« The Reason Why | Main | Book pushers »
February 12, 2007
Philip Pettifor
Sad to report that Philip died last night. He was the brains behind our attempt to restore public libraries. On a normal day I would have rung him to work out how we could lay the blame for such a tragedy at the door of the Department of Common Sense (DCMS) or DLA (Delay: the department of libraries archives). But he's not answering. "Don't give up" he told me when I spoke to him on Saturday. I shan't
Posted by Perkins at February 12, 2007 6:51 PM
Comments
It is sad news that Philip has died.
He certainly galvanised the current concern about libraries, which has become increasingly widespread, with articles regularly appearing in newspapers and magazines (Guardian, two days running this week).
Most likely, library readers at large have not heard of him but they appreciate the fact that there are these moves to return libraries to the fundamental issue (as it were) of stock.
Philip's efforts have given so many people such heart.
Posted by: Christopher Hawtree at February 13, 2007 8:35 AM
Tim, I'm so terribly sorry. This is a personal blow for you, losing such a good friend. And it's a blow to all of us, losing such a comrade in the effort to make libraries the best they can be. Warmest regards, Karen.
Posted by: Karen Christensen at February 14, 2007 2:20 PM
Philip did so much for libraries, but also so much for other people. I knew him for 41 years. He was a great man and I will be at his funeral on Tuesday to honour him and comfort Suzannah and all the family.
Posted by: John Armstrong at February 15, 2007 5:10 PM