Fresh consultation on library services launched by Haringey Council

It comes only a year after opening hours were reduced across the borough’s nine libraries, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Haringey Council has launched a fresh consultation on the future of its nine libraries.

The council is encouraging residents to complete online surveys to help develop its new library service strategy, saying it wants to know “what you like about your libraries, how you think they can improve, and what is currently missing from them”.

One survey is for library users, another for non-library users, a third seeks feedback on the “guiding principles” of the proposed strategy and the fourth, the “use of technology” in libraries.

Among the comments on the library user survey submitted so far, residents mentioned the delayed reopening of Muswell Hill Library, which has been closed for two-and-a-half years, having “longer opening hours”, especially in the evenings, and wanting more events.

Last year the council reduced the opening hours of its libraries, to save hundreds of thousands of pounds, while still keeping the facilities open.

The latest consultation will run until Sunday, 14th September.

Currently, Hornsey and Marcus Garvey libraries are open seven days a week, Wood Green is open five, and the remaining branch libraries operate at least four days a week.

Residents have also suggested catering more for those who cannot speak English, as well as advertising library services in places of worship and community centres.

Offering space for independent businesses, having better disability access, and more help for elderly users who “struggle” to use the computers were also pitched as ideas.

For more information and to take part in the surveys:
Visit Have Your Say Today – Haringey Libraries

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