Unfortunately, we’ve discovered that Hendon Library being 'returned to the people' is only half true.
The library will also be housing a huge Middlesex University lecture hall and the iconic building connected by TWO new glass walkways to MDX's new Business School building.
There is no mention of this in the Hendon Hub Consultation survey or in the layout pictures despite 2 out of the 5 questions being about Hendon Library. There is nothing about this on the Hendon Hub website either. Why the secrecy?
We’re disappointed that none of our suggestions for the library appear to have been considered including a decent-size dedicated study/work space as there used to be, a “community hall” or our Museum of Stories idea (inspired by Eileen Colwell who created children’s libraries here in Hendon and was the inspiration for the TV show Jackanory) which had interest from CBBC, the lottery fund and Arts Council.
In 2010, Hendon Library, flagship library of Barnet, was in the TOP TEN most visited libraries in the country attracting 800,000 visitors a year. That same year Barnet Council started consulting about cutting its services - and then came brutal cut after cut after cut until we were left with nothing more than a skeleton service in a cold, miserable space.
Why can't the services that made Hendon Library so great be restored? Why can't the people have even ONE dedicated community building that was built for US that isn't simply flogged off? A community library not just for Hendon but for Barnet.
If you have anything to say about this ...
Final Hendon Hub In-Person Consultation Session with Barnet Council
*TOMORROW*
Thu 4 May 10am-2pm - Church House, 49 Church End, Hendon NW4 4JT
If you want to record your dissent, the Hendon Hub Survey takes 5 minutes to fill out. Deadline 5th May:
If you need a hand filling the survey in, we put something together:
#HandsOffOurLibrary #StopTheHendonLandGrab