#nettlefold

[glukheia]

Listen to: FJ Nettlefold (Mothman Mix) by Aural Rage

[thurlowparklabour]

The Future of Cultural Services in Lambeth

The council is launching a consultation on the future of cultural services in Lambeth. This sets out a vision for how we can deliver library services sustainably, in the face of huge cuts to our funding from the national government.

In 2012 we talked to residents about libraries. They challenged us on how we could provide free access to books wider than ever before. They challenged us to use self serve technology, volunteers and community spaces to create new places in the heart of our neighbourhoods to borrow books and embrace reading.

Lambeth Council is now launching a consultation which shares our vision for how we might deliver this. Please get involved, feedback your ideas and tell us what you think.

Our vision is -

5 town centre libraries where we'll work with volunteers to extend opening hours

those town centre libraries supporting a wider Network of community lending libraries in community settings - like the successful one in Streatham Vale.

community libraries like Carnegie potentially becoming community hubs - including community library provision.

This vision isn't new - it's the continuation of a conversation we've been having for a long time. But the pace needs to pick up to achieve the budget reductions that are now necessary.

We’ll have to make some tough decisions too. Some smaller libraries simply won’t be able to continue. In West Norwood, we are lucky - the council and Picturehouse have exchanged contracts to develop Nettlefold Hall into a refurbished library and a new cinema for our community. There are going to be lots of opportunities to have your say on what our library will look like - watch this space!

For further information, take a look at Lambeth Labour's blog here

[thurlowparklabour]

Nettlefold Library - update

The process of getting the Library cleaned up in preparation for rebuilding works has been slowed down by squatters. It is very disappointing that they were able to gain access and although they have gone, they made so much mess that the asbestos decontamination is now much more complicated. This will not only delay the planning application but increase the size of the works, which will now have to go out to competitive tender. Nevertheless the negotiations are still going ahead, a lease is being drawn up between Lambeth and the cinema company and some precious archives have been removed from the basement. All the Norwood councillors continue to press for progress. The Steering Group meets again in September.