Paul Golder writes for the Brentwood Gazette

I’ve got a massive soft spot for libraries – I practically lived in my local library when I was a teenager.

So it was great to welcome back Sue Matthews to the studio to talk about her new group, The Friends of Shenfield Library – a facility much-loved by local residents.

Sue came into us three years ago when she was part of the campaign to save Shenfield Library, which was then threatened with closure. Her efforts were clearly succesful, as that threat has now gone.

Essex County Council is currently redeveloping the original Hutton Road site into an enlarged building which is due to reopen at the end of next year.

Sue came in again last week to talk with our morning presenter Michelle Ward about The Friends of Shenfield Library, a newly formed public group which has developed a good relationship with Essex Libraries.

She talked about the services the library offers – not just books, but services such as access to family tree websites, online magazines and driving test theory practice tests.

Sue also talked about how her group is hoping to turn it into a vibrant community hub, and publicity events – the first one, a concert with talented young guitarist Tom Hodgkinson took place last Saturday.

And most importantly – she mentioned where the library is now! Due to the redevelopment it has relocated temporarily to a building just behind Bishops Hill Adult Community Learning Centre on Rayleigh Road in Hutton.

You can find out more by listening to Sue again at www.phoenixfm.com – or search for Shenfield Library Supporters Group on Facebook.