10 February 2012
Summertown Public Library, condemned to disappear only a year ago, is not only reprieved but is looking smarter than ever. In the first week of February, it was given a makeover which has made it brighter and more convivial.
The slightly intimidating front desk at the entrance has gone. Instead you check books in and out at self-service consoles on the left. They’re easy to use and it takes only a minute or two. Library staff hover nearby in case you need help.
As you enter, you now come into an open space with a new set of bookshelves, laid out in a “propeller” shape. They’re easier to find one’s way around, and more congenial than the old regimented lines. They’re on wheels, and can be moved to the side to make a meeting space. So the Library becomes a place not just for books, but also for cultural events such as book-readings. We’ve never had that before!
Staff led by Nicola Hobson have a new welcome desk further back. Rather than checking people in and out, they can now concentrate more fully on giving advice and assistance. They’re there to make you feel at home.
At the rear on the left, a Readers’ Corner has been created with brand-new red chairs convenient for young and old alike. It’s a place where people can sit and read a book, newspapers or magazines. It’s proving a hit straightaway.
The furniture of the Readers’ Corner has been donated by the Friends of Summertown Library, as have the wheels on the new bookshelves.
That uses up the last of the funds that Friends donated last year to help the campaign against closure. Having won the battle for survival, Friends agreed at a Public Meeting last September to focus on making the Library more modern, welcoming and suited to the needs of our age. The makeover has already made a good start.
With the threat of closure lifted, officers of Oxfordshire County Council have worked hard to pursue this new goal alongside the Friends. The Council funded the self-service installations, the new bookshelves and the welcome desk.
But the Council clearly cannot afford much more, so it’s up to us Friends to do what we can to help. That means fund-raising. Once we have status as a charity, we’ll be in touch again.
In the meantime, enjoy your Library! You helped save it, and you’ve done your bit already to make it a better place.
Marcus Ferrar
Chairman, Friends of Summertown Library
A few weeks ago, I asked you to show solidarity by signing a petition to save Friern Barnet Library. It has succeeded! The local council has reopened the premises and handed control over to the local community. It will be run by a newly-formed Friern Barnet Community Library Ltd. As with 
