Former Barons Court Library also houses Citizens Advice Bureau and London Irish Care
A new volunteer run library and community centre, featuring a range of services for local people has been officially opened on the site of the former Barons Court Library by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
As well as books, internet access and self service terminals, the Avonmore Library and Community Centre will also provide a base for the local branch of the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and the London Irish Care organisation.
Formerly known as Barons Court Library, the building was originally earmarked for closure by the council in 2010 as it looked for ways to reduce its historic debt which at the time stood at £133 million.
However, the council now says it has been able to work with local residents and organisations to save the library and improve the services on offer in the building.
Unlike the fomer Barons Court Library, Avonmore will be run by local volunteers who will receiving training from the CAB before helping out on the library floor. The council says it has also made £400,000 of improvements to the building, installing self service machines and toilets and repairing the roof.
Due to these improvements, the building has been closed since the end of last year.
The H&F Citizen Advice Bureau will use the building to provides free, independent, impartial and confidential advice on a variety of topics ranging from welfare benefits, consumer, housing, employment, debt and money advice.
In addition, London Irish Care, formerly known as Irish Support and Advice Service will use the centre to provide support to west London’s large Irish community.
The library was officially opened on Wednesday, July 11, by local author Dan Waddell and deputy leader and cabinet member for residents’ services, Cllr Greg Smith.
Mike McGing, of London Irish Care said: “We used to be located in the Irish Cultural Centre, and have operated in Hammersmith & Fulham for over 40 years. Under our new name we will offer the same advice, advocacy and support service in this and four other boroughs. Our social activities will continue to run apace, thereby allowing elderly Irish users to maintain their independence and enjoy life to the full.”
Hugh Macmillan, Chair of Trustee Board at Hammersmith & Fulham CAB, said: “Hammersmith & Fulham CAB is very pleased to be part of the Avonmore Neighbourhood Centre. We hope that our staff and volunteers will be able to serve library users and CAB clients from here for many years. We expect to see the other places adopting the practice of combining advice and library services on a single site.”
As well as the CAB and London Irish Care, the Masbro Children’s Centre will be running two Rhythm, Look and Listen sessions for young children from the new library.
July 13, 2012