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BRENT S.O.S. LIBRARIES: SAVE OUR SEVEN LIBRARIES

Brent SOS campaign

The Supreme Court have refused to grant permission to appeal to the library claimants, which means that the judicial review challenge to Brent’s closure of half of its libraries has come to an end. This is disappointing news, but Brent Save Our Six Libraries will continue to campaign to restore local library services in Brent.

Continue following the library campaigns around Brent and keep an eye on upcoming events.

The campaign is now Brent Save Our Seven Libraries – follow the campaign to save Willesden Green Library.

Comments

Shouvik Datta

I learnt about this initiative from the Independent today. Good luck (although this kind of initiative is about persistence, as much as luck). Libraries are a place for people otherwise lonely, to go to. They can read, or meet other people at their local library. One of the things I look forward to most is the monthly meeting of my reading group at my own local central library. Libraries also have an important role in education and the provision of information, especially to young people.
http://www.facebook.com/sspencerjones Serena Spencer-jones

I met Geraldine Cooke last week and gave her a donation for your library campaign, I really hope you CAN save all 6 of them.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=691695880 Simon Stevens

Quick question, how many disabled or older people do you want the council to leave without support so some retired middle class person can read their book in peace knowing they care for no one but themselves?

Wendy

NONE of course – we are all in this together – fight all the cuts – there is plenty of money in Britain to pay for all of this – just the greedy people who have it dont want to share it

Eyes open

So are you saying tax the better off some more or close tax loopholes or what?

Dsfgrc

Are you for real? The total cuts in question realize 1m. pounds

Shouvik Datta

Libraries are places where older and disabled people can get out of their homes, interact with the wider world, and meet other people from the local community. Most reading groups I know consist mainly of older people (this is also a comment on the young, and literacy). Libraries are places where all people (including older people) can find information. One of the quickest ways to become infirm is to stay in one’s home and grow isolated and lonely.
Wendy Davis

devastated to hear the news just now – who exactly voted for all this??? dont give up …
Grahame Leon-smith

I was disgusted to hear that the court refused to accept your fully justified appeal against Brent Council’s decision to close six libraries and would like to help you in any way I can. The Independent ThinkTank which I founded is opposed to the closure of all libraries as they are a vitally important part of community life. Please give me a ring anytime on 01932 874303 or send an email to: grahame.leon-smith@independent-thinktank.org.uk
Colhil

I am shocked by the court decision. Since when have libraries become an added luxury? They are fundamental to a civil,civic way of living. It is nothing short of a tragedy, made more so by the fact that Anne John – the decision maker at Brent – is both unimaginative and not too bright.
What happens now? How can I help?
Joyus1uk

Voters in Brent next May will
have their say. Like Kidderminster unless local political parties rally
to the cause, independent minded people should stand for election.
Jess Abbo

Whatever the real motives are behind Brent Council’s alacrity in shutting six libraries, Ann John and her cohorts should beware the symbolism of what they are doing. Boarding-up libraries will be recalled as culturally comparable to ending free education or even calling for book-burnings. If the Labour Party, ‘new’ or otherwise, wishes not to be associated with councillors of its own colour who have closed half their borough’s libraries, it should speak up immediately – and ‘disown’ them. Aneurin Bevan must be spinning in his grave.
Anonymous

Good Luck to the people of Brent trying to prevent their Libraries from closing. The people of the Wirral took on the council and won. A little place called Eastham started the ball rolling. We went to the DCMS and took it to a public enquiry. The council were crucified in the report and they eventually backed down. There is so much waste going on in our public services at the moment, we are being ripped off at every turn. Time to get angry, time to speak out, time to protest, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

lol

thats true

Laminatetheevil27

Hang on in there guys, there are a lot of people rooting for you.
Laura Collignon

Please ask Brent Council to talk to the Friends of Kensal Rise Library – eleven experienced trustees, 60 volunteers, some money in the bank and the community behind them – let the Friends run the library!

JBO

ONCE THEY HAVE YOUR VOTE THEY FORGET WHO PUT THEM THERE.

http://twitter.com/regordane hilary

It angers me greatly that you are wasting Brent residents’ council tax money on defending your idiotic and frivolous lawsuits. Kilburn and Willesden libraries are both within a shortish walk of Kensal rise. Focussing resources on fewer, better libraries will improve the service for everyone as well as saving money.

I am a Brent resident. You do not speak for me.

LauraC

How is it ‘frivolous’ and ‘idiotic’ to argue for the right of people to have access to books? After shelter, healthcare and food I would say that this is a basic human right!

