Save Kensal Rise Library

You may have seen recent footage in the press that Brent Council has closed down a number of Brent libraries. Just last week the "Save KR Library" campaign lost an appeal to keep the library open.

The council sent people to board up the library, but a group of local residents stopped the workers from being able to complete that task. They have now mounted a 24 hour vigil. They have also opened a 24 hour open community library, with books donated by local residents.

I don't live that close to the library, but it is on my way to church. On my way to church this morning, a cold and frosty morning, I realised there were two women and a child wrapped up warmly and having some breakfast outside the library.

On my way back home, I stopped to talk to some of the other children who had gathered with placards and were making more posters.

They said that the council had said that the library was in an area no one came ... But "we come every day!". I asked them what they would like to say to the council. I could not tweet their long, passionate responses quickly enough! But they said, "Kids need to read more so they think more ... Why close it? It's just going to be a building that's empty. Save our library!"

The library is covered with posters, messages from the children. This is just one.

If you live in the Kensal Rise/Queen's Park area, there will be a Stand Up for Libraries comedy night tomorrow - Monday 17 October - at QP Community School. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets are £10 in advance from the Lexi Cinema, L'Angelo, QP Books, Minkies. It's a great line up (wish I could go!) - Phil Jupitus, Robin Ince, Helen Arney, Robyn Hitchcock and ... Alexei Sayle!

Find out more, and follow the campaign, at www.savekensalriselibrary.org

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