Using volunteers will mean 'sub-standard service' for libraries - Town Hall warned against replacing full-time staff as cuts loom

Published: 27 January 2011
by DAN CARRIER

USING volunteers to run Camden libraries would lead to a sub-standard service that is virtually unworkable, Town Hall chiefs have been warned. 

The idea has been suggested as a way of softening the blow of proposed 20 per cent cuts to the borough’s library services.

A well-established network of “Friends” groups  already exist at each branch who organise events in libraries, but there are warning that asking them to take on managerial roles would be a step too far.

Friends of Belsize Library committee member Elaine Hallgarten said: “We value the skills and the experience of librarians, and to get people to volunteer on a regular basis is a commitment that very few people can fulfil. It has been tried in other parts of the country, but no one has yet to come up with a successful model.”

Hampstead and Kilburn MP Glenda Jackson said, who raised the issue in the House of Commons on Tuesday, said: “There were ideas mooted of how to save costs, like using volunteers, but I am afraid most of them have already been incorporated into Camden libraries.”

The use of volunteers to keep the service afloat is among several suggestions currently being discussed by library supporters. A consultation period will begin next week. 

Actor Roger Lloyd Pack, who is president of the Friends of Highgate Library, said “every avenue” should be explored before doors close on any branch.

He is due to chair an emergency meeting of the group this evening (Thursday).

“There are clearly people living in Camden who could afford to pay more council tax to safeguard the future of services such as libraries that make our communities work,” he said.  

“We need to be brave enough to look at options such as raising a small extra sum to defend our frontline services. The government should be doing this – and once you start cutting things, you do not get them back.”

Mr Lloyd Pack said he wanted to see a thorough audit of council spending – including slashing consultants’ fees, and looking at the pay levels of senior managers and executives – to ensure no library was closed. 

The Camden Public Library User Group will hold a further open meeting on February 10 to discuss the options. Chairman Alan Templeton said: “You have to ask the questions when you have a chief executive of the council earning around £200,000 with allowances, and other senior managers on big sums. This must be looked at as an area for savings, as it feels like they are in the lifeboats while we are splashing around in the cold sea.”

Lib Dem leader Councillor Keith Moffitt has called for  discussions to see if the Town Hall can find the savings by merging backroom services with Islington’s library teams. He said: “My sense is Camden officers are far from enthusiastic, and they feel closing down libraries is the easy option, and that doing things differently is hard work. We need to think outside of the box.”

• Roger Lloyd Pack will chair a meeting of the Friends of Highgate Library at the branch in Chester Road, Highgate Newtown, at 7pm tonight (Thursday 27th January).