STAFF past and present gathered at Ellendune Library, in Wroughton, yesterday to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

Pictures showing the building’s past were on display and a special cake was made which was cut by a former library manager Mary Evans, 79.

She took over the running of the library shortly after it opened and retired 19 years ago but she said many things remain the same.

“When I walked in I saw some faces that I recognised from when I worked here,” she said.

“There are a few things about the building which have changed but much of it is the same.

“I loved working here and wouldn’t have done anything else.

“Things are done a little bit differently but the library is still so important to the community.

“I remember when we first got a computer here and how busy we were.”

The library also hosts a permanent display by the Wroughton History Group.

Ann Ivie, of the group, says the library is important to people of all ages.

She said: “I come here to take out books and so do my grandchildren. We come every week and can get something new.

“If it was to ever close it would be a huge loss to the village.

“It provides a meeting place for people and is the home to a number of groups in the community which as served Wroughton fantastically.”

Visitors yesterday were given a biscuit and cup of tea has part of the birthday celebrations, while youngsters could also enter a competition to draw a picture of what they thought the library would look like in 40 years time.

The winner received a £20 book token and anyone who joined the library in the days leading up to the birthday was also in with a chance of winning book tokens.

Natasha North, an assistant librarian, said: “There is a lot we do here, from the reading group to the children’s reading session which gets very busy.

“The library is a creative hub and you can see by the number of people who use it what an important part it plays.

“We are looking forward to another 40 years.”

A key reason for the success is the Friends Of Wroughton Library , a group of volunteers who fundraise for the library and provided much of the equipment and furniture.

Anyone who wishes to help out can volunteer by contacting libraryvolunteers@swindon.gov.

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