27 Jan 2011

National day of action against library cuts: 5th February


Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries and library users across the county will be participating in the national day of action against library cuts on Saturday 5th February (the same day as Stroud Potato Day which also shouldn't be missed!). Across Gloucestershire events are planned - everyone is encouraged to come along and join in, and show their support for our libraries. Also don't forget this Saturday the march against the cuts in Stroud - see here.


Pic by Russ


Stroud Library: Read-in (from 1:00). All ages welcome. Protestors will be joined by authors Jamila Gavin and Alice Jolly, and at 2:00 Hannah Shaw, the author and illustrator of popular children’s books ‘Evil Weasel’ and ‘Erroll’ will be holding a story workshop for kids of all ages

“The greedy ghost understands profit all right. But that’s all he understands... He doesn’t understand libraries at all. That branch – how much money did it make last year? Why aren’t you charging higher fines? Why don’t you charge for library cards?” Philip Pullman - See author Philip Pullmans' speech here.
Wiveliscombe Library in Somerset was due for closure, but the residents mounted a campaign to Save their Library (which included a letter to Somerset CC stating that the process that led to the Libraries proposal options was flawed, getting as many people as possible to become library members and a planned mass borrowing of all the books from the library on one scheduled day). Somerset County Council have now issued a statement confirming that they now intend to save their library. Do take a look at their inspiring blog here.

If you have not already done so, or would like to again, please write regarding the library closures to Cllrs Antonia Noble (Cabinet Member for Caring & Community Services) & Mark Hawthorne (Leader of GCC) at Cabinet Office, GCC, Shire Hall, Westgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2TG with a copy to our Parish Council at the Trap House.
Or via email: antonia.noble@gloucestershire.gov.uk or mark.hawthorne@gloucestershire.gov.uk

An online version of the petition is still available to sign at http://glostext.gloucestershire.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=8 until the Thursday, February 17. See also my letter to press before Christmas here.

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