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.

Don’t Privatise Libraries : 17th February
The Myth of the 21st Century Library – Part 2 
http://dontprivatiselibraries.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/the-myth-of-21st-century-library-part-2.html

THE OBSERVER : 17th February
It’s not what a library stocks, it’s what it shares

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/17/digital-library-san-antonio-texas

Brent & Kilburn Times : 14th February
Brent Council branded farcical over Willesden Green Library blunder
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/news/brent_council_branded_farcical_over_willesden_green_library_blunder_1_1934629

Harringay Online : 16th February
Imminent cuts to library services in Haringey
. Deletion of mobile and housebound library services
. Deletion of Schools Library Service
http://www.harringayonline.com/forum/topics/imminent-cuts-to-library-services-in-haringey?commentId=844301:Comment:460253&xg_source=activity

Swedish article will appear in Eng translation 
Learn from the UK library slaughter 
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=sv&tl=en&u=http://www.svd.se/kultur/lar-av-biblioteksslakten_7906296.svd?utm_source%3Dsharing%26utm_medium%3Dclipboard%26utm_campaign%3D20130212&source=smo_sb …

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.

BBC News : 16th February
March through Newcastle over £100m cuts to services
with Libraries references
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-21484399

Chronicle Live : 16th February
Newcastle City Council reveals where axe falls
In total, five libraries face the chance of being saved, with new funders coming in at Cruddas Park and Fenham. Jesmond and High Heaton may be saved, but only if community groups agree final talks to run the. They and Blakelaw Library would still face closure with the possibility of being reopened.  At five other libraries, Dinnington, Moorside, Denton Burn, Newbiggin Hall, and Fawdon, there is no more funding and the sites will close down unless community groups step in.
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/evening-chronicle-news/2013/02/16/newcastle-city-council-reveals-where-axe-falls-72703-32822028/

TommyDonbavand.com : 14th February
Children’s Author Calls For Librarians To Be Fed To The Poor
However, like Terry, now that I’ve achieved my goals, I don’t want anyone else to have that opportunity.”
http://www.tommydonbavand.com/2013/02/14/feed-librarians-to-the-poor/

Good Library Blog : 16th February
Russia to purchase the English public library service for one hundred million roubles
http://www.goodlibraryguide.com/blog/archives/2013/02/russia_to_purch.html

The Star : 16th February
Help for Sheffield library bids 
Groups interested in taking over Sheffield’s libraries could be offered help to cover running costs, the councillor in charge has pledged.
Coun Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for communities, revealed that ‘numerous’ community, voluntary and faith groups, as well as businesses have come forward.
http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/help-for-sheffield-library-bids-1-5418405

Huddersfield Examiner : 16th February
MP Barry Sheerman calls for libraries to be updated to “move with the times”
“We should look at them as a setting in the community. It is the Government’s job to lead on this important issue.”
http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/local-west-yorkshire-news/2013/02/16/mp-barry-sheerman-calls-for-libraries-to-be-updated-to-move-with-the-times-86081-32819156/

Bury Free Press : 16th February
Suffolk | Stowmarket Library’s push for ‘friends’
“We are hoping volunteers will form a committee to help us with fund-raising.  We don’t know how much we need to make yet, but thought it was important to begin the process and get the ball rolling.”
http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/latest-news/library-s-push-for-friends-1-4788501

Midlothian Advertiser : 16th February
Local library petition started 
A petition to save Newton Grange Library was signed by more than 100 people in just two days as locals continue to worry over the future of community facilities.
http://www.midlothianadvertiser.co.uk/news/local-headlines/local-library-petition-started-1-2787111

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 : 13th February
Libraries ‘have had their day’, says Horrible Histories author
Deary’s comments were described as “horrible” by his fellow author Alan Gibbons, a key figure in the campaign to save libraries.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/13/libraries-horrible-histories-terry-deary

THE BOOKSELLER : 13th February
Anger over Deary library views
Children’s author David Almond, who has spoken out several times on behalf of beleaguered Newcastle libraries, tweeted: “Terry Deary on libraries: self-serving ignorant cynical twaddle.”
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/anger-over-deary-library-views.html

Alan Gibbons Blog : 12th February
Terry Deary’s horrible library statement
http://alangibbons.net/2013/02/terry-dearys-horrible-library-statement/

