Squatters 'to reopen London library closed in council cuts'

Squatters have occupied a north London library five months after it was closed down as part of council cost-cutting moves.

The group said they “invaded” empty Friern Barnet Library through an open window and have set themselves up as “community librarians”.

They claim they will reopen the library, which was closed by Barnet council in April, for 16 hours a week while a decision is made over its future.

Eight squatters entered last week, though today only three were sleeping inside. Some moved in after a law change this month made it a criminal offence to squat in residential properties.

One of the squatters, Dan, 31, a Hungarian previously involved in the occupation of Old Street magistrates’ court this year, claimed they want to save the building from demolition.

He said: “Libraries are cultural hubs, there are lots of reasons why people need them. People need to read books — even in the age of the internet, libraries are really crucial.”

The library closure followed a campaign by local residents opposed to plans for a merger with North Finchley library.

As part of Barnet council’s efforts to save £1.4 million from its library budget, it plans to create a new “landmark library” based at Artsdepot in North Finchley.

The squatters, who include students, artists and a former librarian, plan to reopen the building on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 11am and 3pm.

In a notice posted outside, the occupiers said they had “links with several groups and have begun negotiations with Barnet council”.

They have already acquired 400 books and have started lending them out. Dan said: “Some friends of ours got in and realised this place was important, so they got in contact with us and our friends.

“For us it was about opening up the library. We saw it was really important for local people. They have been trying for 18 months with protests and petitions and have been hitting brick walls, so we thought some direct action could build a bridge with the council.”

A council spokeswoman said the authority is committed to seeing the squatters removed from the building and has started legal action.

She added that talks are being held about the possibility of the group opening a community library in empty Friary House at Friary Park.

London faces major public library closures because of spending cuts.