BOOK lovers in Taunton united to mark 30 years of their town centre library.

It is three decades since the Paul Street facility opened its doors, and staff, residents and partners gathered to reflect on the years of learning, connection and community spirit.

Leader of Somerset Council, Bill Revans (Lib Dem, North Petherton), himself a former Taunton Library employee, was part of the event, joined by Mayor of Taunton, Cllr Martin Straus, as special guests.

They judged a children’s Lego-build competition and were shown an exhibition of pictures and memorabilia showing the history of the library.

Guests enjoyed coffee and cake kindly supplied by the Friends of Taunton Library.

Staff, volunteers and readers came together to mark the occasions. Picture: Somerset Council

“Libraries are at the heart of our communities, and Taunton Library’s 30-year journey on Paul Street shows just how important these spaces are,” Cllr Revans said.

“It’s inspiring to see how the library has grown from its early days of microfiche readers and CD collections into a vibrant hub supporting health, learning and wellbeing for residents of all ages.”

The anniversary is celebrating not only the building’s history, but the people who have shaped it since February 1996, when the library relocated from Corporation Street – a move which included staff and volunteers transporting books through the streets of Taunton.

The original move was completed in a week, with staff and volunteers wheeling books through the streets on wooden trolleys, packing and unpacking hundreds of boxes, and even inviting customers to borrow more books than usual to lighten the load.

Mayor of Taunton Martin Straus was among the guests at Taunton Library. Picture: Somerset Council

On opening day, schoolchildren carried books to the new building, balloons were released, and live jazz filled the air.

Now, 30 years on, Taunton Library offers beyond books, including free access to technology, health and wellbeing support, a programme of activities for all ages, a café run by Young Somerset, and the Somerset Independent Living Centre.

Visitors today can access free Wi-Fi, public computers and a range of items to borrow, from iPads and fitness trackers to blood pressure monitors and thermal imaging cameras.

The library’s dedicated wellbeing area hosts NHS health checks, low-impact activity sessions and support for families, alongside events including storytimes, creative writing groups, gaming sessions, poetry, tech help and the Taunton Literary Festival.

The building also houses a café run by Young Somerset and the Somerset Independent Living Centre, offering advice and resources to help people live independently.

READ MORE: Taunton news from your Somerset Leveller

Council leader, Cllr Bill Revans, at the Taunton Library 30th anniversary gathering. Picture: Somerset Council