Public Libraries News : 12th February
Oh Deary me: Horrible Histories author says libraries have “had their day”
http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/2013/02/oh-deary-me-horrible-histories-author-says-libraries-have-had-their-day.html

THE INDEPENDENT : 12th February
‘How To Be An MP’: The most-borrowed book in the House of Commons library 
The book boasts step-by-step guides on how to placate constituents, advance one’s career, claim expenses and fend off an inquisitive press.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/how-to-be-an-mp-the-mostborrowed-book-in-the-house-of-commons-library-8492392.html?origin=internalSearch

THE INDEPENDENT
Poll: ‘How to be an MP’ is the most withdrawn book from House of Commons, but which title would you most recommend our politicians?
2 recommendations in ‘comments’
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/iv-drip/poll-how-to-be-an-mp-is-the-most-withdrawn-book-from-house-of-commons-but-which-title-would-you-most-recommend-our-politicians-8492045.html

Real Business : 13th February
Business Link is dead, long live the libraries 
Frances Brindle is the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications at the British Library.
http://realbusiness.co.uk/p/17776

Oxford Mail : 13th February
Police push for money to go to officers, not libraries
Force chiefs said libraries should not get cash as part of “section 106” deals between developers and West Oxfordshire District Council.  They want money to go on infrastructure improvements such as roads and employing extra police officers.
http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/10223065.Police_push_for_money_to_go_to_officers__not_libraries/

Colorlines.com : 12th February
USA | Not Loving It: Young Students Forced to Go McDonalds for WiFi After Libraries Close  
http://colorlines.com/archives/2013/02/not_loving_it_young_students_forced_to_go_mcdonalds_for_wifi_after_libraries_close.html

Guardian Series : 13th February
Libraries take on role of closed Epping Forest District Council desks
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/10224853.Libraries_take_on_role_of_closed_council_information_desks/

South Wales Argus : 13th February
Newport | Library closures a sinful waste
http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/letters/10225262.Library_closures_a_sinful_waste/

You Tube : December 2012
Video | Idea Store – London Borough of Tower Hamlets
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWxGq7kRYtI

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.

ITV News : 12th February
Library closures are “catastrophic”
Culture Secretary Maria Miller should step in to prevent the “cultural catastrophe” being caused by library closures in areas including Liverpool and Newcastle, author and broadcaster Baroness Bakewell has said.
http://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/update/2013-02-12/library-closures-are-catastrophic/

THE BOOKSELLER : 12th February
Bakewell condemns library closures ‘catastrophe’
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/bakewell-condemns-library-closures-catastrophe.html-0

THE GUARDIAN : 11th February
Harriet Harman: ‘We get the arts’ 
His position prompted a bewildered response from Hall, who wrote to Jarvis saying, “if as the shadow culture minister you cannot robustly and publicly defend the right of working-class and disadvantaged people to have access to libraries and culture, I do not understand what you are doing holding that brief”.
It has been a mess, which Labour is now attempting hurriedly to tidy away.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2013/feb/11/harriet-harman-arts-funding-newcastle

BBC News : 12th February
Hull | Maureen Lipman backs call to save Anlaby Park library
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-21425029

The Star : 12th February
Editorial | Sheffield – Be clear over axing libraries 
We deserve to know the truth
http://www.thestar.co.uk/lifestyle/the-star-says/be-clear-over-axing-libraries-1-5401685

Sunderland Echo : 12th February
Sunderland libraries facing closure under £850,000 savings plan 
A report by the executive director of health, housing and adult services recommends shutting down a number of the city’s 20 static libraries in a bid to make savings of £850,000 during 2013/14.  The proposals will be presented at a cabinet meeting tomorrow afternoon. Services could instead be spread out into schools and community centres, functioning with the help of volunteers.
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/local/all-news/sunderland-libraries-facing-closure-under-850-000-savings-plan-1-5401946

Southport Visitor : 12th February
Sefton | Huge consultation response shows love for libraries as more than 12,000 join Southport library campaign 
http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/southport-news/southport-southport-news/2013/02/12/huge-consultation-response-shows-love-for-libraries-as-more-than-12-000-join-southport-library-campaign-101022-32784615/

Ealing Gazette : 11th February
‘Private companies could play role in running Ealing libraries’ 
http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/ealing-news/local-ealing-news/2013/02/11/private-companies-could-play-role-in-running-ealing-libraries-64767-32788646/

THE BOOKSELLER : 11th February
Authors speak out for National Libraries Day
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/authors-speak-out-national-libraries-day.html

Daily Post : 12th February
Petition set up in bid to save Wrexham libraries
“Two of those libraries under threat recently have been refurbished at a cost of hundreds of thousands. It is mindless, a reminder of why we need libraries to educate future generations of the follies of the past.”
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2013/02/12/petition-set-up-in-bid-to-save-wrexham-libraries-55578-32793874/

THE BOOKSELLER : 12th February
Deary: “libraries have had their day”
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/deary-libraries-have-had-their-day.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.

