SUFL Conference

Speak up for Libraries Conference just days away #SUFLconf14

Elizabeth Ash Leave a comment

The Speak Up for Libraries Conference is fully booked!

There is a waiting list in operation.

We are at maximum capacity and will be unable to accommodate anyone turning up on the day without a firm booking.  

All delegates have been sent an update today, confirming arrangements for the day.

If you have booked a place and you are unable to attend please let us know so that we can try to offer the place to another on the waiting list.

A room at The Marlborough Arms in Bloomsbury, a short walk from the Conference venue, has been booked for the post conference event, and anyone is welcome to join us.

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 This year’s Speak Up for Libraries  national conference on public libraries is this Saturday, 22 November in central London.  It will bring together local campaigners, union members, library users and library workers - and give them a rare chance to talk directly to the people who make the decisions at national level. This is crunch year for public libraries, with a general election due and two major inquiries - on England and Wales - reporting soon.

Support for libraries overdue

THE LINE-UP

Helen Goodman MP (Labour shadow minister)
Justin Tomlinson MP (Conservative)
The Green Party spokesperson not yet confirmed
LibDem spokesperson not yet confirmed

Sue Charteris, panel member of the Sieghart Review in England
Claire Creaser, chair of the Welsh Review of the Public Library Service

Barbara Band, CILIP President, will open the Conference
Ian Anstice, editor of Public Libraries News, will chair the workshop feedback session
Alan Gibbons, author and library campaigner, will chair the panel debate

 

PROGRAMME

SUFL Conference 14 programme

 

 

 

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Facebook: Speak Up for Libraries

Twitter: @SpeakUp4Libs

And the hashtag for this event is #SUFLconf14

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Since 1 April 2013, 693 professionally managed libraries (static or mobile) have already been lost in this way or remain under threat (out a UK total of c.4,265). Yet further damage is predicted as local authorities plan for further significant reductions in their funding.* This has major implications. Public libraries - especially small branches in deprived communities - are a vital resource for families, pre-schoolers, students, older people, benefits claimants, job seekers and all who need internet access, books, information and the essentials for citizenship. Properly staffed public libraries are irreplaceable, and cost very little to run.
  • Statistics produced by CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy) show a net loss of 212 libraries or mobile libraries in the UK in 2011-12, and 71 in 2012-13.
  • Public Libraries News estimates that in 2013-14, 491 libraries (including mobile libraries) were closed, or scheduled for closure, or became volunteer-managed.
  • Since April 2014, Public Libraries News reports that 202 libraries (including mobile libraries) are threatened with closure, have closed or will be handed over to volunteers. http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com
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Speak Up for Libraries Conference - 22 November - Don’t miss out! #SUFLconf14

Elizabeth Ash Leave a comment

Places still available, but booking quickly.

Don’t miss your chance to talk directly to the decision makers

 

Click here to book your place.

 

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 Speak Up for Libraries are holding this year’s national conference on public libraries on 22 November in central London.  It will bring together local campaigners, union members, library users and library workers - and give them a rare chance to talk directly to the people who make the decisions at national level.

This is crunch year for public libraries, with a general election due and two major inquiries - one on England due soon and on Wales, just out.

 

After the close of the early bird booking on 24 October there are only a few remaining places available before maximum capacity is reached, so don’t delay booking. 

 

THE LINE-UP

Helen Goodman MP (Labour shadow minister)
Justin Tomlinson MP (Conservative)
The Green Party spokesperson TBA
Lib Dem spokesperson TBA

Sue Charteris, panel member of the Sieghart Review in England
Claire Creaser, chair of the Welsh Review of the Public Library Service

Barbara Band, CILIP President, will open the Conference
Ian Anstice, editor of Public Libraries News, will chair the workshop feedback session
Alan Gibbons, author and library campaigner, will chair the panel debate

 

PROGRAMME

Full details are contained in the brochure, which you can download here. SUFLconf14 leaflet

Please download and share copies for those not online, to help spread the word.

BOOKING

Book your place online on our Eventbrite page.

All bookings include refreshments and lunch.

£25 per person.

For queries or help to book a place, please call  020 8651 9552.

