I’ve been jumping around between a lot of the local libraries, borrowing like mad in an attempt to push their borrowing statistics up as they are in danger of being closed down due to cuts – all to no avail because apparently 16 libraries in Fife will be closed permanently. Well – I tried my best. Anyway, what do you think of my most recent library haul?
I’ve always been interested in 1950s fashion and design so when I spotted Fifties House by Catriona Gray at Kirkcaldy I just had to take it home. I was born at the back end of the 1950s but I remember some of the furniture and accessories from childhood. In fact I’m still severely disgruntled that my mother got rid of her beautiful 1950s golden oak dining suite by Beautility – whilst my back was turned when I was in Germany. She replaced it with a gateleg formica ‘teak’ table and a teak room divider/wall unit which nobody wanted when the inevitable house clearance took place some years ago. I would have gladly given house room to the golden oak! You can look inside the book here and see some of the contents if you’re interested.
Homemade Gifts by Sarah Moore was the next one which I picked up. Since moving house last year I’ve done hardly anything in the way of crafts but I’m hoping to get back into the swing of it before much longer. I have an ever growing fabric and ‘stuff’ stash so it’s about time I used some of it. You can look inside some of this book here.
The shirt off his back by Juliet Bawden was next, the title tickles me but as I have a bag full of Jack’s old shirts which are past wearing and he doesn’t need any of them for wearing whilst doing DIY/painting, I plan to use some of them to do projects in this book which you can look inside here.
Lastly – and don’t all shout at me for this, yes it features the ‘C’ word, Christmas of course. Tilda’s Christmas Ideas by Tone Finnanger was on their new books shelf so I’m the first person to get it out and I swithered about it, but the thought that it would almost certainly be unavailable to borrow nearer Christmas swayed me towards borrowing it. I love the Scandinavian looking Santas on the front cover and I have lots of red material so I plan to at least make those. You can see some images of the Christmas projects inside it here.
16 libraries to close! What a shame – that is a major cost-cutting exercise. Our local Scottish Borders branch library is still going, but is now part of a Contact Centre offering other Council services – and a much smaller bookstock – but it at least it’s still open, if on a part-time basis.
It looks as though you’re going to be busy making things!
Margaret,
The plan is to be busy making stuff but it’s really gardening weather now. Maybe I’ll trace the templates if I can’t get around to actually sewing now.
I’m annoyed that some of the libraries were visited by school classes every week and the closures will probably mean that some kids are never going to get to a real library as their parents won’t have the time or inclination. The libraries are really good for old people and folks who don’t have access to a computer too, I think closing them is such a false economy.
I am so disturbed by your report of 16 libraries closing! What kind of madness is this? People should be rising up in arms! I know I would. I’m constantly writing to the powers that be when they threaten to close libraries. Rise up! Where will you go for your library goodies now? Maybe if people complain like crazy they’ll reverse the decision?
Just remember, most Americans don’t think Donald Trump is cool!
Best wishes and happy crafting!
Judith
Judith,
You can read about it in this link. http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/local-headlines/communities-to-be-consulted-on-fife-s-proposed-library-closures-1-3811088 A lot of the libraries are in small villages and are only open for 10 hours a week or less, but they are in the sort of situations which really need facilities as they are cut off already from amenities people in towns take for granted.
If I had my way I wouldn’t allow Trump into Scotland, he’s a menace with these golf courses of his – as if we didn’t already have too many courses!