NEWS
Students owe £100s in library fines
NINE Durham University students together owe £6,000 in library fines, each owing over £500, with the largest debt at £890. The Northern Echo submitted Freedom of Information requests about library fines to all five North East universities. It said “Durham and Newcastle are the only universities still fining students at their libraries, although the biggest fine on Tyneside was just £60.” A Durham University spokesperson said its maximum fine is £20 per book and that “If any student believes they have good reason not to pay a library charge… they can contact us to discuss this.”
BookTrust’s new writer in residence
BookTrust has announced author Michelle Robinson as the new Writer in Residence for, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity.
Michelle’s core mission in the role will be to encourage children and grown-ups to “have fun reading together” with tips, activities and practical suggestions for shared reading. She said: “I come from a low-income background so BookTrust’s mission really strikes a chord with me. I’m living proof that books, libraries and the nurturing of literacy skills at an early age can take even the most unlikely child a very long way.”
New chair for SLIC
THE Scottish Library and Information Coun- cil (SLIC) has appointed Alan Clarke, an experienced chief executive as its new chair. He said: “I hope that my experience in strategic business development can assist in showcasing the economic, social, education and community impact of all libraries to our users and funders, whilst contributing to the Scottish government’s Green Recovery Plan.” Current chair, professor Ian Ruthven has led the board since 2017 during which time SLIC developed Scotland’s public library strategy. He will step down in November.
BARCELONA’S Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez has been named as Public Library of the Year 2023. The community-focused library was revealed as this year’s winner at IFLA’s World Library and Information Con- ference in Rotterdam last month. The library, which is found in Barcelona’s Sant Marti district, was praised by judges for its architectural style as well as the positive impact it has had on the local neighourhood. Described as “an architectural and functional marvel, resembling a stack of open books and serving as a central community hub for 240,000 residents”, judges were keen to recognise the contri- bution the library is making to Barcelo- na. Jakob Guillois Lærkes, Chairman of the judging panel, said: “I’m always in awe of the high quality, impressive solu- tions and innovative features of the new libraries which are entered each year for the Public Library of the Year award. This year’s field was no less impressive. The four nominated libraries all stand out and are each a true gift to their local community. “The Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez is a great example of how a library can
8 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
serve as a crucial link between people and communities. The entire building pro- cess, including the selection of mater ials, has been characterised by rigorous sus- tainable choices and bold and ambitious solutions. The Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez stands as a true role model for future library buildings in years to come.” Picking up the award, which is run in collaboration Danish software company Systematic, Ferran Burguillos, managing director of Barcelona Libraries City Net- work, said: “This recognition is not only for Biblioteca Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It’s for the entire team of Barcelona libraries, the library team, the architects, and the municipality of Barcelona. It’s a gift for the citizens. The democratic and social rights and values are key to our library. This recognition is an award for the Bar- celona people.” Designed by Suma Arquitectura, the
main focus of the library is on learning and providing a social connection through workshops on creativity, languages and digital literacy. The library has been designed to provide a multi-use expe- rience, including an auditorium, radio studio, cooking workshop and sensory space for children and young people.
September 2023
This year’s best new public library is in Spain
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