A COMMUNITY library has been set up by volunteers to keep residents reading.

The idea for the library, set up at the Marks Tey Parish Council’s parish hall, was thought up by Yvonne Norman.

She thought of the idea as Marks Tey was going to lose one of its mobile libraries.

She said: “I knew we had the hall where we could hold it.

“We asked the community what they thought and we were overwhelmed with their positive response.

“The parish council agreed to support us and let us use the hall for free and paid for a fold-up bookcase to be built.

“Maureen Callen, Kate Evans and I are the main people who run it but we knew we couldn’t do it on our own, so we asked for volunteers to help run it and donate books. The response was amazing.”

More than 2,000 adult and young adult books are available, along with children’s books.There is also a story-teller and a craft table.

Yvonne added: “The thing that also sells the library is the café. This is just as important for people to come and have a chat with other people they may not otherwise meet in the community.We always have homemade cakes.”

The group meets on the first Saturday of the month between 10am and 12.30pm and the third Wednesday of the month between 2.30pm and 5pm.