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Monday 29 July 2013

Contract with JLIS is signed for Croydon libraries

A press release has appeared on the council website today, as follows:
"The future of the borough's libraries is assured with the signing of an eight-year contract by Croydon Council and John Laing Integrated Services (JLIS).
The new arrangements start on 1 October, when JLIS will take over the running of the service. It represents good value for taxpayers as it will save the authority significant amounts of money at the same time as ensuring all of the council's 13 libraries remain open and face no reductions in opening hours. 
The contract will see the service undergo a major modernisation programme, involving the introduction of new technology for the benefit of both staff and customers. This will include self-service, wi-fi and the very latest innovations in online resources and e-books. 
JLIS will work closely with local communities to improve the way library services are delivered. There will also be new local business opportunities and good prospects for employment, volunteering and apprenticeships. 
Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, families and learning, said: "Signing this contract means that Croydon's libraries are now safe for the foreseeable future. At a time when all council services are coming under financial scrutiny, it's great to have negotiated an arrangement that not only keeps all our branches open, but will also see modernisation through the investment that is now planned." 
Tim Grier, JLIS managing director, said: "I'm delighted that JLIS has secured its second London library contract. This is a fantastic milestone in developing our presence in the library services market and brings the number of library sites managed by JLIS to 24. We look forward to working with the council and local organisations to provide an excellent library service for the benefit of the Croydon community.""
This decision was taken without a mandate, against the wishes of Croydon residents who responded in huge numbers.

The question now is:

Will JLIS reinstate the service that Croydon Council has systematically eroded over the past two years? For example,

  • Will the book stock be replenished and restored to at least the level of two years ago? 

  • Will staffing levels be restored, including employing sufficient professional librarians and experienced library staff to see the service on offer back to what it was?  This question is in no way a criticism of the current staff, but made in support of them. Many have struggled to cope with so few colleagues on hand to run the service.

  • Will events be promoted?  Only today the council is sending out incorrect posts about the delayed launch of Summer Reading Challenge, totally misleading residents.

    This implies the schemes is for children only when the leaflet some have seen makes clear it is for 4 to 19 year olds. And it is not just run on three Mondays in August in Central Library, as per this listing, but every day a library is open and it started today, 29th July, 2013.  For full details please see the full details listed here:

#Croydon gets reading with the Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge!


  • Will JLIS put right the poor IT equipment that residents have struggled with for years?


Let's face it. It couldn't get much worse!


  • And will JLIS reinstate the opening hours reduced in Croydon libraries over the past few years?




The only saving grace is that JLIS say they are keen to work with local communities.  Let's see if there is any truth in this as the council have so far ignored the Croydon community altogether.

And just what might we expect from JLIS run l.ibraries?  If Hounslow is anything to go by, see this report by a library professional and this report by a library user, the fight for our libraries will go on!

Thursday 25 July 2013

#Croydon gets reading with the Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge!

The Reading Agency's 'Creepy House' themed Summer Reading Challenge will be running in Croydon Libraries, from Monday 29 July to Saturday 7 September 2013.  This replaces Booktrail run in previous years.

It's the ideal time to try something new or one of the regular activities run in Croydon Libraries!



The leaflet produced out lines how the scheme will work:

Books on any theme can be read and those participating just need to tell the library staff about the books they've read to collect a Creepy House magnet, a fortune teller, plus stickers which reveal what’s lurking within the Creepy House!

Read six books to claim your gold medal and Creepy House certificate. You can choose to finish your challenge after six books or carry on reading to collect more prizes.


In Croydon, events usually run in many libraries are being promoted under the banner of Summer Reading Challenge so we have highlighted in red anything special being put on during August.

Please note:

You'll need to check with your library whether Summer Reading Challenge is running during the under 5s sessions.

 And remember, different libraries are open different days.


Creepy House Opening Hours:

10.00 am -1.00 pm; 2.00 -5.30 pm weekdays (on the days your local library is open*)
10.00 am -1.00 pm; 2.00 -4.30 pm on Saturdays

Under fives events are drop-ins.  For other events please book your free place at the library in advance.


The full details for each library are listed below:

Ashburton Library

Wiggle and Jiggle (under 5s)  Thursdays   10.30-11.00 am
Rock and Rhyme (under 5s)    Saturdays    11.00-11.30 am
Dracula: storytelling with John Kirk (ages 8-14) Mon 12 Aug  4.00-5.00 pm

Creepy stories and crafts (ages 5-10): Tues 30 Jul, Fri 16 Aug, Thurs 22 Aug and Tues 27 Aug 2.30-3.30 pm
Teen summer Crafts (ages 11-19) Mon 5 Aug 2.30-3.30 pm
Teen discussion of John Green books (ages 11-19) Sat 10 Aug 2.30-4.00 pm
Manga workshop (ages 9-18) Sat 31 Aug 2.00-4.00 pm



Bradmore Green Library

Rhymetime (under 5s) Fridays 11.00-11.30 am
Creepy stories and crafts (ages 3-7) Fridays 12.00-12.45 pm
Dracula: storytelling with John Kirk (ages 8-14) Mon 5 Aug 4.00-5.00 pm


Broad Green Library

Rhymetime (under 5s) Fridays 10.30-11.00 am
Rock and Rhyme (under 5s) Saturdays 11.00-11.30 am
ZooLab (ages 2-12) Animal handling session with creepy creatures such as snakes, scorpions & spiders! Wed 7 Aug 2.30-3.30 pm
Creepy Creatures sewing workshop (ages 11-19) Fri 23 Aug 4.00-5.30 pm






