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Friends of Highgate Library  NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2002

CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE

Elsewhere in this newsletter you will read details of the 14 November meeting, when I was happy to welcome John and Valerie Winter. The slides shown by John, of the library as it was in the late 70s, brought back many happy memories for me, and I was gratified by the kind words from Valerie.

As I write some changes are taking place within the library. The reverse of the Foundation Stone, recording the opening on 18 October 1906, has been uncovered and is now visible in a prominent place for all to see. There is also some brilliant lighting at the far end of the room and the free-standing bookshelves have been re-arranged to give more space and, hopefully, more books.

I should like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers a happy Christmas and a pleasant New Year.��

Bert Humberstone

�RECENT FOHL EVENTS

����������� June Rose's illuminating talk on 19 September about her recently published biography of Jacob Epstein ("Daemons and Angels") attracted a big audience. June gave us an intriguing insight into the turbulent life and achievements of this famous, richly talented and controversial figure. We are surrounded in London by examples of his work on public buildings and spaces. After listening to June (and reading her book) we shall look at them with a fresh eye.

On 14 November John Winter gave a lucid and informative account of his work in remodelling Highgate Library in 1979. The accompanying display of photographs showed the result as elegant, practical and warmly welcoming to library users. Sadly, drastic changes to the library a few years later swept away the sensitive and thoughtful work of John and his colleagues. Nevertheless, his talk put in context the current plans for library development.

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

The Reading Planet scheme concluded enjoyably on 7 September with a presentation of awards to successful children by Dr Who actor Sylvester McCoy and the Mayor of Camden. You may have seen the write-up and photographs in local newspapers.

Halloween was celebrated in the library with readings for children in the afternoon by Roger Lloyd Pack, President of the Friends.

����������� FOHL has agreed for a second year to fund prizes for progress in reading by children at Brookfield School This year's project, led by Ann Lewis in collaboration with teachers at the School, was a highlight of the school year and we anticipate a similarly enjoyable experience in 2003.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS AT HIGHGATE LIBRARY

Thursday 30 January 2023 7.30 pm,� Tracy Chevalier, distinguished local author,� will speak to the title "Fact Into Fiction: Making Stories from History". Tracy will be discussing how she weaves real people and events into her novels, from Dutch painters and paintings in "Girl with a Pearl Earring" to Victorian cemeteries and suffragettes in locally-set "Falling Angels"� - which has as a key scene the 1906 opening of the Chester Road Library

LOCAL HISTORY EXHIBITION

1882-2002: The Story of a School in Kentish Town.

An exhibition of the history of Acland Burghley School.

Richard Waddington writes: "A chance discovery of a treasure trove of documents and photographs inspired a group of parents and governors to put together this exhibition, on view at the school in November. Fourteen panels with well-captioned illustrations display a historic narrative that starts as the fields were built over and the railways arrived. Under the London School Board, Burghley Road Elementary School opened in 1884, following the introduction in 1870� of a national system of elementary education up to the age of 10.� Secondary education followed when the London County Council took over in 1902. The Inner London Education Authority replaced them in 1965 until 1990, when Camden became the Local Education Authority.

The story has much local interest. In 1931 Burghley Road Central School for Girls moved to Chester Road and in 1947 became Brookfield Secondary, until Burghley Road and Acland� schools were merged in 1959 to form the present mixed comprehensive. Acland Burghley's new buildings opened in 1968, while Chester Road became Brookfield Primary School.

Parliament Hill School too began there, as a county grammar school, in 1906. Part of Burghley Road school, it was known then as Ingestre Road School and moved to a new building in Highgate Road in 1913. I have a copy of Dombey and Son, with a book plate to say it was presented to my mother in 1911 for mathematics in Form Upper IVa, Kentish Town Secondary School, by the Headmistress C L Morant.

We hope to arrange for this vivid and informative exhibition to have a showing in Highgate Library soon. "

HIGHGATE LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT

The interim changes to the library described in the "Late News"� letter sent to you on 18 October are now in place. Those who have visited since 15 November, when the work was carried out, have remarked on the improved appearance of the library. Already there is a more spacious feel to it and we hope the work of the library staff is facilitated by the new location of the check out desk.

Discussions continue on plans to redesign and enlarge the library on a long term basis, making it more lively and user-friendly. Many thanks to all the Friends who returned Helen Bowers' questionnaire on what you would like to happen. If you have not yet sent yours back, it is not too late. Your views and opinions are needed.

Helen's first design proposals (assuming the Mobile Library space is returned to library use) were presented on 26 November to the Working Group on Highgate Library Development, which includes Library Managers as well as representatives of the Friends of Highgate Library and other local organisations.� In these initial proposals Helen has responded to comments and suggestions from people who use the library and, as far as possible, people who are not as yet regular users. After a full discussion the Working Group endorsed the proposals in principle. However, it was emphasised that flexibility and continuing investigation into what the local community really wants is still paramount. The aim is to produce a modern, friendly, library which effectively serves the needs of local residents.

GROUP MANAGER BOB GRYSPEERDT SAYS HELLO �

"I have worked for Camden Libraries for nearly 25 years and I knew Highgate Library by reputation even before that. Some of my childhood friends who lived here seemed to find it the answer to every homework need. It�s great to be here and at an exciting time, with so many people in the community interested in developing and making the most of their local library.

My new job is �Group Manager� of Heath and Highgate Libraries and also the Mobile Library Service based here. But I have long experience from working in Camden Libraries before getting into a management role. Starting as an assistant at St Pancras in 1978, I have worked in Reference,� Children's,� and back room departments. I know the satisfaction staff feel from getting a job well done in all these areas and continue to enjoy taking my turn �out front�. I particularly like leading a few favourite

action songs at Rhyme Time (Tuesdays 2.30 in term time). It must be one of the most valuable services we can provide: showing the tiniest ones that libraries and our cultural heritage are fun as well as helping them build up skills they will later need for more formal learning.

It�s excellent that FOHL have been able to commission a survey on local views and aspirations for the library. Please don�t hesitate also to tell me directly any comments you have about the service.�� I try to make Tuesday a regular day for being available at Highgate but I am also here at other times. Do please ask for me and have a chat if you have time. I look forward to attending more FOHL events and to meeting members there."

CAMDEN PUBLIC LIBRARIES USERS GROUP

Enid Evans writes "At a well-attended AGM on October 10th, which included six Councillors, a new and simpler constitution was adopted. This widens representation on the executive committee as each group is asked to nominate a representative. I will represent Highgate.Library� The new CPLUG secretary is Honora Morrissey. Helen Marcus remains as Chairman and Alan Templeton as Hon. Treasurer.� CPLUG submitted comments on the Camden Annual Library Plan which were incorporated in the version which went to the DCMS. They had been aired at Camden's Executive meeting on 10 October and Cllr Phil Turner promised to respond with a copy to all Councillors."

HIGHGATE LIBRARY READING GROUP

The group continues to meet every five or six weeks at the library, on Friday afternoons. "English Passengers" is the latest book to be discussed.. Anyone wishing to join the group should contact Ann Lewis tel 7272 1722������