12:07pm Wednesday 2nd December 2009
By Brian Gomm
TYLDESLEY Library celebrates its centenary this month and a 100 year connection between the town and one of the world’s wealthiest businessmen of all time.
Built in 1909 on the site of the old Temperance Hall and Mechanics Institute on Stanley Street, the public library was made possible with the aid of a £4,000 grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
When Scottish born Carnegie died in 1919 it was estimated the American steel tycoon had given away approximately £4.2billion in today’s money to charities worldwide.
And thanks to his generous donation thousands of people have reaped the educational and cultural benefits in Tyldesley for the last 100 years.
Now the library is set to mark its centenary with a special bash!
For nine days this month Tyldesley Library will host a range of activities from flower arranging to carol singing, nursery rhyme tea parties to local history talks.
The fun starts on Monday, December 7 and Mayor Cllr Mark Aldred will mark the official 100th birthday celebrations at 11am on Saturday, December 12 – almost a century to the day since official dignitaries first gave the building their seal of approval.
Hannah Turner, Leigh Local History Officer, has been delving into the archives for a special centenary talk about the building scehduled for December 17.
She said: “Researching the history of the building has made me realise just how much the library has strived to benefit and help the local community over the last century. The beauty of the building has been a source of enjoyment for the people of Tyldesley, and the library staff have, throughout the years, endeavoured to create a friendly and welcoming environment.”
These days the library is managed on behalf of Wigan Council by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust. And while the building and its main purpose remain the same there’s a raft of other activities that take place there from under 5s storytelling and various reading and writing groups to children’s Wii competitions.
For more information on the centenary celebrations visit www.wlct.org/Libraries
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk