Marylebone residents have today hit out at plans to move their library to a smaller venue by suggesting the council is sending out a “bad message” by relocating the facility.
Westminster council is moving Marylebone Library from its temporary base in Beaumont Street to a location one-third of the size in New Cavendish Street at the start of next year.
It went to Beaumont Street several years ago while plans for a new £12 million purpose-built library on Luxborough Street were finalised.
However, earlier this year the council confirmed that site was no longer in development due to a £6 million cost hike.
Historian and local Michelle Millar said residents were concerned the move to a new venue, which she said is believed to be an old curtain shop on New Cavendish Street, might mean a reduction of services and could threaten jobs.
She added downsizing implied the council believed it was not an essential facility to residents.
She said: “The library is a focal point of our community, used by hundreds of people every day. What kind of bad message does moving it to a smaller venue give out?
"That it is not well-used and not a beloved library? That it’s not a priority? That is wrong. It is a flagship library and lots of people get a lot of joy out of it. It is just so sad.”
Ms Millar, who said residents were planning sit-ins and other protests, added that the move “does not bode well” for library services Londonwide.
Staff members at the library said they worried the move would mark a “downward spiral” for the facility.
Westminster councillor David Harvey, cabinet member for sports and leisure, said the council was committed to finalising a new permanent space — and seriously considering moving Marylebone Library to Seymour Leisure Centre in Seymour Place.