And just whose money do you think is being spent? What a foolish statement. Easy for some to swallow library closures than others, it seems.
Sal_joe

There wouldn’t be any need for a lawsuit if Brent Council were simply to talk to us. Why aren’t they talking to us? We want to take over the running of the library so that it isn’t a burden on Brent’s finances.
Sonja

We are not wasting Brent residents’ council tax money – the Council are chosing to do that by refusing to heed the result of their own Consultation which showed 82% of those consulted were against library closures. When a council refuses to consult, discuss or co-operate with its voters there is only one way to be heard: via the courts.

I am curious to know whether you have yourself walked from Kensal Rise to Kilburn or Willesden Libraries? I would also like to know whether you are a mother with small children in tow or an elderly person for whom long walks are not possible - my feeling is you are neither of these. A huge number of people who were using the threatened libraries will not be able to get to those who are left.
Wembley resident

Define ‘a shortish walk’. A ‘better’ library, that’s out of reach of people like my elderly father, might as well not exist. You also only refer to the south of the borough. The distance from Preston Road Library to the nearest surviving facility in Kingsbury is 2.1 miles – as was proved by campaigners who decided not to take the council’s claims at face value. Is that ‘a shortish walk’?

It’s not appropriate to dismiss people’s rights as ‘idiotic’. Idiocy is better characterised as a servile acceptance of the status quo and a refusal to see anyone else’s point of view. These are not professional campaigners. They’re ordinary people, with their own busy lives, who are spending time and energy to fight for something they believe in. Nobody will hand out any medals. You don’t have to agree, but at least show some respect.

Finally, these are libraries. Public spaces where children can have access to books and information. Most of Brent is not especially affluent, and we should not sacrifice the most civilised, accessible spaces we have.

http://www.wembleymatters.blogspot.com Martin Francis

Good piece by Philip Pullman here: http://wembleymatters.blogspot.com/2011/10/brents-library-statement-masterpiece-of.html
Lukas

I just read this article! Maybe it could work with libraries here in UK?!

http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2006/11/21/AM200611211.html
Lakhpath

Having closed six small libraries in Brent on the grounds that the decision was necessary to keep Willesden Green library open, staff at Willesden Green library have been told that that site too will close for over two years, for urgent renovation. That leaves south Brent with no library facilities at all!
At the same time as these closures, our streets have been flooded with spanking new ‘blue top’ recycling bins to replace our perfectly good existing recycling bins! Does anyone know how much the cost of this unnecessary exercise was?
max

People of Brent show kick Ann John out of office at the next election
Lakhpath

Now that Willesden Green library too is to close its doors for over two years from April 2012, shouldn’t we rename the campaign Save our Seven libraries?
Annaf

I too am horrified to hear that willesden green library may close for ‘renovation’ although it seems the plans are more about development of the site and turning it into a mega high tech and no doubt soulness new centre .The building is only 20 years old , is cherished by the local community and the loss of the wide range of services it offers would be a huge blow .Does anyone know if there is any organised opposition to this proposal ? we should make sure that the local community are aware of these plans before it is too late .
Martin

Brent Council have given Willesden Bookshop notice to quit by April 17th 2012. More on http://www.wembleymatters.blogspot.com
Shokzi

Every time I’ve been to any of those 6 libraries they’ve been empty. You all are going on about nothin.

geraldine

Pardon?
There are many photographs of the overcrowding in the remaining libraries; and before the closed libraries had many people in them, reading, borrowing books, joining in events for children,..taking part in nationwide events. This is how the council has deprived members of the closed libraries, residents and people who work in their vicinty; the elderly and disabled., the jobseekers.
Please go and use your

Jess

Well, congratulations Brent councillors. Now you can happily look forward to closing down your seventh library, that being Kingsbury Library ‘Plus’ whose lease, I understand, expires in 2013. Inevitable, of course, since the old library building was sold off in favour of the current rented one.

The Supreme Court awaits.
Colette Hiller

Now the judgement has been lost and I understand it all goes to the high court
But what should we the public do? If we’ve donated money and written many letters – what next?
We should be harnessing the public’s support – we are not doing that.

This website has not alas been updated - how the public can really help is not clear -
http://twitter.com/WembleyMatters Martin Francis

This message was sent out to supporters from the Preston Library campaigners:

Dear Supporters

You will know from the Christmas Update that our legal
team have applied for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court. This – and the
injunction application – will be considered by the Supreme Court early in the
New Year.

However, despite protests from campaigners and
passers-by from the local community, library staff and contractors removed books
and equipment from Preston Library today . You can see a film of the removal and
reports in the local press at -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3IFHaEmy6A&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

http://www.harrowobserver.co.uk/west-london-news/local-harrow-news/2011/12/29/protesters-held-back-by-police-as-preston-library-is-cleared-116451-30029056/

http://bl164w.blu164.mail.live.com/default.aspx#!/mail/InboxLight.aspx?n=726113167!n=506765296&fid=1&fav=1&mid=504feab1-324c-11e1-af01-00215ad73a6c&fv=1

This was very disappointing as we had hoped that Brent
Council would not take such action while the legal action was still continuing.
However, this move is not irretrievable and both the legal campaign and the
pressure on Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sports, to
hold an enquiry into the Brent library closure plan will continue.

