Bard’s birthday saw official opening of library

The day began with official cake cutting involving county dignitaries, firms involved in the library construction and pupils at Westgate Primary School.

There was a poetry reading from the Warwick Poet Laureate Dinah Smith, who read a couple of her pieces and spent time with the children.

And English National Opera’s poet-in-residence, Ian McMillan, was a guest speaker to mark World Book Night.

A ‘WarwickTweetup’ event was also held at night and highlights included a live Twitter book and demonstrations from Warwick area artist James Vinciguerra.

Cllr Colin Hayfield, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for customers, access and physical assets, said: “World Book Day was an appropriate time to celebrate the new library.

“The array of free events offered something for everyone who wanted to come along and join us in celebrating having this hub of learning.”