Camden library closure plan a sham, say users (UK)

Library users are outraged at Camden's plans to transfer the responsibility for running and financing Belsize, Chalk Farm and Heath libraries to residents. Under plans which go before the council cabinet on Wednesday, councillors are expected to vote to reduce opening hours at all of the borough's 13 libraries by 10 per cent and give the go-ahead for three to be transferred to community groups from 2013, as part of the council's £2million cost-cutting drive to its libraries budget. Supporters of the libraries fear the move could signal the end for all three, which cost more than £500,000 a year to run. Two other proposals involve closing seven libraries or reducing opening hours at all 13 by 35 per cent, and transferring Chalk Farm and Belsize to the community. Residents who took part in the consultation have dismissed it as a sham and accused the council of ignoring their wishes to keep all libraries open - Ham & High