tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30703821460013396572024-03-18T20:18:07.236-07:00Friends of Matson LibraryA place to plan, dream, discuss, and work things out together.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-16981616153334138972012-03-02T08:54:00.002-08:002012-03-02T08:54:53.492-08:00Clarity on Consultation about Partnership<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries have had some clarity on consultation regarding the 'if' and 'where' of partnership libraries.<br />
<br />
The present consultation is about 'if' Matson should have a Partnership library. After this is over, if the answer is 'yes' then we will start talking about 'where' and this will be a conversation involving as many in the community who want to engage with it "not just those who prepared a business plan" which in this case, as far as I know, was only Together In Matson during the first illegal consultation process.<br />
<br />
If you still think Matson Library should stay where it is and as it is then you have two more weeks of formal consultation to make that known (unless there is another legal challenge after that, which is entirely possible). </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-53858889438363654452012-02-20T05:31:00.000-08:002012-02-20T05:31:57.527-08:00Deprivation Index<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIH7MxDXTG1-b_4PgXLYXQwcQLkra6ypYMQrFMzVExzFGBfbsGyaSKobyrbUoy7tm_9TwRN_3Bbh3koMbF8c_6iGr-wKltKtFSuTmtGBln9udQ5ZWBxE884LE-4BqhUqo9Z4cvIP60qw/s400/matson+dep+index.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<br />
I got sent a link to<a href="http://casa.oobrien.com/booth/?layers=B000FTT"> this interactive map</a> of England today. Dark red shows the most deprived areas of England, dark green shows the wealthiest. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-74966478364397851362012-02-04T11:45:00.000-08:002012-02-04T11:45:21.730-08:00Consultation in Matson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A Consultation day in Matson has suddenly appeared! <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Thursday 23rd February 10am until 5pm at the Library. </b></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-52002990516051676072012-02-01T13:22:00.000-08:002012-02-01T13:22:47.833-08:00More Questions for GCC<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
At a meeting of the Matson and Robinswood Neighbourhood Partnership today (1st Feb) the library was again discussed. It was fed back to our new 'area leader' (not sure what that means) that the consultation process hasn't been well received: the on-line form being complicated where it needs to be simple and over-simplifying 'choices' so that real debate is not included. It feels like a pretend consultation.<br />
<br />
No one has yet suggested who might go into the present building as a partner and it was not clear what would happen if no partner came to an agreement with the council. So there is much yet to discover. <br />
<br />
One of the issues that a partnership would raise is that of how a Partnership Library would maintain their stock and to what level. I've been sent these questions: <br />
<ul>
<li>What proportion of brand new stock will each type of <span class="il">library</span> be entitled to expect and approximately how frequently?</li>
<li>How frequently will stock be refreshed from other libraries for each tier of the service?</li>
<li>On what basis will decisions about the nature of stock going to each <span class="il">library</span> be decided?</li>
</ul>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-51392468900075303462012-01-30T05:53:00.000-08:002012-01-30T10:57:56.162-08:00Library Consultation in Gloucester<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There will be only one venue in Gloucester for the <a href="http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries2012">library consultation Road</a> show it will be somewhere in the Eastgate Mall on Wednesday 8th February from 10am to 4pm.<br />
<br />
You can fill in an on-line survey at the same website <a href="http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries2012">here </a>or try <a href="http://www.snapsurveys.com/swh/surveylogin.asp?k=132793774875">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I've just done the survey myself. It's not all straightforward. In some of the questions they give you 10 points and ask you to share them out among a set of priorities. You need to read through carefully.<br />
<br />
One of the questions asks you to choose between community-run library or no library. You do not have to answer any question if you don't like the options which are fairly narrow.<br />
<br />
If you do not want to fill in an online survey there are other ways to make your views known that are more open ended including attending the consultation day mentioned above. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-25620384625519912512012-01-26T13:27:00.000-08:002012-01-26T13:27:33.991-08:00Elmer the Elephant and You at Matson Library! Yey!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 30pt;">National Libraries Day<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 30pt;">Saturday 4<sup>th</sup> February</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 30pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: 30pt;">Come To Matson Library!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: 25pt;">11.00 – 12.00pm<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTOestKf5iayYk48bQVt6d-rb5FdWeZ08ut-oXA3ATjtf9jqN_MXwTI3KKdXw" />
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t"
path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/>
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/>
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/>
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/>
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/>
</v:formulas>
<v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/>
<o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/>
