Libraries day attracts 4,000 extra visitors

Triana the unicorn gets ready to take the book. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)

Bruce Leeke, chief executive of Suffolk Libraries, said the event on Saturday, October 12 was "a superb achievement, given that this is the first ever Suffolk Libraries Day and the first time we've actively promoted Suffolk Libraries as a fundraising charity".

The day was an enormous effort and included activities including bake sales, karate, coffee mornings, treasure hunts and rock colouring.

A book written by a local author was transported in various ways around every single library in Suffolk in the week ahead of the day.

The journey covered 323.9 miles in several legs by horseback, cycling, boating and running.

Alice and the Mad Hatter getting ready to run the book. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)

"I'd like to thank all our staff who put so much time and energy into supporting the day," Mr Leeke added.

The day was so well received that there are already plans in the works to make the event an annual one.

Alice and the Mad Hatter take a welcome break at Elmswell. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)

Bookstart bear hands over to Ryan Insurance in Chantry. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)

The penny farthing and the rickshaw handover. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)

The penny farthing gets the book at Kesgrave. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)

Henry the Hoover helping out in Felixstowe. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)

Harry Potter hands over to Brandon. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)

The Flying Elephant runners limber up for the Wickham Market handover. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)

Harry Potter hands over to the unicorn at Bury St Edmunds. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)

Bookstart Bear gets the soggy book at Lavenham. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)

The Mad Hatter receiving the book. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)

Heather ready to get on the boat at Great Cornard. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)

Heather from Great Cornard handing over to Zoe Bridges in Sudbury. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)

The hearse handover from to Mildenhall. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)

The tractor to hearse at Newmarket. Picture: SUFFOLK LIBRARIES (Image: Archant)