Dear colleagues
I agree with the sentiments of this letter but would respectfully suggest
the writer move somewhere more civilised. I too am a qualified librarian and
have worked in a variety of sectors although never in a public library. I
have recently moved to Willesden Green, in the London Borough of Brent,
where my public library is open on Saturdays and Sundays. When I dropped in
last Sunday, on a particularly sunny afternoon, I was amazed at the number
of people studying and reading the journals. The staff have also been very
helpful providing information about local services.
I understand that the Libri study was conducted in one small region only.
Why is it receiving so much publicity? And why are some regions so much
better at providing realistic library services than others? Any thoughts
anyone?
Michelle Homden
Information Officer
Prisoners Abroad
[log in to unmask]
tel: 020 7561 6873
www.prisonersabroad.org.uk
Prisoners Abroad is the only charity providing practical support and
campaigning for the welfare of Britons held abroad. Registered charity no.
1093710
-----Original Message-----
From: Shafika Abbasi [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 29 April 2004 13:10
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Libri report on public libraries
Letter published in today's Guardian.
Hear, hear.
SA
Thursday April 29, 2004
The Guardian
I am one of the millions who rarely use public libraries (British libraries
could shut by 2020, April 28). How ironic, then, that I have also spent the
past 15 years as a qualified librarian in the private and public sectors.
This is because my local library is closed when I leave for work and closed
when I get home. Its books and computers remain firmly closed to the public
on two whole weekdays.
It is time the profession took its head out of the sand and started to give
the public what they want: more books, longer opening hours and a
customer-friendly service.
London
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