iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Alan Wylie

Paul Quigley @paulquigs.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The London Borough of Islington are planning to cut as much as a quarter from their budget for public libraries Join us this Thursday to protest this decision @unisonmedia.bsky.social @unison.org.uk @librariesconnected.org.uk @tuc.org.uk

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Protest against cuts to Islington Libraries 24/9 6:30pm outside Islington Town Hall

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Islington Council are proposing to make huge cuts to the libraries budget come along and show your support ✊

Save Islington Libraries Protest outside Islington Town Hall 24/9 at 6:30pm

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Really sad to hear that Prof Bob Usherwood has recently died, an absolute giant of the library world - if only they had listened to him 😔

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Does anybody know if any UK library services are storing Naloxone (Narcan) and training library staff to administer it? Any info appreciated.

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

If anyone has had Activist Group in their libraries carrying out reviews then please get in touch, I need some info.

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Reposted by Alan Wylie

Matt @mattlibrarian.eurosky.social · 13/08/2026

Gaza’s archives have been destroyed. The Omari mosque’s library & cultural centre, whose thousands of ancient documents had survived the Crusades, have reportedly been lost. The Al Qarara museum was bombed from the air and then bulldozed. A people’s entire past has been deliberately eradicated. 📚📜

theguardian.com

Ukrainian cathedrals, Gaza’s archives, Iranian squares – modern war is systematically erasing human history | Simon Jenkins

It is not enough now for war to kill, it must eradicate a people’s cherished and precious heritage too, says Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

The vast majority of library users need/want; Trained & knowledgeable staff. A wide & deep collection of books. Buildings that are accessible and welcoming and are easily recognisable as Public Libraries. Libraries that are open when they need/want them. Simples 🤷

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Library Workers have been treated abominably over the last 20+ years. Under appreciated, under funded, under staffed, under paid and undermined. Told to do more with less. Told that anyone can do their jobs. It’s a national disgrace. #iamalibraryworker

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Things Public Libraries already do; Community Outreach/Partnerships Info/advice pop-ups Colocate with other services Signpost people to info/advice/support Hand/loan out recycling bags, blood pressure monitors etc etc etc I don’t agree with all of it BUT it isn’t a new thing.

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Oh dear that fascist bookshop in Suffolk has had to close down 😊

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

For decades we’ve seen Public Libraries used as a dumping ground for other cut services. Library users suffer. Library workers suffer. And the users of the other cut services suffer. Don’t be fooled that it’s innovative or transformative. It’s a race to the bottom.

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Reposted by Alan Wylie

Lesley Pitman @lesleypitman.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

And if you live in Tooting don’t have a mental health crisis on a Wednesday, when the library is closed. And most of the local bank branches have closed down entirely. Really not sure this is what our libraries should be for.

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Let’s just be clear; libraries having books about mental health & library staff signposting people to appropriate support/advice etc is NOT the same as housing specialist community mental health services in libraries. Fund both services properly.

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Can’t believe I have to repeat this again; Public Libraries without paid/trained Library Workers and/or a statutory basis/remit AREN’T Public Libraries. They are volunteer-led community centres/bookswaps/Internet Cafes. This isn’t me being unkind it’s the truth. #savelibraries

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

My mums 1954 Secondary School Certificate, she went to Woodside Senior Secondary School in Glasgow and was a very clever student.

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Reposted by Alan Wylie

Emily Drabinski @edrabinski.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

“AI in libraries” should be “what can you tell us about corporate profit-driven control of search and retrieval” instead of “when are librarians going to get on board.”

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Reposted by Alan Wylie

UNISON Yorkshire & Humberside @unisonyh.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Being worse off is not a pay rise. Local government pay has fallen by an average of 26% in real terms since 2010. This year’s offer falls far short of what you need and deserve. 📲 Check what it means for you 👉 unisonpaycalculator.co.uk

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Reposted by Alan Wylie

JGriff @gogrygbi.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

This is an excellent article on what we as libraries do. We are now more than ever often social workers as well as the multitude of other things we do. Staff shortages are now the norm and have been for years, unfortunately.

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Public Libraries are an easy target for @reformparty_uk and other far-right agitators due to the fact that they are a public service that aims to be welcoming, inclusive & representative to/of ALL members of the community. They must be defended. #savelibraries

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

If you’re a Public Library Worker in a Reform council then join a union now and be prepared to oppose book bans etc. it’s going to be a very bumpy ride 😬

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

In Tokyo for a few days, the cherry blossom is beautiful 😊

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

A devastating indictment of 16yrs of cuts, closures, redundancies, poor management/leadership/policies and the disastrous Localism agenda. Library Workers pushed to the edge and a statutory service stripped to the bone, a fucking disgrace 🤬 www.unison.org.uk/content/uplo...

unison.org.uk

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

“The decline in library staffing across England is one of the most damaging findings of UNISON’s research - between 2010 & 2024, staffing levels fell by 47% at the 132 authorities in England - a loss of 8,406 full-time equivalent posts.” Devastating 😔

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

On my way to Parliament to speak to MP’s about libraries 😊

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 22/02/2026

I spoke at this meeting alongside Connor, a bloody disgrace that he’s been suspended. As a trade unionist and fellow library worker he has my full support and solidarity ✊ #reinstateconnor #tradeunionrights

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Reposted by Alan Wylie

kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

A vivid example of "mission creep" and "libraries aren't essential services except when they're told to be" that are creating a mental health hellscape for library workers. bookriot.com/the-state-of...

bookriot.com

"Pizza Parties Don't Fix Burnout": The State of Librarian Mental Health

Library workers are feeling increased pressures to be everything to everyone, and the impact on their mental health matters.

