Signs of times (From Stroud News and Journal)

Signs of times

BOOK lovers say they are baffled by the re-branding of Stroud library.

Three notice boards at the top of the stairs have been replaced with a number of signs advertising the library's service and mission statement, which includes the phrase 'building community identity and developing citizenship'.

Two new notice boards have been erected near the library entrance and at the top of the stairs.

But angry users say the facility should be for local clubs and charities to advertise.

The SNJ has received dozens of letters and phone calls from concerned residents.

Alice Wyndham, 66, of Folly Lane, Stroud, said: "It's just another nail in the wedge of impersonal, impractical factory-made nonsense replacing things that actually mean things to people."

Now Green councillor John Marjoram is leading a campaign to do away with the 'corporate re-branding' exercise.

Cllr Marjoram said: "I have had about eight or nine complaints about the re-branding of the library.

"It's not Stroud. We don't want it branded.

"You don't need to spell it out. People know it's a library. They know the resources. They don't want to be talked at, they want to look for information they are interested in."

Cllr Marjoram wants more rather than less notice boards in Stroud, and has suggested tall round poster drums those used in Paris.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire County Council said: "Up until recently notice boards were the only display facility available in libraries.

"However, due to the enormous amount of information that libraries are asked to display and to improve the presentation and appearance of the libraries, the county council's Libraries and Information Service is looking at alternative methods of publicising local events.

"At Stroud library, these facilities complement the two large notice boards which are situated in the foyer and at the top of the stairs which will continue to be used to promote local community events and information as a priority."