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March 8, 2007
Cricklewood library goes as Brent closes 4 libraries
My own nearest library in Cricklewood, across the council boundary in Brent is to close. I learned tonight that officers of Brent council have drawn up secret plans to close 4 libraries which will only go to local consultation after they have been presented to the council executive.
The plan is not forced by the pressure on the budget but because "reducing from 12 libraries to 8 ...is a model which other authorities are adopting ...to allow the library service to make improvements." The London borough of Brent, in the last published figures, had £6m gross expenditure per annum to run its 12 dismal and bookless libraries. Of that £6m just 3.9% was spent on books.
I shall post the names of the local councillors tomorrow in order to bring shame upon them. The local lib dem MP is Sarah Teather, who up to this point has been regarded as a good local MP. This might test her abilities.
The author of the report recommending this is Sue Mackenzie, the head of the library service. The local view is that this plan is entirely of her making.
Posted by Tim Coates at March 8, 2007 10:36 PM