The Latest Breaking News from Libraries

Tiananmen books disappear from Hong Kong library shelves

Chief executive John Lee says residents should not be exposed to ‘unhealthy ideas’.

Al Jazeera · May 18, 2023

Hong Kong leader defends removal of politically sensitive books in public libraries

Hong Kong's leader says the city’s public libraries would not recommend books featuring “bad ideologies” to residents after they pulled titles related to the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown and certain political figures

The Independent UK · May 18, 2023

Mem Fox book Guess What? not banned but 'approved' for school libraries, US county says

Education authorities in the US county of Duval, in Florida, reject claims a book by renowned Australian children's author Mem Fox has been banned from classrooms, saying the work has instead been "approved" for school libraries and is not on a list of 21 "not-approved" titles.

ABC News · May 17, 2023

Guess What? Mem Fox’s children's book has been banned in Florida as 'pornography' – but bathing is not a sexual act

Australian author Mem Fox’s 1988 picture book Guess What?, illustrated by Vivienne Goodman, has been banned in Duval County, Florida over allegations of “pornography”. Why? Because one illustration depicts the main character, “old witch” Daisy O'Grady, taking a bath.

The Conversation · May 16, 2023

Geelong region to lose three libraries due to council budget shortfalls

Victoria's second-largest council area is set to lose three libraries and see opening hours slashed at seven others, as Geelong's council cuts costs to help "stay afloat" amid financial pressures.

ABC News · May 12, 2023

More must be done to fight the scourge of loneliness

Letters: Julia Edwards worries about the loss of public libraries and other services, while Jean Jackson describes the isolation that comes with hearing loss and David Jones suggests churches could be part of the solution

The Guardian - UK · May 11, 2023

Falkirk libraries to have opening hours cut to reduce costs under five-year plan

All local libraries will close on Wednesdays, as Falkirk Council revealed plans to use the buildings for more than just borrowing books

Daily Record · May 9, 2023

Raspberry Pi Release Updated OS

Two months since the last release, Raspberry Pi OS sees an updated kernel, applications and improved software libraries for its range of cameras.

Tom’s Hardware · May 9, 2023

Glasgow libraries facing staffing issues as services closed 66 times last year

Almost 80 staff have been taken on and another recruitment drive is under way after venues were forced to shut last year.

Glasgow Live · May 5, 2023

Glasgow parents get income boost of £1.2m thanks to cost of living advisers

The family finance team based at libraries help parents get jobs, offered debt and budgeting advice.

Glasgow Live · May 4, 2023