Don’t Privatise Libraries : 11th February
Statement from Ealing Unison on the privatisation proposals 
http://dontprivatiselibraries.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/statement-from-ealing-unison-on.html

Gov.uk : 11th February
New support for local libraries and businesses
The funding will focus on enabling libraries in 6 of our major cities to support local libraries in communities across the country to help increase their business and intellectual property capacity. Libraries in towns and cities will be able to partner with these 6 patent-holding city libraries, bringing the capacity of the British Library to the local high street and extend support to groups which would otherwise not benefit from access to such powerful business resources. Funding will be allocated to local library services through competition, which will foster innovation and new partnerships. Odd that Newcastle, Liverpool, Sheffield and Manchester named as “partners” – given that they are closing libraries
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-support-for-local-libraries-and-businesses

ACE  | The Arts Council’s Director, Libraries talks about the recent community libraries research
see recent anonymous comments and responses re. Librarians / Paid Library staff
http://blog.artscouncil.org.uk/blog/arts-council-england-blog/arts-councils-director-libraries-talks-about-recent-community

Chronicle Live : 11th February
Famous faces join the fight to save Newcastle’s libraries
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/communities/newcastle/2013/02/11/famous-faces-join-the-fight-to-save-newcastle-s-libraries-72703-32787191/

The Journal : 11th February
Northumberland libraries bucking the national trend of decline 
good news
http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2013/02/11/northumberland-libraries-bucking-the-national-trend-of-decline-61634-32784633/

Daily Post : 11th February
Wrexham council library review could see three shut
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2013/02/11/wrexham-council-library-review-could-see-three-shut-55578-32784604/

Cambridge News : 11th February
Lifeline library has lost its heart, say residents
“It was so friendly and accessible with lots of staff. The library has lost its heart.”
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Cambridge/Lifeline-library-has-lost-its-heart-say-residents-11022013.htm

About My Area : 10th February
Warwickshire County Council Announces Free Computer Use At Its Libraries
http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Warwickshire/Rugby/CV21/News/Local-News/241238-Warwickshire-County-Council-Announces-Free-Computer-Use-At-Its-Libraries

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 : 10th February
Firefighters to the rescue of cash-strapped libraries 
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is considering a ‘groundbreaking’ plan to host collections in its buildings.  The service wants to help Manchester council, which plans to shut and relocate six libraries as part of £12m cuts to leisure services, find a solution by March.
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/greater-manchester-fire-and-rescue-service-1302929

Question Everything : 10th February
Opposition is the enemy in exile
on democracy, Swindon Labour’s recent statement, and a reference to Dan Jarvis MP
http://questioneverythingtheytellyou.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/opposition-is-enemy-in-exile.html

Don’t Privatise Libraries : 10th February
Croydon ignore National Libraries Day once again
http://dontprivatiselibraries.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/croydon-ignore-national-libraries-day.html

York Press : 10th February
Campaigners protest against proposed changes to York’s libraries
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/10218783.Campaigners_protest_against_proposed_changes_to_York_s_libraries/

SUNDAY SUN : 10th February
Stars join in demonstration to save North East libraries 
“What are we leaving the people of this area if we take that away? It’s a lifeline for them.”
http://www.sundaysun.co.uk/news/north-east-news/2013/02/10/stars-join-in-demonstration-to-save-north-east-libraries-79310-32780062/

Dudley News: 10th February
Celebrations to mark Netherton Library’s new home
The library reopened in the Savoy Centre in April 2012 and offers brighter, more modern and welcoming facilities than its previous home at Netherton Arts Centre.
http://www.dudleynews.co.uk/news/local/10210313.Celebrations_to_mark_Netherton_Library_s_new_home/?ref=nt

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

BBC News : 8th February
Protesters stage sit-in at Levenshulme Library
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-21390911

