#Croydon - Heading for Judicial Review

Despite a cloak of secrecy,  it's clear that Laing (JLLS) were the most likely bidder to be awarded the contract for Croydon Libraries. Many saw this as a done deal. Given the details and terms of the contract now known it would be hard to argue that Croydon didn't pave the way for the JLIS bid.

In an extraordinary turn of events, a long list of Conservative councillors called-in the decision to award the libraries contract to Laings; the very same decision they had enthusiastically voted through, en bloc, as a party.  It is worth remembering that the ruling Conservative party in Croydon has stood firm in regard to other key decisions, such as to support the incinerator plans, despite pre-election promises of no incinerator "on or near our borders". For the party to split in order for so many to call the libraries decision into question, worthy of referral to scrutiny, is a clear victory for all those who have spoken up in number throughout the process and surely indicates a deep unrest within the party regarding the decision taken.

Where now?
The process is now less straight forward and likely to take some time as scrutiny applied extra conditions to the contract which will need to be negotiated with Laing and there may be other delays to come, should any of the bidders wish to challenge the process. Croydon may also come under fire for leaving it so late, giving them littel time as they want the contract in place for April 2013.  They would need to allow for consultation with staff, TUPE arrangements as well as any further negotiations with Laing, which places Croydon in a very weak position. Residents have been advised that the decision needs to go back to the full council in any case, which won't be until January now.

The Vice Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Jason Cummings (Cons) made attempts to hear from the Save Libraries Campaign group, who represent the views of residents across the borough, given the Chair's complete absence of openness to entertain this.  We wonder what the Chair, Cllr Steve Holland (Cons), wanted to avoid being tabled. All that Elizabeth Ash, speaking on behalf of the Campaign, asked for was just two minutes of the committee's time, without right to reply. This was denied. Given the poor calibre of questioning put forward by councillors (something we are happy to cover in another post) it was clearly ill-advised to deny the committee hearing these points which would have provided pertinent information not yet tabled for consideration. And, despite Cllr Cummings seemingly genuine undertaking to make sure the campaign view was heard and put forward for consideration before any decision was passed, he has made no contact in over two weeks since the meeting at which he made this promise. The Campaign leaves it to you to form your own opinion.

Judicial Review is on the cards

The fight is not over and we may now need to go to judicial review. We cannot do this until the final announcement is made but this does not stop us considering all options before this time. We would not proceed unless we had a very good case but from all the Campaign knows we have a case on several key points. The scrutiny process just adds weight to the case. We need a group of residents to take this forward to explore further and the Campaign is delighted that, despite being the week running up to Christmas that so many residents have replied so far in support of standing up to speak up for our libraries and to challenge the decision.

Support for a judicial review has also been indicated by Croydon Labour and now UKIP. The Campaign remains open to hearing from other parties to push this challenge.  We would remind all that the Campaign is non party political but we will accept any help offered as we have clear evidence that outsourcing is not what residents want and that what Laing have to offer on libraries is far from what residents of Croydon value!

Please get in touch if you can help.  We need people to stand up to be counted or we will lose the library service we so value. It is clearly not too late to rebuild what we have lost but we must not let it deteriorate any further. Check out what Laing have done to Hounslow Libraries if you are in any doubt here and here.

What we know, thanks to the persistent questioning of several Labour councillors, is that the pay and conditions of our remaining staff will be maintained, as required by law, but there is no commitment to keep the many staff we understand are on short term contract, so new staff can be taken on with lesser qualifications, pay and conditions. Cllr Steve O'Connell made clear that Croydon council do not sign up to the London Living Wage so would not even entertain a question on this.

The terms of the contract are to maintain the existing service - a service that has been run into the ground since before the consultation began, with huge loss of staff, greatly depleted book stock, and lack of service in our libraries as staff are often ill-equipped and untrained.  We've a clear record of this, thanks to the vigilance of library users across the borough. The strain this has placed on our original staff, and on those new, trying to fulfil the role, must be immense. Please show them your support.

Many residents are still unaware of the plans. Thanks to all who have sent a constant stream of information to the Campaign in the form of observations, comments and photos.

We need to mobilise.  Spread the word. Please also get in touch.

Thank you!

Save Croydon Libraries Campaign
savecroydonlibraries@gmail.com
www.soslibrary.blogspot.com
Follow us on twitter @SaveCroydonLibs
Join us on facebook Save Croydon Libraries group

Let's stop the erosion of our library service! Keep your comments and evidence coming in!

