Looking back: the Carnegie Library occupation, ten years on

With library cuts one of the day’s central issues, Brixton Buzz looks back at the historic sit-in at Carnegie Library that took place ten years ago.

The programme to convert Lambeth’s public libraries into privately run gyms began under Streatham and Croydon North MP Steve Reed during his time as council leader.

His successor Lib Peck pushed it through, and in March 2016 closed the Carnegie Library in Herne Hill, the busiest children’s library in the borough, handing it to Greenwich Leisure Ltd.

Residents refused to leave. For nine days, local people of all ages occupied the 110-year-old building in one of the most remarkable acts of community resistance Lambeth has seen.

The current campaign Save Lambeth Libraries are in partnership with the Friends of Lambeth Libraries and Lambeth Unison and at one point we were called Defend the Ten.

When the occupiers finally left on 9 April, 2,000 people marched with them to Windrush Square – the biggest demonstration in the borough in 30 years.

Here are Brixton Buzz’s articles and photos from those extraordinary days:

The occupation (31 March – 9 April 2016)

Friends group occupy Carnegie Library after attempts are made by Lambeth Council to close the public building for the final time (31 March) – Jason Cobb

Carnegie and Minet library supporters keep up the fight with celebration and vigil tonight, 31st March (31 March) – Mike Urban

In photos — Carnegie Library Occupation, Thurs 31st March 2016 (31 March) – Mike Urban

Occupation of Lambeth’s Carnegie Library continues into second day (1 April) – Mike Urban

In photos: Carnegie Library Occupation, Day 3. Campaigners defiant but supplies requested (2 April) – Mike Urban

Exclusive: Carnegie Library campaigners speak with Brixton Buzz about low pay security guards, Lambeth Liaison & Helen Hayes MP (3 April) — Jason Cobb

Lambeth issues possession order as Carnegie Library campaigners stand firm on Day 5 of their occupation — Mike Urban

Carnegie Library occupation enters Day 6 as campaigners raise questions about the Lambeth/GLL gym connection — Mike Urban

Photos: Carnegie Library campaigners march to Brixton Windrush Square (9 April) – Mike Urban

Exclusive stunning photo portraits — Carnegie Library users explain why they love the library – Orlando Gili portraits

Brixton Buzz articles

See all our library occupation articles