Library honours 20th anniversary on World Book Day

A city centre library is celebrating its 20th anniversary on World Book Day by welcoming an award-winning children's author.

Pupils from Queen's Park Primary School will meet Alex Falase-Koya at Jubilee Library in Brighton and learn about his popular book, Marv and the Killer Plants.

Local band Silver Strings will also perform at the library on Thursday, while visitors can view a display about the library's history on Sunday.

Brighton & Hove Council leader Bella Sankey said: "In times when people desperately crave third spaces, when it's hard to leave your house without spending money, when it's difficult to find support and build meaningful connections, our Jubilee Library shines."

"Equally important now as it was 20 years ago, Jubilee Library provides a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

"Readers, students, crafters, coffee lovers, young families, newcomers to the city, people seeking support, community or even just a warm space to relax in."

The council said when the library first opened, it was "an immediate hit" with 2,000 people visiting within the first two hours.

On the first Saturday the building was open, the library became so crowded that the toilets stopped flushing from over-use and the public lift seized up, the council said.

According to the local authority, Jubilee Library received 830,274 visits and loaned 218,720 items in the year 2023/24.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.