A LIBRARIAN has paid an emotional farewell after running a village library for 35 years.

Vivienne Allison, 58, stamped her last book at Annfield Plain Library near Stanley, in County Durham, today (Thursday, December 20).

She said: “I’m sad to be leaving. I have worked at this particular branch for 35 years.

“For me it is a very special library because it is the only Carnegie library left in the county and had its 104th birthday on December 16.

“It has been a privilege to work here. It is a fabulous place. It has such a history in the community I am going to miss it.”

Librarian Jean Waters, who has worked with Mrs Allison for 19 years, also paid her farewells today. They will be replaced by two part-time librarians.

Staff and library users held a farewell buffet lunch this afternoon.