A talk which will reveal the past, present and future of the Thomas Plume Library in Maldon is set to take place at the beginning of October.

Dr Helen Kemp, the Plume librarian, will be holding the talk - entitled 'Thomas Plume's Library past, present and future' - which has been organised by the Maldon Society.

There will be a raffle to raise funds for the society, which aims to preserve the heritage of Maldon by encouraging pride in the area, at the talk.

Dorreen Linton, from the Maldon Society, said: "The Thomas Plume Library is a significant heritage institution in Maldon, which also serves as a valuable resource for academic researchers and readers."

Dr Kemp will look at the library's history through the perspective of its visitors, readers, volunteers and the Friends of the Thomas Plume Library - a group set up in 1988 to support the library.

She will also present evidence of its early readers and borrowers, before discussing the relocation of the library during this year's renovation works, which were carried out to better preserve the building.

Dorreen added: "Finally, Dr Kemp will talk about the way researchers currently use the collection and put forward ideas for ways in which the library can serve the local community and readers for years to come."

The Plume Library is one of the oldest public libraries in England. It was gifted to the town by Dr Thomas Plume, who was born in Maldon in 1630, upon his death in 1704.

It is housed in the upper floor of the building attached to the tower of the former Church of St Peter, and contains over 7,000 volumes dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Entry to the talk on Thursday 7 October is free for members of the Maldon Society - who are encouraged to pre-book - while entry for visitors costs £3 each.

Doors will open at 6.30pm at the Cygnet Room behind Maldon High Street, with the meeting beginning at 7pm.

If you would like more information, please contact the society by email at [email protected] or visit its website using the link here.