Protests

Not coping, across the borough, given staff cull

Lack of staff; lack of volunteers... oh dear!

Take your pick. The choice is limited though!

Clear shelves makes dusting easier but limits library user choice. What is the priority in  Croydon? Hmmm...

And yet we come back, time and time again, to say we love our libraries and NEED our libraries. ~What is it that Croydon do not get?
*pregnant pause*

*STOP PRESS*

@CroydonGreens have added their weight to the support for Croydon libraries. So all local parties are on board to fight that this is a wrong decision, including those within the ruling Conservative party.

Interesting times....Watch this space!

Residents' comments on Laings Library deal

The Campaign has received the following comment from a resident, on hearing the news that John Laing have been awarded the libraries contract for Croydon. 

"John Laing plc is owned by the UK investment fund Henderson Group that established a new parent company in the Republic of Ireland to reduce its tax bill. This move cuts the rate of corporation tax it pays from 28% in the UK to about 20% in Ireland.

So if this diabolical move succeeds the Council will be colluding with a UK tax dodging firm on the same level as Amazon, Starbucks and Google.  Such companies make their profits mainly in the UK and pay lower taxes abroad. 

Any wonder we feel we are not ALL in this together?"

                              Concerned resident - name provided

What do you think? 

John Laing already have an established but secretive business link with Croydon, including the building of the new Council offices, if we believe the word of Croydon Council,  at nil cost to Croydon. Details here from John Laings which seems to imply it's a 50 / 50 deal. 

Add a comment here or email your comment to savecroydonlibraries@gmail.com, making clear how you wish your post to be signed.

We look forward to adding your comments.

Award of libraries contract called in to scrutiny

The decision to award the Croydon libraries contract to John Laing Integrated Services (JLIS) has been called into scrutiny and will be heard this Wednesday, 5th December at 6.30pm in the Town Hall Council Chambers. You can find the papers here:

http://www.croydon.gov.uk/democracy/dande/minutes/scrutiny/committee/2012/051212a

Although the majority of the business will be conducted behind closed doors it will send a clear message if as residents are present in the public gallery.

The libraries issue is also likely to be discussed at tonight's council meeting also, Monday 3rd December at 6.30pm. It will be interesting to hear who speaks up for residents and our libraries.

Please attend and spread the word to others!

Save Croydon Libraries Campaign

Email: savecroydonlibraries@gmail.com

Blog: www.soslibrary.blogspot.com

Follow us on twitter: @SaveCroydonLibs

Join us on facebook: Save Croydon Libraries group

The worst kept secret - John Laing win contract

Alan Wylie was the first to report that he'd been informed that John Laing Integrated Services (JLIS) had been made preferred bidder for the Croydon Libraries contract.

 Full marks to Cllr Tim Pollard for
keeping a straight face when
explaining that companies did not
want all their secrets shared.

Then the local press named John Laing as the preferred bidder on the same day it went to the corporate services committee for approval but Inside Croydon went one step further, not only naming Laings but reporting that it was likely the decision could be sent for Judicial Review.

Inside Croydon reported on the meeting, where information was denied to residents and Labour councillors, including the names of the bidders up for consideration or any real detail of the terms of the contract on offer. The chamber and public gallery were treated to a cringe-worthy performance from Cllr Tim Pollard who managed to keep a straight face as he explained that the details of the bids were "commercially sensitive" and no one would work with Croydon if they " shared their secrets".

It was very clear that no one was asking for minute details but more the general terms of the contract, the main issues discussed to decide on the preferred bidder and what it might mean for staff and for residents. Most questions were blocked and went unanswered, although Labour councillors George Ayers and Toni Letts were able to establish that the future pay and conditions of staff were not part of any consideration and Croydon planned to only meet minimum pay and conditions for existing staff only.

Cllr Donald Speakman
Disregard for access to the library
service on offer to residents

The only question of any substance from the Conservatives was a question tabled by Cllr Donald Speakman who was at pains to establish that the unnamed chosen bidder could not open Croydon Libraries on a Sunday without consulting the council as he clearly opposed any such move - a move made by other proactive listening councils in response to user demand. Clearly library users' and residents' views were furthest from Cllr Speakman's mind.

