In merry England when Parliament made some major budget cuts to its libraries, (including closing some of them) the Stony Stratford council found out about the possible closure in December and sent letters to 6,000 townspeople, telling them that while the threat of closure was only a threat, it was time to prove how crucial the library was to the community. Then they took their battle to Facebook!
The library in Stony Stratford successful convinced its patrons to empty their library’s shelves, checking out approximately “16,000 volumes,” to show what a void the closure would leave in the community. The maximum amount of books one person could take out was 15. And ahead of their deadline of closing time today, all the books were gone.
According to the Guardian, the last few books lent out were self-help books and practical mechanics books. But they were checked out, and now the library staff are dusting the shelves. Self help books would probably be the last of ours to go too. An interesting idea, but oy, I would not want to be there on the day all those books come back.
On the other hand, a great time to clean shelves, and clean books, and shift as necessary. Speaking as a former shelver.
ReplyDeleteZHOEN, you read my mind. My first reaction was -- well, guess now's a good time to get any shifting done. I wonder what hidden surprises they found in between the empty stacks.
ReplyDeleteI really think that anyone who is considering librarianship should work as a page. Just like I believe everyone should work retail-hell once in their life.
"I really think that anyone who is considering librarianship should work as a page. Just like I believe everyone should work retail-hell once in their life." - Word. I'd also add to that list the position of office assistant/gopher/lackey/churl.
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