Oxford College Seeks to Close London Library

You might not know it but today marks National Library Day. It also marks another day of efforts from the members of the ‘Save Kensal Rise Library!’.

The library, opened in 1900 by none other than Mark Twain himself, is owned by All Souls College.

Historical significance: stone marks the day Twain opened the library

The College – described by The Guardian as having “the hardest entrance examination in the world” – have long been trying to flog it on to private developers Platinum Revolver.

This has sparked outrage amongst local residents with volunteer staff members forced to fill a pop-up library outside with donated books after Brent Council stripped it in May 2012.

Signs lie torn after Brent Council removes books in the dead of night

It has even emerged in recent weeks that the college’s attempts to turn a profit have led to accusations from campaigners that they have been involved in cynical maneuvres to undermine Brent Council.

Local Resident Jodianne Gramigni took to facebook to say, “All Souls are an Oxford College with a stellar reputation. It’s unthinkable that they would deliberately undermine our community aspirations…”

Margaret Bailey, Director of the Friends of Kensal Rise Library, told followers, “If they were exempt because of their ‘binding agreement’ why did they bother at all to engage with the process of representation?

“Why not simply argue that they need not engage with the process as it did not apply to them?”

Outrage on the streets of Oxford as campaigners protest outside All Souls last November

FKRL told the Government’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee, “Anecdotally, we are told that the library space is of particular importance to those from what have been termed “chaotic” or “problem” families where there are multiple problems that disrupt lives and threaten future positive outcomes.”

Brent Council, in December 2012, then chose to include the library on its list of community assets under the terms of the Localism Act.

Put simply, this means that the community must be given the chance to buy the property before it can be sold on the open market.

However, All Souls have been accused of rushing their agreement with Platinum Revolver when the first application for community asset status was put forward in order to circumvent the ruling.

Cold-hearted: All Souls’ decision to sell the library has received a frosty reception

Local residents are not the only ones to have joined the campaign, prominent celebrity backers have included Philip Pullman, Alan Bennett and Jacqueline Wilson.

Mark Twain himself once said “Actions speak louder than words but not nearly so often”. In keeping with the great man’s words you can follow and support the campaign on their official website, facebook page and twitter account.