Writers aim to show pen is mightier

In an attempt to prove the pen is mightier than the sword, a group of authors will gather outside Scottish Parliament on Saturday to protest against planned cuts to library services.

In a statement the authors argue that the cuts, which could result in the closure of at least one Edinburgh library and a fifth of staff losing their jobs in 2012-13, would affect those most in need of library services. It said: "Those least able to protest against the cuts in that service - the less affluent, the elderly, the frail, people who are challenged mentally and physically and their carers, those who look after babies and toddlers and, crucially, our children - who are our future."

A number of Edinburgh-based authors will be attending the protest including Keith Gray, Lari Don, Nicola Morgan as well as Julia Donaldson, author of the much-loved children's book The Gruffalo.

The head of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland, Alan Reid, said the protest highlights the passion which many in Scotland share for their libraries.

Protest organisers say members of the public and library staff are welcome to attend the event, which is expected to kick off at 11am.