Southend | Council to discuss state-of-the-art library
These plans aim to meet the changing needs of library users, to involve the community more directly in operating local branch libraries, and help meet a £378,000 budget cut over the next three years.  Proposals are: (detailed)
http://www.theenquirer.co.uk/read.aspx?id=9585

UNISON Cambridgeshire : 8th March
Cambridgeshire Libraries used as ‘guinea pigs’ by County Council
http://unisoncambridgeshire.org.uk/2013/03/08/cambridgeshire-libraries-used-as-guinea-pigs-by-county-council/

Sheffield Telegraph : 11th March
6,500 sign petition in bid to halt library closures 
http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/local/6-500-sign-petition-in-bid-to-halt-library-closures-1-5488043

South Wales Argus : 11th March
Newport | Alan Roderick joins the fight to save Stow Hill Library from closure
“Our library has been singled out to be the fall guy,” he said.  “Libraries are food for the soul and drink for the mind. It amounts to cultural vandalism. We’ve lost our bakery, the butchers, the post office is gone. All we have left is takeaways and charity shops.”  The council said it is offering a service where residents can order books and have them sent to their home.
http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/gwentnews/10279685._Our_library_is_the_fall_guy__says_Newport_author/?ref=nt

Loughborough Echo : 11th March
Consultations on libraries and museums’ futures 
Communities in Partnership is holding a private consultation session with a number of invited groups in Loughborough, to help form a response to the ongoing review of the Libraries and Museums Service by Leicestershire County Council.
http://www.loughboroughecho.net/news/loughborough-news/2013/03/11/consultations-on-libraries-and-museums-futures-73871-32965075/

This Is Bath : 11th March
Libraries re-open after Easter with new fees
http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/Libraries-open-Easter-new-fees/story-18382624-detail/story.html#axzz2NDrcng1e

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

Public Libraries News : 9th March
“I don’t think so” – Ed Vaizey on UK public libraries
An analysis of the points made by Ed Vaizey in his speech to the Local Government Association Conference on 7th March, with added links and PLN comment.
http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/2013/03/i-dont-think-so-ed-vaizey-on-uk-public-libraries.html

Question Everyting : 9th March
Epistemological? What are you talking about?  
In 2025 the library service is likely consist of lots of badly managed, glass monstrosities, with PFI liabilities soaking up whatever’s left in the library budget. In the areas outside the city centres, in the rough suburbs of Swindon, Sunderland, Liverpool and beyond, in the remote rural villages, in the shires and the Home Counties thousands of communities will have had their beating hearts ripped out, never to recover, never to be replaced.
http://questioneverythingtheytellyou.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/epistemological-what-are-you-talking.html

Good Library Guide : 10th March
Cuts – what cuts?
http://www.goodlibraryguide.com/blog/archives/2013/03/cuts_what_cuts.html

Luton Today : 10th March
Do people in Luton love libraries? 
Luton Borough Council is currently consulting on cuts to the library service in Luton, asking for views on two proposals, both of which would see the Sundon Park library close.
“Leagrave Library is also being considered for closure …”
http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/local/do-people-in-luton-love-libraries-1-4881328

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

Manchester Evening News : 9th March
The axe falls: Fury as town hall backs £80 million cuts 
The consultation period on the future of all libraries and pools facing closure will continue until April 17 – despite the budget being passed which contains no money to run them. That means outside sources of funding are the only option to save them.
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/axe-falls-fury-manchester-city-1731084

Financial Times | Letter : 9th March
Be that as it may, I would like to suggest some alternatives for the talents of Lord Foster. Before doing anything more to the main library, why doesn’t he update the long-neglected, long-suffering branch libraries? Talk about places in need of atria!
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6e1e463e-7b7b-11e2-8eb3-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2N1zuYSev

Bolton News : 9th March
Wigan | Library opening hours to change
“We are proud that despite these huge cuts only one library closed as a result of these savings and that library is now open again and being run by Book-Cycle in Beech Hill.  When services are at risk we will continue to work with WLCT and community groups to make sure every opportunity is taken to retain quality services despite huge cuts to our local authority budget.”
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/northwest/10277166.Library_opening_hours_to_change/

