The Carnegie library in Lambeth is the subject of a sit-in protest by campaigners calling for the library to be kept open in its current form.
Following the Council approval of the libraries plan in Brighton and Hove last week, which is set to see the Hove library Carnegie building close, I have written to the protesters in Lambeth to express the Green group of councillors’ support for their action:
Dear Occupiers
On behalf of the Green Group of Councillors in Brighton and Hove, can I wish you congratulations on the magnificent stand you are taking to defend the Carnegie Library in Herne Hill.
Your inspirational occupation is happening at an historic time for libraries many of which are under threat. Here in Hove we are fighting to keep our own Carnegie Library. Like you, we have been told by the Labour leadership of our Council that our library is unaffordable and ‘not fit for purpose’.
Yet me all know that both your and our libraries are flourishing and at a time of Conservative-invented ‘austerity’ are needed more than ever before for a more equal society.
The fight continues for all of our treasured public libraries, bestowed to communities in Lambeth and in Hove as in many other communities through the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie.
Best of luck with it all!
Yours fraternally
Phélim Mac Cafferty
Green Party Councillor for Brunswick and Adelaide
Convenor of the Green Group of Councillors, Brighton and Hove City Council