Public attitudes towards the closure of Kensal Rise Library July 2013

 

This bulletin summarises the main findings from two surveys of public opinion. The first survey was conducted between November and December 2011. The second survey was conducted between May and July 2013,

 

The sections are interspersed with  quotes from respondents as bullet points.

 

More than just books 

 

Residents were asked in 2011 how they used the library prior to its closure and the results confirmed that there were a wide variety of usages. Taking books out was the highest usage (at 90% of respondents) but other uses included using the internet (45%), classes for children (39%), researching for jobs and education (35%), meeting new people (27%) and investigating business start-up (17%). The library also has a multiplier effect for local businesses and services with 80% of respondents in 2013 saying that they would have previously combined trips to the library with a visit to local shops and services. 

 

• The library was a life saver for me when my children were small. It's the hub of community, somewhere to go when you are isolated.

 

• As a child, I made my first fairy cakes from a book I borrowed at the library. Being Indian this was a big step as we don't bake traditionally. This one of many steps that made me feel part of the British community

 

• When my first baby was two months old we were locked out in the cold and left keys inside. Desperate, I eventually sought help at my library, the woman advised me and offered me warmth and reassurance till the fire brigade came. Where else offers this kind of safe haven to isolated people?  

 

• My children went there from birth & joined in all the events - Christmas, Divali, Chinese New Year etc.  We kept contact there with people who'd gone on to different schools etc.  I have always belonged to a local library and have never used one less than I currently do (in 51 years!).  I feel very sad every time I walk past it (almost daily).

 

 

72% of people have decided against a trip to another library since the closure which is particularly worrying in the context of our local literacy challenges. Half of respondents in 2013 (51%) have “had to buy books or DVDs that I would otherwise have loaned from the library”.

 

• I feel more isolated and I no longer have the help and service it's staff provided

 

• I have nowhere to take my children to find books to help with their homework.

 

• I have lost the chance to study in a venue with other people. Deprived of access to resources, I often work alone in my room

 

• I regularly have outstanding loans as I have irregular internet access and have to travel specially to Queens Park

 

Over 1 in 5 (22%) residents say they have nowhere local to go to spend time with others. 17% have experienced overcrowding at an alternative local library session. The numbers have increased in all the areas over the two-year time period between surveys – which are worrying trends. 

 

 

 

When asked who the community feel is responsible for the closures, Brent Council are overwhelmingly viewed as “very responsible” by 94% of residents in 2013 (and a further 6% “slightly responsible”). All Souls College (54% very responsible and 30% “slightly”) and the Coalition Government (52% and 38%) come next on the list of those who should be seen as responsible. 96% of respondents in 2013 feel that “Brent Council doesn’t listen to residents” and 98% think the actions of Brent Council have been “against the interests of the local community”. 

 

In a finding that should get the attention of local and national politicians, 72% of residents in 2013 say that the experience will “definitely” or “probably” affect their voting intentions at the next General and Local elections. 60% of respondents say they are less likely to vote for the current Brent Councillors and 41% for the current Brent MP.

 

• I loved walking into the library space…and seeing the building, its beautiful fired tiles, the architraves and the feeling of welcome and well being it gave me. This reflects Brent Council’s lack of understanding about what makes people contented.

 

• The day before the library closed, I got a book on Superman. This was when I was 7. I’m 10 now. I also remember a big party that took place before the closure, made to try and stop the council closing it. Everyone thought this was enough. 

 

• I came with my four year old to the library on the afternoon the library had been raided by the police. My daughter was frightened and sad to hear her library had been closed and all the books stolen (as she saw it) by the police. 

 

 

 

Efforts to create a temporary pop-up library had gone down well with residents. 82% of respondents in 2013 said “it is a cheerful presence and a symbol of community spirit” and 84% agreed that it is a “good indication of residents’ determination to keep the library going”. All measures have improved over two years between surveys – indicating growing appreciation of the pop-up library despite recognition is it no long term alternative to a properly-resourced library. 

 

• Knowing that I am in a community where people can work together on something like this gives me hope for the future and inspires me to try to contribute more to the community 

 

• The campaign has helped make us a stronger community.  Even those of us who haven't actually done much have been supporting in spirit and it has given us a common cause.  

 

• I'm amazed and in awe of all who continue to fight and want to pass my appreciation on

 

• People have been brought together, new friendships formed and a sense of common purpose shared.  This could continue INSIDE the building rather than relegated to the cold outside.

 

 

 

Respondents were asked the extent to which they agreed with a range of positions about the future. Over nine in ten (94%) of the respondents strongly agree or agree that they “object to the library being turned into flats”. 95% agree that they “would worry about the lack of community space in the area”. Eight in ten agree “turning the library into private rental flats would harm the community” (82%). Only 3% think that “private rental flats would benefit the local community”.

 

Over nine in ten strongly agreed or agreed with all of these statements: “The developer should listen to the pleas of the residents” (94%); “All Souls College should ensure that a workable space is part of the terms of the sale to the developer” (92%). “I am angry with All Souls College” (92%). 87% of respondents would be in favour of a local bid from residents to try and buy the building

 

The survey highlighted what residents would like to see in a future library service. The following indicated the percentages who would “definitely” or “probably” use the following services. Book and DVD rental (98%); Local news and history (91%); Creative workshops (91%); Lifelong learning and skills (82%); Internet access and computer courses (75%); Childcare, play and nursery services (72%); 

 

 

• This building should not be destroyed by using it for flats. It should definitely be listed and remain as a library and maybe for other community uses to make it more viable.

 

• There are so few public places that we can go without being expected to spend money or pass through as quickly as possible. So few places where parents with young children or elderly citizens can feel genuinely welcome and unhurried. So few places that seek to expand our minds rather than entice us to empty our pockets. This is a thing worth fighting for.

 

• We should never stop fighting to save a cause so vital in an age where so many people think the internet is a sufficient resource for finding knowledge. It will never replace books or libraries where people can meet in a haven of knowledge, discovery, and community.

 

• I do not know anyone who would consider travelling as far as Wembley to use the library. The point about libraries is that they should be a local resource.  I am deeply indebted to campaigners for their sustained efforts on our behalf.

 

 

 

For more details about this summary and the surveys contact:

 

Friends of Kensal Rise Library

c/o Margaret Bailey

email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

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