Published Thursday 9 October 2025 at 15:14
There’s a full week of events planned to mark the 50th anniversary of Blackburn Central Library moving to its home on Town Hall Street and you’re invited!
Here’s a full rundown so you can join in and help mark the special occasion:
Saturday, October 18th
Christina Gabbitas Competition Prize Presentation
1.30 – 2pm
Come along and celebrate the winners of the Christina Gabbitas competition with us! Council Leader Phil Riley will be attending this special presentation to honour the achievements of young writers. All welcome.
Wordsworth Tea Party
2 – 3pm – Meetings Rooms 1 & 2 (please note, booking is required)
Join Wordsworth – the lovable library mascot – for a special tea party to celebrate 50 years of Blackburn Library in Town Hall Street.
This is perfect family fun with party games and refreshments too, plus a special visit from Wordsworth himself.
This event is free to attend, but booking is required.
Please drop-in to the library for your tickets.
Monday, October 20
Digital Resources Promotion – BorrowBox & Comics Plus
11am – 12pm – Main library area
Discover the library’s wide range of digital services, including eBooks, audiobooks, and comics. Library staff will guide you on how to access, download, and enjoy these resources from home or on the go.
Digital Resources Promotion – BorrowBox & Comics Plus
2 – 3pm – main library area
Another opportunity to explore the library’s digital collection. Whether you’re new to eBooks or want tips for getting the most out of digital reading, staff will be on hand to help.
Tuesday, October 21
Author Visit: Iqbal Hussain & Tuesday Reading Group
10.15 – 11.45am – Hornby Theatre (please note, booking is required)
Meet award-winning author Iqbal Hussain and join the Tuesday Reading Group for a lively discussion.
Iqbal has worked as a journalist for publications including The Guardian and The Young Telegraph, and now writes short stories inspired by his Pakistani heritage. Free tickets are available from the library – a must for book lovers!
Wednesday, October 22
Read, Rhythm & Rhyme – It’s birthday time!
10.30 – 11am – Children’s Library (drop-in, ages 5 and under with parents/carers)
Celebrate Blackburn Library’s 50th birthday with a lively story time session! Pre-school children and their parents/carers can enjoy singing, storytelling, and fun activities. No booking required – just turn up on the day and join the party.
Thursday, October 23
Reminiscence Session – ‘Blackburn Library: Pages from the Past’
10am – The Hub
Step back in time and explore the rich history of Blackburn Library.
Share your memories, see historic photos, and enjoy a nostalgic morning with a trip down memory lane.
A Special Birthday Knit & Natter – ‘Threads of Celebration’
1 – 3pm – The Hub (drop-in)
Bring along your knitting or crochet and join a friendly group for a relaxed session of crafting. Contribute to a special project marking the library’s 50th anniversary or just enjoy the company and conversation.
Friday, October 24
Coffee Morning – ‘Brew & Cheers at 50 Years’
10am – 12pm – The Hub
Raise a mug to celebrate 50 years of Blackburn Library in Town Hall Street! Enjoy tea, coffee, and conversation while reminiscing about the library’s early years in the 1970s. Perfect for catching up with friends or making new ones.
Medusa Quartet
7pm – Hornby Theatre (Spot On Lancashire event, tickets cost £10.00)
An evening of outstanding live music from the acclaimed Medusa Quartet. Tickets available from the library.
Saturday, October 11 & 25
Green Libraries Week Super Saturday Activities
11am – 12:30pm & 1:30 – 3pm. Blackburn Library
More family-friendly fun and eco-themed activities to round off the week.
Children and families can decorate their own eco-friendly tote bags to take home. A fun and creative way to learn about the environment while making something personal.
Get Online Week – digital events
A week of free sessions designed to help you get the most out of the online world – from discovering library resources to exploring digital banking and family history tools.
Monday, October 20
Library Online Resources
10am
Discover the wide range of digital services available through Blackburn Library.
Learn how to access eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers, and magazines online – all free with your library card.
Tuesday, October 21
Online Banking with Halifax
10am
Join representatives from Halifax Bank for a practical session on how to bank safely and confidently online.
Wednesday, October 22
Affordable Internet
10am
Find out how to get connected for less. Discover affordable internet options, data-saving tips, and community support to help you stay online.
Thursday, October 23
Reminiscence Session – ‘Blackburn Library: Pages from the Past’
10am – The Hub
Step back in time and explore the rich history of Blackburn Library. Share your memories, see historic photos, and enjoy a nostalgic morning connecting with the community.
Friday, October 24
Introduction to Ancestry
10am
Explore your family history with Ancestry Library Edition. Learn how to search birth, marriage, and census records, and start uncovering your family tree.
Saturday, October 25
11am – 12:30pm & 1:30 – 3pm.
More family-friendly fun and eco-themed activities to round off the week. Children and families can decorate their own eco-friendly tote bags to take home. A fun and creative way to learn about the environment while making something personal.