UPPER HUTT CITY LIBRARY

Jan from Ebdentown

On Sunday 17th at 10.15am I went to my Library, knowing that there would not be genre separation.
I thought I could at least send an important (to me) email – ummm! NO the network wasn't working, (never genre or internet problems in the 18months I have been going to Lower Hutt Memorial Library), is Upper Hutt a part of the 21st Century?

No genre sections, in Upper Hutt - but they have a genre display area.
What is that? Either genre matters or it doesn't! I see this at the very least as an admission that people need to, want to and do identify books by genre!

I am inclining toward the thought that the Library Manager, Marion Read and the Council are now trying to prove their point, rather than engaging with, listening to, including or serving the citizens of our city. With no demonstrable research, no clear data, no community engagement, they are downgrading our Library by stealth!

I, like many others who for variety of sensory reasons , are still excluded from our Library.
None of us were complaining before the change – all of us were able to find and withdraw our choice of books. The Library met everyones needs.

Many since Feb 2017 have commented on their individual difficulties with the “philosophical trend' on both neighbourly and Facebook - these comments have been collected and collated and I can send a copy of it to anyone new standing for Mayor or Council who cares to show an interest. Those that do so will get my vote.

WHY WE DON'T KNOW WHATS HAPPENING UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE?

For the Mayor to say that meeting times, agenda etc are publicly available and it is up to us to keep up with every committee in case there is an item of interest or concern to us, is disingenuous.
To infer that if we don't turn up to the meeting, we don't care enough, is an insult. Insulting to all those who don't have, mobility, the internet, and insulting to all those differently able people out there who can't readily access information, many of who are ratepayers or Library members. Council don't mind taking their rates!

Once upon a time the Leader had a Journalist attend all council meetings, who then reported items of community interest or concern via the Leader to all our community BEFORE it happened. That gap has not been filled. The Mayor and Council like us to be mushrooms!

Good ethical Journalism is a cornerstone of democracy. The bridge between those of power and authority and those of us who have paid taxes or rates, to whom we have corporately devolved our collective power to them to represent us.

So whose interests does the LEADER serve? It is not our community interests. It is nothing more than a advertorial notice board. Yet another example of offshore exploitation!
I am not quite sure what function the Editor has, perhaps a degree in cut and paste techniques?

The people of Upper Hutt deserve better and to be represented, to be engaged with and consulted over such fundamental changes, not as happens now which is a fait accompli!