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September 4, 2006
Let's work together
I was very pleased to see a comment this evening from John Whelan sho is a most distinguished councillor in South London.
Here is his message:
"Libraries matter and there are plenty of votes in them, especially if politicians or bureaucrats try to close them down. Many local authorities are also facing cultural services inspections by the Audit Commission. Performing well in an inspection means innovation and engaging with local communities as well as enabling people to share knowledge. I'd say let's work together to put new life into our library service throughout the U.K. but let's have enthusiasts as well as anoraks and also bring the sceptics to book."
John, I would be happy to work with you and any group you put together, at any time. Tim
Posted by Perkins at September 4, 2006 12:07 AM
Comments
Someone needs to explain who the "anoraks" are to international readers, please. I lived in England for a long time but didn't know that anoraks were complainers or whingers (another wonderful English word), as well as being a type of jacket. But can someone knowledgable clarify this please?
Posted by: Karen Christensen at September 4, 2006 1:34 AM
Anoraks are not complainers or whingers, but rather enthusiasts for esoteric interests which many find dull, boring and genberally lack lustre. Wikipedia gets it about right: In Britain, anorak is also a somewhat pejorative term for people whose interests are perceived to be nerdy, or who have more expertise in some arcane topic than seems altogether rational; the usage comes from the popularity of anoraks and parkas among train spotters.
Posted by: Elgar Atkins at September 4, 2006 11:20 AM