THE GUARDIAN : 9th February
Alison Flood – National Libraries Day celebrates beleaguered services
Swindon Libraries, Newcastle, Liverpool – included in this article 
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/culture-cuts-blog/2013/feb/09/national-libraries-day-beleaguered-service?INTCMP=SRCH

Don’t Privatise Libraries : 9th February
Swindon Labour and Libraries
http://dontprivatiselibraries.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/swindon-labour-and-libraries.html

Swindon Advertiser : 9th February
Campaigners ready to fight library cuts in Swindon 
She said: “It’s not good news for us in Old Town to be cut from 18 staffed hours to 10 per week – nearly 50 per cent. You will remember we fought as hard in the past to keep our frontline staff as we did for our library itself.”
http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/10217185.Campaigners_ready_to_fight_library_cuts_in_Swindon/

Wilts & Gloucestershire Standard : 9th February
Campaigners from Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries hit out at Gloucestershire
County Council’s “patchy and amateurish” approach to libraries
http://www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk/news/10216924.Campaigners_hit_out_at_council___s____patchy_and_amateurish____approach_to_libraries/?ref=nt

Inside Croydon : 9th February
National Libraries Day: a pledge for Croydon
Timothy Godfrey restates a commitment to hand the running of the borough’s libraries back to the communities
http://insidecroydon.com/2013/02/09/national-libraries-day-a-pledge-for-croydon/

Manchester Evening News : 8th February
Dozens occupy Levenshulme library in protest against council closure plans 
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/between-40-and-50-people-refused-1303028

Oxford Mail : 9th February
Ed Vaizey MP enchants young audience with The Gruffalo
“I loved reading it to the kids, and getting the chance to show how important and successful libraries remain.”
http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/10217744.MP_enchants_young_audience_with_The_Gruffalo/

THE GUARDIAN : 8th February
Terry Pratchett: ‘I taught myself more in the library than the school taught me’ – video
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2013/feb/08/terry-pratchett-library-video?INTCMP=SRCH

THE GUARDIAN : 8th February
Matt Haig: Why I love my library 
‘A library is a book in building form…It is paradise.’ On the eve of National Libraries Day, novelist Matt Haig explains why he loves libraries
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2013/feb/08/matt-haig-why-i-love-my-library?INTCMP=SRCH

This Is Hull & East Riding : 9th February
Campaign launched to save popular library
“The old Labour Party would be appalled by the idea of closing a public library. Libraries were originally intended to educate the workers.  This just seems to be so wrong.”
http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Campaign-launched-save-popular-library/story-18100033-detail/story.html#axzz2KOBv0w3l

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 BOOKSELLER : 7th February
SCL discusses ‘purpose and proposed way forward’ 
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/scl-discusses-purpose-and-proposed-way-forward.html

Public Libraries News : 6th February
SCL shares plans for 2013
The main points include a sneak preview of the results of the ACE research and an insight into SCL meetings with politicians:
http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/2013/02/scl-shares-plans-for-2013.html

Liverpool Daily Post : 7th February
Author Alan Gibbons calls for campaign to save Liverpool’s under threat libraries
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2013/02/07/author-alan-gibbons-calls-for-campaign-to-save-liverpool-s-under-threat-libraries-99623-32759946/

Save Old Town Library : 7th February
Swindon Library Cuts | Question to Cabinet, and Answers
http://www.friendsofoldtownlibrary.co.uk/ContactWithCouncillors.htm

Manchester Gazette : 6th February
Manchester Libraries help businesses to Go ONline and boost sales 
http://manchestergazette.co.uk/archives/11955

Runcorn & Widnes Weekly News : 7th February
Survey says 90% of residents pleased with standard of Runcorn and Widnes libraries
Book lending, staff support, computer facilities, information and children’s activities were given as the five most important services provided by libraries.
http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/runcorn-widnes-news/runcorn-widnes-local-news/2013/02/07/survey-says-90-of-residents-pleased-with-standard-of-runcorn-and-widnes-libraries-55368-32755857/

Express & Star : 6th February
Mobile library service in Sandwell set to be scaled back
The provision will be reduced from two vehicles to one from April 1 under proposals which will save the cash-strapped authority £80,000.
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2013/02/06/mobile-library-service-in-sandwell-set-to-be-scaled-back/

