It’s been about seven years since I stepped into a library. The last time I was in one, I was studying for my A-levels.

I’d use the term “studying” very loosely – it was more like staring at a book whilst chatting with my friends.

But that all changed, as I was tasked with working from one. After a quick Google, I found that Bearsted or Madginford were my closest.

They are 1.1 miles – around a five-minute drive – from each other and I had to admit I didn’t even know they were there.

Kent County Council (KCC) unveiled plans earlier this month to put around one-third of its 99 library buildings up for sale.

Deputy leader Peter Oakford told policy and resources committee members there are “far too many” libraries.

The shocking news provoked a massive public outcry. But less than a week later, on January 23, KCC announced what seemed to be a dramatic u-turn and said “there are no plans currently underway to close libraries”.

KCC did however say it is continuing to monitor and review library services “to ensure they are sustainable in the future, looking at all the options”.

Although I haven’t set foot in one since my teens, I know that libraries can be a lifeline for some residents and families.

Bearsted Library is located in the Station Master's House, next to the ticket office at the railway station.

Since 1975, the service was located in the former schoolmaster's house facing the green. However, it moved out in 2017 when it was discovered the building had dry rot and was unsafe.

The library is open from 10am to 5pm, and shuts between 1pm and 2pm.

As I arrived I found all of the free on-street parking had been snatched up by commuters. Instead, I begrudgingly paid £6.20 for a day’s parking and headed inside.

Back in 2017, I would study in the modern Maidstone library, which was fairly new at the time and had all the bells and whistles.

This was quite sad in comparison, but cosy. It was made up of three small rooms, including a desk with two computers.

Despite the rumbling of a train occasionally going past, it was a nice environment to work in.

For the first hour, nobody came into the building. A second member of staff visited, said hello to me and then tested out the fire alarm.

Both a man and a lady dropped in very briefly – they seemed very friendly with the librarian and knew her by first name.

The lady, who was over 50, asked for recommendations on another novel to read.

An older woman, maybe in her 60s or 70s, returned a Roald Dahl book – I assumed from her grandchildren.

At around 12pm, a lady from Derbyshire came in asking for directions to Leeds Castle as she had a job interview there.

“I wouldn’t personally think of joining a library. Life is so busy and I just don’t have time,” she said.

The librarian described the branch as a “little rabbit warren” and explained how it was much cheaper to borrow a book than to order one from Amazon.

Finally, a resident in her 50s came to photocopy and print an item for her elderly neighbour.

During the three hours I was there, I’d say only six people popped in. Two didn’t use the services available and everyone else spent a maximum of five minutes inside.

I also want to mention that there were no toilet facilities, which isn’t ideal if you wanted to stay there for a while.

Madginford Library in Egremont Road was much more popular. I think this was down to its location and free parking available.

It sits next to a local primary school and community hall, as well as backing onto an infant school.

Inside a lady was reading to a young boy about animals and mentioned she was waiting for his older brother to finish for the day.

During the afternoon, more than a dozen people came in and out of the building.

It became quite busy after 3pm once the school day ended.

Four people came in to return books – which was quickly done on self-service machines. One picked up another novel which had been placed on a reservation shelf.

Across from me a man in his 50s actually sat down to read for a good 30 minutes.

Throughout the whole afternoon, a woman in her 60s or 70s stayed on one of the computers.

I noticed she spent the time accessing her emails, looking at properties and reading KentOnline.

The friendly librarian made sure to greet everyone who visited and dished out colouring sheets to the families who stayed.

Rhyme Time, Storytime, Talk Time and the popular Lego Club are just some of the activities held during term time.

A mum with a small baby and a young girl brought up the idea of potential closures with the member of staff.

“We aren’t supposed to talk about it,” the librarian replied. “We can’t get involved and we must be impartial.

“Our library is quite a busy one. We have a lot of activities and groups.

“I don’t know about the closures, we just need to wait and see.”

What do you think about Kent’s libraries? Leave a comment below.