Blyth Market Pavilion – Many Happy Returns!

Many Happy Returns! traces the history of the Northumberland County Library Service from its beginnings in 1924 through to the 21st century: changes in reading habits, service provision and the impacts of technology. Fun facts and curious occurrences, including the burning of a book deemed too racy for its reader!

Many Happy Returns! tells the stories of the many people involved in running the service, from the original county librarian, Ruth Baker, to mobile librarians such as John Cunliffe (Postman Pat author). We hear the experiences and reflections of people visiting libraries across the county, on buses and in buildings, past and present. And what of the books themselves, how do they feel visiting different homes or maybe not being taken out at all – left on the shelf, or even ending up in Sweden…?

Based on archive research and conversations with Northumberland readers and librarians, Many Happy Returns! uses drama, storytelling, original music and songs to celebrate our love of books and reading. The production is created and performed by the Queen’s Hall Adult Drama Group from Hexham, directed by Théâtre Sans Frontières.

The Many Happy Returns! performance at the Market Pavilion is part of the Energising Blyth regeneration programme. It’s delivered by Northumberland County Council with funding from the UK Government, Northumberland County Council, and the North East Combined Authority. Tickets to this performance are free thanks to funding received as part of the Blyth Celebrates programme.

Host or Publisher Northumberland Libraries