The anniversary was marked with a birthday celebration, organised in partnership with the Friends of Rock Road Library, a local charitable group.
The event bought together residents, library colleagues, past and present library users and councillors to celebrate the library, its history and the strong community support that continues to sustain it.
Visitors enjoyed a wide range of activities and entertainments throughout the day, including bookmark designing, creative writing, storytime, a magician and ‘Why We Love the Library’ crafts, where attendees added their messages to a textile display, created by a member of the local textile group and inspired by the library garden.
There was also a special ‘Memories of Rock Road’ session led by the Local Studies Librarian alongside a visit from Dilly the Dinosaur, the library service’s mascot, who was popular with attendees both young and old!
A cake was cut in the library garden followed by a speech from Cllr Alison Whelan, the chair of the county council’s Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee, which has oversight of Cambridgeshire Libraries.
In 1936, the BBC Television Service was officially founded, the iconic ‘Gone with the Wind’ book was published, and Rock Road library opened its doors for the first time. As the oldest purpose-built library in Cambridgeshire, it has witnessed the city develop and different generations come through its doors, whilst continuing to always be a welcoming space for reading, learning and community connection.
Rock Road’s story reflects community needs and changing times. In 1992, Rock Road welcomed Rev Christopher Awdry, one of the authors of the ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ books, for a book signing event and a decade later, in December 2002, the library stepped into the digital era by introducing public computers, giving residents new ways to access information and services.
Last year, the library benefited from a significant refurbishment, supported through a combination of essential maintenance funding, developer contributions, funds raised by the Friends of Rock Road Library and from the Council’s ongoing commitment to investment in its libraries. The works included restoring original features such as the skylights and investing in improved furniture throughout the building.
Today, the library remains a well-used community space, welcoming over 2,000 visitors a month and issuing approximately 33,000 books a year.
Alongside its core lending service, the library hosts a range of activities and events including story and rhymetime, writing club, textile club and scrabble club. Through the Open+ service, library members can access the library at specific times outside of its regular opening hours, providing greater flexibility.
Councillor Alison Whelan, chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “It has been wonderful seeing so many people come together to celebrate such an impressive milestone for this particular library and recognise the important role libraries continue to play in building strong communities across our county.
“Whether it’s discovering a love of reading, finding a quiet space to study, or making connections locally, Rock Road has touched countless lives over the years. Thanks to ongoing investment and the dedication of colleagues and volunteers, Rock Road Library continues to thrive and adapt its services for the needs of the present and future members of its community.”
James Berry, Friends of Rock Road Library treasurer said: “I have been the treasurer of The Friends of Rock Road Library for 13 years, it is a place that means a lot to me and to many others. The Friends are incredibly proud to support the library and it’s amazing to see it continuing to serve new generations while holding onto its history.
“Seeing so many people celebrate its 90th birthday was very special, and we’d welcome anyone to come along and experience the library for themselves.”
The Friends of Rock Road Library have supported the library over many years by donating books, organising events, tending the library garden and promoting its services in the local community.
Read more about the Friends of Rock Road Library.
Read more about Open+ out of hours library access.
