A WHOLE lot of love was shown towards the county's libraries at the weekend as the book-lending service faces up to financial cuts.

National Libraries Day came just two weeks after Herefordshire Council's cabinet approved a second round of cost cutting measures that could see more volunteers taking on the roles from the book professionals.

And so there was understandably mixed feelings for many of those attending the county's many libraries on Saturday.

Golden Valley writer Phil Rickman, the man behind the popular Merrily Watkins series, visited Hereford Library and Museum.

He said he was happy to support the cause at a time when Herefordshire's libraries were in "real danger".

Mr Rickman met fans and gave a talk on his latest novel - The Magus of Hay. He told those gathered how he had always wanted to write a novel based around the famous book town and its "king" Richard Booth.

A number of other authors and publishers also gave talks on the day, while children got the chance to make their own bookmarks.

Jan Long, a rotarian with the Rotary Club of Ledbury, said the county town was 'packed' with users wanting to borrow books on Saturday.

Members of Ledbury Library Development Group were also on hand to listen to concerns and answer questions from members of the public on the future for their library.

Jan said: "Our libraries are vital to the life of any town as they provide a diverse range of services.

"Here in Ledbury we are supporting community, cultural and personal development activities and building links with local schools and adult educational initiatives. We urge people to save Ledbury's library, as once it is lost it is unlikely we will retrieve it."

Other libraries in the county held coffee mornings to mark the occasion.