</v:shapetype><v:shape id="centerImg" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75"
alt="Elmer Elephant"
href="http://ameblo.jp/247tree/image-10827392908-11102181570.html" style='width:279.75pt;
height:213.75pt;visibility:visible' o:button="t">
<v:fill o:detectmouseclick="t"/>
<v:imagedata src="file:///C:/Users/Hebden/AppData/Local/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg"
o:title=""/>
</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0066cc; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: cyan; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 30pt;">Elmer The
Elephant<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: cyan; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 30pt;">Stories And
Crafts</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 30pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 20pt;">Children Of
All Ages Welcome</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-91697305407492617662012-01-24T12:17:00.000-08:002012-01-24T12:17:34.552-08:00Unanswered Questions for Partnership Libraries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here are some questions that have come to my attention. There one's for us all to find answers too before we go too far down the road of being partners:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.8ex; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 1ex; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div class="gmail_quote">
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.8ex; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 1ex;">
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">what level of qualified librarian support will Matson & Tuffley & Hester's Way have? There is now, I believe, only one librarian per geographical area (Gloucester, Forest, Stroud, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Cotswolds). The Gloucester librarian for example, will now presumably have two decent sized libraries added to their workload (unless additional posts are created).</li>
</ul>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.8ex; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 1ex; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div class="gmail_quote">
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.8ex; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 1ex;">
<div>
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"> What is the nature of the work expected of those librarians with regards to the different tiers of the service (main, etc)</li>
</ul>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.8ex; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 1ex; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div class="gmail_quote">
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.8ex; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 1ex;">
<div>
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">similarly in those areas where community run or partnership libraries are being put in place, how are those single librarians expected to add this to their workloads. I believe there is a figure for the number of hours of librarian time allocated to partnership libraries.Will this disproportionately affect some librarians' workloads and impact on their ability properly to cover their other responsibilities?</li>
</ul>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.8ex; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 1ex; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div class="gmail_quote">
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.8ex; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 1ex;">
<div>
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">In Matson, Hesters Way and Tuffley, presumably, new staff teams will need to be appointed? How is this to be done, bearing in mind that other staff were made redundant?</li>
</ul>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.8ex; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 1ex; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div class="gmail_quote">
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0.8ex; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 1ex;">
<div>
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Who is responsible for outreach / promotional work and what level of outreach will be possible (for each type of library)? </li>
</ul>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="yj6qo ajU" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 2px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: -webkit-auto; width: 22px;">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-45049707878748504642012-01-17T13:21:00.000-08:002012-01-17T13:21:51.515-08:00Facts and Figures (if you like that stuff)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As well as the main document, this time, the council have published a raft of useful raw data. If you like that sort of thing (which I don't). I've tried to distill something useful for Matson library users from it. And here it all is! <br />
<br />
The council have published <a href="http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=107166">documents online </a>that demonstrate:<br />
<br />
Car ownership in Matson is at 67% the equal lowest in the county along with the city centre (which has the central library). This is why when in the last proposals they said everyone would be within twenty minutes [drive] of a library I knew they didn't know Matson.<br />
<br />
47% of borrowers at Matson library are 17 or younger. Around 11% of Matson library users are over 65. Which goes to show that even though schools have libraries the public library matters to young people.<br />
<br />
The number of people using Matson library over a year seems to have gone up since 2006 (15%) although there has been a dip last year. Perhaps this is due to the uncertainty? The number of books borrowed has gone down (-15%) in the same period. Perhaps people are using the library more for reference because the use of computers at Matson library is low relative to other libraries.<br />
<br />
