Croydon Libraries under threat AGAIN!

 Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead, Shirley and South Norwood libraries have been earmarked for closure... AGAIN!

We have fought closures before and we can fight them again!

Find Save Croydon Libraries Campaign at:

Email: savecroydonlibraries@gmail.com

Website: www.soslibrary.blogspot.com

Twitter:  @SaveCroydonLibs 

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

Croydon libraries survey and a flyer with useful info to help you and others respond

The Croydon libraries consultation has been extended until 16 May 2016 as so few responses had been received by the original closing date.

Few still know of the consultation, so please spread the word.

Be aware that people who have completed the online survey have had issues. See the notes on page 2 of the flyer below.

Download the flyer here.

Download a copy of the Croydon library survey, here.

Do let us know your thoughts...

Croydon shy of consulting on libraries - Have your say!

Croydon Council is consulting on libraries but is very reticent to promote the fact.

When Croydon consulted on just six libraries in 2011, paper copies of the consultation were plentiful and included a version to canvass the views of children. The consultation documents were regularly replenished in the libraries.  Public meetings were held in large venues in the local areas of the libraries affected.

This time round, the situation is very different.

Members of the Save Croydon Libraries Campaign have been monitoring the situation and we urge more to step forward to join the campaign or feed in views.

How to contribute....

You have to have online access to know of the consultation, which was launched on 22 March, 2016, or to respond.

There are no notices in libraries and the council officer responsible advises that there is no intention for there to be any notices in libraries, or elsewhere, to advertise the consultation.

Those who have asked for a hard copy in order to have their say have gained access, but only after jumping through hoops to do so. The procedure is that the person needs to provide their details at a library, which library staff then pass on to the council officer responsible, who will then post a single copy of the consultation document out. The onus is placed on the respondent to post the completed document back to the officer at Bernard Weatherill House or deliver it to the library, requiring the limited number of staff to scan the consultation document to forward to the responsible officer.  It is very unclear here how confidentiality is maintained.

Members of the campaign have managed to get just 100 hard copies released to just one Croydon library. Members and library users elsewhere have been told categorically that no hard copies will be made available.

Drop into a Croydon library to request your copy and copies for friends, neighbours and community groups.

The Croydon rumour mill goes into overdrive on libraries

There have been various reports in the press recently about the possibility of all but one Croydon library closing or being turned over to volunteers or just four core libraries remaining.

And the council has gone silent on their pre-election promise to rip up the contract with Carillion.

They also declined to take up the offer extended to them of advice from Tim Coates, at no cost to the council, to advise them on libraries, although Croydon Labour were very keen to engage with him in opposition.

It might appear that Councillor Timothy Godfrey, the cabinet member responsible, really has no idea what he is doing, but it is suspected that this leaking of possible scenarios is just the council's way of testing the public's reactions.

There is talk of a review of libraries, which some believe has already started, but which the Chief Executive, Nathan Elvery has confirmed as still in the planning.

He wrote,

"The Library review has yet to commence, as soon as we are in a position to begin any form of public engagement I will let you know.

regards

Nathan
Nathan Elvery 

Chief Executive"

And, to add to the confusion, we now have conflicting reports regarding closures.  

The first is the promise made by the Council leader, Tony Newman that Norbury will definitely stay open, although it is unclear exactly what this means in terms of level of service, hours, staffing and stock.

The second, is a local blogger who seems to think that four libraries might remain, a plan which includes the closure of Norbury Library.

There are figures quoted in the later post, but those that campaign for libraries know how easy it is to achieve a pre-determined outcome.

Tactics such as reducing the promotion of libraries in general, restricting the stock and greatly reducing the staffing in Croydon libraries all play a part in driving numbers down.  Add to this the reduction of activities offered within in some but not all of the libraries, and it's not hard to predict the outcome.

#NLD15 in Croydon - What's on!

