You have to laugh, bitterly, as yet again Barnet Council pats itself on the (figurative) back in Barnet Life issue six, October 2001, 'Super Star Libraries Meeting Real Need'.

Please do remember that it was Liberal Democrat Councillor Susette Palmer with her cronies and with the blessing of Labour council leader Alan Williams who removed library concessions for students and OAPs, increased late fines to 15p a day and postal reservations to £1 for each book not on the shelves, a frequent, frustrating and costly absence.

"Yet another example of the council providing opportunity for all," boasts Councillor Palmer. The old and the poor wouldn't agree.

If it's true that library staff "share a strong commitment to improve the services", they should strive to convince councillors to restore concessions for the neediest.

Barbara Huggan

Lichfield Grove, Finchley

October 16, 2001 16:33