Barnet (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Barnet Council will end its mobile library service in July and reduce opening hours at four branches in a cost-cutting move to save on public spending.
At a cabinet meeting on May 19, it was decided to stop providing newspapers in libraries, cut the hours of operation for four library branches, and terminate Barnet’s mobile library service.
In addition to a general “service restructure,” the council anticipates that about £250,000 will be saved.
At the Chipping Barnet, Colindale, Edgware, and Finchley Church End libraries, self-service hours for eligible cardholders will be shortened from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., a three-hour reduction.
However, according to the council, the adjustment will help “contain increases” in operating expenses like power bills and save yearly security expenditures by about £15,000.
The other eleven council-run libraries will continue to operate at their current hours.
According to a council assessment, library use was consistently lowest during the earliest and latest business hours.
The council has agreed to investigate the majority of people’ support for longer staffed operating hours during a public consultation.
The council said that a “gradual decrease” in its use was the reason for the decision to discontinue its mobile library service, which will save the council an estimated £125,000 annually.
The mobile library lends out books at locations throughout the borough on Tuesdays through Fridays, with weekly or monthly trips.
The home library service, which delivers books and other materials to persons who are unable to visit a library, will not be impacted by the mobile library service ceasing, according to Cllr. Anne Clarke, cabinet member for culture, recreation, arts, and sports.
Hannah Richens, a council officer, explained:
“It is very important to say we do retain the home library service and we will be able to transition any of those residents who are currently using the mobile library, but feel that they can’t reach a static service point, on to the home library service so that they are still receiving a library service.”
Additionally, Ms. Richens affirmed that the school library service will continue.
According to the report, the council will save almost £28,000 a year by stopping the purchase of hard-copy newspapers in October of last year due to “budget pressures.” T
The borough was “not alone” in suggesting this move, according to the article, since many library services in the UK only provide newspapers and periodicals in electronic format.
The Times, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, The Daily Telegraph, and The Voice were among the many titles that Barnet libraries subscribed to before they were taken out.
How will Barnet’s library service changes affect community access?
Residents who depend on the mobile library service’s stops at shelters, schools, and public spaces will be directly impacted by its discontinuation. The convenience and reach of the mobile service may not be entirely replaced, even though the council intends to move impacted users to the home library service.
The self-service hours at the libraries in Chipping Barnet, Colindale, Edgware, and Finchley Church End will be shortened from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For residents who require early or late access—such as commuters, students, or those with erratic schedules—this limits their flexibility.
According to earlier analyses, the elderly, crippled, young individuals, and those in need of staff assistance are disproportionately impacted by fewer staffed hours and a greater reliance on self-service.