We have just written our fifth letter in a month to the DCMS about the impending disaster in Croydon. As we said in the last newsletter, this cash-strapped borough is pushing the strangest library “plan” we think we have ever seen. In brief, it will close four libraries, redeploy the staff to work wonders at the remaining libraries AND “mitigate” the loss of the four with plethora of highly unlikely “outreach” activities that don’t yet exist, in places that have not been identified (let alone secured).
The libraries are to close in early November. The non-existent “outreach schedule” will not be launched until April next year! We are getting distressing messages from local people who can’t find out what is going on, and will be severely affected by the closures.
All this, and more, we have passed on to the DCMS. Its latest reply asks us to “explain clearly and in detail what you believe the impact of the agreed changes will be on users of the library service”.
We really do not think it is necessary to explain the impact of completely losing a library service, imminently and with no replacement.
This reply from the DCMS is pretty typical. Campaigners are asked for more and more and more information, while the unwanted changes grind on. Then, almost invariably, they are told the Secretary of State is “not minded” to do anything.
We have made it clear for some time what we think of all this – see our website
It really has to change.
