In May 2024, Havering Council proposed the closure of four public libraries due to financial struggles.
The five libraries at risk are Collier Row, Elm Park, Gidea Park, Harold Wood and South Hornchurch.
A spokesperson for Havering Council previously claimed that the five libraries earmarked for closure only accounted for around 20 per cent of visits each year in the borough, while the remaining six contributed to more than 80pc.
In a full council meeting on January 15, Conservative group leader Keith Prince quizzed cabinet member for adults and wellbeing, Cllr Gillian Ford, on the closures.
He asked which community trusts or voluntary groups have been approached as an alternative to run the libraries.
Cllr Ford explained that a recent consultation asked whether any groups would express a desire to take over the running of a library earmarked for closure.
But she said no groups came forward to offer such discussion.
Cllr Prince also enquired about “other commercial activities the council has explored to generate a revenue income” for the libraries at risk.
Cllr Ford responded: “The library service is always looking to maximise income through room lettings and other commercial activity.”
South Hornchurch Library is earmarked as a potential closure (Image: Google) She referred to the recent partnership with Tapestry, a care service for elderly people in Havering, as an example.
Tapestry will hire rooms on a permanent basis at Rainham Library to care for elderly people in the south of the borough, she said.
Cllr Ford also mentioned the Citizens Advice Bureau as another example of space being used as commercial letting, this time in Romford Library.
But she said larger libraries are the ones with the space “to accommodate such opportunities”.
“Council wide opportunities are always being explored to maximise income into the council, whether this be through fees and charges or commercial opportunities.
“The main issue is that we cannot balance the budget as things stand and need to take out £85million capitalisation direction next year.
“Any of the funding we have available and any income opportunities must offset against existing statutory service pressures in the first instance.
“We are unable to prioritise libraries over and above the other services we are reporting shortfalls and financial pressures against.”
Cllr Ford added that the council is working on more opportunities which will be made clear once details can be confirmed.