BOOK lovers will have the chance to explore hidden treasures inside an historic library building next week – potentially for the last time.

Basement areas of Darlington’s Crown Street Library that are not normally open to the public, will be available to explore on Thursday, September 7 and Friday, September 8 at 10am and 2pm.

The tour is part of Heritage Open Day which will also see the Head of Steam railway museum throw its doors open.

Next week's tour could prove to be the last chance to explore Crown Street Library, which was earmarked for closure as part of the council's £12.5m programme of budget cuts.

Earlier this year, campaigners fighting to save the library from closure have issued court proceedings against the council behind the plan.

Councillor Nick Wallis, the council’s cabinet member for leisure and local environment, said: “Heritage is everywhere you look in Darlington, and these popular, free open day events are a great opportunity for people the length and breadth of the country to explore the history of their community.

"There are countless Facebook pages abuzz with people of different generations sharing and discussing old photographs, not just of Darlington but other areas, in testament to the fact that a lot of people feel very passionate about local history.

"I would certainly encourage people to join in one of the Heritage Open Days events in Darlington.”

The tour is free and will last around 90 minutes. Places are limited and they must be booked in advance.

For more information, call 01325 349630 or email local.studies@darlington.gov.uk