Library switch ‘to save money’ - King's Cross site won't be a drain on cash-strapped service

Published: 17 February 2011
by DAN CARRIER

A PROPOSED new library at civic offices in King’s Cross will not be a drain on the borough’s cash-strapped library service, Town Hall officials have insisted.

As a two-month consultation takes place to gauge views on how to slash £2million from an £8m budget, the Camden Public Library User Group are asking how Camden Council can afford to properly equip and run a replacement – and potentially larger – library to take the place of one lost in King’s Cross should the Town Hall Annexe sell-off go ahead. 

But council officers say the new library will eventually save cash.

A spokesman said they were selling off buildings to reduce maintenance costs and the new building, which will include the library, a leisure centre and other council offices, would be cheaper to run. 

A spokesman said: “As part of the savings we need to make, the council’s offices will be moving to a new, cheaper building in King’s Cross. This will include a new library to replace an existing service. This move will be funded through the sale of old council buildings and not cost Camden residents any additional money.”

Camden Public Library Users Group chairman Alan Templeton said he does not want the Annexe on Euston Road to be sold off and new offices with a library incorporated. Mr Templeton believes it would allow Camden and Islington to downgrade their central libraries and run the new one as a joint central library. He added: “If they sell the Annexe they will lose the library there. We have asked how this will be replaced. The new building could be in the right place for a jointly run central library.”

Meanwhile, Highgate Library users are planning a day of action on March 5.

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