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L
ET us begin this edition of Mediawatching with something that we all know – “Libraries are good in ways that you
might not expect.”
It’s fair to say that most readers of Mediawatching understand the value of libraries (in all sectors) often goes much deeper than may people’s perceptions of what a library does. But it never hurts to hear others expressing their thoughts on how libraries bring value to communities. And so it is with this piece on the Book Riot website (
https://tinyurl.com/MWSpring251), which points to the a report highlighting positive effects libraries can have on a person’s sense of wellbeing. Writing for Book Riot, Jeff O’Neill says: “Canvassing more than 2,000 participants, The NYPL [New York Public Library] did a survey last fall about how people feel about their library and, most novel to me at least, how people actually feel after using the library. There are many interesting findings here, but a couple stand out. After visiting the library, 70 per cent of respondents report feeling ‘on top of everything I do’ and 75 per cent report feeling ‘engaged and/or stimulated’. I might be projecting here a little, but these are two feelings I think I many of us could use a little more of. Feeling stagnant? Harried and somehow also helpless? Maybe a trip to the library can help.”
And to add to the feelgood factor, The Guardian has included libraries on its list of what’s “in” for 2025. Sarah Munks, Liaison Librarian at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Being a fashion- conscious information professional I subscribe to and enjoy The Fashion Statement newsletter from The Guardian. “According to the latest issue of said newsletter New Year resolutions are ‘out’ this year and ‘ins and outs’ lists are ‘in’. I was pleasantly surprised to read that fashion influencer Camille Charriere’s list includes… library cards and was impressed with the photos on her Instagram account (
https://tinyurl.com/ MWSpring252) where she’s acting very
Spring 2025
because of the connection they forged to books at their libraries as children. So much of the book world rests on the foundation built in local and school libraries that it’s hard to imagine what a book industry would look like without them. But you do need to imagine that world.
The Boy and the River.
demure in a lovely looking library.” Crossing the pond now, and the impact of President Trump is already being felt around the world. Writing for Lit Hub, Josh Cook poses an argument for “What Publishing Can Do About Trump: Preserve the Independence of Our Bookstores and Libraries” (https://tinyurl. com/MWSpring253).
In his piece, he writes about how far- right ideas are being normalised and how he has seen many organisations cosying up to Trump. But he warns that “collaborating won’t protect you, normalising something dangerous to yourself won’t protect anyone else…” Instead he suggests a series of actions that those working in the publishing industry in the US can do, including continuing to develop actions to combat climate change, pay a living wage and protect Libraries.
He says: “So many readers, people who go on to love, support, and buy books their entire lives, started their reading journeys at their libraries. So many of our best customers became our customers
“You need to put this image in your brain because you need to understand that it is possible. You need to feel in your bones the fact that many powerful people want to destroy the American library system so you can be ready to work at least as hard as they will to save it. Whatever the coming fight will be, it will be easier with libraries. Whatever new world will follow this one, it will be easier to build with libraries.” And finally, to a Mediawatching staple – the long-overdue library book. In this instalment we head to Devon and a children’s book borrowed from Torrington Library in 1975. The Boy and the River by Henri Bosco was returned a mere 49 years and six months after its due date – certainly not the longest overdue return reported in these pages.
If fines were still paid for children’s books, the late fee would have stood at around £3,600 for a book worth just £30. Library supervisor Kate Cooper told the BBC (
https://tinyurl.com/MWSpring254) that there are three other books by the same author at the library services archive, adding: “I think it would be nice for it to go and join the others at the archive for safe keeping.” IP
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So much of the book world rests on the foundation built in local and school libraries that it’s hard to imagine what a book industry would look like without them. – Josh Cook
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