It would be funny if not so serious that the Conservative councillors and the council solicitor repeated blocked questions about facts that were already in the public domain.  On numerous occasions direct facts from verifiable sources were tabled as part of a question posed, such as statements made in Wandsworth Council papers, but these were still ruled as 'commercially sensitive' and therefore inadmissible.  It was the stuff of farce. No wonder Croydon ban recording and filming of meetings!

The public were asked to vacate the gallery but remained sitting. No fuss, no noise - just a  firm resolve that they would not be evicted and would not be denied hearing the facts. One woman offered to explain why the group remained but was barred from uttering a word.  The meeting then withdrew to another room to continue the private part of the meeting in camera.

The secret dealings in Croydon have caused many to comment in disbelief. This is far from most people's understanding of a democratic process.  Decisions taken in secret with key information withheld - Not what most consider democratic. Do they forget that they were elected to serve?

Follow Save #Croydon Libraries Campaign

Quite why Croydon is so reticent to release details of their decision will become clear shortly but it now appears to have been confirmed that Laings will run our libraries. This will need altering to reflect this change but do follow the campaign and send us any information or comments you have. Everything will be treated in confidence, unless you are happy to be quoted.

Follow the campaign

        Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaveCroydonLibs

        Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/savecroydonlibraries

        Website: http://soslibrary.blogspot.co.uk/

and email us at:  savecroydonlibraries@gmail.com

Wandsworth ditch Croydon to #savelibraries

Wandsworth are selling the latest twist, regarding the joint library procurement process with Croydon, as Wandsworth councillors being due to consider, " ....an innovative plan to enhance and safeguard the borough’s library service by appointing a new management organisation to run it...". 

The news breaks in a press release today, available on the council's website. 

The story goes that Wandsworth councillors have been advised by council officers to award the management contract for the borough's library and heritage service to charitable social enterprise Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL).

They claim that the recommendation "follows a competitive tender process involving three organisations - from which GLL was deemed to offer the best value for money for local tax payers."

It goes on further to say that, "If councillors agree to follow the recommendation, GLL would run the service from April next year for a period of eight years. It is expected to produce yearly savings in excess of £500,000 compared to current running costs - and, crucially, strengthen the service at a time when the council is facing challenging financial pressures."

The statement goes on to offer the rather disingenuous promise that Wandsworth have set the expectation that GLL "would continue providing core library services free of charge to users", which Wandsworth is bound to do in any case under the 1964 Act.

Yet library campaigners have it on good authority that Wandsworth library staff have already been advised some days ago of the decision to hand the service over to GLL.

And the council's self-professed close working relationship with Croydon Council - regularly lauded by both councils as offering greater flexibility, economies of scale and the like, throughout the procurement process, seems anything but close now.

Wandsworth Councillor Jonathan Cook is quoted,

 "Our libraries are among the best in London and we are proud to be looking at ways to safeguard and enhance the service at a time when other councils are considering closures."

Wandsworth claim to have judged GLL to be the best value for money - hardly an accolade to safeguarding and enhancing, but more to do with counting the pennies and making savings!

Ratification of the recommendation to award GLL the management contract will take place at a meeting of Wandsworth's Environment, Culture and Community Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee on November 15, 2012.

GLL - better for everyone, but not Croydon,
or so it seems

The press release goes on to state, "Croydon Council will make its own decision which of the three to award its library contract to", making clear that no united decision was reached and indicating a breakdown in the relationship between the two Conservative councils. 

This parting of the ways seems to indicate a clear disagreement between the councils - most likely an indication that Laings have been awarded the contract for Croydon, as many in Croydon have suspected would be the case all along.

Wokingham's privatisation of libraries pulled

Wokingham have explored the privatisation option for library services but have chosen not to proceed. You can read the post by Alan Wylie here:
Stop the privatisation of Public Libraries: Wokingham privatisation pulled?

There is a quote from Wokingham Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, that Croydon might like to consider.  She said,

 “The council has been working with interested parties in a competitive dialogue process to see if there are ways that we can work with the private sector to improve the library service we offer. The result is that we haven’t been convinced there will be enough benefits for our library users to continue with the process. We also don’t want to take the risk the key objectives would not be achieved for our users."

 The procurement process drags on in Croydon. The Conservative administration have been exposed as having no mandate to outsource the whole network of libraries, as is their plan. Short-listed organisations have dropped out along the way and the library service has been eroded and hollowed out through short-sighted cuts to staff and book stock.

