Rock Road Library has marked 90 years at the heart of the Cambridge community with a birthday celebration organised in partnership with the Friends of Rock Road Library, a local charitable group.
As reported by Cambridgeshire County Council, the event, held on 1 June 2026, brought together residents, library staff, past and present users, and councillors to celebrate the library’s history and the community support that has helped sustain it for nearly a century.
Guests enjoyed a day of activities ranging from creative writing and bookmark design workshops to storytime sessions, craft activities, and a magician’s performance. Visitors also contributed personal messages to a special “Why We Love the Library” textile display inspired by the library garden and created by a member of a local textile group.
A highlight of the celebrations was a “Memories of Rock Road” session led by the library’s Local Studies Librarian, while Dilly the Dinosaur, the Cambridgeshire Libraries mascot, proved a popular attraction with visitors of all ages.
The event concluded with a birthday cake cutting in the library garden, followed by remarks from Councillor Alison Whelan, chair of the county council’s Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee.
A library with nine decades of history
Rock Road Library first opened its doors in 1936, the same year the BBC Television Service was launched and Margaret Mitchell’s novel Gone with the Wind was published.
Today, it remains the oldest purpose-built library in Cambridgeshire, having served generations of residents through periods of significant social and technological change.
Over the years, the library has adapted to meet the needs of its community while maintaining its role as a welcoming public space. Among its notable moments was a 1992 visit by Rev Christopher Awdry, author of the popular Thomas the Tank Engine books, for a book-signing event.
A decade later, in December 2002, the library embraced the digital age by introducing public computers, expanding access to information and online services for local residents.
Investment helping preserve a community asset
The anniversary comes less than a year after the library underwent a significant refurbishment programme aimed at preserving its historic character while improving facilities for users.
The project was funded through a combination of council investment, essential maintenance funding, developer contributions, and fundraising efforts led by the Friends of Rock Road Library.
Works included the restoration of original architectural features such as the building’s skylights, alongside investment in new furniture and improvements throughout the library.
Today, Rock Road Library welcomes more than 2,000 visitors every month and issues approximately 33,000 books each year.
In addition to its lending services, the library hosts a variety of regular community activities, including story and rhyme sessions for children, writing groups, textile clubs, and Scrabble clubs.
Members can also access the library outside normal opening hours through the Open+ service, which provides additional flexibility for users.
Libraries continue to play an important role
Speaking at the anniversary celebrations and community engagement, Councillor Alison Whelan highlighted the contribution libraries make to community life across the county.
She also added,
“Whether it’s discovering a love of reading, finding a quiet space to study, or making connections locally, Rock Road has touched countless lives over the years. Thanks to ongoing investment and the dedication of colleagues and volunteers, Rock Road Library continues to thrive and adapt its services for the needs of the present and future members of its community.”
Volunteers praised for years of support
Much of the library’s success has been attributed to the work of the Friends of Rock Road Library, a local charitable group that has supported the facility for many years through fundraising, event organisation, book donations, and maintenance of the library garden.
James Berry, treasurer of the Friends group, said the library remained a cherished part of the local community for 13 years.
He further added,
“The Friends are incredibly proud to support the library, and it’s amazing to see it continuing to serve new generations while holding onto its history. Seeing so many people celebrate its 90th birthday was very special, and we’d welcome anyone to come along and experience the library for themselves.”
As Rock Road Library enters its tenth decade, supporters say its continued popularity demonstrates the enduring value of libraries as spaces for learning, connection, and community engagement in an increasingly digital world.
