What we learned at the April 2015 public forum

At the library public forum on April 18^th we got responses from the head of the library service Susanna Barnes and TSL manager Maria Kwofie, to four questions Friends had raised – on the planned redesign of the library, the persistent public lavatory problem, water penetration from the flat above the library, and the scheduled purchase of long-time funded equipment.

Question 1: What is the state of play on the planned redesign of the library interior and external signage?

Maria has been canvassing opinion from groups using the library, such as the over-50s group, the teens in the Guardians of the Library group and parents in the toddlers sessions. She is waiting to hear from the visually impaired group. She will then collate the responses (including those from the display in the library), which will influence the implementation of the design – expected during summer.

Question 2: How near is a solution to the public lavatory problem?

Progress remains slow. The drainage pipe – where the problem ariese – is due to be scanned, so that necessary remedial work can be identified and begun. So keep waiting.

Question 3: What is being done by Lambeth Living to prevent water from the upstairs flat penetrating – and endangering – the ceiling of the library office?

The matter is being taken up by Lambeth Council, the landlord for this flat. In the meantime the water continues to come down.

Question 4: What has happened on the purchase of items from Section 106 money, as selected by public ballot?

Nothing. Susanna will pursue the acquisition of the various items ( such as e-readers and a lap top) that have not been swept into the library redesign.

In addition to these housekeeping and maintenance items the meeting was told that the library’s budget results for the year ending March 2015 would be available before the next meeting – scheduled for July 11^th. Current budget spending on TSL this year (to March 2016) will be much the same as last year.