Brentford Library
In a letter to the Guardian on April 3rd http://guardian.co.uk/books/2009/apr/04/birmingham-library, local resident Hazel Dakers welcomed the development of a new flagship library in Birmingham but drew attention to the reduced and deteriorating situation in many local branch services.She cites Brentford where the library is open only 4 days a week,two until 5.30 and 2 until 8pm. It is also not unusual for 'staff shortages' to close the library without notice on these days.My impression is that Brentford library is a well used and valued community resource where staff offer a helpful and accessible service to adult and junior members alike. It's computer services are relied on regularly by all age groups - school pupils, students and local residents otherwise without access.Hazel Dakers suggests that a solution to the problem of staff shortages could be for Hounslow's library contractors, John Laing to contact retired members of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals living in the borough and set up a pool of locums upon whom it may call at short notice.It would be useful to hear the views of local residents regarding library opening hours and to know the extent of support for moves to maintain or even extend them.
Mrs Heather Jones ● 6262d11 Comments