Topic ID 1814
What does everyone think of hertford library? does anyone actually use it? it always seems empty to me. is it a wasted service?
Reply ID 22815
Never used it. If it is empty a lot of the time what is the point in building a new one?
Reply ID 22817
quote:Rebuilding it is a great opportunity to revitalise it - make it a fun place to be, incorporate a cafe, sofas, outdoor seating etc. Libraries have stuffy reputations and the current building - lovely as it is - does nothing to dispel this. Relocating to a modern, airy, lively and interactive environment could be just the thing needed to draw in the people that such a place deserves.
Originally posted by Willow
Never used it. If it is empty a lot of the time what is the point in building a new one?
Reply ID 22818
Is that what the new library plans include?
Reply ID 22823
Our kids joined the library recently, staff were excellent , made them very welcome, however the building is outdated as modern libraries go, a new one would be most welcome
Reply ID 22827
I stopped using it for the kids when I had to lift a stroller up the stairs and nearly removed every poster doing so!
Reply ID 22829
My kids use it occasionally. I only wish the homework set at school required going to the library occasionally rather than just lifting stuff off the internet. The children's area not v. accessible if you have another young child in a buggy/pram. A brand new library with modern facilities would be fantastic.
Reply ID 22830
I think that the arguement for a new, purpose built libary is becoming overwhelming. A public libary is a wonderful thing in terms of learning and the dissemination of knowledge - the written and printed word still have a place despite the advance of the internet. (There are still those who do not have access to the web) Hertford needs a libary that is truly accesible to everyone Face it - the current Hertford Libary was opened in the reign of Queen Victoria. Things move on!
Reply ID 22832
quote:Fair comment - homework these days seems to be a copy and paste exercise! As for the library - lovely building, great staff, but agreed needs updating. Chris
Originally posted by CityBird
My kids use it occasionally. I only wish the homework set at school required going to the library occasionally rather than just lifting stuff off the internet. The children's area not v. accessible if you have another young child in a buggy/pram. A brand new library with modern facilities would be fantastic.
Reply ID 22836
quote:Err...I never use the swimming pools but don't use that as a point of reference for the demand for swimming pools or their viability. I think we should definitely retain a public library. Can't think of the arguments at the moment because of the alcohol but I'm sure they're all excellent ones.
Originally posted by Willow
Never used it. If it is empty a lot of the time what is the point in building a new one?
Reply ID 22869
Erm, you missed my point - I emphasized that if it is empty a lot of the time what is the point in building a new one? If it is empty then where is the demand?
Reply ID 22871
quote:build it and they will come[;)]
Originally posted by Willow
Erm, you missed my point - I emphasized that if it is empty a lot of the time what is the point in building a new one? If it is empty then where is the demand?
Reply ID 22874
I think libraries are under threat at the moment due to technological advances but they are still a fantastic resource. It may be empty some of the time but at others it is choc full of people with a really lively atmosphere. The whole point of public service buildings are that they are there when the public want to use them be it Libraries, theatres, swimming pools etc; not every public service can be run on narrow capitalist values. I love hertford library. perhaps a new building would allow it to grow and parking would be a huge improvement but even as it is, it is not a wasted service.
Reply ID 22889
where is this proposed new library going to be? cant imagine them building new library when they are closing down so many accross the county everyone seems to say good things about the staff! i find one particualr member of staff quite horrible.
Reply ID 22891
quote:See http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=137
Originally posted by Gemma
where is this proposed new library going to be?
Reply ID 22895
There is no doubt that the current library building would make a fantastic pub!
Reply ID 22909
quote:I hope they will [:)]
build it and they will come[;)]
Reply ID 22912
quote:Not a gay bar surely?
Originally posted by Dude
There is no doubt that the current library building would make a fantastic pub!
Reply ID 22913
quote:I had a bet with myself as to how long it would take for this to be suggested. I lost!
Originally posted by Roosterquote:Not a gay bar surely?
Originally posted by Dude
There is no doubt that the current library building would make a fantastic pub!
