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.”