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May 25, 2006
Bradwell library
3 years ago Norfolk County Council closed Bradwell library on the normal grounds; "nobody wants it, it's out of date, society has changed" and suchlike rubbish.
Now, in the hands of the local community, it is one of the most thriving public libraries in the country
The fundamental difference is "attitude". A local council spends so much time defending its toe nails from its socks, that the people who work there have lost their contact with humanity. Management has come to mean "telling people what to do" and "waiting to be told what to do". Local government practice needs to be overhauled.
Come on Norfolk County Council- I know you have done extremely well since then-so explain what you lessons you learn from Bradwell library
By a curious coincidence this morning's post brings an invitation to a seminar at 11 Downing St on "Double Devolution" which is the expression which means giving resource and freedom to small local communities to manage their own services. It is an idea I wholeheartedly support. It is certainly how the libraries in Bloggington on Sea are operated. Mr Grimsdyke's methods are obviously admired in the highest places
Incidentally "double devolution" is the exact opposite of what the MLA have just done which is set up large suites of offices in provincial cities.
Posted by Tim Coates at May 25, 2006 11:02 AM