Malvern Gazette : 9th March
(New) Mobile library hits the roads
The bus is the latest addition to Worcestershire County Council’s existing fleet of five vehicles. It will enable the council’s libraries and learning department to work with other organisations to allow customers only borrow books, but also access other services.
http://www.malverngazette.co.uk/news/10277085.Mobile_library_hits_the_roads/

Don’t Pprivatise Libraries : 9th March
Is Smartsm really smart without Librarians? 
My concerns/questions about stock management in Public Libraries
http://dontprivatiselibraries.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/is-smartsm-really-smart-without.html

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

The Stage : 8th March
Ed Vaizey – ‘Crisis? What arts crisis?’
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2013/03/ed-vaizey-crisis-what-arts-crisis/

Gov.uk : 7th March
LGA Conference | Speech by Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries
I’m delighted our library service continues to thrive and modernise. Local Authorities invested £820 million in libraries last year. Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester are all making major investments in their central libraries, and Birmingham’s will soon be the largest library in Europe when it opens this year.
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/speech-by-ed-vaizey-minister-for-culture-communications-and-the-creative-industries

Islington Tribune : 8th March
Letter | Try asking a self-serve kiosk for help?   
http://www.islingtontribune.com/letters/2013/mar/try-asking-self-serve-kiosk-help

Brent & Kilburn Times : 8th March
Kensal Rise Lib campaigners slam All Souls College over ‘secrecy’ claims 
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk:80/news/kensal_rise_library_campaigners_slam_all_souls_college_over_secrecy_claims_1_1967516 

Pontefract & Castleford Express : 8th March
New home for town’s library 
Knottingley Library will move into the town’s sports centre after council bosses rubberstamped plans to sell the land to a retail developer.
http://www.pontefractandcastlefordexpress.co.uk/news/local/more-local-news/new-home-for-town-s-library-1-5476513

The Stage : 6th March
Westminster City Council has confirmed that it will cut all arts funding in the London borough by 2014/15
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/2013/03/westminster-cuts-arts-funding-by-100/

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

THE GUARDIAN : 7th March
Alarm over secondary school reading habits
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/mar/07/alarm-secondary-school-reading-habits

Liverpool Daily Post : 7th March
Liverpool council tax up by 1.8% as libraries face the axe

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

Public Libraries News : 5th March
Enterprising community libraries?
Senior figures such as the libraries minister Ed Vaizey, Direct of Libraries for Arts Council England Nicky Morgan and Miranda McKearney of the Reading Agency were in the room.
recommend you read Mick Fortune’s comment at foot of post
http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/2013/03/enterprising-community-libraries.html

SKY TV : 6th March
Sunderland Council To Set Spending Cuts Of £37m Targeting Museums And Libraries
http://tyneandwear.sky.com/news/article/58706/sunderland-council-to-announce-multimillion-pound-spending-cuts

SKY TV : 6th March
Newcastle City Council Budget D-Day On £100M Cuts
http://tyneandwear.sky.com/news/article/58676/newcastle-city-council-budget-d-day-on-100m-cuts

Local Guardian : 6th March
Croydon libraries left in limbo after John Laing takeover ‘shambles’
http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/10270029.Libraries_left_in_limbo_after_takeover__shambles_/

This Is Nottingham : 5th March
City’s mobile library service is almost at the end of the road
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/City-s-mobile-library-service-end-road/story-18323698-detail/story.html#axzz2MjXQAkCq

This Is Lincolnshire : 6th March
Volunteers offer extended hours
http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/Volunteers-offer-extended-hours/story-18332269-detail/story.html#axzz2MkbWJmrU

South Wales Argus : 6th March
Two Newport libraries may be unstaffed
and info on the other libraries affected by cuts
http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/10270218.Two_Newport_libraries_may_be_unstaffed/

This Is Nottingham : 6th March
A new chapter opens in life of West Bridgford library

