Tories Say Cuts Will 'Wipe Out' Ealing Children’s Library

Claim service is being cut to boost profits of centre's owners

Children’s Library at Ealing Central Library. Picture: Cllr Anthony Young

The Conservative opposition on Ealing Council are claiming that the reduction in book stock at Ealing Central Library will effectively amount to the end of the children’s library.

The number of children's books at Ealing Central library will be reduced by 66% from 21,000 to 7,000. These figures emerged after questioning by Conservative Councillors at the 4 August Overview and Scrutiny Meeting.

Under the current plans, the total library site will be reduced from 1106sqm to 727sqm, the book stock from 124,000 to just 35,000; study spaces will fall from from 145 to 45 and the Local History service will be moved from the main library to West Ealing. Much of the archives is to be put into 'deep storage'.

Councillor Anthony Young, Opposition Spokesman said, “It is not surprising that the Labour administration wanted to keep quiet their intention to decimate the Children’s Library. A reduction of 66% in book stock is shocking and sends a poor message at a time when all studies point to the long term benefits and importance of early education. The children’s library and the ability for poorer families to borrow books is a lifeline for many families. For Labour to try to cut this essential service on the quiet is quite shocking and unnecessary, especially as it is being done to facilitate the long-term profitability of the centre’s owners.”

We asked Ealing Council for a comment on the claims and have yet to receive a response.

August 11, 2016