Young library members were in full in voice on Friday as they took part in a special Rhyme Time event to help celebrate the 100th birthday of Eltham Library.
The children were joined by Councillor John Fahy, Cabinet member for Sport, Culture and the Olympics, and Eltham MP Clive Efford. Both took park in rhyming sessions, sing-alongs and book readings.
The event was led by Eltham Library staff who dressed in period costume to show the children what staff would have looked like when the Library was first opened back in 1906.
Each child received a special certificate and bookstart pack along with a slice of Eltham Library birthday cake as a thank you for helping to celebrate the milestone.
When did the library first open?
Eltham Library was opened by the Mayor of Woolwich on Tuesday 23 October 1906. It then consisted of:
- a magazine room
- reference reading room
- an open access library
- a newsroom.
The stock consisted of 8000 books and £5,000 was donated towards the cost of the building.
The open access system was very radical in its day as it meant Eltham was one of the first libraries that allowed people to go round and handle the books before borrowing them.
Modernisation
The centenary celebrations are particularly poignant as the modernisation process sweeping through Greenwich is in the process of transforming the library. Works taking place will provide improved facilities and create a new link between the library and the rest of the soon-to-be built Eltham Centre.
Find out more about the new Eltham Centre.
Library 'will be enjoyed for years to come'
Councillor Fahy said: "Eltham Library has reached a very notable milestone and with the huge modernisation plans that are set to galvanise Greenwich in the coming years we are ensuring that this library can be enjoyed for many years to come.
"I would like to thank the children and staff who have helped celebrate this milestone and encourage everyone to ensure that Eltham Library keeps its status as a true Eltham landmark."
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17 November 2006