Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Hornsey Library revamp
I was in Hornsey library this week and there are plans for a major refurbishment, which may involve closing the library for a period of time: here is what Haringey's website has to say about it . I'm not denying that the library looks quite tired and dated, but it's going to cost £1million and I do wonder where the money is coming from.
We are lucky to still have a fantastic library service in this borough, but year on year the book buying budget is shrinking (at a time when many more books are being published) and space to display them disappearing in favour of computer terminals etc. (There are still loads of books in boxes at Marcus Garvey as there is no longer enough shelf-space to display them in the new library.)
A great thing about our libraries is the range of experienced and knowledgeable staff - I'd hate to see them replaced with technology (which, in my experience) rarely works properly. On the other hand, it could all be a jolly good thing - what do people think?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John McMullan on
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Has that work gone out to Tender? I'm sure Big Green Books could refurbish a large library for less than that.
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Permalink Reply by michaela rourke on
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Didn't realise they were builders too - skilled chaps!
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Ummm... they did their bookshop by themselves!
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Permalink Reply by Michael Anderson on
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It’s a grade II listed building so I doubt it.
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Permalink Reply by Gordon T on
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Since it backs onto Hornsey Town Hall, I wonder if the developers will be funding this as a Section 106 agreement. Yes the roof and ceiling need fixing and some of the IT kit is Windows XP vintage. As for the staff, there are few behind-the-scenes professionals (acquisitions, cataloguing, inter-library loans etc) left, so the staff at the enquiry desk are multi-tasking.
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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on
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"... I wonder if ... "
Hmm. In my - admittedly limited experience - you tend to go-and-look; and to ask.
Rather than to wonder. Or maybe you have done exactly that, and the few lines above is summary.In any case, in May whichever party (or parties) win the Borough elections, some new councillors will be open to fresh thinking and new ideas.
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.Alan, do tell where I can find a public copy of the contract between Haringey and the developers.
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All contracts are published quarterly. Big search on your hands though
http://www.haringey.gov.uk/business/growing-your-business/selling-c...
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Thank you Michael, that list tells me if there is a contract (nothing listed for Hornsey Library as a standalone contract) and if so, the value - but it's not a link to the details of the contract itself. Which is what I'd need to answer Alan's somewhat picky comment about speculation versus information. Honestly, this is Haringey!
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The awarding of contracts over a certain amount are in the public realm but I don’t know if the contract details are. Probably best if you get in contact with the contracts team in LBH to see what they can provide.
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Michael, I asked the library staff yesterday and today (coincidental visits, not on a 'mission to explain').
Part of the work is already agreed, but part is yet to be sanctioned and funded (meeting end of Feb I understand). I asked if it was linked to the Hornsey Town Hall project, and as far as they knew the two projects are not linked. That's fine by me, I was "wondering" (pace Alan S) if it was conditional on developer money
Even so, the timescale on the display boards suggests a 2020 completion date.
It's a handsome building and the last significant work of Hornsey Borough Council before it was subsumed into the London Borough of Haringey
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Alan, I asked the library staff yesterday and today (coincidental visits, not on a 'mission to explain').
They understand that part of the work is already agreed but part is yet to be sanctioned and funded (meeting end of Feb). I asked if it was linked to the Hornsey Town Hall project and as far as the information librarian knew the two projects are not linked. I "wondered" if it was conditional on developer money and therefore in doubt. The timescale on the display boards (I have a set of images) suggests a 2020 completion date.
Yes I do "tend to go-and-look" - as you know from the Hewitt Road Hump. Surprised to get a sermon from you, therefore.
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