Creating co-operative libraries (UK)

Creating co-operative libraries by Sally Prentice and Steve Reed - Lambeth Council is taking a radically different approach to transforming our library service. Despite losing a third of our available budget from the government we will not be closing any libraries, outsourcing the service to private companies or handing over library buildings to volunteers. Instead we have opened the first new library in Lambeth for over 40 years in a landmark building in Clapham High Street, and are protecting each of our existing library services. In a move that will hand local communities more control over their local libraries we will give each of our 10 libraries an individual budget so that community and library-user representatives can decide how it should be spent in running their local service. Some library buildings will be transferred to new trusts, with the council as a partner, while others will move to new buildings. Our vision is to develop the first co-operative library service in the country in partnership with the people who use our libraries as an integral part of Lambeth becoming a co-operative council...