On Thursday 12th December 2024, Sutton Coldfield Library celebrated its 50th Anniversary, in its present location at 45 Lower Parade.
It had been officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, on Saturday 14th December 1974.
For those of us still able to recall, the old library had been housed in a converted Wesleyan Chapel, situated at the corner of the Parade and Newhall Street, since March 1937.
The new building was designed to cater for the needs of the student, as well as the general reader and it was also hoped that local societies and organisations would regard the library as a focal point of cultural activities in the area.
Abi Collingwood, the Assistant Library Manager, together with her staff, put in a lot of hard work to make the day a success. Amongst the interesting items on display were many old photographs showing the various events and the people involved, which had taken place over the period.
Bookmarks had been specially printed, together with a series of Postcards, designed by the pupils of Hollyfield Primary School.
Refreshments, in the form of tea, coffee and biscuits were made available to the many visitors and, around mid-day, special Christmas lunch boxes were distributed to members of the public.
Entertainment was also provided, in the shape of Tony Wall, who was funded by FOLIO of Sutton Coldfield and he sang many of the hits from the past. On at least one occasion, several old ‘twisters’ were sighted, showing that they were still very much young at heart!
Keith Jordan
12th December 2024
