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Enfield Council is consulting on proposals that would see eight smaller libraries closing, including Bowes Road, Southgate, and Winchmore Hill, and 'enhanced' services at the remaining libraries, which include Palmers Green.

Southgate Library Left window at night 1a Dan Maier 29.2.24 002Window decorations by Dan Maier at Southgate library, one of eight slated for closure

In the face of "budget challenges after over a decade of government underfunding, historic inflation levels and recent interest rate rises, and the ongoing cost of living crisis resulting in more residents needing our support", the council say that it is essential to make savings. They are looking to find a way that the library service "can be delivered in a more efficient way, while ensuring that it continues to meet people’s needs and is comprehensive".

The draft strategy envisages "improving and enhancing" the service at eight libraries, including Palmers Green, Enfield Town and Ridge Avenue, while closing Bullsmoor, Enfield Highway, Enfield Island Village, Bowes Road, Southgate, Winchmore Hill, Oakwood and John Jackson libraries.

In the case of Palmers Green library, the proposed improvements include opening six days a week rather than five (currently it is closed on Wednesdays).

Details of how you can give your views on the proposals are on this page on the council website. The deadline for responding is 14th November. There will be drop-in sessions at various locations where you can discuss the proposals with council officers - see the timetable below.

Location

Date

Time

Bullsmoor Library
46 Kempe Road, EN1 4QS

3rd September 2024

9am – 11am

Bowes Road Library
Bowes Road, N11 1BD

5th September 2024

3.30pm – 5.30pm

Enfield Highway Library
First Floor, Enfield Business Centre,
201 Hertford Road, EN3 5JH

9th September 2024

1pm – 3pm

Enfield Island Village Library
Unit 44-46 Island Centre Way, EN3 6GS

10th September 2024

2pm – 4pm

John Jackson (Bush Hill Park) Library
Agricola Place, EN1 1DW

17th September 2024

4.30pm – 6.30pm

Southgate Library
High Street, Southgate, N14 6BP

19th September 2024

10am – 12pm

Oakwood Library
185 -187 Bramley Road, N14 4XA

1st October 2024

4pm – 6pm

 

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