OTLEY'S MP has been helping the town celebrate Libraries Week.

Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) met staff and customers at Otley Library on Monday, October 9 to hear more about the facilities on offer.

Libraries Week is a new initiative designed to promote all the different services - from code clubs to health, employment and business advice - that are available.

Mr Sobel said: "Libraries are not just about books.

"They are an essential service supporting entrepreneurs and those seeking work, ensuring access to computers and the digital universe, and providing cultural and creative experiences.

"They also support research and help with applying for benefits, such as universal credit, as well as improving reading and literacy.

"We must all work to protect our libraries and Libraries week is a great way of showing our Government just how much our communities depend on them."

Some 250 million visits were made to public libraries in the UK last year, with young people being the group most likely to use them.