National treasure Alan Bennett turned out to support his local library at a neighbourhood book festival this weekend.

The Lady in The Van and History Boys playwright, who turned 90 in May, talked about his life and read from his diaries at Primrose Hill Community Library on Sunday.

Others taking part in the Book Festival included former National Theatre director and long term Bennett collaborator Nicholas Hytner talking to Hampstead playwright David Hare about 'The State of Theatre', and broadcaster and author Andrew Marr interviewing Polly Toynbee about her memoir An Uneasy Inheritance.

Nicholas Hytner and David Hare discuss the 'state of theatre' as part of the Primrose Hill Book Festival.Nicholas Hytner and David Hare discuss the 'state of theatre' as part of the Primrose Hill Book Festival. (Image: Primrose Hill Community Library)

All proceeds from ticket sales went to support the volunteer-run library in Sharpleshall Street.

Pam White, who helped organise the festival, hailed it a "great success" with almost 350 people listening to six author talks over the weekend.

"The Book Festival was a literary and community success and we made a considerable sum for the Library," she said.

"Above and beyond the numbers, it generates fascinating conversations between our local residents who also happen to be celebrated in their own fields.

"This raises the level of books in Primrose Hill and makes the Library even better known in the area for books, literature and writers which is so valuable."

Other authors talking at their books were Francesca Segal, Hadley Freeman and Petroc Trelawny.

Pam added: "Our partner in the Book Festival Primrose Hill Books sold books at many of the sessions, keeping both our audience and our speakers happy."