Details are sketchy and conflict in different listings or aren't listed at all,  but here is what we think is on in Croydon libraries.

"I love libraries because..." hearts, for all ages to complete may be in all libraries, but should be available in those listed below.

Norbury Library
Write a love letter to your favourite book and libraries, and display it on the graffiti wall.


Croydon Central
Contribute with reviews of your Best Reads


Bradmore Green Library
Coulsdon Library
New Addington Library
Purley Library
Sanderstead Library
Selsdon Library

Library scavenger hunt for children

Love Libraries board with paper hearts for adults

If you are not already a member you can join free today

Additionally, 

Coffee at Bradmore Green

A campaigner has advised that Bradmore Green are running a coffee morning for National Libraries Day, although those who regularly visit were not aware of this, and we have not details of time.  It is assumed it will be in the morning. Please post if you have further details.

AND.... an author event at Central Croydon Library

The campaign was aware of an author promoting an event in Croydon Central library but, until tonight, we did not have any confirmation this was genuine as it was not listed anywhere.

Reading of The Adventures of Obi and Titi 1-2pm  - It is difficult to read the details from the post so do call if you are interested in attending.

And the mystery bonus!

It is also clear from this photo that there is another event going on... See bottom right of the photo. A Reader's Community Stock Selection event.  Not sure when or what it actually involves, but if anyone gets details of this, or any other event, please let us know.

Presumably there will be something going on in other Croydon libraries, including libraries in Broad Green, Ashburton, South Norwood and Thornotn Heath....

Help us to celebrate #NLD15 in Croydon

It's easy..... 

Send us details of events not listed so we can promote them

Visit your library

Join if you aren't already a member

Send us reviews, photos or comments on events you attend by posting here, via email or tweet us @SaveCroydonLibs

Tell us why you love libraries!

And keep an eye on your library, and feed us your views....

We will follow this up with a post summarising all details and comments received. 

Email SaveCroydonLibraries@gmail.com

Thank you!

AND, we will be tweeting and retweeting, using the hashtags #NLD15 and #Croydon.  

Join in!

Labour make noises about Upper Norwood but what about Croydon Libraries?

Croydon Labour are making noises about honouring their pledge to fund Upper Norwood Library, although the exact details are not yet clear. You can read the story in the Croydon Advertiser article here:

http://www.croydonadvertiser.co.uk/Labour-set-increase-cash-help-library/story-21199176-detail/story.html

What is clear though, is that Croydon Labour are not saying a thing yet about honouring their pledge on Croydon Libraries - ripping up the contract and bringing library services back in-house.

And Croydon Libraries serve the whole of the borough, and they are in an awful state, and have been for some time, as highlighted by Save Croydon Libraries Campaign and library users.

Save Croydon Libraries campaign is apolitical and open to all views. Anyone's comments are welcomed. We've worked to highlight and to resolve matters with both political parties.

Let's hope that Croydon Labour work for the whole of the borough, as is the clear message given by the Leader, Tony Newman, and not just for Labour held wards and Labour supporters.

What do you think?

JLIS, now Carillion. What next?

The saga of Croydon Libraries continues...

The background

Croydon outsource libraries, without consulting properly and ignoring the responses of those consulted.

The service in libraries was cut to the bone, before outsourcing, through a major reduction of experience library staff and librarians, major book cull, reduced promotion of events, limited access to working PCs and a system for loans, returns and reservations that has seen library users unable to get access to the books they want or left with heavy fines for books returned but not processed on the system.

The procurement process faltered. The companies applying were all asked to re-tender, adding to the delay and the expense. As predicted, JLIS won the contract, though quite how this win was achieved when Wandsworth chose GLL to run their libraries in this joint procurement process.

Private Eye, 10th January, 2013

The future?

Despite JLIS fighting hard to win the contract, just three weeks in, it came to light that Carillion have taken control of Croydon Libraries, outlined here.

