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The Supporters of Alexandra Park Library (SAPL) held a (second) very well-attended meeting last Saturday, in the wonderful New Community Room above the Library, to discuss what to do about the planned cuts, which could amount to 31% of the Libraries’ budget (minutes of meeting). To join SAPL or find out more, email SAPLharingey@aol.com  (there's a whatsapp group about the cuts that you can then join). The Council cabinet are discussing the budget tomorrow evening (Tuesday 6th Feb), and a deputation from the group representing all Haringey Libraries (FORE - Friends of Reading and Education) will make a case, in particular, for the lack of consultation about the cuts, and the need for more data-gathering about potential impacts. Meeting details are here.

SAPL have put together some points which can we can make in an Email to Councillors, as well as setting out the points that FORE will be making in their deputation - it would be good to email councillors before the meeting tomorrow. Emily Arkell, in particular, is the cabinet member for Culture, Communities and Leisure, so do email her! emily.arkell@haringey.gov.uk . She is also one of the ward councillors for Bounds Green, residents of which - according to the other councillor, Mary Mason - make much use of Alexandra Park Library.

It was emphasised in the meeting that the Council are in a very difficult position, with the Government forcing them to make cuts – the question is where they are to fall. It would therefore be helpful to say where we think reductions in spending elsewhere could be made, or where new funds proposed for other projects could be diverted to Libraries - though you could simply say why you think the cuts are a bad idea.

Their main proposals for the next four years (see Budget Consultation 2024/25, paras. S19-21) originally involved:

• Reducing opening hours, with other organisations potentially using the Library building outside opening hours - saving £675 k [ this may be introduced in the next few weeks]
• Introducing a self-service system with community volunteers helping out (saving 40% on staff funding) – saving £676k in the next 4 years [they may have decided to ditch this proposal, considering it not practical]
• Removing the provision of hard-copy newspapers and magazines, and using the online Pressreader service instead

NB there are no proposals (as yet) to close any libraries in Haringey, and it is important to remember that the Council has up till now provided one of the best Library services in the country.

Some personal comments:

As regards diverting funds from other projects - it was pointed out at the meeting that the Council are proposing to invest considerable sums in taking the Leisure services in-house (currently run by Fusion) - new capital investment £7436k, operating costs £3660k. Personally, I am all in favour of Haringey giving Fusion notice to quit, but these figures dwarf the cuts that the Council are proposing to make in Library services, which could nevertheless decimate the services, and discourage people from using them. After all, many (most?) members of Fusion Leisure Centres pay for their membership, while, I suggest, the greatest users of libraries are the most vulnerable residents - and those most in need of support. These residents will also be most impacted by reductions in opening hours - job application and student essay deadlines can't wait until another day. And the proposed closure in the mornings will seriously impact carers with children.

Investing in the health of residents is of course very important - but Libraries provide so many different types of services, and to a wider range of residents than are likely to visit leisure centres. Here are some of them:

• Reading and literacy (including various events for kids in the wonderful new Alexandra Park Children's Library).
• Creative events for teenagers
• Quiet study space for school students - the local schools use the library during school time, and students use it for homework after school, as well no doubt as 6th formers during the day.
• Help with finding information and resources.
• Free access to computing facilities, as well as help for the digitally excluded (10% of the adult UK population, ONS) in using IT - to access services, to make job applications, etc. (more people are finding they can't afford an internet connection in the current cost of living crisis).
• Providing a community hub where people can join in local groups - relieving feelings of isolation and supporting mental health; also a place that is warmer in winter, and cooler on hot days, than many homes. And where children can get away from local bullies.
• Providing rooms where locals can meet - both Alexandra Park and Bounds Green lack meeting spaces.

A recent research study (EVOLS) showed that the social value of libraries gives a return on investment of at least 6 times the cost.

AP Library has of course been recently refurbished, at no doubt great cost, and to great effect. It now has three rooms for hire on the first floor - an amazing large and bright 'Community Room' with windows curving all round it and views of our neighbourhood. They say it accommodates 25 seated round a couple of tables, but there seemed to be plenty of room for about 50 at the meeting on Saturday. Another room with 10 chairs round a table is suitable for meetings, and a much smaller, poky little room has a table and 4 chairs. If Haringey hired out all these rooms at commercial rates during Library opening hours (till 7pm weekday, 5pm Saturdays), I estimate this would raise £4275 per week (Community groups are charged just over half the commercial rate) ...