Oasis sets out plan for Waterloo’s temporary library

Lambeth's cabinet will meet at Dunraven School in Streatham on Monday night where councillors are expected to approve the 'Culture 2020' report which sets out cuts to libraries and parks, including the closure of Waterloo Library.

The council says that it is working with the Oasis charity to set up a temporary library in Kennington Road.

Now Oasis has published a few new details on its website.

"The current redevelopment of the Oasis Centre will create a large amount of community space and it was agreed with Lambeth Council that this would provide an excellent temporary solution to the challenge caused by the closure of Lower Marsh library, while work is continuing on the process of planning for the new permanent community provision," said Oasis in a statement.

Oasis says the temporary library will be open Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm – a total of 54 hours a week compared to just 31.5 hours at the current council-run library.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to serve the local community in this way and look forward to continuing to work with Lambeth Council in consultation with the wider local community to ensure the delivery of the new, permanent library over the next few years," said Oasis.

Long-term funding and staffing arrangements for a new library in Waterloo remain unclear.

Vauxhall MP Kate Hoey last week accused Lambeth Council of running a 'sham' consultation on the future of the borough's libraries.