 

footerColour

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Facebook: Speak Up for Libraries

Twitter: @SpeakUp4Libs

And the hashtag for this event is #SUFLconf14
footerColour
Since 1 April 2013, 693 professionally managed libraries (static or mobile) have already been lost in this way or remain under threat (out a UK total of c.4,265). Yet further damage is predicted as local authorities plan for further significant reductions in their funding.* This has major implications. Public libraries - especially small branches in deprived communities - are a vital resource for families, pre-schoolers, students, older people, benefits claimants, job seekers and all who need internet access, books, information and the essentials for citizenship. Properly staffed public libraries are irreplaceable, and cost very little to run.
  • Statistics produced by CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy) show a net loss of 212 libraries or mobile libraries in the UK in 2011-12, and 71 in 2012-13.
  • Public Libraries News estimates that in 2013-14, 491 libraries (including mobile libraries) were closed, or scheduled for closure, or became volunteer-managed.
  • Since April 2014, Public Libraries News reports that 202 libraries (including mobile libraries) are threatened with closure, have closed or will be handed over to volunteers. http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com
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Early bird booking for #SUFLconf14 closes on Friday 24 October

Elizabeth Ash Leave a comment

The early bird booking rate, just £20 per person,  closes on Friday 24 October.

Click here to book your place.

footerColour

 Speak Up for Libraries are holding this year’s national conference on public libraries on 22 November in central London.  It will bring together local campaigners, union members, library users and library workers - and give them a rare chance to talk directly to the people who make the decisions at national level. This is crunch year for public libraries, with a general election due and two major inquiries - on England and Wales - reporting soon.

THE LINE-UP

Helen Goodman MP (Labour shadow minister)
Justin Tomlinson MP (Conservative)
LibDem spokesperson TBA
Sue Charteris, panel member of the Sieghart Review in England
Claire Creaser, chair of the Welsh Review of the Public Library Service

Barbara Band, CILIP President, will open the Conference
Ian Anstice, editor of Public Libraries News, will chair the workshop feedback session
Alan Gibbons, author and library campaigner, will chair the panel debate

 

PROGRAMME

programme

Full details are contained in the brochure, which you can download here. Speak Up for Libraries Conference 2014

Please download and share copies for those not online, to help spread the word.

 

BOOKING

Book your place online on our Eventbrite page.

All bookings include refreshments and lunch.

We are offering an Early Bird booking rate of only £20 per person  for those who book a place by 24 October.

If places remain after this date they will be at the full price of £25 per person.

For queries or help to book a place, please call  020 8651 9552.

 

footerColour

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Facebook: Speak Up for Libraries

Twitter: @SpeakUp4Libs

And the hashtag for this event is #SUFLconf14
footerColour
Since 1 April 2013, 693 professionally managed libraries (static or mobile) have already been lost in this way or remain under threat (out a UK total of c.4,265). Yet further damage is predicted as local authorities plan for further significant reductions in their funding.* This has major implications. Public libraries - especially small branches in deprived communities - are a vital resource for families, pre-schoolers, students, older people, benefits claimants, job seekers and all who need internet access, books, information and the essentials for citizenship. Properly staffed public libraries are irreplaceable, and cost very little to run.
  • Statistics produced by CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy) show a net loss of 212 libraries or mobile libraries in the UK in 2011-12, and 71 in 2012-13.
  • Public Libraries News estimates that in 2013-14, 491 libraries (including mobile libraries) were closed, or scheduled for closure, or became volunteer-managed.
  • Since April 2014, Public Libraries News reports that 202 libraries (including mobile libraries) are threatened with closure, have closed or will be handed over to volunteers. http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com
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Speak Up for Libraries Conference 2014 bookings open

Elizabeth Ash 1 Comment

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PUBLIC LIBRARIES -

THE GRASSROOTS MEET THE DECISION-MAKERS

On 22 November Speak Up for Libraries will be holding this year’s national conference on public libraries. It will bring together local campaigners, union members, library users and library workers - and give them a rare chance to talk directly to the people who make the decisions at national level. This is crunch year for public libraries, with a general election due and two major inquiries - on England and Wales - reporting soon.

Speak Up For Libraries Conference 2014 will have spokespeople from the three major political parties and the two report panels. It is vital that decision makers understand the real effects of their policies at local level. Already public libraries are suffering unprecedented damage. Government-imposed cuts to local authority funding have - too often - been unthinkingly applied to cut services, close essential local branches or pressure volunteers to take on services previously provided by expert staff.