An announcement is imminent.  Watch this space.

Did you take the six book challenge?

We posted previously to ask whether residents were inspired by the Six Book Challenge, running in Croydon libraries until the end of September. We based the post on an article in the Croydon Guardian, which quoted Cllr Tim Pollard promoting the scheme,

"With the weather we are having this summer a lot of people may find themselves looking for things to do indoors, so a few visits to a local library might be just the way to stay out of the rain."

You can read the Croydon Guardian article here.

We were interested to know whether residents were motivated by the scheme.

We've summarised some of the comments received here, which you can read in full on the link above.

Tracie said,

Such a shame about the decrease in book stock and poor selection of books. This surely must affect take up of what should otherwise be a very good scheme to get people reading and to promote libraries. The scheme's cash prize is not a motivator for me, but more the chance to read from a variety, may I even say vast selection of well-selected and even new book titles. I do hope it can still be a success though and if so, it might even go as far as to incentivise the council to reconsider their book cull and start replenishing book stocks instead. Particularly if enough people comment on the lack of and variety of books.

Stephanie added,

I hate the decrease in books and so does my kid. I believe, really, really believe in libraries - but the emphasis on words written on paper does seem to be decreasing. Does this mean we need libraries less? Looking in my house at the amount of space taken up by old videos we don't watch much, DVDs we don't watch much, CDs we don't listen to much, I don't think so! It's way more cost-effective to have them for a while, then give them back for someone else. Simples. 

I like cash, but not as much as a decent range of books. I think the two libraries I use most often ( Sanderstead and Selsdon) try their damnedest to offer a good service, with many activities aimed at drawing in the kids - presumably in the hope of getting their parents as well - and mostly succeed in spite of seldom seeming to have a lot that is new. Sanderstead in particular is starved of much, not even opening a full week anymore, so I can't always go there. I can't see the point in empty shelves: they just show that the council want to close it and just haven't got there yet. 

I took part in the six book challenge. It took me two visits, mostly because I forgot about it for a while. Normally, it would take me one. I didn't think it was too much for most though. Perhaps it needed smaller steps for some? I know people who haven't read a whole book since they left school - I might find them hard to relate to on this point, but I think setting them a target of six books might be unrealistic. I don't think it need be anything wildly expensive: money is always welcome, but I was happy with what was on offer. Perhaps after one book, you get a bookmark, three books, you get a pen and six books the DVD rental? That'd work for me! Running it more than once in the year might also be a good thing, as the child-free might take most of the summer to notice the campaign...

David @davcv commented,

I had to ask at the Central Library to join the "Six Book Summer Challenge", which I only knew about from an earlier tweet from: @SaveCroydonLibs, the bookmarks were not on display in the library and someone had to "go and find them".

I have not bothered getting my bookmark stamped for several reasons:

1) I put my books in the returned bin. Why queue up to return books just to get a stamp. If the library staff were encouraging participation they would ask you when you took books out if you were doing the challenge and give you stamps for your returns. They can see your history when they swipe your card. 

2) There is a condition that one book must be fiction and one non fiction. If the intention is to encourage reading what does it matter what is read. 

3) Only two stamps per visit, seems again to be a completely pointless rule. So someone gets six books out, reads and returns them three weeks later in what way does this show less interest in reading than going once a week for two books. Chances are when you return your books you will take some more out. 

4) Not particularly interested in DVD hire or prize draw myself, but if this is recognised to be an encouragement then why not make it a truly unlimited offer subject to fair usage. Give a stamp for every book and allow multiple entries (not specified whether this is permitted). Many commercial DVD rental companies offer free tempters of up to a year to retain brand loyalty. 

A little more thought and marketing would probably have made this something people wanted to participate in. My personal opinion is that only existing library users would bother with this scheme at all. 

And the comment on the original article by Elizabeth reflects on last year's experience,

Oh dear! Many had such high hopes, when Cllr Bashford was replaced by Cllr Pollard in the recent reshuffle, that we might get better representation, information and transparency. Seems though that Cllr Pollard is intent on glossing over the issues, as Cllr Bashford did so well. Is this Croydon council policy? 

I read all last Summer but my bookmark was only stamped once. Hard pushed staff were too busy coping with the short-staffed library to promote this scheme and residents did not want to add to the burden of their workload.

