SYDENHAM: Library users petitioning to fight closure (From News Shopper)

SYDENHAM: Library users petitioning to fight closure

2:41pm Thursday 2nd September 2010 in

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LIBRARY users have been campaigning to fight their proposed closure.

Sydenham Library is one of five libraries set to be closed next year as part of Lewisham Council’s cost-cutting plans.

More than 150 people joined the Save Sydenham Library Campaign handing out leaflets and stickers outside the library and the Co-op in Sydenham Road.

Chairman of the campaign, Anthony Scully, said: “The library is the hub. It is the geographical and the social centre point.

“To not have it there will undermine the recent achievements of different agencies and the police.”

Mr Scully, who is also the chairman of Friends of Home Park, added: “A lot of community groups use it for meetings and it will make it difficult for us to operate and improve the area.

“Four primary schools close to the library also use it.”

An online petition has been set up with more than 200 signatures.

It will be presented at the next council meeting on September 23.

Sydenham Ward Councillor, Liam Curran, said: “I have heard some people say ‘Who goes to the library these days anyway?’ The answer is thousands.

“Sydenham library is popular and well used with around 6,000 visits a month.”

He added: “I urge residents to use this consultation period to make it clear we will lose so much more than just a building should this vital community resource be forced to close.”

A final decision will be made by the council in November.

To sign the online petition, visit ipetitions.com/petition/savesydenhamlibrary

Other proposed closures across the borough

Library users can discuss the Sydenham closer at forum.sydenham.org.uk

Crofton Park library in Brockley Road, Brockley is also under threat. An online petition can be signed at ipetitions.com/petition/savecroftonparklibrary

Grove Park library in Somertrees Avenue, Grove Park, and New Cross library in New Cross Road also face closure.

Blackheath Society has set up an online petition to save Blackheath Village Library, which can be signed at gopetition.com/petitions/save-our-blackheath-village-library

For more information about the proposals, visit lewisham.gov.uk