ACTOR Jessica Hynes showed her support to libraries over the weekend, lauding their value to families at a time when central government cuts have caused hundreds of closures.

Speaking during National Libraries Week at Wimbledon Library in south-west London, the star of sitcoms the Royle Family and Spaced told bibliophiles: “Local libraries in London are very important. I used to go with my toddler and pram, sit with other mums and read a story.

“You connect with other people, take books out. It’s a communal, purpose-built space — it’s fantastic.”

At the event, organised by London Libraries with funding from the Arts Council, she said libraries have since become places where she can undertake research as a scriptwriter and film director.

Labour shadow culture minister Kevin Brennan recently vowed that the party would end government cuts that have led to widespread library closures, and also modernise libraries to help improve people’s digital literacy.