Wallasey Central Library Centenary Celebrations 30/9/11 and 1/10/11

THE centenary of Wallasey's Central Library will be celebrated next week with a series of special events to mark the milestone.

The library first opened its doors to the public on September 30, 1911 - one of many around the world helped by American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie who provided funding for it to be built.

A specially-commissioned painting of the library and a plaque to commemorate the anniversary is to be unveiled by Mayor of Wirral Cllr Moira McLaughlin.

Councillor Chris Meaden, Wirral cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: "The role Wallasey Central Library plays within the local community is as important now as it was 100 years ago.

"I hope many users of the library, past and present, can join us for the celebrations.

"It promises to be a very special weekend, with events suited to every age group to show just what Wirral’s libraries are all about."

Celebrations will start with a return visit to the library by comic poet John Hegley for a performance this Friday.

On Saturday, there will be a range of activities and events for library-users of all ages starting at 10am. Between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, there will be live music, exhibitions and Edwardian cream teas will be served to visitors.

Winners of the library’s "100 Words" writing competition - which invited people to explain what their local library means to them, will be announced and Mayor McLaughlin will then unveil the painting and plaque.

The original library had been in Earlston House from 1900, next to where the main library building now stands. The then-head librarian, a Mr E A Savage, fought for funding to construct a new, purpose-built library.

Despite having been turned down several times, he eventually secured a donation of £9,000 from Carnegie in 1908 and building work got underway.

Scottish-born Carnegie, who had already funded more than 2,000 public buildings at the time, believed in "helping those who help themselves" and libraries fitted in with those beliefs.

The library was refurbished earlier this year with new windows, revamped exhibition spaces and modernised central heating system.

Tickets for John Hegley’s performance cost £7 and are available from Wallasey, Birkenhead, Bebington and West Kirby central libraries, or can be reserved by telephoning 0151 639 2334.
Wirral Globe

100 years... 100 words

Wallasey Library is holding a 100 word writing competition with a £100 prize to celebrate their centenary birthday.

The Earlston Road branch formally opened on September 30 1911.

To celebrate the milestone librarians are asking people to write on the subject of libraries.

The judges will be two critically acclaimed writers.

Entering the competition is free for any adult member of Wirral Libraries. If you are not a member you can become one by taking proof of your address to any library where you can also pick up a competition entry form.

Both poetry and prose is welcome and there are first prizes of £50 in each category plus runner up cash prizes. Winners will also be invited to read their work at the official Centenary Celebration which will be held on the first of October.

Suitable topics may be summarising what libraries mean to you, describing your favourite memory in a library or reminiscing on a library in another country. The closing date for the competition is August 25.

Judging the writing competition will be Nick Perring, an acclaimed Wirral short story author who's debut collection Not So Perfect is published by Roast Books. Also judging is Wallasey based poet Janine Pinion who's latest collection The Sea is Dancing Grandmothers is published by Driftwood.

There is also a design a 100th birthday card competition for youngsters. For details on this call the Children’s Library in Wallasey on 0151 639 2334.

There will be a special centenary celebration event taking pace on Saturday October 1 which will feature Edwardian cream teas and music.

For more information on the Library or either of the competitions call 0151 639 2334.