Library closures like child abuse, says Bennett

Alan Bennett said planned library closures in London were like "child abuse" as he joined a campaign to save six.

The playwright told a fund-raising event that closing half of Brent's 12 libraries would be damaging to poor children. He was invited by groups fighting to save Neasden, Tokyngton, Cricklewood, Kensal Rise, Barham Park and Preston libraries. Brent plans a £3 million "mega library", to open in 2013.

Bennett, 77, who lives in Camden, told last night's audience of more than 250 people he often saw many children from poorer backgrounds at nearby Chalk Farm library.

He said: "They are at the library because not every family has a computer. Many are quite poor and the only way they can keep up with classmates is at the library.

"Brent, I gather, has plans for a central library, but that is no good to children like that. Libraries have to be local, they should not need an expedition. The early part of a child's reading life is vital. Closing libraries is child abuse."