« Philip Kerridge | Main | Dorset sizzles »
July 21, 2006
Syrup sponge
There is a little unheard of group called "The All Party Parliamentary Group on Libraries". Don't be fooled. That sounds jolly good but "All Party Groups" are normally sponsored by interest groups, they are not in any way part of the proper Parliamentary process. This group is not a body hell bent on sorting out public libraries; it is however, surprise, surprise, sponsored by CILIP, the body that is paid for by librarians. So the parliamentary group is not so much about improving libraries, but advocating the importance of library professionals, which devotees of this blog will know is not the same thing at all.
I notice last week they had a boisterous reception in the House of Commons at which Lyn Brown MP "who serves on the MLA council" said that the MLA had had " a very difficult start, with one reorganisation after another". How sad; I shall cry all night. They should learn a lesson from the DLA (Delay) and stock up on the biscuits. Under its current name and its previous name "Resource", the MLA has been operating for 5 or 6 years: how long does a "difficult start" go on?
She also advocated more agencies like the London Libraries Development Agency. I hope she is planning to pay out of her own handbag. With 87 regional offices of the MLA, we need another few dozen development agencies "like my rose bush needs more flies" as a resident of Winchester put it when told that the central library was to be turned into yet another coffee bar.
Libraries are closing, book funds are being slashed and 50 MP's and God knows how many hangers-on are swilling champagne and feeling sorry for the MLA. I'm sure the members of SYRUP will be jolly pleased that to learn that they are being sponged off in this way.
(Mr Grimsdyke was not invited!)
Posted by Tim Coates at July 21, 2006 11:02 PM
Comments
Tim,
TAPPGOL?
Why was Mr Grimsdyke not invited, pray?
I expect the powers that be thought his strawberry milkshake would look out of place amongst the tray of glasses filled with champagne.
Posted by: Margo Harker at July 22, 2006 10:09 AM