HUNDREDS of people came together to celebrate their village library.

Residents young and old in Coggeshall spent several hours enjoying book readings and taking part in quizzes to highlight the need to keep the village library open.

The service, which is based in Stoneham Street, is one of a number of facilities which may need to be run by volunteers if Essex County Council decides to press ahead with plans to cut services.

The Coggeshall Community Library Group, which opposes the plans, arranged Saturday’s community event to coincide with other protests taking place across Essex.

Those attending had the chance to make their own book and collect ‘we love our library’ memorabilia alongside the quiz and book readings.

Sara Stock, of the Coggeshall Community Library Group, said: “The library is a key part of the thriving and picturesque village of Coggeshall.

“It offers a range of events and services from free Wi-Fi, baby weighing, photocopying and recycling bags, to knitting groups, book clubs, toddler rhyme time and local author events. The library’s future hangs in the balance due to Essex County Council’s review of library provision.’

A second community protest event will also take place on Coggeshall on Saturday, May 18.

Protesters will march from Honywood School, past St Peter’s Primary and then on to the library.