Fight to save closure of libraries in North Lanarkshire
campaigners launch e-petition with the backing of writer's Ian Rankin and Val McDermid
Campaigners are calling on North Lanarkshire Council to u-turn on their plans to axe four libraries.
The local authority are closing the services alongside seven community centres as a result of £400,000 of budget cuts.
The number of mobile libraries in the local administration area will also be reduced from five to three.
Writer Damian Barr, who has particular interest in Newarthill Library, has launched an e-petition which has already gained support from the likes of Val McDermid and Ian Rankin.
The authority said it was the result of "necessary" cuts to Culture NL - the arms-length body which manages arts and entertainment venues for the council.
They also claim the 11 facilities earmarked for closure - from a total of 98 - were "little-used".
Culture NL chief executive Jillian Ferrie said: "We have no option but to make these service reductions. We face cost pressures and a reduction in management fee from the council.
"That means we have to make savings and the board has taken the difficult choice of closing facilities that are not as well used as others by our communities.
"At the same time, however, we will be asking our customers what they want from their libraries and community facilities in the future and we will respond to that feedback."