12:04pm Friday 16th June 2006
PROTESTERS from across Dorset gathered at County Hall in a bid to stop proposed library closures.
Almost 50 protesters joined Mid-Dorset MP Annette Brooke as she handed over a petition to John Wilson, vice-chairman of Dorset County Council.
The determined group of campaigners included residents and councillors from Crossways, Portland and Wool as well as Corfe Mullen, Lytchett Matravers and Stalbridge.
Many held placards representing their village library and they all joined together chanting 'hands off our libraries'.
Peter Read, from Crossways, said he was very encouraged to see so many people campaigning against the proposed closures.
He added: "Libraries are the key to preserving culture and heritage, education, freedoms and democracy."
Julia Southall, from Crossways, said: "Libraries are so important to rural areas.
"Not just for books, but videos and Internet access."
She added: "Why they want to take something away like that I don't know."
Weymouth and Portland borough councillor Sandy West was also at the protest to represent residents from Fortuneswell who are facing the closure of the Underhill library.
She said: "It's a disgrace to take our libraries away without looking at the full picture."
But John Wilson, chairman of the corporate services overview and policy development committee, said they were looking to see if they could make budget savings from administrative areas.
He said they were also considering extending the period of time scheduled to look into alternative funding options for the 13 community libraries.
These suggestions were then discussed at a meeting of Dorset County Council's corporate services overview and policy development committee.
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