Staff at Braintree Library have had reason to celebrate after they were shortlisted in the biennial public library building awards, in the new libraries category.

The awards reward design and are judged by a panel from the Public Libraries Group of the Library Association.

Buildings were looked at to see how well they work as libraries both aesthetically and practically, how they contributed to the environment and how much thought was given to how the library will develop and evolve in the future.

Grace Kempster, head of libraries, information, heritage and culture at Essex County Council, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded the highly commended certificate for Braintree Library."

Pictured with the award are Paul Connell, library manager and Kath Rutherford, assistant library manager.

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