Book lovers plan to launch their own community library in Friern Barnet this weekend.

The People’s Library will be held in a marquee outside Friern Barnet Library which was closed interminably by Barnet Council on Thursday, April 5.

Roger Tichborne of Mill Hill came up with the idea when Barnet Council decided to close the library at 1pm when protesters refused to leave the building. The library was initially planned to close at 4pm.

Mr Tichborne said: “The short notice didn’t really give anyone the opportunity to do things like bring their books back or pay their respects. It was all very sudden.

“It’s the community coming together. The building may have gone but there’s still a need for people to read books, borrow books and this is our way of trying to carry it on.”

Dozens of people are expected to attend the People’s Library which will be held in a marquee outside the former library in Friern Barnet Road from 11am-1pm on Saturday, April 14.

Sheri Darby, a supporter of Save Friern Barnet Library campaign, said: “It’s a wonderful idea. It’s going to show how much we need our library. It's near ten schools in the area and is so needed by so many children.”

If the People’s Library proves a success campaigners will consider making it a regular event.

There will also be homemade cakes and a competition for the best design for a blue plaque to be put outside the former Friern Barnet Library.

A Barnet Council spokeswoman said library books can still be returned through the letterbox.