More Borough Libraries to Be Community Managed

Ealing Council is expanding its programme of handing over libraries to be managed by community groups and volunteers.

The decision was taken at a council cabinet meeting last Wednesday (20 November) to move forward with handing over control to four more libraries in the borough.

These are at Jubilee Gardens, Southall, Northolt Leisure Centre, Northolt, Greenford Library and Wood End (currently under construction in Greenford).

There are already four community manage libraries in the borough at Northfields, West Ealing, Perivale and Hanwell. The council says these have been operating successfully since 2020.

It was agreed at the cabinet meeting Young Ealing Foundation will manage Greenford Library. Because it was previously agreed in 2019 that Wood End Library in Greenford would transfer to community management, proposals are to be invited from community organisations to take over its operations once it is completed.

The community groups would be given start-up funding to shape the service, but the buildings would continue to be maintained by the council. Books, online resources, computers for public use, training, IT equipment and support would also be provided by the council, but the libraries would be run by volunteers.

Community-managed libraries are required continue to offer existing activities such as reading groups, book clubs, baby and toddler sessions and craft workshops. Many of the existing community libraries have also introduced additional activities including youth clubs, social events and school holiday activities.

A conversion of the four libraries to community management is estimated to save £134,000 per annum for the next three years. The council says that staff working at these libraries would not be made redundant but would be transferred to other libraries in the borough that would continue to be run by the council.

Acton Town Hall, Northolt and Southall Library at the Dominion Centre, which are undergoing a £900,000 improvement programme — will remain operated by the council, as will Ealing Central Library.

The earlier programme of handing libraries over to community management has met with a mixed response. It was initiated as funding for libraries was effectively cut by two thirds over the last decade. The community groups running the libraries have generally been praised for their stewardship although some have expressed reservations about the lack of trained librarians.

Councillor Blerina Hashani, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said, “We know how important libraries are to people of all ages and we want everyone to have access to vibrant and inviting libraries in their neighbourhoods. But like many councils, we are facing financial challenges and must find ways to save money while protecting our library service.

“However, it’s not just about balancing the budget. I’ve seen how the community run libraries set up in 2020 are thriving. The groups and volunteers put their heart and soul into running those libraries, making a big difference in their areas. There’s a huge range on offer from knit and natter sessions or baby rhyme time to benefits and legal advice and English language classes.”

The council says it will consult with residents on proposals for Northolt Leisure and Jubilee Gardens libraries to become community managed before a final decision is made.