Independence shows way to save libraries

AN independent library could provide the model for saving 130 in the capital that are council-run and threatened by public spending cuts.

As most boroughs prepare to slash about a third of the city's book- borrowing services, Britain's only jointly funded, independent public library is beating the cuts.

Upper Norwood Joint Library has running costs half that of similar-size council-run services but stocks the same bestsellers among its 67,000 books and DVDs, and has a state-of-the-art computer suite.

The secret, said chief librarian Bradley Millington, is being able to negotiate cheaper deals because local government red tape is bypassed.

He said: "When you compare the total cost of running this place, it is proportionally 50 per cent cheaper than the London average." Upper Norwood was founded in 1899 with the promise that it would be funded by Lambeth and Croydon councils but would always be run by an independent committee.

Because Upper Norwood is free from council control, it is claimed its £400,000 budget stretches further and better deals can be struck for services including cleaning and security.

It has 14,000 members and employs 11 staff. Near the site of the former Crystal Palace, it contains a rare collection on the building, which burned down in 1936.

London councils under pressure to implement 27per cent cuts imposed by Chancellor George Osborne are putting libraries first in the line of fire because they claim book provision is not a "statutory service".

Experts including Tim Coates, of campaign group Libraries for Life for Londoners, believe Upper Norwood could be a template to save libraries in other boroughs such as Lewisham and Camden, where services face either closure or being run by volunteers.