A TOWN library housed in a former primary school building celebrated its 21st anniversary yesterday.

It was a busy day for staff in Thirsk, marking the day the library in Finkle Street opened its doors, after moving from its site in Castlegate.

Library assistants Michele I'Anson and Ros Pickford produced a cake for visitors and staff to enjoy while looking back over the years.

Senior library assistant Val Jacobs said: "There has been a lot of change over the years. There are so many more books and, of course, there was the birth of computers. We are waiting for a new suite of six computers to be fitted at the moment."

The library has held competitions and games for adults and children to celebrate the anniversary.

Youngsters from local schools have taken part in an art competition, the winners of which will have their pictures made into a calendar for the library.

Adults took part in a fun quiz based on the town's history over the past 21 years and the library was presented with three maps of Thirsk by the library trustees.

The maps, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, will be on display from today.