Forum Topic

Brentford Library - proposed cuts - BBC coverage

Breaking News – It’s definite - the BBC are going to be at Brentford Library tomorrow with a film unit to cover the proposed cuts to libraries. Our survey responses had a good effect on the council but we can’t leave it there. Let’s  tell everyone how much Brentford Library means to us and why we think the council would be mad to close it down.  Don’t let this opportunity go by! Brentford gets precious little from the council, don’t let it take what we have left!

Robert Nicholas Greene ● 5540d23 Comments

Jim Lawes ● 5538d

Jim Lawes ● 5538d

Jim Lawes ● 5538d

Jim Lawes ● 5538d

(tv image enhanced(?) and posted by phone)

Jim Lawes ● 5538d

(By phone)

Jim Lawes ● 5538d

As I would hope anyone would do running a public protest event of this nature,Jill sent a press release to a wide range of media organisations. The net was spread widely and some responded later in the week by saying that they hoped to be there. But no. We felt under no obligation to make public announcements to this effect. Think of the disappointment if they'd had to attend a bigger story!

Hazel Dakers ● 5538d

Not sure if any of the "Organisers" were notified directly and in advance that the Television Companies were to attend the event.  No-one mentioned it.So, thanks to you Robert we were forwarned..giving those attending an opportunity to dust the cheeks and hide the wrinkles.

Jim Lawes ● 5538d

Well done ladies. Hazel mentioned that some 100 people had attended..and as was promised the cameras did roll.Here's that ITN Report lasting 2mins 11 secs...and look out for Kath,TW8 Editor at 1.31!http://www.itv.com/london/library-closure-protests81962/

Jim Lawes ● 5539d

Excellent coverage on the ITN London News at 6.05pm tonight.Brentford Library Read-in will also feature in a BBC Inside Out programme (not sure which BBC channel) in about 3 weeks time.Jill Allbrooke and I ensured our press release about the Read-in had wide coverage.

Hazel Dakers ● 5539d

Where would you find such beauty nowadays.

Dawn Hardy ● 5539d

Couldn't agree more, Brentford Library is ours and a necessity to our community.

Dawn Hardy ● 5540d

So, all eyes on Brentford Library. Be informed and let's make the most of the attention.. perhaps.Isn't this artwork stunning?

Jim Lawes ● 5540d

There's a grand room upstairs at the Library. Indeed there may be several such rooms. Who knows. We know that the Pyramid Club use it.. but not sure how regularly..or which rooms.Certainly there are Community local history days there annually...as I saw in recent times. So, just to let you have a peep.

Jim Lawes ● 5540d

Mr Carnegie, a Scotsman in USA, apparently financed over 600 Libraries in the UK. Is that so? What a legacy!

Jim Lawes ● 5540d

Maggie Jones,has produced some interesting local pictures, and on Flickr this one appears of the plaque which is high on the wall in one of the reading rooms.Small size this one.. larger size to follow.

Jim Lawes ● 5540d

Remember the unveiling of the WWI memorial? That was a special day.

Jim Lawes ● 5540d

The "Layton's Legacy" booklet suggests on page 10 that if we look more closely at this picture "Fred Turner is standing in the doorway" !And the picture is of the Library "shortly after it was built"

Jim Lawes ● 5540d

With all eyes on Brentford Library perhaps..... Another recommendation, if it's not in your own library already, is the booklet "LAYTON'S LEGACY: Thomas Layton of Brentford and his collection" by Mike Galer. isbn 978 0955 457 500. It's been mentioned before that next year (2011) is the 100th anniversary of Layton's death and no doubt the Memorial Trust will be well aware of that. Do you belong to it?The booklet describes the Librarian Fred Turner's life. Born in Wolverhampton "to working class" parents in 1864 (11 years after Charlotte's Cottages in Half Acre were built!) and that he joined Wolverhampton Library at the age of 15.He was appointed Librarian at Brentford in 1889/1890 when it was first established. It was then located in Clifden House (Council Offices)next door to the present Library which was built then opened in 1904.There is plenty to read about Fred Turner, his work with Layton's Collection and his publications. When the Borough of Brentford and Chiswick was incorporated into a Borough in 1932 and a Sovenenir publication was issued to all local schoolchildren to commemorate the Charter, it was Fred Turner who contributed the majority of the historical text etc ..including using the term BRENTONIAN!Fred Turner retired as Brentford's Librarian in 1930 and he lived another 33 years until he died aged 93.Hope that's helpful..at this time.

Jim Lawes ● 5540d

Actually her website says "Out of print, copies at Brentford Library". But you may be lucky and find the library still has copies to sell.

Mary Blyth ● 5540d

Thanks..that's promising news indeed about possible BBC coverage.  So all eyes on Brentford Library tomorrow!I've stumbled across Dianne Willment's website...she is the lady who has produced many local publications and quite recently the one on Brentford Dock.Dianne's website reports:A booklet "Brentford Library and the First Librarian" by Diane Willment is obtainable from the Library etc at £3."This was produced to mark the centenary of Brentford’s Public Library, opened in person by Andrew Carnegie in 1904. It features Fred Turner, Brentford’s popular Librarian.""Ironically the centenary celebrations were held in 2003. In 2004, on the actual hundredth anniversary of its opening, a Saturday, the Library was closed as the key had been mislaid !" http://www.dianawillment.net/

Jim Lawes ● 5540d

I was told this in good faith!

Robert Nicholas Greene ● 5540d

Dear Robert Nicholas Greene,This is exciting news..but is it a hoax? No show of your name following a "Forum Search" and I suppose it needs to be confirmed by the Organisers / Website Editor.Being a fashion conscious populas we might have to swop to smart cas for the televised event in case we're in the news!Ta

Jim Lawes ● 5540d