It was encouraging to hear that local residents of all ages protested against cuts to library services in the hope of saving the library in St John's.

It is easy to say that libraries are dying out, but that is a very simplistic view.

Yes, fewer people are coming in to check out books than they used to, but that does not factor in the many other uses libraries like the one in St John's have.

Every day, community groups such as play groups, chess clubs, schools and similar visit the library to use its facilities.

The library is far more than just a building full of books, it is a vital centre for the community, and, as one protestor told the Worcester News: "We need things like this in St John's just to keep the place going."

Councils have to balance the books, and it is an unenviable task to try and make savings from any set of public services, but more should be done to protect these priceless community hubs.

The library in Upton is safe, for now, and we can only hope the one in St John's will be saved for future generations.

In short, we won't know what we had until it is gone.