GUISBOROUGH Library is celebrating 25 years since the opening of its current building on 11 February 2000, following the tragic fire that destroyed the original one in 1996.
The previous library was established in 1965, and both the former and current buildings have played a vital role in bringing the community together, providing access to information and fostering a love of learning.
Ian Wilson, from Brotton, has worked in council libraries for 40 years. He joined the original library the day after it opened and, although he later moved to Redcar Library in 1987, he witnessed the fire that destroyed the old building and worked alongside the Guisborough team to maintain services in its aftermath.
Reflecting on the night of the fire, Ian said: “It was a Saturday night. I was Area Librarian for Redcar when I got a phone call from my colleague in Guisborough to say their library was on fire. I went there right away, and the image was shocking, but there was nothing that could be done. The Monday after, we used our mobile library service so people could return their books, and we asked for donations. The people of Guisborough were exceedingly generous—we received so many book donations. We operated from the mobile service for a while until we set up a purpose-built temporary library. By 1999, we were able to build the new library, which officially opened in February 2000 and is still in use today.”
For Jennifer Creek, a published author of Occupational Therapy textbooks, libraries have always been an essential part of her life. Originally from Leeds, Jennifer moved to Guisborough in 1993 with her daughter and immediately sought out the library.
She shared: “When I was a child, my mum made sure we went to the library every week, and I did the same with my daughter. When we moved to Guisborough, the first thing we looked for was the library, which also gave us a chance to become part of the community. When the old library burnt down, we were all really upset, and we were glad the Council understood how important it was to us and ensured a new one was built.”
Jennifer is now part of the Friends of Guisborough Library group, working closely with librarians to organise activities such as the jigsaw library, craft and pottery workshops, and community events. “The main function of a library will always be to open worlds to people and provide free access to information, but libraries are more than that—they are community hubs.”
To mark the 25th anniversary of the new library, a public exhibition will be held on 11 February 2025 from 11am in the building. Images provided by Guisborough Museum will showcase the history of the old library, the fire, and the construction of the current building.
Cllr Carrie Richardson, Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture, said: “Libraries are at the heart of communities, offering incredible value to people of all ages and backgrounds. What happened to the old Guisborough Library was a true tragedy, but we are proud to celebrate 25 years since the construction of the new building. It’s heartwarming to see how residents have embraced this space and made it what it is today. I invite everyone with a connection to the library, past or present, to join us on 11 February to celebrate this milestone.”
Residents and library users are encouraged to attend and reflect on 25 years of community, learning, and resilience.