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Reposted by Alan Wylie

jessamyn @librarian.bsky.social · 08/02/2026

Roberta Byrd Barr was a TV personality and librarian who ran one of the Freedom Schools in Seattle during the 1966 school boycott. She worked with Seattle Public Library to promote the development of their African-American Collection. #BlackHistoryMonth

frontporch.seattle.gov

Black History Month: Roberta Byrd Barr - Front Porch

Roberta Byrd Barr’s career path was anything but a straight line. As an educator, civil rights leader, actor, librarian, and T.V. personality, she awakened the Seattle community to civil rights and…

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

Great turnout for the first Save Newham Libraries campaign mtg ✊

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

If you’re a library worker/user/supporter in London, and elsewhere, then please show your support and solidarity ✊ Public meeting today to #savenewhamlibraries I’ll be speaking

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Reposted by Alan Wylie

Stu Hennigan @stuhennigan.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

It is no fucking good whatsoever having a school library and not a librarian. Without skilled, experienced, knowledgeable staff to curate collections and engage the kids with the stock, a "library" is just a room full of books. And the same goes for public libraries too. @louiestowell.bsky.social

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Stand Up For Newham Libraries! Come and show your solidarity and support on Sunday, 4:30pm at Clapton Community Football Club. 212 Upton Lane, E7 9NP I’ll be speaking ✊ #savelibraries

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Many library buildings don’t have fully functioning heating systems but are still designated as community ‘warm spaces’ BUT Library Workers shouldn’t be working in temperatures below 16c - if you are contact your union rep. #warmspaces #libraries #protectlibraryworkers

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 28/12/2025

More cuts in Devon, Newham, Hackney etc which will all end up with a poorer service but what’s rarely discussed is the physical & psychological effect on library workers who are dealing with redundancies, restructurings & the erosion of their profession. #protectlibraryworkers

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Most Library Workers work with outdated and not-fit-for-purpose IT hardware and systems, staff & public side. This is due to a lack of funding and corporate IT depts who don’t understand what we do. This has to be sorted before any new digital inclusion initiatives are announced.

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

In my experience the vast majority of people who use Public Libraries want a relatively quiet & calm environment in which to read, study or just to sit and drown out the noise from outside. So why are many libraries not conducive to this want/need? Poor management/design?

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

We’ve organised marches, protests & lobby’s. We’ve given evidence to Parliament, met with Ministers, written articles & published research. And still the cuts continue. What we need now is coordinated mass industrial action, a National Library Workers Strike. @unisontheunion.bsky.social

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

Public Libraries are a statutory service. Councils provide/fund them. Library Workers are paid & trained to run them. The 1964 Act makes no provision for alternatives such as volunteer-led etc. Anyone who tells you otherwise is deluded, ignorant or lying. #savelibraries

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

If you need advice, support and/or someone to speak at your lobby/protest against library cuts & closures then please get in touch ✊ #savelibraries

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 22/06/2025

My Nephew, Brooke Norton-Cuffy, playing for England last night 🤩

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Reposted by Alan Wylie

Morning Star @mstaronline.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

KEITH FLETT traces how the ‘world’s most successful political party’ has imploded, from nine leaders in 30 years to losing all 16 English councils, with Reform UK symbolically capturing Peel’s birthplace, Tamworth — but the beast is not dead yet morningstaronline.co.uk/article/tory...

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

I’ve joined @CILIPinfo - I’m hoping to meet some new colleagues and further the discussion re Public Libraries specifically around ethics & advocacy.

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

As workers and Trade Unionists we can’t only rely on laws to protect us, we need to organise, protest & take action. We need to stand shoulder to shoulder with our communities to fight & oppose the rise of fascism not just in this country but in the US & across the world ✊

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Sheetal Rawal @sheetalrawal.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

Hey Peterborough, please take some time this weekend to contact City Council and the Mayor about the impending cuts to our library -- this will include eliminating the Children's Librarian role entirely. CUPE makes it easy for you to speak out against these cuts: cupe.on.ca/library-with...

cupe.on.ca

What is a library without librarians? - CUPE Ontario

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

Can anyone help me translate the inscription on this 17/18th century? Axe (possibly Finnish - Billnas), some of it looks runic.

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

I’m in my beloved Suffolk for a couple of days of needed rest, just arrived in Ipswich forgetting that buses to Hadleigh are few and far between so a bit of a wait. I’ll be popping into the library there to see if anything has changed? #Suffolk #libraries

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Alan Wylie @alanwy.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

Any public library staff out there who work in libraries with pods and no library desk? Are you still allowed to have chairs or are you expected to floor walk all day? #librarylife

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