The children's summer reading scheme was even worse and the true impact of this will surely show this year. Although many signed up, a large number rarely if ever returned because of the chaos, including cancelled events due to lack of volunteers.Will people turn up this year? Many doubt it. 

The opportunity to volunteer has already been widened from 16 - 25 year olds to just 16+ years in order to attract more volunteers. With only a month to go it is difficult to envisage how enhanced CRB checks will be obtained and training given. Many suspect neither will take place as there is no mention of either on application form or information leaflet. 

Perhaps the Croydon Guardian could put these points to Cllr Pollard as no one from the council is engaging with residents or library campaigners.

So, what is your experience?

Do YOU have a view on Croydon's 
Six Book Challenge? 

We'd love to hear from you too!

Have what little say you can on New Addington Library

The closure of the purpose-built New Addington library is not negotiable, according to sources. The decision was taken without any consultation with library users and local residents.The closure of the library, which many suspect is to make way for a Tesco store or similar, is being pitched to the public as a relocation.


The library will be moved into the nearby CALAT (Adult Education) building, joining CALAT, Job Centre Plus and The Little Stars Nursery, who currently occupy the space. In addition to adding library services the centre will also provide housing and council enquiry services and will be renamed The New Addington Hub.  That's an awful lot to pack into an already well-occupied and well-used space!

The move has been delayed several times, originally announced by Cllr Sara Bashford back in January 2012, via the local press when she struggled to come up with feasible responses to the obvious questions a move like this raised, such as exactly where would the library space be allocated within the building and she was unable to give any reassurances regarding book stock. Admitting she simply did not know what space the library might be able to occupy seems a very inadequate level of detail on which to base such a major decision.

Since then there has been an extensive cull of books in preparation for the move, leaving row upon row of empty shelves and top shelves 'filled' with books displayed, front on, to help fill the void. The valuable courses run at the CALAT Centre have been cut also, as has much of their teaching space, in order to accommodate the new hub.

The latest news though is that a consultation has been launched to find out what library users value, and copies are available in the library yet a press release regarding this is yet to be released.

The consultation is pretty basic. The council are not asking what impact this new arrangement might have on you, the resident, but then it is very difficult to say with such scant information.

If you wish to have what little say the council will permit you to make, you can find the adults' and the children's consultation documents on line here: http://www.croydon.gov.uk/democracy/consultations/newaddington

The closing date is 21 October, 2012 - a Sunday when not one of Croydon libraries is open to receive your response and Royal Mail will not be delivering.

Unfortunately the hard copies, only just hitting libraries this week, already muddy the waters as they are clearly printed with the closing date of 30th September. No doubt residents will be delighted to learn that that Cllr Tim Pollard, who replaced Cllr 'Booktoken' Bashford as lead in the area of libraries, is carrying on the Croydon tradition of flawed library consultations.

STOP PRESS! Wrong dates advertised!

You can only do what you can, big society and all that, but some councils seem determined to put every barrier in your way.  They just don't get it, do they?

Residents are being mislead and misinformed about events in Croydon libraries by haphazard, careless, some might even go as far to say a shambolic handling of the details and advertising.

The latest is that the Creative Writing Session advertised for tomorrow, Saturday 4th August, 2012 at Sanderstead Library is not on and has been moved!  The new date is now Tuesday, 7th August, 2012 from 3-4pm.

Saddened at the lack of promotion of Croydon libraries and of the activities run in them, we have done out utmost to promote the details.  It is not easy as Croydon Council, so proud to serve, refuses to release a list of library events to the campaign group or to individuals who request them.

A new blog, Teens4Libraries, has also sprung up, trying to promote libraries and library events, particularly  in Croydon libraries. They are tweeting about events in order to promote them as many library events are so poorly supported now as Croydon residents just don't know about them. They have been promoting this series of events via their blog and twitter.

If this date is incorrect, how many others are also? It is difficult not to trust information clearly advertised.

The actual poster, advertising the date.

Spot the mistake?  No.  We couldn't either.

And it is also clearly listed on the council's own website, at the top of the list, still visible today,  promoting the event on the wrong day too!

We fail to see how any resident could read this as an event actually being held on Tuesday, 7th August.

Can you?

Please let us know if you get details of events and we will promote them as libraries are important to the residents of Croydon.

