Barnet library saved

A campaign by the Occupy group and local residents have saved a library in Barnet. Friern Barnet library was scheduled to be closed but it was then taken over by Occupy squatters. Today, they handed over control to a local community group who will run it. Rags Martel reports.

Friern Barnet Library had its ribbon cut today by local councillor Pauline Coakley Webb. Barnet council had wanted to close the facility. However, it was then taken over by squatters who kept it running until it could be handed over to a community group today.

Friern Barnet Library will host a ceremony today after a community group took control of it. Barnet Council has agreed to let the group run the library after a campaign by local residents and the Occupy group.

The council had wanted to sell the library and move its facilities to another centre. However, the campaigners have now won their battle to keep the original building open.

Liz Wickham did this report in September 2012 on the campaign: