2024 marks 120 years since the opening of Ilkeston Library just off the Market Place in the Town Centre.
The Derbyshire County Council-run library was opened on 24th August 1904 by the Duke of Rutland with crowds filling the Market Place to see it open its doors for the first time.
A library for Ilkeston was first suggested in 1879, but it was a gift from Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie that saw it become a reality.
A stone panel above the library entrance reads `Carnegie Free Library’, and back in 1904 readers selected their books from lists, with shelves for browsing being introduced in 1922.
A range of events to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the library have been planned by staff.
Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change Councillor Barry Lewis said: “Ilkeston Library is one of the oldest libraries in Derbyshire and we’re tremendously proud of its history and all it has to offer for the local community it serves.
“Like all our libraries, while there’s a huge range of books covering all interests, there’s also a lot more going on, from computer help sessions and meetings of local groups, space to work and research, an excellent local studies area rich with resources for all to use and access to thousands of free newspapers and magazines.
“We’re very excited to be celebrating 120 years of our Ilkeston Library and are looking forward to welcoming people to come and mark the anniversary with us.”
A number of events to mark the anniversary can be found here
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