Happy birthday Gateshead Central Library
Gateshead Council's Library service has today marked 100 years of the much-loved community hub by burying a time capsule with local school pupils.
As part of the occasion, Caedmon Primary School's Year 5 pupils spent the morning with Storyteller-in-Residence Chris Adriaanse listening to his retelling of a folk tale taken from a 100-year-old book, before sharing their ideas of how stories might be in the future.
The class then created a time capsule complete with old photos, maps of the library, and mementos to capture the library as it is today, and messages to their future selves.
The box was sealed and will be kept under lock and key in the library's archive, to be reopened on the library's next big anniversary in 25 years' time.
Rachel Ridley, Library Service Manager at Gateshead Council, said: "It's been really special to have the next generation of library users, as well as lots of our regulars, join us in celebrating 100 years of Gateshead Central Library.
"The world has changed dramatically over the past century, but our library has remained a pillar of the community. It's a true testament to all the people, colleagues and members, who've made it more than just a building."
Elsewhere on the special day, Year 5's from Brighton Avenue Primary School got hands-on in the MakerPlace coding with microbits. The space is one of the library's newest advancements, opening in 2020 to offer an innovative space for digital-based craft and design - like 3D printing and laser cutting.
Visitors also got the chance to take part in behind-the-scenes tour of the impressive building, learn about its architecture and some of the stories from decades gone by.
Since it opened in 1926, Gateshead Central Library has played a pivotal role in the borough's history. When it first welcomed customers, it was the first time readers could select books for themselves rather than having to request items from a librarian.
The library also introduced the first dedicated children's section to Gateshead in 1948, and was the first in the North East to have its very own Gramophone Lending Library in 1965.
Caedmon Hall was part of a later addition to the building in 1976, billed as one of the most progressive cultural centres in the area at the time.
The library has also been at the front of several technological advancements. It facilitated the world's first online shop 1984, introduced public computers in 2000, before opening the MakerPlace.
To learn more and get involved, visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/centenary
Gateshead Council's Library service has today marked 100 years of the much-loved community hub by burying a time capsule with local school pupils.
As part of the occasion, Caedmon Primary School's Year 5 pupils spent the morning with Storyteller-in-Residence Chris Adriaanse listening to his retelling of a folk tale taken from a 100-year-old book, before sharing their ideas of how stories might be in the future.
The class then created a time capsule complete with old photos, maps of the library, and mementos to capture the library as it is today, and messages to their future selves.
The box was sealed and will be kept under lock and key in the library's archive, to be reopened on the library's next big anniversary in 25 years' time.
Rachel Ridley, Library Service Manager at Gateshead Council, said: "It's been really special to have the next generation of library users, as well as lots of our regulars, join us in celebrating 100 years of Gateshead Central Library.
"The world has changed dramatically over the past century, but our library has remained a pillar of the community. It's a true testament to all the people, colleagues and members, who've made it more than just a building."
Elsewhere on the special day, Year 5's from Brighton Avenue Primary School got hands-on in the MakerPlace coding with microbits. The space is one of the library's newest advancements, opening in 2020 to offer an innovative space for digital-based craft and design - like 3D printing and laser cutting.
Visitors also got the chance to take part in behind-the-scenes tour of the impressive building, learn about its architecture and some of the stories from decades gone by.
Since it opened in 1926, Gateshead Central Library has played a pivotal role in the borough's history. When it first welcomed customers, it was the first time readers could select books for themselves rather than having to request items from a librarian.
The library also introduced the first dedicated children's section to Gateshead in 1948, and was the first in the North East to have its very own Gramophone Lending Library in 1965.
Caedmon Hall was part of a later addition to the building in 1976, billed as one of the most progressive cultural centres in the area at the time.
The library has also been at the front of several technological advancements. It facilitated the world's first online shop 1984, introduced public computers in 2000, before opening the MakerPlace.
To learn more and get involved, visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/centenary
