Library searches for librarians from 1951 opening

2 hours ago

Alex Pope

News image — Margaret Evans and Mary Kirk both worked in the library in 1951

Friends of Woodston Library Margaret Evans and Mary Kirk, in a composite image of the two of them in the library, putting a book on a shelf and carrying a stack of books in the other arm. The image is black and white. — Margaret Evans and Mary Kirk both worked in the library in 1951

A community group has been searching for two librarians who welcomed the service's first visitors 75 years ago.

The Friends of Woodston Library said it hoped to find Margaret Evans and Mary Kirk, or their families, who were employed at the library in Peterborough during its opening in January 1951.

It wanted to invite them, or their relatives, to an anniversary celebration on Sunday 25 January.

The building was constructed on land gifted by HB Hartley, a local philanthropist and former city alderman and mayor, and opened despite a shortage of building materials following World War Two, the group said.

Friends of Woodston Library A group of people, in a black and white photo, standing outside a brick built library. They are all wearing coats and jackets. The image is slightly blurred. — The Woodston Library officially opened in 1951

The friends group was created in 2024 to save the service after Peterborough City Council said the library was at threat of closure.

The decision has been "paused" by the council, it added.

Jennie Storey, the Friends of Woodston Library's chairman, said a display of rare archive material had been created for the anniversary charting the library's rich history.

Bunting has been crafted by local residents to adorn the building, it added.

Friends of Woodston Library Five people, in a room, in a black and white image. Two men are standing up and three people are sitting down, in front of shelves of books. The are two floral arrangements on a table. — The building was constructed on land gifted by HB Hartley, a local philanthropist and former city alderman and mayor

Storey said: "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".

She thanked the "artists taking part, along with our volunteers and supporters who are so enthusiastic and share so many different skills, knowledge and experiences".

Alex Tyler, Peterborough's poet laureate, will do a reading of a work written for the event and local author Fiona Schneider will give talk.

The event will take place at 14:00 GMT on 25 January at the library.

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