Threatened library's staff anger at 'civic vandalism'

A protest was staged last night outside Westminster City Hall against the closure of one of London's oldest libraries

Council bosses are set to shut St James's Library in September to save about £800,000 a year, blaming government cuts.

Paul Dimoldenberg, leader of the opposition Labour group, said it was "an act of civic vandalism which would not be necessary if the council had not spent nearly £4 million on 12 temporary staff".

He said it "would do massive damage to the local community and schools". However, Steve Summers, the cabinet member for community services, said the council aimed to open a new library "in the next few years just a few minutes' walk from the current site".

Gina O'Conner, 62, Assistant Branch Secretary, Westminster Unison, said; "This library must be saved because unemployment is rising, and the library gives unemployed people access to information. They can also look for jobs here - they can't afford the internet at home because they don't have jobs.

"The elderly community, many of whom are isolated and live alone, use the library to make friendships and it can be their only point of social interaction. Closing the libary will change the whole ethos of this area. It will downgrade this area."

Rob Boswell, 43, who has worked at St James's Library for the past six years, who was protesting with his two young sons, said: "The library really services the local communities - both residential communities and workers. There's a Peabody estate round here and a lot of social housing.

"We reach out to those communities - as well as the homeless and people with special needs. Local residents that use the library are concerned and upset."

His son Dan, 11, said: "I'm sad the library is closing. My brother and I learnt to read here. I like the library because it's got a good atmosphere, really friendly staff and a good collection of books."

On Saturday more than 200 residents marched against the possible closure of Isleworth Library, one of eight threatened with closure in Hounslow.

Last week Lewisham announced it was to close five of its 12 libraries in May - despite objections from up to 20,000 residents.

Boris Johnson was criticised today for wrongly claiming councils are not obliged to provide libraries. Annie Mauger, chief executive of The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, said the statement was "breathtakingly irresponsible".