EADT : 7th February
Suffolk | Stowmarket: Library boss calls on community to form group
http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/stowmarket_library_boss_calls_on_community_to_form_group_1_1865394

Horncastle News : 7th February
New Wragby library ‘booking’ the trend 
Officials at Lincolnshire County Council have dismissed criticism of Wragby‘s new library and insisted it is a resounding success.
http://www.horncastlenews.co.uk/community/new-wragby-library-booking-the-trend-1-4756029

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

Alan Gibbons Blog : 5th February
Campaign for the Book statement about proposed Liverpool library closures
http://alangibbons.net/2013/02/campaign-for-the-book-statement-about-proposed-liverpool-library-closures/

Public Libraries News : 5th February
Liverpool “does a Newcastle”
http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/2013/02/liverpool-does-a-newcastle.html

Chronicle Live : 6th February
Campaigners hand over Newcastle library petition
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/communities/newcastle/2013/02/06/campaigners-hand-over-newcastle-library-petition-72703-32755441/

Leigh Day & Co (Law Firm) : 6th February
Friern Barnet Community Library opens
http://ca.linexlegal.com/register  ( register to read, free of charge)

THE BOOKSELLER : 6th February
Friern Barnet library to be volunteer-run
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/friern-barnet-library-be-volunteer-run.html

DAILY MIRROR : 6th February
The book stops here: Campaigners win battle to run UK’s first people’s library 
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/friern-barnet-library-campaigners-win-1588273

Times Series : 6th February
Friern Barnet Library will not be sold but council deal is ‘not perfect’, say occupiers
She said: “It is a pragmatic solution that we will happily accept as there is no alternative. But we believe libraries should be publicly run, with qualified librarians and assistants. This is not a perfect solution but the council has budged and this is what was on offer.”
http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/10208798.Library_will_not_be_sold_but_council_deal_is__not_perfect_/

Guardian Series : 6th February
New hope for volunteer-run library plans in Leytonstone
But now campaigners have been given hope after being allocated a room at the Epicentre community centre in Leytonstone under a three-month agreement.  …. Campaigner Howard Smeed said: “At the moment we’re looking at opening it for three hours every Saturday, but we’d like to expand that if possible.”
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/10209421.New_hope_for_volunteer_run_library_plans/

This Is Plymouth : 6th February
Plymouth libraries are ‘desperately in need of WiFi’, council is told
http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Plymouth-libraries-desperately-need-WiFi-council/story-18066416-detail/story.html#axzz2K7h7yn3b

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

Liverpool Echo : 5th February
Leading Article | Don’t kill off our culture
We’re facing up to the news that the city council is planning to axe around 10 Liverpool libraries.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/views/our-view/2013/02/05/don-t-kill-off-our-culture-100252-32747398/

THE BOOKSELLER : 5th February
Liverpool Council threatens to close 10 libraries
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/liverpool-council-threatens-close-10-libraries.html

Liverpool Daily Post : 5th February
Liverpool libraries and care for vulnerable to be targeted in council cuts
Liverpool has 19 libraries at present, but the council thinks it can save around £938,000 (from April 2014) by closing around 10.  It is examining plans to keep a seven-day service at Central Library and at two community libraries (one in the north and another in the south).  It will also have a cluster of smaller libraries, of around six, open shorter hours.
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2013/02/05/liverpool-libraries-and-care-for-vulnerable-to-be-targeted-in-council-cuts-99623-32747987/

NEW STATESMAN : 5th February
Whose library is it anyway?
After being closed by the Conservative council and then run by Occupy London, Friern Barnet Library is now in the hands of residents. But does this development represent a Pyrrhic victory over the cuts?
http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2013/02/whose-library-it-anyway

THE GUARDIAN : 5th February
Alison Flood – Library campaigners save Friern Barnet branch for community
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/05/library-campaigners-save-friern-barnet-branch

Barnet & Whetstone Press : 5th February
Squatters to leave Friern Barnet Library as council and residents near deal
http://www.barnet-today.co.uk/news.cfm?id=3737&headline=Squatters%20to%20leave%20Friern%20Barnet%20Library%20as%20council%20and%20residents%20near%20deal

Times Series : 4th February
Community takeover of Friern Barnet Library expected tomorrow
Squatters currently occupying the Friern Barnet Road premises are preparing to “ceremonially” hand over the keys to the community group at midday.
http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/10204885.Community_takeover_of_library_expected_tomorrow/