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/new-chapter-opens-life-West-Bridgford-library/story-18332686-detail/story.html#axzz2MjXQAkCq

2011 – Summary of the review of statutory duties placed on local government
“…. it is not the intention of the Government to remove the duties which protect such services.”
But it’s the “intention of the Government” to ignore and misrepresent them?
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/7541/1934356.pdf

Harrow Times : 6th March
Cllr Susan Hall calls for more to be done about library computers as Gayton Library loses 17 in one year
The lack of working computers in libraries “affects the poorest members of society” a senior councillor has claimed after it emerged one library has lost 17 of its 18 machines in the past year.  Harrow Borough Council’s Conservative group leader Susan Hall said there needs to be more investment so that jobseekers who are too poor to afford a computer can access the internet.
http://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/10270890._Lack_of_library_computers_affects_the_poorest_in_society__says_Tory_group_leader/

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

Jesmond Local : 5th March
Newcastle | Council paying £155,000 a year to private developer for Central Library — until 2034 
http://jesmondlocal.com/2013/03/council-paying-155000-a-year-to-private-developer-for-central-library-until-2034/ 

Public Libraries News : 4th March
Going Dutch: Private company takes over 4 Dutch libraries for half the cost
http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/2013/03/going-dutch-private-company-takes-over-4-dutch-libraries-for-half-the-cost.html

Morning Post – Exchange Magazine : 5th March
Author provides the world’s librarians insight on how to develop a “brain gain”
Mexico City, Mexico – Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) co-founder Louis Zacharilla is in Mexico City to help draft a future Trend Report to serve as a guidebook for the world’s libraries and the services they need to provide the public. There are an estimated 315,000 public libraries in the world and Zacharilla joins an elite group of global experts to provide the libraries with a vision of the next five years. 
http://www.exchangemagazine.com/morningpost/2013/week10/Tuesday/13030511.htm

Witney Gazette : 5th March
Letter | Libraries on slippery slope
http://www.witneygazette.co.uk/news/opinion/letters/10267628.Libraries_on_slippery_slope/

Mancunian Matters : 5th March
‘Distressed’ campaigners vow to fight proposed closure of Northenden Library in £80million council cuts
“I would like the council to explain how it has taken the ‘opportunity’ to ‘greatly enhance’ the library service in Northenden by proposing to close the library down.”
http://mancunianmatters.co.uk/content/05039084-%E2%80%98distressed%E2%80%99-campaigners-vow-fight-proposed-closure-northenden-library-%C2%A380million-c

Burton Mail : 5th March
Getting things right with libraries
East Staffordshire’s libraries are providing valuable and quality services according to a recent countywide survey.  The national Public Library Survey questioned more than 4,870 customers from across the county and 94 per cent rated their local library’s service as either good or very good.  More than 28 libraries were involved in the survey which also revealed levels of customer service satisfaction at a healthy 97 per cent.
http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/Getting-things-right-with-libraries-20130305151640.htm

THE GUARDIAN : 5th March
Is the BBC ditching books coverage?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2013/mar/05/bbc-ditching-books-coverage-review-show?CMP=twt_gu

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

DAILY MIRROR : 4th March
Two libraries a week being closed by Tory cuts 
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/two-libraries-week-being-closed-1741438

Public Libraries News : 3rd March
Librarians better start knowing the price of everything they do or they risk their value becoming nothing
http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/2013/03/librarians-better-start-knowing-the-price-of-everything-they-do-or-they-risk-their-value-becoming-nothing.html

Romford Recorder : 4th March
Library membership soars in Havering
He said: “At a time when many public library services seem to lack political support, Havering Library Service is a shining example of how to provide popular public services at a reasonable cost to the tax payer.”
Cllr Curtin praised the staff at Havering’s libraries as “the most remarkable and committed teams of library professionals in any library service I have seen.”
http://www.romfordrecorder.co.uk/news/library_membership_soars_in_havering_1_1964395

Postcode Gazette : 3rd March
Library campaigners organise public meeting for Tuesday 
Sheffield Communities Against Library Privatisation (SCALP) is holding a public meeting this Tuesday (March 5).  Campaigners say none of Sheffield’s 28 community libraries should close after the current review into their future concludes next month.  The council has warned that 14 will close if alternative means of meeting their running cots are not found, as the council struggles to makes £50 million of spending cuts from April.
http://postcodegazette.com/news/9003133977/library-campaigners-organise-public-meeting-for-tuesday-AT-sheffield-central-united-reformed-church/

Manchester Evening News : 4th March
Thousands sign up in fight to save library from the axe 
Members of the Burnage Library Action Campaign have now collected more than 4,000 signatures on a petition to be handed to the town hall.
Campaigners say the library on Burnage Lane is the only community facility they have left and is well used by after-school clubs and readers.
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/thousands-campaigners-sign-up-fight-1716923 

Ham & High : 27th February
Cutting Haringey’s mobile library service an ‘absolute crime’
“Why are they working so hard on these three vulnerable groups? We think it is an absolute crime to do this. The mobile service heads to all those places and people who cannot get to the libraries.”
http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/cutting_haringey_s_mobile_library_service_an_absolute_crime_1_1958237

Dorset Echo : 4th March
Downton Abbey creator heaps praise on Puddletown library volunteers
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/10264858.Downton_Abbey_creator_heaps_praise_on_Puddletown_library_volunteers/

THE INDEPENDENT : 3rd March
Joanne Harris: Not all sweetness and light 
One reference to libraries:
“We think certain things are immutably permanent, and they are not. I feel very sad, for instance, that we will shortly have to explain to our kids what a library is.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/joanne-harris-not-all-sweetness-and-light-8517886.html?origin=internalSearch

No posts on the 5th.  Listings will resume on 6th March.

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

LIS PUB LIBS : 1st March
Mick Fortune | RE some sensible and interesting debate

It seems to me that there is something of a disconnect between the widely expressed vision of a 21^st century, tech-savvy, highly creative and innovative service and the fragmented, poorly resourced and skill-depleted organisations expected to deliver it

https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A2=lis-pub-libs;34f6d3fb.1303#TOP

Don’t Privatise Libraries : 2nd March
Does self serve really offer the library user a choice? 
http://dontprivatiselibraries.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/does-self-serve-really-offer-library.html …

Save Croydon Libraries Campaign : 2nd March
Labour’s Statement on #Croydon Libraries 
http://soslibrary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/labours-statement-on-croydon-libraries.html

Buckingham Today : 2nd March
Call for volunteers as library gets go-ahead 
This week, Bucks County Council (BCC) cabinet member for community engagement, Martin Phillips, approved a proposal by the Friends Of Winslow Library which will see the library relaunched as Winslow Community Library.
http://www.buckinghamtoday.co.uk/news/local/call-for-volunteers-as-library-gets-go-ahead-1-4839354

Local Government Chronicle : 1st March
Exclusive: Brent reveals chief is off pay roll
Brent LBC is paying £200,000 a year for its interim chief executive through a private company instead of the pay roll, LGC can reveal.
http://www.lgcplus.com/briefings/people/pay/brent-reveals-chief-is-off-pay-roll/5055657.article?blocktitle=Latest-Local-Government-News&contentID=2249

THE GUARDIAN : 1st March
Society Daily | Libraries
In the Huffington Post Dave Clements admits he is bored by protests about cuts and is none too keen on libraries either:  These rebranded community ‘hubs’ are teeming with activity that is hardly conducive to book-related endeavours at all. Between the parents with their gaggles of noisy kids, support groups and ‘stalls’ of all things, not to mention the so-called students getting on my bloody nerves chatting on their mobiles – God I sound old – libraries just aren’t libraries any more.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/mar/01/society-daily-email?INTCMP=SRCH

Huffington Post : 28th February
Shh! About Saving Libraries 
Librarians aren’t librarians any more either. They are glorified signposters and they look all the more miserable for it. That there are more volunteers in libraries than there are paid staff makes a sort of sense when their function has become so degraded.   ….  I for one find it hard to muster much support for defending libraries or librarians. I say this not because I am mean or a philistine but because having listened to the pleading of campaigners I no longer see the point in defending them. They aren’t what they were.
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/dave-clements/shh-about-saving-libraries_b_2764409.html

SallyPrentice.org : 25th February
Arts Council discussing with councils what libraries will be like in 2022
Sally Prentice is a senior Labour and Co-operative councillor in the London Borough of Lambeth
http://www.sallyprentice.org.uk/2013/02/arts-council-discussing-with-councils-what-libraries-will-be-like-in-2022/

NextLibraries.org : 19th February
USA | Building community assets
The value of a library lies in its ability to develop community assets, says library educator Ken Haycock. And the future of libraries depends on our ability to share that vision with community leaders.
http://www.nextlibraries.org/2013/02/building-community-assets/

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

Gov.uk : 27th February
DCMS | Supporting the library services provided by local authorities
https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/supporting-the-library-services-provided-by-local-authorities

BBC News : 1st March
Sefton Council approves budget cuts after protest
Proposals to close seven libraries and alter children and adult social care are also now due to be reviewed. A decision will be taken on these issues in three months’ time, the council said.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-21626439

This Is Somerset : 1st March
Chew Stoke residents to choose agenda for Community Library (in pub)

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Chew-Stoke-residents-choose-agenda-Community/story-18288873-detail/story.html#axzz2MJFM8WQ0

Mancunian Matters : 1st March
Donation for Central Library re-vamp will make it ‘even better than originally anticipated’ – Manchester councillor
“The Wolfson Foundation are hoping other funders might join them in supporting high quality initiatives at public libraries at a time of acute funding pressure”
http://mancunianmatters.co.uk/content/01038967-donation-central-library-re-vamp-will-make-it-even-better-originally-anticipated-%E2%80%93-

This Is Croydon : 1st March
Croydon libraries contract up for grabs after deal falls through 
http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/Croydon-libraries-contract-grabs-deal-falls/story-18286771-detail/story.html

London Evening Standard : 1st March
Ed Vaizey: the dedicated Minister of Fashion
http://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/esmagazine/ed-vaizey-the-dedicated-minister-of-fashion-8514939.html

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

Croydon Conservatives : 27th February
Libraries outsourcing: the facts
It does not, as some blog sites have suggested, mean that they are walking away from the deal. We understand that they do wish to re-submit their bid, with this minor amendment. What it does mean, though, is that the unsuccessful bidders have the right to resubmit their bids too.
http://www.croydonconservatives.com/news_search_results_detail.asp?StoryNo=1329

Crosby Herald : 28th February
Threatened libraries in Crosby and Litherland to be given hope of reprieve 
A gun to their heads?
He said: “We will be saying use Option B [to close seven libraries and save £400k], that’s what we are putting through, but if they come up with a plan that has legs then fine.”
http://www.crosbyherald.co.uk/news/crosby-news/2013/02/28/threatened-libraries-in-crosby-and-litherland-to-be-given-hope-of-reprieve-68459-32894334/

On The Wight : 25th February
Full council to debate budget proposals this week
It has been suggested that IOW is likely to have an Independent Council after 3rd May.  Does the statement, below, mean reinstatement of the closed libraries?
“This year we have once again developed a full budget proposal that includes nearly £11m of savings and enables massive reinvestment in front line services and the restoration of many of the public facilities lost over the last four years”
http://onthewight.com/2013/02/25/full-council-to-debate-budget-proposals-this-week/

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

Inside Croydon : 26th February
Laings quit £30m Croydon libraries privatisation deal 
http://insidecroydon.com/2013/02/26/laings-quit-30m-croydon-libraries-privatisation-deal/ 

