Something was wrong with Tom but a full interrogation would have to wait. Right now Maggie had a protest to organise. Christine had done an excellent job with a number of very British slogans on placards including ‘We are really rather cross’ and ‘I prefer books to people’ as well as a bright array of more standard ‘Save Our Library’ ones. Maggie handed them out to the waiting crowd.

It didn’t take long to turn the straw bales into a makeshift wall across the road and to line up the placard-waving protesters on either side. Almost instantly the cars started to back up. Farah and some girls of a similar age were quick to hand out flyers to the waiting motorists, explaining what was going on and why the library was so important to them. Maggie felt it was a stroke of genius using young women – they were far less likely to get shouted at than the likes of Bill or any of the ladies Maggie’s age. She believed it wasn’t sexist if the women were aware and in control of their own exploitation.

As the local businesses closed up for the day more people joined them and quite a crowd had gathered. The WI were dishing out tea, coffee and cake, which seemed to be an excellent incentive to come and stand in the road. Everyone was chatting and by the time the journalist arrived it was turning into quite the community social event. He shook hands with Maggie and a few others and then went to mingle and get some quotes. He was still talking about interest from the nationals but Maggie had heard that before.

Someone started a chant of ‘We love Compton Mallow library’ as some council officials arrived. Maggie joined in and shouted at the top of her voice. This was excellent fun. The officials went into a huddle as if choosing straws for who was going to approach the baying mob with their polite slogan placards and happy faces. Eventually a stout man strode over. ‘Who’s in charge here?’

‘I am,’ said Maggie stepping forward with a ‘Libraries are brain food – don’t let our children starve!’ placard held aloft.

He took a backward step as if he suspected she was going to swipe him with it. ‘You’re breaking the law. We will call the police and we will have you all arrested.’

‘Hang on, could you repeat that for the national press please?’ she asked in her sweetest old lady voice. The newspaper correspondent stepped forward and the man’s face went a strange colour.

A van pulled into the kerb and Maggie almost jumped with joy. It was the local television roving reporter. A two-man band of camera and newsperson piled out and headed their way. ‘Ooh look, we’re going to be on the news!’ hollered Maggie and the council official retreated to the safety of his herd of suited men.