IF this story were to be captured in fiction it would make for a sad tale.
Writers, journalists, campaigners and young children have tried to sum up how they feel about the closure of six libraries in Brent last year, with pages written about the detrimental effect it has had on the community.
But a celebratory event in Brent on Saturday – exactly one year on from the date when readers lost their troves and communities lost a place to gather – reminded people the spirit of the campaign is still very much alive.
Campaigners held a relay of learning and light, visiting libraries in Kensal Rise, Cricklewood, Neasden, Tokyngton, Barham and Preston with homemade torches.
After failed battles at the High Court and Court of Appeal and incredible fundraising efforts to run volunteer-led services, the event served to remind people that the campaign continues and many members of the community remain hopeful that the libraries can be reopened.
Liberal Democrat councillor Paul Lorber is involved with the Friends of Barham Library and attended Saturday’s event, which ended at the Windermere Pub, Windermere Avenue, Wembley.
He said: “This weekend was very much a celebration of the Friends and an attempt to show that it is very much alive and we are determined as we have always been to provide a service for local people.
“We want to celebrate that fact just as much as sending the message that the library issue continues to be as important to local people as it has ever been.”