Croydon Guardian : 27th February
Libraries contract decision to be reconsidered
Councillor Timothy Godfrey was sent out of the meeting for arguing with mayor Eddy Aram, who refused to let councillors question Mr Pollard.  Mr Godfrey said: “This is a cover-up of the worst proportion. It is incompetence from the top to the bottom, including the mayor. It is absolutely disgraceful.”
http://www.croydonguardian.co.uk/news/10255126.Libraries_contract_decision_to_be_reconsidered/

Save Croydon Libraries Campaign : 26th February
Why so shy Councillor Pollard?
http://soslibrary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/why-so-shy-cllr-pollard.html

Inside Croydon : 27th February
Library deal collapse leaves £1m black hole in council budget
http://insidecroydon.com/2013/02/27/library-deal-collapse-leaves-1m-black-hole-in-council-budget/

findmylibrary.co.uk : 25th February
Physical books are not Betamax
http://www.findmylibrary.co.uk/ExternalDisplay.aspx?id=3c5b503d-0093-477f-ada5-b4e882fdb7fc

telecompaper : 27th February
Dutch libraries not to lend e-books 
http://www.telecompaper.com/news/dutch-libraries-not-to-lend-e-books–928019

THE INDEPENDENT : 26th February
Arts and culture matter – yes, even in a recession

The bid also includes plans to close the majority of local libraries. In the UK literacy levels are reported to have ‘stalled’. How, then, can we justify the removal of such vital educational resources?
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/arts-and-culture-matter–yes-even-in-a-recession-8511754.html?origin=internalSearch

Local Guardian : 26th February
Merton | Every child to become library member under new council scheme
By working with schools and parents, it is hoped all primary school children will be signed up as library members by April 2014.
http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/10252168.Every_child_to_become_library_member_under_new_council_scheme/

Hemsworth & South Elmsall Express : 27th February
Wakefield | Upton library to reopen at Easter
The new community-run library in Upton is due to open its doors at Easter after four months of delays.
http://www.hemsworthandsouthelmsallexpress.co.uk/news/local/upton-library-to-reopen-at-easter-1-5451698

Lancashire Evening Post : 27th February
Six Preston libraries in boost 
Across the county 18 of the council’s 74 branches will stay open for longer. 17 will see changes in opening times to make them more convenient. There will be an overall increase in opening hours of more than 70 hours. 74 of Lancashire’s libraries increased their opening hours in the first phase in October last year, gaining more than 110 hours each week.
http://www.lep.co.uk/community/six-preston-libraries-in-boost-1-5448068

Get Bracknell : 27th February
Education | Schoolchildren help smash world record on National Libraries day
Barbara Band, head of library and resources at The Emmbrook School, said: “There were about 120 schools signed up from across Scotland, England and Wales. “The children were given the start of a story written by author Matt Haig and they had to write one or two sentences. I have received 1,300 stories but they are still not all in.”
http://www.getbracknell.co.uk/news/education/s/2129887_schoolchildren_help_smash_world_record_on_national_libraries_day

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

THE GUARDIAN : 25th February
Frances O’Grady: a new vision for in-sourced and effective public services

Liverpool Echo : 26th February
Campaigners launch final bid to save Sefton’s libraries from closure
The submission was presented to council leader Peter Dowd last Thursday at Bootle town hall.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2013/02/26/campaigners-launch-final-bid-to-save-sefton-s-libraries-from-closure-100252-32880047/

Get Wokingham : 26th February
Libraries and road maintenances budgets slashed in council cuts
More than £230,000 will be cut from spending on libraries over the next three years, but executive member for internal services Councillor Pauline Jorgensen doesn’t expect customers will notice any change to the service.  She said: “There are a few process improvements we are taking in terms of centralising the storage of books and generally a lot of tweaking around the edges to provide more efficiencies.”
http://www.getwokingham.co.uk/news/s/2129747_libraries_and_road_maintenances_budgets_slashed_in_council_cuts

Society of Chief Librarians : 25th February

Public Libraries News : 25th February
Little acorns of hope from the austerity oak tree … and calls to cut costs
http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/2013/02/little-acorns-of-hope-from-the-austerity-oak-tree-and-calls-to-cut-costs.html

