During a visit to Edgware Library the other week, I was surprised to see a notice pinned up advising the library was proposing to trial after-hours library access and anyone who was interested was to get in touch.

This suggestion was part of the library consultation document sent out by Barnet Borough Council after it was announced that some libraries might have to close to save money.

As far as I am aware, this survey hasn’t been completed yet, so isn’t it a little premature that steps are already in place to trial this scheme?

I haven’t met one person who is in favour of access to unmanned, unprotected libraries. The only positive is saving money on staff by closing earlier or opening later. The negatives are numerous, from people’s personal safety, or being locked in, to the risk of damage to stock. Not, I add, by library visitors, but by those who could gain access to cause mischief. Unless the council are planning to hire security guards. In which case, how exactly are they going to save money?

Jax Islip

Gardens, Edgware