Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Awareness of libraries: open letter to the council

Awareness of libraries

Can I offer a practical idea to promote the use of libraries? The suggestion is generally applicable, but I do of course have Stroud Green & Harringay in mind. Our branch library is well-sited. It's within ...

300m of a primary school (St Aidans)
200m of a council housing estate (Chettle Court);
100m of a railway station;
15m of a small group of shops; and
10m of a bus stop

Few libraries are so well-placed. However, despite Stapleton Hall Road being on a bus route (W5), its a relatively quiet road and it could be argued that the building is a bit tucked away and known mainly to locals. I suspect that many in Harringay Ward may not be aware of a library over the tracks (one reason I favoured the name-change). Even those Harringay residents who regularly use the Station might not venture the few metres further up the hill. ('tucked away' might also apply to St Anns library).

Signs

Can I suggest that some well-placed signs would encourage awareness and use of our library? Especially for those on foot? There is currently a single sign with the word "Library" on it. But not a lot of thought went into its placement, as its within a few metres of the corner of the library. I think its redundant.

A few signs placed some distance away at strategic road intersections might help. For example "Public Library x00m –>". In descending order of importance, I suggest there be considered a sign at these intersections

Green Lanes x Burgoyne

Ferme Park x Stapleton Hall (c.600m)

Oakfield x Upper Tollington

Ferme Park x Mount View

Endymion x Wightman

Possibly with inner, feeder signs -

I appreciate that funds are currently scarce and this may not be do-able in the short term, but could I ask you to bear this in mind? The situation of branch libraries in our Borough is much improved compared with 10 years ago. The Borough can be proud its libraries and I believe the service is Haringey's greatest strength. It's often a good scheme to play to one's strengths ...

Tags for Forum Posts: Anns, Green, Harringay, St, Stroud, branch, libraries, library, service, sign, More…signage

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on October 30, 2011 at 10:30

(Relativlely) discreetly sponsored signs worth consideration?

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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on October 30, 2011 at 10:57

I personally wouldn't be keen on this Hugh. However, if it meant getting a sign up a the bottom of Burgoyne in the short term, maybe that could be considered (its about 500m away).

Green Lanes x Burgoyne is at the top of my list above, because Green Lanes is

on bus routes;
heavily trafficked;
near another railway station
has perhaps the greatest unawareness of the library
most movement is north-south rather than westwards

Such a sign would need a 'booster' sign at the intersection with Wightman, which would reduce possible confusion and be a sign in its own right.

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on October 30, 2011 at 11:17

Mmm, it wouldn't be my choice. BUT, if it's sign or no-sign, certainly worth considering.

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Permalink Reply by John D on October 30, 2011 at 14:03

No to sponsored signs !!

The Ladbrokes Library ?

The Betfair Bookery ?

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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on October 30, 2011 at 14:32

The cabinet member with responsiblity for the Library Service (Cllr Alan Strickland) has replied already:

Hi Clive

Thanks for emailing about this.

I agree with you that more signage would be helpful at Harringay and Stroud Green and some of our other libraries, but as you acknowledge this is unlikely to be a high priority given the significant pressure on our budgets

However, it's a good idea and I will certainly bear it in mind. I will flag this with senior libraries staff next week.

Best wishes

Alan

Councillor Alan Strickland

Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Social Inclusion

Councillor for Noel Park ward
AlanCouncillor Alan Strickland Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Social Inclusion Councillor for Noel Park ward