BOOKS, glorious books were celebrated across Wiltshire last weekend with the fifth edition of National Libraries Day.

Harry Potter events, local history talks, opportunities to trace family histories, poetry sessions, quiz nights and a plethora of activities took place at the county’s libraries last week.

National Libraries Day involved leading charities, local authorities, library campaigners and staff commemorating the role and work of libraries across the country.

“It is a wonderful celebration and each library did their own little exciting and innovative thing. It is a fantastic community event,” said Tracy Hager, children & young people's librarian.

“For the Harry Potter night different libraries had moaning Myrtles, flu powder, a Hogwarts newspaper, Quidditch practices, professor Snape potion sessions. It was wonderful to see the children getting so involved. It was a huge team effort from everyone involved. There is method in the madness.

“We have lots of highlights over the year but this day is a standout. I had a broken leg last year and I was gutted that I missed it, but not this year.”

Sarah Hillier, children's librarian, spoke of the importance of days like these in the development of children.

“I think it is crucial to have these sorts of events, it is a really important day,” she said.

“Reading is such a fundamental part of helping a child learn and grow and events such as the brilliant Harry Potter event really capture the imagination.”

Jonathon Seed, cabinet member for libraries, said: “This has been an excellent opportunity to celebrate what libraries mean to different people and with a host of activities taking place during the week.”