BIALL would love your views and comments on this…… I agree with them – if anything they should look at the British Library re-development and what’s happening at the Bodleian – In 5 years time a beautifully re-modelled and managed library combing the past present and the future will be bringing the business in – but i’ve seen partners bugger this up at law firms for nigh on quarter of a century now so why would this be any different
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/526/526/022/save-the-inner-temple-library-from-the-devastating-effects-of-option-2/
Save Inner Temple Library from a truly bonkers plan!
Dear all,
Some of you may have heard that the Executive Committee of the Inner Temple have proposed a programme of redevelopment works which, if followed, will result in what has been described as a “drastic mutilation” of one of the finest law libraries in the world.
I have two interests to declare in sharing this message. First, I’m a member of the Inner Temple. Second, I happen to find libraries more useful that austere meeting rooms.
Please read the text below and, if you agree with it, sign the petition (a link for which is pasted below):
“The Inner Temple library, which has existed since 1440, is one of the finest law libraries in the world. It lies at the heart of the Inner Temple providing a free invaluable service to practitioners and students alike and serves a core charitable function of the Inn. Aesthetically, it is a masterpiece of library design with its double-height galleried rooms mentioned in Nikolaus Pevsner’s Buildings of England.
All of this is under threat. At a meeting on 21st July 2015, the Executive Committee of Inner Temple recommended a re-development of the Treasury Building to create additional space for Education and Training activities and for commercial hire. In doing so, they recommended the most radical and expensive option, namely Option 2. This recommendation will be considered at a Bench Table meeting on 1st October 2015 and at an extraordinary Bench Table meeting to be held on 21st October 2015 at 5pm in Hall.
If Option 2 is adopted, the effect on the library will be devastating
The library’s entire upper floor and gallery will be converted into meeting rooms, offices and an auditorium for education and training.
Half of the Library’s main floor will be lost to storage, equipment, lifts and stairs to a new fourth floor extension
58% of the floor space will be lost
50% of reader spaces will be lost (leaving only 49 reader places)
25,000 books from the main part of the Library and in every day use will be displaced.
The Library will be closed entirely for a year and a half for the works to be carried out.
There is no need for the above. There is a perfectly feasible alternative option (Option 1) which is significantly cheaper yet provides a whole new floor which includes a lecture theatre, training rooms and meeting rooms above the existing Treasury Building. This has minimal impact on the Library.
Please do not let this happen on your watch. We owe it to existing and future practitioners to safeguard the jewel in the Inner Temple crown. If you share our concern, please do the following
Sign up to this petition
Say whether you are an Inner Temple member or a user of the Inner Temple library
Voice your thoughts and comments. Do not be shy!”
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/526/526/022/save-the-inner-temple-library-from-the-devastating-effects-of-option-2/