Staff were unaware,

"...members of staff at the libraries were not informed of the sale and only realised a change had taken place after they noticed their emails had changed..." 

John Laing no longer sees libraries as core business,

"Adrian Ewer, chief executive of John Laing, said running libraries no longer fitted the company’s core strategy."

And Carillion, who have no history of running library services, are trying to get to grips with what it means to run a library service.

 "A spokesman from Carillion said they are undertaking an operational review to gain an understanding of the library service and it will ensure all staff are kept fully informed of any future developments." 

In the meantime, Croydon residents and the staff in Croydon libraries are left with the shambles.

Private Eye, Issue 1352, 1-12 Nov. 2013

What next?

Campaigners fear for future of Croydon libraries uncertain after facilities outsourced | SW Londoner

Laing (JLIS) have taken over the running of Croydon Libraries, a story picked up here:

Campaigners fear for future of Croydon libraries uncertain after facilities outsourced | SW Londoner

Have you noticed a change?

Hopefully this will mean a refresh of IT facilities across the network, something that Croydon Council failed to do in recent years, leading to people frustrated when faced with PCs that crashed over and over again or banks of PCs lying idle and out of action in Croydon libraries.

There are still grumbles on Twitter that PCs are slow to load and not a comment about the wifi. As one Croydon resident quipped, Computer says no!

Hopefully it will mean proper promotion of libraries

Although @CroydonLibs has sprung into life on Twitter the advertising of events are late in the day, often tweeted the day of the event and sometimes at odds with the details being given out in Croydon Libraries.

Did anyone meet Floella Benjamin, for example?

She tweeted about her appearance at Croydon Library,

yet the publicity materials produce advertised her appearing at Croydon Council's Community Space, aka Bernard Weatherill House.

and

Find the full programme for Black History Month here.

Then there was confusion over an event advertised in a library for young people from 4 - 4.30pm, specifically stating it was not suitable for very young children yet promoted on Twitter as running 4-5pm and as bedtime stories which clerarly pitches it at an audience for littlies.

Hopefully JLIS will not be taking the council's lead and start promoting libraries properly.  Although they are not answering queries regarding the confusion, which is not helpful, but it is early days.

Let's watch this space.

And hopefully it will mean improved book stock in our libraries

Let's face it.  It would be hard not to improve on scenes like these.

And the erratic book selection will hopefully be addressed too, likened by one avid library user to the bargain book pack at the end of a bookseller's clearance sale rather than the careful selection of stock to meet Croydon's needs.

Let's watch this space!

Feel free to leave a comment - We encourage the signing of posts please.

Or pass on comments in confidence to savecroydonlibraries@gmail.com

JLIS exposed in Private Eye

See the latest  Private Eye, page 28 for this report on JLIS and Croydon Libraries...

"THE public get more for less," claimed Tim Grier, managing director of John Laing Integrated Services (JLIS), speaking at the recent Conservative Way Forward Local Government conference. 

JLIS takes over the running of library services in Ealing, Harrow and Croydon later this year, but Grier focused on how marvellous things are in Hounslow, where JLIS took over in 2008 and "all 11 libraries remain open and for longer hours" while buildings have had "significant refurbishment" thanks to outsourcing. 

Hold on.  The refurbishment was fully paid for by council taxpayers, with £5m given to JLIS by Hounslow in 2009 to tackle things like leaky roofs and faulty lifts.  And it may not have closed a library, but in 2010 JLIS did close Hounslow library service's Skills Suite for teaching people to use computers, with 12 job cuts. 

Libraries campaigner Ian Anstice points out that, as JLIS's first library service takeover, Hounslow has acted as a loss leader to convince other local authorities to hand over their library services.  In both Harrow and Ealing significant job cuts in the library service have already been announced in advance of the September takeover.

Source: PRIVATE EYE | Library News
            Issue No. 1347
            23 Aug - 5 Sept 2013 

And, as library users in Croydon know, Croydon Council have already cut library opening hours, reduced staffing and stock in Croydon libraries ready for the JLIS takeover. 

