STAFF and regular clients at a branch library have been celebrating its 35th anniversary.
Southend borough’s smallest library, Friars, at the Renown, in Constable Way, Shoebury, opened in 1974 and now offers a wide range of activities and services as well as books.
It has about 1,000 regular borrowers, who take out about 30,000 items a year, including DVDs and CDs.
Jennie Robertson, manager for 30 of its 35 years, said: “We’re the smallest library but still quite a focal point in the community. It’s quite a feat to survive 35 years, but we’re still here and it’s because we offer so much, from Storyrhyme sessions for parents and children to to internet taster sessions.”
The Friends of Friars Library reading group has met there once a month for more than two years. and joined the seven library staff to celebrate the milestone.
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