The conference will be structured to enable people to network and discuss their ideas, before engaging directly with the speakers.

Speak up for Libraries Conference
10am to 4.30pm
22 November 2014
at CILIP
7 Ridgmount Street
LONDON
WC1E 7AE

THE LINE-UP

Helen Goodman MP (Labour shadow minister)
Justin Tomlinson MP (Conservative)
LibDem spokesperson TBA
Sue Charteris, panel member of the Sieghart Review in England
Claire Creaser, chair of the Welsh Review of the Public Library Service

Barbara Band, CILIP President, will open the Conference
Ian Anstice, editor of Public Libraries News, will chair the workshop feedback session
Alan Gibbons, author and library campaigner, will chair the panel debate

 

PROGRAMME

programme

Full details are contained in the brochure, which you can download here. Speak Up for Libraries Conference 2014

Please download and share copies for those not online, to help spread the word.

 

BOOKING

Book your place online on our Eventbrite page.

Places are limited so don’t delay booking.

All bookings include refreshments and lunch.

We are offering an Early Bird booking rate of only £20 per person  for those who book a place by 24 October.

If places remain after this date they will be at the full price of £25 per person.

For queries or help to book a place, please call  020 8651 9552.

 

footerColour

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Facebook: Speak Up for Libraries

Twitter: @SpeakUp4Libs

And the hashtag for this event is #SUFLconf14
footerColour
Since 1 April 2013, 693 professionally managed libraries (static or mobile) have already been lost in this way or remain under threat (out a UK total of c.4,265). Yet further damage is predicted as local authorities plan for further significant reductions in their funding.* This has major implications. Public libraries - especially small branches in deprived communities - are a vital resource for families, pre-schoolers, students, older people, benefits claimants, job seekers and all who need internet access, books, information and the essentials for citizenship. Properly staffed public libraries are irreplaceable, and cost very little to run.
  • Statistics produced by CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy) show a net loss of 212 libraries or mobile libraries in the UK in 2011-12, and 71 in 2012-13.
  • Public Libraries News estimates that in 2013-14, 491 libraries (including mobile libraries) were closed, or scheduled for closure, or became volunteer-managed.
  • Since April 2014, Public Libraries News reports that 202 libraries (including mobile libraries) are threatened with closure, have closed or will be handed over to volunteers. http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com
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High profile speakers complete Speak Up For Libraries conference line-up

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High profile speakers complete Speak Up For Libraries conference line-up

A range of influential figures from the most important organisations in public library services have confirmed as speakers at the Speak Up For Libraries conference, which takes place on 23 November in London.

The speakers are:

  • Yinnon Ezra, Advisor for Libraries at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
  • Brian Ashley, Director, Libraries at Arts Council England (ACE)
  • Janene Cox, President, The Society of Chief Librarians (SCL)
  • Alan Gibbons, author and founder of Campaign for the Book
  • Phil Bradley, President, the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP)
  • Heather Wakefield, Head of Local Government, UNISON
  • Steve Davies, Lecturer in Social Sciences, University of Cardiff

The conference aims to support those that care about their libraries – including library users, campaigners and staff – to understand more about the challenges facing libraries, what can be done and to set a national agenda.

Delegates will have the chance to hear what experts think the future of public libraries looks like, to discuss what local campaigns need and ask speakers their questions.

The Speak Up For Libraries conference takes place on Saturday 23 November in central London. Event details and booking: https://speakupforlibraries.eventbrite.co.uk/

Speak Up For Libraries is a coalition of organisations and campaigners working to protect libraries and library staff, now and in the future. Speak Up For Libraries partners include The Campaign for the Book, CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals, The Library Campaign, UNISON and Voices for the Library.

NB – If you want to pass on information to those not online, you can find our booking form on the resources page

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2012 Speak Up For Libraries Conference Outcomes

Gary Green Leave a comment

Following on from the success of our Parliamentary lobby day in March, Speak Up For Libraries held a successful conference in central London on 10 November 2012 to champion public library services and library staff. The day-long event pulled together library campaigners and supporters from across the UK and gave them the opportunity to build on existing campaigning skills and tactics, share ideas and strategies, and focus on a way forward to make their local campaign as effective as possible, with the goal of ensuring library services are supported and protected, now and in the future.

The following presentations were given at the conference.

This video was also filmed during the conference.

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