JULY 2025 |
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| Welcome to our newsletter round up of July’s UK libraries news! |
| LIBRARIES ARE A STATUTORY DUTY |
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| At the beginning of this month Deputy Prime Minster Angela Rayner announced that the Government will be conducting a review of Councils’ statutory duties. She is “launching a comprehensive review to ensure unnecessary regulations and needless asks from government aren’t getting in the way of you serving your communities.” Although the word ‘statutory’ appears nowhere in her speech it has been interpreted by commentators as meaning exactly that – a review of what Councils must do as opposed to what they are allowed to do. We know that Libraries are a statutory duty for Councils at the appropriate level even if Councillors and journalists sometime forget that (if they ever knew.) We agree with Libraries Connected who said “While we appreciate there may be statutory obligations that are outdated or put unnecessary burdens on councils, the duty to provide local libraries is not one of them.” We need to be vigilant in defending the obligation on Councils’ to provide a comprehensive and efficient public library service to “those whose residence or place of work is within the library area of the authority or who are undergoing full-time education within that area.” Keep an eye on the press and maybe remind your local politicians of this. We shall of course publish further developments. |
| SAME AGAIN! |
| Newsflash: the bleedin’ obvious is still bleedin’ obvious. Say hello to another DCMS report on how to get people into libraries. We covered the first in some detail in our last magazine, no 107. The new one says very much the same. It’s a relief, of course, that we’re spared the chaos that would arise if they contradicted each other. But both say what’s been constantly said for decades. So, can we start to actually do something about it? Highlights? Top reason for “non-users” is inconvenient hours. Close behind come old friends like not knowing what the library offers, “everything’s online”, shabby interiors, dated book stock etc. One novelty, in both reports, is a belief that you can get everything a library offers elsewhere. Really? Interesting! It’s quite a short report, and worth picking through. For instance, only 9% of non-users are (self-explanatory) “dismissive”. Various bigger groupings of non-users are thought likely to respond to an approach tailored to their exact views. Library staff at all levels were also consulted. They proved well aware of the key problems: difficulty collecting usage data; low public awareness; competition, ranging from streaming content to online book buying; and a whole list of day to day “challenges” that can be summed up as NOT ENOUGH MONEY. The report’s top suggestions are (much as in the first report): use social media – on the platforms people already use; make the library (ahem) “a vibrant community hub”; and “emphasise the library’s relevance in the digital age… sustainability, cost savings, community connection… tailoring messaging to the values and priorities of different segments [to demonstrate] their personal relevance”. This, of course, is Friends’ territory – using their unique local links; that vibrant hub thingy; publicising beyond the library service’s own media. We’d like to see that properly recognised. |
| NEWHAM NEEDS FRIENDS! |
 Live or work in Newham? A big threat is coming down the line – so now’s the time to get wise. We’ve been contacted by a local library worker with news that the already miserly budget of £3.2m (for 10 libraries) is to be cut by a truly shocking FIFTY PER CENT by 2027-28.There’s no concrete plan yet. The service, quite properly, seems to be busy now with a “review”, needs assessment etc. |
| Public consultation is due to start in April 2026, with a reasonable three months allowed. And there is already a survey about a new ‘five-year strategy’ on their libraries’ website. But it’s high time for locals to get interested. We know of no existing Friends groups in Newham. Of course we can’t name the staff member who is trying to drum up interest – but please contact them through us: [email protected]. (The pic is from Newham’s website.) |
| GOOD NEWS FROM WANDSWORTH |
| With so many libraries under threat of closure, at risk of being handed over to volunteers, building maintenance issues, or reduced hours, it’s always encouraging to come across some good news for libraries, such as in Wandsworth, which is appears to seeing a new raft of funding becoming available. Wandsworth’s libraries are said to be some of the busiest in the UK. At a time when many councils are scaling back, Wandsworth is investing in its 11 libraries as vital community hubs. The strategy approved by Wandsworth’s Cabinet this month outlines an ambitious action plan to ‘ensure libraries remain inclusive, innovative, and accessible to all.’  |
| The funding is to come from existing budgets and some special funds as well as bids for external funds (so presumably not all guaranteed.) The plan includes extending opening hours in at least some libraries, refreshing IT, making reservations free and removing fines. giving every child a membership card, and more. We will be keeping a close eye on these developments and bringing you news of these efforts coming to fruition. We hope. Picture of Putney Library (see also below in Facebook report) |
| BOOK CLUB DAY – 11 SEPTEMBER |
| The Reading Agency, who do a lot of good work with libraries, are holding a Book Club Day on Thursday 11 September. They already have a Book Club Hub and the idea of the day is to promote the joy of being part of a book club and make them (and the communities where they exist) stronger and more diverse. This link will get you to the resource page for the day which includes (or will do) social media images etc., statistics and draft newsletter articles as well as more information about the hub. If your Friends Group has a book group this could well be something for you. |
| NATIONAL YEAR OF READING |
 Whoopee! 2026 will be a National Year of Reading. There’s little to report as yet. But it aims to “engage new audiences in reading, encourage reading for pleasure and change the nation’s reading culture for good”.Libraries are not the only road to reading, of course, but they are the major highway. So it’s good to see CILIP, children’s specialist body ASCEL and head librarians’ association Libraries Connected (LC) signed up alongside The Reading Agency and main organiser the National Literacy Trust (NLT). LC tells us: “It’s early days but planning will happen fast over the next couple of months.” |
| Books are still libraries’ core offer. Councils should think hard about the stock cuts that far too many are planning. We’d like to hear from YOU of local plans you know of. The national picture looks grim, we hear, but there’s no central point of information on this. We’d like to compile a list. Photo c/o of the NYR 20226 website. |
