logansrogue | Save the Clock Tower.

So... so the Claremont Council Chambers and connected library have been gutted by fire. Like - inferno fucking fire. It started about three hours ago and they're still putting out the flames.

I kinda half grew up there. I forget how many times I had to wait in the car park with Dad for Mum, or had to go to that library to study for school projects. I STILL used to go there to research for my novel. I was forever taking out the lovely books they had about the ocean. The only book I don't feel bad about going up in flames is the Scientology ones they had there.

But there was so much history in that building. The old court room - oh it was so beautiful. Rich deep redwoods, furniture that was over a hundred years old. Claremont was one of the first settlements here in WA, a stop-off point between Perth and Fremantle. That old building was very art deco at the front. It was so lovely. And all the records, all the old photos, the history.

So many memories in that place. My Mum and my aunts and uncles all got naturalised there in the one ceremony. I can remember the smell of the carpets and the wood. The feeling like the building was never really empty, like the walls could tell you stories. It's been here for so long - why must it be destroyed now? It seems so wrong to me.

Thankfully, nobody was hurt. I keep holding onto that one thing, thanking God over and over. Nobody was hurt.

I think I'm in a bit of shock, actually. My brain is taking all of its meat to process this. It's just horrible. :(

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From:

lauredhel.livejournal.com

I only just saw the photos of this. Horrible. Both Neddies and Claremont libraries were my stamping grounds, too.

I can't help wondering if it was deliberately lit.

logansrogue.livejournal.com

Well, yeah, I've had the same thoughts. It's just horrible. I just - that library was such a comfort to me. When I was broke and I had *nothing* to spend, I could always walk into that library and take out some books or DVDs. There was such comfort in the place for me.

There used to be Christmas Carol nights on the steps in the park outside. Carols by Candlelight. I didn't particularly love singing carols, it seemed pretty pointless to me as a kid, but I still look back on it with rosy nostalgia.

I walked past there every day when I was in art school. There were photos of my Mum up in there, and all the past councillors and staff. God damn, it was a treasury of information and community spirit. My Mum is just so upset.

I hear you on the library being your happy place. I had the same feeling of creeping horror with those flood pictures, and the EDFAA library wasn't "my" place.

I remember the carols in that park, too, and I loved singing carols. I'm guessing the big Xmas tree survived?

Sadly, that tree had to be lopped down some time ago due to it getting too old and dangerous. I was heartbroken about that. I think they switched to another pine tree.

Mum has been busy as hell with the other councillors. They're determined not to let this stop them, and the community is really coming together to overcome this tragedy. People give Claremont a lot of shit for people here being rich, but there's a heart to this town, it inspires a great love in people. People have been volunteering their time, saying, "Whatever you guys need, I'll be there, even if it's just carrying stuff around."

I'll be going to the Christmas Parade this year, and possibly the Carols by Candlelight, just to show support for the town.