You don’t have to be able to read yet to enjoy a visit to the library.

From babies to pensioners, everyone in the community can enjoy a good book.

Pictured here is an 18-month-old Ellen Garbutt from Redcar sorting the footprints inside the old library on Coatham Road, back in 1997.

The library was built in 1971 but closed several years ago.

In March 2011 the Architecture Minister John Penrose refused to allow the library to be given protected Grade II listed building status despite a request to do so by the 20th Century Society backed by English Heritage.

The adjacent Dawson House had already been demolished at this point and Redcar and Cleveland Council earmarked the library for demolition too to make way for the new multi-million pound Redcar Heart.

Redcar Heart, which now stands on the site of the old library, houses the council chamber and the leisure centre.

Redcar Library is now housed in Redcar and Cleveland House on Kirkleatham Street.

In 1999 Nigel Hinton, best-selling author of the Buddy trilogy, opened West Redcar Community School’s new library with the help of book-loving pupils.

The new Guisborough Library also opened in 1999 in the September.

A four-year-old Alex Newman helped the then Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Councillor Mike Stephen, to officially open the library and cut the ribbon.

Libraries have long been used for more than loaning books.

From parent and toddler groups to community events, libraries host a range of activities.

Pictures here include a coffee and stories centre for mums and kids; Saltburn Victorians popping into Redcar Library; a Mind-run arts and crafts event in 2000; and children and adults alike enjoying World Book Day which is held every March to encourage more young readers.