BALLOONS and cake marked the celebrations of 35 years since a library opened its doors.

Staff and customers held a birthday party at Chineham library, to mark the milestone date for the facility.

Since opening in 1984, the library has evolved and expanded its offering to customers.

Starting out with traditional book-borrowing, the library now provides people of all ages from the Basingstoke area with a range of facilities including e-books; audiobooks; theatre events; dance, drama and singing workshops for children.

Hampshire County Council’s executive member for recreation and heritage, Councillor Seán Woodward, said: “Since arriving in the local community in 1984, Chineham Library has been loved by residents, both young and old and it’s fantastic to see it is just as popular now.

“My congratulations to go all of Chineham’s staff and volunteers who have been a part of its success over the last three decades.”