A POLITICIAN wants a library to become more disability friendly ahead of a consultation on its future.

Haringey Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Gail Engert says she is “disappointed” that there are no plans to improve Muswell Hill Library.

Haringey Council will launch a consultation about whether to close the library and move it to a different building in May.

In an open letter to cabinet member for resources and policy, Jason Arthur, she calls on the authority to consider its options.

She wrote: “I was very disappointed to learn that the council is not currently considering making improvements to Muswell Hill Library – particularly as in the past the local community had been assured that money from the sale of land behind the library site would be used for improvements.

“I have written to the current Labour councillor who is responsible for libraries and called on him to include a third option in the consultation on the future of the library that would see the current library made accessible.

“The local community love Muswell Hill Library, it is a wonderful building and should be kept and improved for the local community.”

She asks for a third option to be introduced – to build a new lift in the library to help disabled people.

She claims the Friends of Muswell Hill Library prefer this option and are concerned this has not been suggested.

The land at the back of the library is worth £1.75m but this does not include the library building.

A Haringey Council spokesperson said:  “Muswell Hill Library is an ageing building which does not have adequate access for disabled people and parents with buggies and is in need of modernisation.

"Unfortunately the cost of adapting the existing building would not be financially viable or represent good value for money for our residents.

"We will be carrying out a detailed consultation with local people about whether they would like to relocate the library to a new facility in the heart of Muswell Hill, or remain in the unadapted building, and will carefully consider all responses before making a decision.”