A LIBRARY that was built using an £8,000 donation from a rail magnate celebrated its 100th birthday yesterday.
Annfield Plain library, in North Road, Catchgate, County Durham, opened on December 16, 1908.
It was built thanks to Scottish-American rail magnate Andrew Carnegie, who set up a trust fund for the “improvement of mankind”.
The money was used to build 180 libraries in the UK, and the one in Annfield Plain is the only Carnegie library in County Durham.
Vivienne Allison, who has been a librarian there since November 1977, said: “Annfield Plain library is as much valued by the local community today as it was 100 years ago when it was built.
“I have spent almost my whole working life here and feel loved and appreciated by those who use its services.”
Staff have been working with the Friends of Annfield Plain Library to hold celebrations throughout the year, funded by a £2,000 grant from national charity the Scarman Trust.
Yesterday, staff wore Edwardian clothes and provided music hall entertainment.
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