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Readers told libraries face cuts threat

£450,000 refit at Kentish Town

ANXIOUS times are ahead for library users in Camden, according to the chairwoman of a borough-wide pressure group.
Speaking at the annual meeting of Camden Public Libraries User Groups (CPLUG) in Belsize Library on Thursday, Helen Marcus warned members to be prepared to fight for their libraries.
She said: “There is pressure on budgets and the first thing that will be under attack is anything to do with culture.” But she added: “I have no doubt that if things get difficult in the future our troops will rally because people do really care about their libraries.”
With figures showing a continuing decline in book borrowing, there was also criticism of the Town Hall’s decision to transfer money from books to the purchase of CDs and DVDs.
Alan Templeton, from West Hampstead Library users’ group, said: “It is self-defeating because only a small percentage want audio-visual material. User satisfaction with book stock in Camden is the second lowest in London.”
Members are to meet executive member for culture Labour councillor Phil Turner in January.
Ms Marcus was speaking as the Town Hall announced it is to spend £450,000 revamping its second most popular library, Kentish Town, after Christmas.
A Town Hall press official said: “The council is near to completing an investment of more than £8.5 million in improving library provision.
“A refurbished Kentish Town Library and a new library with community facilities in Kilburn will both open next year.
“Opening hours have also increased and the council now invests around £600,000 a year on new books, CDs and DVDs. As a result, there are now 70 per cent more users than seven years ago.”
 



Don't waste your finest on relatives

DO you enjoy or endure Christmas? It isn’t only that we’re bullied into spending money we haven’t got.
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