THIS week in Down Memory Lane we visit Blackshots, as its library celebrates its diamond anniversary.

This takes place on Thursday, May 16, when I give a talk “The amazing history of Blackshots” at 6pm (free tickets from Blackshot Library).

The purpose-built branch library was opened on Saturday, May 16, 1953, as Tilbury branch library was still being dried out and the Queen’s Coronation was fast approaching.

Proudly opening the library was Cllr A Jones, chairman of Thurrock Urban District Council, who compared the 60,000 a year book issues in the 1920s to the current 750,000 issues in 1952.

The event was attended by others including Colonel F. Hughes, who highlighted the Thurrock Library Service history from a reading room in 1894 and current branch developments, while Thurrock MP Hugh Delargy was also present.

Comments were made about the pleasant light and airy environment in the new library, which could cater for all tastes.

Cllr Jones stressed the need for branch libraries as “many residents in the past found the journey to Grays too much and even too expensive”.

A couple of months later I see a further Grays & Tilbury Gazette article about Blackshots branch, with the introduction of Story Hour, which saw children sit and listen to a story read by a librarian.

With every week, more young people attended to hear the stories and be encouraged to take books out.

So come and visit Blackshots Library from May 16 to 18 (when a family fun day and cake cutting takes place) and take the opportunity to view a special photographic display by local studies librarian Andrew Burt on the Blackshots area.

My featured photograph shows the opening ceremony – I wonder who the little girl was, who was more interested in the newspaper photographer than the VIPs?