Friends of Richmond Libraries - what we do and why it matters

Library Open Forum
The Annual Open Forum for library users arranged by the Friends of Richmond Libraries (which operates under the aegis of artsrichmond) was held on March 30th. Ian Dodds, LBRuT Head of Culture, responsible for the library service, spoke Libraries in an Age of Austerity: Caxton or Kindle? 

Ian Dodds’ presentation to the Open Forum on 30 March 2010 coincided with the publication of the Government’s Modernisation Review of Public Libraries. The report recommended that:

• The statutory responsibility on local authorities to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service remains;

• A single strategic body for libraries is put in place alongside updated procedures whereby the Secretary of State can intervene to review proposed library closures;

• Library membership of one public library should provide access to all other public libraries in England;

• Books and the right to borrow them should remain at the heart of every public library service;

• The availability of e-books in public libraries is extended and there is a statutory ban on libraries making a charge for e-resources and access to the Internet;

• There are closer links between commerce and public libraries - coffee shops should be encouraged to set up outlets in libraries to make them more welcoming places;

• Local authorities should be required to consult with their local communities about library provision in their area;

• Opening hours should be extended and include late evening and Sunday opening;

• Library services should consider the use of volunteers to support the delivery of services.


In many ways Richmond is ahead of the game. Through our own local review of library services we are already improving library services and responding to the issues raised in the Government review. As a library service we have:

• Continued to invest in our book stock to offer our customers a better choice and wider range of books and other resources in our libraries;

• Focused on encouraging reading and supporting learning by delivering reading groups and events with writers and storytellers, as well as more than 1,500 hours of ICT training to help people develop their digital skills.
• Invested in our library buildings including opening the refurbished Teddington Library in May 2009 and the new Hampton Hill Library in February in a much improved High Street location in February 2010;

• Extended library opening hours at Hampton Hill Library by an additional 12 hours per week with plans to extend opening hours at all other main libraries from 1 June this year.

Over the next 3 to 5 years all local authorities will need to make difficult financial decisions as public sector funding is reduced. We need to be absolutely clear about why libraries matter to people in Richmond upon Thames and ensure that our services meet local needs. We have consulted widely with local residents and over the next year we will continue to work on these priorities:

• Improving our book stock
• Investing in our library buildings and the library environment
• Providing more opportunities to enjoy reading and informal learning
• Extending library opening hours
• Enhancing our standards of customer service

There will also be two other main priorities for the library service in the coming year:

• Responding to the challenges of new technology, including improving our online services and access to e-books and e-audio;

• Providing access to more Council and public services in and through libraries.

I am confident that if we hold dear to the core values of the public library service, fully grasp the opportunities of new technologies, listen hard and respond to the needs of local residents, then our libraries will have a positive future.

The Friends of Richmond Libraries is the group that supports local libraries in the borough of Richmond upon Thames and works closely with the Chief Librarian.

We believe that libraries play an essential role in every local community. We all know that library funding is always under threat. Our task is to ensure that our Borough gets the best possible service from its libraries.

The Friends have a small committee that meets regularly to monitor what's going on in our library service. Through our regular meetings with the Chief Librarian, we make sure our views are known.

But we need your help. Why? Because we believe it is important that each local library should respond to the needs of its local community.

Libraries work best when they work in the interests of the whole community. Local needs differ, and meeting those needs is an important priority. To help us achieve this, we need to talk to the people who use the library, and care about its present and its future, we want to hear their suggestions, debate their ideas, and then see that decisions are put into action for the benefit of everyone.

That's what the Friends of Richmond Libraries are about - helping the library service respond to your needs.

So, if you care about your library, share our view that libraries are important to the community, and believe that local representatives should have a role in their library, do please contact us.

Teddington Library
Teddington Library

Library Open Forum - March 30th

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