Those who go into the library for homework help are slightly more likely to use the books (51%) than the computers (40%) to support their learning. It seems it really is the books, rather than the PCs that are the focus in Matson library.<br />
<br />
Matson library is the cheapest to run in the Gloucester District but the second most expensive per user. This suggests the current site is good value. Tuffley being the most expensive per user in the district. Although they are all within the normal range. There isn't much in it.<br />
<br />
If you want to email the county council with your views use this email address: <br />
<a href="mailto:libraries2012@gloucestershire.gov.uk">libraries2012@gloucestershire.gov.uk</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-57646320647237827492012-01-16T12:54:00.000-08:002012-01-16T13:04:30.719-08:00Thinking it through for Matson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<u>Public Meeting</u> <br />
A small group (sixteen) of people met together to discuss the future of Matson library at St Hilda's on the evening of the launch of the new library proposals. The mood was generally positive with people talking of cautious optimism welcoming the proposals.<br />
<br />
We had barely had time to take it all in and to properly understand the implications but it seems that Matson is now intended to have a "Partnership Library". As is Tuffley and Hester's Way. This is good news for all three communities who had been looking at the complete closure of their libraries.<br />
<br />
Now we are being guaranteed 21 hours (currently we have 23) of open library as a minimum. We were united in being pleased that the library service is being kept but there was a good deal of discussion on the pros and cons of keeping the library where it is or moving it to another site.<br />
<br />
<u>Reasons to keep the library in it's current location</u><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>The library serves an area wider than Matson and the current location was chosen to be accessible to Robinswood and Abbeydale. </li>
<li>Keeping the library where it is makes it clear that it is the council's responsibility, not the communities responsibility. </li>
<li>The building is a good size and already set-up for the current use. But there is scope to add value by getting community groups to use the library. </li>
</ul>
<u>Reasons to move the library</u><br />
(The previous plan to have a community-run library at the Redwell Centre opens the question of the council renting space in another building, we discussed this option).<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>If a move to a multi-use site means longer hours and better foot-fall the library will be used and therefore safer in the long-term. </li>
<li>Tuffley Doctors are looking at a multi-use centre including a library</li>
<li>Hester's Way are looking at a multi-use centre youth/library to increase hours and use. </li>
</ul>
Clearly this conversation is going to need more people to join it so we can figure out the way ahead.<br />
<br />
<u>What next? </u> <br />
Wherevery the library is it will need the council to be committed long-term to the fabric and stock or it will not be used. We also need to get some clear idea of what 'core provision' means.<br />
<br />
We agreed to get more people to become 'friends of matson library' so that whatever happens we can celebrate and partner library services. We agreed to have a 'Friends of Matson Library' meeting at some point during the consultation period which begins January 30th and lasts for six weeks. We also want to ask Jo Grills if a consultation could include an opportunity for one-to-one interviews so that residents could speak and listen more freely.<br />
<br />
We all hoped that the consulation process this time would be different than last time. There is every reason to think so, especially as an independent organisation is being brought in to run the consultation. <br />
<br />
It was great to see friends of Tuffley library coming to support the meeting. The more we speak to each other the better we can understand all this stuff. <br />
<br />
Over the next few weeks we need to get our heads around what is now being offered and what we want to say about that. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-59772474726163681282012-01-16T05:25:00.000-08:002012-01-16T05:25:49.050-08:00Matson Library Plans (nearly!) Announced<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
Council plans are delayed so I'm going to take<i> <b><u>a guess</u></b></i> as to what will be announced for Matson. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Library Move? </b></div>
<div>
It looks like the council will propose that Matson continues to have a statutory library services, staffed by a council paid librarian in a place rented by the council. But not at the current location. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>This would mean</i> that the council would save money on staffing and premises costs but our library hours would be extended from what they are now. It also means the council have a long-term commitment to funding a library in Matson rather than setting it adrift as they had previously planned. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>In short: whatever happens next Matson is likely to have a council operated library service here in Matson for the foreseeable future. </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>This would mean</i> council have recognised that many people in our community rely on the sort of services being offered by a library and that we need those to be local. It also means that they realise the importance of trained and qualified staff. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Sadly it also would mean</i> the present library building will become vacant. I hope that as a community we can take some responsibility for ensuring that space continues to be an important community building in some way. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The council document will be available <a href="http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries2012-01-16">here</a> at 6:30 tonight so we can still review them this evening. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Public Meeting</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>7pm Monday 16th January</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>St Hilda's Hall, Redwell Road, Matson</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>All Welcome !</b></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-16931086384759901312012-01-11T08:25:00.000-08:002012-01-11T13:36:30.475-08:00Library's go against conventional wisdom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We live in a world where shopping is seen as redemptive, "it provides job's" we are told, "it stimulates the ecnomomy," they say. And in a time when the economy is failing us all some say it needs stimulating more than ever.<br />
