A FAMOUS author and a 13-year-old piano protege are holding a special event to raise funds for a community library.

Historical novelist Imogen Robertson will be reading from her latest novel at the event at Bedale Hall on Thursday June 7 to support Bedale Library.

She will be joined by Sammy Rowley the library’s youngest volunteer and a promising pianist.

Ms Robertson is the author of the Harriet Westerman series of 18th century crime novels.

During the evening, at Bedale Hall, Sammy will be joined by local actors, Heidi Richardson, Tony Scully and Julie Prescott, who will perform a short dramatised reading from one of Ms Robertson’s books, Island of Bones.

Organised by the Friends of Bedale Library, the money raised will go towards the £17,000 needed every year to keep the library going.

The charity took over the running of the library on April 1 last year and a team of more than 40 volunteers are keeping the doors open for 24 hours a week.

The special Bedale Hall fundraising event takes place from 7pm at and tickets can be bought in advance by email or on the door, for £15.

This includes annual membership of Friends’ group, a glass of wine and local cheese. Email committee@bedalecommunitylibrary.org.uk for details.