Waterloo Library will leave Lower Marsh 'some time in June'

Originally slated to close at the beginning of this month, the existing Waterloo Library on Lower Marsh will stay open for at least another six weeks.

However, there is still no clarity over the future staffing arrangements for the new library. The council has previously indicated that there would be no permanent library staff presence at the Oasis Centre.

In one of her last actions before handing over responsibility for Lambeth's libraries, Cllr Jane Edbrooke last week issued an update to local residents.

"Thanks to everyone for their patience in waiting for information on the move of the Waterloo Library from Lower Marsh to its temporary new home at the Oasis Centre, 1 Kennington Road," wrote Cllr Edbrooke.

"The building work on the Oasis Centre will be completed by the end of May. It will then take a week or so to prepare and stock the new library. We therefore look forward to an opening date some time in June.

"Once we have confirmation of the exact date, we will write to all local residents to ensure they are fully aware of this change.

"We can also confirm that we are committed to a continuity of library service in Lower Marsh until the transfer date.

"We look forward to welcoming you all to the new community library in the Oasis Centre which will be open for six full days a week, Monday to Saturday.

"It will be fully stocked with books which will remain the responsibility of Lambeth Council. It will also feature a new coffee shop as well as providing free public IT access and wifi."

As a result of a cabinet reshuffle at this week's annual meeting of the council, libraries in Lambeth are now the responsibility of Cllr Jack Hopkins.

The council received eight bids in response to its invitation to organisations to take over the Lower Marsh library building as a "meanwhile space" before the site is sold for redevelopment but the identity of the winner has not yet been revealed.