Summer Reading Challenge Teen mystery

The Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge is aimed at children 4 to 11 years of age and is already in full swing elsewhere. It was launched on 6th July in Merton libraries, in Lewisham and Haringey Libraries on 13th July, and on 20th July in Hounslow Libraries, for example.

Children can log in to record their progress. Over154,000 books had already been read by children up and down the country before the scheme is even launched in Croydon!

In Croydon, the Summer Reading Challenge commenced on  Monday, 29th July and will run throughout August.

Get all the details, as we know them here.


But teens will not miss out in Croydon libraries as the scheme is being extended to everyone up to 19 years of age.

Quite how this works remains to be seen.

You'll need to pop into a library to unravel the secret!

Do let us know how you get on.

And is anyone has information on the under 4s, please let us know. In previous years there was the Baby Book Crawl.

All comments welcome.

Contract with JLIS is signed for Croydon libraries

A press release has appeared on the council website today, as follows:

"The future of the borough's libraries is assured with the signing of an eight-year contract by Croydon Council and John Laing Integrated Services (JLIS).

The new arrangements start on 1 October, when JLIS will take over the running of the service. It represents good value for taxpayers as it will save the authority significant amounts of money at the same time as ensuring all of the council's 13 libraries remain open and face no reductions in opening hours. 

The contract will see the service undergo a major modernisation programme, involving the introduction of new technology for the benefit of both staff and customers. This will include self-service, wi-fi and the very latest innovations in online resources and e-books. 

JLIS will work closely with local communities to improve the way library services are delivered. There will also be new local business opportunities and good prospects for employment, volunteering and apprenticeships. 

Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, families and learning, said: "Signing this contract means that Croydon's libraries are now safe for the foreseeable future. At a time when all council services are coming under financial scrutiny, it's great to have negotiated an arrangement that not only keeps all our branches open, but will also see modernisation through the investment that is now planned." 

Tim Grier, JLIS managing director, said: "I'm delighted that JLIS has secured its second London library contract. This is a fantastic milestone in developing our presence in the library services market and brings the number of library sites managed by JLIS to 24. We look forward to working with the council and local organisations to provide an excellent library service for the benefit of the Croydon community.""

This decision was taken without a mandate, against the wishes of Croydon residents who responded in huge numbers.

The question now is:

Will JLIS reinstate the service that Croydon Council has systematically eroded over the past two years? For example,

• Will the book stock be replenished and restored to at least the level of two years ago? 

• Will staffing levels be restored, including employing sufficient professional librarians and experienced library staff to see the service on offer back to what it was?  This question is in no way a criticism of the current staff, but made in support of them. Many have struggled to cope with so few colleagues on hand to run the service.

• Will events be promoted?  Only today the council is sending out incorrect posts about the delayed launch of Summer Reading Challenge, totally misleading residents.
  
  
  
  This implies the schemes is for children only when the leaflet some have seen makes clear it is for 4 to 19 year olds. And it is not just run on three Mondays in August in Central Library, as per this listing, but every day a library is open and it started today, 29th July, 2013.  For full details please see the full details listed here:

#Croydon gets reading with the Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge!

• Will JLIS put right the poor IT equipment that residents have struggled with for years?

Let's face it. It couldn't get much worse!

• And will JLIS reinstate the opening hours reduced in Croydon libraries over the past few years?

The only saving grace is that JLIS say they are keen to work with local communities.  Let's see if there is any truth in this as the council have so far ignored the Croydon community altogether.

And just what might we expect from JLIS run l.ibraries?  If Hounslow is anything to go by, see this report by a library professional and this report by a library user, the fight for our libraries will go on!

#Croydon gets reading with the Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge!

The Reading Agency's 'Creepy House' themed Summer Reading Challenge will be running in Croydon Libraries, from Monday 29 July to Saturday 7 September 2013.  This replaces Booktrail run in previous years.

