Libraries
Tackling the digital divide in a changing world
Springboard, a new cutting edge online digital skills platform, is helping to train and upskill residents in Brent and address exclusion to ensure nobody is left behind. Peter Gadsdon explains.
Reimagining culture for our local communities
Arts Council England will stand with local authorities that seize the chance to build a vibrant new reality for every place, born out of creativity, says Darren Henley.
The simple fact is that reading matters
Diana Gerald, CEO of children’s reading charity BookTrust, explains plans to pilot a new, national library experience called BookTrust Storytime in the Autumn, developed in partnership with libraries and local authorities.
Blast at the rocketeers
Jeff Bezos and Sir Richard Branson recently took much-publicised spins into space.
Libraries are vital to tackling loneliness
The UK's libraries are a key element in tackling loneliness and isolation, says Rob Whiteman. Yet CIPFA data shows that total spending on libraries in Great Britain has decreased by 2.6% from 2018/19.
Spending on libraries drops by £20m in past year
The total spend on British libraries has fallen by nearly £20m in the past financial year, new figures have revealed.
A hive of activity
Calderdale MBC was abuzz recently when a huge honey bee nest was discovered in one of its libraries.
Leisure outsourcer asks staff to take 'career break'
A major leisure services provider has come under fire for asking workers to take ‘unpaid career breaks’.
Trusting our workforce to make the right calls in this time of crisis
Hertfordshire CC is providing ‘clarity, reassurance and the human touch’ - and its recruitment team turned into a redeployment hub once the potential impact of coronavirus was clear, says Sally Hopper.
Union and social enterprise clash over library strike
A trade union has questioned the treatment of workers by a social enterprise running hundreds of council-owned leisure facilities.
Bexley’s midnight libraries
Cllr Peter Craske explains how initiatives such as Bexley LBC’s successful Libraries at Night programme help make the most of buildings at the heart of the town centre and boost the night time economy.
Five steps to digital transformation for UK libraries
Public libraries in the UK face a range of challenges. Douglas White reviews potential models for their digital future, building on the Carnegie legacy.
Union 'bewildered' by backing of city of culture bid
Bradford City Council has come under fire after backing a campaign to become the UK’s city of culture.
Neighbourhood services a 'serious concern'
A new report has highlighted 'serious concerns' over the future quality of neighbourhood services unless councils receive adequate funding in next spring's Spending Review.
