Library invites 90-year-olds to mark 90th birthday

Manchester Central Library was offically opened by King George V in 1934

A landmark city library is looking for 90-somethings to help celebrate its 90th birthday.

Manchester Central Library is hosting a celebration on 17 July - to mark the day it was officially opened by King George V, 90 years ago, in 1934.

Librarians are looking for Mancunians in their ninth decade to attend the event, and are urging local nonagenarians, or their relatives, to contact the venue.

“We could not miss the opportunity to invite residents who are celebrating their 90th birthdays to help share this very special occasion," said Councillor John Hacking, executive member for leisure, skills and employment at Manchester City Council.

Designed by E Vincent Harris, the library's notable circular structure was built in the early 1930s

The library's foundation stone was laid in 1930 by the-then Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald.

At its opening, four years later, it was the largest local authority library in Britain.

Speaking at the opening, in 1934, the King said the substantial library would ensure “magnificent opportunities for further education, and for the pleasant use of leisure”.

Over the years, the library - in Manchester's St Peter's Square - has been a focus for political gatherings and protest movements, as well as a hub for cultural events.

Mr Hacking said the civic building was “one of the most visited public libraries in the country and is loved by residents and visitors alike”.

Anniversary celebrations began in May, with hundreds of families attending a Blue Peter Book Club Live event. Children can find the Blue Peter Book Club booklist in parks and open spaces around the city, as part of a series of Book Hunt events over the summer.