New Addington library plan sparks fears for future
PLANS to relocate the estate's library have been defended by council bosses, amid fears that users could be left with just "a couple of shelves" of books.
Councillor Tim Pollard, who is in charge of the borough's libraries sector, admitted that there may not be as many books available once the move from the library into the CALAT centre on Central Parade is complete.
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New Addington Library
His vow comes in the week it emerged a target date has now been set for the move, with the transition likely to be complete as early as April next year.
Some residents are unhappy with the decision and fear their library is essentially "being taken away".
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Melanie Pocknell, of Chertsey Crescent, said: "I think it is disgusting. New Addington soon won't have a library and they just don't seem to care.
"I can't see the point of them relocating it when it will probably be a couple of shelves. That is not a library, and I know other people are concerned too.
"If we knew what was going on that would be OK, but they've kept us in the dark this whole time. I can't see there being enough room for it all."
The council this week launched a consultation into the relocation plans, which would mean the library moving into the CALAT building on Central Parade, which also houses services including adult education classes, Jobcentre Plus, and the Little Stars Nursery.
Cllr Pollard, cabinet member for children, families and learning, claims there is no choice but to move the library.
He said: "We are going to relocate the library for two reasons. One is the existing building is no longer fit for purpose – it is falling to bits. It was built back at a time when building standards weren't great.
"And two, there are longstanding aspirations for the area where the library currently is. We need the library to vacate the site for this to be able to happen.
"I think there will be adequate room – we've done a lot of work in checking.
"What I can say on stock levels is that the intention is to make sure we offer the popular books. The plan is to offer a comprehensive selection."
A Croydon Council spokesman added: "Although we did remove a selection of tatty and out-of-date books from the existing library some time ago as part of the normal stock-check programme, we will be investing £10,000 in new books and materials once we relocate. On top of this, the new building will be open for an extra day every week."
Comments
by Krystal333
Wednesday, October 03 2012, 10:37PM
“Why can't the library be relocated into the ACA building? No loss of size or service, and the ACA will actually be doing something for the community!”
by boneless
Monday, October 01 2012, 6:55PM
“looks like Tesco IS coming to new Addington After all, going on what has been said.
Didn't Adult Education Used to be done in schools in the evening? Why is it not still being done so? Why has a New Building been built for that?
People of all ages use the Library let them continue.”
by ElizCro
Monday, October 01 2012, 10:51AM
“I could not believe that New Addington residents were accepting this move.
In order to incorporate the 'library' facility in the CALAT building half the teaching space for vital adult education courses in life skills of literacy, numeracy and employment skills such as beauty and hairdressing have been cut. The staffing has been so affected that anyone wanting to enrol for adult education courses needs to travel all the way to South Norwood CALAT in order to enrol.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the current building. It is tatty, like so many buildings in Croydon, but is secure, warm, welcoming, solid and spacious. And, most importantly, it is also very well used. The book stock has been depleted for some time as the move has been put off several times already. It will cost New Addinton residents more for their service if the book stock is restricted as it costs a minimum of £1.10 to order a book in and it is not possible to order in a DVD. New Addington residents can get more information and get their voice heard by contacting the Campaign at soslibrary.blogspot.com”
by roomster
Monday, October 01 2012, 9:03AM
“I was so pleased back when the library first opened, along with the community centre and swimming pool they were a major assets for the youngsters of the estate.At a time when there are real concerns about children failing to beable to read I hope that any change improves the chances of children reading books.”
by SBurnham
Monday, October 01 2012, 6:50AM
“The purpose of a public library is not to limit itself to offering a comprehensive selection of "popular books". It is to inspire users of all ages to read and to surprise them with a collection imaginatively and carefully chosen; space for quiet study; access to IT and expert assistance from staff. The council must contemplate whether its policy here encourages literacy, is fit for purpose, and whether protesters' concerns should influence the proposals. Authors and entrepreneurs who have stated how their talents were nurtured by public libraries were not inspired by the equivalent of Forty Shades of Grey or multiple copies of the new JK Rowling novel. It would seem that the people of this neighbourhood are right to be worried.”
by SBurnham
Monday, October 01 2012, 6:44AM
“The purpose of a public library is not to limit itself to offering a comprehensive selection of "popular books". It is to inspire users of all ages to read and to surprise them with a collection imaginatively and carefully chosen; space for quiet study; access to IT and expert assistance from staff. The council must contemplate whether its policy here encourages literacy, is fit for purpose, and whether protesters' concerns should influence the proposals. Authors and entrepreneurs who have stated how their talents were nurtured by public libraries were not inspired by the equivalent of Forty Shades of Grey or multiple copies of the new JK Rowling novel. It would seem that the people of this neighbourhood are right to be worried.”