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SWISS COTTAGE LIBRARY REFURBISHMENT

An indication of the extent of he long-term service implications of the proposed reorganisation of the library space can be gained from the outline allocation of space to the various library activities given below.

Library Area

 

Net Internal Area (sq.m)

Existing Proposed

% Change

 

Comments

 

Information & Study

 

 

Learning Centre

 

Lending Area

 

 

Children�s Area

 

 

Library Entrance

 

 

Central Hall & Reception Point

 

 

Public WCs

 

 

 

Arts Exhibition Space

 

 

Events & Training Area

 

850 *

 

 

50 *

 

909

 

 

204

 

 

80

 

 

238 *

 

 

 

34

 

 

 

110

 

 

0

 

870

 

 

118

 

978 *

 

 

204 *

 

 

102 *

 

 

238 *

 

 

 

60 *

 

 

 

110

 

 

65 *

 

2.3

 

 

136

 

7.6

 

 

0

 

 

27.5

 

 

0

 

 

 

76.5

 

 

 

0

 

 

100

 

*Includes Philosophy & Psychology

 


* Includes storage

 

* Includes Caf� reading area

 


* Includes new Children�s WCs & Buggy Park

 


* Includes ground floor & link areas

 


* Incorporates central reception desk for book issue / returns

 

 

* New WCs on 2nd floor. Gnd floor services for �complimentary� use

 

 

 

 

 

* Located on Gnd floor

Total Public Areas

2475

2745

10.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These figures were confirmed as accurate by library management on 23rd August 2001. What is unclear is the nature and degree of �complementary use� which is planned for the library site. It is admitted that �complementary use� is, in reality, a euphemism for retail use. However, while it is alleged that this type of activity would be limited to undertakings generally supportive of library use, no definition has been given as to what this means. The response given to efforts to discover the true intensions with respect to this area was the statement that it was for Camden Council to decide. Considering Camden�s past history of single-minded pursuit of money by all means, this is an unfortunate answer. Let us hope that it is not another way of saying �whatever produces the largest income�.

To ensure that you have a voice in deciding the outcome of this and other aspects of the Swiss Cottage Library Refurbishment, you should join the Swiss Cottage Central Library Users Group.

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