Published: December 1, 2011
by DAN CARRIER and GEORGIA GRAHAM

ALL three libraries cut adrift from Town Hall management in the face of central government spending cuts are being targeted by voluntary groups which hope to keep them open.

This week was the deadline for organisations hoping to take on the management of the three branches at Chalk Farm, Belsize and Heath to make a firm commitment.

All three libraries had “expressions of interest” lodged at the Town Hall by Monday’s deadline. The groups will be told if their bids are successful on December 20, but it now looks increasingly likely the three branches will remain open beyond April next year when council funding dries up.

For Heath Library, in Keats Grove, a co-op of civic groups has put together a plan. The Friends of Heath Library, South End Green Association and the Heath and Hampstead Society have been backed by the owners of the library, the City of London. Phoenix Group member Steven Bobasch said more than 150 people are willing to volunteer to keep the service going.

Volunteers at Chalk Farm library have raised £200,000 in two weeks, while Primrose Hill Community Association has lodged a bid to take over the lease.

The bid includes plans for the library to be open between five and seven days a week, instead of the current three.

The Winch community centre in Swiss Cottage has expressed an interest in running Belsize library.