"Everyone who has seen or will see the place in its new appearance will be delighted with the improvement wrought and it is safe to say the rooms have never looked better since the first opening about 36 years ago.

"Besides being made more attractive by smart, fresh coats of paint, the building has had its electric lighting installation improved and strengthened."

These words may aptly describe the newly-refurbished Bromsgrove library, in Stratford Road, but are in fact part of the Messenger's report on the opening of the library in New Road in October 1930.

Worcestershire County Library opened its branch in a building occupied by the Bromsgrove Institute. The institute had housed a subscription library and in its rules and bye-laws of 1901 stated that the reading room would be open daily from 8am until 10pm except on Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Books could be borrowed for 14 days and reservations cost one penny per title. The printed catalogue showed one item recently acquired was War of the Worlds by HG Wells. Amongst the rules was the statement that 'No member shall retain a newspaper more than ten minutes after the use of the same has been requested by another member.'

In December 1947, Bromsgrove Libraries, which now included branches at Cofton Hackett and Rubery, began a new venture. It published the first in a series of quarterly bulletins. financed by revenue generated by including advertisements for local businesses and groups such as Avoncroft Arts Society. The bulletins gave information about library services and listed recent additions to the stock. The county librarian's report for 1947-48 said that there had been a down turn in the number of items issued at Bromsgrove library. The report went on to say: "The library had to be closed for interior decorations. The room now looks much brighter and the issues are increasing."

It also noted that regular collections of books were supplied to the Harris brush factory for use by the staff. This service continued for about 40 years.

In 1949, the Bromsgrove group of libraries expanded when Catshill library opened in a former Methodist Chapel in Barley Mow Lane.

Bromsgrove library today has a bright and welcoming children's area which hosts a variety of events each year. A children's department opened at New Road in 1941 when the general reading room was converted.

During the first week of January 1956, an average of 28 children visited the library to take part in special events. Mr Scramm spoke about Christmas in Czechoslovakia, the RSPCA told the children how to care for their pets and Worcestershire author Henry Garnett talked about his book, Rough Water Brown, a tale of piracy on the River Severn.

Mr Lawson, the county librarian, attended with Mr Garnett. During the same week a colour film called Capital Visit was shown. It featured a group of Redditch school children on a trip to London.

During 1956, classes from Hinters Hill School and Crown Close School visited the library to learn about its services. Exhibitions that year included a display of early children's books loaned by Mr Parker, of Tickenhall Manor, Bewdley. Bromsgrove Photographic Society showed its work on British countryside landscapes. In 1968, librarian Betty Barley and her staff transferred to Stratford Road. The library was described in a Worcestershire County Library publication of 1973, as 'light, roomy and attractively decorated.' Those visiting the library after its recent refurbishment will perhaps think these words are still true.