That’s what many of the people in Tokyngton (within the London Borough of Brent) feel regarding the six (soon to be seven, as Willesden will be ‘temporary’ shut down) empty buildings that were home to good libraries.
Selma James, widow of the historian and advocate of the Caribbean, CLR James, was highly critical of the decision to reduce the library facilities within the London Borough of Brent.
As was stated during the launch of her book at Kilburn library on Thursday 7 February, after 7.30pm – I also brought a signed copy – Mrs James was critical of the cuts and added: “...libraries will soon be available only to those going to Eton...”
As was noted by many who also attended the launch of her recent book, Sex, Race and Class, a library is one of the few places left where your sex, race and class dosen’t matter to anyone.
When I worked at the Tokyngton church branch of Cricklewood Homeless Concern, an organisation that operates throughout this borough to help homeless people, men and women who are over the age of 18 years of age, regardless of race or religion, many of its clients and staff would also attended this library, mainly after breakfast, about 9.30am.
For those who were Muslim, we respected their beliefs - as the Tokyngton church is the local parish church - and made sure the meat we used was Halal and prepared according to their beliefs.
When the head of Brent libraries turned up and said the Tokyngton library was going to be turned into a Mosque, this didn’t pacify the growing crowd, which consisted of more than 50 people.
Members of the crowd who were Muslim, pointed out they too used the now defunct Tokyngton library, which also had a well-used childrens, large-print and audio books section, which shows how popular it was.
Considering the nearby Central Middlesex hospital (many who were born in this hospital affectionately call it by its old name, Park Royal) is soon to have its accident and emergency department shut, the self-help books in the remaining libraries are now a matter of urgency.
Considering the nearby Central Middlesex hospital (many who were born in this hospital affectionately call it by its old name, Park Royal) is soon to have its accident and emergency department shut, the self-help books in the remaining libraries are now a matter of urgency.
Tokyngton library served the age needs of the middle-class people in this ward and the same goes for people in Stonebridge estate and Saint Raphael’s estate, which houses some of the most deprived people and children in the UK.
In other words, the closure of the six libraries in Brent, including Tokyngton - a multi-racial ward - is still an emotional issue that won’t go away.
This is issue that affects everyone in this London Borough, as the closures of Neaseden library and others, puts an unwanted strain on the remaining six libraries in Brent.
The Brent Conservatives and Brent Liberal Democrats have got involved in condeming the reduction of libraries in this borough.
Councillors from the above political party's attended the High Court on both readings last year, when many tried, without success, to get Brent Council's decision to close Tokyngton, Neasen, Cricklewood, Barham Park, Preston Park and Kensal Rise library's overturned.
People in this borough with political views near the left, right and in the center of this brilliant country are unhappy with the decision to have fewer libraries.
This is issue that affects everyone in this London Borough, as the closures of Neaseden library and others, puts an unwanted strain on the remaining six libraries in Brent.
The Brent Conservatives and Brent Liberal Democrats have got involved in condeming the reduction of libraries in this borough.
Councillors from the above political party's attended the High Court on both readings last year, when many tried, without success, to get Brent Council's decision to close Tokyngton, Neasen, Cricklewood, Barham Park, Preston Park and Kensal Rise library's overturned.
People in this borough with political views near the left, right and in the center of this brilliant country are unhappy with the decision to have fewer libraries.
Men, women and children of all faiths need a local library, for various reasons and stages in their lives.
Not all of us can buy wonderful novels like JK Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy.
Others haven’t got the funds to get books from the Fowler's range of Modern English Usage, which is so important to improve our CV’s and knowledge of the English language.
I thank Selma James for her support in condemning the reduction of library's in Brent and I'm thankful that both herself and her husband enjoyed attending Cricklewood library, which has also been closed.
I repeat what the poet, Lord Alfred Tennyson once said in his famous poem, Ulysess (which is now being featured on BBC2):
I repeat what the poet, Lord Alfred Tennyson once said in his famous poem, Ulysess (which is now being featured on BBC2):
...to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.
Light and Love
Andria
PS, to see previous copies of my work, click here.
