Library campaigners plan protest march

Library campaigners SOLE were out in Broomfield again on Saturday and gained nearly 200 signatures against what they call a ‘closure plan by stealth’ for Essex libraries.

A ‘Save Our Library’ protest march is planned for this Saturday, September 28, meeting at Broomfield Church Green at 4pm, as part of SOLE’s countywide day of action.

Meanwhile the online version of SOLE’s new ‘Save our librarians – no closure by stealth’ petition has reached (as at Monday September 23) 3,700 signatures.

The petition can be found here. https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-our-librarians-no-closure-by-stealth

“We were delighted to again receive much support in the Broomfield area”, said SOLE’s Andy Abbott, who lives just a ten minute walk from Broomfield Library.

“A lot of people didn’t seem to realise that libraries remain under threat. But when we explain Essex County Council wants to sell off library buildings and get rid of all the staff, and rely on volunteers, people can see it for what it is – entirely unsustainable and a closure plan by stealth.

“Our day of action this Saturday is designed to raise awareness of these dangerous plans still further. We will also be calling on any groups that have come forward with bids to take over libraries, to withdraw those offers.

“The truth is such bids put local libraries in danger. For instance in Broomfield we understand three bids have been made, one from the parish council. The parish council must act in the best interest of villagers and withdraw.

“It is not their job to run Broomfield Library. It is Essex County Council’s statutory duty.”

Other events across the county on Saturday include:
HADLEIGH Library, petitioning & leafleting, 10am – 2pm.
SHENFIELD: Library fair, outside Shenfield Library, 10am – 12 noon.
SOUTH BENFLEET Library, petitioning & leafleting, 10am – 2pm.