SCL is not a campaigning group, but it is a peer support organisation. SCL supports chief librarians and the public library service by providing regional networks for heads of libraries to share best practices for the benefit of the public library service locally and nationally. SCL works to try and make sure that every community has a modern public library service that meets and exceeds customers’ needs.

SCL is a supporting partner of National Libraries Day and is actively involved in planning for events and celebrations. The Society of Chief Librarians welcomes the support from customers and the library community that has been galvanized for National Libraries Day. Celebrating what libraries do for their customers, and what customers do for one another in libraries is important because it reinforces the uniqueness and value of the public library service.

In thousands of public libraries across the UK, 4 February 2012 will be a special day. Someone will be helped to use the internet for the very first time. Others will get advice on opening a business, help with homework, or join a reading group. Authors will read from their latest works. Many libraries across the country will host coffee mornings and a chance for their communities to celebrate their libraries.

In Newcastle City Library, free events will include an author event and book signing of ‘The Radleys’ by Matt Haig, a NLD treasure hunt and an IT advice surgery to help customers learn to use the internet, email, Skype, online shopping and more.

A collaborative story writing week will encourage customers to create a brand new story in Gosforth Library.

Bath Central Library will put on a Click, Clack, Crocodile’s Back fun packed activity hour with local author Kathryn White.

Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson will be at Canning Town Library to celebrate the magic of libraries with customers, sing songs, and share stories.

South Petherton Library in Somerset will hold a book sale to benefit the library’s book fund.

Brighton and Hove Libraries will offer tours and a chance to chat with library staff.

Oxted Library in Surrey will hold a ‘Dragonese Party, a dragon and Viking fun day for children and adults.

Essex Libraries are counting down the 10 Good Reasons to join your library on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for customers to share what they love about libraries.

Peterborough Libraries are hosting a Charles Dickens Re-enactment with local historian Richard Jones in full costume.

Salford Library is marking NLD and LGBT History Month with a free talk by Clare Debenham on Eleanor Rathbone (1872-1946), campaigner for women’s rights and pioneer of family allowances.

In Blackpool ManBooker Prize (2011) shortlisted author Carol Birch will appear at the newly refurbished Central Library to talk about her book, Jamrach’s Menagerie.

Many more events and celebrations can be found on the National Libraries Day website http://www.nationallibrariesday.org.uk/

Key promises made in the National Digital Promise include:
free access to the internet in every library (for a minimum period)
24/7 access to a virtual library online
library staff trained to help people to go online
the ability to join a library online, and much more.

Digital Promise 2012

For many people in the UK, the local public library is the only source of access to digital information. Many libraries offer free one-to-one online tuition for customers. Many libraries are linking local IT volunteers with customers who need help going online. This is not only helping people learn how to go online, but also helping them to make full use of the many local council services which are now online.

Nicky Parker, President of SCL, said: “With this Digital Promise we hope to expand and improve the standard of online resources in libraries both now and for the future.”

In the past year more than a million people have been helped to go online for the first time in their local library.

More information here:
Welsh Government Press Release on library figures

Library Wales

The BBC is highlighting inspiring stories from library customers and online mentors. Libraries are working hard to support Race Online 2012 and the GoON Give an Hour campaign. We all set our clocks back this weekend and there are many ways we’ll use the extra hour, but in libraries across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, many people are choosing to donate their time to help others go online.

Dave’s life in Tipton in the Black Country (Dudley, West Midlands) seemed to be at an all time low until a friend suggested he re-train at the local college by trying the Learn Direct Courses they offered. Not keen to “go back to the classroom” Dave found that he could do the same course at his local library.

“Computers Don’t Bite” turned out to be the first of many that Dave would study at his local library. His story didn’t end there. He is now working with a doctor at the local hospital, writing a book based on other people’s stories of recuperating from illness thanks to their animals. He has learnt to build a website to devote to his beloved owl and he last year attended several other branches of Dudley Libraries telling his story.

Dave is a real character, an inspiration to everyone on how your life can be turned around, and is really keen to tell others his story.

Public Libraries Committed to Improve Access for Blind and Partially Sighted People

20 September 2011, London—Public libraries are adopting six steps in a UK-wide effort to improve access for blind and partially sighted people. For the two million blind and partially sighted people in the UK this will be a lifeline to the leisure, learning and information resources offered by public libraries.

Libraries that have adopted the six steps are providing collections of large print and audio books, making sure accessible technology is available, and have a library champion for the reading needs of blind and partially sighted people.

Six Steps to Library Services for Blind and Partially Sighted People is a joint initiative by the Society of Chief Librarians, Scottish Library & Information Council and Share the Vision.

Mark Freeman, Acting Chair of Share the Vision, said: “Public libraries are obliged to provide services to everyone. Many libraries are already doing an excellent job but standards of provision for blind and partially sighted people vary from place to place. The six steps make it clear what libraries can do to improve access.”

