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Boris Johnson creates trust to save libraries at risk of closure
Pippa Crerar, City Hall Editor13 Jan 2011
Boris Johnson will tonight announce plans to set up a trust to run libraries in London that are at risk of closure.
It would “manage and improve” libraries for councils that could no longer afford to do so.
A third of London's public libraries are at risk of closure because of government spending cuts. Borrowers are likely to see their local branch shut, restricting access to the “civilising” impact of literature, as well as learning facilities and free internet.
The trust would be run by Team London, which is being set up by the Mayor this summer to bring together all his mentoring and volunteering projects.
Banks and individuals will be asked to top up existing funds. Private donors have already contributed £2 million.
The Mayor will tell the London Government dinner tonight: “Why can't we use Team London to create a trust to manage and improve libraries on behalf of boroughs that can no longer afford to do it themselves?”
There are 52 million visits to London libraries a year — seven per person — and Londoners borrow about 40 million books a year and seven million CDs and DVDs.
Reader views (11)
8 out of 11 libraries at risk in LB Hounslow, thanks to Boris Johnson's mates Dave and George.
- Helen, West London, 17/01/2011 11:44
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For the 5 Lewisham Library Closures this is too little, too late!
Lewisham says it will save £830,000 by its proposed closures. Where does £2m go across 33 London boroughs?
Since when have boris and the GLA been responsible for the public library service? And what happens if Boris is gone in 2012?
- Patricia Richardson, London, UK, 14/01/2011 14:08
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6 out of 12 libraries at at risk in Croydon. The decision is being made on the 21st of march 2011 so a "summer fix it" is a bit late Boris. Also, at the moment libraries are run by professional staff, qualified librarians and managers. To give it away to an army of volunteers will be giving the kiss of death to a service which is here to help everyone but also the most unfortunate population of London. Libraries are not only for books borrowing, they offer free Internet access for people who can't have the facilities at home, children development activities, homework help, all sort of advices, reading groups, free IT training, etc... These kind of activities need professionally trained people and responsable staff. Volunteers are all very nice people no doubt but they don't replace the professionals. Why not offer the volunteers to run the banks if this is the solution to all problems???
- Mr Book Reader, Croydon, UK, 14/01/2011 12:53
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What's this about a Trust?
My taxes and those of all my fellow citizens PAY for a public library service that by an act of parliament is guaranteed to be both comprehensive and efficient to all those who wish to use it.
Get out there and fight for your rights!
- Peter Richardson, London, UK, 14/01/2011 10:46
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This is not a secure future for the public library service whose only protection is the 1964 Public Library and Museums Act and he thousands and thousands of residents who want to keep this service.
- Patricia Richardson, London, UK, 14/01/2011 10:41
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I have grave reservations about these proposals, the mention of Team London and private money raise concerns about the sustainability, accountability and professional management of the libraries marked for closure. Also it could mean that more libraries are closed because authorities see this as a safety net and an easy way to renage on their responsibility?
- Alan Wylie, London, 14/01/2011 10:39
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More excellent work from Boris. Hardly a Mayor doing nothing.
Libraries are important to so many people and should be kept as much as possible.
Well done Boris!!
- Jock S. Trap, London, 14/01/2011 07:10
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Liberies are the responsibility of Local Councils and not the Mayor. Boris should get on and meet the TFL u nions instead!!
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 13/01/2011 18:48
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Fine news, but won't "setting up next summer" be too late for libraries closed in the Spring under budget restrictions? More details, sooner, or I will not be convinced it will work. Dealing with any number of cash-poor councils, neglected buildings, demoralised staff --it is a huge job. Lots of opportunities for work !!
- Susan Chinn, London, 13/01/2011 18:21
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This is an excellent initiative. It gives the way not only to save libraries from closure to begin to construct an improvement programme of the kind that is so much needed. London should have a public library service worthy of the learning centre of the world. I hope it works.
- Tim Coates, London, UK, 13/01/2011 17:52
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This is wonderful news and an excellent initiative
- Tim Coates, London, UK, 13/01/2011 17:23
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