My family moved from a small town in north Essex known as Manningtree when I was four. However my parents had lived there for quite a while before I came along and so we’d often visit family friends in the area. My mum was also a keen reader and devote local library user. If there was ever a need to visit Manningtree I was sure she would also use it as an excuse to return, renew and take out new books. I loved the sound of walking into the building, which is right on the main road. The silence. It was the first thing you noticed. It is only after browsing through the titles and holding the books in your hand that you get that musty scent. It isn’t an overpowering smell, but it’s distinguishable enough. I love the scent of new books, but I feel there is a lot more character to old ones. The scent of old books will always reminds me of Manningtree and returning to that library.

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