Book lovers outraged at the planned reduction of their library services have staged an en masse “read-in” to protest.

Chipping Barnet library in Stapylton Road was shut down for two months yesterday (December 5) in order to prepare it for series of changes to service being made to save money at Barnet Council.

On the day of the closure, residents and members of Barnet Society came to the site to join a “read-in” which saw a crowd of people reading books and brandishing banners to object to the plans.

Changes to Chipping Barnet library and Mill Hill library will see them reopen early next year with reduced library space, more focus on self-service and areas designated as office space for private renting.

Resident Nick Saul said: “There is no earthly reason why the council should be reducing library floor space to let out rooms to commercial tenants.

“There is plenty of vacant office space above shops in the High Street.

“Yet again High Barnet is losing its community facilities when there is a crying need for civic amenities.”

By reducing staffed hours at libraries and renting out space once dedicated to library services, the council hopes to save £2.2 million from now to 2020 as part of a wider initiative.

The request for planning permission at Chipping Barnet library, which is available on the council website, has seen multiple objections logged by residents, many of whom attended the protest.

Jane Elms, who brought a placard reading “Shame on you, Barnet Council”, said: “We’re paying the price for Barnet’s six-year freeze on council tax when we know many residents would be happy to pay more.

“What is so upsetting is the council doesn’t even seem to care there are so many children whose parents can’t afford to buy books, and whose homes lack internet access and space to work on computers.”

READ MORE: 'People do not realise how valuable the libraries are until it is too late'

The planning application seeks to take 116 square metres of the library for renting purposes, stating the space has “no demand for community of educational use”.

Chair of the children, education, libraries and safeguarding committee Cllr Reuben Thompstone said: “The changes being made to these library buildings during this closure period do not require planning permission.

“Any changes which do will commence later in 2017 following the appropriate planning processes which will take into account residents’ views.

“Alongside longer opening hours, changes that come into place on 1 April 2017 will see fewer staffed hours, which is necessary because the council has to find £61.5 million of savings between now and 2020.

“Barnet Council recently held a series of well attended drop-in sessions at libraries across the borough for residents and library users to view proposed plans and feedback on any changes.”

The council suggests East Barnet, Osidge and North Finchley libraries as alternatives for Chipping Barnet residents during the closures.

Representations on the plans for Chipping Barnet library can be made here until Thursday, December 15.