Reply ID 22918
if they do build a new library lets hope it is as good as the welwyn garden city library...noticed when on hols in suffolk that there librarys open on sundays
Reply ID 22919
The difficulty libraries face is many: accessibility (including push-chairs, DDA regulations and our old bug-bear: parking), availability of cheap reading books and internet research to name a few. If a new library is to be built it will need to be able to bring in some income to off-set the huge cost of building creation. The new library would be best served diversifying and developing an internet access point, readings, events - particularly involving children to encourage reading, learning and regular use of a library - and most importantly marketing! There are a number of major council-run, council funded (or even part-funded) institutions in this town who's understanding of the need to advertsise and present themselves as a dynamic addition to the town is lacking terribly. The council has a phenomenal blind-spot in thinking that because the service in question is council provided that they don't need to advertise or have marketing drives. IE: They're council run therefore expected to be there so of course it will be well used. The council is missing a huge trick to raise revenue for each venue as well as the chance to provide a really great facility for the town. If they build it, they may well come, but if there's imagination, drive, focus and advertising, they'll come even more. As for the old building: no parking so no planning permission for conversion into flats. A bar is possible/probable. Activity centre for the many young people in town. Event hire. Base for evening classes. Many possibilities, depends on funding and the state of the building.
Reply ID 22920
quote:As I recall, McMullens Brewery are paying for the new library.
Originally posted by Mr P
If a new library is to be built it will need to be able to bring in some income to off-set the huge cost of building creation.
Reply ID 22946
quote:I think I know the one you are talking about! *shivers*
Originally posted by Gemma
everyone seems to say good things about the staff! i find one particualr member of staff quite horrible.
Reply ID 22947
quote:Are they paying for the maintenance/running costs once built? Doubt it.[:)]
Originally posted by Stevequote:As I recall, McMullens Brewery are paying for the new library.
Originally posted by Mr P
If a new library is to be built it will need to be able to bring in some income to off-set the huge cost of building creation.
Reply ID 23069
As a member of staff at Hertford library I would suggest that Gemma comes into the library to see what resources we have here. She would find dvds, cds and videos. We now have magazines for loan on subjects from craft to film, trains to beauty. Yes the building is old and needs replacing - but thanks for all the nice things that people said about the staff!
Reply ID 23070
quote:I don't think Gemma has the time to visit the library as currently her days are spent in a job-hunting frenzy! Quite often she needs to spend the whole afternoon on the sofa after a tiring (once-monthly) 2 minute phone-call to Manpower! [;)] Saying that I haven't been to Hertford library for years....
Originally posted by Claudia
As a member of staff at Hertford library I would suggest that Gemma comes into the library to see what resources we have here. She would find dvds, cds and videos. We now have magazines for loan on subjects from craft to film, trains to beauty. Yes the building is old and needs replacing - but thanks for all the nice things that people said about the staff!
Reply ID 23101
Your loss Sarah It's really rather good - and you might be surprised by the scope of the resources available.
Reply ID 23105
quote:Back in the late 80's a building company based in B/Stortford offered to build a new library for the town, in return for being allowed to use the land opposite on Mill Bridge for development. At the time this land was hidden away behind ugly advertising hoardings and as I recall the idea was to build housing that was in keeping with the local environment. The offer was turned down at the time, something to do with rare orchids growing out of a wall or something, so, no new library and no houses. Lo and behold in '93/'94 the hoardings were removed, and some retail units were built with flats above, plus some small houses at the beginning of St Andrew Street. Great, but no library. Perhaps a little short-sighted in view of the fact that the library was already outdated. As the County Town we are already very badly served in terms of facilities and services, so let's keep a library, preferably one that is in keeping with today's requirements.
Originally posted by Jobyquote:Rebuilding it is a great opportunity to revitalise it - make it a fun place to be, incorporate a cafe, sofas, outdoor seating etc. Libraries have stuffy reputations and the current building - lovely as it is - does nothing to dispel this. Relocating to a modern, airy, lively and interactive environment could be just the thing needed to draw in the people that such a place deserves.
