Mayor John Biggs visited Whitechapel Idea Store this week following his recent budget being approved, which protected and invested in the borough\u2019s Idea Stores and Libraries.
\nThe Town Hall\u2019s budget has been cut by \u00a3138m since 2010 and the Council needs to make \u00a358m savings from 2017-18 to 2019-20 as a result of further cuts and increasing demand.
\nWhile some boroughs have had to close libraries, through careful financial management Tower Hamlets has kept frontline services open. The budget included an extra \u00a380,000 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\u2019 proposal to make public libraries contribute to the health and wellbeing of local communities.
\nThe council is also currently upgrading Bethnal Green library, spending \u00a3600,000 to upgrade the building while retaining its historic features.
\nTower Hamlets councillors approved the Mayor\u2019s budget last month at a meeting of the full council.
\nMayor John Biggs, said:\u00a0 \u201cOur Idea Stores and libraries offer a vital resource and I\u2019m delighted that despite the funding pressures we are investing in them. As Mayor I\u2019m protecting frontline services that matter to our residents\u201d
\nCllr David Edgar, cabinet member for resources, added: \u201cReading 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.\u201d<\/p>\n