TRAFFORD’S new state-of-the-art library has been officially opened – by the youngest and one of the oldest members.

Mackenzie Campbell, aged four months, mum Rosie, and 91-year-old Jean Holland cut the ribbon on Altrincham Library last week.

They were joined by Ann Moran who has worked for the libraries in Trafford for 49 years, and who is retiring in May, and the Mayor of Trafford, Cllr Tom Ross.

The library, which opened on Market Street in December 2018 after the closure of the Stamford New Road facility, is already being hailed a success.

Council bosses say it has seen an 89 per cent increase in visitors compared to the same period last year, and new member applications are flooding in.

In just seven weeks, more than 11,000 books have been borrowed which is an increase of more than 42 per cent on the same period last year.

Cllr Ross made a speech about the new library and its importance to the community and thanked the dozens of residents who turned out to the event.

He said: “When the original library opened in 1892 it had 5,000 books and 2,200 borrowers.

"Today Altrincham Library has over 25,000 books and over 26,000 registered borrowers.

"The principles of the library service haven’t changed over those years, we want people to enjoy books and reading and all the benefits that brings.

"Library services have moved with the times and Trafford is no exception to that as we were one of the first to abolish library fines.”

Cllr Kevin Procter, Trafford Council Executive Member for Communities and Housing, was also at the opening.

He said: “The new library looks fantastic and is a great addition to the town centre. We are proud of this new facility and at Trafford we feel libraries are very important to residents young and old in terms of raising literacy levels.

“This new library is also a centre for community activity and brings people together under one roof in the name of education. It is open to all and will be a big asset to the town centre for many years to come. If you haven’t already been, pop down, and show your love for our new library, it is fabulous.”

Later in the month the library will offer an Open + system which will allow customers access without staff being present.

Under the new system, customers gain entry to the library via a keypad using their library card and PIN. This technology will enable customers to use the library every evening Monday to Friday and on Sundays.

Customers can borrow, return and renew books via the self-service kiosks; use the public access computers, printer and photocopier - and community groups can use the library for meetings.