Date published: 2024-04-02 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Libraries
The first event in a year-long celebration of 100 years of library services in Bath and North East Somerset will take place in Midsomer Norton this month.
Residents are invited to a party at Midsomer Norton Library on April 27 to celebrate the centenary of public libraries across the area, and to mark its 40th year.
The library opened its doors on 23 November 1983, starting out with around 24,000 books. Now borrowers have access to around two million items through the Libraries West Consortium with a wide range of digital books and magazines, free computer access, support and advice on offer.
The first library in the area opened in Bath in 1924 and Bath & North East Somerset Council is running a programme of events throughout the year to celebrate the centenary, which includes events at the three main libraries in Keynsham, Bath and Midsomer Norton, special displays, competitions and limited edition library membership cards.
People are also invited to submit their favourite memories of the libraries which will be collated into a large public exhibition at the end of the year. Memories, stories and photographs can be emailed to library_events@bathnes.gov.uk
Midsomer Norton’s birthday party runs from 10.00am to 12.00pm on Saturday, April 27 and will feature a face painter, music, crafts, giant games and tea and cake
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We have a wonderful programme of celebrations and activities to mark the centenary of our much-loved public libraries, which we hope will bring the community together. A lot has changed in the last 100 years, but what remains the same is that libraries play a special and unique role in people’s lives. They offer a place to meet others, get involved in activities and learn new skills. We are proud to be celebrating the centenary and we hope many residents will join us and get involved.”
Details of celebrations at Bath Central Library in July and at Keynsham Library in October will be shared in due course. Visit the Bath and North East Somerset Libraries blog for further updates and details of regular library events throughout the year.
Find out more about the council’s library and information services.