Library to mark milestone anniversary

A historic Darlington library is celebrating 140 years of community service this month.

Darlington Libraries will host a full day of events on Thursday, October 23 at its Crown Street building, originally opened in 1885 as the Edward Pease Free Library. 

The Grade II-listed site was extended in 1933 and recently reopened in September 2023 following a multi-million-pound restoration, funded by Arts Council England and the LibraryOn grants programme.

The celebrations will begin with a Bookstart Rhymetime from 10.30-11.30am, featuring stories, rhymes, music, movement and free take-home gifts for families. 

Visitors will then be invited to a commemorative ceremony, including a cake cutting and a reading of a new community poem by poet-in-residence Caroline Walling, created with input from local residents. 

The poem will become part of the library’s local studies collection, alongside a book documenting library staff and highlights from 2025.

Attendees can then enjoy an afternoon tea dance with live music from the Lipsticks and refreshments, while The Hive will host interactive sessions, including laser engraving, acrylic painting, embroidery and 3D printing activities.

A special display of historic items from the Centre for Local Studies will also be available, featuring donations such as those from the Alderman Edward Wooler bequest of 1927. 

Commemorative items, including tote bags and postcards with a commissioned watercolour by local artist Grace Copping, will also be on sale.

Councillor Libby McCollom, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for local services, said: “Our dedicated staff at Darlington Libraries couldn’t let the 140th birthday go by without marking it in some way – and they’ve come up with some truly special ways to do that.

“Darlington Libraries has played an important part in the lives of local residents for generations and I’m delighted to see how the refurbishment has not only restored its fantastic historical features but also added more modern elements for future generations.

“I do hope as many people as possible come along to join in the celebrations and discover just how much our local library has to offer.”

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