Forum Topic

Cafe open in the Library now

Putney Pantry are running the cafe in the Library. Finally opened after months of delay! Do support it if you can.

Victoria Diamond ● 353d19 Comments

No, Barbara - that is just the headline.  Did you actually read Victoria's post?  It is about the bigger picture and the importance of the library to the whole community.  Many libraries have been closed all over the UK and Putney is very lucky to still have a library.  They need to adapt and continue to adapt now that there is such a lot of other technology being used instead of just books for information and learning.  Time and the world does not stand still for anyone.If you visited just it's website you would find out how MUCH MORE is going on in libraries nowadays:https://www.putneysw15.com/default.asp?section=info&page=evputneylibrary2407.htmOr use the clickable link on the Calendar on the front page of the Putney website.

Philippa Bond ● 347d

Lucille, I don't disagree with what you are saying. It's just the post was just about the opening of the cafe

Barbara Stevens ● 348d

Barbara not everyone can afford to buy books Raison d'être of a library. Especially for families with children.

Lucille Grant ● 348d

Judy, of course I have, I've lived here 53yrs. I just buy a book if I want one. Prefer to relax in the garden or at home.

Barbara Stevens ● 349d

I get the feeling you've never been in the Putney  Library, Barbara. When I was a child there was a lot of shushing from librarians and no one would have dreamt of a cafe!  Quite different now, friendly and relaxed and I think we can drink tea how we choose, as long as we don't throw it over the books!

Judy Allen ● 349d

This post was about Putney Pantry, that has opened in the Library, please don't slurp your tea or coffee incase you offend another person. No talking in the cafe, sit and read your book without making a noise of any sort.

Barbara Stevens ● 349d

Agreed, Philippa. I don't think the silence rule is enforced these days although I think it's polite to respect those trying to study in libraries. 

Michael Ixer ● 349d

I agree Philippa.When I retire I'd love to do some volunteering in a Library.And just ignore Barbara's rude posts.

John Kettlekey ● 349d

Philippa, I agree. Libraries in some parts of the country already are community hubs, in fact there is often little or no alternative. It’s good for the libraries and helps defend them against future cuts.

Jonathan Callaway ● 349d

Philippa, I agree with you.

Judy Allen ● 350d

Philippa, go and write a book or something.

Barbara Stevens ● 350d

I think community hubs are desperately important to try and communicate information and include so many people with different interests and needs. Are librarians still fierce and scary and still go "shush"?  Students often need quiet places to work.  A cafe should make it even easier to catch up and keep up!I love the way young children can now be introduced to libraries earlier in their lives and can meet other parents/carers and children at rhyme times in libraries now as well as choosing books.I've noticed Senior Surfer Clubs and help with IT in libraries too.  Since the computer is now so important for those needing to sign on and apply for jobs who often don't have home access to computers there are more of them in libraries.  Mobiles aren't always good enough for those with poor and deteriorating sight, hearing and dexterity to stay in touch.A HUGE shout out to all those lovely people from libraries countrywide who visit the housebound bringing them books and CDs etc AND also a visit with conversation even if those books etc aren't always actually read or listened to!

Philippa Bond ● 350d

Yes, great news.

Michael Ixer ● 351d

I think ours is a community hub already - author talks, film evenings, lots for children and toddlers and parents, and more Im sure.

Judy Allen ● 352d

I know that they are, but will these expanded roles be adequately staffed? Or mechanized.

David Ainsworth ● 352d

Have you seen how busy our libraries are, with or without cafes?  I think they will be around for a while, perhaps with expanded roles as community hubs.

Jonathan Callaway ● 352d

"End of the librarian? Council cuts and new tech push profession to the brink"https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/jul/07/librarians-council-cuts-and-new-tech-public-libraries

David Ainsworth ● 352d

Great news!  Often go to Putney Pantry - shall now go to library cafe as well!

Judy Allen ● 353d

That's good news!

Lucille Grant ● 353d