Bridport News : 26th February
Charmouth Library to re-open thanks to volunteers
Hazel Robinson, chairman of the Friends of Charmouth Library, said: “When we waved our protest placards a year ago in an attempt to force Dorset County Council to recognise how we value our library, we could not have envisaged what huge efforts we would have to make to keep it.  That’s all in the past and, though we vehemently believe that there was no need to close libraries as there were other means of making sufficient savings, we have had to do what we have had to do.  DCC will still provide the books, the computers and a little professional help and Charmouth has to do the rest.”
http://www.bridportnews.co.uk/news/10252109.Charmouth_Library_to_re_open_thanks_to_volunteers/

About My Area : 26th February
New Sunday Opening Hours For Libraries Across Milton Keynes
http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Buckinghamshire/Milton-Keynes/MK11/News/Local-News/242172-New-Sunday-Opening-Hours-For-Libraries-Across-Milton-Keynes

Shetland Times : 26th February
Public library facing cuts to opening hours and books budget
http://www.shetlandtimes.co.uk/2013/02/26/public-library-facing-cuts-to-opening-hours-and-books-budget

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

Sky News : 24th February
Sshh! Sleepover At Newcastle City Library In Campaign Over Cuts And Closures
report and video
http://tyneandwear.sky.com/news/article/57638/sshh-sleepover-at-newcastle-city-library-in-campaign-over-cuts

Good Library Blog : 24th February
Wasting money in the public library service
http://www.goodlibraryguide.com/blog/archives/2013/02/wasting_money_i.html

James Hargrave’s Blog : 23rd February
Is a decline in library lending really a “shock”? 
http://blog.hargrave.org.uk/2013/02/is-decline-in-library-lending-really-a.html

Daily Echo : 24th February
Hampshire | New chapter in life of library
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/10248346.New_chapter_in_life_of_library/

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

You Tube : 22nd February
Latvia | Libraries for Communities
Would that UK libraries were invested in and publicised so engagingly and efficiently!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWS2GRWXVHw&feature=player_embedded

Batley & Birstall News : 23rd February
Kirklees | Library protest backed by 7,000 
History Group chairman Malcolm Haigh said there had been overwhelming anger and disgust all round the town about the rumoured library changes.  He said: “I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed such outright opposition – people in Batley are totally disgusted at what has been suggested.”
http://www.batleynews.co.uk/news/library-protest-backed-by-7-000-1-5432849

BBC News : 23rd February
Campaigners march against council cuts in Manchester
Five libraries will be replaced with “outreach libraries or community book collections”, while Levenshulme Library will be moved into the another building.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-21559691

BBC News : 23rd February
Brighton and Hove’s mobile library to be scrapped
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-21550821

Inside Croydon : 22nd February
Tax hikes, more borrowing and party splits
The property-hungry arrangement appears to have driven the council into the most expensive bid for running the borough’s public libraries, as the property needs of the URV’s partner, John Laing, became more important than the financial considerations of running libraries.
http://insidecroydon.com/2013/02/22/tax-hikes-more-borrowing-and-party-splits-tory-croydon-2013/

Epsom Guardian : 22nd February
Surrey | Volunteer-run Stoneleigh library re-opens with professional staff members
The owner is yet to sign an agreement that it can be run by volunteers – forcing professional staff to remain on site.
http://www.epsomguardian.co.uk/news/10243013.Volunteer_run_library_re_opens_with_professional_staff_members/

Evesham Journal : 21st February
Worcestershire | Library could be run by volunteers to save money
“Whatever the outcome, the county council will continue to operate a comprehensive library service for the residents of Broadway.” http://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/news/10242358.Library_could_be_run_by_volunteers_to_save_money/

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

EADT : 22nd February
Poll: More than a million less books borrowed from Suffolk libraries in a year
http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/poll_more_than_a_million_less_books_borrowed_from_suffolk_libraries_in_a_year_1_1950255

24Dash.com : 22nd February
Haringey | Save our mobile library service!
The Haringey Lib Dems have submitted an amendment to the Labour budget that will protect the mobile library service. Local library action groups have rallied against the plans and launched a letter writing campaign to try and stop the mobile library service being cut.
http://www.24dash.com/blogs/lynne_featherstone_mp/2013/02/22/Save-our-mobile-library-service/

Thorne Gazette : 22nd February
New chapter opens for Doncaster Central Library 
http://www.thornegazette.co.uk/news/new-chapter-opens-for-doncaster-central-library-1-5439523

Wales Online : 22nd February
Cardiff | Libraries face having opening times slashed under budget cuts

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.

