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To: Barnet Borough Council

No to Closure of Barnet Libraries

Do not close down or eradicate the functions and services of our public libraries in Barnet.

Why is this important?

The proposed savings of £2.85 million from the Library Services in Barnet threatens the existence of one of the last remaining community amenities we have left.

Three options have been put forward by the Council to make these savings; all three will see a reduction in the quality and quantity of service provision.

Option one will see the size of library cut in all but four libraries. This idea fails to understand that libraries are used for their space as well as their books; less places for pupils and students to study and read results in a reduction of the quality of service.

Option two will see the closure of Burnt Oak, Childs Hill, Mill Hill, East Finchley, Osidge and South Friern Libraries and a significant reduction of staffing levels at the remaining libraries. This option does not consider how the remaining libraries will cope with increased footfall owning to the closure of the other libraries, particularly around peak library times.

Option three is a mix of the two, with some libraries being handed over to community groups and reduced staffing elsewhere.

Libraries are the embodiment of social provision and community spirit. They are more than just books; they offer children's activities during term and holidays which are used by parents and nurseries. They offer access to the internet to those that don't have access. They provide space for people to read and study in peace that is not always possible in their homes. They are places to host community events, training and education. I use the library for my daughter; renting books but mainly for their toddler activities. My nursery also go there regularly.

Please sign this petition if you believe in the universal provision of literature, education and community services in Barnet. Say no to the erosion of this great social asset.

How it will be delivered

This petition will be handed to the Mayor of Barnet or the Leader of the Barnet Conservatives Group before the vote on the future of Barnet libraries.

London Borough of Barnet

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Updates

2015-02-23 23:12:52 +0000

5,000 signatures reached

2014-11-23 13:26:47 +0000

1,000 signatures reached

2014-11-14 07:32:25 +0000

500 signatures reached

2014-11-05 19:06:24 +0000

So the result from the Full Council Meeting on libraries was as follows;

FOR consultation for cuts - 32
AGAINST consultation for cuts - 31

This means a consultation on their three cuts options will go ahead. Of course this consultation is not binding. Nethertheless we must put pressure on the council by registering our concerns in this consultation. I will let you know when the consultation opens. In the mean time watch this space for events and demonstrations in the near future.

Thanks again for supporting this campaign to #SaveBarnetLibraries. Spread the word to make our voice louder!

"Everything you need for better future and success has already been written. And guess what? All you have to do is go to the library."
-Henri Frederic Amiel

2014-11-01 13:14:03 +0000

100 signatures reached

2014-10-31 19:26:23 +0000

Doubled our signatures in half a day! Don't forget to share!

"Your library is your paradise."
-Desiderius Erasmus

2014-10-31 16:46:56 +0000

50 signatures reached

2014-10-31 08:41:12 +0000

Good work people, we are steadily climbing. Get significant others to also sign up to boost our numbers! Don't forget to pop in to to your local library to show how important they are to our community.

"I discovered me in the library. I went to find me in the library."
-Ray Bradbury

2014-10-31 05:12:13 +0000

25 signatures reached

2014-10-30 15:40:13 +0000

We've hit our first 10 signatories, well done people. Let's keep spreading the word!

“Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.”
― Walter Cronkite

2014-10-30 15:36:43 +0000

10 signatures reached