| BANNED BOOKS BONANZA?October 5-11 will see the timely revival of Banned Books Week, post-pandemic. This is run by the charity Index on Censorship, UK partner of the USA Coalition, which launched the Week in 1985. It’s a great theme for displays, talks and events. We have been amazed at the material produced in the past for the USA version – in particular, the list of books that have been banned at different times. How about it? Index on Censorship will update us on the 2025 resources as they become available. Or get a head start by emailing [email protected] Meanwhile, of course, we have seen Reform make a fool of itself over a book ban. Shortly after it took over Kent County Council, a Cabinet member removed a library book that one solitary constituent didn’t like. The council leader claimed a “victory for common sense”. Everyone else shot them down in flames – from local press, social media, councillors and the MP to the BBC, the Guardian and the professional press. It wasn’t an adult book placed in the children’s section, as claimed. More to the point, library policy shouldn’t be hijacked by any stray passing Cabinet member. And, as librarians’ association CILIP added: “The idea of politicians policing or banning books is profoundly troubling. It evokes images of authoritarian regimes, not a modern, democratic and diverse society like the UK. “Libraries exist to open doors, not close them. CILIP is committed to defending that principle and ensuring that public libraries remain free, trusted and inclusive spaces for all.” |
| MORE RESEARCH -BUT BE QUICKLondon library user? Joanna Wanat, studying for an MSc Inequalities & Social Science at the London School of Economics, would like to hear from you. Fast! She has to wrap up her interviews by 10th August.It’s interesting to see the way a growing number of researchers are homing in on the library’s role as social capital, as we’ve documented in this newsletter. Joanna wants to know “what the daily work of a librarian entails and what support library users require”. It entails a pleasant online interview of just 20 minutes or so (we’ve done it!) so do get in touch with her: [email protected] |
FACEBOOKROUND UP |
| The Friends of Oundle Library, North Northamptonshire, have been posting about their upcoming craft session for children aged five and up. There’s a link here to the garden theme of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, with a chance for the children to make bug-themed cross planters. It will be held on Saturday morning, and we wish them all the best. It’s always good to see how the summer reading themes are being picked up and looking out for inspiring craft sessions that other library friends groups could host themselves. Several other activities are explored below from around the UK. Save Coventry Libraries campaigns against Coventry Council’s plan to close four of its 17 Libraries. But they also host events such as the one they’re currently advertising, which is a series of craft events for the summer holidays. They remind people that booking is essential, so they must be expecting a lot of people to attend, which is great news for library footfall as well as those who get to attend. Knitting, crocheting, cross stitching, and sewing will be happening – it’s listed as a knit ‘n’ natter event – Friends of Chepstow Library, Monmouthshire, recently hosted a poetry and coffee morning in the garden of their library. It would be great to hear more about other friends groups that make use of their libraries’ gardens if they have the resource of an outdoor space such as this. With such a hot summer this year, it seems like a great space to, if possible, take full advantage of. Friends of Whitchurch Library Bristol have 42 people interested in their fun and games event at the time of writing, with the event taking place on August 2nd. There will be refreshments, stalls, and kids’ Lego. An inspiring event, especially for parents looking for free summer activities for their children, in a space where they will surely get to meet with other local residents. Birmingham’s Friends of Stirchley Library have been posting about their free sessions in English tutoring, which are at the Key Stage 4 level. They also have a keen archives researcher on their Facebook team, as they also regularly post interesting photos of their local area from long ago, before maybe the current developments appeared. The photos show the area as rural before manors, houses, and streets arrived in the area. West Yorkshires Friends of Mirfield Library, who describe themselves as ‘An apolitical voluntary group of Mirfield residents working on behalf of all Mirfield residents’, announced their last LEGO club of the summer as well as posting a long letter to all their volunteers that form the friends group, thanking them for the work they have done towards their recent summer fair which they described as a big success. Friends of Chineham Library, Hampshire held an event this month to kick off their own take on the ‘Summer Reading Challenge’. Stories were read and activities were participated in around this years garden theme. Earlier this month, Wandsworth’s Friends of Putney Library hosted an event with Children’s Author Nathanael Lessore, where the public in attendance also had a chance to meet him after hearing him speak about his writing process and his recent books, ‘What Happens Online’ and ‘King of Nothing’. A busy group, they have also recently posted about their other events, including a talk from the archive department of their local hospital as well as fundraising piano recitals. A lot is happening across the country this summer at UK libraries with their friends groups’ support. Please get in touch if you would like us to mention any activities you think may be inspiring for other friends groups to try or you want more people to know about. |
| AND FINALLY… |
| SIMON ARMITAGE ON THE ROAD AGAIN |
| As we have reported before, the poet laureate Simon Armitage has been touring libraries over the past few years to do free readings. He is going through the alphabet and for 2026 is looking for libraries with names beginning N, O, P to invite him to visit. It doesn’t matter however large or small the library is (could even be a mobile) and he wants people to be creative in hosting events. All ages and communicates are welcome – indeed desirable. if you want to invite him his website is here. The deadline for invitations is 29 August. |
| Please get in touch with us if your local library is under threat, you have a Friends group that you wish to promote or you would like advice about how to start a Friends group for your local library – currently under threat or not. Feel free to ask any questions about what Friends groups get up to. We have now created an archive of our previous newsletters, which you can view here – check it out if you haven’t already and share the link as it’s also a place for new subscribers to sign up. If you are new to getting our monthly newsletter this is a way to see what we’ve been getting across since we started this newsletter in Autumn 2022. |
