Booktrust Regional Manager Janis Wilson brings you the latest news from the library world.
This month: good news as more preschool children are taking part in library activities. Also, the latest on library closures, and the Arts Council launches a new initiative.
Rise in the number of preschool children taking part in library activities
Nursery World, 2.11.2011
Katy Morton
According to the Children's Public Library Users Survey, more than one third of children visited a library for an under-fives' event between April 2010 and March 2011, an increase from 28 per cent in 2007/08.
Heritage Minister welcomes CIPFA library statistics
Welsh Government, 11.11.2011
Recent figures released by CIPFA show a rise in borrowing at libraries in Wales, up 8.3% in 2010-11. Visits to libraries in Wales also increased, and for the first time ever three of Wales' libraries were in the top 20 public libraries in the UK for number of books issued.
http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/cultureandsport/2011/111111librarystatistics/?lang=en
Inquiry into public library closures announced
CILIP, 23.11.2011
The Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee have launched a new inquiry into public library closures in England, chaired by John Whittingdale MP.
http://www.cilip.org.uk/news-media/Pages/news111123a.aspx
Read the report by Alison Flood:
Guardian, 24.11.2011
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/nov/24/mps-library-cuts-select-committee
Somerset and Gloucs library closures "unlawful"
Bookseller, 16.11.11
Benedicte Page
The High Court has ruled that proposed library closures in Somerset and Gloucestershire were unlawful.
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/somerset-and-gloucs-library-closures-unlawful.html
Read the full Judicial review judgement
CILIP's response:
CILIP, 16.11.2011
CILIP has responded to the outcome of the Gloucestershire and Somerset judicial review. The High Court ruled that both councils had failed to take account of their equalities duties.
http://www.cilip.org.uk/news-media/Pages/news111116.aspx
Libraries hived off in Wandsworth and Croydon; cuts in Tyneside
Bookseller, 1.12.11
Both Wandsworth and Croydon councils are inviting outside organisations to bid to take over the management of their library services.
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/libraries-hived-wandsworth-and-croydon-cuts-tyneside.html
Surrey scales back volunteer-run library plans
Bookseller, 30.11.11
Surrey County Council has ditched plans for nine of its libraries to become volunteer-run.
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/surrey-scales-back-volunteer-run-library-plans.html
Save the UK's libraries? It's beyond me, admits US guru
The Independent, 28.11.11
Kunal Dutta
An American library firm that entered the UK market earlier this year has had to beat a retreat, admitting that the attempt has been tougher than expected.
Arts Council England launches Libraries Development Initiative
Arts Council England, 9.11.11
The Arts Council and the Local Government Association have launched the Libraries Development Initiative. The overarching aim of this initiative is to create vibrant, sustainable 21st century library services.
http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/news/arts-council-england-launches-libraries-developmen/
Related posts
Rosemary's blog: Bookstart 20 and Worcester's new Hive library
Rosemary updates us on the Bookstart 20 campaign, and a stunning new library for Worcester
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