A LIBRARY under threat from closure is getting support from a mothers and babies group – highlighting it is not just a place to pick up books.

A Baby Bounce event is held at Rosehill Library, in Ipswich, giving mums and tots the chance to gather together for soothing songs and gentle nursery rhymes.

Hosted once a week, the event – which is part of Suffolk’s Bookstart programme – sees youngsters from the local area spend time bonding with their parents and other tots.

Other Bookstart activities include Storytime, where young children read accompanied by an adult, and Tot Rock, a musical event full of action rhymes.

However, Rosehill Library – which was built before the First World War – is facing closure, meaning these families might have to attend sessions elsewhere.

Hundreds of concerned residents have signed petitions to save the much-loved service, which is currently teetering on the brink of closure.

Last month, Suffolk County Council revealed proposals to close 29 libraries as part of cost-cutting measures.

Robert Daines, who launched a petition to save the library, previously said that closing it would have a knock-on effect on everyone attending classes and borrowing books.

Deborah Cash, who has attended Baby Bounce sessions across the county with her son, said the events gave both adults and children social time and helped to boost friendships.

She said: “Baby Bounce is a great opportunity for my son to socialise with other babies, and for me to learn more songs to sing with him at home.

“For new parents, it helps give a bit of structure to the day and allows you to catch up with other mums experiencing similar parenting issues.

“It has many more benefits than simply being a group of mums and babies singing nursery rhymes.”

Judy Terry, county councillor responsible for libraries, previously said: “We have an excellent library service in Suffolk. Despite the cutbacks we are facing, I want it to stay that way.

“For that to happen, we need to look for new ways of delivering the service.

“That’s why it is so important that Suffolk’s communities respond to this consultation and tell us how we can do things differently and maximise the many benefits of Suffolk’s libraries, while reducing the cost to the council of running the service.”

Baby Bounce is held every Thursday, at 1.30pm. For details on events in libraries, visit www.suffolk.gov.uk

For details on Rosehill Library, call 01473 588518.