With local authorities, including Lambeth and Croydon councils, having to make further cuts in public spending – by as much as 25 per cent – here ROBERT GIBSON calls for more public help to keep Upper Norwood Library operating

We have seen how easy it was for Bromley to snuff out Anerley Library. But we also know that when under attack, Crystal Palace rolls with the punches and comes back stronger.

Robert Gibson, centre of group, has helped organise a series of community and fund-raising events such as this, in and around Upper Norwood Library

Some times, this can be very exhausting, but we are confident that, with your help, a resolute united five-borough response will persuade the local politicians of Croydon and Lambeth to honour their pledges of commitment to the Upper Norwood Library which has served our community of Crystal Palace so well for almost 115 years.

There is lots more digital, historical, cultural, creative, educational energy and output and fun to come, if we can only safeguard this resource for our community. The library brings so many economic and social benefits and contributes to community cohesion. With support and investment, it has got so much more to give.

With a new council in Croydon, extra funding for one year has been allocated in the  budget, but we know local authorities are under extreme financial pressure as never before. Community infrastructure that is not stubbornly defended will be lost. We need to show Lambeth and Croydon that our building and our service should be properly funded.

Come to a public meeting at 7.30pm on Monday October 13 at The Methodist Church Hall (behind Iceland) to meet the Upper Norwood Library Trustees, listen as they outline their vision for the library. There will be updates on the latest position from both Lambeth and Croydon councils.

Pledge your support. Please join us.

• Robert Gibson is the co-chair of the Upper Norwood Library Trust

Coming to Croydon

• Tree Sides, Spread Eagle Theatre, Oct 2-4
• Croydon Fun Palace, Whitgift Centre, Oct 4-5
• East Croydon community meeting, Oct 7
• The Goon Show, Spread Eagle Theatre, Oct 8-11
• David Lean Cinema: Boyhood, Oct 9
• David Lean Cinema: Grand Central, Oct 14
• Norwood Society Talk: From Fire Station to Theatre, Oct 16
• David Lean Cinema: Finding Vivian Maier, Oct 16
• Cinema Ruskin film show, Oct 18
• South Croydon business breakfast, Oct 18
• Purley War Memorial Hospital health fair, Oct 18
• David Lean Cinema: Mood Indigo, Oct 23
• This Was The World and I Was King, Spread Eagle, Oct 23-25
• Upper Norwood Library Book Club, 2.30pm, Oct 25
• David Lean Cinema: Ilo Ilo, Oct 28
• CODA’s Wind In The Willows, Charles Cryer, Carshalton, Oct 29-Nov 1
• David Lean Cinema: Belle, Oct 30
• NHS free health fair, Central Parade, New Addington, Oct 31
• St Giles School opening morning, Nov 5
• Albert Einstein – Relativity Speaking, Spread Eagle, Nov 12-15
• South Croydon business breakfast, Nov 15
• Norwood Society Talk: Lambeth’s Archives, Nov 20
• Choose Your Own Documentary, Spread Eagle Theatre, Nov 21-22
• The Last Sense of Sudden, Spread Eagle Theatre, Nov 27-29
• Ghost Stories for Christmas, Spread Eagle Theatre, Dec 3
• Fog Horn Funnies, Spread Eagle Theatre, Dec 6
• South Croydon business breakfast, Dec 13
• South Croydon business breakfast, Jan 24

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