Changes damage libraries

Published: 10 June, 2010

To Camden libraries chief Mike Clarke 

FOR 25 years I have been a regular user of the Camden Library Service utilising several of the area libraries and raising my children to do the same.  

Over the past few weeks I have noticed differences at several of the libraries I visit. While some of these changes seem acceptable others seem insensible and destructive. 

I have no issue with the new machines which can check out books and accept returns. But I do think it is a grave mistake to redeploy library staff. Libraries are a valued local resource and long-standing librarians get to know their customers, their stock, and the local community. During a recession it makes no sense to remove familiar librarians from local libraries as librarians act as part of an informal support network for many of the borough’s most vulnerable citizens. 

They recognise frail and older people who visit the library in winter to keep warm or who need advice and social contact. Established librarians know the parents of small children, parents who may be isolated and exhausted. 

I am also extremely disturbed by the refurbishment of my nearest library in Keats Grove. The reconfiguration of the library has destroyed the welcoming atmosphere. 

The seating area has been moved so that it now is in the midst of a thoroughfare. 

Gone is the quiet, contemplative space where people could sit comfortably and read or study. Indeed, I have a child doing AS-levels who overheard a group of students complaining a few days ago that they no longer felt they could revise at the library. Additionally Heath Library appears to have lost a significant number of bookshelves both in the adult and children’s sections.

Recent visits to Queen’s Crescent, Belsize, and Swiss Cottage libraries do not evidence these same types of changes to the shelving. Although there do appear to be less staff present, and this created a slow-moving queue at Queen’s Crescent. 

As a taxpayer it seems only fair that our services are developed in clear and proper consultation with service users and local communities. If a consultation was conducted I am unaware of it.

I am a member of the Friends of Heath Library, a group that has raised funds to supplement library stock and sponsored writing contests for young people because we understand the importance of having a library in our community. I am alarmed that detrimental and unexpected changes have been made during the recent refurbishment of Heath Library. I urge you to reinstate the missing bookshelves and the prior placement of the reading area. 

As well I urge you to reconsider the redeployment of staff, as this is also detrimental to all of our libraries who need experienced and familiar personnel who have developed relationships with library users, and area schools, nurseries and play groups.

EVE HERSOV
Willoughby Road, NW3