GENERATIONS of book-worms were honoured this week as Cradley Heath, Oakham and Blackheath libraries celebrated 100 years serving the community.

A series of events were organised across all three Rowley Town libraries to mark the milestone and celebrate the next chapter in the libraries’ histories. All three opened in 1909 and were funded by the Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

The Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Geoff Lewis and Councillor Anne Shackleton visited Cradley Heath Library to celebrate with staff the centenary and cut a special birthday cake with library manager Chris Ash and library supervisor Vanessa Jones.

Vanessa said: “After 100 years we are still at the heart of the community in Cradley Heath and I think it is a real achievement.”

At Blackheath Library the celebrations were poignant because the building is entering its last year before the facility is relocated in a new state-of-the-art building on the high street.

Library supervisor Alison Page said: “We have a wonderful community spirit at this library and we will hopefully be taking that with us when we move to the High Street.”

Tonight (Friday) local historian Tony Page will be discussing the history of Blackheath at 7.30pm.

And a family day is being held at Blackheath Library tomorrow (Saturday) which starts at 10.30am.

Ron Popple will be performing an old fashioned magic show and Punch and Judy show for the children at 12.30pm. There will also be a book swap at the library as well.

Sandwell Council's cabinet member for culture and leisure Councillor Linda Horton said: "Blackheath Library has been a fantastic resource for the community and I hope everyone will take the chance to pop along to join in the celebrations.

“It will stay open until work on the new library in High Street is completed.”

She added: "It is an especially exciting time as the new library will ensure local people have facilities fit for the 21st century."