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August 27, 2008
Press Release from the London Borough of Hillingdon
Readers of the blog will remember that the programme to renovate the public libraries in Hillingdon was designed to be done at a reduced cost to the residents (unlike Tower Hamlets, Brighton, Peckham or Hampshire where the building programmes cost millions and millions)
It should also be remembered that before the programme of improvement began, the performance of LB Hillingdon's libraries was among the best in the country
Here is tonight's press release from Hillingdon
According to the latest figures, the newly-refurbished Hillingdon libraries have proved successful with local residents.
Compared to the same period last year, the number of people visiting the newly refurbished libraries has increased by more than 11,000 and the number of books being issued has increased by more than 12,000.
In the last year the number of visitors and book issues at both Ruislip Manor and Manor Farm libraries have shown impressive improvements since they became the first two libraries to be upgraded as part of the council’s library modernisation program.
The new Ruislip Manor library as now been open for 10 months and attracted 23% more visitors and 32% more book issues during July, when compared to last year.
At Manor Farm library, Manor Farm, which re-opened in March after a substantial refit, the numbers have been equally encouraging with a 23% increase in visitors and 365% increase in book issues.
Darren Deeks, Manager at Manor Farm library said: “ There’s so much going on in the libraries that it’s great to see people are getting involved. We’re on a unique site at Manor Farm and welcome visitors anytime, we had more than 1500 visitors when the complex opened last month!”
The two libraries were the first to be upgraded as part of the council’s modernisation program, which is continuing throughout the borough.
Cllr Henry Higgins, Cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure said: “ We’re bucking the trend in Hillingdon and investing in our libraries whilst others are closing them so it’s good to see that our residents enjoying the new facilities. What’s really encouraging is that we have seen a rise in not only the amount of people coming to our libraries but also in the amount of books that are being borrowed so this hopefully means that the appeal of the new libraries is helping to reignite people’s interest in reading.”
Well done Henry Higgins and Hillingdon. When he was elected in May 2006 and given responsibility for the public library service, he set himself the target of bringing all his libraries up to a high standard by the time of reelction in 2010. He is on target to achieve that. He did not attempt to persuade the council to grant more money-- he said he would do it with the same funds they already allocated to public libraries, or less if it were possible.
It is a good programme (even though it caused the library profession - who scorned his efforts to go on strike and complain) and the residents are showing by their response that they approve.
Posted by Perkins at August 27, 2008 8:08 PM