Residents determined to protect an under threat library turned out in force to campaign against its closure.

Consultation has begun on the future of the Upper Norwood Joint Library, currently funded by both Lambeth and Croydon Councils.

The service is under threat after Croydon Council accused Lambeth of failing to partake in annual general meetings and threatened to pull its funding.

Options in the Croydon Council consultation include continuing to fund the library at the existing level, reducing funding to the library, withdrawing funding, with money then used in improve other library services in the area and finally withdrawing funding and using the savings to protect other council services.

On March 28, almost 200 people packed into a meeting at Christ Church, Gipsy Hill to voice their concern.

Upper Norwood Library Campaign member Robert Gibson, said: “Rather than trying to close our library, Croydon should be studying it as a model of efficiency and cost saving, not just for Croydon but across the UK.

“If Croydon want to change the library ownership structure, the building should be given back to the community through a local trust with a continued annual grant reflecting the library’s exceptional value for money.”

A deadline of April 29 has been set for people to submit their views.

The consultation is available online at www.croydon.gov.uk/UNJLconsult or it can be picked up from libraries and council offices.