ELLESMERE PORT Library celebrated in style with an event attracting over 100 people.

On Thursday 5 May, people gathered at the library to share their memories and take a look at displays on the history of the library and life in the 1960s, along with a coffee morning.

Chester and District Standard: Cllr Louise Gittins (leader of CWaC) and Ian Anstice (lead librarian). Pictures: Tom Ormiston.Cllr Louise Gittins (leader of CWaC) and Ian Anstice (lead librarian). Pictures: Tom Ormiston.

Cheshire and Chester Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Councillor Louise Gittins, read a story to a class of children in Year 3 from William Stockton Primary School and answered questions from the pupils.

Cllr Gittins said: “On 5 May 1962, our fabulous Ellesmere Port Library was officially opened.  It was wonderful to see so many people at the event to celebrate this milestone. The fabulous selection of photos and press cuttings were so interesting to see and I’m sure brought back many memories for people.

Chester and District Standard: A collage of picturesA collage of pictures

“Libraries are at the heart of our communities and are here to satisfy our thirst for knowledge, our desire to be entertained and our need for social interaction through the many events and activities on offer. I’m sure the valuable role-played by Ellesmere Port Library to its communities will continue for many, many years to come.”

The Mayor of Ellesmere Port, Councillor Lisa Denson, cut a special birthday cake, complete with books made from icing, during the event.

Chester and District Standard: Rachel Foster, head of communities, culture and libraries.Rachel Foster, head of communities, culture and libraries.

In the evening, library staff showed off their acting skills as characters from “The Glass Room” and visitors were able to solve a murder mystery written by Ann Cleeves (who also wrote the television series “Vera” and “Shetland”). The audience of the sold-out event thoroughly enjoyed working out who the murderer was, with many looking forward to attending future events.

Ian Anstice, host of the murder event, said: “It’s been great to get back into doing public events in libraries after the lockdowns and people have really enjoyed them.

Chester and District Standard: Library Cafe with Sony Watts and Charlotte Baker.Library Cafe with Sony Watts and Charlotte Baker.

“We make the events as fun as possible, with a lot of laughter and an element of pantomime. It’s a really enjoyable evening for everyone.”

Ian and his team are currently planning the next murder mystery at Ellesmere Port Library.

Chester and District Standard: The birthday cake.The birthday cake.

The Library had also gained permission from the North West Film Archive to show rare footage of the building being opened back in 1962. Displays showed films, music and headlines of the day; vintage fashion, library paraphernalia and books from the 1960s. A memory book has been placed in the library for people to write in their memories of the library.  If anyone missed the event, these will be on display until the end of the month.

The Library is on Civic Way, opposite the Civic Hall, and can be contacted on 0151 337 46845 during opening hours.