A SERIES of events are being held to celebrate 35 years of Lower Earley Library.
During those three and a half decades, the library has been a focal point for the community, offering a range of events and services to residents since opening in 1987.
The library celebrates its birthday on November 23, and, although it is always closed on Wednesdays, there are many events taking place in the weeks ahead.
Cllr Sarah Kerr, executive member for climate emergency and resident services, said: “It is really lovely to see just how important Lower Earley Library is to the local community all these years after it was opened.
“All of our libraries are safe and inclusive spaces and we must say a huge thanks to the staff and volunteers that have made it run so successfully.
“We are incredibly proud of our library service as a whole, with so many reasons to be involved and to be a part of the community.”
Events coming up include a quiz and raffle on the eve of the library’s birthday, with a coffee morning taking place on Thursday, November24.
Both of these events will be raising money for Wokingham Foodbank, the borough mayor’s chosen charity.
Cllr Kerr added: “I am really looking forward to the birthday celebrations. The staff may have changed over time, but the welcoming feeling you get when you enter certainly hasn’t.
“There have been some wonderful memories from Lower Earley and I’m sure there will be many more in the next 35 years.”
The need for a community hub in the area became apparent following rapid growth in the population in the 1980s.
The result was one of the borough’s biggest libraries, with The Earley Retreat Pub and Loddon Valley Leisure Centre helping further to make it a desirable place to live.
On November 23, 1987, the library welcomed its first customers, offering 28,000 books, children’s events and author visits.
The official opening was carried out by Gareth Gimblett, chairman of Berkshire County Council. He was joined by elected member Dorothy Kemp for photographs as the plaque was unveiled.
As more development took place, the library became a busy hub for the public to use.
Events such as book festivals and competitions were run to encourage use, but the biggest increase of usage came in 1990 when the library was relaunched at the same time as the covered walkway was finished, joining the library with Asda.
Today, the library is as busy as ever, with regular events for all ages.
It provides access to more than 18,000 books and other items across the borough, with approximately 31,000 being held at the library alone.
For a full list of events to mark the library’s anniversary, visit: wokingham.spydus.co.uk
