A CAMPAIGNING mum is calling for residents to save Manningtree’s library from the risk of closure.

Holly Turner, of Norman Road, in Manningtree, has launched an online petition urging the community to join the library in a bid to stop it from being axed.

The mum-of-two set up the campaign to raise awareness Essex County Council could close Manningtree Library within the next two years.

It is one of 25 Essex libraries facing the chop in a council reorganisation of the service, which will save around £2million a year.

Holly said: “My eldest son is four and it is expensive to keep buying him books.

“He can experience all different types of books at the library.”

Since recently giving birth to her second son and being on maternity leave, Holly attends baby classes at the library regularly with other parents.

She said: “My life can be quite lonely at times since being on maternity leave and I have really enjoyed going to the classes.

“The library is a really important facility for the community and it would be such a shame to see it go.”

So far more than 1,170 people have signed Holly’s petition since it launched on Thursday, November 15.

Some campaigners’ reasons for signing are because the library is a “vital community hub” and “children and the elderly use it a lot”.

Holly added: “I hope by sharing the petition online it will raise awareness for people who don’t know it is at risk of closing.

“The most effective thing to come out of this petition would be for people to join the library to show that it is used and needed by lots of the community.”

Essex County Council said a vision of a library service available online 24-7 to fit with people’s lives in Essex will be considered by the council.

Susan Barker, councillor responsible for customer services, said: “Technology has transformed how people read books and access information and entertainment, which is why we must look critically at our current library locations and respond to these changes.

“We want to introduce better library spaces where we do have them - smart, modern and comfortable - and where, for instance, you might be able to swipe in using a smart card, pick up parcels or bring your toddlers for rhyme time.

The 12-week consultation into the future of Essex libraries launches on November 29. To sign Holly’s petition, go to www.change.org and search for Save Manningtree Library.