As a result of the 'Demo' in April and further posts on social media regarding the demise of our local library I've done some homework :
Firstly I am told that the library will remain in its current location until the new building is ready. The new library building, around the corner on Lancaster Road will be eminently more user friendly.
Secondly, while I understand that the idea of a fee paying school occupying the building is noxious to many (especially those who cannot see beyond what they consider social injustice) to my mind it is preferable to the building being demolished to make way for 'luxury' apartments.
The building does not lend itself to conversion to residential use as it stands. At least with the school leasing the building the building remains and by remaining retains the architectural and historical dignity of the site. The school, fee paying or not, employs many teachers and other staff, who are not overprivileged toffs, and therefore, on that level, is more valuable a tenant than say an estate agents.
I have been unable to see any plans for the new library proposal so must take RBKC ai its word for the time being.
Lastly. A library, to my mind, is a collection of books not a specific building. The British Library still exists even though the location changed.
Ladbroke Grove will not lose its library and for that reason I do not need to beseech anyone to save it.
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