Three boroughs to merge libraries in an attempt to stave off closures

Libraries in three London boroughs are to be merged in a bid to stop them closing down.

One set of staff will run all 21 libraries in the three areas, and residents will be able to borrow books from any of them. The plans, being drawn up by Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Kensington and Chelsea councils, should save £1 million and prevent any libraries from closing down.

Across London libraries are under threat as councils try to cut costs. In Lewisham there are plans to close five of the borough's 12 libraries, and across London 25 could be closed in the next 12 months.

Councils involved in the library merger plan said it would save save money because people would no longer do "duplicate" jobs. Under the proposals, 10 people working in management will lose their jobs, and four new posts will be created.

Greg Smith, Hammersmith and Fulham's council cabinet member for residents' services, said the move would boost literacy in the capital.

Praising the Evening Standard's literacy campaign, he said residents will have access to about one million books if the plans are approved.
He added: "Libraries are a vital part of a modern thriving society and the Standard's campaign to boost literacy is a fantastic initiative.

"Our plans to secure the future of 21 libraries shows that there is an alternative to the lazy option of simply shutting libraries."

Other cost-saving proposals include combining fostering and adoption services, youth offending services and environment management teams. Collectively they must save £100 million by 2014/15.