What must we do to save our local library?

According to Government sources, Blackbird/Greater Leys are areas of social deprivation. Our estate needs a library for children to further their education. It is part of growing up and becoming a useful member of society.

Recently a school for disabled pupils re-located to the estate and these children take great joy and pleasure in going to the library to pick books to read. This is something that would stop if the closure went ahead.

We have five schools on this estate; can you imagine what would happen if they all decided to take the bus to Temple Cowley Library at the same time? There would be utter chaos on public transport.

It is a disgrace that the county council has cut funds to libraries and now says that consultation will take place. To my mind consultation takes place before any announcement.

We all hear about the Big Society and are continually told ‘we’re all in this together’, but the millionaires’ club now running this county won’t suffer, and nor will their children.

It is our right to have libraries. People access libraries on our estate to read, apply for jobs, contact agencies for help, and, of course, get books to increase their knowledge or just for a good read.

Council leader Keith Mitchell has said libraries can be run by volunteers. But who in a working class family has the time to do this, and who will pay for the rent, heating and electricity?

It is okay for those who can offset the cost against taxes, but working class people have enough problems paying for everyday items – with constant increases in food and other commodities.

Another anomaly is that PM David Cameron’s Witney Library is staying open, along with MP Ed Vaizey’s Wantage Library. How strange.

We must protest and take part in the consultation to try to stop these closures. Once they’re gone they won’t be coming back.

Brian Lester Pegasus Road Blackbird Leys Oxford