This is our last chance to save Croydon's libraries.
When library closures were originally proposed just six libraries were under threat. The people of Croydon rallied together against the plans and more than twenty thousand people spoke out in support of our libraries through a public consultation.
Residents’ views were ignored and the Council forged ahead with plans to privatise, slashing the library service via back door cuts to prepare for this process. The original divisive consultation made no mention of privatisation or outsourcing the library service. It only consulted on the closure of six rather than the whole network of 13 libraries. The public have never been consulted on the outsourcing of our library service, which is due to go through imminently.
Serious concerns have been raised about the tendering process and the company which is due to run the libraries. Repeated requests for information have been refused.
We have to let Croydon Council know that they cannot and must not ignore the wishes of the residents that they serve. If enough of us sign the petition we can force them to hold a debate on this issue so we can expose the truth and foster proper engagement and accountability: something sorely lacking in Croydon.
The Council claims no buildings have or will be closed BUT a library is so much more than just a building.
If we want our voice heard we must act NOW!
http://soslibrary.blogspot.co.uk/
