MAKE no mistake; it is impossible to over-estimate the importance of our public libraries.

Indeed, it is no exaggeration to claim that these extraordinary institutions have helped mould and nurture society itself.

Yet if that sounds too laboured and melodramatic, perhaps you should stop and think for a second about just what a library does.

First and foremost, and like all the best things in life, it’s free.

Yes free.

You can wander in, regardless of your job, your age, your political persuasion, and take out with you any book, on any subject, and find yourself entertained, comforted and maybe, just maybe, a little better informed. But if that isn’t enough to convince you that libraries are amazing (and no, we won’t apologise for the use of that word), consider this – they’re all for you.

Really.

Public libraries don’t exist to make profit; they exist to offer you the best possible access to the best possible minds, the best possible stories, as well as the best possible information on an A to Z of subjects.

Which is why the campaign currently being launched across the county to save local libraries needs your support and help.

After all, we are all rather getting used to protests at the moment.

And here is one cause everyone can agree on – libraries ARE worth saving.