Library savings programme 2011

Closed 30 Apr 2011

Opened 10 Jan 2011

Contact

020 7974 4444

Results updated 9 Apr 2015

What you had to say

Your responses to this consultation were gathered and you can download and read the research feedback reports:

The Council will continue to consult and involve residents and customers on how the remaining parts of the library savings programme are implemented, and updates will be available on these pages.

 

What happened next

In June 2011, Cabinet agreed proposals to reduce and rescope the library service. The following changes were agreed to take place from April 2012:

  • working with community groups and organisations to explore alternative uses for Belsize, Chalk Farm and Heath libraries
  • new arrangements for local studies and archives, with the service remaining in the borough
  • the mobile library service has ceased running
  • library opening hours have been reduced across all locations
  • increases in library charges and a reduction in stock and staff.

 

Further changes to the library service are underway including working with the community and other organisations to share the space at Highgate library.

Regent's Park library will cease to be a public library.

Some of the most popular services offered by the library will be re-provided in partnership with other organisations locally.

To view the report and full proposals presented to Cabinet: download the report and full proposals presented to Cabinet

Highgate Library

In June 2011, as part of the library savings programme, Cabinet agreed to reduce expenditure on Highgate library and that the Council would work with the community and other organisations to share the space in the library.

On 17 July 2012, a community meeting attended by more than 70 members of the public was held at Highgate Library. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions on the future of Highgate Library, and make suggestions regarding how the space may be shared with other organisations in the community.  Documents relating to this meeting are available below:

 

Former children's library space

We are seeking expressions of interest from community based organisations to occupy premises known as the former children’s library to the rear of Highgate library at 52 Chester Road, London N19.

This is a really exciting opportunity to increase the availability of space for community use in Highgate in a prominent and much-loved building. We are particularly interested in innovative ideas which have the potential to increase footfall to the library itself, broaden its appeal and shape the future of this distinctive and important community asset.

This short term arrangement is for a lead organisation to be granted a licence to occupy the premises to carry out its own community based functions or hire out the space to other organisations or individuals for uses that benefit Camden residents.

Applicants who wish to be considered should submit an expression of interest by 6 March 2013.

Applicants are required to read and respond to the Expression of Interest document attached below. It includes details of the role required from the organisation, the premises, the terms of the licence agreement, the evaluation criteria, the selection criteria and deadline for submission and selection. The draft licence is also attached for information.

 

Regent's Park Library

In June 2011, as part of a wider libraries saving programme, a decision was made by Cabinet to cease running a library in Regent’s Park. The consultation in advance of this decision showed that book borrowing was low but it was popular for homework and after-school learning as well as internet and other computer services.

We are committe to providing a comprehensive library service across Camden

We are also providing additional funding to community groups, to ensure that  the popular things, such as access to computers, IT learning sessions, including those for vulnerable adults and after school support for children are still available in the community.

 

Overview

Due to cuts in central government funding, the Council needs to reduce its spending by £83 million. This means we face some difficult decisions and council services are changing as a result. The Cabinet has decided to reduce spending on libraries from £8 million to £6 million a year by 2014.

We have already saved £400,000 from the libraries service in 2011/12 through back office efficiencies, without affecting the service that residents currently receive. This means that the library service has a total of £1.6 million savings to make during 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 and £1.2 million in 2012/13 by transferring three libraries to community management, closing the mobile library and reducing opening hours at the remaining libraries.

We also reduced spending on new books and other materials and have raised the charges customers pay for some services.

Further reductions will be made from 1 April 2013 to contribute the remaining £400,000 of the savings target for libraries.

Changes to library services

How will I be affected?

We can assure customers that despite the changes made:
  • we continue to have one of the best resourced library services in London and in the country as a whole
  • we continue to provide library customers with a wide range of resources and activities across the borough
  • our services are available at the times when customers need them and in accessible locations
  • every resident is within walking distance of at least one library.

 

Belsize, Chalk Farm and Heath libraries

Belsize, Chalk Farm and Heath libraries have transferred to community management.

Highgate library

Highgate library will remain a public library but the amount of space used by the library service will be reduced. Alongside library services we will look to share space with other organisations and services. These changes will take place in 2013.

 

Regent's Park library

We are committed to providing a comprehensive library service across Camden:

We are also providing additional funding to community groups, to ensure that popular things, such as access to computers, IT learning sessions, including those for vulnerable adults and after school support for children are still available in the community.

 

Areas

  • All Areas

Audiences

  • Anyone from any background

Interests

  • Community and living
  • Education
  • Leisure