USERS of libraries have flocked to public meetings to help fight their closure.

Last week, meetings were held about Crofton Park and Grove Park libraries, which could be axed under Lewisham Council cost-cutting plans.

Library user Karen Jonason, aged 60, of Sevenoaks Road, Crofton Park, has set up a petition with support from ward councillors that has around 3,000 signatures so far.

After the meeting, she said: “I don’t think there was a single person in that room apart form the council officers who could see the rationale behind closing the library.

“There were lots of heartfelt contributions and people were particularly worried about the social cost.”

She is calling on the council to ditch its ward assemblies instead.

Ward councillor Cllr Pauline Morrison said: “Crofton Park is a popular, well-used library – clearly demonstrated by the high level of usage and public support for keeping it open.”

They will be asking people to sign the petition on September 11 from 11am at the corner of Brockley Grove and Brockley Road before handing it in on September 23.

It can also be signed here

In Grove Park, the parent and teachers association at Cooper’s Lane Primary School is helping to galvanise support.

Ward councillor Cllr Suzannah Clarke suggested at the meeting that the library could be still be used while housing other services such as Sure Start, community education and a children’s area.

She said afterwards: “I’m looking at all angles possible. People here are passionate about their library”

FIGHTING THE CLOSURES

Public meetings have already been held on threatened libraries in Blackheath, New Cross, Sydenham, and residents are fighting to keep them open.

The Blackheath Society has organised a petition which can be signed at Blackheath Station on Saturdays and the farmer’s market on Sunday mornings. An online petition is also planned.

A Save New Cross Library Facebook group has been set up and an online petition has also been launched.

In Sydenham, campaigners have set up their own online petition here

As part of its consultation exercise Lewisham Council has set up a survey and forum on its website.

A final decision on the closures is due to be made by the council in November.