Originally posted by Willow
Never used it. If it is empty a lot of the time what is the point in building a new one?
Reply ID 23121
quote:Or the librarys gain....?
Originally posted by Deveraux
Your loss Sarah
Reply ID 34713
I have been into the library several times since my little girl developed an interest in books. She's only 1 year old, and everytime i go into the library I am amazed by the general rudeness and disinterest shown by the staff, and the dirty looks I am given if she dares to make a noise. I accept that a library is a quiet place, but surely we should be encouraging our children to attend, and for them to find it a nice place to go? I've never complained about the lack of lift/storage for buggies etc. All I ask is for a friendly face to serve us and for me not to feel like a leper for having a child. In light of the other threads on Discover Hertford surrounding unruly teenagers, should we not be encouraging "healthy" pasttimes from an early age? Discuss.
Reply ID 34717
We at the museum use the library regularly, and it will be great for us if it relocates to the land by the Seed Warehouse. However, I do worry about the future of the existing library building....yet another pub?...just what Hertford needs...
Reply ID 34722
quote:My view is keep the building, update it, don't loose the place to a pub. Far cheaper for Hertford and better for the town.
Originally posted by museum geek
We at the museum use the library regularly, and it will be great for us if it relocates to the land by the Seed Warehouse. However, I do worry about the future of the existing library building....yet another pub?...just what Hertford needs...
Reply ID 34727
quote:Given the size of the building, it's listed status and location, I think this would be unlikely.
Originally posted by museum geek
We at the museum use the library regularly, and it will be great for us if it relocates to the land by the Seed Warehouse. However, I do worry about the future of the existing library building....yet another pub?...just what Hertford needs...
Reply ID 34731
It'll turn in to a Indian/Thai/Chinese restaurant
Reply ID 34734
I was told that the building and land belong to Macs (not unusual in Hertford). So if they wanted to change into a pub, they don't have those hurdles to overcome.
Reply ID 34735
quote:I don't think they're exempt from planning laws! [:)] They would have to apply for Change of Use and any alterations they would want to make to the building would only be allowed after a planning application had been approved. Because the building is listed, I suspect they would be restricted as to any internal changes they wanted to make.
Originally posted by Ray_by_the_Beane
I was told that the building and land belong to Macs (not unusual in Hertford). So if they wanted to change into a pub, they don't have those hurdles to overcome.
Reply ID 34737
Also I doubt that Macs are likely to be opening anything in Hertford for the forseeable - far too much exposure already & they are busy opening expensive Barooshs all around the south east. And that would preclude anyone else opening a pub there; Macs are very territorial in that respect......
Reply ID 34740
They could make it into a free-of-charge bookshop! Funny innit - Methvens has a 20% off sale (God rest it's soul) and it's full to the rafters. The library lets you walk out with books for bugger all and there's scarcely a body in the place. There's only so many Len Deighton novels you can read I guess.
Reply ID 34741
quote:Sorry, I should have been more explicit. Yes of course they would still need planning permission, but unlike anyone else at least they wouldn't have to try and buy the place (and land).
Originally posted by Stevequote:I don't think they're exempt from planning laws! [:)] They would have to apply for Change of Use and any alterations they would want to make to the building would only be allowed after a planning application had been approved. Because the building is listed, I suspect they would be restricted as to any internal changes they wanted to make.
Originally posted by Ray_by_the_Beane
I was told that the building and land belong to Macs (not unusual in Hertford). So if they wanted to change into a pub, they don't have those hurdles to overcome.
Reply ID 34756
Just to add another strand to this debate..I believe the Library encourages more people into the town, which must be a good thing. Our Art Shop in St.Andrew Street is noticeably quieter on Wednesdays when the Library is closed.
Reply ID 34766
quote:As Mr Lemons said you can walk out with the books FREE, and bring them back! Yes, do we really want to lose it. The money should be found to accommodate something that is something so important.
