Lambeth libraries suffer a £1m budget reduction despite strong opposition from residents and some councillors.
Lambeth Labour councillors voted for the budget cut at a meeting on March 5th. Opposition Green Party members voted against the cut, while Liberal Democrat councillors chose to abstain on the vote.
The council says no libraries will close and that opening hours won’t change. However, they haven’t said where they will save the £1 million. Reporters asked for details, but got no reply.
Laura Swaffield spoke against the cuts before the councillors voted. She said reading helps kids succeed and that libraries provide books for fun. Children need choice and help from librarians.
People protested the cuts outside Lambeth Town Hall, and members of Unison and the NEU joined. Councillor Anywanwu said they invest in libraries, blaming past government austerity for the cuts.
He said the council protects libraries and that they enhance libraries. The aim is to keep libraries modern and accessible, wanting libraries that are ready for the future.