A LARGE ‘book of protest’ signed by 650 library users from Wiveliscombe and the 10 Parishes, was presented to Somerset county councillor James Hunt on Monday.

It was the final action in a series of protests co-ordinated in the area, as the council’s consultation over the potential closure of libraries throughout Somerset closed two days ago (June 13).

In West Somerset, libraries under potential threat include Watchet, Wiveliscombe, Dulverton and Bishops Lydeard.

Wiveliscombe’s specially bound book of protest, filled with signatures as well as hand prints and signatures from children in the area, was handed to Cllr Hunt at Monday’s meeting of Wiveliscombe Town Council.

He was also given a hard copy of the community’s response to the consultation, which has been forwarded to officers at County Hall.

This included comments from schools, churches and community groups across the area, as well as from the parish council and pleas from individual library users that it should not be closed.

“We couldn’t have done any more,” a spokesman said. “Local people have gone all out to support the Friends of Wiveliscombe Library campaign.”

As well as the book of protest, readers and library users have attended open meetings and held a mass book withdrawal in protest, as well as completed the online consultation offered by the council.

The options under consultation for the affected West Somerset libraries include either providing library services through a partnership with the local community to maintain the library building, or provision of a mobile library stop. At Dulverton there is also an option of no change to existing services.

Somerset County Council launched the consultation in January, on how they propose to deliver library services across the county, and thousands of people have had their say.

The timetable for what happens next is in the Free Press.