CAMPAIGNERS are inviting book lovers to a street party in a bid save their library from being run by volunteers.

Save Manningtree Library Action Group is holding the party as part of an action day over Essex County Council’s plans to create community-run libraries today from 11am and 1pm.

Holly Turner, from the group, said: “The street party looks set to be a huge community celebration of our wonderful community resource which so many rely on; the library and its professional staff.”

A spokesperson for Essex County Council said: “We know several ‘love your library’ events are planned outside some libraries on Saturday. While we applaud the organisers’ passion for libraries, we would stress these are events which have been organised independently and are not taking place inside our buildings or on library land.

“In the summer we announced no Essex libraries would be closing over the next five years, and we will be working with communities to make the service sustainable and better. We also wish to hear directly from communities who have ideas for increasing usage of their local library. If you want to support your local library, the best way is to join up, borrow books, come to the many activities that happen in libraries or volunteer to help out.”