Today I learnt about New Cross People's Library. New Cross is a deprived area of South East London with high levels of illiteracy - exactly the kind of area that needs a decent public library. On 28th May, despite the protests and campaigns organized by local residents, Lewisham Council closed New Cross public library, making it another victim of budget cuts.
Volunteers, working with community group Bold Vision, have re-opened the library and renamed it New Cross People's Library, after winning a six week temporary licence from Lewisham Council. After the six week tenancy, it is hoped that Lewisham Council will grant the library a tenancy at will for a further nine months, and with any luck the library can remain open permanently.
The library styles itself as a "a community run library, writing, arts, and IT centre". It currently opens on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with librarians present to issue books. As well as book loans, the library has organized a wide range of events, including Manga drawing classes, activities for the under 5s, a knitting club and book making workshops. The library calls on local residents to get involved to help shape the programme of activities they would like to see available in their local, community run library.
Donations of books and periodicals are welcome, and a fundraising campaign is under way. You can make donations by PayPal on the New Cross People's Library website.
About New Cross People's Library:
http://nxpl.org.uk/
What's On:
http://nxpl.org.uk/whats-on/
Get Involved:
http://nxpl.org.uk/volunteer/
Bold Vision:
http://www.boldvision.org.uk/
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