WOMEN'S LIBRARY COLLECTION

That this House is concerned that the Women's Library collection is to be transferred from its purpose-built home in Old Castle Street, East London to the Lionel Robbins Building in Central London due to a transfer of custodianship to the London School of Economics; notes the outstanding facilities at the Old Castle Street premises, including purpose-designed collections storage, reading rooms, exhibition areas and education space; acknowledges that the building was restored with 4.2 million of public money; further notes that the premises were named building of the year by the Royal Institute of British Architects Journal, awarded the Brick Award's Best UK Public Building and given the Liveable City Sustainability Award in 2002; recognises the significance of the Women's Library in fostering intellectual engagement, cultural vibrancy and positive images of women in the local community; is further concerned by the effect on the local community of the loss of this crucial hub; views the transfer as a waste of public money; and calls on the Government to support the Women's Library campaign to retain the collection at its Castle Street premises to be accessed by all.