It's the ideal time to try something new or one of the regular activities run in Croydon Libraries!

The leaflet produced out lines how the scheme will work:

Books on any theme can be read and those participating just need to tell the library staff about the books they've read to collect a Creepy House magnet, a fortune teller, plus stickers which reveal what’s lurking within the Creepy House!

Read six books to claim your gold medal and Creepy House certificate. You can choose to finish your challenge after six books or carry on reading to collect more prizes.

In Croydon, events usually run in many libraries are being promoted under the banner of Summer Reading Challenge so we have highlighted in red anything special being put on during August.

Please note:

You'll need to check with your library whether Summer Reading Challenge is running during the under 5s sessions.

 And remember, different libraries are open different days.

Creepy House Opening Hours:

10.00 am -1.00 pm; 2.00 -5.30 pm weekdays (on the days your local library is open*)
10.00 am -1.00 pm; 2.00 -4.30 pm on Saturdays

Under fives events are drop-ins.  For other events please book your free place at the library in advance.

The full details for each library are listed below:

Ashburton Library

Wiggle and Jiggle (under 5s)  Thursdays   10.30-11.00 am

Rock and Rhyme (under 5s)    Saturdays    11.00-11.30 am

Dracula: storytelling with John Kirk (ages 8-14) Mon 12 Aug  4.00-5.00 pm

Creepy stories and crafts (ages 5-10): Tues 30 Jul, Fri 16 Aug, Thurs 22 Aug and Tues 27 Aug 2.30-3.30 pm

Teen summer Crafts (ages 11-19) Mon 5 Aug 2.30-3.30 pm

Teen discussion of John Green books (ages 11-19) Sat 10 Aug 2.30-4.00 pm

Manga workshop (ages 9-18) Sat 31 Aug 2.00-4.00 pm

Bradmore Green Library

Rhymetime (under 5s) Fridays 11.00-11.30 am

Creepy stories and crafts (ages 3-7) Fridays 12.00-12.45 pm

Dracula: storytelling with John Kirk (ages 8-14) Mon 5 Aug 4.00-5.00 pm

Broad Green Library

Rhymetime (under 5s) Fridays 10.30-11.00 am

Rock and Rhyme (under 5s) Saturdays 11.00-11.30 am

ZooLab (ages 2-12) Animal handling session with creepy creatures such as snakes, scorpions & spiders! Wed 7 Aug 2.30-3.30 pm

