Library protest outside Lambeth Town Hall on Monday evening.
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Local residents and campaigners in Lambeth are protesting against a proposed £1 million cut to library services in the borough.
A group of protestors gathered outside a council meeting at Lambeth Town Hall on Monday evening to oppose the cuts.
Lambeth Council’s proposed 2025-26 budget includes a nearly 25% cut to the current budget for library services in the borough.
The rally was organised by Lambeth Unison, a trade union representing library workers. A petition calling on the council to halt the cuts to Lambeth’s “award-winning library service” has also received over 1000 signatures.
Laura Swaffied, chair of Friends of Lambeth Libraries, told City News that the proposed cuts are “likely to be devastating” for Lambeth libraries.
Addressing councillors at a meeting of Lambeth Council’s cabinet on Monday, she said the protest was the “beginning of a large and embarrassing campaign” against the cuts.
‘Libraries provide the essential services many of us need’
Nicole Griffiths, a Green councillor, told the crowd outside the protest that “libraries provide the essential services that so many of us could not manage without.”
Speaking on behalf of herself and fellow Green councillor Scott Ainslie, Nicole said the libraries “manage on a shoestring.”
Campaigners say that the libraries provide many important services, such as toddlers groups, cultural and educational events and access to computers.
Protestors outside Lambeth Town Hall calling for a halt to a 25% cut to the library services budget. CREDIT: LOLA BODDINGTON REES / CITY NEWS
Hannah, a lifelong library user, told City News libraries “saved” her when she was homeless, giving her a safe space to go to. She says they now provide her children with a space to do their school work and to socialise.
Libraries are much more than books. The books are important and they’re essential, but they’re actually the only place left that is free, that is safe. You don’t have any expectations.
Hannah, lifelong library user
‘The library computers are an absolute lifeline’
Laura from Friends of Lambeth Libraries says libraries provide support for “people who have no computer skills, no internet access, no email account, no smartphone.” She believes that in an increasingly digital world, “library computers are an absolute lifeline”.
According to Laura, the proposed cuts would mean significant changes to the services and activities libraries can offer. She believes that the council “can’t make a cut of that size and not do huge damage.”
Colette, a library worker, added that she is noticing more local residents using the computers because they have no data on their phone after cutting their phone contract to save costs.
Ruth Cashman, union rep at Lambeth Unison and Library worker, says she was shocked at the proposed cuts. Cashman says the local community “will be mobilising” to challenge the cuts, with further demonstrations planned.
Councillor: local goverment facing ‘significant financial challenges’
Councillor Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth’s Cabinet member for stronger communities, told City London News that libraries are an “important part of Lambeth’s communities”. He added that the council “remains committed to improving the service” despite the “significant financial challenges facing local government.”
We have taken the decision to hold vacant posts, and we have managed rotas more efficiently to continue to deliver an excellent service that Lambeth residents have become accustomed to.
Councillor Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities
Lambeth Council will vote on the budget at the council meeting on 5th March.
Libraries across London face funding cuts
According to a recent BBC investigation, 99 council run libraries have reduced their opening hours since 2016. Library closures are also being announced across London. In February, Enfield and Havering confirmed there would be a reduction in their local library services.
Enfield announced that the council would shut seven of its libraries. This will be voted on Thursday evening at a full council meeting. Three Havering libraries are due to shut at the end of March.
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HeadlineLambeth locals protest £1 million library cuts
Short HeadlineLambeth locals protest £1 million library cuts
StandfirstCampaigners plan further demonstrations as Lambeth council meet to vote on Budget proposals next week.
Local residents and campaigners in Lambeth are protesting against a proposed £1 million cut to library services in the borough.
A group of protestors gathered outside a council meeting at Lambeth Town Hall on Monday evening to oppose the cuts.
Lambeth Council’s proposed 2025-26 budget includes a nearly 25% cut to the current budget for library services in the borough.
The rally was organised by Lambeth Unison, a trade union representing library workers. A petition calling on the council to halt the cuts to Lambeth’s “award-winning library service” has also received over 1000 signatures.
Laura Swaffied, chair of Friends of Lambeth Libraries, told City News that the proposed cuts are “likely to be devastating” for Lambeth libraries.
Addressing councillors at a meeting of Lambeth Council’s cabinet on Monday, she said the protest was the “beginning of a large and embarrassing campaign” against the cuts.
‘Libraries provide the essential services many of us need’
Nicole Griffiths, a Green councillor, told the crowd outside the protest that “libraries provide the essential services that so many of us could not manage without.”
Speaking on behalf of herself and fellow Green councillor Scott Ainslie, Nicole said the libraries “manage on a shoestring.”
Campaigners say that the libraries provide many important services, such as toddlers groups, cultural and educational events and access to computers.
Protestors outside Lambeth Town Hall calling for a halt to a 25% cut to the library services budget. CREDIT: LOLA BODDINGTON REES / CITY NEWS
Hannah, a lifelong library user, told City News libraries “saved” her when she was homeless, giving her a safe space to go to. She says they now provide her children with a space to do their school work and to socialise.
Libraries are much more than books. The books are important and they’re essential, but they’re actually the only place left that is free, that is safe. You don’t have any expectations.
Hannah, lifelong library user
‘The library computers are an absolute lifeline’
Laura from Friends of Lambeth Libraries says libraries provide support for “people who have no computer skills, no internet access, no email account, no smartphone.” She believes that in an increasingly digital world, “library computers are an absolute lifeline”.
According to Laura, the proposed cuts would mean significant changes to the services and activities libraries can offer. She believes that the council “can’t make a cut of that size and not do huge damage.”
Colette, a library worker, added that she is noticing more local residents using the computers because they have no data on their phone after cutting their phone contract to save costs.
Ruth Cashman, union rep at Lambeth Unison and Library worker, says she was shocked at the proposed cuts. Cashman says the local community “will be mobilising” to challenge the cuts, with further demonstrations planned.
Councillor: local goverment facing ‘significant financial challenges’
Councillor Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth’s Cabinet member for stronger communities, told City London News that libraries are an “important part of Lambeth’s communities”. He added that the council “remains committed to improving the service” despite the “significant financial challenges facing local government.”
We have taken the decision to hold vacant posts, and we have managed rotas more efficiently to continue to deliver an excellent service that Lambeth residents have become accustomed to.
Councillor Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities
Lambeth Council will vote on the budget at the council meeting on 5th March.
Libraries across London face funding cuts
According to a recent BBC investigation, 99 council run libraries have reduced their opening hours since 2016. Library closures are also being announced across London. In February, Enfield and Havering confirmed there would be a reduction in their local library services.
Enfield announced that the council would shut seven of its libraries. This will be voted on Thursday evening at a full council meeting. Three Havering libraries are due to shut at the end of March.