We will keep you informed of any new developments –
but stay in touch through our website http://brentlibraries.wordpress.com and the
Facebook pages [see below]

Unsurprisingly, Brent has won Private Eye’s 2011
Rotten Borough award for its “Library Transformation Plan” ! See…

http://www.private-eye.co.uk/sections.php?section_link=rotten_boroughs&

Good wishes for a better library service in
2012
http://www.wembleymatters.blogspot.com/ Martin

Local people concerned about issues around the redevelopment of Willesden Green Library are meeting on Thursday 16th February. Further information from their website: http://www.keepwillesdengreen.blogspot.com
http://www.wembleymatters.blogspot.com/ Martin

Brent Council Executive will be discussing the referral from Scrutiny tonight that calls for libraries to be reopened during the closure of Willesden Green for redevelopment. Speakers are also booked in to make representations on associated issues including the Willesden Bookshop.
Laurencesmythwilliam

we love books
Paras

this is lame. If I was rich I’d make a huge donation to save our libraries. It sucks how necessary services such as these are not affected in rich area, but they (the tories) take away the most money from the people who need it the most! Disgrace! Can’t wait for labour to come back in power. Long live our brent libraries
John Boyle

Sian Griffiths is a local Brent resident, firefighter and now candidate for the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) in the upcoming elections.

Sian was awarded the Queens Fire Service Medal (QFSM) and one of only 2 women to have ever received the award, in Nov 2010 but 2 days later was then suspended for supporting the Fire Brigades Union’s industrial action against the proposed sacking of 5000 firefighters and she was subsequently disciplined and demoted. She is pursuing her case through an Employment (industrial) tribunal next month (May). Sian is a parent and also active within her local community in Willesden and is the Chair of Queens Park Community School (QPCS) Parent, Teachers, Friends Association (PTFA). It is exactly this kind of worker that TUSC wants to see representing ordinary people instead of the usual high polished career politicians.

TUSC is a coalition of unions, activists and like minded people commited to opposing “all cuts” on the basis that money is plentiful at the tops of society and just needs to be shared out. All candidates stand by this pledge. TUSC represents an alternative to the 3 main parties which represent the millionaires instead it stands for the millions. We enjoy the backing of the RMT Union nationally and FBU in London.We are planning a public meeting for the 24th of April so if anyone from the campaign would like to come and speak or support tusc in any other way contact me jhn.boyle@gmail:disqus.com or 07986897629. http://www.tusc.org.uk/
JBO

Voters in Brent must vote with their feet when it comes to appointing new councillors. It is very important you keep up to date with what the council is up to especially people like Ann John. Don’t waste your vote you can force decisions. I wonder how long she will be in power?
deanstephenbooth

I used to live in Lechmere Road (directly across the High Road) so read the article in the Brent and Kilburn Times with some interest:

My heart sank when I saw yet another example of a solid, substantial and attractive Victorian building being set up for demolition by a short sighted, greedy and insensitive council.

The replacement building will inevitably be built with lower quality materials, be undistinguished, will look horribly dated within a few years (fashions change like socks in the 21st century) – and will likely be torn down itself in a couple of decades!

Does this type of bland, boxy, could-be-anywhere building enhance the street character of London or simply, at best, blend in unnoticed or, at worst, be an overbearing ugly intrusion completely out of keeping with the area.

A proper re-development (if one is even required – the library and cinema complex at the back seemed to operate fine when I used them in the 90s even though the 70s(?) building itself was a bit drab) would skilfully complement/respond to the impressive villa-esque Victorian structure and incorporate it into the design. Though perhaps the seeking of real skill, artistry and creativity is too much for the mediocre, short-term-gain councillors.

I suggest they order a copy of http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Victorian-Britain-Architectural-Masterpieces/dp/1845135326/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1337279074&sr=1-1

for the existing library – gather round in one of their meeting rooms with it and flick through the examples of criminal, wanton destruction of many fine Victorian buidings for the sake of ‘progress’ – and think about the dross that they were replaced with!!!. I thought we were more enlightened, considerate and appreciative of preserving our dwindling heritage as we move through the 21st century.

Good luck with this important campaign!
http://www.facebook.com/tingmei.chiu Ting Mei Chiu

One dollor,one action to save the libraries of the towns.Because we know it’s a unique space of junction for the residents in the towns.When the children grow up,they always remember the wonderful time to stay there to enjoy the reading time in the warm afternoons,whatever alone or with their father or mother.So it’s different from the function of e-book or bookmobile.One dollor,one action to save the living way which we want.