Why could closing a library silence music groups?; BBC, June 11, 2026

 Martin Heath , BBC; Why could closing a library silence music groups?

"The conductor of a long-established orchestra has warned that some music and drama groups could fold if a performing arts library is closed.

Hertfordshire County Council has consulted on a plan to shut down the facility, which provides music and scripts for about 230 groups.

It says it is having to make savings to ensure essential library services are protected.

So why would getting rid of the performing arts collection have such an impact?...

Could groups close if they cannot rely on the library?

Ross said: "My colleagues who are the librarians in our society, and in all other comparable organisations, are all volunteers doing this in their own time. [They] are going to find what's already quite a complex job... [becomes] something that's almost going to be impossible. 

"So, in short, yes, I think some groups may close down and for others, they're going to be spending a lot more money from what are inevitably very limited budgets on music hire, which means they can't spend that money then on other activities that serve the community."

Bryony Woods, co-founder of the Stotfold Singers, said closure "would really negatively impact a lot of people". 

"I think we're living in a time where you know we're becoming more isolated and lonely than ever and I think something that is bringing people out of their homes to join in something like communal singing is only a positive thing and I think we should be encouraging it.""

Movers & Shakers 2026; Library Journal, May 4, 2026

  Lisa Peet, Library Journal; Movers & Shakers 2026

"LJ’s Movers & Shakers awards turn 25 this year, a full quarter-century of celebrating great work happening in the library field. The production of the annual issue always feels like a good opportunity for reflection on the preceding 12 months—more so than New Year’s Day or a birthday (although this year, the occasion of LJ’s 150th birthday may be an exception). It’s a moment to wonder not just how we’re all doing, but: Are we OK?

Judging by this year’s class of Movers, the answer would be an affirmative Yes.

Last year marked what felt like a period of great uncertainty and destabilization, and in many ways it continues to be. While the existence of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is now legally protected, the Trump administration’s federal budget seeks to zero out its funding. And across the country, libraries of all types have seen revenues cut, threats to the immigrant communities they serve, and state lawmakers challenging patrons’ freedom to read.

But libraries are meeting these challenges, in large and small and often unexpected ways. As LJ Editorial Director Hallie Rich points out in this month’s editorial, leadership takes many forms, some of it under the radar. Which is all the more reason to put together a feature like Movers & Shakers every year and shine a light on the ways—often simple (but not easy), often incremental, nearly always rooted in great care and concern—that library workers are supporting their communities. They are getting kids enthused about reading, safeguarding government data, providing options for justice-impacted individuals, ensuring diversity in collections, standing up to censorship, helping people find their roots, organizing clubs to bring people together, welcoming new Americans, and more. If this small sampling of creative and compassionate work being done to meet the moment is any indication, we are very much OK."

Post to X from Bloomsbury Editor re 10/9/25 library-themed Letter to the Editor

 Kip Currier: Post to X from my Bloomsbury editor regarding my 10/9/25 library-themed Letter to the Editor:

Thank you, @BloomsburyLU author Kip Currier, for your reasoned and passionate defense of libraries in 2 PA newspapers. Libraries are the bedrock of healthy, equitable communities, and we couldn't be more proud to support libraries and library workers. https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8750699042164055722/5219361931786295174