Purley Festival celebrated in Purley Library

The Purley Festival ran for a second year, with many regular and special activities running in or from the library in Purley.  Here are a selection of the events.

An opportunity to hear from a local milliner - Fascinating Hats by Valerie Mackenzie 

Historical Walks

children's activities

and art work on show....

Summer Book Trail - just fab or a flop in the making?

An article in the local press promotes the adult Summer reading challenge in Croydon libraries. You can read the full article here and our response here.

The Your Croydon E- bulletin, emailed out to households across the borough today, follows up by promoting this too, yet also makes no mention of the children's Summer Book Trail running during the same period. The glossy magazine version, the June issue of Your Croydon, ironically only accessed by many residents via their local libraries, fails to mention either.

The children's Book Trail all but failed last year as this was the first year Croydon relied on volunteers to run the scheme. Coupled with greatly depleted staffing, the Book Trail became a Book Trial for many, including those who refused to return after the Trail was cancelled without notice because of lack of staff to run events and others who felt the Book Trail had lost its attraction.  One letter received,  that we chose not to publish last year, was the outpouring of scorn on Croydon Council by one mother who blamed the authority for ruining the only thing that engaged her son in reading.

But will history repeat itself?

Many report that volunteers are not coming forward to run the children's Summer Booktrail again this year. Initially the information specified that  volunteers needed to be between 16 and 25 years of age, as was the case last year. The poor response reported would seem to be supported by the fact that the upper age limit has been removed recently to encourage older people to come forward to try to fill the void.

There is further confusion as the Council information requires volunteers to commit to a minimum of five sessions, yet the revised paperwork, which only recently appeared in some Croydon libraries, also asked applicants to complete not only the council application but also requests that the applicant registers on the  the Do_it Volunteering website as they are now working with Croydon Voluntary Action. The link to the role can be found here: CVA - Croydon Book Trail Volunteer

This site provides different information to the details on display in the library and on application forms, including unnecessarily duplicated information.

But the striking difference is here, where it makes clear that volunteers must commit to a minimum of ten sessions, not five as advertised by the council.

And despite concern raised by residents and library campaigners last year about the need for CRB checks, which resulted in Cllr Sara Bashford giving assurances that the issue would be addressed, there is still no mention of this, this year.


Nor is there any mention of a closing date in order for volunteers to be interviewed and successful applicants to be given sufficient training to carry out the role, a role previously carried out by qualified and experienced library staff. 


Are we in for a repeat of last year?  Everything would seem to indicate so.

We'd love to hear what residents think.

What was your experience of Book Trail last year?

Does the lack of clarity around training and the CRB checks on volunteers concern you, or is having library staff around to offer supervision and guidance sufficient?

What, to you, makes the children's Summer Book Trail a worthwhile experience?

Are you volunteering to help, and if so, what is your motivation for doing so?

You can add a comment to the blog or email your comment to soslibrary@hotmail.co.uk Please sign your post with a pseudonym or identifier if you do not log in with a facebook, blogger or twitter account.

We'd also love comments by children and teens, via email, but please give us a first name only to use on the post and your age, along with a parent's permission for us to post your comment.

And if you'd like details of this year's plans for Book Trail you can access them here: Book Trail 2012

HAPPY SUMMER READING! 

Will you take the six book Reading Challenge?

An article in the local press promotes the six book challenge aimed at adults, soon to be launched in Croydon libraries, with comment from Cllr Tim Pollard, who has taken on responsibilities for libraries from Cllr Sara Bashford. You can read the full article here.

Will you be taking part in the six book challenge?

The recent book cull was quite regularly reported to the campaign by library users from the far south to the far north of the borough. This cull saw some of the housing for books removed in at least one library and length after length of empty shelving in others.

Just one shelf in one Croydon library.

This is not an isolated case. 

Shelving has actually been removed in some to mask the book cull.

We hear ongoing reports of the difficulties that residents have accessing the books they actually want to read. Often even best-sellers are not available on the catalogue and other popular books are very difficult to obtain as so few are held. 

Another Croydon library following the theme 'less is more'.

Whilst the chance to go into the draw to win £25 might be an incentive to some, isn't a good selection of books, that residents actually wish to read, a more effective motivator to using the library than a cash prize?

What do you value about our library service? 

Are you motivated by the offer of a prize draw? 

Please take a moment to give us your views.

