A major charity has become one of the first organisations to move into library space as part of a new council initiative.

Age UK Enfield has moved into Ponders End Library as part of Enfield Council’s plan of sharing library space, and responsibility for running them, with voluntary and community groups.

The four biggest libraries – Enfield Town, Edmonton Green, Palmers Green and Ordnance Unity Library – will continue to provide regular library services along with community events. 

The other 13 Enfield libraries will be run by the council, but facilities will be shared with other organisations to help save money.

Meanwhile Age UK have moved from their former Vincent House home as part of its own money saving initiative, after having reported debts at the start of this year of nearly £160,000.

Cabinet member for education, children’s services and protection, Cllr Ayfer Orhan, said: “We are committed to providing a first rate library service and despite significant spending cuts from central government we have found an innovative and effective way of providing a comprehensive library service which meets the needs of Enfield residents and means we have managed to retain more libraries than any other London borough.”

Alan Weinstock, CEO of Age UK Enfield, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for Age UK Enfield because there is a natural synergy between the services we provide and the library service, as a large number of people who use the library are older people and in turn would benefit from accessing services in the same location or being signposted to colleagues in the voluntary and community sectors within the borough.”