We Don’t Need No Education

Campaigners were left astonished last week after Brent Council took action to remove books, murals and other items from Kensal Rise Library in a dawn raid. Library employees were assisted by police officers to remove items including furniture, murals and plaques commemorating the opening of the site by Mark Twain in 1900.

The action contradicted assurances made by councillor Muhammad Butt that murals and furniture would not be removed in the stripping of the property, which comes as a result of austerity measures. Council bosses were accused of “cowardice and deceit” after the action took place in the early hours of 29th May.

Speaking after the action, campaigners issued a resounding declaration to continue fighting for the re-opening of the library. Supporters of the cause include residents, campaigners and authors; among them Alan Bennett, Philip Pullman, and Zadie Smith.