Kisharon is preparing to take over Childs Hill Library, in Golders Green, with Barnet Mencap from this April as one of Barnet Council’s new partnership libraries.

Adults supported by Kisharon and volunteers will run library services for Barnet residents at Childs Hill for 15 hours each week initially, although this is set to increase.

As well as running the book lending service, Kisharon will be responsible for children’s events, supporting residents using IT facilities, community events and all other activites that normally take place on library premises.

Kisharon, which will take on the lion’s share of library duties – with Mencap stepping in on Shabbat and Jewish holidays – was selected to take over the library by Barnet Council.

The Childs Hill Library is one of four in the borough to be run in partnership with voluntary or local community groups in Barnet Council’s plans to keep open all 14 of its libraries.

Rob Blackstone, Kisharon’s Director of Operations, heading the project, said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity for us. It allows Kisharon to be at the forefront of the community, delivering the council’s services.”

The library offers countless opportunities for adults supported by Kisharon to take on work experience and to learn new skills.

Building work taking place at Childs Hill Library which is now closed, is freeing up space on the first floor, and alongside the lending library area on the ground floor from which Kisharon plans to run some of its social enterprises.

Rob said: “We can run Bag My Treats from here or run bike repair and maintenance courses. We have lots of ideas. There is also a garden for us to use.”

Currently, Rob is involved in transition meetings with Barnet Council ready for library services to resume for Barnet residents in April. Kisharon, which has taken on the library for a ten-year period, is advertising for a partnership library manager and for volunteers to work alongside the adults supported by Kisharon in providing library services.

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer at the start of this exciting project? Library skills are not necessary as training will be given. For more information, email: volunteer@kisharon.org.uk

For more information, or to apply for Kisharon’s partnership library post, see our current vacancies.

Photo: Kisharon’s Rob Blackstone and Ray Booth from Barnet Mencap