John
Meet John. John is a long-time member of Gateshead Central Library. He first started coming to the library some 30+ years ago, when he moved to the area.
As an avid reader, John is a big fan of the library. Having spent time there more and more now he's retired, one of the things he really values about the library is how the staff get to know you and are always so welcoming. Being somewhere that top authors visit for events is also a huge draw.
Alongside his visits to borrow the latest novels, John's become a member of Art Diamonds, the library's group for retired people who want to get involved in arts and cultural activities. As part of the group, he's taken part in sessions from creative writing to poetry walks - both things he'd never done before.
John says he's glad the library is celebrating 100 years - it's got so many activities going on, so much to shout about and is such a valuable asset.
Describing Gateshead Central Library in three words, he said its 'inviting, interesting, innovative'.