LAMBETH COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT ON THE LIBRARY SERVICE

Laura Swaffield (Friends of Carnegie Library, Chair of Friends of Lambeth Libraries) was there and addressed the OSC on behalf of all Friends of Lambeth libraries. Priscilla Baines (Friends of Durning Library) was by her side.

"The good news is the very extensive and apparently genuine support for libraries among all the councillors who intervened, all saying how important libraries were to local communities because so many local people relied on their services.

"The enthusiasm for libraries of Donatus Anyanwu (Cabinet Portfolio Holder) came over well and he said several times that there were no plans either to close any libraries or to cut opening hours.  Neil Fenton (the Council Officer) confirmed this and he and Donatus both said that no staff cuts or redundancies were planned.

"Not clear how that is to be achieved when there are currently 14 (or is it 16 or is it 9 - that is still not clear) unfilled vacancies or frozen posts and there is widespread anxiety among library staff about the possibility of job cuts or industrial action.

"There was some discussion about possible revenue from room hire etc. but no one saw that as a serious way of raising money.

"The conclusion is that we need to get Donatus et al. to commit to keeping 10 libraries open with the same opening hours and adequate staffing levels to achieve that: no one wants unscheduled closures and that can only be achieved with proper staffing levels."

NEXT - THE MOST IMPORTANT BIT
"The OSC chair scratched together some recommendations, rather on the hoof - 
- ensure that libraries remain a free space for local groups
- no closures or reduction in hours
- no job cuts
- any future vacancies to be filled
- resources to be used flexibly to ensure no unscheduled closures
- a survey in 2026 to see effects of cut on user satisfaction
- room hire to be less for small/community groups
- better communication with staff, at an earlier stage
- work with Friends groups and trusts

She declined a request to pause the whole cut."

On Wednesday evening the 5th of March, as expected, Lambeth Councillors, following Cabinet orders, voted to cut £1m from the library services at the Council Budget meeting.  A deputation was delivered to the Council before the vote by Ruth Cashman on behalf of Unison and Laura Swaffield (pictured) on behalf of the Friends of Lambeth Libraries.   The Council promises no closures and affirms its commitment to the library service, but it is unclear how they intend to implement these cuts. Cutting the book budget by £100K and "efficiencies", such as a freeze on hiring staff and cutting overtime, unwelcome as they are do not add up to £1m.

Local Press coverage:

South London libraries take £1m hit as council slashes budget despite outcry, Robert Firth, South London News, 7 March

Authors and illustrators sign open letter condemning Lambeth over library cuts: “A library should never  just be a room of books without staff, with old books without a stock budget”…News from Crystal Palace, 7 March

“Labour councillors applaud” as they rubberstamp £99 million of savings and cuts which Lambeth council leader Holland says “are all decisions made by our Labour council and with our Labour values at their heart”, News from Crystal Palace, 6 March

In other news:

Lambeth’s financial crisis deepens: Auditors deliver scathing verdict on Labour’s mismanagement, Jason Cobb, Brixton Buzz, 7 March

Political row as auditors warn South London council over ‘challenging financial situation - Opposition politicians have accused the council of financial mismanagement, Robert Firth, South London News, 5 March