Petition presented
The petition with 300 signatures in support of librarian Shirley Nightingale was presented by Glenys Hansen and Alex Wall to the South Wairarapa Council CEO Harry Wilson and Councillor Pam Colenso.
Statements were issued by both the Council and petitioners.
Glenys Hansen’s statement:
Thank you to everyone who signed this petition.
We all agree that Shirley is a woman who made the library a place that was a social hub. It was more than books in, books out. We miss her kindness, quirkiness, sense of fun and her knowing us as people..
I am sure Shirley would like us to say a big thank you.
This petition was only available in four places, three cafes and the BP Service Station and even then not placed in obvious positions. So therefore these signatures represent only a small number of those who made their opinion known. I am sure that if we had taken it door to door the result would have surprised even us.
But I am glad that we live in a community where people show care fro one another and are willing to stand up for social justice.
We ask the SWDC to note our support of Shirley Nightingale.
And to conclude, I filled up with petrol this morning and the woman at the pump asked “what news of Shirley”.
And I replied that I didn’t think that she would be back.
“Oh bugger!” she said and I think that sums up the feeling in a nut shell.
Harry Wilson’s statement:
We would like to thanks Glenys Hansen and Alex Wall for carrying out the duty of delivering the petition today. I am pleased to say that the situation with Shirley Nightingale has reached a positive outcome for all concerned.
It’s great to see the people in the community passionate and motivated to take action about a cause they care about. After ten years of dedicated service , Shirley Nightingale has decided to retire from her role as head librarian of Martinborough library.
The Council thanks Shirley for her long-standing commitment to the community and wishes her well for the future. Her retirement will be marked with a farewell morning tea next week.
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