It all speaks volumes

Published: 24 June, 2010

• I AGREE that there doesn’t seem to be as much disruption and change to the lay-outs and shelf space at Queen’s Crescent, Belsize and Swiss Cottage Libraries, and I would also include Kentish Town (Letters, June 10).

So, apart from the ubiquitous “child’s bedroom” wall decorations (otherwise pleasing enough with a fresh paint job), why has the Heath Library been changed by the suits in Camden?

Is it because Heath Library’s users and Friends weren’t shy about voicing their opinions, at the meeting at Belsize back in the spring, and before its closure in April?

Perhaps it’s just old-fashioned pique, at being challenged by a cherished, well-used library in a listed building in leafy Hampstead?

Why not?

Because they can!

As for their staff, allocated a small space in the corner, and the prominence given to the new machines, computers and DVD placements, this all speak volumes!

But then, the big suits who are never known to be library users themselves, might like to rattle a few cages in such an established and well-loved oasis? Because they can!

Redeployment of resources they say.

So, with their apparent disregard for this, why not just pluck off an experienced, inspiring, helpful and capable librarian, and banish them to the bowels of Swiss Cottage?

Why not send them off to far less leafy climes?

Because they can!

I don’t enjoy going to the Heath Library any more. I used to.

It was always a favourite, frequent, drop-off point, to pick up a copy of the New Journal or an email; to find or reserve a new read, or browse a leaflet, and have the odd passing exchange with a librarian.

Not now.

The atmosphere has changed and the “new order” weighs heavily.

While not denying that cuts have to be made, the cost of contracting an American company to put forward these banal effects for “growing your library” with loss of books for serious study, only seems to underline the management’s lack of value and priorities that our libraries need.

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