Campaigners from Friern Barnet joined a protest at Westminster to raise awareness about the closure of their library today.

Protesters from all over the country turned out to demonstrate the importance of local libraries and lobby their MPs to get involved in helping keep them open.

Save Friern Barnet Library (SFBL) group were amongst the crowds and set up a stall where they talked to people about their campaign. Supported by more than 3,000 people, the group is fighting Barnet Council’s plans to close Friern Barnet and North Finchley libraries in favour of transferring their services to the Artsdepot.

Speaking about today’s lobby, SFBL member Martin Russo, said: “We wanted to express our concerns about the closure of our library which is very important to us.

“We are keen to continue raising awareness and want to make sure we have some library services operating for our community.”

"It was great to hear from other campaigners as well - it's not just an issue locally, but nationally as well."

The group will meet with MP Theresa Villiers on Friday to discuss their concerns.

The decision to close the libraries has been referred back to cabinet following a call-in by Labour councillor, Barry Rawlings. Councillor Robert Rams, cabinet member for customer access and partnerships, confirmed Friern Barnet Library will not close until after the cabinet resources committee has made its decision on April 4.