The new operator of the borough’s libraries took over the running of services this week.

Harrow Borough Council signed a five-year outsourcing contract with John Laing Integrated Services (JLIS).

As part of the deal, JLIS will now deliver services at all libraries in Harrow in collaboration with neighbouring borough of Ealing.

Tim Grier, the managing director of JLIS, along with Councillor Nizam Ismail, cabinet member for community and culture, visited staff of Gayton Library for the launch of the new contract earlier this week.

Mr Grier said: “We want to raise the standards of the libraries in Harrow. They are community assets and we want to get people of all ages in them and using them.

“We want to work with the community so they can get the most out of their library.

“We are delighted to be working with the London Boroughs of Ealing and Harrow to support their strategic aims for the future and fundamentally, to provide an excellent library service to the Ealing and Harrow communities.”

Cllr Ismail said: “We’re delighted that we have managed to secure a positive future for our library service.

“Harrow Council is looking forward to working with its new partners to continue to provide a high quality library service with major technological improvements, while also making important savings during this difficult financial period.”

JLIS has been running libraries in the borough of Hounslow for five years and under the new contract will be responsible for 23 libraries in Harrow and Ealing.