A LIBRARY is preparing to reopen after lockdown – just in time to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The Cockerton branch of Darlington Libraries is opening its doors for quick borrowing and book returns next Wednesday, when it will also be marking the 50th anniversary of its opening.

It has been closed since March because of the lockdown.

On Wednesday, there will be a display of old photographs of the library though the years, as well an outside balloon modelling session for children.

Councillor Andy Keir, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for local services, said:

“The branch library at Cockerton is a valued addition to our library services and we’re delighted to be able to reopen this facility for residents on what will be its 50th anniversary.

“It may be some time before things can get back to normal completely, but in the meantime our library staff have been working hard to ensure services are still available.”

The library, which first opened on September 2, 1970, will be open from 10am to 4pm.

The balloon modelling takes place between 2pm and 4pm and there will also be a musician performing interpretations of songs from the 1970s from 10-10.30am, 12-12.30pm and 3.15-3.45pm.

From Thursday, temporary opening hours will be 9.30am-1pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 1pm-4pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.