These steps are already making a huge difference to library users.

“I am so glad that Inverurie Library organised this event. I had given up trying to read books with my younger son and missed this time with him dearly but I can once again enjoy doing this. I also now receive the local paper in audio format, am a member of the local book club, have a better idea of the titles available and how to order audio books and lastly the confidence to ask for help if I need it.” Heather Watson, library customer, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire.

Already, 176 out of 210 library authorities have pledged.* “We call on every library in the UK to sign up,” said President of SCL, Nicky Parker. “We are determined to break down the barriers that prevent blind and partially sighted people from using the public library like everyone else.”

Scottish Library & Information Council Director, Elaine Fulton, said: “All of Scotland’s public libraries have already pledged their support for this very welcome initiative.”

Six Steps to Library Services for Blind and Partially Sighted People

1. Use Your Reading Choices with blind and partially sighted customers to assess their reading needs and facilitate access to public libraries and other relevant services (http://tinyurl.com/rnib2)

2. Use Reading Sight (www.readingsight.org.uk), the free website for library staff supporting blind and partially sighted people to access reading and reading services

3. Provide local collections of large print and audio books

4. Have a strategy in place for provision of access technology throughout your library service

5. Designate a “champion” for the reading needs of blind and partially sighted people

6. Participate in Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight (www.rnib.org.uk/manil) run annually by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

Libraries Signed Up to Six Steps

For Editors

The Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) is a local government association made up of the chief librarian of each library authority in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. SCL takes a leading role in the development of public libraries, through sharing best practices, advocating for continuous improvement on behalf of local people, and leading the debate on the future of the public library service. www.goscl.com
Share the Vision (STV) is a partnership of UK libraries and library organisations that work together to improve the accessibility of library services for blind and partially sighted people. www.share-the-vision.org.uk

The Scottish Library & Information Council [SLIC] is the independent advisory body to the Scottish Government and Scottish ministers on library and information matters. The Council offers leadership focus and support to the Scottish library and information sector, coordinating and promoting national service developments to benefit Scotland’s people and enrich our cultural, educational and economic landscape. SLIC members include all local authority, higher education, further education organisations, NHS Trust library services, as well as other specialist library and information organisations. www.slainte.org.uk

Libraries that have adopted the six steps are providing collections of large print and audio books, making sure accessible technology is available, and have a library champion for the reading needs of blind and partially sighted people.

Six Steps to Library Services for Blind and Partially Sighted People is a joint initiative by the Society of Chief Librarians, Scottish Library & Information Council and Share the Vision.

Mark Freeman, Acting Chair of Share the Vision, said: “Public libraries are obliged to provide services to everyone. Many libraries are already doing an excellent job but standards of provision for blind and partially sighted people vary from place to place. The six steps make it clear what libraries can do to improve access.”

These steps are already making a huge difference to library users.

“I am so glad that Inverurie Library organised this event. I had given up trying to read books with my younger son and missed this time with him dearly but I can once again enjoy doing this. I also now receive the local paper in audio format, am a member of the local book club, have a better idea of the titles available and how to order audio books and lastly the confidence to ask for help if I need it.” Heather Watson, library customer, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire.

Already, 176 out of 210 library authorities have pledged.* “We call on every library in the UK to sign up,” said President of SCL, Nicky Parker. “We are determined to break down the barriers that prevent blind and partially sighted people from using the public library like everyone else.”

Scottish Library & Information Council Director, Elaine Fulton, said: “All of Scotland’s public libraries have already pledged their support for this very welcome initiative.”

Six Steps to Library Services for Blind and Partially Sighted People

1. Use Your Reading Choices with blind and partially sighted customers to assess their reading needs and facilitate access to public libraries and other relevant services (http://tinyurl.com/rnib2)

2. Use Reading Sight (www.readingsight.org.uk), the free website for library staff supporting blind and partially sighted people to access reading and reading services

3. Provide local collections of large print and audio books

4. Have a strategy in place for provision of access technology throughout your library service

5. Designate a “champion” for the reading needs of blind and partially sighted people

6. Participate in Make a Noise in Libraries Fortnight (www.rnib.org.uk/manil) run annually by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

Full list of libraries signed up to Six Steps Library Authorities Signed Up to Six Steps

This valuable project ensures that adults with learning disabilities are welcomed into Kent libraries and enjoy access to a variety of activities including music workshops, IT sessions and reading groups. As a result of this project some of the adults are now employed as paid librarians. Since the project began in April of 2010 more than 1,000 adults with learning disabilities have taken part.

“This is an example of how libraries are levelers of all barriers including income, education and access to resources,” said President of SCL, Nicky Parker. “This is an achievement worth celebrating but the real winners are Kent library customers. We also want to congratulate the other award finalists, NEALIS (North East Accessible Library and Information Services) project and the Our Tyneside & The History Club project, devised by Newcastle libraries.”