UPPER NORWOOD TO BECOME COMMUNITY LIBRARY?
UPPER NORWOOD library could become a community library under proposals drawn up by Lambeth council.
The proposals – currently out for consultation – would see Upper Norwood, along with the Carnegie library in Herne Hill Road and the Durning library in Kennington Lane becoming community libraries funded by the sales of the Minet library at Brixton and the Waterloo library.
BUT it would mean all three libraries NOT being part of Lambeth’s direct statutory requirement to provide a “full and efficient library service in the borough” by next year, the consultation document says.
The document – ‘Cultural Services by 2020′ – says the libraries could be transferred to independent charitable trusts, community trusts and enterprises under the council’s asset transfer policy.
“This proposed model offers the opportunity to secure these facilities for the long-term future” it adds.
But it warns: “If no independent charitable trust, community trust or enterprise comes forward by 2016 we will consult local communities on the options before making a final decision on the next steps which could include closure of some buildings.”
A proposal document talks of using volunteers at Carnegie and Durning libraries. A supporting document by Donna Wiggins, lead commissioner, healthier for longer communities, titled: “Cultural services by 2020 – stuff to do in Lambeth” talks of adopting a ‘volunteer model’ already in use in Merton libraries.
“This meant they were able to extend opening hours while making savings, using a strong volunteer network and strengthening the role of librarians.”
Access to the ‘Lambeth library fund’ will replace the council’s revenue budgets for library service provision in Carnegie, Durning and Upper Norwood libraries by 2016, it adds. (It is not clear if the Lambeth library fund is the same as the Lambeth community library fund mentioned in the same document. (Clarification awaited – Editor.)
The Lambeth community library fund would, says the report by Donna Wiggins, be established in partnership with the London Community Foundation. A £10 million endowment would be created which would provide revenue of between £350,000 and £400,000 per year in perpetuity.
The report also says West Norwood library would be based in the Nettlefold centre “operating alongside a commercial cinema and cafe which is cross-subsidising the library service.”
The consultation document can be found on: www.lambeth.gov.uk/culture2020consultation A copy of the folder is available at Upper Norwood library.
TOMORROW (Saturday 7th Feb) is National Libraries Day. Save Croydon Libraries say: “It would be great to produce a post with thoughts about why we love Croydon libraries, or libraries in general. “What do they mean to you? “Why are you so passionate about libraries?
Post a comment on the facebook group, tweet to us, or email the comment to [email protected] – include your name, in full or in part, or not at all – your choice! We’ll use it as it is received – i.e we will not disclose more details than you are happy to share.
We don’t want an essay, just your thoughts….
Possible starters might be,
“I love my library because…..”
“My library/libraries is important to me because….”
“I don’t use libraries, but…”
or whatever you like!
Save Croydon Libraries Campaign
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