THE sequel to Wivenhoe Library’s first book raid has prompted plans for a third event next month.

Protestors maxed their lending limit on Saturday in one of a series of raids taking place at different libraries across the county.

It was also another opportunity to encourage visitors to respond to the consultation on Essex County Council’s draft five-year library strategy which runs until February 20.

Stella Willcocks was at Wivenhoe Library with her daughters Elsa, 13, and Astrid Cooper, 11.

She said: “As a family we’ve borrowed over 1,000 books. We’re devastated to think it might go.”

Gazette:

The Willcocks-Cooper family

Clare Allmond has a deeply personal connection to the library, dating back to being pregnant with her now 15-year-old daughter.

“I moved to Wivenhoe and found out I was pregnant two days later,” she said.

“At the time I was commuting to London two hours each way, so I wasn’t in Wivenhoe a lot of the time. Then I went on maternity leave, but had no friends or family in the area.

“I felt really isolated and had a hard time, but the library was a place I could go.”

The theme for the upcoming raid on February 16 is Bring a Friend.

Clare added: “Our library is one of those the county council is suggesting would stay if it’s run by volunteers.

“We strongly believe this is unsustainable and last week’s shortage of volunteers for the CAB, which now uses the library on Wednesdays, only underlines this.

Gazette:

Emma Brown reads to Olivia and Jessica Warbey

“The book raids have been an important opportunity to raise awareness of the consultation - a lot of people still don’t seem to know about it - and to remind people what the library can offer them.

“We also used as an opportunity to get people’s thoughts about the library in the form of our wish tree and get them thinking.

“It’s sparked enthusiasm and love and community participation in a way most of our borough councillors could only dream about doing.”

Find the survey here or call 0345 603 7639 to do it over the phone.

Ask at your library for a survey to be posted to you or call the number above.