A library that was threatened with the axe has celebrated its 50th birthday.
The Friends of Rawdon Community Library were handed the library on a 25-year peppercorn lease after Leeds City Council announced plans to cut library services in the city.
Campaigners turned out in force and won their battle earlier this year to preserve the library for community use.
The facility has now served the community for the last five decades.
The library was originally situated in an old stable block of Micklefield House but in 1962 a new purpose-built library was constructed for £13,000.
Former library staff came together and shared photographs from the original opening to celebrate the facility’s rich history.
The Friends of Rawdon Community Library also spoke about their plans for the future when they take over the building next year.
Guests also enjoyed a photographic exhibition depicting Rawdon through the ages and members of the local history group recorded memories of the suburb.
Christine Roberts, who was one of the library staff who attended the opening ceremony in 1962, shared her memories about the building and 94-year-old Stanley Waddington spoke about Rawdon’s history,
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