Libraries are a key part of our recovery
WE are all aware of the financial constraints and difficult choices facing local councils at the moment, but please, Glasgow City Council reconsider the decision to close some of our city libraries.
Fifty five years ago, as our first married home, we moved to tenement property in Whiteinch, Glasgow. I was delighted to find Victoria Park and Whiteinch Library within walking distance and used both regularly.
As our children came along, visits to both increased.
At primary school the children changed books fortnightly and used library resources for school projects, directed by helpful, efficient staff.
As our family grew we moved to a larger home in Scotstoun, but continued to use the library, walking through the park to get there.
At secondary school our teenage children used the excellent reading room as an oasis of calm (and again as a source of information) to study for exams.
When grandchildren came along, they were also introduced to ‘Destination Library’.
They enjoyed reading too and being allowed to choose their own books in the children’s room – often there would be a ‘bounce and rhyme’ pre-school event taking place or a librarian-led storytelling session with local nursery/school children. I firmly believe books fire children’s imagination and open their eyes to worlds and possibilities beyond their present experiences.
The above is the story of just one family’s involvement in the local library, it can be replicated many times throughout this city.
Long before the pandemic the reading room had an IT suite which was well used by students, ‘silver surfers’ and newcomers to our country.
I cannot see any suitable accommodation within Scotstoun Leisure Centre (the proposed relocated site, I understand) which could replace the three excellent rooms presently housed in the stunning Victorian building that is Whiteinch Library.
Surely GCC, libraries should be seen as an integral part of the pandemic recovery plan for education, community and mental health?
AM
Via email
I WONDER if the leader of the council, Susan, Aitken and her officials ever leave the City Chambers?
The city centre is covered in graffiti, Glasgow’s citizens of lost souls of alcoholics and addicts parade up and down, turning it into a no-go area.
At two iconic areas: the Hielanman’s Umbrella and George Square, they have turned both into anti-social behaviour hot spots with soup kitchens. It must be an eyesore for businesses, restaurants and people going for a night out. Name and address supplied
IN the not too far distant past, it would have been unthinkable for a person from a Labour environment or background, to even consider voting for the Conservative Party.
Since the disastrous leadership of Gordon Brown, the Labour Party has gone into rapid decline as the voice of the people.
Under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour Party, was humiliated by the dithering Boris Johnson, at the last general election, and were again humiliated by the Tories, at the recent English Council elections.
It is reported Sir Keir Starmer intends to axe the current Shadow Cabinet. In my opinion, as an inept leader, he should start with himself, as this is a case of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted.
The city centre is covered in graffiti