NOSES will be buried in books today as libraries across Southampton celebrate the written word.
Activities including reading marathons, behind-the-scenes tours, talks by authors and Harry Potter crafts will be staged as part of National Libraries Day.
But book lovers will also be using the day as an opportunity to rally support for libraries threatened with closure due to funding cuts.
At Burgess Road Library, residents will read aloud continuously for six hours to demonstrate the importance of the service to the community.
Siobhan Watson, who lives near the library, said: “The event is really important this year because we want Southampton City Council to see how well-loved Burgess Road Library is.
“The library is a vital asset within this varied community and offers a professional service that is about more than just borrowing books.
“Each week people of all ages use the library to borrow books, to attend Rhymetime and Storytime, to learn and practice their Spanish, to get help with using computers, use the internet, to borrow toys or to get help with their homework.”
MP Caroline Nokes will attend the event which has a 500-signature petition against the council’s proposals.
It is one of five libraries under threat as part of a review launched by Labour council bosses last year.
The others are Cobbett Road, Millbrook, Burgess Road, Weston and Thornhill.
Author Ali Sparkes (above) , who is also against the plans for closure, will lead a talk at Cobbett Road Library today from 10.30am until 12.30pm.
Meanwhile at Central Library in Southampton Civic Centre book lovers will get the chance to see behind the scenes of the busy and bustling service.
Those taking part can ask any questions they might have and discover hidden gems in the magazine store, as well as a treasure trove of old books and local history material.
The tours will be today at 11am or February 13 at 2.30pm.
A coffee morning will be held at Bitterne Library at 10.45am today and children will be able to make a zig-zag book at Lordshill Library at 11am.
Harry Potter activities will be held from 10.30am until 12.30pm at Central Library and from 10am until 3pm at Portswood Library.
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