<br />
What this means is the more invidiualistic we are the healthier our economy is. Because individuals don't share resources, they buy them privately. The more private we are the more we have to buy stuff the healthier the economy is.<br />
<br />
The trouble is sharing makes for healthy communities. And libraries are all about sharing instead of privately buying.<br />
<br />
So if sharing is healthy for communities and not-sharing is healthier for capitalist economies what can we do to square the circle.<br />
<br />
In Matson we experience alot of what's bad about the capitalist system. Many residents are in casual labour, because it suits capitalism to have a flexible workforce. Many residents have had their welfare privatised, because it suits capitalism to make money out of people's needs.<br />
<br />
Many residents struggle to pay library book fines and so use of the library drops away. In conversation with Jo Grills the other day she suggested the idea of fine-amnesties (bring your books back with charges dropped) and I suggested text-reminders (like you might get from a dentist). Her idea is more practical and has that added virtue of being about forgiveness of debts, which, as someone who says several times each day, 'forgive us our debts as we forgive the debts of others', appeals to me!<br />
<br />
We also talked about the difficult of using a library with chaotic opening ours and wondered if a multi-use building would allow the library to be open for longer and more regular hours. Why settle for what we've got when we could have something even better?<br />
<br />
Libraries are as important and go against the wisdom of our times. So it takes a new kind of wisdom to see them through the difficult times ahead. I'm confident we can do it together.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-51794408090230728952012-01-09T02:52:00.000-08:002012-01-09T02:52:46.465-08:00Public Meeting for Matston Library's Future<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are invited to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A public meeting on the future of Matson Library</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Monday 16th January 7 pm</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">St Hilda's Hall, Redwell Road </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Parking at the Redwell Centre if needed) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Agenda: Gloucestershire County Council's New Proposals for the library</div>
<br />
The meeting is not only for Matson residents but for anyone who cares about the future of Matson library. The Council will be publishing there draft proposals on or before the date of the meeting before they go to the council cabinet on 20th January then public consultation on 1st February (ish). It is vital that we let them know our views before it goes to the cabinet.<br />
<br />
This meeting will be a safe place, among friends and neighbours, to listen to one another and work out what we think about the future of our library.<br />
<br />
<b>Everyone is welcome: just turn up. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-6333240410768931322012-01-05T10:15:00.000-08:002012-01-07T07:35:32.536-08:00Hopes for a Win/Win for Matson Library<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Residents and councillors sat together today, Thursday 5th January, ahead of new proposals for the counties libraries. Both sides said they hoped for a win/win solution which would be positive for Matson and realistic for Gloucestershire County Council.<br />
<br />
The new proposals will replace the "Meeting the Challenge" document, drafted by Cllr Antonia Noble but rejected by residents and by a High Court Judge as unlawful, draconian, and unfair on the most vulnerable in society. Mark Parker, who has been involved in the project from the beginning said he was keen to learn from the past but look to the future.<br />
<br />
Keith Hebden, curate at St Katharine's Church, Matson and Liam Kelch, Chair of The Matson and Robinswood Neighbourhood Project arranged to meet with Jo Grills, the new head of library services, with Mark Parker, who steers the Big Community Offer, also taking part.<br />
<br />
Mark and Jo welcomed the "positive approach" and that residents are willing to tell them "what they think the priorities are." Liam Kelcher stressed the stressed the need for a library service that was accessible to people from the areas around Matson, including Abbeydale and Abbeymead. Keith Hebden said that he believed a "win/win solution goes beyond compromise to a solution from which both parties come out better off than they were before."<br />
<br />
Jo Grills, who has only recently taken up her new post will be visiting Matson next week to see Matson Library for herself and to meet other community groups ahead of the formal consultation in February.<br />
<br />
<u>Rough Timetable</u><br />
Proposed Plan for Gloucestershire Libraries c. 13th January<br />
County Council Cabinet vote on proposals 20th January<br />
Six Week Consultation* c. 1st February<br />
<br />
