Councillors Glen Sanderson and Jeff Watson with a library birthday cake

100 years of stories - and counting!

An exhibition to mark the 100th anniversary of Northumberland Libraries shines a light on the value and legacy of the service.

Far from being an outdated concept the Library Service has embraced change and moved with the times to remain one of Northumberland County Council’s most used and appreciated services.

Councillor Jeff Watson, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Libraries, said: “I do wonder what the residents back in 1924 would make of libraries today. I’m sure they’d be amazed that you can ask for any book and have it on a ‘magical’ device in your hands in seconds.

“Our digital offer is fabulous but for those who prefer the feel and smell of ‘real books’ our 30 libraries remain at the heart of our diverse communities and will continue to do so.

“A lot has changed in 100 years, we’ve seen a World War, the advent of computers, we’ve put a man on the moon and seen off illnesses, such as Polio and Smallpox – each event captured for posterity in a book on our library shelves or in our archives.

“I’m sure those same residents would be sad to see the world hasn’t moved on from war, deprivation and isolation, although our ‘free to all’ library service certainly plays its part by offering escapism and entertainment, and a warm space to find companionship.

“It’s been fascinating to learn that the first book purchased was ‘Waverley’ by Sir Walter Scott, that the first county librarian was Miss Ruth Eveline Baker (1925 to 1961), and that the first mobile vehicle ‘Bessie’ was a Leyland Comet bought in 1951.

“I don’t know what the next 100 years will bring but I do know it will be documented in our libraries!”

The exhibition in the foyer of County Hall in Morpeth is part of the ‘Our Century of Stories’ celebrations. Compiled using content from Northumberland Archives, it highlights key moments in Northumberland’s history through old documents, photographs and newspaper articles.

*Anyone can pop in to see the exhibition which runs until October 31.

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