PROTESTERS will take to the streets in a day of action calling for libraries across Essex to be protected.

Last year, Essex County Council backtracked on its plan to close 25 of the county’s libraries after a fierce backlash from campaigners.

The authority instead pledged not to close any libraries for five years and to pump £3 million of investment into the service.

It still hopes to set up community-run libraries.

But campaign group Save Our Libraries Essex fears the authority is pushing ahead with a “closure by stealth”.

On Saturday groups across Essex will stage a day of action.

In Colchester protesters will gather outside Colchester Library in Trinity Square at 11am for a rally.

In Manningtree SOLE mates will take place at the Methodist Church in South Street between 10am and noon where there will be an exhibition of photographs from previous protests.

A spokesman for SOLE said: “People power achieved so much last year in preventing the immediate closure of a third of Essex’s libraries.

“However, a closure plan by stealth remains, as proposals to sell off library buildings, get rid of paid staff and have volunteers house and run libraries are unsustainable.

“So we continue to campaign and to protest to further raise awareness that we still have much to do in 2020 to keep Essex’s libraries safe.”

The day of action comes as SOLE slammed County Hall after learning library staff have lost their perks. Staff were previously exempt from fines for overdue items and charges on CDs and DVDs.

Andrew Coburn, a qualified librarian who campaigns for SOLE, said; “The only privileges that staff had have now been removed.

“Apart from anything else, the entitlement allowed staff to examine new books and DVDs more freely, which in turn helped them to further advise library users.

“It seems a petty step to take. It will result in little extra income for the council and is another blow at staff morale.”

A council spokesman said: “Library customers are expected to pay a charge when the items they have borrowed are not returned to their library by the due date. 

"It would therefore not be fair for any of  staff to benefit from a concession relating to these charges.

“If items are reserved by staff for free and if overdue charges for staff are waived, this would means library customers have less access to our stock or have to wait longer for it."