Plans to close a much-loved and historic library appear to have been shelved, the Friends of Streatham Library Group announced today.

A proposal to move Streatham Library out of the historic Tate building had sparked concern among library users and residents.

But the only options listed in the council's latest review document were improving the existing building and looking into sharing facilities between there and premises in nearby Gracefield Gardens run by the council and primary care trust.

Philip Sidaway, organiser of the Friends of Steatham Library Group, said keeping the library in the Tate building was critically important and their ‘line in the sand’.

Mr Sidaway said: "We are pleased that the council listened to our concerns and acted accordingly.

"We are delighted that the council has now withdrawn from the Options Appraisal document the wholesale option of Streatham Library moving from the Tate Building."

The document gives the first option as repairing, refurbishing and modernising the library buildings.

The second option involves looking at using the space for children’s and family library services as well as community space, but housing traditional and technology library services at Gracefield Gardens.

The Streatham Library Options Appraisal said the project involves the investment of £1m by March, from the council and Outer London Fund.

Cllr Sally Prentice, Cabinet Member for Culture on Lambeth Council, said: "Working with local people has been key to developing proposals for and protecting each of our libraries.

"We’ve had some really positive discussions about the options for Streatham.

"What has come across is that people value the Library as an important civic space.

"With that in mind we will be looking at how we can either invest in the current building or use the Streatham Tate as a home for the children’s library and community events, and house other library and customer services in the nearby Gracefield Gardens."