Many residents and visitors to Manchester Central Library have celebrated its 90th anniversary in a special commemoration.
The city’s largest and the most visited library in the UK, fondly known as the “jewel in the crown” of Manchester libraries, was opened to huge crowds by George V on July 17, 1934.
Officials and life-long library goers gathered to remember its importance as a safe space for generations seeking community learning, access to reading, and education on their doorsteps 90 years after its grand opening.
Some of the library’s very first visitors and hard-working staff were also present at the emotional ceremony, including Joan Ebbrell (96) from Moss Side and Ken Whittaker (92) from Withington, who both have special connections to the library.
The milestone birthday was marked by heartfelt speeches from the lord mayor of Manchester, councillor Paul Andrews; councillor Adele Douglas, deputy executive member for skills, employment and leisure and Carl Austin-Behan, the deputy lieutenant.
Audience members were treated to a vibrant performance by local Chinese dancers and singers from Bowen Education followed by a traditional display of Mexican dance from Allegri Dance, and a performance from Afrocats. Young violinists and celloists also had a chance to entertain the crowds in celebration of the library’s dedicated work with diverse communities.
For many of the older audience members, they were shown an emotional look back through the film archives of the Manchester Central Library first being opened which was contrasted with the recent fun-filled events for a new generation of library-lovers, including the Blue Peter Book Club Live.
A specially made cake and treats were also given out as a further nod to marking the historic day.
Joan Ebbrell, who was present when King George V first opened the library, said: “My mother said we should go to Manchester Central Library’s opening to see King George V and I remember the crowds, the waving flags and people shouting, ‘God Save the King!’
“I used the library the most when I decided to do a degree in my 60s and my first essay was about the origins of Manchester in the Roman times. It brings me to the tears thinking about celebrating this anniversary, because it reminds me of my mother who brought me here.
“I’ve always been an avid reader and love history; it’s so important that young people keep coming to the library like I used to.”
Ken Whittaker, who worked in Central Library over 70 years ago said: “I first started working at the library in 1949 and leaving school. My mother said I needed to find something to do so I wrote to the library and they got back to me.
“In the autumn, I was first sent to the Withington branch and then worked in Manchester Central Library in the reference department. My job was to find the books, put them in the lift and send them up to be collected. My favourite part were the lovely people you meet.
“I worked at a dozen branches and had to go away to do national service before leaving in the 60s. It’s wonderful to be marking this anniversary for new generations to remember.”
