Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn and children’s author Michael Rosen have backed protests against potential cuts to library funding that unions say could be up to £1 million.
Statements from the pair were read at a public demonstration on Thursday 24 September, where campaigners called for Islington Council to abandon its review of services.
They described public libraries as a “foundation of our community” and “a safe and welcoming environment for thousands of people in our community.”
Protest organiser Alan Wylie, UNISON union representative for Islington libraries, said a senior council officer had only recently told him about plans to reduce library funding.
Wylie said: “Islington Council are trying to sneak through the budget cuts despite no statement and no consultation.”
The council disputes the claims. It said the requirement to refresh its libraries strategy was publicly set out in the Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee report of 12 May 2025 and its medium-term financial strategy, published in February 2026.
Wylie also claimed the council had paid up to £110,000 to The Activist Group Ltd, a consultancy firm that has previously been involved in public services restructuring with Hammersmith & Fulham, Croydon, and Lewisham councils.
Islington Council confirmed the involvement of the consultants: “Funding has been allocated with a maximum budget of £110,000, although final expenditure may be lower.”
In a statement the firm said: “Activist Group is proud to have helped dozens of library services around the country, but we do not comment about our work for our individual clients.”
Councils have a legal duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service for everyone who lives, works, or studies in the area.
Islington currently has 10 public libraries and Office for National Statistics figures in 2024 showed 97% of Islington residents had a library within a 15-minute walk of their home.
Councillor Benali Hamdache, Green Party opposition leader, also spoke at the protest.
He said: “The hidden cost of cutting library services should not be underestimated.
“Local government is the best way to put this country back together, and we will fight this every step of the way.”
Councillor James Potts, executive member for inclusive economy and planning, said: “The purpose of this work is to understand how libraries can continue to meet changing resident needs, build on their strengths and remain sustainable for the future.
“Our priority is to gather evidence, listen to those who use and deliver the service, and develop a long-term vision for libraries in Islington.”
Featured image credit: Duncan Paterson
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