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| The pop-up library continues |
A report today from the Save Kensal Rise Library Campaign gives the result of a survey of a representative sample of local residents:
- 72%
of local residents say that shutting the library will definitely or
probably affect their voting intention at the next General and Local
elections
- Brent
Council are overwhelmingly viewed as “very responsible” for the library
closure by 94% of residents in 2013 (and a further 6% “slightly
responsible”). All Souls College (54% very responsible and 30%
“slightly”) and the Coalition Government (52% and 38%) come next on the
list
- 96%
of respondents in 2013 feel that “Brent Council doesn’t listen to
residents” and 98% think the actions of Brent Council have been “against
the interests of the local community”.
- Nine
in ten (94%) locals “object to the library being turned into flats”.
95% agree that they “would worry about the lack of community space in
the area”. Eight in ten agree “turning the library into private rental
flats would harm the community” (82%). Only 3% think that “private
rental flats would benefit the local community. 94% of survey
respondents think urge that “the developer should listen to the pleas of
the residents”
- Since
the library has shut, 72% of residents have decided against a trip to a
different library which is particularly worrying in the context of our
local literacy challenges and 51% have been forced to buy books they
would have wanted to loan
- 79%
of residents say the pop-up library that has emerged is a cheerful
presence that symbolises community spirit and 72% believe it epitomises
local residents’ determination to fight Brent Council’s decision
In
a survey released today of public attitudes to Kensal Rise library, the
Save Kensal Rise Library campaign highlights the critical impact
library closures will have on the next local and general elections.
Almost
3 in 4 residents (72%) say closure of libraries “will definitely” or
“probably” affect their voting intention. When asked who is responsible
for libraries closing in Brent, 9 in 10 residents firmly cite Brent
Council as most responsible (94%) with over half blaming the All Souls
College (54%) and the Coalition Government (52%).
Highlighting the impact the decision is having on local lives,
since the library has shut, 72% of residents have decided against a
trip to a different library and 51% have been forced to buy books they
would have wanted to loan – placing ever greater pressure on tight
family finances particularly on those with children. Over 1 in 5 (22%)
residents say they have nowhere local to go to spend time with others.
17% have experienced overcrowding at an alternative local library
session. The numbers have increased in all the areas over the two-year
time period between surveys – which are worrying trends.
Efforts
to create a temporary pop-up library had gone down well with residents.
82% of respondents in 2013 said “it is a cheerful presence and a symbol
of community spirit” and 84% agreed that it is a “good indication of
residents’ determination to keep the library going”. All measures have
improved over two years between surveys – indicating growing
appreciation of the pop-up library despite recognition is it no long
term alternative to a properly-resourced library.
Margaret Bailey, co-chair of the Friends of Kensal Rise Library campaign said:
“The
stark reality of the impact on lives comes through strongly. Closing
Kensal Rise library is not just an issue for Brent’s balance sheets – it
is hurting local families, children and elderly residents. People are
putting off trips to the library and being forced to spend precious
money they don’t always have to meet a shortfall in local provision. The
social value of the library is going completely unnoticed”
David Butcher, co-chair of the Friends of Kensal Rise Library campaign said:
“The
survey confirms what we knew, that passion is running high on this
issue and that people will take this issue to the polls. Politicians and
developers ignore this at their peril.”
“It’s
time for all concerned to recognise the implications of closing
services. We want them to come and speak to us about our plans to open a
community-run library space that the public so overwhelmingly are
demanding”
Voices from the survey – a selection of quotes from the survey
The
library was a life saver for me when my children were small. It's the
hub of community, somewhere to go when you are isolated.
As
a child, I made my first fairy cakes from a book I borrowed at the
library. Being Indian this was a big step as we don't bake
traditionally. This one of many steps that made me feel part of the
British community
When
my first baby was two months old we were locked out in the cold and
left keys inside. Desperate, I eventually sought help at my library, the
woman advised me and offered me warmth and reassurance till the fire
brigade came. Where else offers this kind of safe haven to isolated
people?
My
children went there from birth & joined in all the events -
Christmas, Divali, Chinese New Year etc. We kept contact there with
people who'd gone on to different schools etc. I have always belonged
to a local library and have never used one less than I currently do (in
51 years!). I feel very sad every time I walk past it (almost daily).
I feel more isolated and I no longer have the help and service it's staff provided
I have nowhere to take my children to find books to help with their homework.
I have lost the chance to study in a venue with other people. Deprived of access to resources, I often work alone in my room
I regularly have outstanding loans as I have irregular internet access and have to travel specially to Queens Park.
I
loved walking into the library space…and seeing the building, its
beautiful fired tiles, the architraves and the feeling of welcome and
well being it gave me. This reflects Brent Council’s lack of
understanding about what makes people contented.
The
day before the library closed, I got a book on Superman. This was when I
was 7. I’m 10 now. I also remember a big party that took place before
the closure, made to try and stop the council closing it. Everyone
thought this was enough.
I
came with my four year old to the library on the afternoon the library
had been raided by the police. My daughter was frightened and sad to
hear her library had been closed and all the books stolen (as she saw
it) by the police.
Knowing
that I am in a community where people can work together on something
like this gives me hope for the future and inspires me to try to
contribute more to the community
The
campaign has helped make us a stronger community. Even those of us who
haven't actually done much have been supporting in spirit and it has
given us a common cause.
I'm amazed and in awe of all who continue to fight and want to pass my appreciation on
People
have been brought together, new friendships formed and a sense of
common purpose shared. This could continue INSIDE the building rather
than relegated to the cold outside.
This
building should not be destroyed by using it for flats. It
should definitely be listed and remain as a library and maybe for other
community uses to make it more viable.
There
are so few public places that we can go without being expected to spend
money or pass through as quickly as possible. So few places where
parents with young children or elderly citizens can feel genuinely
welcome and unhurried. So few places that seek to expand our minds
rather than entice us to empty our pockets. This is a thing worth
fighting for.
We
should never stop fighting to save a cause so vital in an age where so
many people think the internet is a sufficient resource for finding
knowledge. It will never replace books or libraries where people can
meet in a haven of knowledge, discovery, and community.
I
do not know anyone who would consider travelling as far as Wembley to
use the library. The point about libraries is that they should be a
local resource. I am deeply indebted to campaigners for their sustained
efforts on our behalf.
Note:
The survey is based on a poll of 272 residents conducted between May and July 2013. With
272 responses, the survey is representative of the 10,668 population of
the Kensal Green ward and the 268,000 population of Brent. The
respondents reflected the area’s diversity in terms of age, ethnicity,
and gender of respondents.
and Preston Library campaigners this one:
