Ealing Council's cabinet agrees to increase the number of community-managed libraries around the borough to save costs and boost services.

Following a cabinet meeting on 20 November, the council will give community groups and volunteers the chance to run local libraries.

Ealing Council say it wants to 'build on the success' of four libraries in Northfields, West Ealing, Perivale and Hanwell, which have been managed by community groups since 2020.

Proposed community-run libraries from Ealing Council:

• Jubilee Gardens, Southall
• Northolt Leisure Centre, Northolt
• Greenford Library
• Wood End (currently under construction in Greenford)

The community groups would be given start-up funding to shape the services they want to offer at the library, the council say.

Library buildings will continue to be maintained by the council while Books, online resources, public computers, training, IT equipment and support would be provided.

The council assert community-managed libraries must continue to offer activities such as reading groups, book clubs, baby and toddler sessions and craft workshops.

In addition, if the libraries were to be run by the community, the council's staff working in them would be moved to roles in other libraries in the borough, avoiding any redundancies. 

Many of the existing community libraries have also introduced activities including youth clubs, social events and school holiday activities.

Acton Town Hall, Northolt and Southall Library at the Dominion Centre, which are undergoing a £900,000 improvement programme — will remain operated by the council, as will Ealing Central Library.

According to Ealing Council, community run libraries would save £134,000 a year for the next three years – supporting the council's approach to using its 'limited' resources more effectively by working with residents and giving communities the opportunity to get more involved in creating and running local services. 

During the cabinet meeting it was also agreed that Young Ealing Foundation will manage Greenford Library.

Previously the council agreed in 2019 that Wood End Library in Greenford would transfer to community management and cabinet councillors agreed that it would invite proposals from community organisations to run Wood End Library. 

Ealing Council's Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities, Cllr Blerina Hashani, said: "We know how important libraries are to people of all ages and we want everyone to have access to vibrant and inviting libraries in their neighbourhoods.

"But like many councils, we are facing financial challenges and must find ways to save money while protecting our library service. 

"However, it's not just about balancing the budget. I've seen how the community run libraries set up in 2020 are thriving. The groups and volunteers put their heart and soul into running those libraries, making a big difference in their areas.

"There's a huge range on offer from knit and natter sessions or baby rhyme time to benefits and legal advice and English language classes."

The council will consult with residents on proposals for Northolt Leisure and Jubilee Gardens libraries to become community managed before a final decision is made. 

We want to provide Ealing with more and more clickbait-free local news. To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following. Help us survive and sign up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link HERE.