Our Library Republic

Today the Harare City Library had its Annual General Meeting. It is held upstairs in an especially grotty corner of the main library along Rotten Row. The room overlooks a now deserted and dingy atrium. The mineral build up on the damp, warped and dripping ceiling could very soon be named 'stalagtites', beneath which worn speckled linoleum tiles fade and tear.

Still, into this environment some 30 library subscribers sat and listened to the Chaiperson's report and the Treasurers' Report from the Management Committee.

Then the action started.

As a library held in trust by the people for the people, ordinary committee members are nominated from the subscriber base and nominees elected by those paid up subscribers in attendance. All 8 candidates, of which I was one (regulations say I cannot stay co-opted forever), had to introduce themselves. Most spoke simply and honestly, others rallied and campaigned (sigh) and then we were all given a piece of paper with 8 names and told to tick 4 names. Quite exciting really.

So here I am, a full committee member with 2 years to make a difference. Crikey....