Purley Festival Opening Ceremony at Purley Library

Thanks to Wendy Ager for this report and images of the opening ceremony, held at Purley Library. We welcome receiving posts, comments and photos from anyone so please email them to soslibrary@hotmail.co.uk.


The speakers were Fiona Lipscombe, Purley Festival Director, who spoke about the community coming together and local business support, without which the festival would not be able to run as we don't get any funding from anywhere. 






The Deputy Croydon Mayor, Councillor Tony Harris, spoke about his memories of Purley from childhood to more recent times and had everyone laughing.








Also, Leanne from the Library spoke about the events at the library and finale weekend, and two artists who are exhibiting their work.








It was a thoroughly enjoyable event with standing room only at the back, and a guitarist played popular tunes afterwards whilst people mingled and had light refreshments, again donated by local people and businesses.






You can follow Purley Festival events:
on twitter at @PurleyFestival
on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PurleyFestival
and on the website,which you can find at http://www.purleyfestival.co.uk/

Lack of information causes confusion...again!

Given Croydon's record on transparency and libraries it is a shame that the local press continue to run articles without checking other sources. Library campaigners have a very good grasp of the situation and are very keen to work with the local press! The latest article contained misinformation, stating that there are now only three organisations bidding to run the Croydon libraries network along with that of Wandsworth. The correct information was readily available, but not from Croydon Council, the one source you would expect to be providing all the information.

The facts were uncovered by Alan Wylie, finally confirmed and  flagged up on Stop the Privatization of Public Libraries  and confirmed by independent work by Inside Croydon, which we followed up here.

It is a shame the details for the Croydon Guardian article were not checked before uploading the story.  It has already been circulated to a wide readership via Public Libraries News, unchallenged. Whilst the content of the article may not hold weight the comments are worth a read.  The full article can be found here.

Although LSSI have followed Civica by withdrawing from the process there are still four potential providers, yet to be short-listed, as an in house bid was accepted from Wandsworth after LSSI withdrew.

Yet despite speculation that the whole process is falling apart there is no real sign as yet from Wandsworth or from Croydon that they are wavering from their intention to wash their hands of their libraries, with only saving money as their prime, some would suggest their sole, motivator.

Cutting edge? The LGA on libraries, including Croydon

Thanks to Public Libraries News for spotting this:

The Healthy Living Hub in Croydon Central library is listed as one of the innovations in a press release by the Local Government Association.  

"The Healthy Living Hub in Croydon Central Library is an innovative project funded jointly by NHS Croydon and Croydon Council. As a face-to-face advice and support service about healthy lifestyles, it offers services such as arm chair exercises for older people, sexual health advice and contraception, and provides a space to link with other voluntary agencies and NHS teams. It received about 7,000 visitors last year and is contributing to council targets for increasing participation in sport, reducing obesity and reducing smoking.

Do you use the Healthy Living Hub? It is an astounding figure, given that the Healthy Living Hub area, situated directly opposite the library counters on the ground floor, is often empty. Do you make use of this facility or know someone who has?  Please let us know.


It is so well promoted and receives so much attention that it is difficult to find a photo of this Healthy Living Hub but at least the council have an image or two on their flickr photostream.  View one here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourcroydon/4785490791/in/photostream/

Buzzing?  Hardly the word that comes to mind.


Read more here: Public Libraries News: Cutting edge indeed: the LGA on libraries.: The influential LGA have released details of a session at their annual conference this week. The session concerns how councils are changin...

LSSI follow Civica and abandon ship!

Following on from yesterday's post it seems LSSI have withdrawn from the bidding process to run Croydon and Wandsworth library services.  LSSI are the second of the initial five organisations chosen for consideration, to pull out even before final short-listing takes place.

The initial information was uncovered by Alan Wylie, who received confirmation of LSSI's withdrawal earlier today, from Croydon's Cllr Tim Pollard, after receiving information to this effect from reliable sources.  You can read Alan Wylie's post here.

Today Inside Croydon have followed this up with a post confirming that LSSI is no longer in the running, having withdrawn from the process, again quoting Cllr Tim Pollard as one of the sources used.

Altered image, original image by Tim Zim

It appears Cllr Pollard is happy to engage with other parties, to pass on information,  including those from outside of the borough. Hopefully this means Cllr Pollard will soon be providing clear information to us at Save Croydon Libraries Campaign. We'll let you know how we get on!

Has LSSI pulled out of the race?

