General Chat

Information came back to me today from the County Councillor is that this is not the only library (allbeit part-time) in Hampshire to have a security guard - there are two others!

just goes to show what sort of world we live in today. If it is a small village people will recognise the culprits but they probably dont give to hoots. Even if they get an asbo it is now regarded a badge of honour amongst their peers. Today in teh shop that I work a manager from another shop came in a told us about a prolific shop lifter that was in teh area. She has an asbo banning her from the street but when reported to the police they did not want to know unless she actually kicks off !!!! and apparently she carries a machete. I said to my manageress that if she comes in here she can help herself.

I lived in N. Ireland during the seventies and even there - never saw a security guard on duty at a library. And I visit a library weekly as my OH always tells everyone. As to National Service, my OH recommends that, also birching, stocks , shackles/manacles not handcuffs to name but a few!!

It must be a bit scary for the librarian. Hopefully it'll get sorted; I used to live in an area with all that going on, its awful. The kids need a kick up the backside. (Or National Service, as my other half says!).

Thought this sort of bad behaviour only happened in big towns and cities where it is hard to identify the culprits. In small village areas it must be easier to know who these hooligans are and deal with them. At least I would hope so. Jean x.

in Hampshire. About 6. p.m. this evening my OH and I visited small library in next village. This library opens 4 half days per week - 2 mornings and 2 afternoons - Tuesday until 7. p.m. Imagine our surprise to find a security guard sitting on a chair outside the door reading a book! When checked with librarian it is because there is intimidation from teenagers (there is a row of shops opposite - so not isolated). Roof is flat and boys would run across it - now has sticky paint on it which will not come off. When she phoned police last week - they asked what the banging was - she replied they are trying to kick the door in. Police response is such that a security firm has been employed - this in a county which are sacking librarians and doing away with the title. I phoned a County Councillor on my return home and he lives only a few hundred yards away and thought I was pulling his leg. Like Victor Meldrew we both 'still can't believe it'.