Swiss Cottage library, one of nine that Camden runs directly

JOBS will be lost at libraries in Camden amid council plans to redesign library services in the borough.

According to a consultation, which began before Easter, nine roles will go as the council plans to create “community and digital hubs”.

Some traditional librarians will become customer service-style assistants, greeting visitors and pro­actively offering help. Camden’s libraries chief Labour councillor Anna Wright confirmed that nine full time posts will go, which includes back office staff.

However as some staff are on part time contracts, the loss of jobs could be higher than that figure. Those at risk will be asked to apply for the new roles.

Cllr Wright added she wanted to improve services and get more people into libraries, including voluntary and community groups. Digital provision will be extended.

She told the New Journal: “We are not cutting services and we want to see our libraries go from strength to strength. “They’re about more than books. We saw during the pandemic that people were digitally excluded as they didn’t have the use of devices or quick enough internet, which is crucial for a whole host of things, including accessing applications for income support.”

But Camden’s Unison branch secretary Liz Wheatley said: “During the whole of the pandemic, library services have been seen as essential. They reopened when the first lockdown ended and have stayed open providing some of their services since that date.

“This has involved library workers going in and providing face-to-face support to Camden residents.”

She added: “These are some of the people who face losing their jobs and we think this is outrageous. They are some of the lower paid workers in the council and deserve to be rewarded for their efforts during the pandemic not made redundant.”

The council still directly runs nine libraries across Camden after passing three to community groups in 2012. Cllr Wright said the job losses were “regrettable”.

She added: “We need to absolutely hold on to that archivist and librarian expertise. But we need people who have got those engage­ment skills as well.

“This isn’t about cutting library services but making more use of them. I am very much hoping that many of the existing staff will want to make that change. But it may be that for some people it may not be the right thing for them. I hope that won’t be the case.”

Lib Dem councillor Flick Rea, a champion of libraries during campaigns against cuts over the years, said: “It is all trying to bring it closer to the people. There needs to be more inclusion with the community and groups.

“It’s the friendly face of Camden, that unless you have an overdue book is never going to shout at you or demand you give them money.”

A Camden Council spokeswoman said: “We are creating new roles and have proposed some changes to staff’s responsibilities and day-to-day work – we are currently in the final stages of our formal consultation with staff on these plans.”