The latest news comes from Alan Wylie's Stop the Privatisation of Public Libraries blog.  Has LSSI withdrawn from the the bidding process to run Croydon and Wandsworth Libraries? Who knows?

Certainly Croydon assured residents who responded to the libraries consultation in huge numbers, numbers never seen before in any other consultation process run by Croydon, that they would be kept informed, yet nothing could be further from the truth. Residents have been astounded at the garbled messages delivered by Cllr Bashford since the consultation and the lack of sound information. It appears that Cllr Pollard, who took on responsibility for libraries in the recent cabinet reshuffle, has taken a leaf out of Cllr Bashford's book, adopting her approach of complete silence on the matter.

Croydon residents and library campaigners rely on announcements from Wandsworth and information from national campaigners to piece together what might be the case, with regard to our libraries.

Not long after Civica withdrew from the tendering process, allowing an in-house bid from Wandsworth to be added for consideration,  it seems LSSI may have followed suit and withdrawn.

Read more here.

Word is that the final shortlisting has been put back to July from the intended June date, where five will be shortlisted to three. At this rate it seems there will be few left in the process from which to choose.

Perhaps it might be timely to remind Cllr Pollard, who is also deputy leader of Croydon Council, of the campaign group. Save Croydon Libraries campaign was formed from the Save Sanderstead Library Campaign after it became clear that all Croydon Libraries were under threat, even though users of only six libraries had been consulted.  Our reasons for setting up the campaign are set out here, although unsurprisingly the link on the Croydon Council website no longer works!

We set up the campaign group to engage with the council, as advised by the council, yet have had no real engagement to date. So Cllr Pollard, if Croydon really do stand by their words,

"We really do value the time and effort you make to tell us what you think."

we look forward to hearing from you very shortly.  It is not too late to put things right.

Festival time at Purley Library!

 Purley Festival

What's On in the library

Building on the success of last year, Purley Festival is back again in 2012, offering a range of activities for all ages, from 25 June to 1st July. More details here. As part of this they have teamed up with Purley Library to run some additional events and to promote some of the regular events on offer in the library.

Purley Library

Monday 25^th June

10.00am – 12.00pm: Felt Making Workshop

Learn how to make your own felt which can be used for card or craft making.  This event is FREE to attend. Please contact Purley Library for tickets.

Tuesday 26^th June

10-10.30am:  Book start Rhymetime 

All family members welcome - Come along with babes in arms and tiny toddlers and join in with songs and rhymes that tinies love.

11-11.30 am: Wiggle and Jiggle

Enjoy songs, rhymes and movement for bigger tots over 18 months and their families

12.00-1.00pm; 1.00-2.00pm; 6.00-7.00pm: Historical walk round Purley

Don't know much about Purley? Find out about Purley’s past as revealed by our own local blue badge guide Tom Kidd. Please join him at the start times above outside Purley Library. If you would like to sign up please contact the library or please get in touch with Tim at Timkidd@bluebowler.co.uk

Thursday 28^th June 

10.00-12.00am: Knit and Stitch 

Join our group for a morning of knitting, sewing, sharing skills & catching up with friends over tea, coffee and your latest craft project.  Everyone welcome.

2.30-3.30pm: “One-Child Policy – Gain or Gamble?” Talk by author Barnaby Powell 

 Barnaby Powell has lived and worked closely with China throughout most of his working life.  His two published books discuss the expansion of China overseas and the gaps in the studies of China by the West and the West by China. Come along to hear him talk first-hand about his experiences and understanding of a very different culture.

10.30-11.00 am: Story time

Come and listen to bugs life! Insect stories and a ‘Very Hungry Caterpillar’ craft for children aged 2½+. Purley Library.

10.30-12.00am: Adult Writing Group 

Enjoy writing?  Ever dreamt of being an author?  Then why not join Purley Library's Creative Writing Groups for adults?

2.30pm - 3.30pm: “Fascinating Hats” Talk by Valerie Mackenzie

Have you ever wondered how a hat was made or find fascinators, fascinating? Come and listen to local milliner, Valerie Mackenzie’s talk on hat making and demonstration of how to make a fascinator. This event is FREE to attend. Please contact Purley Library for tickets.  

How to contact Purley Library:

And if you fancy supporting the fundraising efforts for Purley Festival  it is not too later to book for the Barn Dance planned for 9th June.