Music, dancing, drama and 1920s costumes featured in the gala celebrations at Bath Central Library to mark its centenary.
Cllr Karen Walker, Hilary Cox, Cllr Tim Ball and Cllr Michelle O’Doherty | Photo © B&NES Council
The first free public lending library in Bath was opened in July 1924 in the print room of the Victoria Art Gallery by the Mayor of the time, Alderman Chas Hacker, who borrowed the first book ‘The Heavenly Twins’ by Madam Sarah Grand.
The moment was recreated at the gala on Wednesday 10th July with the current Mayor, Councillor Michelle O’Doherty, borrowing the same book to kick off the gala evening.
The event included performances from local artists including BathTub Orchestra, Little Dancers, Acca Sulia and Bath Operatic & Dramatic Society, as well as schoolchildren from across Bath & North East Somerset performing readings from the library’s Centenary Collection of 100 books from 100 years.
The library started in 1924 with 9,200 books, with borrowers today having access to around two million items through the Libraries West Consortium.
Over the century it has gained a children’s library, study areas, Exhibition Room, public computers and tablets, Wi-Fi, a sensory room, a virtual library and more – all free for residents and visitors to use.
The gala is the second key event in a year-long celebration of 100 years of library services in Bath and North East Somerset.
Midsomer Norton Library held the first event in April with Keynsham Library’s celebration to follow in October. Celebrations are also being held in community libraries and the Virtual Library.
An exhibition at the library will run throughout July and August, charting the history of all the public libraries in Bath and North East Somerset.
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Despite the changes we’ve seen across 100 years, lots of things have stayed the same.
“We offer a warm welcome at all of our libraries which provide a safe place to meet with others, enjoy activities and learn.
“Libraries are an integral part of our communities and it was fantastic to see past and present staff and volunteers, partner organisations and local children and artists come together for the celebrations.”
