CAMPAIGNERS handed a petition to Barnet Council in a desperate bid to save a much-loved library from closure yesterday.

Under the strategic library review Friern Barnet Library would be rolled in with North Finchley Library in a new venue at the artsdepot, nearly two miles away.

The petition has been signed by more than 2,000 people who argue the closure of Friern Barnet Library will affect the most vulnerable people in the area as well as detriment hundreds of children’s literacy levels.

It is situated in Friern Barnet Road, close to six schools and Woodhouse College.

After months of campaigning a group of protesters presented the signatures at last night’s Residents’ Forum in the hope it would be taken to Cabinet.

The council’s business governance officer, Maria Lugangira confirmed it would be handed to Councillor Robert Rams, Cabinet member for customer access and partnerships.

Cllr Rams has already spoken in favour of the plans, saying they will provide a positive change for libraries in the borough.

He has said: “I feel we have come up with proposals that will improve Barnet’s library service with more books, longer opening hours and more support for children and literacy in the borough.

“We are striving to do this at a time of unprecedented restrictions on public spending. I don’t for one moment expect that there will be universal enthusiasm for any change.”

Kim Lee, 18, of Lewes Road in North Finchley helped set up the Save Friern Barnet Library campaign.

He said: “I have grown up with this library – It’s helped with my learning through school and through college.

“It has all the resources you could need like newspapers, magazines and revision books and the staff are really friendly.

“I really value my library and I hope the council will reconsider their strategy plan because it’s very conflicting. They want to encourage reading opportunities but if they open the library in artsdepot they will marginalise all those people who will have difficulty getting there like children and the elderly.”

A report on the proposed library strategy is expected to be considered by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday July 26.