A NORTH Herts user group is asking county libraries to sign up to a simple pledge, in a bid to prove services are well supported.

The We Heart Libraries group, which was founded this year, has a number of activities lined up for the first ever National Libraries Day.

The group, which has so far campaigned this year against the closure of the School Library Service and the proposal to rent building out-of-hours to voluntary groups, is hoping to get as many people as possible through the doors of their local branch.

One way in which they hope to do so is by asking users to sign up to one of several pledges, such as borrowing a book a month, signing their children up for library cards of visiting a new branch.

They will then present the results to library service chiefs to show the strength of local support.

“It’s been a hard year for libraries in Hertfordshire and beyond. National Libraries Day is the perfect opportunity to show that it’s not all doom and gloom and that, in fact, we’ve got an awful lot to celebrate.

“We need to make sure that they’re not taken for granted so that, when the council needs to find cuts, it doesn’t turn to them first. For this reason, we are really hoping that as many people as possible will help us shout about them and make National Libraries Day a success in North Herts and Stevenage.”

Another way people can get involved is by signing up to a read-in at branches in North Herts and Stevenage, or signing up to a book trail, by tracking down books, authors and subjects associated with the area.

“We believe that libraries are fantastic community facilities which welcome everyone regardless of income, background or circumstances,” added Andy.

“As well as books and computer access you’ll find information, lots of resources for children and young people, magazines and newspapers, and an easy way of finding out what’s going on in your community and meeting other people.”

The event will be held Saturday, February 4. More can be found out by visiting www.weheartlibraries.org.uk/about-the-campaign/national-libraries-day