FLIT NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2006
View from the Chair
It has been too long since the last newsletter- well over a year- but in the intervening period FLIT has not been idle; from lobbying Councillor Mick Scullion, the Cabinet Member with responsibilities for Libraries, over the ending of contracts for the Community Access to Learning Assistants, to holding coffee mornings in most of the Tynedale Libraries and providing funding for library associated events.
You may recall that FLIT was born in reaction to threats to the library service in the late 1990s. Now some 7 years later the threats are back with a vengeance with 4 branch libraries in Tynedale targeted for closure – Kielder, Haydon Bridge, Corbridge and Wylam. Your committee is exploring ways of finding funding for feasibility studies for the 4 libraries.
As a member of FLIT you will feel strongly about the future of all libraries in Tynedale, so if you have friends who feel as strongly as you do, please encourage them to join us, only £5 a year. This will be one way to send a message to Morpeth that Tynedale wants to retain its libraries. Of course, letters to the press and to Councillor Mick Scullion will all help.
WHY DO PEOPLE NEVER ATTEND AGM’S ?
We all know the obvious rejoinder that if you attend an AGM you may get stuck with a job. There may be some truth in that of course, but while those with jobs are happy to do them, any organisation needs a change of personnel after a while. But do come along to Prudhoe Library on Tuesday September 26th at 7 30 p.m. and help to make plans for the next 12 months.
WELCOME TO MARGUERITE GRACEY, NEW LIBRARY CHIEF
Marguerite took up her new post as head of libraries in May this year. She came from Bolton library service where she gained a reputation as a person who can turn libraries round. We were delighted that she was able to attend our June committee meeting. There she made it clear that she wanted to work closely with FLIT seeing our role as a key one in the future of the libraries in Tynedale . Welcome on board!
THE CONSULTATION PROCESS. WHERE WE ARE NOW.
The consultation road show has visited Kielder, Haydon Bridge, Corbridge, and as I write this newsletter will be arriving in Wylam in a couple of hours. FLIT representatives have attended all four consultations. The consultations have been led by Dave Bonser, assisted by Mike Dimelow and Marguerite Gracey.
FLIT are pleased that 3 members of the senior management team are talking to the communities concerned – this does seem like genuine consultation – but are very unhappy about two key aspects. Firstly, the process only allows one month for the local community to come up with viable plans. It appears this is to fit with committee dates when the final decision will be made in September. This is clearly not enough time. The second problem is closely related; communities need support, what is sometimes called capacity to change the way the library service is delivered. All this takes time and resources. It is not clear that either is being provided in this particular consultation process. This view will be communicated to Mick Scullion and senior library staff.
If you have a view, please let your committee know.
Chair: Philip Latham 01434682494 22 Station Close, Riding Mill NE44 6HE Philip@silverfox33.fsnet.co.uk
Secretary: Monica Anderton 01434682496 Sandyford, Healey, Riding Mill, NE44 6BA mfanderton@f2s.com
Treasurer: Bill Grigg 01434634397 Haddrigg, 9 The Riggs, Corbridge NE45 5SX griggbill@hotmail.com
