Residents may have already seen information that the Council is putting forward to the Council meeting on 31st January a motion to closure four libraries, one of which is Sanderstead. This will have to go out to consultation.
You will recall that we ‘have been here before’ and Sanderstead Residents’ Association library sub-committee will be meeting next week once we have had a chance to read and digest all the information so that we can propose a way forward. The residents of Sanderstead will need to work with us if we are to save our well used and much loved library.
The press release from the Council says:
“A new strategy for Croydon’s library service has been released ahead of a Cabinet Meeting on 31st January, for consultation over the next few weeks.
After months of research and consultation with user groups and staff, the new proposals offer a revitalised service with greater outreach. The new model provides a strong core offer for residents of all ages with libraries open five or six days per week – including provision of books & Wi-Fi alongside reading, digital, cultural and health programmes. By operating from fewer buildings our libraries can become true community hubs. No job losses are proposed.
Many residents will know and have experienced the reduced library service since the bankruptcy, with some libraries open as little as two days a week. The strategy pursued by the previous Labour Administration was to continually “salami-slice” opening hours in order to save money, leading to a failing library service that is unsustainable for residents, the Council and for library staff.
The aim of the new strategy is to streamline the service into a smaller number of buildings, so that the remaining libraries can be open five or six days a week, including Saturdays, helping the service to become more sustainable.
The libraries which the Council are consulting on closing are Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead and Shirley. Although we know that closing these libraries will have an initial impact, doing nothing is not an option – because the current service does not work well for anyone. These particular locations have been chosen based on a number of factors such as visitor numbers, size and condition of the buildings, the size and needs of the communities they serve and running costs.
Closing these four libraries will allow the remaining libraries to open their doors five or six days per week including Saturdays, instead of the common two day opening hours. Increased online services and increased outreach facilities around the locations being consulted on for closure will also be put in place, to ensure that all residents can access Croydon’s library service.
Jason Perry, Mayor of Croydon, said:
_”We are focused on ensuring that Croydon’s Library service allows residents to learn and connect with others. The current essentially failing service is not delivering as it should – nor is it sustainable, with many libraries open just two days a week. The days of ‘salami slicing’ cannot continue – it is not fair on residents, or library staff. These proposals for a transformed, sustainable library service will mean that residents have access to libraries which are open many more days per week, acting as better hubs for their respective communities. The strategy will create an enhanced service that is much more flexible and fit for purpose.”_”
And a message sent out to library volunteers says:
“Dear library volunteers,
The library service team have been undertaking a review of the service offer and model following significant changes to the opening hours introduced in April 2022. Since these changes were made we have heard from residents that whilst they value the hard work of staff and volunteers, the limited hours available prevent many people from accessing the library services. We have also heard from staff and volunteers that the model of part time hours across thirteen buildings can make it difficult to develop the service for local residents and reach more people.
This review has included research to look at the way the libraries are used and who they reach, their location and the condition of the buildings and the need in the borough for different services.
This research has identified a number of improvements needed to the services but the Council’s financial position means that any changes and improvements need to be made within existing budgets. The proposals outline how the Council can reallocate budgets to spend less on buildings and more on staff and services, including support for volunteers. This does mean we are proposing to close four libraries (Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead and Shirley) in order to extend the opening hours and develop the offer in the other sites. We will also develop a new outreach service to help us reach residents who do not currently visit our buildings.
The proposals will be discussed at Council Cabinet on 31st January, after which we are seeking to start a period of 10 weeks of public consultation.
The full papers and research can be found online here: https://democracy.croydon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=183&MId=3578
The proposals are at a formative stage but represent what we feel to be the best approach to improving the library service offer based on the evidence available. We now need to test and develop the proposals further through extensive public consultation and we are seeking the Council Cabinet’s approval to start this process from 2nd February.
The consultation will include surveys (digital and print), a series of in person and online meetings and opportunities to feedback to the service on these proposals and share any other ideas for improvements.
Our library volunteers play a very important role in the service and this will continue in the new model. We would like to hear from your through the consultation to understand your views on the proposals and any other ideas for improvements to the service and we will share more information on this following Cabinet’s decision next week.
In the meantime if you have any questions please contact librariesconsultation@croydon.gov.uk .
Thank you very much for all of your hard work and contribution to the library service which our users value so much.
Stephanie Wilson
Head of Culture, Leisure and Libraries”
Please look out for updates from us but in the meantime here is the link to the Inside Croydon Article.
Sanderstead Residents' Association 