Havering Council has proposed in its 'Havering Library Strategy 2024-29' that it will CLOSE FOUR libraries across Havering, this will deprive local communities of much needed services which they may not have at home e.g. printing services and internet access.
In Havering Council's own strategy they say that:
"Our libraries aren’t just buildings that have books in them. They are places where people find inspiration, education and enjoyment. They are places that improve physical and mental health, help people become less lonely, provide free internet access and the help to use it and encourage participation in all facets of life in the borough. Trained library staff aren’t people whose job it is to put books on shelves – they are people with empathy and knowledge who are there to help people achieve their aspirations."
So why on earth are they proposing to close four of our libraries down when they do so much good in our local communities?
Labour and the Havering Residents Association are proposing to close 4 of the following libraries:
- Collier Row
- Elm Park
- Harold Wood
- Gidea Park
- South Hornchurch
The Conservatives, at the last budget meeting, found savings of £448,000 this would have meant we could have kept these libraries open. But, the Havering Residents Association and Labour-run Havering Council voted down our proposals and opted to not take these savings.
They also, failed to mention their intentions to close our libraries during the budget process and it wasn't in their election manifesto.
Labour and the Havering Residents Association have no mandate for these closures, the Conservatives are fighting to keep our libraries open for the benefit of our local communities across Havering.
Sign our petition below to SAVE OUR LIBRARIES:
Petition Close Date: 02/08/2024
This petition will be presented to the Council on September 4th, the first Full Council Meeting after the consultation closes.
Consultation proposed by Havering Council which includes the closure of the aforementioned libraries: https://consultation.havering.gov.uk/libraries/havering-council-librari…