Originally posted by Arty
Just to add another strand to this debate..I believe the Library encourages more people into the town, which must be a good thing. Our Art Shop in St.Andrew Street is noticeably quieter on Wednesdays when the Library is closed.
Reply ID 34768
quote:I don't understand this remark. What do you mean Tigger?
Originally posted by Tigger
Yes, do we really want to lose it. The money should be found to accommodate something that is something so important.
Reply ID 34771
Libraries are great aren't they. They help the young to roleplay as adults. There is the reassuring peep/beep of the books as they are scanned, much like going to Tesco when you're bigger. Then of course, there are the fines...
Reply ID 34781
quote:Just that it should be updated, more user friendly, lift for the elderly and the wee ones. A fantastic building and not one we should lose to a pub or resturant.
Originally posted by Tiggerquote:As Mr Lemons said you can walk out with the books FREE, and bring them back! Yes, do we really want to lose it. The money should be found to accommodate something that is something so important.
Originally posted by Arty
Just to add another strand to this debate..I believe the Library encourages more people into the town, which must be a good thing. Our Art Shop in St.Andrew Street is noticeably quieter on Wednesdays when the Library is closed.
Reply ID 34783
quote:Agreed. As for the lift, see my earlier posts regarding listed status. As for the building becoming a pub or restaurant, aren't we making a big assumption here? Given the size of the building it would probably be quite a significant establishment and I would guess that the listed status of the building would probably make the costs prohibitive.
Originally posted by Tigger
Just that it should be updated, more user friendly, lift for the elderly and the wee ones. A fantastic building and not one we should lose to a pub or resturant.
Reply ID 34784
Being listed isn't a hurdle for installing a lift. I've seen a number of listed buildings recently where lifts have been installed.
Reply ID 34786
We definitely need a new library. Hoddesdon has a new library and it is far better than Hertford's and in a very convenient town centre location. I welcome the idea of a new library off Maidenhead Street. My biggest gripe with Hertford library has always been the lack of toilet facilities and the difficulty in parking buggies. It is a nightmare taking young children there - the nearest public toilets are quite a distance. Thank goodness I have boys who weren't bothered about peeing in roadside drains. It is very difficult to encourage young children to enjoy books if the accompanying adult is put off. Despite the physical problems the staff do their best to be a child friendly. The tots' story times are excellent and my children have enjoyed the very popular summer reading schemes. There is also a book group for older children. The carpet in the children's room smells of pee, though. It is a beautiful building, and I love the staircase. I would like to see it turned back into an art school and arts centre. Let's make use of those lovely windows and the light they offer. Courtyard Arts could do with somewhere bigger to run their classes, and Hertford Society of Artists could hold their open exhibitions there. Maybe Macs could have a permanent exhibition of the history of brewing in Hertford.
Reply ID 34792
quote:Couldn't agree more..well said!
Originally posted by nora batty
We definitely need a new library. Hoddesdon has a new library and it is far better than Hertford's and in a very convenient town centre location. I welcome the idea of a new library off Maidenhead Street. My biggest gripe with Hertford library has always been the lack of toilet facilities and the difficulty in parking buggies. It is a nightmare taking young children there - the nearest public toilets are quite a distance. Thank goodness I have boys who weren't bothered about peeing in roadside drains. It is very difficult to encourage young children to enjoy books if the accompanying adult is put off. Despite the physical problems the staff do their best to be a child friendly. The tots' story times are excellent and my children have enjoyed the very popular summer reading schemes. There is also a book group for older children. The carpet in the children's room smells of pee, though. It is a beautiful building, and I love the staircase. I would like to see it turned back into an art school and arts centre. Let's make use of those lovely windows and the light they offer. Courtyard Arts could do with somewhere bigger to run their classes, and Hertford Society of Artists could hold their open exhibitions there. Maybe Macs could have a permanent exhibition of the history of brewing in Hertford.
