Our February bulletin is now being distributed, with the latest information on the library and the campaign to keep it open. A detailed version with references to information sources is here.
All posts by Nicholas Edwards
National Libraries Day Rally, 6th February
There will be a rally at the library on the 6th February from 2pm, to oppose the council's plans to transfer the library to Greenwich Leisure Ltd, and to support the staff/community plans to continue the staffed library service. Speakers will include local author Adam Mars-Jones, and Tim O'Dell from UNISON.
Carnegie Library on YouTube!
A video about our library and its current plight has been posted for view on YouTube. Made by brilliant young film maker Kaatje Jones, it runs for just under ten minutes and highlights some of the groups and activities in Carnegie Library, which are all under threat of ceasing on 31 March, if Lambeth persists in its plans.
Please watch the video on Video and support our campaign to keep a full library service, run by our dedicated professional staff, with all the clubs, groups, events and activities we now enjoy, plus more being developed and facilitated by the Friends.
Tate South Lambeth is facing similar problems, here is their recent newsletter:
Tate South Library Newsletter
Details of the library service management plans to keep all 10 libraries operating are here:
Library service plan.
Saturday 6 February is National Libraries Day. Come and show how much you love and need the library and what it means to you. Highlight of the day will be a rally at 2.00pm on the steps of the library. Look out for leaflets and posters and come out in force. Afterwards, visit our tea and yummy cake stall, play chess, do some gardening or attend Councillor Agdomar’s surgery.
On Wednesday 27th January there will be a Council meeting at which the Lambeth libraries campaign have a motion calling on the council to support the libraries management plan to continue a genuine library service at all 10 of Lambeth's libraries. Please come along to show how important libraries are to Lambeth residents.
Carnegie Library: Flourishing, but threatened
Our December bulletin has been published, with updates on Lambeth Council's plans for the library, and our alternatives: December Bulletin
A new site has been launched for the Lambeth Libraries campaign:
Defend the 10
Magical Annual Winter Fair, 28th November!
The Friends annual Winter Fair will be in the library on Saturday 28th, from 11am to 3pm, featuring all the usual community stalls, arts & crafts stalls, food, games, events, Santa, etc.
Public meeting on the Carnegie’s future, 16th November
Lambeth Council's Cabinet has approved plans to convert the library into a "healthy living centre" based on a fee-paying gym with a "small selection of books" in the gym's lounge. There would not be any library staff; it is unclear whether the gym would be staffed. The conversion works are estimated to take at least 9 months and close the building for most of 2016. The Friends are holding a public meeting on Monday 16 November at 6.30 for 7-8.30pm in the Carnegie, to discuss the plans, and our work to oppose these and to promote alternatives.
Here are the slides from the meeting: Friends of Carnegie Library(1)
We will be posting more information on the campaign shortly. Thanks to everyone for your support!