BOOKWORMS are being urged to take part in a library march across north Essex - starting in Manningtree. 

Campaign group Save Our Libraries Essex (SOLE) is encouraging book lovers to attend a week of marches in a bid to ‘save’ the county’s libraries from being voluntarily run.

The marching starts on Saturday, August 22 outside Manningtree Library, in High Street, at 11am. 

The walk is set to end at Brightlingsea Library at 4pm.

A SOLE spokesman said: “The walk to Brightlingsea will go through beautiful north Essex countryside using wherever possible public footpaths.

“We would recommend having sturdy footwear, water and refreshments, and depending on the forecast waterproofs.”

  • The following day they will march from Brightlingsea Library at 11am to Colchester Library.
  • On the way they will rally at Wivenhoe Library at 2pm, and library users from Mersea Library will be joining the day via the Mersea-to-Brightlingsea ferry.
  • On August 24, the protest will link Colchester, Prettygate and Stanway libraries, while on August 25 they will march on to Tiptree Library.
  • On August 26, the march will continue to Kelveldon and Coggeshall libraries before going forward to Silver End and Witham libraries the following day.
  • On August 28, the march will leave Witham Library to end at Broomfield Library, going via Hatfield Peveral Library.
  • The final day will see the main march move on from Broomfield to Chelmsford’s County Hall.

An Essex County Council spokesman said they are keeping all libraries open.

Full details of the week of socially distanced marching can be found by visiting the SOLE Facebook page.