‘We can’t run libraries by ourselves’

LIBRARIES face certain closure unless the council can find more cash to help them with daily running costs under new  plans to hand over three branches to community groups to run.

This is the message library users will tell councillors on Monday, with the warning that Camden must firm up the practicalities of hiving off Belsize, Heath and Chalk Farm libraries to be run by as yet unnamed bodies.

The Highgate branch library is also under threat, with the council demanding new uses be found for rooms on the site as a way of bringing in money. The branch is facing a shortfall of around £100,000 a year unless new revenue can be found.

A deputation will be go before councillors on the leisure scrutiny committee, as part of the “call in” process where a Town Hall decision can be reviewed again.

The Friends of Belsize Library and the Belsize Residents Association fear the libraries affected by the switch have no hope of surviving unless the council does more.

The Belsize branch had been held up by the Town Hall as a shining example of how a library could be taken over by a community association, with discussions between the council and The Winch community centre, based nearby, taking place.

But according to the deputation, the figures behind the plan do not add up.

Chairwoman Averill Nottage will say: “We now recognise that after 114 years our library is threatened with imminent closure. We are concerned about the viability of these proposals and believe that unless the council is prepared to be more flexible, libraries will close even where there are suitable alternative providers.  We are seeking assurances that there is a serious intention to develop alternative models, a willingness for Camden Library Services to collaborate with other providers, and recognition that it is likely to cost significantly more than is allowed for.”

The deputation will say on Monday: “Having explored different funding options we do not consider it realistic to go back to early Victorian models of philanthropic or subscription libraries. Any viable option is likely to involve using the building to generate income.  Because Belsize Library has only been open for three days a week for years, it is an under-used resource. 

“Some initial investment will be required to make the building more flexible for multi-purpose use. The terms on which it is leased will determine whether it can become financially self-sufficient over time. We are very clear that any ‘alternative delivery model’ should have a library service at its heart. But we struggle to see how this would be possible without guaranteed access to the council’s library stock, catalogue and computer systems.”

A council spokesman said: “Informal conversations have taken place with organisations in the community with regards to alternative provision for libraries, but as the  June 8, 2011 Cabinet decision has been called in, all activity around the planning for the future of libraries has been suspended. In light of this, Camden has not proposed transfer terms for any of the libraries in question.

“If the Scrutiny Committee agree to proceed with the decision made at Cabinet on June 8, information sessions will be held to explain the process for submitting proposals for alternative use and running of library spaces and guidance will be provided for any community organisations wishing to apply.”

Published: 14th July, 2011
by DAN CARRIER