FoGL and GCC in conversation at last

Friends of Gloucesteshire LIbraries (John, Johanna, and Demelza) met with Jo Grills and Duncan Jordan who are the civil servants overseeing the new 'meeting the challenge' (if it's still called that) of reshaping library service. 

Demelza writes that "they seemed to take many of our comments on board and took copious notes". I have to say that Antonia Noble also took copious notes last time around so the proof, as ever, will be in the pudding. 

John Holland pointed out that, like last time, the GCC representatives "were at pains to point out" the financial challenges that the GCC face at the moment. These constraints have been imposed by the way the ConDem alliance have responded to the crisis in the capitalist system. 

It is worth knowing that Jo Grills and Duncan Jordan are the people to contact with your concerns for the future of Matson Library. 

It is also worth knowing that on Saturday Richard Graham MP approached one of the board members of Together in Matson (TIM) to ask if the board were 'disappointed' in not having the community-run library in the Redwell Centre. He would like to be able to tell people that but no statement has come from the board of TIM

Jo Grills confirmed that the council will be in ongoing discussions with the Equalities and Human Rights Commission before the new strategy is announced on January 20th, and that a new needs analysis for the service is being undertaken at present. 

A consultation process will follow the January 20th announcement.

Demelza reportst that they "left the meeting feeling that Jo [Grills] is committed to getting things right this time, although of course, she is not the only person involved so vigilance in all of our local communities is still needed, and we believe local community groups should continue to ... get in touch with GCC now to ensure they are aware of the needs within your community, rather than waiting for the post-strategy consultation."

 

It's encouraging to know that this meeting has happened. FoGL have done all this as volunteers for the campaign that we are all a part of. And it is a good reminder that we all need to keep on telling them what we need. They aren't quick learners it seems.