Public service
A call for an improvement in the reputation of local libraries came from Westminster Council's head of communications Alex Aiken, which included using "good-looking" staff for press and marketing work and a ban on the use of the word "librarian".
Mr Aiken, a former policy director for the Tories, told a conference of the Public Library Authorities: "The concept of the librarian has to change. From racy books to photogenic librarians and new services that counter outdated perceptions, media is a powerful tool to shape image."
Evening Standard (Ron Rubin)
Her Majesty's pleasure
Alan Titchmarsh, the television gardener, was nominated as High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight last week. The Queen has something of a soft spot for the 57-year-old pin-up from the potting shed.
When Titch collected his MBE at Buckingham Palace in 2000, he says she told him: "You've given a lot of ladies a lot of pleasure."
Sunday Telegraph (John Turner)
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