"We have been forced into this protest, as council management are pushing through with proposals and refusing to look at alternatives despite questions and challenges from Lambeth's Scrutiny Committee and the government's Department for Culture Media & Sport."
The closures are set to be a subject of a debate by Lambeth Council tonight.
Cllr Jane Edbrooke, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said she understood concerns but criticised those who took part in the strike.
She said: “I understand the frustrations of those working at our libraries, but this unofficial industrial action is unhelpful and counter-productive.
“The fact is Lambeth council has come up with proposals that keep the majority of our libraries open - while helping make us make the £200million in savings needed in response to Government budget cuts.
“Regarding the future of our libraries we have listened to residents, worked with the community groups and been creative in how we keep services open to the public.
“Yes there will be job losses among library staff, and yes at least two of our 10 libraries will be run as Healthy Living Centres, creating income to keep them open alongside a neighbourhood library service in the buildings.
“I know these changes are difficult, I know no one want to see services revised – but that is the reality we now face.”
