Enfield Council agreed its controversial new library strategy – including the seven closures – earlier this year, reports James Cracknell

John Jackson Library is one of seven that will close its doors for the final time this weekend

The seven Enfield libraries which Labour councillors voted to close earlier this year will all shut their doors for the final time this weekend, Enfield Council has confirmed.

In an update on its website, the council explains that its controversial new library strategy and operating model – including the closures of John Jackson, Bullsmoor, Southgate, Winchmore Hill, Enfield Highway, Bowes and Enfield Island Village libraries – will be implemented from this Monday (7th).

For all of the seven affected libraries it means their last day of opening will be this Saturday (5th).

From Monday, however, some of the nine remaining Enfield libraries will benefit from longer opening hours. Edmonton Green Library will start to open on Sundays for the first time while also opening an hour later, until 8pm, from Monday to Thursday.

Ordnance Unity and Palmers Green libraries will also begin to open on Wednesdays, having both previously been closed on that day, while Enfield Town Library will open until 8pm on Wednesdays having previously closed at 5.30pm on that day.

The closures are expected to save the council up to £560,000 per year in staffing and operating costs, plus £4.5million in maintenance costs over a ten-year period. The potential sales of each library building could also generate between £3m and £3.85m.

In the case of Enfield Island Village Library, however, the council now says it is in talks with the building’s owners, RSA Island Village Ltd, “looking at options to turn this library into a community space”.

On its website, the council states: “These nine [remaining] libraries will see improvements, ensuring they remain welcoming and outstanding spaces. The strategy also strengthens the council’s commitment to digital services and the home library service, ensuring support for residents who cannot visit in person.

“Enfield libraries will continue to offer a great range of services, including free access to books, digital resources, study spaces, warm spaces, health and wellbeing support, and community activities for all ages whether you’re the parent of a toddler, a student, or a pensioner. Over the next financial year alone, £1.5m will be invested in making our libraries more modern, accessible, and sustainable.

“This new library network will serve as a model of excellence, with over eight out of ten residents remaining within a 25-minute walk of a library and over nine out of ten residents living within a 20-minute public transport journey of a library.”

Oakwood Library, which had previously been proposed for closure, was instead saved following a public backlash.

Age UK Enfield, which uses an office space within John Jackson Library, has been given permission to continue using the building for the time being.

To view the council’s new library strategy:
Visit enfield.gov.uk/0023/97016/Library-strategy-2025-2030-Libraries.pdf

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