Archives are important – so have your say

Bill Linskey, chair of The Lambeth Local History Forum and Brixton Society urges all borough residents to take part in consultation on the Lambeth Archives.

MinetLibraryLambeth Archives and the local studies library are housed in the Minet library close to Myatt’s Fields Park. Sadly, the lending library in the same building closed on 31 March.

However, readers should be aware that the archives and local studies library are still there and are still open and staffed. Their opening hours have not changed.

Lambeth Archives is the collective memory of the area. It holds the records of the borough and its predecessor bodies as well as records from independent organisations associated with Lambeth.

Lambeth council has engaged a consultancy to look into the long-term future of the archives, especially its location. All options are on the table including remaining at the Minet.

As part of a consultation, an online survey has been created. It is not just aimed at users of the archives. They would also like to hear from people who do not currently use the archives why they do not do so.

Please help secure the future of this vital resource by taking part in the survey.

The Lambeth Local  History Forum (LLHF) brings together groups including the Brixton Society, the Black Cultural Archives, the Friends of Windmill Gardens, the Friends of Brockwell Park and other groups from all over Lambeth who have an interest in local history and support the archives.

Lambeth Archives and the LLHF are again organising the Lambeth Heritage Festival with events being held throughout the borough during September.

The event brochure is due to be published this month and will be available from libraries, members of the LLHF, at Lambeth Country Show and at the Lambeth Local History Forum.