We need our books, say Whitnash library users

Fortunately the sight was temporary as the books were removed by Whitnash people themselves in a bid to demonstrate how they would feel should Warwickshire County Council approve proposals to cut the service’s opening times.

The council’s consultation on libraries recently ended, but under the proposals - which were made as part of plans to save more than £2 million from the libraries budget - the building in Whitnash would be open just 15 hours a week instead of the current 45.

Sioban Mulherin, who lives in the town, said: “We all know that cuts have to be made and the money has to come from somewhere, but over a quarter of a million pounds was spent refurbishing this building just a couple of years ago. Fifteen hours a week amounts to semi-closure. Where’s the economic sense in that?”

Schoolgirl Esther Cawood added: “We love our library. Grown-ups are always telling us how important it is to read. So why are they trying to stop us?”

The council has also earmarked for closure 16 of the libraries it runs, including those in Kineton and Harbury, but both villages are looking into setting up community-run libraries.