Campaigners braved the cold to raise awareness of the threat their library faces.

The Mill Hill Library Campaign Group gathered on Saturday outside Mill Hill Broadway station to highlight the potential closure of Mill Hill Library, in Hartley Avenue.

Barnet Borough Council is considering options including closing libraries, making them smaller or staffing them with volunteers as part of measures to save £2.85million.

The campaigners gathered more than 240 signatures from people who oppose the proposals.

Richard Logue, chairman of the Mill Hill Residents’ Association and campaign group member, said: “Public outrage is building. Residents are not happy about these proposals, which would see a much loved service torn out of the community.”

Alasdair Hill, who lives in Daws Lane, Mill Hill, launched an online petition opposing potential library closures, which has so far gathered more than 1,700 signatures.  

Mr Hill said he was “amazed” at the public support for the campaign, and added: “This issue really goes beyond party politics and straight to the heart of what people think matters in their neighbourhood.”

Children’s author and campaign group member Nicole Burstein said: “People of all ages were signing the petition today. Parents, grandparents and students alike were united in their shock that the closure of a service that provides so much opportunity to develop children’s literacy, creativity and imagination was even being considered.”

A public consultation is currently underway on the future of the borough’s library service, which can be found here.

Following the consultation, a report will go to the children, education, libraries and safeguarding committee in spring 2015.

Councillor Reuben Thompstone, chairman of the children, education, libraries and safeguarding committee, said: “We want to give everyone the opportunity to have their say on our proposals, whether they are a regular library user or not. It’s important we hear what people value the most about the service and how we can adapt to their changing needs and reading habits.”

Mill Hill Residents’ Association will hold a public meeting next month about the future of libraries.