#8: Libraries (our wonderful libraries) and the best rejection letter ever
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On this week’s podcast I’m joined by Kathryn White, widely published children’s author whose books include Here Comes The Crocodile and Ruby’s School Walk. We talk about the situation here in the UK, where great swathes of our wonderful libraries are faced with closure due to funding cuts.
Kathryn has been heavily involved with the campaign to save our libraries, appearing in this fantastic video (above) to try and prevent the many library closures in her home county, Somerset. I’ve included some links below for more information on the things we talked about in the podcast.
Finally, as my favourite thing this week, I chose a truly incredible rejection letter that was sent to Gertrude Stein. And we writers think we have it tough these days? Pah!
Show notes
Kathryn White’s website
Map of library closures in the UK (this is incredible)
Hands off our libraries | The Guardian
We Love Libraries campaign and video (starring Kathryn)
The best rejection letter ever?
Share your thoughts
How do you feel about public libraries? Are you based in the UK and do you face your library disappearing from the local landscape? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Iain,
First, Broomeschtick? I love it. And that rejection letter was awesome. I’d love to see the manuscript/query that the author sent!
As far as the libraries go, good on ya for helping to get the word out. Scares the heck out of me that these institutions are always on the chopping block.
George
Hi George! Broomshtick, yes. It was chosen from a long list of equally stupid names: Panic Broome, Broome 101, Chat Broome etc. Not my choices, however. Mainly my colleagues at work!
And no problem with the library chat – it’s just incredible what’s happening. Needs to be stopped!
Great podcast Iain and Kathryn. They’re not blinking changing their minds yet, at least not every council, so pieces like this are vital to keep the momentum going on such an important campaign. Good on yer!
Great podcast Iain and Kathryn. They’re not blinking changing their minds yet, at least not every council, so pieces like this are vital to keep the momentum going on such an important campaign. Good on yer!
Thanks Donna – I get the feeling progress is being made in many quarters, but there’s still a heck of a long way to go, you’re absolutely right. Fingers crossed!