Input into Barnet Council Cabinet discussion about Library Strategy

This was written in response to the Cabinet paper ('Developing a Strategy For Barnet's Libraries') referred to in the previous post.

"I am writing as Chair of the East Finchley Library Users Group, which exists as a vehicle for the local community as a whole to support and contribute positively to the development of our local library at East Finchley.

The five brief points we'd like to introduce to the discussion are:

1) To draw the Cabinet's attention to the fact that a wide ranging consultation (of library users and non-users alike - the consultation was geographically defined) about the future of East Finchley Library was carried out only a couple of years ago at a cost higher than that currently proposed for the cross-borough market research. The results of this substantial, in-depth East Finchley research project should be taken into account at this juncture. 9.3.1. states "At local library level, there have been occasional surveys about opening hours and other changes. However, there has been little attempt at segmented market research etc." - this statement is misleading in ignoring the substantial research around EF Library.

2) It is critical to consider the position of libraries in the context of the community as a whole. In our community, for example, you pay a premium to live near the tube station. That means the people who most need the library services live at the other end of the High Street. It's in this direction where most of the public housing and state schooling is located, the latter a major user of the services.

3) It is vital to take a sophisticated view of the best practice information available on progressive approaches to library provision. This means taking full account of circumstances where a particular solution has been applied. So if, for example, a library has been built into a retail co-location (as per 9.5.4), the full circumstances of previous provision, community layout, reason for new building etc. must be carefully considered rather than any kind of simplistic adoption of such models.

4) There is currently significant lottery money available for development of progressive library services which should be considered at this time. This opportunity is not referred to in the cabinet papers.

5) The logical end of arguments as set out in 4.2, for example, is that all old buildings owned by the Borough should be sold off and replaced. That there is no capital programme to address maintenance of buildings surely is a policy lacuna that needs addressing. We understand the budgetary pressures to which LBB is subject, but selling off old buildings because of the absence of such a programme seems like the cart leading the horse."



from Chairman
East Finchley Library Users Group

East Finchley Library Users Group meeting - this Thurs 14th December

News has reached us that Barnet Council are planning a major review of Barnet's library service in 2007. A document 'Developing a Strategy For Barnet's Libraries' was considered at a council meeting on Monday 27th November. East Finchley Library Users Group submitted a response to the document which you can see in the next post.

While the document looks vaguely positive when read at face value, past
experience leads us to be extremely nervous about the possible implications for our library. This is a large scale borough-wide review which is almost certainly intended to involve relocations and closures.

We have also been told that councils are now able to bid for lottery funding
of up to £2M to improve library buildings for projects benefitting the community. (see http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/prog_community_libraries). The offer closes March 2007 and we have been told that the council has not even decided whether to bid! What they do admit, however, is "There is no capital programme to address maintenance of buildings" - all the more reason to seize this great opportunity!

To consider these two things we are calling a meeting of all EFLUG members and other interested people for Thursday 14th December. If you have suggestions to offer, time to contribute or would just like to be updated on the latest news, please come along at 8pm on Thursday 14th December to Martin Infant School (next to the library and opposite the junction of Church Lane and the High Road).
Mince pies will be provided!

Welcome to East Finchley QoL (Quality of Life) blog

East Finchley QoL
Striving to maintain and improve the Quality of Life in a unique London suburb

QoL is being set up in the first instance to keep an eye on our local library which is yet again under threat. Its broader, longer term purpose is to look after all aspects of our very special part of the world.

This blog is open for any interested people to contribute to. You can do this either by leaving a comment or by becoming a regular contributor. (Either way you'll need to register with Blogger which is a straight-forward process. To become a regular contributor simply email agee@channel4.co.uk and you'll be given Contributor status).

East Finchley QoL blog has been set up by the East Finchley Library Users Group under the chairmanship of Adam Gee, a long-time local resident.

So whether it's about our library or other aspects of the Quality of Life in East Finchley please use this space as a place to express your ideas, concerns, hopes and preferences...