Gazette Series : 5th February
New mobile library for Gloucestershire 
http://www.gazetteseries.co.uk/news/10206344.New_mobile_library_for_Gloucestershire/

Dorset Echo : 5th February
Burton Bradstock’s library turns new leaf as friends take over
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/10206284.Burton_Bradstock___s_library_turns_new_leaf_as_friends_take_over/

South Wales Argus : 5th February
Axe-threatened Maindee, Newport library has city’s second most visitors
http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/10207437.Axe_threatened_Newport_library_has_city___s_second_most_visitors/

Aberdeen News : 5th February
Letter | Why a library?
http://www.aberdeennews.com/opinion/aan-letter-why-a-library-20130204,0,6343268.story

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.

CILIP : 1st February
President, Phil Bradley on the Government’s response to the CMS Committee’s report into library closures
http://communities.cilip.org.uk/blogs/presidentphil/archive/2013/02/01/on-the-government-library-closures-inquiry.aspx
and Link to the Government’s response:
http://www.culture.gov.uk/images/consultation_responses/CP_Gov_Response_Library_Closures.pdf

THE BOOKSELLER : 1st February
Return of National Libraries Day 
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/return-national-libraries-day.html

THE INDEPENDENT : 31st January
The medicinal power of literature: Books on prescription to be introduced 
“The big concern, as well as the closures, is that services have been hollowed out. Opening hours are shorter, and they have got rid of professional librarians for volunteers. There’s a lot of anger out there.”
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/the-medicinal-power-of-literature-books-on-prescription-to-be-introduced-8475933.html

Don’t Privatise Libraries : 1st February
Gimmicks Galore at the Great Public Libraries Gala! 
http://dontprivatiselibraries.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/gimmicks-galore-at-great-public.html?spref=tw

Public Libraries News : 31st January
Special report: “Libraries of the 21st Century” versus “offering a new dress to a plague victim”
By linking in libraries to health and to benefits, senior librarians are throwing ropes out from the raft on to larger, more sturdy, vessels
http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/2013/01/special-report-libraries-of-the-21st-century-versus-offering-a-new-dress-to-a-plague-victim.html

Voices for the Library : 1st February
Society of Chief Librarians announce universal library offers
http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk/wordpress/?p=2821

DAILY TELEGRAPH : 31st January
GPs to prescribe library books to combat anxiety, depression and relationship problems
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9839458/GPs-to-prescribe-library-books-to-combat-anxiety-depression-and-relationship-problems.html

Reading Agency : 31st January
Miranda McKearney’s Speech | Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme
http://readingagency.org.uk/news/blog/announcing-the-reading-well-books-on-prescription-scheme.html

Milton Keynes Citizen : 31st January
Future of leisure centres and libraries in residents’ hands
http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/news/local/future-of-leisure-centres-and-libraries-in-residents-hands-1-4742180

Swindon Council
Agenda Item – Cabinet Meeting 6th February
Page 29
Reduce opening hours in all libraries. Provide10 hours in smaller libraries, 30 hours in medium libraries, 45 hours in larger libraries and 55 hours in Central library. Reduction in staff costs. No savings in buildings or IT costs.
http://ww5.swindon.gov.uk/moderngov/mgConvert2Pdf.aspx?ID=10719&T=9

Your Cardiff : 1st February
Cardiff Council slashes £22m from its budget – with cuts to libraries, leisure centres, and the arts
http://yourcardiff.walesonline.co.uk/2013/02/01/cardiff-council-to-slash-22m-from-its-budget-with-cuts-to-libraries-leisure-centres-and-the-arts/

BBC News : 1st February
Cardiff council cuts: Pool, libraries, Flat Holm Island hit
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-21289953

Tenby Observer : 1st February
Pembrokeshire | Library rumours unconfirmed
http://www.tenby-today.co.uk/news.cfm?id=3553&headline=Library%20rumours%20unconfirmed

Broken Barnet Blogspot : 1st February
Friern Barnet Library: a People’s Library, and a People’s Victory 
http://wwwbrokenbarnet.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/friern-barnet-library-peoples-library.html

Coventry Telegraph : 1st February
Coventry Central Library to close for three weeks for makeover

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/2013/02/01/latest-coventry-central-library-to-close-for-three-weeks-for-makeover-92746-32726430/