Community groups and volunteers will have the chance to run their local libraries as Ealing Council’s cabinet agreed last night to move forward with plans to increase the number of community-managed libraries.

Building on the success of the 4 libraries in Northfields, West Ealing, Perivale and Hanwell, which have been managed by community groups since 2020, the council believes that the following libraries should also be community-managed:

• Jubilee Gardens, Southall
• Northolt Leisure Centre, Northolt
• Greenford Library
• Wood End (currently under construction in Greenford)

The community groups would be given start-up funding to shape the services they want to offer in their local library. The buildings will continue to be maintained by the council. Books, online resources, computers for public use, training, IT equipment and support would also be provided by the council, but the libraries would be run by community groups and their volunteers.

Activities

Community-managed libraries must continue to offer activities such as reading groups, book clubs, baby and toddler sessions and craft workshops. Many of the existing community libraries have also introduced activities including youth clubs, social events and school holiday activities.

And, if the libraries were to be run by the community, the council’s staff working in them would be moved to roles in other libraries in the borough, avoiding any redundancies.

Acton Town Hall, Northolt and Southall Library at the Dominion Centre, which are undergoing a £900,000 improvement programme — will remain operated by the council, as will Ealing Central Library.

Community-run libraries would save £134,000 a year for the next 3 years – supporting the council’s approach to using its limited resources more effectively by working with residents and giving communities the opportunity to get more involved in creating and running local services.

It was agreed at the cabinet meeting (Wednesday 20 November) that Young Ealing Foundation will manage Greenford Library. Because it was previously agreed in 2019 that Wood End Library in Greenford would transfer to community management, the Cabinet councillors agreed that it would now invite proposals from community organisations to run Wood End Library.

“Volunteers put their heart and soul into running those libraries”

Councillor Blerina Hashani, the council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “We know how important libraries are to people of all ages and we want everyone to have access to vibrant and inviting libraries in their neighbourhoods. But like many councils, we are facing financial challenges and must find ways to save money while protecting our library service.

“However, it’s not just about balancing the budget. I’ve seen how the community-run libraries set up in 2020 are thriving. The groups and volunteers put their heart and soul into running those libraries, making a big difference in their areas. There’s a huge range on offer from knit and natter sessions or baby rhyme time to benefits and legal advice and English language classes.”

The council will consult with residents on proposals for Northolt Leisure and Jubilee Gardens libraries to become community managed before a final decision is made.

Details of the Cabinet meeting are available on our website.

Updated on 21 November 2024