Hundreds sign petition to retain opening hours at Alexandra Park Library

A consultation on the reduction of opening hours across all libraries closed last month, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Alexandra Park Library in Alexandra Park Road

Residents have launched a petition in protest of Haringey Council’s plans to cut a local library’s opening hours.

Alexandra Park Library, along with the borough’s eight other libraries, will have its operating hours reduced if current proposals are agreed.

At Alexandra Park the plan is to cut opening hours from 57 per week to either 29 or 30.5. Depending on the model chosen, the library will lose either one or two days of operation.

A consultation on the reduction of opening hours across all libraries closed last month.

The council’s cabinet member for culture and leisure, Emily Arkell, said the results of the engagement and the proposed new libraries operating model “will be considered for approval” at an upcoming cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 10th December.

However, in the lead up to the meeting, locals have protested the cuts, saying residents relied heavily on Alexandra Park Library.

Sadie Page, who launched the petition on Change.org which now has over 1,400 signatures, said it was a “plea” on behalf of the “entire community”.

She said: “Reducing access to such beneficial resources ultimately targets those who need them most.

“As parents with young children, we rely on this free, safe communal space to foster relationships with other families, encourage early literacy, stimulate creativity, engage in art activities, and encourage social interaction with other children.”

Richard Loren, a supporter of the petition, added that reducing the hours after the building had been recently refurbished made “no sense”.

A new lift, accessible toilets, as well as improved facilities including a new children’s library were installed at the library last year.

Richard added: “Above all else, it is a valuable educational resource for the young and should be treasured as such.”

Cllr Arkell said the council was considering the results of the consultation “carefully”.

She said: “The council received 1,376 responses to its public consultation on reduced library hours.

“These responses have been carefully considered by council officers and the council’s response to the public feedback on the consultation and the proposed libraries operating model will be considered for approval at the forthcoming cabinet meeting on 10th December 2024.”

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