Bid to Stop Library Privatization Fails

The South London borough of Croydon, after an emergency meeting on March 18, voted to continue an outsourcing process for the management of the borough's 13 libraries. Croydon Council's Labour Group had tabled a motion at the March 18 meeting to propose a co-operative model using volunteers and local government staff. When the motion was defeated, the Labour Group stated it would reverse the contract should they win the 2014 local election. The winning bidder for the outsourcing contract is expected to be announced in June 2013.