Join us in delivering our petition to Southwark Council's budget setting meeting. We will be holding a feminist 'read-in' - bring feminist books, signs and banners and your friends. Southwark Council is threatening to close down the Feminist Library unless the Library agrees to an immediate increase in our rent from £12,000 to £30,000 a year. The Council's actions could cause the closure of a unique archive with a 40 year history. Other longstanding tenants of the building are also suffering from this onslaught by Southwark Council and the increasing gentrification of the area. Gharweg Advice, Training & Careers Centre, which provides vital services for Southwark residents, was given notice of repossession of its lease on 9th February. Like all community organisations, Gharweg has faced financial constraints recently, and so has been unable to afford market rent. They have been locked out of their offices and their services are being severely affected. Join us on Wednesday 24th February at 6.30pm @ 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH where Southwark Council's Budget setting meeting will be taking place. Bring banners, placards, feminist books for a 'read in'… and all your friends. The Feminist Library will be handing in its petition, asking Southwark council to: ♢ Withdraw their notice to evict the Feminist Library on 1st March – the first day of Women’s History Month. ♢ Enter into negotiations with the Feminist Library to gradually implement the proposed threefold rent increase. ♢ Work with the Feminist Library to keep it open as a community space, in line with the aims of their Voluntary Sector Strategy, announced on 10th February. |