Grumbles and cries of “shame” followed Barnet Council’s decision to close Friern Barnet Library last night.

In a last ditch attempt supporters of Save Friern Barnet Library Campaign tried desperately to tell the Cabinet how much their library means to everyone in the neighbourhood.

For more than a year the campaign group has been challenging the council’s plans to close Friern Barnet and North Finchley libraries in favour of opening a new service in artsdepot in North Finchley.

Hannah Andrusier, 11, said: “Please listen, the children who need a library most will not be taken to North Finchley. Can’t you see how closing our library will affect Friern Barnet children’s chances in life?”

Addressing the Cabinet, Hannah’s twin brother, Oscar Andrusier, said: “You said children under the age of ten and 11 can travel to the artsdepot with a parent or guardian. But I’m saying that parents or guardians will not be able to make children more able to walk to the library.

“Public transport is also not dependable. Children will not be able to use artsdepot if they live here in Friern Barnet.”

Cheers of support bellowed round the committee room but councillors remained firm in their plans to close the library.

Chairing the meeting, leader of the council Councillor Richard Cornelius said: “It is the greatest good for the greater number of people. The artsdepot will be a much better library than the one you have in Friern Barnet.

“Things are changing in the world and we have to recognise this change. A structure which is 80/90 years old is now tired and not fit for purpose. We need to look to the future rather than be stuck in the past.”

Councillors voted in favour of closing the library in Friern Barnet Road at 4pm today.

A temporary library will open at the artsdepot in three weeks, but a date has not been set for the official opening of the new “landmark” library.

Will you be affected by the closure of Friern Barnet Library? Leave your comments below.