Event to celebrate 75th anniversary of Woodston Library in Peterborough - as campaigners fight to save it from closure
A community event to mark the 75th anniversary of a library in Peterborough which is at risk of closure has been announced.
Woodston Library will reach the milestone on Sunday 25 January – and campaigners from the Friends of Woodston Library have launched a programme of activities over that weekend to celebrate the anniversary and support the National Year of Reading.
This will include a display of rare archive material charting the library’s rich history, a reading from Poet Laureate Alex Turner, and a talk by an “up and coming” author.
As previously reported, in November 2024, campaigners presented a petition of more than 700 signatures to Peterborough City Council after the authority announced the facility was on its list of assets to potentially be disposed of. It remains on the list, but the Friends of Woodston Library say they are still working “behind the scenes” to have it removed.
Speaking about the anniversary celebrations, a spokesperson for the Friends of Woodston Library said: “Mayor of Peterborough Councillor Judy Fox is invited to attend Sunday afternoon’s event at 1pm, followed by a performance from the city’s very own Poet Laureate, Alex Tyler, who has written a special and poignant poem for the event. This will be followed by a talk by up and coming author Fiona Schneider at 2pm, who is soon to tour America as part of her latest book deal.”
Tickets must be booked for the author event.
The Friends are also hoping to trace the first two librarians, Miss Margaret Evans and Miss Mary Kirk, or their families, who welcomed the first residents into the library on 25 January 1951.
Jennie Storey, chair of Friends of Woodston Library commented: “It is truly wonderful to be involved in these celebrations and to be part of a growing and passionate community. Our library is alive and thriving. Its doors are open and welcoming, people are benefiting from a range of events and activities, help and advice sessions, lifelong learning and wellbeing and there is a real reduction in social isolation.
“Children are enthused and engaged. Everyone is so supportive and learning from one another and forming real and trusted friendships.”
She added: “We are so very pleased to be welcoming the Mayor and thanks go to all those artists taking part, along with our volunteers and supporters who are so enthusiastic and share so many different skills, knowledge and experiences.”
The celebration events begin at 11am on Saturday, 24 January, when the Friends’ Knit and Natter group will meet. This will be followed by a special children’s crafting event by popular local artist Ann Bellamy at 2pm – where children can learn how to create bunting bookmarks, save old books from being pulped, help the environment and learn a new skill. During the celebration weekend, the library is also expected to be adorned by ‘alternative’ bunting crafted by local residents.