Campaigners fighting against the “barbaric” closure of libraries have called for open debates as a consultation into their future ends.

Barnet Borough Council needs to save £72m by 2020 and is proposing to close libraries, make them smaller or leave them unstaffed by making greater use of volunteers.

But the authority’s opposition Labour councillors put forward a motion to be debated at the next full council meeting to re-consult residents on different options.

Mill Hill Residents’ Forum chairman Richard Logue argues that libraries could be turned into places that could turn a profit.

He said: “People have a misconception about libraries but they aren’t just a glorified book hub.

“They are a place where people can do detailed research to aid social mobility. We are trying to push the council in reimagining libraries as community hubs.

“They are a neutral space for people to learn things.

“Once those libraries are shut, they aren’t coming back. They are worth fighting for. We don’t want to bury this issue, we must keep talking about it.”

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Campaigner Claire Fox-Baron contacted schools across the borough asking pupils to design posters in support of libraries.

One boy said: “I know I’m not the only one who thinks closing libraries is totally barbaric. Reading is my life.”

Another nine-year-old said she uses the library to help her with her homework, and that they are useful to borrow films and CDs.

Others pointed out how they are “treasured” resources which also hold “invaluable” activities such as baby rhyme time.

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Last year, pupils from Goodwyn School, in Hammers Lane, Mill Hill, responded to the consultation calling library closures a ‘catastrophic tragedy’.

Polly Napper, who helps run the East Finchley Library Users Group, said at the time: “I am really worried we are going to lose our library. The consultation is about how they implement the cuts. None of these options are the best case scenario.”

Conservative MP Theresa Villiers, for Chipping Barnet, is also supporting the campaign to keep libraries open.

She says the five in her constituency are well used and a much-valued resource.

She added: “Libraries are a much valued community resource in my constituency. “They provide important educational and learning opportunities for people of all ages and contribute to social mobility, for example by providing a quiet place for children and young people to study even if their home life is disrupted.

“Many older people place great importance not just on library services, but on the opportunity for social interaction a visit to the library can offer.

“My constituents also greatly value library buildings as community spaces which can support a wider network of local activities and meetings.”