Speak Up For Libraries' lobby of Parliament

Today I learnt about the lobby of Parliament organized by Speak Up For Libraries.

Speak Up For Libraries is "a coalition of organisations and campaigners working to protect libraries and library staff, now and in the future".* It is organising a rally and lobby of Parliament on 13 March to highlight the important role the library plays in communities and providing access to learning.

If you'd like to get involved the rally begins at 11.30 at Central Westminster Hall, Storey's Gate. The lobby of Parliament starts at 2.30.

More information about Speak Up For Libraries and the rally is available on its website:
* http://www.speakupforlibraries.org/

Southwark's new "super library"

Today I learnt that the London Borough of Southwark has opened a "super library" at Canada Water.

The inverted pyramid shape library, designed by architect Piers Gough, is integrated with the underground station; the Tube station entrance and exit is incorporated into the library building and you can check the tube times on a plasma screen in the library.

The new library houses 40,000 books, CDs and films. 79 computers are available to use, but if that isn't enough for nearly 30 laptops are available to hire (and wifi is available). The library also has a theatre space, a coffee bar, and three separate learning spaces for evening classes.

According to the Southwark Council website, the library cost £14.1m and is "at the heart of Southwark Council's investment in the libraries service, which is being protected despite cuts in central government funding".

Southwark Council:
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/news/article/564/first_super_library_opens_in_london_as_southwark_council_looks_to_the_future

BBC News article:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-15912616

American Public Library Facts and Figures

Today I learnt that Americans spend more than twice as much on candy as they do on public libraries.

That, and other interesting facts about American public libraries, plus an interview with Molly Raphael, President of the American Library Association, available in this Huffington Post article: How Will We Read: In Public Libraries? by C. M. Rubin:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/c-m-rubin/how-will-we-read-in-publi_b_1103601.html

More comprehensive facts and statistics concerning American libraries can be found on the ALA website:

http://www.ala.org/ala/professionalresources/libfactsheets/index.cfm

Saving Public Libraries

Today I learnt what can still be done to save public libraries from closure.

Today was the day campaigners lost their High Court bid to stop Brent Council closing half of its public libraries. This is bad news for Brent, but also for other campaigners across the UK who saw this as a test case.

Of course public libraries don't have a God given right to exist. But if - like me - you believe they are still relevant in today's society (perhaps more so than ever), offer valuable services - especially to those in deprived areas, who can't afford books or internet access - and that visiting the local library instills a love of reading and learning in children, you might be wondering what you can do to stop their closure.

CILIP and Voices for the Library both give guidance, links are given below. The main thing to do is to USE YOUR LIBRARY if you want to keep it open, spread the word to all who will listen, and write to your MP.

CILIP
http://www.cilip.org.uk/get-involved/advocacy/public-libraries/pages/getinvolved.aspx

Voices for the Library
http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk/wordpress/?page_id=1331

National Libraries Day

Today I learnt that about National Libraries Day.

CILIP has posted on its website that next year National Libraries Day is on 4 February 2012 and describes it as a "nation-wide celebration of libraries, librarians and library staff in all sectors". Is it wrong to admit I have never heard of it?

A range of events and activities in libraries will be advertised nearer the time, and a membership campaign will lead up to the day.

http://www.cilip.org.uk/news-media/Pages/news110909.aspx

WI's Love Your Libraries Campaign and Petition In Support of Public Libraries

Today I learnt that the Women's Institute has launched a Love Your Libraries campaign, which includes a petition in support of public libraries.

The WI invites its members to:

• carry their library card with pride
• join the national day of action for libraries
• embroider their favourite literary quotation
• tell the government why they love libraries
• write to their councillors
• sign the petition in support of public libraries

Of course you don't have to be a WI member to do any of these suggested activities! Sign the E-Petition here:
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/1269

Further information about the campaign is available on the WI website:
http://www.thewi.org.uk/standard.aspx?id=24427

New Cross People's Library

Today I learnt about New Cross People's Library. New Cross is a deprived area of South East London with high levels of illiteracy - exactly the kind of area that needs a decent public library. On 28th May, despite the protests and campaigns organized by local residents, Lewisham Council closed New Cross public library, making it another victim of budget cuts.

Volunteers, working with community group Bold Vision, have re-opened the library and renamed it New Cross People's Library, after winning a six week temporary licence from Lewisham Council. After the six week tenancy, it is hoped that Lewisham Council will grant the library a tenancy at will for a further nine months, and with any luck the library can remain open permanently.

The library styles itself as a "a community run library, writing, arts, and IT centre". It currently opens on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with librarians present to issue books. As well as book loans, the library has organized a wide range of events, including Manga drawing classes, activities for the under 5s, a knitting club and book making workshops. The library calls on local residents to get involved to help shape the programme of activities they would like to see available in their local, community run library.

Donations of books and periodicals are welcome, and a fundraising campaign is under way. You can make donations by PayPal on the New Cross People's Library website.

About New Cross People's Library:
http://nxpl.org.uk/

What's On:
http://nxpl.org.uk/whats-on/

Get Involved:
http://nxpl.org.uk/volunteer/

Bold Vision:
http://www.boldvision.org.uk/

Cuts in Public Library Services May be Unlawful

Today I learnt that cuts in public library services may be unlawful. Voices for the Library has published in full on its website a letter to The Times from Francis Bennion, the barrister who drafted the Bill that became the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.

Bennion maintains that the reduction in public library services may be unlawful if library authorities are not fulfilling their obligation under the Act to “provide a comprehensive and efficient library service for all persons . . . whose residence or place of work is within the library area of the authority or who are undergoing full-time education within that area”.

This is fascinating. Check it out on the Voices for the Library website:

http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk/wordpress/?p=2017