The library is expected to reopen in the next few weeks

The original foundation stone at Bispham library in Blackpool was unearthed by a decorator.

The stone, which was set in 1937 when the library was built, had been covered over by a notice board.

Specialists have been working to treat the furniture and books with a substance which neutralises the effects of the smoke.

Blackpool Councillor David Owen said: "We were not expecting anything good to come out of the fire, but finding the original foundation stone, which was laid two years before the start of the Second World War, is an added bonus."