Creepy Creatures sewing workshop (ages 11-19) Fri 23 Aug 4.00-5.30 pm

Central Library

Rhymetime (under 5s) Thursdays 10.30-11.00 am; 11.30 am-noon

Rock and Rhyme (under 5s) Saturdays 10.30-11.00 am

Creepy stories and crafts (ages 5-10): Mon 5 Aug and Mon 12 Aug  2.30-3.30 pm 

Dracula: storytelling with John Kirk (ages 8-14) Mon 12 Aug 10.30-11.30 am 

Teen t-shirt design (ages 11-19) Wed 31st Jul  2.00-4.00 pm

Drama Workshop  (ages 11-19) Wed 14th Aug 11am -4.00 pm

Coulsdon Library

Rhymetime (under 5s) Tuesdays 10.00-10.30 am

Storytime (under 5s) Tuesdays 11.00-11.30 am

Creepy craft time (ages 5-10) Fri 2 Aug 3.45-4.30 pm

Dracula: storytelling with John Kirk Mon 5 Aug 2.00-3.00 pm

New Addington Library

Rock and Rhyme Saturdays 11.00-11.30 am

Once Upon a Rhyme (under 5s) Tuesdays 10.00-11.00 am

Creepy Creative Writing (ages 11-19) Sat 17 Aug 2.30-3.30 pm

Norbury Library

Rhymetime (under 5s) Fridays 10.30-11.00 am

Creepy stories and crafts (ages 5-10) Fridays 11.30 am -12.30 pm

Making mobile phone covers (ages 11-19) Fri 2 Aug 2.30-3.30 pm

Purley Library

Rhymetime (ages 0 - 3) Tuesdays 10.00-10.30 am

Summer storytime (ages 3 - 7) Tuesdays 11.00- 11.30 am

Dracula: storytelling with John Kirk (ages 8-14) Mon 5 Aug 10.30-11.30 am

Creepy stories and crafts (ages 4- 8) Fri 16th Aug 10.30-11.30 am

Purley Manga Group (9-18) Sat 17th Aug 2.00 – 4.00 pm

Sanderstead Library

Rhymetime (under 5s) Wednesdays 10.00-10.30 am

Wiggle & Jiggle (under 5s) Wednesdays 11.00-11.30 am

Creepy House Chatterbooks (ages 7-11) Tues 13 Aug 4.00-5.00 pm

Creepy Creative Writing (ages 10-18) Sat 17 Aug 3.00-4.00 pm

Selsdon Library

Rhymetime (under 5s) Fridays 10.30-11.00 am

Wiggle and Jiggle (under 5s) Fridays 11.30am -12.00 noon

Rock and Rhyme (under 5s) Saturdays 10.30-11.00 am

Storytime (under 5s) Mondays 4.00-4.30 pm

Storytime (under 5s) Tuesdays 2.00-2.30 pm

Creepy House Chatterbooks (ages 7-11) Fri 9 Aug 4.00-5.00 pm

Reading Activists session (ages 11-19) Sat 3 Aug 3.00-4.00 pm

Shirley Library

Rhymetime (Under 5s) Fridays 10.00-10.30 am

Once Upon a Rhyme (under 5s) Sat 3, 17 and 31 Aug 10.00-10.30 am

Creepy Stories and crafts (ages 5-10) Tues 6 Aug, Fri 16 Aug, Tues 20 Aug, Tues 3 Sept 2.30-4.00 pm

Dracula: storytelling with John Kirk (ages 8-14) Mon 12 Aug 2.00-3.00 pm

Creative writing (ages 11-19) Mon 19 Aug 2.30-3.30 pm (different time this month!)

Nail Art workshop (ages 10-16) Tues 27 Aug 2.30-4.30 pm

South Norwood Library

Wiggle and Jiggle (under 5s) Wednesdays 11.00-11.30 pm

Storytime (under 5s) Saturdays 11.00-11.30 pm

Creepy stories and crafts (ages 5-10) Fridays 3.00-4.00 pm

Manga drawing with Chie Kutsuwada (ages 11-19) Mon 19 Aug 2.00-3.00 pm

Thornton Heath Library

Wiggle & Jiggle (under 5s)   Tuesdays     10.00-10.30 am

Storytime (under 5s) Fridays 10.00-10.30 am

Rhymetime (under 5s) Saturdays 10.00-11.00 am

Creepy stories and crafts (ages 5-10): Wed 14, 21, 28 Aug 10.00-11.00 am

ZooLab (ages 2-12): Animal handling session with creepy creatures such as snakes, scorpions & spiders!     Wed 7 Aug 11.30am-12.30 pm 

Creepy Creatures sewing workshop (ages 11-19)   Mon 5 Aug 3.00-5.00 pm

Creepy House Creative Writing (ages 11-19) Mon 12 Aug 3.00-4.00 pm

Manga drawing with Chie Kutsuwada (ages 11-19) Mon 19 Aug 4.00-5.00 pm 

Film showings for families   Fri 9, 16, 23 & 30 Aug  2.00-3.30 & 4.00-5.30 pm

Film showings for ages 12-19   Wed 7, 14, 21 & 28 Aug  2.00-3.30 pm

There's more fun on the special Summer Reading Challenge website.

And, if you participate, feel free to leave a comment!

Happy reading!

