Forum Topic

Library Closures - A Good Time to Bury Bad News

It's a bit of a cheek of one of our councillors to describe the closure of 4 or our libraries as a 'major step forward' even if they are not shutting permanently. If it was such amazing news why did they apparently wait until near the end of the day when most people will have signed off early for their Christmas holidays?

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 2236d11 Comments

There is lots of new technology now and many people don't even read newspapers.  Many libraries were built for a population whose only chance of finding reading matter was to go to a library.  Books can often be ordered from another library to be kept for you.  Rich and thoughtless people just buy whatever they want and then chuck it away when they don't and expect Councils to pick up the tab.  Charity shops can't cope with massive amounts of books - it can be hard to sell them secondhand.As a nation it seems that rather than borrow a book we prefer to order one online and pay for it on credit so that we don't have to leave our armchairs.  Then we complain about the lack of shops and facilities on the high street!Retirement age is increasing, everybody is supposed to be working unlike in my mother's time when mothers spent more time with and looking after their children and many are rushing round like headless chickens trying to make ends meet - so who is it we are expecting to be visiting the high streets and when?  They need to speak up!

Philippa Bond ● 2228d

VERY good point, the CONS would be vilified if they pulled this stunt. Interesting that EVERY local Labour voter I speak with is thoroughly ashamed of BellEnd and his Southall Posse.

Rosco White ● 2230d

Can you imagine the outcry if a Conservative administration had allows this library situation to come to pass in Ealing?

Ian Fergus ● 2230d

Do you think BellEnd gives a toss about libraries. None of us would be in the least surprised if most are going to be razed and replaced with towers.I will ask for the third time now on here, anyone care to admit they actually voted for him?

Rosco White ● 2233d

The Pitshanger debacle makes the 'Library News' pages in Private Eye.

N V Brooks ● 2235d

Northfields has been allowed to run down in anticipation of its closure and handover to the community group. Ealing’s book stock has been decimated as a result of the downsizing of the Central Library. Then they wonder why people aren’t borrowing so many books.

Simon Hayes ● 2235d

I can't speak highly enough of Brentford library. Friendly staff and great book selection. Also you can go on line and reserve anything which arrives within days. I used to use Northfields but the selection was nowhere near as good as Brentford.

Pat Kingham ● 2236d

I now live in East Sussex and have a good library. Libraries have closed though. We have self service and two staff on the help desk which is always busy. However I often remember when my mum or dad took me to paradise. PARADISE WHAT WAS IT? HANWELL LIBRARY.

Nicholas Beard ● 2236d

Indeed, Brentford Library is closer to me than the apology that is Ealing Central Library.The site (on the E2,E8 and 195 routes) is currently undergoing major redevelopment to expand its services following a major investment by LBH.Can't see that that happening in Ealing any time soon.

N V Brooks ● 2236d

Hounslow has good libraries - and anyone can join (you don't have to live in Hounslow). Just take some ID along to any branch and they'll issue a membership card on the spot.

David Marshall ● 2236d

PhilistinesI am sick to death of Bell's Bufoons blaming government cuts when neighbouring Hounslow (Labour) and Hillingdon (Conservative) who have both experienced the same level of cuts are both increasing library provision because they realise how important it is.

N V Brooks ● 2236d