Ipswich County Library celebrates its 100th anniversary

The library's Northgate Street building opened on September 3, 1924 and to mark the anniversary workers set up an exhibition bringing together the past, present and future views of the building.

This included a compilation of oral histories as told by the previous librarians who have had long tenures. 

Ellie Hart, second from the right, was in chargeThe curation brought together old images and notes from the library. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

Ellie Hart, who set up the exhibition, organised the celebrations part of her apprenticeship and said that it was a good opportunity to dig into the history of the community space. 

"It's so good to see a milestone being celebrated like this because we have multiple library closures in all of the UK," she said. 

"It is right to celebrate this building for being so beautiful and being 100 years old, it's a good way to raise the profile of Suffolk Libraries and it's a good chance to do some fundraising as well."

The library took over from the Victoria Free Library which was set up in 1887. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

She added that the library took over from the Victoria Free Library which was set up in 1887, and over the years had several donations to help build the site as it is now. 

Meanwhile, executive library manager Charmaine Osborne said that the building gives a space for everyone to be themselves without any expectation. 

The executive library manager was proud of the space that they had created. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

"You can sit and you can read, you can be as quiet as you like, or you can make some noise by joining the children's session or the sporting memory session," she added. 

"I feel really proud that we are here to serve the community and deliver what the community wants. 

"You will see with history expanding, we are ever-changing and responding to the needs of the community."

Mrs Osborne noted that the very-decorated building has maintained its heritage and architecture over the years.