When the proposals are published ahead of the Council meeting I will post a summary here and a link to the councils e-copy of the document. We will also make sure hard copies will be available for scrutiny around Matson and Robinswood and invite groups in Abbeydale to do the same.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I'm still not sure what they mean by consultation</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-77278315414923923212012-01-04T14:21:00.000-08:002012-01-04T03:54:24.341-08:00Were you there?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/pPcFjUfNM9M?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
In March 2011 around 70 people came to Matson library for a vigil.<br />
<br />
These people were from across the political spectrum from Labour councillors to Conservative Party members and activists. From those of faith to those of good faith. From senior citizens to babies in prams.<br />
<br />
They sang a moving adaptation of the negro spiritual 'Were you there when they crucified our library?' They named those who crucified the library - an innocent victim of an unjust system.<br />
<br />
Closing down libraries won't make investment bankers more honest, or corporations less greedy. Targetting public services for demolition won't bring down house prices or make shareholders more ethical. But it provides a welcome distraction for the powerful who fear any change that brings about justice. <br />
<br />
Were you there that evening? Post your memories of the event and why public services, like our local library, still matter and are still worth fighting for, here. <br />
<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-17697399066492546282012-01-03T04:24:00.000-08:002012-01-03T06:07:19.107-08:00Meeting Jo Grills<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Below is part of an email I've just received from John Holland. John has a long involvement in our libraries as former head of library services (I think!).<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
"If you haven't, the best person to meet is Jo Grills, who, as of today, has the new post of Operations Director, Education, Learning and Libraries, and more importantly, is the Programme Director for the new review of libraries.</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Jo also line manages the two heads of library services. As you know, Johanna , Demelza and I from FOGL met with her before Christmas and she is seeking another meeting with us this week. Jo was not involved with the Nov 2010 half-baked review of libraries, and seems keen to undertake a more through and equitable review this time.</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
May I suggest that, if you have not done so already, you arrange to meet her as soon as possible to put to her the case for maintaining a statutory service in your community. You can do this via her secretary Liz Warwick on 01452 426418 or by email at <a href="mailto:liz.warwick@gloucestershire.gov.uk" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">liz.warwick@gloucestershire.<wbr></wbr>gov.uk</a></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Jo seems friendly and open and, I think, will welcome your contact."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">
I will be meeting with Jo Grills on Thursday 5th January at 3 pm. Please let me know if you would like to come with me. I would not want to take more than two maximum, though, but if no one comes with me I will cancel the meeting. </div>
</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-40122713249902435392012-01-01T14:20:00.000-08:002012-01-01T14:20:09.147-08:00New Year and New Hopes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm going to be meeting with Jo Grills some time soon. I'm waiting for confirmation on that and a date. It would be good to take someone with me.<br />
<br />
I have explained that I have no mandate but simply want a conversation and would hope for a "win-win solution" whatever that may look like.<br />
<br />
I'd encourage readers to contact Jo personally with their views on the future of Matson Library. With the success of the judicial hearing last year we have every reason to be positive and constructive without giving away the quality of service Matson has been used to.<br />
<br />
We have a good case for protecting Matson Library for the future but equally the Council will make some kind of cuts somewhere and somehow. So we need to be having ideas about how our library works for the future. <br />
<br />
Matson library is already 'our library' of course because the Council is 'our Council', elected by us to serve the best interests of all kinds of people in the community and to guarantee fair and equal access to public statutary services.<br />
<br />
Making the library a public library into a community-run library doesn't guarantee local autonomy. Everything depends of the accountability of the local group and their relationship to library users.<br />
<br />
Anyway, please be in touch via comments or email. I will post more about that meeting when I know more. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-83678620270643874402011-12-22T04:30:00.000-08:002011-12-22T04:30:03.107-08:00FoGL and GCC in conversation at last<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
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. </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
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. </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
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. </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
It is worth knowing that Jo Grills and Duncan Jordan are the people to contact with your concerns for the future of Matson Library. </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
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</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Jo Grills confirmed that the council will be in ongoing discussions with the<b> Equalities and Human Rights Commission</b> before the <b>new strategy is announced on January 20th</b>, and that a new needs analysis for the service is being undertaken at present. </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
