Drop-in sessions on proposed move of East Barnet library

The sessions are part of a consultation process on the proposal to relocate East Barnet library to new premises at the Victoria Recreation Ground in 2019. This consultation is now open will run until 19 December 2016.

Library users are encouraged to attend one of the drop-in sessions for more information, and the consultation document and questionnaire can be obtained in printed form at East Barnet library or online.

After a comprehensive review and extensive consultation with residents and library users, all 14 existing libraries will remain open, as well as the home and mobile and digital library service.

East Barnet library will become a community-led Partnership Library from April 2017, in a reduced space the current building.

During the consultation, residents told us that co-locating library services with other services a good way to tackle some of the financial challenges faced by the library service. An opportunity has now arisen to provide a new, modern, fit for purpose library facility for local residents through re-providing and re-locating East Barnet Library to new premises.

This is a result of the council’s decision to invest in new leisure facilities at the Victoria Recreation Ground in New Barnet which will replace those offered at Church Farm. This decision also followed extensive consultation with local residents.

The drop-in sessions are taking place in November and December at the following times and locations:

Councillor Reuben Thompstone, Chairman of the Children, Educations, Libraries and Safeguarding Committee, said: “We want to give everyone the opportunity to have their say on this proposal to move the library at East Barnet to new premises in 2019. By co-locating the library service with the new leisure facilities, residents will be able to enjoy the benefits of both services during a single visit.”