COVID-19 ANNOUNCMENT
With regret, we have now closed the public library services at all three V22 libraries.
Specifically –
• We are unable to obtain sufficient hand sanitiser and other cleaning products to keep the libraries well stocked.
• We are unable to satisfy guidelines on restricting the numbers of people in the library, or keep safe distances between users, or users and staff.
In addition, we have a large number of volunteers who fall into the ‘at-risk’ age group who are being asked to self-isolate.
We recognise that it is everyone’s responsibility to help protect our vulnerable populations and mitigate over-stretching our health services by reducing the transmission of Covid-19.
We will continue to follow guidelines and take advice from Lewisham Library Service and national and local authorities. We do of course understand the importance of the library service to many and have not taken this decision lightly.
Books may be returned as usual through the drop boxes where applicable at all lewisham libraries and extensions have been granted on all books. See the main page at Lewisham Libraries web site for further information around book borrowing, extensions and fines at this time. Please also use the online resources at your disposal, again see the links on the Lewisham Libraries web site.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all users of the libraries, as well as our staff, and to express our gratitude to all the volunteers who have worked to keep this fantastic community resource going for as long as possible. We all hope to return soon.
Stay safe and well.
Forest Hill Library is part of the Lewisham Library service, staffed and run in partnership with the local community, V22 Foundation, and V22 Communities, a registered charity that also operates Manor House Library and Sydenham Library.
Latest News
Our new Friends of Forest Hill Library scheme has been re-launched as part of our third birthday celebrations. Please email contact@fhlibrary.co.uk for more information or pop into the library and ask for details.
Leaf and Groove is a second hand book and vinyl shop on Dartmouth Road where all profits go to supporting Forest Hill Library. They take donations of good quality books and vinyl, CDs and DVDs. www.leafandgroove.com
Sustainable Community Library Model
Leaf and Groove is one of the pillars of financial support for creating a sustainable model for community libraries, without having to reduce library space, opening hours or level of service. While everyone involved at Forest Hill library believes that a properly funded state-run library service is the best and first choice, we also believe that community libraries can be run in a professional and sustainable manner.
Library Services
If you are looking to borrow books, renew books or reserve a title, you can still do this by visiting Forest Hill Library, but you can also do this from the comfort of your own home through the arena interface on the Lewisham Libraries web site. Click here for book borrowing services for all Lewisham library card holders. You can also access many other services for FREE such as listening to audiobooks, reading magazines and newspapers online, downloading ebooks etc
Our Library Success Story
Forest Hill Library is a community-run library. The library is situated on Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill, in the South East London Borough of Lewisham. Like many local authorities, Lewisham Council have been under budgetary pressures and, after a long consultation process, decided not to close any of its libraries. Forest Hill was one of four libraries considered for transfer to the ‘community library model’. After a tender process we were delighted that our community partnership bid was approved by Mayor & Cabinet to manage the building and run the library in continued partnership with Lewisham Libraries.
We raised over £10,000 with an online crowd-funder in the late Autumn in just over 8 weeks with an original target of just £6,000. So many thanks to those of you who bought items or simply donated, you have made a real difference. We now have a new computer system for users, with newer, faster PCs, a brand new printer, new operating systems and a new self booking system to speed up tasks and increase the capacity in the system.
A Community Partnership
The Forest Hill Library community bid was put together by V22 – the organisation which runs neighbouring Louise House; The Forest Hill Society – the main residents’ association in SE23; and The Forest Hill Traders’ Association – a local business forum. These three partners are working together to set up a fourth group: The Friends of Forest Hill Library. Thereafter these four organisations will form a management board to administer the best possible library service for the community.
Help us Build for the Future
Volunteer
A community-run library means just that, and we really need the support of our community to keep our library great and to make it even better. Please consider volunteering your time to help us run the library or to provide additional related services. Click here for more information.
Keep talking to Us
Please do contact us if you have concerns about any aspect of the library services provided. We want to hear from you – good or bad – and if you think there is something you can offer in support then we would very much like to have that conversation too. Please note that this website is also brand new and you may experience some technical difficulties as we roll out functions. If you continue to experience problems with the website please let us know.
© Forest Hill Library & V22 2019. All Rights Reserved