West Hampstead library is particularly vulnerable to cuts and even closure as it is expensive to run being on two floors and needing extra staff. Possible closure is just one of the options on the table which will be decided by Camden's Labour cabinet later this autumn. Last time there was a really serious threat to our library (as well as a number of others) it was nearly twenty years ago and at least the decision was taken by the full Council. This was a famous victory for the libraries, with a number of Labour Councillors defying the leadership and voting to keep them open. I hope today's Labour Councillors would show the same courage - to vote for what is right rather than just obeying the leadership. ( Although over the planning applications for Liddell Road, sadly, the views of local people did not prevail sufficiently strongly).
Meanwhile a busy community campaign has sprung up to support our local library - across party lines and under the overall umbrella of the Friends of West Hampstead Library ( FoWHL). We held a very successful street stall with people queuing up to sign the petition and join FoWHL on a warm Saturday a week ago, and plan others at the end of the month. There will also be a public meeting to put ideas to the Labour cabinet member, Cllr Abdul Hai, on September 10th in the Library at 7.30pm. Anything you can suggest to help make the library balance its books for example by extending sessions, opening Sundays for crafts, later evenings for book events or study sessions or configuring the space more efficiently will be welcome! Please come along and show West Hampstead definitely supports its local library!
Also you can respond to the consultation on line at www.camden.gov.uk/futurelibraries. Or by picking up a copy in the library.
And sign the petition at: http://tinyurl.com/okxnpjz
Please help us all to Save our Library!
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