Privatising libraries - What people REALLY think!

A selection of comments made on the 38 degrees petition No to Privatisation of Croydon's Libraries

Croydon residents were consulted on closure of six libraries.

More than 20,000 responded but their responses were ignored.

Details here: http://soslibrary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/no-to-privatisation-of-croydons.html

Have you added your voice?

This time we WILL be heard!

Sign the petiton here:
http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/no-to-privatisation-of-croydon-s-libraries

Another example of the book cull in preparation for privatisation

Cllr Pollard doubts his own decision on #Croydon libraries

According to a press release that was only uploaded over the bank holiday weekend, Cllr Tim Pollard is calling his own decision in for scrutiny. 

"Yeah but, no but" decisions

The press release reads, 

"Savings and improvements to services will result from a fresh recommendation to appoint John Laing Integrated Services (JLIS) as preferred bidder to run the council's library service.
The decision to go with the firm is now to be examined by Croydon Council's scrutiny committee. 

JLIS was originally chosen as the authority's preferred library-operating partner after its bid was judged to have been the best, based on an assessment of price and quality. However, the company made a request for a last-minute variation to its obligations concerning employer pension contributions. 

In line with EU contract tendering rules, the council therefore reopened bidding to other final-stage bidders. 

Two revised bids were subsequently received and carefully assessed. As a result, the council will secure the most economically advantageous terms while, at the same time, protecting the quality of services currently on offer. 

Councillor Tim Pollard, the cabinet member responsible for the service, will be ensuring that there is an examination by the cross-party scrutiny committee of how the council reached this decision. This will enable those with an interest in the project to fully understand how the evaluation team reached its conclusions.

The council undertook the tendering project after a public consultation exercise that came at a time when libraries across the country were coming under increasing threat of closures.
The move continues to be seen as the best means of ensuring there will be no risk of Croydon losing any of its libraries. 

Councillor Pollard said: "I'm very pleased that we've reached this point so quickly after the recent delay. My intention now is to ensure that the basis of my decision is examined fully, and that's why I'll be ensuring this matter is taken to our scrutiny committee. 

"This will give councillors from both parties the opportunity to understand how we've arrived at this point and what the benefits will be of entering into this new contract." 

Subject to the decision-making process reaching its conclusion, it is anticipated that the new service will start from the beginning of October."


Having raised questions as to  why Cllr Pollard was so shy to announce his decision, taken late before a bank holiday weekend at the start of Croydon school's half-term break,  with local residents also raising questions  and Croydon Labour threatening to cancel the contract should they gain power in 2014,  it seems even Cllr Pollard has lost his nerve and called his own decision in for scrutiny.

You really could not make it up! 

Cue yet another Private Eye article.

The scrutiny committee failed to take any notice of the body of evidence from the politically neutral Save Croydon Libraries Campaign last time and are likely to do so now, but if Cllr Cummings (who promised to get in touch, but failed to do so) wishes to take this evidence on board, or any other councillor sitting on scrutiny wishes to, please get in touch.  Email us at savecroydonlibraries@gmail.com

Shh! Laings win #Croydon Libraries

Buried on the council website is the following key decision document, dated 23rd May, outlining that Cllr Pollard has agreed to accept the refined final tender of JLIS to run Croydon Libraries, commencing 1st October 2013.

The contract is for 8 years with the possibility to extend for another 8 years.

This decision may be implemented after 1700 hrs on 31st May, unless referred to the Scrutiny and Strategic overview committee by 1300hrs on 31st May.

You can find the documents here:

http://www.croydon.gov.uk/democracy/dande/policies/notices-statements/delauthnotices2013

Let's hope this is called in to scrutiny.

Why so shy Cllr Pollard? Buried on the council website and no press release to alert the public. Not a notice in a local library today. Released just before a bank holiday weekend at the start of half term.

It is sickening, but no different to the way the whole matter has been dealt with throughout.