BARROW Library celebrated 100 years of being open to the public during Centenary Day celebrations.

Fun was had by people of all ages during Saturday’s celebration, which featured cake, fancy dress and live entertainment.

Cllr Bill McEwan said he was ‘honoured’ to attend the celebrate ‘100 years of a great establishment’ as Vice Chair of Cumbria County Council.

“It was a smashing day, and I was glad that I was invited along as the Vice Chair,” said Cllr McEwan.

“It was absolutely fantastic the way it was run, it was absolutely spot on.

“It was well attended, there was a good crowd there and there was all sorts on for the kids.

“There were children in fancy dress, face painting, and there was a saxophonist, Emma, who entertained us and the children enjoyed it and the parents had a good time.

“The County Council (Cumbria) put a lot of money in to refurbish it (the library) and it’s a great place.

“We still need books, we still need people to read books - especially the children - and the more they can get in there the better.”

More than £1 million was invested in the library for a refurbishment which was completed last year.

The work aimed to make the library building more accessible to the public, open up existing space and develop it into a key customer hub to benefit the entire community.

New additions to the centre included: a cafe area, a sensory room for children with additional needs, a new children's library and a soundproof pod.

Cllr Bill McEwan suggested that it may also make a good location for those looking to keep warm this winter.

He said: “It’s really warm in there and this could be one of those places that people come in the winter because of fuel bills to get warm.”

Barrow Library and Archives thanked those who came along to celebrate.

A Barrow Library spokesman said: “Thank you to everyone who came along to Barrow Library Centenary Day on Saturday.

“We had a fabulous time capturing memories with artist Danielle Aspinwall (BarrowFull), making music with Emma Howarth Saxophonist, face painting, crafts and 1920's selfie fun.”