Barnet Borough Council is currently consulting on the future of the borough’s libraries – but what do you think of the plans?

The authority is considering three options to help it save £2.85 million, including closing libraries, reducing their size and using volunteers to run the service.

What do you think? Vote in our poll below.

A petition opposing the plans has already gathered more than 1,000 signatures.

Reporter Chris Flanagan took to the streets to find out what you think about the plans.

Edgar Hutchinson, 85, a retired chartered engineer, who has lived in the borough for 43 years: “Quite a few elderly people still use the library. I know I do.

“They could possibly open them three days a week instead of five. But I’m dead against them being closed down.”

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Miranda Hodge, 40, a photographer who has lived in Barnet for 37 years: “I think it’s a bad idea. It really gets to me. It brings the community together. I’m still old fashioned - I like using books. You can’t rely on the internet.”

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Sarah Edwards, 36, a charity worker who has lived in Barnet for two years said: “It’s really sad. I’ve got two kids and we go to the library all the time.

“We have the internet at home, but in terms of broadening their horizons and their understanding of the world, books are still the foundation.”

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George Costa, 65, who owns a fish and chip shop and has lived in Barnet since 1976, said: “Libraries are necessary for educating people, and keeping people in employment.

“If they have to do something they should downsize them. Downsizing may be the best option as at least they are still there.”

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What do you think? Vote in our poll below.