Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Haringey's libraries are the tops!

From the Haringey Indy

MORE than half of all Haringey's residents use its libraries making them some of the most popular in London, according to Government statistics.

Interim figures from the Department of Culture, Media and Sports show that almost 60 per cent of people in the borough have used Haringey libraries over the past year.

It means that Haringey libraries are in the top one per cent of library authorities in the country.

Obligatory quote

I love posting good news about libraries!

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Permalink Reply by Liz on January 19, 2010 at 17:45

That offer ended quite a while ago James. They may have read the books, they may not have done- no way of knowing but as far as I can see people taking books out at the moment in the library are probably doing it because they want to read them. I have no opinion on phonejammers to be honest.

I have tried very hard to find a concern about libraries, I really have, I've racked my brain for something to moan about but I really honestly can't. If I want a book for my studies, even an obscure one, they order it or even buy it for me to borrow. The books are in good nick and up to date. They put on activities I want to go to and its all free at the point of delivery (apart from my fines).

Sorry to disappoint, this being a council service and me being on the internet, I know I should try harder to find something negative to say but I can't.

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Permalink Reply by james walsh on January 19, 2010 at 18:29

That offer comes on whenever stats for book lending needs a boost (you know this).
Why do you have no opinion about phonejammers. are they a good idea or a bad idea ? don't just pooh pooh it away like that.

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Permalink Reply by Liz on January 19, 2010 at 18:43

I suspect its to do with budgets, James, but it really is fine by me.

If the issue is should people use mobiles in libraries, no.

If the issue is whether phonejammers are ethical, why not start a thread about them and I'll join in if I can think of anything profound to say on the subject.

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Permalink Reply by Caludine on February 11, 2010 at 18:47

You and me both! I miss all the fun. I seem to refriend fear that libraries would die come the introduction of computers and the Internet. Our kids use the Internet to research, buy and borrow books. Libraries are exciting and stimulating learning and curiousity resource centres. the Internet company Amazon has aided the increase of booksales worldwide. While there is most certainly an issue of change and politricks not withstanding, Us old folks can do the youth a service by our promotion and celebration of what is good on our areas. Haringey libraries- big up!

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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on February 10, 2010 at 18:13

New Danger at Haringey Libraries

It wasn't bad enough that our libraries are overrun by members of the public, eager to borrow books and DVDs; and even sitting reading. A resident has emailed me about a completely unforeseen new danger - dragons. It must be true 'cos it's in the Financial Times.

Incidentally, James is at least half right about the libraries using the tricks of the retail trade. But it's nothing as simple as stacks A-D. I asked and was told that indeed Haringey Libraries copy the practices of T*S*O, J*H* L*W*S and other stores. They try to affect customers' 'routes' through the libraries hoping they'll be inquisitive about new books on new topics.

Shocking isn't it? You go in looking for a Tom Waits CD and come out with a history of China.

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Permalink Reply by John McMullan on February 10, 2010 at 18:40

From the FT article incase you've had your quota of 'free' (not as in beer, yet) FT already this week.

It’s Wednesday and Sean Edwards, from Haringey’s libraries, is taking me round to do some sessions with local schoolchildren. We drive through some of the drabbest, most deprived parts of north London. But I have never been in such nice libraries. The choice of children’s books is inspired. And the interiors are beautifully designed – the floors are laid with a wacky linoleum depicting sea and pebbles and sand and there are even matching chairs designed to look like starfish. I’d like to live here.

The "what pet do you have at home?" discussion is priceless!