Over 1,000 guests turn out to support Northamptonshire library showcase

More than 1,000 library-enthusiasts rallied together on Saturday to show their support for Moulton Library - which is under threat as part of Northamptonshire County Council's proposals to save the local authority £9.6m.

Joanne Lowe, secretary for the Friends of Moulton Library group said: "We had a jam-packed day, to the point where some of the activities were spilling out of the library and we took over some of the community centre too. We had over 1,000 visitors though the door on Saturday - to put this into context, Moulton Library had 3,500 visitors for the whole of November and this with is the library being open for 60 hours a week."

She continued: "A large part of what Moulton Library does - and probably other libraries too - is putting on events for the whole community. At the showcase, it was wonderful to see everybody, young and old and male and female, getting stuck into the activities, trying new crafts and learning about our local history.

The event welcomed visits from local authors, including Sue Bentley and Jane Issac and played host to jewellery making, floristry, sewing, book clubs as well as arts and crafts.

"It was an honour to be part of the showcase," she added. "The community came out in support of the library. It was obvious how much love the library has and how much it is valued and used. There was such a positive feeling of community spirit and goodwill on Saturday that it makes me wish we could bottle it and sell."