A LAST-ditch protest is taking place which involves library users withdrawing the maximum number of books to empty the shelves of closure-threatened Crown Street Library.

Richard Wise is organising the protest against Darlington Borough Council plans to shut the historic library, which was bequeathed to the town by Edward Pease more than 130 years ago, ahead of a council meeting tomorrow in which councillors are set to vote through the final closure plans.

Under the proposals the building would shut and the library facility would be moved to the Dolphin Centre.

Mr Wise has organised the “peaceful, non-political protest” against Darlington council on Facebook.

He said: “I’m just an ordinary member of the public who is upset about the loss of the library.

“I am asking everyone to withdraw on loan your allocated maximum of 15 books asap before Thursday so as to empty the shelves of the library, which in turn may prevent or hinder the council’s decision of going ahead with the proposed move to the Dolphin Centre.

“For anyone unable to carry the 15 books I am offering free transportation from the library on meeting to your home address within Darlington borough.”

He added: “There have been numerous council and cabinet meetings regarding the closure of the people’s Crown Street Library and it is coming to the final D-day this week with a meeting of the full council to vote on forever closing the Edward Pease Free Library which was gifted to us, the townsfolk of Darlington.

“I hope as a show of solidarity everyone will withdraw all the books to show the strength of feeling people have about our library.

“It belongs to us, it is our facility, and we can’t let them take it away.”

Thousands of protesters, campaigners and volunteers had hoped to protect the Crown Street building from council cuts.

Despite rallying support from international authors and arts groups, the library will be relocated, in a move which is estimated by campaigners to be cutting just £100,000 of costs.

Mr Wise added: “I realise everyone is busy with their lives.

“But if the action snowballs and we as a collective group of concerned Darlington residents manage to devoid the shelves and keep the books out on loan, then it is a firm show of unified hands when all through the library saga the council have shown the height of ignorance and contempt towards townspeople who dare to ask questions.”

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said: “Decisions about the future of the library service will be taken by Full Council at a meeting on Thursday following an extensive public consultation.”