A consultation process will follow the January 20th announcement.</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div>
<div class="gmail_quote">
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Demelza reportst that they "left the meeting feeling that <b>Jo [Grills] is committed to getting things right</b> this time, although of course, she is not the only person involved so<b> vigilance in all of our local communities is still needed, </b>and we believe local community groups should continue to ... <b>get in touch with GCC now </b>to ensure they are aware of the needs within your community, rather than waiting for the post-strategy consultation."</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
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. </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-14715143654383482952011-12-20T09:37:00.000-08:002011-12-20T09:37:17.954-08:00Talis and Community-run libraries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The council Talis System is the system whereby library member information is held centrally but used locally. For date protection reasons volunteers cannot legally access this info.<br />
<br />
So whatever library service we get in Matson in future we need to make sure that it has the Talis System or we will be cut off from the county library services.<br />
<br />
I've just heard from someone, who I think is part of the Somerset campaign, that there is a way that this can be done with a Community-run library but it's still not clear how.<br />
<br />
Any readers know the answer to this? </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-54114743188161986542011-12-19T04:38:00.000-08:002011-12-19T04:38:08.275-08:00Yes We Can<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
How did <a href="http://foclibrary.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/1611kr01marked-2.pdf">Judge McKenna </a>describe the councils process of deciding to shut down Matson library? Try "draconian", "unlawful", and "bad government". The judge used stronger language than many of us would dare to use.<br />
<br />
It is worth celebrating that the judge made an important note of the "contributions of local residents". The decision to law was supported by Matson library users. It was also bolstered by the visible show of support we gave through public meetings we organised ourselves, the signing of petitions and letter-writing, and the vigil we organised.<br />
<br />
We have helped make this happen and we can help ourselves to continue to speak truth to power even when the powers-that-be don't want to listen.<br />
<br />
Our MP claimed to have saved Matson Library, and perhaps he genuinely thought he had. But the judge has ruled that, in legal terms, a community library has no validity and so amounts to a closed library. So he was technically wrong as well as confused over the geography of the estate.<br />
<br />
It was a can't-do attitude that didn't believe we could win our case, an attitude we all fall into because we're used to not being heard. But we can and we might. We could save our library.<br />
<br />
Email <a href="mailto:mark.hawthorne@gloucestershire.gov.uk">Mark Hawthorne</a>.<br />
<br />
Encourage neighbours to <a href="http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/index.cfm?articleid=19295">join the library</a>.<br />
<br />
Visit <a href="http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/index.cfm?articleid=1234">Matson library</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="mailto:keithhebden@gmail.com">Let me know </a>your stories of why Matson library is important to you.<br />
<br />
We have until the 20th January, before the so-called consultation starts. We need to be putting regular pressure on the decision-makers. Remind them who they work for. Remind them whose community this is.<br />
<br />
<b>Important developments expected on Wednesday. Watch this space for the latest on Matson Library on Wednesday 21 December. Will the winter solstice welcome in the new light of spring? Only if we keep a fire burning. </b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-82885264035368946962011-12-15T15:43:00.000-08:002011-12-18T13:37:28.560-08:00Become a Library member online: it's easy!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you follow <a href="http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/index.cfm?articleid=19295">this link</a> you can join on line. It is free and easy. Your personal library card will be sent to you in the post. Joining and using the library - and encouraging others to do the same is key to keeping our library open.<br />
<br />
Did you know?... <br />
You can even <a href="http://prism.talis.com/gloucestershire/">search for books on line </a>and order or reserve them. You'll get an email to tell you when they are ready to collect. You don't need to go looking on the bookshelf if you know what book you need.<br />
<br />
You can join the library by filling in a form over the counter. Your card is posted to you and you can start using it straight away. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-27546795065681593872011-12-15T15:40:00.000-08:002011-12-16T12:46:06.111-08:00Public Meeting Sheds Light for Matson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There's a good summary from <a href="http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/Public-Library-Meeting-Raises-Concerns/story-14146671-detail/story.html">The Citizen</a> of some of the things talked about at the County-wide public meeting on Wednesday. I've pasted them below. I, or someone else, can then fill in the detail on each as it matters to Matson over the coming days.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Other things that were talked about: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Good commissioning Guide </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This is something <a href="http://www.gloshub.org.uk/attachments/article/382/The%20Good%20Commissioning%20Guide.pdf">the County Council has signed up </a> and it <b>commits Mark Hawthorne to involve us </b>in the decisions about Matson Library from a much earlier stage. