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Celebrations to mark the rescue of Belsize Library |
Success story!
Party celebrates battle to save library
IT was 21 years ago this week that a campaign to save Belsize Library ended in victory – and the campaigners who saved the Antrim Road building gathered on Tuesday night to toast its ongoing success.
Back in 1988, a council review recommended closing the library. But when regulars got wind of the scheme they set up a protest group, which led to the birth of the Camden Public Library User Groups (CPLUG) that now defend the the interests of libraries across the borough.
Committee member Beata Duncan recalled how the issue unfolded and read excerpts from her diary from the time. She said: “The council were in financial straits and had decided to close the Shaw Theatre and branch libraries. CPLUG was formed in response and there was a strike and sit-in to stop council removal men taking away the books.”
A committee to save the Belsize branch was formed, and, as Ms Duncan’s diary stated, quickly gathered an unstoppable momentum.
Authors such as Beryl Bainbridge, Jonathan Miller, Diana Athill and Alan Bennett also lent their support.
Librarian and committee member Helen Cordell led a toast to the library – warning that the fight to celebrate the worth of libraries continues. |
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