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May 12, 2006
Call for campaign support
I am very grateful to those people who kindly contributed last year to the costs of my campaign to save the public library service. Throughout the time I have worked on this project I have believed that what I do is what the public want, and that the work should be paid for by Government. But Government refuse any help and although they take an interest and often follow my line, they decline to talk to me in a meaningful way. My messages to them do not receive replies,although I do have good and sensible discussions with opposition factions and parties and a number of local councils.
I had a meeting this week with one of the country's senior librarians, a man who I like and respect. He told me that, in his view, the decade in which it has been unfashionable to talk about books in libraries is coming to an end. It is now possible to stand on a platform and say "books are essential to what we do". That is an achievement of this campaign and those of other like minded people.
The Wolf is once more at the door and I am forced again to ask for support. Donations small and large will be gratefully accepted. I would also be delighted if anyone can put me in touch with possible sponsors or funds or even universities who would support my work. My credentials are on the blog
If you feel able to make a contribution of whatever kind, send me an email and I will reply with my address.
Many thanks - Tim
tim.coates@yahoo.com
Posted by Tim Coates at May 12, 2006 8:38 AM
Comments
It might be a good idea to approach some of the booksellers as potential contributors. Many technical, specialist or other non-fiction works are only economically viable because our local libraries purchase them.
The short-sighted closure, downsizing or "dumbing-down" of our libraries will make it uneconomic for publishers to print serious reference books.
By definition, the printed word and libraries are the basis of civilisation. The loss of well-stocked public libraries will not only affect our communities but will have a long-term destructive effect on the knowledge-base of our culture as a whole.
Posted by: Ealing Library Campaign at May 12, 2006 2:22 PM
http://www.davinciinstitute.com/page.php?ID=120
Have you seen this?
Posted by: Lynne W. Scanlon at May 12, 2006 9:30 PM
Richard Charkin posted a very complimentary posting about your efforts a few weeks ago. Might Macmillan be interested in supporting your efforts?
Posted by: Maxine Clarke at May 12, 2006 10:13 PM