See the Libraries *live chat* here, on The Guardian. Open for further comment over the week end.
www.guardian.co.uk/culture-
THE BOOKSELLER : 11th January
‘Bleak’ 2013 predicted as 300 libraries could be lost
includes quotes from Phil Bradley, UKSCL, Alan Gibbons and Desmond Clarke
http://www.thebookseller.com/
Public Libraries News : 10th January
[Libraries in parliament]
Public libraries were a topic of debate in the House of Commons with Ed Vaizey defending their transfer to Arts Council England because they’re about culture. I thought they were about literacy, information, community and education as well but, oh well, never mind. Mr Vaizey makes a second appearance today in an announcement that he’ll be speaking at a press conference – along with the Society of Chief Librarians, the British Library and the Reading agency – “unveiling the exciting new initiatives that all public libraries across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, are rolling out throughout 2013.”.
http://www.
BBC News : 10th January
Brent library closures ‘cost almost same as savings’
Mr Blackman said: “Brent Council closed six of its libraries last year; since then library visitor numbers have fallen by 130,000. The council attempted to save nearly £1m by saving the branch libraries, however what they’ve done of course is they’ve had to mothball them and its cost them half-a-million pounds.”http://www.bbc.co.uk/
THE BOOKSELLER : 10th January
Blog | Let’s talk libraries (Newcastle visit)
He’d been introduced to the library as a child and felt angry that the council was penalizing a demographic that had no access to books, computers, social media and mentoring that affluent people take for granted.
http://www.thebookseller.com/
ITV News : 10th January
Lee Hall calls for “direct action” to save Newcastle libraries
with video
http://www.itv.com/news/tyne-
Islington Tribune : 11th January
Warning over possible cuts to libraries and youth clubs if government presses ahead with cuts programme
http://www.islingtontribune.
Postcode Gazette : 11th January
Sheffield | Library closures loom as council appeals for volunteers
Fourteen of the council’s 28 public libraries – as well as the mobile library service – are under threat as the council spends the next two months looking for community partners willing to help keep them open.
http://postcodegazette.com/
The Star : 11th January
Deepest council cuts ever for Sheffield
Sheffield Council leader Coun Julie Dore said: “The proposals will have a massive impact on services the council provides – everything will change. By the end of the decade, we will have nothing left other than statutory services and waste collection.”
http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/
Barnsley Chronicle : 11th January
Village library could be moved to social club
Coun Margaret Sheard said all libraries across Barnsley were under review, but it was impossible to predict the outcome of the consultation.
http://www.barnsley-chronicle.
