Can some Harry Potter magic help to save Croydon libraries?

Coming to a library near you: actor Ralph Ineson, as Amycus Carrow

Locals in Norbury hope so, as they are staging a “read-in” at their under-threat local library from 11am to 1pm on Saturday (Feb 5), featuring the actor Ralph Ineson – who plays Amycus Carrow in the Harry Potter movies.

Kids [insert here obligatory mention “of all ages”, yuk] are encouraged to turn up dressed as their favourite character from the books.

Remember children – before the HP films, there were books and they can be borrowed from your local library. And if you ask Councillor Sara Bashford nicely, she might even give you a book token paid for her out of her Croydon Council allowances, because she thinks it is cheaper than lending the book from a library…[Please note: the previous paragraph may have contained flashing lights, strong language or irony]

Library campaigners have been encouraged by moves in Lewisham, where the legal requirements on councils to provide an adequate library service have been found in a 1964 Act of Parliament. And closer to home, Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell has called on the council not to close Shirley Library.

For further details of Saturday’s event, and for the Norbury Library march planned for Feb 12, check out the local residents’ association website here.

• Little-known fact: Ralph Ineson, as well as having appeared in Coronation Street and The Office, now works as the continuity announcer for the TV station Dave.