An online petition which opposes cuts to Barnet’s library service has gathered more than 800 signatures.

Three options for the service have been laid out to help Barnet Borough Council save £2.85million, which include closing libraries, reducing their size and using volunteers to run the service.

A consultation on the future of the borough’s libraries is currently underway, after councillors approved proposals earlier this month.

The petition, which is on the campaign website 38 Degrees, urges the council: “Do not close down or eradicate the functions and services of our public libraries in Barnet”.

So far, a total of 887 people have signed the petition, which will be handed to the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Hugh Rayner, or the leader of Barnet council, Councillor Richard Cornelius, before the vote on the future of Barnet’s libraries.

Susan L wrote on the petition: “Libraries are not just about books, they are a lifeline for all sorts of people.”

Jan M wrote: “As a teacher, I want children and adults to read. For many, a love of reading for knowledge and for pleasure is not possible without the library.”

Mary B wrote: “The pleasure of reading should be available to all, free of charge.”

Rens T wrote: “Libraries are a critical resource to all members of the community and it’s about time that we stop Barnet's ideologically driven attempt to eliminate this service.”

The public consultation, which started last week, will run until February 22 next year. A number of meetings will also take place at libraries throughout Barnet to discuss the proposals.

Keith Martin, who volunteers at Friern Barnet Community Library, said he was unhappy with the way the consultation is worded.

He said: “The paper that has been put out is rubbish. It presupposes that there are only three options for people. All three options are, in one way or another, about decimating the service. Option one should be to keep the status quo. We always look at what we have got and then compare it. It’s common sense to offer the status quo.”

Councillor Reuben Thompstone, chairman of the children, education, libraries and safeguarding committee, said: “It is vital we hear the views of as many people as possible so we can meet the challenges we face and provide a sustainable library service for the future.

“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.”

People can take part in the consultation at http://engage.barnet.gov.uk/consultation-team/library-review/consult_viewout. There will be paper surveys at libraries throughout the borough from the beginning of next month.

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