Agenda item

The purpose of this report is to provide a summary update on Library Services across the Borough and specifically the Library Enhancement programme, the LGA Library Peer Challenge, Branch Library Funding, and exploratory work on underutilised spaces and the potential for income generation.

The Chair asked the representatives from the Friends of Libraries groups to introduce themselves.

Mr David Bennie, Chair of For the Friends of Reading and Education in Haringey - which was an umbrella group for the various friends’ groups at different libraries in the Borough - and he was also Chair of St. Ann’s Library Friends. Firstly, Mr Bennie mentioned that he was pleased the Council kept nine libraries open and that the hours were not cut. Secondly, in terms of the Enhancement programme for the branch libraries, Mr Bennie was concerned that it had taken a long time and felt that it would be instructive to follow that back to understand how it took so long for a relatively small programme. Mr Bennie stressed that libraries had become crucial providers of Council services, for example the Council’s Customer Service Centre introduced at Wood Green library and Marcus Garvey library; however, libraries had become less welcoming and acted as a security operation to control people that were out of order. Lastly, Mr Bennie raised concerns on the uncertainty and long-term plans of Wood Green library and Coombes Croft library in Tottenham. It was further noted that Muswell Hill Library had access issues as the mechanical lift had not worked properly for a substantial period, and it was suggested that it would be ideal to have lift access for the upper floor of the Library.

Ms Jasmine Taylor, representative of Friends of Marcus Garvey Library, briefly referred to the email response from the Friends of Marcus Garvey Library that was sent to the Councillors regarding the inaccuracies in parts of the report. Ms Taylor raised concerns that issues that related to Marcus Garvey Library were kicked down the road. Ms Taylor explained that when Marcus Garvey Library re-opened following refurbishment, the Friends of Marcus Garvey Library and other residents carried out a community audit and had meetings with library management about issues with the library. It was acknowledged that some issues at the Library that were resolved, such as additional shelving, the youth section was returned, and the back door was no longer used as an entrance. Nonetheless, it was noted there was an agreement to reconfigure the lower floor to ensure there was better use of the Library space; however, it was felt that officers were hanging back on the agreement. It was highlighted that the £3 million that was meant to be spent on the Library was rather spent on customer service provision within the Library. Consequently, there were still various problems at the Library, particularly the lack of space. Ms Taylor put forward the following requirements for Marcus Garvey Library:

·         The reconfiguration of the Library to allow more space;

·         A Librarian within the children’s library and children’s desk in the Library to ensure children were provided support; and

·         The removal of light boxes, which took a lot of space and had no useful function.

Ms Joanna Bornat, representative of Stroud Green and Harringay library, acknowledged that in the last year there was good support from Council officers, and the Library was about to go through a refurbishment. However, Ms Bornat raised concerns for the future of the library service as she felt afraid that the library service would be run by volunteers rather than existing library staff. Ms Bornat noted that the Library catered for a wide age range of people and also crossed the Borough boundary. Ms Bornat highlighted that she was delighted that Haringey had 9 libraries, a book budget and refurbished the new IT; however, the whole library building could not be used and accessed due to health and safety reasons Ms Bornat subsequently requested help to fundraise to open up the top level and for a lift to be installed. Ms Bornat noted that the Friends group had ideas on raising money for the Library and that the Friends group would be happy to discuss them with the Council, as the library was an important asset.

The Chair thanked the library representatives for sharing their observations and acknowledged receipt of the email. The Chair welcomed discussion on the Library representations.

The following was noted in response to the discussion: 

a.    Regarding a query on the effectiveness of the relationship between the Friends groups and the Council, Mr Bennie mentioned that generally the relationship was good, but described it as patchy at times, particularly when there was a proposal 2 to 3 years ago to cut branch library hours which came as a surprise because the Friends group were not informed of it in advance.  However, he explained that there had been improvements since then, for instance the Friends group had regular meetings with the Head of Service, and also, they had a good relationship with the branch Librarian. Mr Bennie raised a concern on dedicated library staff as they had become less attached to individual libraries. It was stressed that the relationship between established librarians and the people who used libraries were crucial.

b.    Regarding a query on the capturing of concerns and conversations, Ms Taylor noted that the situation with Marcus Garvey Library was complicated as they not only had to deal with the library service but also the Council’s Regeneration team. Besides communication issues with officers, another major issue were deadlines that were not met, for instance, similar issues continued to be discussed at meetings three to four months later. 

c.    Judith Walker, Head of Libraries and Customer Services, noted that the capital allocation was initially for Library enhancement, for an internal fit-out. There had been a lot of work to fully identify the critical maintenance requirements and the ongoing 5-year plan, which had taken time to solidify. It was highlighted that engagement with the wider public around the internal designs had been completed and the aim of the programme was to develop a five-year maintenance plan. Ms Walker acknowledged the Friends groups representatives’ frustrations of not being provided dates, but hoped they felt communicated with.

d.    The Cabinet Member for Corporate and Civic Services agreed that all the Borough’s libraries were important for the residents of the Borough. The Cabinet Member highlighted that despite the challenges in the budget, the Council maintained the Borough libraries, which showed that the Council cared about its libraries. The Cabinet Member stressed that the Borough libraries should be promoted to ensure everyone used the libraries. It was noted that since the redevelopment of Marcus Garvey Library into a Customer Service Centre, the challenge was that any new developments at the Library would require a strong business case. It was further added that consideration would need to be made as to how the Customer Service Centre and libraries were kept as two separate spaces. The Cabinet Member mentioned that she would be attending the next meeting around libraries and the issues raised would be picked up to ensure the libraries worked.The Cabinet Member further noted that in relation to Muswell Hill Library she would pick up on the lift accessibility issue as there needed to be a decent lift, and also the children’s library accessibility issues. The Cabinet Member acknowledged that she would pick up on the lift at Stroud Green library, and would be glad to work with the Friends group around fundraising.(Action: Cllr Amin).

e.    The Cabinet Member highlighted that she would be glad to work with the Friends group on fundraising for libraries as income for libraries was an issue. The Cabinet Member concluded that she cared about libraries and she was glad the representatives of the Friends groups attended and raised the issues to ensure a way forward in the future.

f.     The Chair suggested that comments be provided on progress and timings, ideas for fundraising and income for libraries, and for some of the issues to be teased out. It was recommended written responses be provided on some of the matters that were raised. The Chair also suggested for visits to libraries be organised in the next 6 months for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Members, and feedback be provided on the progress of libraries and progress on building up the partnership relationship. (Action: Cllr Amin/ Judith Walker).

g.    In addition, a Committee Member requested a response on the role of the Librarian, impact on the dedicated staff and what the allocation of staff looked like. The Chair requested that the feedback and responses be provided in writing. (Action: Cllr Amin/Judith Walker).

h.    Regarding a query on the impact on the public of the Customer Service Centre in libraries, the Cabinet Member explained that there was a dedicated feedback process in libraries, that was separate from Customer Services

The Chair concluded that responses to further questions, feedback on libraries and the library peer review be provided to a future meeting. (Action: Cllr Amin/Judith Walker/Andy Briggs).

RESOLVED

                     I.        That the Committee noted the information provided in the report.