A North East library is marking its 50th anniversary with a community celebration.
Washington Library has been an integral part of the local community since opening its doors in April 1976 and to mark its birthday, the venue is hosting a week of themed events.
Starting on Monday 20 April – the library’s official 50th birthday – the venue’s regular programme of activities will be themed to celebrate the landmark anniversary, culminating in a community celebration on Saturday 25 April.
As well as commemorating five decades since the building opened, this event will include live music, free retro craft activities for children and adults, an exhibition of photos, books, games and memorabilia from history and light refreshments.
The event will also offer attendees the chance to share stories, photographs and memories – whether that’s discovering a love of reading, taking part in community activities or volunteering and working at the library. This will help build a collective picture of its role in the community.
Anyone who can’t attend but would still like to share their own memories or photos is encouraged to get in touch with the library team, with recollections potentially being added to the local history collection.
“For 50 years, Washington Library has been much more than a place to borrow books – it has been a space for learning, connection, creativity and community,” said Peter McIntyre, Executive Director of Economy and Place at Sunderland City Council.
“This celebration is about the people who have made it what it is and we would love as many of them as possible to join us at the events.”
Construction on the then Washington New Town Library started in 1974, 10 years after Washington had been designated a new town, with the aim of creating a large central library for the growing population in the area.
The building opened on 20 April 1976 with 40,000 volumes, more than 3,000 records and over 300 cassette tapes and slide packages.
Over the years, the library has gone through many changes and modifications, including major refurbishments in 2009 and 2024, with the latter seeing the venue reopen as a Creative Smart City Hub.
The celebration event on Saturday 25 April, which is free to attend, is taking place 11am – 3pm at Washington Library. It is open for everyone to attend and no booking is required.
Anyone not able to attend but who would like to share their memories can reach out to the libraries team by emailing culture.house@sunderland.gov.uk. More information about the Creative Smart City Hub at Washington Library can be found here https://culturehousesunderland.co.uk/washington/
