Before this week’s Harrow Council meeting into library closures, the Harrow Times looks at what library users have to say about the plans.

Library closures will go ahead despite objections from almost two thirds of people who took part in a consultation.

Funding for libraries across the borough was slashed by £500,000 in Harrow Borough Council's budget for the 12 months from April, with further cuts expected in the coming years.

A report detailing the council’s libraries strategy suggests the closure of Bob Lawrence, Hatch End, North Harrow and Rayners Lane Libraries.

Campaigners and library users have expressed their anger and dismay at the report.

Jonathan Barker said: “The Mayor of Harrow and the council have put a lot of money into North Harrow in a regeneration bid, but we are very concerned the losing the library there – a community hub – will make that a completely pointless exercise.

“The library is more than just books, although it is obviously that too. Young people, the elderly and disadvantaged people use them for the computers, groups use them to meet to knit or learn a new language, and its this community hub aspect to it that we don’t want to lose.”

Farah Sadiq said: “We genuinely feel robbed, bullied by a party that has exerted their power in the most disgraceful manner.

“The message they have sent the community and residents is ‘watch me have my way and there is nothing you can do about it’.”

Sonoo Malkani said: “The closure of these four libraries have been a "done deal" from day one, precisely as the imposition of the £75 garden bin tax. All consultation have been shams more or less.

“The library closures will affect all sorts of age groups in every one of these wards. What a bitter disappointment.”

June Skidmore said: “My guess is they will eventually close all the libraries and sell the buildings. Harrow will probably end up with a mobile library van that goes around to the different areas.

“Councillors will have benefited from the use of the libraries but now want to pull the ladder up after themselves and deny Harrow's children access to information and learning material.”

Davendra Vora said: “Books are for our children's future. Use your brains councillors, there are plenty other means of saving money. Stop sending magazines to householders, start finding and shutting beds in sheds.

“Wake up before it's too late for the next generation.”

Taiya, seven, said: “I like my library because I can come here to learn, and I love learning.

“It is very important to keep it open so children like me can come here and read and learn, and know more about the world.”

Former councillor and Harrow Mayor Nana Asante, who is standing as a Trade Union and Socialist Coalition candidate in the General Election said: “Imagination, creativity and a willingness to serve the Community is all that residents ask.

“In the last few weeks, a lot of energy was wasted attacking campaigners and residents. Is it not time to put egos aside and support the Community's wish to keep libraries open?”

Cllr James Bond said: ““This is another kick in the teeth for North Harrow and the thousands of people who have been fighting so valiantly to save the library.

“I am absolutely appalled. This is a dark day for the area I represent and for all who loved our library.”

Kamal Shah said: “North Harrow Library as community run won't cost the council any more money, so where is the logic in closing it?

“The truth is that the community option costs them nothing but their refusal to back it properly shows it is about their egos and not saving services for residents. No interest, nothing.”

Cllr Sue Anderson said: "We are still in discussions with the community and campaign groups to explore other options and I would like to thank all residents who have come forward with ideas.

“In the meantime we will be providing transport links between the closed libraries and those that remain open, so residents can still access libraries wherever they live in the borough."