The closures are expected to save Enfield Council at least £500,000 per year while bringing in up to £3.85m in property sales, reports James Cracknell

Clockwise from left; John Jackson Library, Bullsmoor Library, Winchmore Hill Library, Bowes Library, Enfield Highway Library, Enfield Island Village Library and Southgate Library

Enfield Council has confirmed that seven libraries will be closing across the borough – but has decided to keep Oakwood open.

An amended version of the civic centre’s new libraries strategy was published today (Wednesday 19th) ahead of a decision due to be made by cabinet members next week, revealing that the Labour administration has responded to last year’s public consultation by U-turning on the previous proposed closure of Oakwood Library.

Oakwood was by far the most popular of the eight libraries originally earmarked for the axe, with 43,664 visitors in 2023/24.

But the news that the seven others will still be closed has been met with anger by opposition Conservative councillors.

Enfield’s three Labour MPs had also previously opposed the library closures.

The seven are Southgate Library, Winchmore Hill Library, John Jackson Library in Bush Hill Park, Bullsmoor Library, Enfield Highway Library, Bowes Library and Enfield Island Library.

These closures are now 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. It is also estimated that the sales of each library building could generate between £3m and £3.85m.

The council also points out that across its nine remaining libraries, there will be a net increase in weekly opening times of 18 hours, with Enfield Town, Edmonton Green, Palmers Green and Ordnance Unity Centre all due to opened for longer.

More than 2,400 residents and other stakeholders took part in last year’s libraries consultation, with the council’s report admitting that “the majority of respondents to the consultation and engagement did not support the proposed closures of libraries”.

The council stated in a press release this morning that it had “listened to the views of our communities and considered the overwhelming support to keep Oakwood Library open”.

In addition, the council says it is “looking at options” to turn Enfield Island Village Library “into a community space”.

Users of Oakwood Library argued strongly against its closure

Council leader Ergin Erbil said: “Libraries are the heart of our communities, and we want to make sure they continue to provide a fantastic range of services for our communities. While we have had to make some tough decisions to protect our financial future, I am confident this strategy strikes the right balance between good financial management and maintaining quality and wide-ranging library services for all.

“By focusing on the libraries that serve the most people and modernising their facilities, we will create hubs for learning, creativity, health, and wellbeing. I’m especially pleased that Oakwood Library will remain open, reflecting our willingness to listen to the feedback from our residents throughout the consultation.”

The nine remaining libraries in Enfield accounted for 89% of total visits in 2023/24 and 84% of computer minutes used.

The council says its libraries strategy “also strengthens the council’s commitment to digital services and the home library service, ensuring support for residents who cannot visit in person”.

However, opposition group leader Alessandro Georgiou slammed the decision to close seven libraries. He told the Dispatch: “Obviously, I am extremely disappointed to see the council has not listened and will still be closing vital libraries in some of the borough’s poorest communities. It clearly demonstrates they don’t care about these libraries.

“But I am also delighted that Oakwood Library will be remaining open.”

Dave Cockle, chair of The Enfield Society, added: “You have to be realistic with the financial pressures the council is under. We would have wanted more libraries to be saved, they are used as warm hubs and for children to do their homework, but it is obviously good news about Oakwood.”

To read the council’s new libraries strategy in full, click here.

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