A HOST of events are planned to celebrate the 130th anniversary of Darlington’s iconic Crown Street Library this October.

Highlights include the sold-out ‘An Evening with Gervase Phinn’ on October 19, and the ever-popular History Wardrobes presenting ‘A Very Victorian Lady’ to kick off the birthday celebrations in the Crown Street Gallery on October 18.

These will be complemented by a series of workshops and special events designed to mark the importance of the library to the town over the last century.

The Grade II listed building, designed by G G Hoskins, first opened its doors on October 23, 1885 following years of campaigning by notable Darlingtonians including Edward Pease.

There were already two existing libraries in the town in the 1860s, one at the Mechanics Institute and the other the Darlington Subscription Library, but neither was free.

Edward Pease left £10,000 in his will when he died in 1880 for the building of a library or for other educational purposes and five years after his death the library was opened by his daughter, Lady Lymington.

An extension was added in 1933 and the library’s basement is now home to many historical local treasures and Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Council’s cabinet member for leisure, hailed its importance to the town.

He said: “The Library has played an important part of the Darlington community, providing access to books that have inspired and encouraged generations of children, young people and adults alike.

“We hope as many people as possible across the borough can join us to celebrate this important anniversary and find out how the library still plays such a big part in modern life in the town.”

Among the events planned are: a poetry workshop with Anna Woodford on October 22; a children’s book illustrations exhibition in the Art Gallery; Saturday Story Club banner-making sessions and Shelfies and Memories inviting visitors to share their memories of books and the library.

There will also be the unveiling of new artwork in the Junior Library and a special children’s party. Darlington’s Mayor Cllr Tom Nutt will be at the Library at noon on October 23 to cut the birthday cake and the celebrations will then include various prizes for customers, including for the 130th visitor on that day.

Full details of all the birthday events are listed at www2.darlington.gov.uk/