Q1: What is NewSPAL?
A: NewSPAL is a charity formed by users of the former Surrey Performing Arts Library (SPAL) who are convinced that the service can have a long-term sustainable future in the charity sector while at the same time improving the service to users through employing staff with relevant experience and bespoke IT systems. Surrey County Council agreed to transfer the management of the SPAL collection to NewSPAL, initially for a trial period of two years (from 22 August 2022).
Q2: Is NewSPAL part of Surrey County Council?
A: No, NewSPAL is a wholly independent charitable organisation which is currently funded entirely from hire income, donations and small grants. It receives no local authority or other public funding. It is entirely dependent on subscriptions and hire income to cover its operating costs, with any surplus being reinvested in the collection and improvements to the service.
Q3: Where will I be able to browse the NewSPAL collection?
A: The catalogue is available to browse on-line 24/7, with the opportunity to check availability of stock, make reservations and pay hire charges all on-line. The collection will also be open for browsing in person at Ewell Library (Bourne Hall) during NewSPAL opening hours.
Q4: Who will be able to borrow stock and hire sets from NewSPAL?
A: Only individuals and groups which have registered with NewSPAL are able to borrow items from the collection or hire sets. There is a one-off administration charge of £15 to register as a member of NewSPAL. Individuals pay a modest annual subscription (with concessionary rates available) but will then be able to borrow single items (books, chamber music, single copies of playsets etc) without further charge. There are no annual subscriptions for groups which will 'pay as you go' for sets hired. Membership of NewSPAL is open to individuals and groups from anywhere in the United Kingdom.
Q5: How much will I have to pay to borrow or hire from NewSPAL?
A: The scale of charges for hiring sets (whether music or drama) from NewSPAL has been designed to be nationally competitive for amateur organisations while ensuring that NewSPAL is financially viable without public subsidy. Individuals who have registered as members are able to borrow single items (books, chamber music, single copies of plays etc) without further charge.
Q6: Can I order and collect stock from Surrey Libraries?
A: No. NewSPAL is entirely independent of Surrey Libraries so it will not be possible to borrow or return through other Surrey libraries.
Q7: Are you accepting donations of Music and Drama stock?
A: Yes, and we are grateful for appropriate additions to the collection, but we have a Stock Donation Policy which guides our decision making on the acceptance of such gifts. You can read more about donations here
A: No, NewSPAL is a wholly independent charitable organisation which is currently funded entirely from hire income, donations and small grants. It receives no local authority or other public funding. It is entirely dependent on subscriptions and hire income to cover its operating costs, with any surplus being reinvested in the collection and improvements to the service.
Q3: Where will I be able to browse the NewSPAL collection?
A: The catalogue is available to browse on-line 24/7, with the opportunity to check availability of stock, make reservations and pay hire charges all on-line. The collection will also be open for browsing in person at Ewell Library (Bourne Hall) during NewSPAL opening hours.
Q4: Who will be able to borrow stock and hire sets from NewSPAL?
A: Only individuals and groups which have registered with NewSPAL are able to borrow items from the collection or hire sets. There is a one-off administration charge of £15 to register as a member of NewSPAL. Individuals pay a modest annual subscription (with concessionary rates available) but will then be able to borrow single items (books, chamber music, single copies of playsets etc) without further charge. There are no annual subscriptions for groups which will 'pay as you go' for sets hired. Membership of NewSPAL is open to individuals and groups from anywhere in the United Kingdom.
Q5: How much will I have to pay to borrow or hire from NewSPAL?
A: The scale of charges for hiring sets (whether music or drama) from NewSPAL has been designed to be nationally competitive for amateur organisations while ensuring that NewSPAL is financially viable without public subsidy. Individuals who have registered as members are able to borrow single items (books, chamber music, single copies of plays etc) without further charge.
Q6: Can I order and collect stock from Surrey Libraries?
A: No. NewSPAL is entirely independent of Surrey Libraries so it will not be possible to borrow or return through other Surrey libraries.
Q7: Are you accepting donations of Music and Drama stock?
A: Yes, and we are grateful for appropriate additions to the collection, but we have a Stock Donation Policy which guides our decision making on the acceptance of such gifts. You can read more about donations here
