Campaigners protesting against cuts to Isle of Wight libraries are planning a day of action today (Thursday).
To mark World Book Day, Stop the Cuts Alliance supporters are planning to have a sit-in at County Hall.
The idea is for the campaigners to use the County Hall foyer as a reading room from noon onwards.
The sit-in is aimed as a “peaceful tribute to the dwindling Island libraries and threatened librarians”.
Books have already been chosen and the campaigners will dress as characters from titles such as 1984; Animal Farm; Utopia Lost; The Prince; Fahrenheit 451.
Tanja Rebel, Alliance chair said, “On World Book Day we want to remind the ruling group of councillors how much books and libraries mean to people around the world, not just here on the Isle of Wight. The Island has 11 fine libraries, the Cabinet decision made last Tuesday could see that figure drop to just six by June.
“The closure of libraries will mean a significant reduction in
facilities for islanders and this could force people to seek alternative venues for their reading and research, our occupation of County Hall demonstrates that other public buildings could be that alternative.”
We understand that the sit-in is planned to continue throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
