We, the undersigned patrons and concerned citizens, bring forth this petition to express our grave concerns regarding the use of rooms within West Bridgford Library by Barclays Bank. We believe that the presence of this bank not only contradicts the values of peace and community that our library stands for but also directly implicates us in supporting activities that finance and enable the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

As patrons of this library, we have always cherished it as a sanctuary for learning, exploration, and intellectual growth. However, the decision to allow a bank to rent a room within the library undermines these values and tarnishes the sanctity of this space.

Barclays Bank holds over £1 billion in shares and provides over £3 billion in loans and underwriting to 9 companies whose weapons, components, and military technology are being used by Israel in its attacks on Palestinians.

This includes General Dynamics, which produces the gun systems that arm the fighter jets used by Israel to bombard Gaza, and Elbit Systems, which produces armoured drones, munitions and artillery weapons used by the Israeli military.

By providing them with a platform within our library, we are inadvertently complicit in perpetuating violence and suffering in the world. This goes against the principles of peace, compassion, and social responsibility that should guide our actions as members of a global community.

Furthermore, the presence of Barclays Bank within our library sends the wrong message to our community, especially to our children and young adults who frequent this space. Instead of promoting literacy, critical thinking, and civic engagement, we are normalizing the presence of institutions that prioritize profit over people's well-being and contribute to the destabilization of societies worldwide.

Therefore, we urge the Library Board and Administration, Inspire Libraries and Nottinghamshire County Council to reconsider their decision to allow Barclays Bank to operate within our library premises. We demand that immediate steps be taken to terminate the rental agreement with the bank and restore the integrity of our library as a place of enlightenment, empathy, and integrity.

We believe that our library should be a beacon of hope and progress, fostering dialogue, understanding, and positive change within our community and beyond. Let us not compromise these principles for the sake of convenience or financial gain. Together, let us reclaim our library as a space dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, justice, and the common good.