A SOUTH Lakeland town’s longest- serving librarian helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of her former workplace.

Marjorie Martin, 70, joined old colleagues and new staff at Ulverston Library on Monday for an official ceremony attended by the town’s mayor.

Ulverston Library was opened on November 21 by judge Lord Birkett, who said he hoped ‘television and radio would never replace the habit of reading.’ Mrs Martin, who worked for the library for 46 years, said: “It’s been a wonderful place and the best thing has always been the public. So much has changed in 50 years with more children’s facilities and more focus on computers but it continues to be a fantastic place which so many people still enjoy.”

A highlight of her time at the library, which she retired from eight years ago, were school visits to Hawkshead and Graythwaite and serving excited youngsters who brought their books to be swapped.

Mayor of Ulverston Pat Jones said: “I’m an avid user of this library and the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable and if they don’t know anything they will find out for you. They always look after their customers so well.”

Ulverston Library was opened on November 21 by judge Lord Birkett, who said in his opening speech that he ‘hoped that television and radio would never replace the habit of reading.’