BOOK lovers in Warndon helped the area’s library celebrate a half century of lending and learning to close 2017.
Locals and library users were invited to a morning of celebration, memory and fun to mark 50 years since the library was first opened.
In 1967, the first library at Cranham Drive was opened by the mayor at the time, Coun Fred Lewis.
The library boasted a stock of 7,000 new books, enabling people to borrow books without having to travel into the city.
Over the years, like many of the county’s libraries, Warndon has offered other services including the extremely popular parent and children’s groups.
In 1999 the library held its first Summer Reading Challenge.
Warndon library moved to its current location at the Fairfield Centre in 2008. It has seen visits from authors including children’s author Petr Horacek, who did an illustrated story time to a packed library in 2016, and Rebecca Tope, a crime fiction author who visited in early 2017.
During the birthday celebrations guests were asked to share their memories on a memory tree and everyone had the chance to delve into the wide range of photographs from the library’s past.
Younger visitors were entertained with a fun session creating beautiful Christmas crafts including trees and wreaths, whilst everyone enjoyed having a go at the 1967 history quiz.
James Robertson, library customer advisor at Warndon Library, said: “We had a wonderful morning celebrating Warndon Library’s 50th year and would like to thank everyone who came along and helped us mark what is quite a special milestone.
“The children created some beautiful Christmas, wreaths and 50th birthday cards, and everyone had fun trying their hand at our 1967 history quiz.
“We will be keeping our photographic displays up throughout the festive period, and they will still be up until just after the New Year.”
Worcestershire County Council has 21 libraries across the six districts as well as a Mobile Library Service and two volunteer run Library Links.
As well as providing free books, free Wi-Fi and free computer use in a safe and welcoming community venues, Worcestershire libraries also deliver a diverse range of services for residents including a varied programme of adult learning classes, social connecting groups, job clubs and one-to-one digital support sessions.
Worcestershire libraries are dementia friendly and autism friendly and provide specialist self-help book collections and health promotions. They also offer a range of volunteering and work experience opportunities for people of all ages.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/libraries for more information.
