Camden Council Seeks Library Feedback in Feb

Key Points

• Camden Council is marking Library Lovers Month this February by seeking community input on the future of local libraries.
• The consultation forms part of a review of the current Library Strategy to develop a new strategy tailored to Camden’s expanding and diverse population.
• Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, highlighted the initiative as an ideal chance for residents to engage with libraries and influence their evolution.
• Libraries are described as vital hubs for fostering community connections, learning, creativity, and social bonds.
• Feedback is being gathered through various in-library activities at Camden, Narellan, and Oran Park Libraries.
• Activities include contributing notes to a giant Love Tree, where participants can express their appreciation for current services and ideas for future enhancements.
• Mayor Fedeli stressed inclusivity, urging participation from both frequent users and those who have not visited libraries recently.
• The council aims to ensure the Library Strategy adapts to Camden’s ongoing growth by prioritising community voices.

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Camden (North London News) February 6, 2026 – Camden Council is actively engaging residents during Library Lovers Month this February to gather vital feedback on the future direction of local libraries, as part of a comprehensive review of its existing Library Strategy.​

The initiative seeks to craft a refreshed strategy that mirrors the needs of Camden’s increasingly diverse and expanding community. Residents, including library members and the general public, are encouraged to contribute their views throughout the month.

Mayor of Camden, Cr Therese Fedeli, emphasised the significance of this period. As reported in the council’s official announcement, Cr Fedeli stated:

“Library Lovers Month was the perfect opportunity for residents to reconnect with their local library and help shape its future.”​

Why Is Camden Council Reviewing Its Library Strategy?

Camden Council’s decision to review its Library Strategy stems from the borough’s continued demographic shifts and growth. The council recognises libraries as cornerstone institutions that must evolve to meet changing community demands.

Cr Therese Fedeli elaborated on their role, saying:

“Our libraries play such an important role in bringing people together and supporting learning, creativity and connection across our community.”

This underscores the council’s commitment to maintaining libraries as dynamic spaces amid Camden’s development.​

The review process prioritises direct community input to ensure the forthcoming strategy remains relevant and inclusive, reflecting residents’ priorities for services.

What Does Library Lovers Month Entail?

Library Lovers Month, observed throughout February, serves as the platform for this consultation. It celebrates libraries while inviting active participation from all residents.

Councillor Therese Fedeli, Mayor of Camden, noted the timeliness of the event:

“As Camden continues to grow, it’s important our Library Strategy grows with it and that starts with listening to our community.”

This approach positions the month as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue.​

The council has planned a series of engagement opportunities to make involvement accessible and engaging for participants.

How Can Residents Participate in the Consultation?

Residents are invited to visit three key library locations: Camden Library, Narellan Library, and Oran Park Library. Each site will host interactive in-library activities designed to capture feedback creatively.

A highlight is the giant Love Tree installation, where individuals can pin notes sharing what they cherish about their local library and suggestions for its future growth. This tactile method encourages personal reflections and ideas.​

Mayor Fedeli actively promoted broad participation, declaring:

“Residents are invited to visit Camden, Narellan or Oran Park Library and take part in a range of in-library engagement activities, including leaving a note on the giant Love Tree to share what they love about their local library and how it can grow into the future.”​

Who Should Get Involved in Shaping Library Services?

The council extends a warm invitation to everyone, irrespective of their current engagement with library services. This inclusive stance aims to gather a comprehensive spectrum of perspectives.

Cr Therese Fedeli reinforced this openness:

“Whether you’re a regular library visitor or haven’t stepped inside for a while, your feedback is valued.”

Her encouragement highlights the council’s desire for diverse input to inform a robust strategy.​

By welcoming voices from all walks of life, Camden Council seeks to build a Library Strategy that truly represents its community’s breadth and depth.

What Role Do Libraries Play in Camden’s Community?

Libraries in Camden transcend traditional book-lending roles, functioning as multifaceted community anchors. They facilitate learning programmes, creative workshops, and social interactions that strengthen local ties.

As articulated by Mayor Cr Therese Fedeli:

“Our libraries play such an important role in bringing people together and supporting learning, creativity and connection across our community.”

This vision positions libraries as essential to Camden’s social fabric.​

With the borough’s population diversifying, these spaces must adapt to support a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational needs.

Why Is Community Feedback Crucial Now?

Camden’s ongoing expansion necessitates proactive updates to public services, including libraries. The current Library Strategy review marks a pivotal moment to align offerings with contemporary realities.

Cr Fedeli captured this urgency:

“As Camden continues to grow, it’s important our Library Strategy grows with it and that starts with listening to our community.”

Community-driven insights will guide sustainable enhancements.​

This bottom-up approach ensures that future plans resonate with residents’ lived experiences and aspirations.

What Activities Are Planned at Each Library?

Specific in-library engagements will run across Camden, Narellan, and Oran Park Libraries, tailored to foster easy participation. The giant Love Tree stands out as a centrepiece, inviting handwritten notes on library strengths and future possibilities.

Details from the council’s release specify:

“Residents are invited to visit Camden, Narellan or Oran Park Library and take part in a range of in-library engagement activities.”

These events promise a welcoming atmosphere for all ages and backgrounds.​

Additional interactive elements may emerge, but the Love Tree offers a straightforward entry point for contributions.

How Will Feedback Influence the New Strategy?

All submissions collected during February will directly feed into the development of Camden Council’s next Library Strategy. This process guarantees that resident voices shape tangible outcomes.

Mayor Fedeli affirmed the impact:

“Cr Therese Fedeli encouraged everyone to get involved, regardless of how often they use library services.”

By valuing every perspective, the council commits to a strategy that evolves in step with the community.​

Post-consultation, updates on how feedback has been incorporated are likely to follow, maintaining transparency.

When and Where Can Residents Visit?

The consultation spans the entirety of February 2026, aligning with Library Lovers Month. Key venues include Camden Library, Narellan Library, and Oran Park Library, all accessible to locals.

As per the official invitation:

“Residents are invited to visit Camden, Narellan or Oran Park Library.”

Standard library opening hours apply, making drop-ins convenient.​

Residents are urged to check individual library websites for any event-specific timings.

What Has the Mayor Said About Library Engagement?

Mayor Cr Therese Fedeli has been vocal in championing the initiative. Her statements, drawn from the council’s press release, provide clear motivation for involvement.

For instance:

“Library Lovers Month was the perfect opportunity for residents to reconnect with their local library and help shape its future.”

She further added:

“Whether you’re a regular library visitor or haven’t stepped inside for a while, your feedback is valued.”​

These remarks, attributed directly to Cr Fedeli via Camden Council’s announcement, reflect a leadership focused on community empowerment.

Broader Context of Camden’s Library Services

Camden Council’s libraries have long served as vital resources, offering free access to books, digital media, events, and support services. This review builds on prior commitments to public welfare.

The emphasis on diversity aligns with Camden’s multicultural profile, ensuring strategies address varied needs such as language resources, youth programmes, and digital literacy.​

By integrating community input, the council aims to future-proof these assets against demographic changes.