Spirited children have written a letter to councillors begging them not to make the "catastrophic" decision to close libraries.

Pupils from Goodwyn School, in Hammers Lane, Mill Hill, were heartbroken after discovering that Barnet Borough Council is consulting on the future of its libraries.

The authority needs to save £72m by 2020 and is proposing to close libraries, make them smaller or leave them unstaffed by making greater use of volunteers.

But for the Year 5 pupils at Goodwyn School, who all “love” visiting the library, the thought is a devastating one.

In the letter, they say: “We are writing to express our terrible sadness at the rumors of possible closure of the libraries. It would be a tragedy.

“Everybody knows that education is essential and that books are at the heart of learning, so why would you deprive people of this?

"They can also be a special place for families to visit and read many exciting and interesting books and stories, enabling them to bond with their children.

“Older people and those who are less fortunate or possibly homeless also find it a welcoming and safe place.”

Pupil Leo Ergatoudis said: “If the library closes, it will be catastrophic for people who work in it as well as for those who visit it.”

Achayla-xar Kothari said: “I feel devastated about the library not being there.”

More than 1,440 people have signed an online petition opposing the closures.

Alexandra Van Der Zyl said: "For a person who goes to the library quite often, I would feel upset if it wasn't there any more."

The nine and ten-year-olds have been learning about Barnet Borough Council’s consultation during lessons with class teacher, Russell Bloch.

Mr Bloch is also throwing his support to the children’s campaign - though the letter sent to the authority was entirely written by them.

He said: “Our libraries are precious resources which should be preserved. These children are custodians of the future and they are right to put forward their views which ought to be listened to by the council."

Councillor Reuben Thompstone, chairman of the children, education, libraries and safeguarding committee, said: “It is vital we hear the views of as many people as possible so we can meet the challenges we face and provide a sustainable library service for the future.

“We want to give everyone the opportunity to have their say on our proposals, whether they are a regular library user or not.

“It’s important we hear what people value the most about the service and how we can adapt to their changing needs and reading habits.”
 

The letter in full

Dear Sir/Madam,

We are writing to you to express our terrible sadness at the rumours of the possible closure of Mill Hill Library. To close the library would be a tragedy not only for us but also for the local residents of Mill Hill. There are numerous reasons why we believe the library should remain open.

First, libraries are fantastic places which numerous people visit on a daily basis to research information and borrow an enormous variety of books, both fiction and non-fiction. They are also one of the few places where people can borrow a range of entertainment or educational DVDs, either for free or for a small charge. Everybody knows that education is essential and that books are at the heart of learning, so why would you deprive people of this?

Secondly, we strongly believe that libraries are not just for research; they can also be a special place for families to visit and read many exciting and interesting books and stories, enabling them to bond with their children. Older people and those who are less fortunate or possibly homeless also find it a welcoming and safe place to visit. Surely you would agree that those who do not have access to the internet at home should be able to access it at their local library?

In addition, people who work at the library will lose their jobs which will be catastrophic both for them and their families. It could take them many years to find a new job, especially in the current economic climate.

The real truth is that Barnet Council wants to save money by closing the library but this will have a negative impact on everyone else.

In conclusion, we firmly believe that it would be the wrong decision to close the library because so many people of all ages rely so heavily upon it. Books and learning should be celebrated as they represent the cornerstone of learning and education.

Please reconsider your plan to close Mill Hill library.

Yours faithfully,
Year 5, Goodwyn School