Why is this service singled out for such heavy reductions?

Published: 24 February, 2011

• THE meeting on the future of our libraries was illuminating. 

Residents proposed a raft of measures including volunteering, donation of books and money, renting to generate revenue, and much more. A specialist firm offered to run libraries for less than Camden does presently. 

Meanwhile Camden’s Labour administration is preparing to cut 25 per cent of library funding over the next three years while blaming this on central government. However, the overall reduction in government funding is close to 10 per cent of Camden’s spending. Why are libraries singled out for such heavy reductions? Does this indicate the low level of importance the administration places on books, learning and community interaction?

The administration could have looked at making significant reductions in support costs by collaborating with other boroughs. 

It could have looked at using technology to make support services and daily operations more efficient. 

Many authorities have automated the lending process, amalgamated back offices, streamlined procurement and pioneered volunteering. 

West Hampstead police have used volunteers since 2004.

All the above and more could have been investigated, costed and partly implemented before asking us which libraries we would like to close! 

The residents of Camden need much more commitment from the administration to protect our services, including our libraries. 

CLLR DON WILLIAMS 
Conservative, 
Swiss Cottage ward