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Antonia Noble</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Noble is not really involved now. If we, <b>in Matson</b>, are going to talk to a cabinet member it may be <b>better to speak with Mark Hawthorne. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Data Protection</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It is <b>not clear how the County Library network could have been used by volunteers</b>. It is <b>illegal for volunteers </b>to access personal databases. If we want the benefits of the county library IT system in Matson then <b>we need at least one county librarian</b>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Irregular opening</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If you go to Matson library when it should be open and it's <b>closed</b>:<b> phone Jo Hand (</b><b>425040/<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f0f0ff;">425042</span>)</b><b> </b>straight away and ask what she's doing to make sure it's open. Then <b>phone Dan Charles at </b><b>the Citizen</b><b> (</b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">420621)</span></b><b> </b>to say that the council is not keeping to the judges ruling on returning our library to its previous level of service. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Transformation Account</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The County Council has around <b>£15m set-aside </b>for redundancies. It is this money that is being <b>used to cover the cost of keeping Matson Library open. </b>Matson Library costs around £50,000 a year to run. Not much in the big picture. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3070382146001339657.post-9218250901018863962011-12-15T07:44:00.000-08:002011-12-15T09:39:22.119-08:00St Katharine's sign up in open letter to MP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Letter Gets Backing of local Church</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">St Katharine's Church council (PCC) gave their back to an <a href="http://foclibrary.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/joint-open-letter-to-ed-vaizey-from">open letter to MP Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture</a>, yesterday, joining hundreds of local groups, individuals, and celebrities calling on the MP to do more to defend local libraries against unlawful cuts to services.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;"><i>In a discussion they voted nem con to sign it and want to see their local Matson library flourish for the good of the whole community" </i>said, Joy Paterson, the PCC secretary with Rector Revd Canon Dr Jeni Parsons adding, <i>"T</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;"><i>his matters to me and to this very vulnerable community of Matson"</i>. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 24px;">The letter to Ed Vaizey criticise his inaction and calls on the senior politician to act. <i>"</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><i>Please act Mr Vaizey,"</i> it reads, <i>"and show library users across the country that you remain a passionate advocate for our public library service, and have not left your convictions at the door on entering office."</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><i><u style="background-color: #f9cb9c;"><b>It is not too late to add your signature and comments to the letter. </b>The closing date is Monday 19th December. Read the letter <a href="http://foclibrary.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/joint-open-letter-to-ed-vaizey-from-library-user-groups-please-consider-signing-and-circulating/#comment-1245">here </a>then send an email <a href="mailto:foc.cheltlib@gmail.com">here </a>to add your name or the name of your group/club/place of worship. </u></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><b>County-wide public consultation snubbed by County Council Cabinet</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">While the PCC met and discussed this their curate was at the public meeting th</span>at councillors Noble and Hawthorne declined to attend. Of the many people in the meeting, hosted by GAVCA and Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries, three were from Matson: County Councillor Steve McHale and residents Kay Powell and Keith Hebden all of whom have been actively involved in the campaign to save Matson Library. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">Kay Powell's comments at the meeting showed solidarity with other user groups. Keith Hebden gave a vote of thanks for the work of Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries and called for a united day of action in the new year. Encouraged by the meeting Steve McHale has suggested a new round of public meetings for Matson residents to discuss the future of the library service in our community. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">To follow: some helpful advice that came out of the Library meeting and what this might mean for Matson, Robinswood, and Abbeydale. Demelza, from the Friends of Gloucestershire Libraries encouraged local groups to seek their own solutions and work for justice. <i>"we have never wanted to tell people how to run their campaigns,"</i> she said, <i>"but we want to support them and work with their support." </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Meanwhile Ed Vaizey has yet to respond to what is<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_726366364"> said to have been a huge </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_726366364">embarrassment</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/dec/15/library-closures-writers-ed-vaizey-letter?CMP=twt_gu"> </a>for the minister and his department. </span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826546489455832908noreply@blogger.com0