WALTHAMSTOW: Something fishy down at the library

9:55am Wednesday 5th December 2007

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IT HAS cost nearly £8,000 so far, but the new fish tank in Walthamstow's flagship library gives good value for money.

That is, at least, what Waltham Forest Council's cabinet member for libraries, Cllr Geraldine Reardon thinks.

She says the tank, which houses an array of brightly coloured fish in tastefully-designed surroundings, gives visitors to Walthamstow Library a better experience and make it a more popular destination too.

"The council is dedicated to delivering libraries with calming cultural and educational environments. Previously our facilities did not meet these expectations, which was reflected in their usage," Cllr Reardon explained.

"The current £10 million libraries investment programme is enriching and strengthening our services.

"Refurbished libraries are now more accessible, better equipped and - most importantly - more frequently used. Since April alone, Walthamstow Library has recorded over 350,000 visitors."

But some residents think the tank, which cost £7,263, is an enrichment too far, especially when it costs £705 a year to maintain.

Community campaigner, Kevin Lord, of Greenleaf Road, Walthamstow, was outraged when he found out how expensive the new tank was.

"We are cutting services for disabled people and services for everyone else, but it's nice to know we're looking after the fish," he said at the last Walthamstow West Community Council meeting.

Caroline Molloy, of the Save St James Street Library campaign, said fish tanks were no substitute for well-laid out, well-staffed libraries.

But another library lover, Janet Wright, had a different theory.

"The fish are useful for one thing. They are the only thing keeping an eye on the CDs and DVDs behind them, which are just walking out of the building.

"I presume that's the reason for buying them because I can't think of any other reason to get rid of books and put fish in their place," she said.

But the fish have gone down well with some. The building was commended at this week's Waltham Forest Design Awards and Cllr Reardon added: "Many visitors have expressed their delight with the new fish and children are particularly fascinated by them. The library now offers a more welcoming and exciting environment for visitors of all ages."