Books, not cuts: Two protests have been organised in Lincoln against Lincolnshire County Council’s plans to close two thirds of libraries across the county.
Supporters of the Save Lincolnshire Libraries (SLL) campaign have set up two protests in Lincoln in September.
Campaigners organised a demonstration on Friday, September 13 at 10am outside Lincolnshire County Council.
Nick Parker, a SLL supporter and member of TUSC, also organised a protest on Saturday, September 21, starting at Castle Hill from midday.
The protest will march through the city, however the route has not been finalised at present.
The protests come as Lincolnshire County Council is considering making £2 million savings by closing 30 static libraries in favour of community-run or mobile services.
This could mean the loss of up to 170 staff and a loss of facilities due to restricted opening hours and access.
The cuts would not affect Lincoln Central Library, but have an impact on Ermine Library, Boultham Library, Birchwood Library and Bracebridge Library in the city.
Local village libraries such as North Hykeham Library, Nettleham Library and Skellingthorpe Library would also be affected.
As previously reported, Lincolnshire Co-operative offered to save six libraries in Welton, Boultham in Lincoln, Nettleham, Cherry Willingham and Spilsby.
The aim of the Lincoln protests is to voice the concerns of local residents, who have been signing petitions against the plans in their thousands.
Nick Parker said: “This is a massacre of library services across Lincolnshire, with the possibility of two thirds of libraries being shut down. I do not think this is the way for our public services.
“I don’t want to see my kids when they grow up not having libraries around the corner to use.
“For working class people, when they leave school, libraries are an opportunity to keep informed, and educate themselves. I want to protect them in the future.
“I have been inspired by the Save Lincs Libraries campaign and what they have achieved. I want an opportunity for people to come together on September 21, really have a show of strength and say we want to keep our libraries open and fully staffed.
“It’s really important to have a demonstration at the weekend so people across the county, who signed the petition against the closure, can march in Lincoln,” he added.
To find out if a library service near you risks closure, visit the County Council website. To find out more about Save Lincolnshire Libraries and its petitions, visit the website.
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