Force a u-turn on library closures

Published: 10 March, 2011

• CAMDEN’S libraries should not be pitted against each other. 

The consultation is a cause for concern, as it does not allow respondents to express equal support for their local library, larger libraries and Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre. 

The archives hold unique material, which is of significance to researchers, family historians and academics all over the world – many of whom will not know about the Camden libraries consultation. The local studies collection of Charles Dickens’s papers, particularly, should be treasured in the lead-up to his bicentennial celebrations in 2012. 

We suggest that all the library groups in Camden get together to lobby culture secretary Jeremy Hunt. We could invite library groups from London and beyond. The closure of libraries is causing anger across the country and the government could easily provide the funds to save them. The government made a U-turn on the forests, and together we can make them think again on the libraries.

GRACE LIVINGSTONE, Emma Jolly, 
Sara Ayech, Addresses supplied

• THE council message to the citizens was very clear on February 28 – go away and do not bother us with your little concerns; the Camden officer and cabinet cabal declared war on the local population. 

This group’s preference was to play political games rather than carry out its overriding duty to residents to set a budget which was appropriate.

Yet it cannot win in the long term. The cabal is a tiny minority within a minority. The membership of library users’ groups alone exceeds that of any of the local political parties.

That the cabal cannot win in the long term is certain. The only unknown is when it will lose. 

ALAN TEMPLETON
Chair, Camden Public Libraries Users Group