London Library Campaign Group

The London Library currently has around 7500 Members, not all of whom are peak-time library users.

The management project that 800 new members will be brought in over three years as a result of their proposals (i.e., the café). They are also proposing to allow Members to bring guests, not simply changing the dynamic of the space but filling it with more people, and to grant public access to the ground floor. Many Members feel that the existing number is already too large: space is at a premium, at certain times, for lockers and workspaces, and we disagree that a café table should be considered a Library desk workspace.

Beyond this there has been little consideration of the disruption of working in, and even simply accessing, the Library as these works continue over several years. Many Members are expecting to cancel their Library subscription and head elsewhere to work undisturbed.

The Library has a diverse and dynamic user base. Some Members are concerned that people who use the Library in one particular way, at certain times, or for specific purposes may be forgetting that other groups of Members exist and all Members should be provided for equitably. Will the proposed café, for example, be affordable to all members, or in-line with the prices of the St James’ area? Will it be open at all times the Library is open – up to 9pm some weekdays, given that members will lose access to the small kitchen? Will Members pay for café access or be able to use the ‘study spaces’ without purchasing food and beverages? How will the Library deal with a ‘lunch rush’ without creating a sub-optimal use of the space outside of peak times?

1. 

   I attended the AGM in November so I could hear the arguments against the development plan, having picked up the…

2. 

   I AGREE THAT A FEW MORE ARMCHAIRS IN THE READING ROOM WOULD BE DESIRABLE, BUT NOT IF THIS WOULD REDUCE…

3. 

   I agree.we should build up the endowment fund and not engage in further building projects least of all a cafe,and…

4. 

   Is creating a café and roof terrace a sensible way to raise money for the Library? The management’s justification for…

5. 

   I’m a very new member, having made three visits so far, so I venture my opinions tentatively, but have spent…