Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies.

There were no declarations.

Report DRR14/069

A locally run, community managed library offer was proposed for Anerley Town Hall following closure of the current local authority service pending relocation to the new Penge Library. Approval was sought for the Council to enter into a legal agreement with the Crystal Palace Community Development Trust to manage the community library. The report also requested capital funding of £40,800 to purchase and install technology at the library.

The Portfolio Holder for Renewal and Recreation introduced the report. The new Penge Library was due to open on 26^th August 2014 and a library service would continue at Anerley. The new service would move to the reception area at the front of the town hall – the town hall being proposed as a community building. The service would have Radio Frequency Identification Data (RFID) technology and other equipment to dispense library material. People’s Network terminals would also be provided. The service would help test whether a community library offer might be viable elsewhere in the future.  

The Portfolio Holder for Care Services sought clarification on the capital funding request given that a decision had already been taken to merge Penge and Anerley libraries into the new Penge library. The Portfolio Holder for Renewal and Recreation referred to comments received on the distance from Anerley to Penge and requests for continued provision at Anerley. The Portfolio Holder for Resources supported the recommendations, suggesting that regular reports be provided to PDS. Councillor Angela Wilkins (Crystal Palace) asked that underpinning work at Anerley Town Hall proceed quickly. She supported comments by the Portfolio Holder for Renewal and Recreation on the distance between Anerley and Penge.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  the Council enter into a legal agreement with the Crystal Palace Community Development Trust to manage a ‘community library offer’ in Anerley Town Hall; and

(2)  the sum of £40,800 be included in the Capital programme to purchase and install library hardware at Anerley Town Hall, funded from capital receipts.

The Chairman to move that the Press and public be excluded during consideration of the items of business listed below as it is likely in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings that if members of the Press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information.