NEW LIBRARY OPENS IN CAMBERWELL “Despite local authority cuts to Southwark, libraries remain a valuable part of our communities” – councillor
WHILE LAMBETH council are trying to turn some of their libraries into glorified gyms, Southwark council have apparently found the money to open a new one in Camberwell.
The new Camberwell Library opened its doors to the public for the very first time on November 4th.
The Mayor of Southwark, Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle, cut the ceremonial ribbon to applause from the local community, including a class of keen school children waiting to get inside and see the brand new library and all its facilities for themselves.
Southwark’s cabinet member for business, employment and culture Cllr Ian Wingfield said: “It is fantastic to see this brand new library open to the public and to show that despite local authority cuts, to Southwark, libraries remain a valuable part of our communities and we are proud to be able to continue investing in them.
“For us it is an investment not only in facilities, but also in the future of our children and residents, and the helping hand that facilities such as books, wi-fi, computers, job clubs and a warm, dry place to study can have on securing that future.”
To mark its opening month the library is hosting a number of best-selling author events, which kicked off with Dorothy Koomson best-selling author of My Best Friend’s Girl and The Ice Cream Girls.
Other confirmed authors joining Dorothy on the opening month roster include American author Lionel Shriver, winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction and writer of We need to talk about Kevin. As well as Children’s Laureate Anne Fine, whose back catalogue includes Madame Doubtfire, a book that inspired the legendary Robin Williams classic film Mrs Doubtfire. Other very special guests include Hugh Holman and Southwark writer Lorna Liverpool.
The new Camberwell Library, which will replace the old library site on Church Street, will house a brand new children’s library, computer facilities and wi-fi, a wide range of new books and e-books, as well meeting rooms which will host a number of regular community sessions such as job club, creative writing and homework club.
For more information on the new library’s opening times, events and facilities, please visit www.southwark.gov.uk/libraries (Source: Southwark council press release)