Reply ID 34944
I use the library, they have excellent facilities for using the Internet, if you don't have PC, if you're job hunting etc, this is invaluable, the staff are helpful, I have places to study and an excellent reference section. THe children's library area is always full with mums/dads and kids hearing stories and getting the youngest members of Hertford enjoying books and using their imagination. I for one use the library more than I did and also its opening hours are extended and as such offer a very valuable service to any/all of us who want it.. Looking forward to hearing more about this as time goes on. [:D]
Reply ID 34946
quote:I have to disagree about the childrens section. I find it drab and uninspiring. It is also not very easy to access, particularly for those who may have children in buggies.
Originally posted by Drama Queen
I use the library, they have excellent facilities for using the Internet, if you don't have PC, if you're job hunting etc, this is invaluable, the staff are helpful, I have places to study and an excellent reference section. THe children's library area is always full with mums/dads and kids hearing stories and getting the youngest members of Hertford enjoying books and using their imagination. I for one use the library more than I did and also its opening hours are extended and as such offer a very valuable service to any/all of us who want it.. Looking forward to hearing more about this as time goes on. [:D]
Reply ID 34950
I agree Ewoowar, and once again reiterate that the staff are not particularly helpful/friendly etc when you have a small child with you. exceptionally pissed off I would say (and babybabe wasn't even crying!!)
Reply ID 34957
quote:Agree about access, but drab and uninspiring is a bit harsh, the contents of the books you open provide the inspiration, too many inspirational displays in the room will distract from the book being read/looked at or searched for!
I have to disagree about the childrens section. I find it drab and uninspiring. It is also not very easy to access, particularly for those who may have children in buggies.
Reply ID 34958
quote:I think they do well with what they have. There are always lovely wall displays by local children, and posters, bright colours, little chairs. What do you want? Flashing lights? T.v? I think the teenage/older readers' section is more in need of attention. It's well stocked with a good selection but it's very squashed and the tables and chairs are often being used by adults. My 11-year old needs more inspiration to get him to read than my 6 year-old.
Originally posted by Ewoowar I have to disagree about the childrens section. I find it drab and uninspiring.
Reply ID 34961
I agree about the older children' section. It would also be useful to have the 2 children's sections together. I often have one child looking upstairs and one downstairs and they both want help so I finish up walking up and down the stairs. I'm also never completely sure about the rights and wrongs of leaving children of 8 and 6 unattended in the library while you're with the other one.
Reply ID 35067
I am very saddened by this post - we pride ourselves on customer care in the library. We encourage children and we never tell children to be quiet. We do get comments from other library users - mostly the older generation who were used to going into libraries where silence was golden. I would suggest, Bengeobabe that if you do come in again that you complain to staff and if you feel we are being rude we do have complaint cards. We have a area upstairs in the non-fiction where we do ask people to be quiet. We do have problems with access to the children's area and we always try to help. Please ask for help, but I would assume from this post that you won't be coming in again, and we are sorry about that.
quote:
Originally posted by Bengeobabe
I have been into the library several times since my little girl developed an interest in books. She's only 1 year old, and everytime i go into the library I am amazed by the general rudeness and disinterest shown by the staff, and the dirty looks I am given if she dares to make a noise. I accept that a library is a quiet place, but surely we should be encouraging our children to attend, and for them to find it a nice place to go? I've never complained about the lack of lift/storage for buggies etc. All I ask is for a friendly face to serve us and for me not to feel like a leper for having a child. In light of the other threads on Discover Hertford surrounding unruly teenagers, should we not be encouraging "healthy" pasttimes from an early age? Discuss.
Reply ID 36794
Good to see that the library is now open 6 days a week
Reply ID 36805
I just started using the Library on a regular basis and apart from the preponderence of romantic fiction and the irritation of only having 1 of a series of books (Asimovs Foundation series since you ask)it seems ok. Staff always been helpful even when young Master Fandango wants to rearrange all the books into 1 big pile.
Reply ID 36816
quote:I could probably lend you most of that if you liked :)
Originally posted by carlos fandango
only having 1 of a series of books (Asimovs Foundation series since you ask)