CAMPAIGNERS are inviting children to walk to a library after school, in a desperate bid to show Barnet Council it is at the heart of the community.

The council is considering plans to move Friern Barnet Library into the artsdepot, nearly two miles away.

A petition has been signed by more than 2,000 people who argue the closure of the library in Friern Barnet Road will affect the most vulnerable people in the area as well as detriment hundreds of children’s literacy levels.

Before the plans are considered by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday July 26, Save Friern Barnet Library group wants pupils from nearby schools to walk to the library after 3pm from Tuesday July 12 to Friday July 15.

Tamar Andrusier, said: “The library is a place where children can do their homework, research, search for a book to read for pleasure and meet friends.

“We want to demonstrate to the council that our library really is at the heart of our community.”

Students from Holly Park School and Woodhouse College will set up free arts and crafts activities and read stories aloud to children and their parents.

The Walk to the Library Week will end with a party on Saturday July 16 from 2 – 4 pm.

There will be free refreshments, music and a competition for the best ‘save our library’ banner.

Children can also take part in a fancy dress competition, and dress-up as their favourite book character.

Councillor Robert Rams, Cabinet Member for customer access and partnerships, has spoken in favour of the library strategy proposals.

He said: “Our libraries strategy, which has been the subject of extensive consultation, puts literacy and learning at its heart.

“The proposals include increasing the amount we spend on books as well as making every primary school child a library member."