Central Library

Rhymetime (under 5s) Thursdays 10.30-11.00 am; 11.30 am-noon
Rock and Rhyme (under 5s) Saturdays 10.30-11.00 am
Creepy stories and crafts (ages 5-10): Mon 5 Aug and Mon 12 Aug  2.30-3.30 pm 
Dracula: storytelling with John Kirk (ages 8-14) Mon 12 Aug 10.30-11.30 am 
Teen t-shirt design (ages 11-19) Wed 31st Jul  2.00-4.00 pm
Drama Workshop  (ages 11-19) Wed 14th Aug 11am -4.00 pm

Coulsdon Library

Rhymetime (under 5s) Tuesdays 10.00-10.30 am
Storytime (under 5s) Tuesdays 11.00-11.30 am
Creepy craft time (ages 5-10) Fri 2 Aug 3.45-4.30 pm
Dracula: storytelling with John Kirk Mon 5 Aug 2.00-3.00 pm

New Addington Library

Rock and Rhyme Saturdays 11.00-11.30 am
Once Upon a Rhyme (under 5s) Tuesdays 10.00-11.00 am
Creepy Creative Writing (ages 11-19) Sat 17 Aug 2.30-3.30 pm

Norbury Library

Rhymetime (under 5s) Fridays 10.30-11.00 am
Creepy stories and crafts (ages 5-10) Fridays 11.30 am -12.30 pm
Making mobile phone covers (ages 11-19) Fri 2 Aug 2.30-3.30 pm


Purley Library

Rhymetime (ages 0 - 3) Tuesdays 10.00-10.30 am
Summer storytime (ages 3 - 7) Tuesdays 11.00- 11.30 am
Dracula: storytelling with John Kirk (ages 8-14) Mon 5 Aug 10.30-11.30 am
Creepy stories and crafts (ages 4- 8) Fri 16th Aug 10.30-11.30 am
Purley Manga Group (9-18) Sat 17th Aug 2.00 – 4.00 pm

Sanderstead Library

Rhymetime (under 5s) Wednesdays 10.00-10.30 am
Wiggle & Jiggle (under 5s) Wednesdays 11.00-11.30 am
Creepy House Chatterbooks (ages 7-11) Tues 13 Aug 4.00-5.00 pm
Creepy Creative Writing (ages 10-18) Sat 17 Aug 3.00-4.00 pm

Selsdon Library

Rhymetime (under 5s) Fridays 10.30-11.00 am
Wiggle and Jiggle (under 5s) Fridays 11.30am -12.00 noon
Rock and Rhyme (under 5s) Saturdays 10.30-11.00 am
Storytime (under 5s) Mondays 4.00-4.30 pm
Storytime (under 5s) Tuesdays 2.00-2.30 pm
Creepy House Chatterbooks (ages 7-11) Fri 9 Aug 4.00-5.00 pm
Reading Activists session (ages 11-19) Sat 3 Aug 3.00-4.00 pm

Shirley Library

Rhymetime (Under 5s) Fridays 10.00-10.30 am
Once Upon a Rhyme (under 5s) Sat 3, 17 and 31 Aug 10.00-10.30 am
Creepy Stories and crafts (ages 5-10) Tues 6 Aug, Fri 16 Aug, Tues 20 Aug, Tues 3 Sept 2.30-4.00 pm
Dracula: storytelling with John Kirk (ages 8-14) Mon 12 Aug 2.00-3.00 pm
Creative writing (ages 11-19) Mon 19 Aug 2.30-3.30 pm (different time this month!)
Nail Art workshop (ages 10-16) Tues 27 Aug 2.30-4.30 pm


South Norwood Library

Wiggle and Jiggle (under 5s) Wednesdays 11.00-11.30 pm
Storytime (under 5s) Saturdays 11.00-11.30 pm
Creepy stories and crafts (ages 5-10) Fridays 3.00-4.00 pm
Manga drawing with Chie Kutsuwada (ages 11-19) Mon 19 Aug 2.00-3.00 pm





Thornton Heath Library

Wiggle & Jiggle (under 5s)   Tuesdays     10.00-10.30 am
Storytime (under 5s) Fridays 10.00-10.30 am
Rhymetime (under 5s) Saturdays 10.00-11.00 am
Creepy stories and crafts (ages 5-10): Wed 14, 21, 28 Aug 10.00-11.00 am
ZooLab (ages 2-12): Animal handling session with creepy creatures such as snakes, scorpions & spiders!     Wed 7 Aug 11.30am-12.30 pm 
Creepy Creatures sewing workshop (ages 11-19)   Mon 5 Aug 3.00-5.00 pm
Creepy House Creative Writing (ages 11-19) Mon 12 Aug 3.00-4.00 pm
Manga drawing with Chie Kutsuwada (ages 11-19) Mon 19 Aug 4.00-5.00 pm 
Film showings for families   Fri 9, 16, 23 & 30 Aug  2.00-3.30 & 4.00-5.30 pm
Film showings for ages 12-19   Wed 7, 14, 21 & 28 Aug  2.00-3.30 pm


There's more fun on the special Summer Reading Challenge website.

And, if you participate, feel free to leave a comment!


Happy reading!