Stephen Robinson (Liberal Democrat, Leader of Chelmsford City Council) was asked to write for the Essex Chronicle about why libraries are vital.

Libraries that evolve to meet changing needs are a vital part of a strong community. Libraries continue to be vital sources of information, and their staff retain a crucial role in helping everyone navigate the bewildering array of information sources. Unlike Google, libraries don't set out to make a profit out of you, and they are there to serve everyone.

Do you know someone special who deserves to be recognized for their service to the party? Yes, it's party awards time again!

Every year at Autumn Conference we hand out prestigious party awards to members who have done some of the most outstanding work in the party. Going above and beyond the call of duty time and time again.

There's just four days left to cast your ballot in the Liberal Democrat leadership election.

All ballots must be cast by 1pm on Monday 22nd July to count.

It's quick and easy to vote - all you need are your Unique Voting code - which has been emailed or posted to you - and this website: https://www.mi-vote.com/

A climate and ecology emergency has been declared in Chelmsford. This was voted through at a meeting of Chelmsford City Council last night (Tuesday 16 July). The move comes as a growing number of UK councils have formally recognised the urgent need to reduce global temperature increases if we are to avert major disaster.

This time next week, Vince Cable will be the former leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Ballots close at 1pm on Monday 22nd July. That means you have six days to have your say on where our party goes next.

Later that day, either Ed Davey or Jo Swinson will be announced as our party's new leader. They're both fantastic candidates and either would make a fine leader for the Lib Dems going forward. You can find out more about their plans for our party here:

Mythical beasts were the main attraction at the "Stop Brexit" stall in Saffron Walden on Saturday 13th July. Local Lib Dems were talking to residents about the fairy-tale proposals of the Conservative leadership candidates, and publicising the big March For Change in London on Saturday 20^th July.

A lot of people are worried that both Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt would be prepared to take us out of the EU without a deal. "That would really damage our economy and our international reputation" said Hilary Shibata. "It's a myth that they can renegotiate Brexit, or have tariff-free trade if we crash out without a deal. Those are very dangerous unicorns to believe in! Many people are already feeling the effects of Brexit on their jobs, their lives, and their future choices. There's a big difference between people who feel themselves shielded in the short term, and those already feeling the impact."

It's been equal parts incredible, exhausting and humbling to be at the centre of a massive Lib Dem parliamentary by-election.

I'm honoured to join a select group of people who get the full national parliamentary by-election treatment, with the best of the best Lib Dem campaigners in the country fighting to get me elected.

As I write this on Friday, I am about to set off for Brecon and Radnorshire, to help the brilliant Jane Dodds campaign in the by-election. It will be my third visit since the Recall petition first started. Make no bones about it, Jane is a brilliant candidate and our team there is outstanding, but we need more people to help over the next few weeks: we have a tough fight on our hands in a very rural seat. We need more people to help deliver leaflets, knock on doors and help with clerical work. Please, please, come and help. Postal votes land on doorsteps, and we need to call on postal voters this coming weekend, before many voters go on holiday.

After a time-warp 6 week campaign, an 18 hour polling day marathon and an incredible win on 26 May, the sixteen of us went to Brussels in June to take up our new positions as MEPs. You might have heard about the furore we caused!

The Liberal Democrat cohort are sworn in as MEPs. If you like our tshirts, you can get your own here