Brent residents denied their say on the closure of Willesden Library

One day local residents going to Willesden Library will find it close with a noticed on the doors “temporary closure for redevelopment….go to….”. Brent Council is anxious to close Willesden Green Library as soon as possible denying residents their rights to be consulted and have a say on the future of a local community space.

No statement of closure plan inside the library

Today as I walk towards my local library, I see a group of campaigners handing leaflets and collecting signatures. It is the Brent SOS Library campaigners. They are saying that Brent Council announced last December that Willesden Green Library will be closing for 2 years for redevelopment. A year ago the council stated the closing of 6 libraries in Brent in order to keep the 7 others open. Now they’re saying that Willesden Library needs to be improved and for that reason they are closing! 

Without Brent SOS Library campaigners we will not be aware of Brent council intention of closing Willesden Green library as there is no trace of closure statement inside the library. 

A communal space with excellent facilities

Anyone that has ever been to the Willesden Library knows that the current facilities are excellent. It is a two floors building with a nursery on first floor, a seating area for newspapers readers, a big table for community meetings. The upstairs areas is mostly used by local students that come here to work in groups, but also people with no internet access at home as all the library is wireless unable. The library has a marvellous selection of books on all subjects from literature, employment to how to build a website…. In short knowledge made available for all. 

Reading had changed forever the course of my life

Malcolm X wrote in his autobiography how books empowered him and changed his life: “I told the Englishman (English journalist interviewing him) that my alma mater was books, a good library”. “I have often reflected upon the new vistas the reading opened to me.” “I knew right there in prison that reading had changed forever the course of my life.” “Where else but in prison could I have attacked my ignorance…” he also said that the books that he referred to were quickly removed from the library! This is in effect a form of censorship.  

Librarian are not even unionised

Among the campaigners I recognised Philip. I was at the library when he was collecting signatures few months ago.  They’ve just been kicked out of the library by the personnel and a security sent exclusively for the day. I was astonished that the library employees asked them to leave as the closure of this library means that they will lose their job. They’ve probably been promised that they will be transferred somewhere else. Are they unionised I asked. None of them are Philip said. It was confirmed by the security guard I spoke to.  

Some unelected executives decide of library closures

 I asked who decides to close the libraries. Philip explained that the decision is taken by 10 council executives which implement the Council’s policies. Some of them are not even been elected. Lesley Jones, the Willesden Green ward councilor but also member of the executive committee was having her surgery that morning. She did not want to talk about the Willesden Green library closure claiming that she was tired and feeling unwell. She tried to justify the closure with the central government budget cuts. Where will local residents and books go while the library is closed I asked her. She said that the council will rent a local building. So they will be paying rent somewhere else! She was clearly feeling uneasy as she did not have a valid explanation to give.  

Residents have heard “temporary” closure before

A local resident recall the Thatcher years when the Willesden local hospital, slowly closed wards after wards until full closure unnoticed. It was also presented as a “temporary” closure! The hospital never reopened as everybody knows. Another suspects that they were selling the land to vested interests, developers that have been lobbying them for awhile. Another said they deliberately kept the cinema and cafe closed to prove the library unsustainable. 

Conclusion:

Residents are clearly suspicious and skeptical of Brent Council’s real intentions. Past experience has showed that closed public spaces are rarely reopened. Others are furious at the sneaky ways the council is using to go ahead with the plan and avoid delays due to public oppositions. Residents feel they have been stripped from their rights to have a say on issues that concerns them. Moreover they feel powerless and demanding that their representatives be accountable when the decisions are taken by non-elected “executives”.

References:

Brent Management committee: http://democracy.brent.gov.uk/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=123

Martin Francis of Brent Green Party blog: http://wembleymatters.blogspot.com/2011/12/willesden-green-library-not-on-december.html

Campaigners: http://www.brentsoslibraries.org.uk/sos/

Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/krlibrary/

Kilburn Times article: http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/news/plans_to_temporarily_close_willesden_library_sparks_fears_for_vital_services_1_805283

March For The Alternative - Why they are here and who they are 26.03.11

The March for the Alternative was organised by the TUC and joined by UK Uncut, a self-organised direct action group.

While the Trade Unions marched toward Hyde Park where this film was made, the UK Uncut under the "Shut Down London" operation was targeting "Tax Dodgers" retailers. Their philosphy is non violent and consist in entering the shops, in this case Fortum and Mason and do "sit-downs" with their placards. Obviously shoppers don't feel like buying anything... then the shop manager has to shut down... Mission accomplished :-)

In this film the protesters have been asked why they are here and who they are. 

While interviewing people from different walks of life, I realise that they all shared a common characteristic. They care for others. They are conscious of the implications of these Public Service spending cuts on their friends, family and local communities.

There was half a million of people coming to London from across the UK to show their opposition to this Tory Libdem lead government spending cut bill. Many citizens that aspired to change, voted for the Liberal Democrats at the general election thinking that it will make a difference. Most of them, feel deeply betrayed and question the true value of democracy. If we are in a democracy, why is it that our "representatives" once elected do not keep their promises. Does our voice count? This government instead of acknowledging the overwhelming opposition to Public Service cuts, they use the media propaganda of the state to divert the public opinion from this truth and focus on minor incidents that have been made bigger than they really are.

What's next?

The people that came to the protest know that all of this is no true. Until we rely on the BBC to tell us what's happening we will be kept submerge from real consciousness and unable to fight for our rights to health, education, settler.... It is time to get back our power and be listen to. Keep up to date.

References:
Filming and Editing: Sandra De Andrade
Interviewer: Liz Rojas

Music: Zapac Test Drive