Minutes
of the special CPLUG Meeting: Libraries and the Under-Fives Tuesday, 15
May 8:00 PM
Heath Library, Keats Grove, NW3
Speakers: Felicity Page, Reader Development; Neal Hounsell, Head of Service
Felicity discussed the document entitled Services to Under Fives in Camden Libraries, May 2001. The following was noted:
�20,686 spent for purchase for under-5s (3,718 titles). However, this was lower than the previous year 1999/2000 in which there was an overall spend of �250,000 on stock.
The number of Under-5 library members include 3,532 active borrowers which is a nationally low figure.
Rhyme Time sessions (the re-branding of under 5 reading sessions) have been reduced in time to � hour per week during term time; however, individual libraries can make the sessions longer.
There are no longer any children's librarians� all librarians are all now generalists. Ex-Children's Librarians are now working in the development team.
Felicity was asked if there is any training of the staff who do the under-5 sessions. The response was that there is no formal training. There is no quality assurance checks as it was admitted that some librarians "do a better job with children than others."
Neal and Felicity were asked for budget figures for the book fund, publicity and promotions, events and activities. To be provided.
Felicity was also asked if there is any feedback mechanism for the under-5 sessions. Response was not at present; however there will be a general questionnaire distributed sometime in September.
Neal reiterated that due to keeping libraries open for longer hours, there have been staff reductions.
He was asked if volunteers could help. Neal's response was that volunteers could not perform "core services" in the libraries but can work on additional services. The local library friends group would have to organise this.
Enid raised the point that more of the library budget was now being spent on IT provision at the expense of children's services.
There will be summer picnics at Corams Fields and Kilburn Grange Park dates 3 July and 17 July. There was concern that the library promotion would be "lost" in the Kilburn event since it would be part of the overall Kilburn Festival.
There are free packs given to parents of children at the child's 7-9 month health check. 3,081 packs have been given out including questionnaires. However only 50 responses to the pack have been received.
The Sure Start government programme was discussed at length. Felicity mentioned that she was meeting with Jenny Boyd from the programme, although discussions were at early stages. It was suggested from both CPLUG and Councillors that Kilburn Cotleigh Road Library would be an ideal place to have such a programme.
Future meeting between CPLUG and Library Management were discussed. Neal requested that more structure be given to next sessions.
Next venue for Under-5 focus meeting could be Regents Park or Kilburn. Although it was mentioned that it is difficult for parents/carers of young children to attend meetings.