Southport Visitor : 21st February
Sefton | GP claims closing library would be physical and psychological disaster for Birkdale 
She said: “It is my professional opinion as a General Practitioner, that the closure of Birkdale library will have a far reaching detrimental impact on the most vulnerable members of our community which include the elderly and those with disabilities.”
http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/southport-news/southport-southport-news/2013/02/21/gp-claims-closing-library-would-be-physical-and-physchological-disaster-for-birkdale-101022-32846398/

St Helens Star : 21st February
Library hours could be reduced as St Helens faces up to £50m budget cut
http://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/10243108.Library_hours_could_be_reduced_as_St_Helens_faces_up_to___50m_budget_cut/

Kidderminster Shuttle : 21st February
Library | Kemp event signals sad end to top-floor gallery
http://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/10242332.Kemp_event_signals_sad_end_to_top_floor_gallery/

Times Series : 21st February
Barnet’s libraries to receive £250,000 technology update
More than £250,000 will be spent on installing self service kiosks and Wi-Fi in Barnet’s libraries.
http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/10243673._We_will_see_our_library_service_brought_into_the_21st_Century_/

BBC News : 21st February
Library of Birmingham gets Wolfson Foundation donation
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-21529345

Manchester Evening News : 21st February
Manchester Central library receives £500k funding boost towards renovation 
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/manchester-central-library-received-1337315

A digest of today’s news items, reproduced here, with kind permission from Shirley Burnham who collated it.  For up to date libraries news follow @ShirleyBurnham on Twitter.
THE GUARDIAN : 20th February
Not everyone is on the internet, Iain Duncan Smith
It would help, of course, if the infrastructure was in place to provide support. For many, public libraries with free internet access have been that place. However, with more than 200 public libraries closing last year and skilled staff being replaced by untrained volunteers, even this freely available support has been gradually dismantled.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/feb/20/iain-duncan-smith-digital-divide

Library Campaign : 20th February

Swindon’s Libraries postcode lottery
http://www.librarycampaign.com/swindons-libraries-postcode-lottery/

Tewkesbury AdMag : 20th February
Gloucestershire | Cotswold Lib Dems condemm cost of library challenge
Councillor Jeremy Hilton, Liberal Democrat group leader, said: “During a time of great austerity, the costs that have been incurred through this legal challenge was needless, wasteful and nothing short of reckless.  If the job of reviewing the county’s libraries had been done properly from the start and not on the back-of-a-fag-packet then this money could have been better spent on new books for our existing libraries.”
http://www.tewkesburyadmag.co.uk/news/cotswolds/10239775.Cotswold_Lib_Dems_condemm_cost_of_library_challenge/

Place North West : 20th February
Manchester | Charity donates to Central Library revamp
http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/13098-charity-donates-to-central-library-revand.html

The News : 20th February
Portsmouth | Library is still going strong after 50 years 
‘That’s a lot to do with our partnership working with children’s centres but also with schools.’
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/education/library-is-still-going-strong-after-50-years-1-4806648

Shelf Free : 19th February
Did you know that 85% of e-books aren’t available to public libraries?
http://shelffree.org.uk/2013/02/19/did-you-know-that-85-of-e-books-arent-available-to-public-libraries/

Library Journal : 20th February
Author Says UK Libraries Should Close Because He Says So
good article
http://lj.libraryjournal.com/blogs/annoyedlibrarian/2013/02/20/author-says-uk-libraries-should-close/