Mayor John Biggs invests in new books and protects Idea Stores and Libraries

Mayor John Biggs visited Whitechapel Idea Store this week following his recent budget being approved, which protected and invested in the borough’s Idea Stores and Libraries.
The Town Hall’s budget has been cut by £138m since 2010 and the Council needs to make £58m savings from 2017-18 to 2019-20 as a result of further cuts and increasing demand.
While some boroughs have had to close libraries, through careful financial management Tower Hamlets has kept frontline services open. The budget included an extra £80,000 being invested in improving the provision of books, with a particular focus on promoting health and wellbeing. The move is part of the Society of Chief Librarians’ proposal to make public libraries contribute to the health and wellbeing of local communities.
The council is also currently upgrading Bethnal Green library, spending £600,000 to upgrade the building while retaining its historic features.
Tower Hamlets councillors approved the Mayor’s budget last month at a meeting of the full council.
Mayor John Biggs, said:  “Our Idea Stores and libraries offer a vital resource and I’m delighted that despite the funding pressures we are investing in them. As Mayor I’m protecting frontline services that matter to our residents”
Cllr David Edgar, cabinet member for resources, added: “Reading really can make a difference and transform lives. Investing in this this new collection of books that promote health and wellbeing supports the work done in our Idea Stores and libraries to help create a healthy Tower Hamlets.”