Keighley library was built in 1904 with a £10,000 gift from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

It was the very first of 600 libraries financed by him in Britain and Ireland.

Inside there are two unique murals painted by Keighley craftsman Alex Smith in 1929 and 1948 as gifts to the people of the town.

The library needs repairs to its ceilings and plasterwork. The library has found a 'voice' through Keighley Town Councillors. The Recreation and Leisure committee says urgent repairs are needed, and members say the timescale for restoration should by the 100th birthday in 2004.

The Council has written to Bradford Council's Chief Executive asking for his comments.

This week we learn that a new lottery bid is being drawn up to restore the library, four years after a previous £600,000 application foundered.

Not too many details are known, but it seems the building was due to be surveyed next month and some repairs had already started. We also learn that £2,500 worth of repairs are due to be carried out on the chair lift, which had been out of order for eight weeks.

The other news is that a group manager is scheduled to be appointed before Christmas and the Metropolitan District Council is planning to seek external funding towards work on this most historic building.

The cynic may well wonder what has happened to cause such a flow a positive information and a statement of intent from Bradford.

Setting that thought aside, the centenary of this wonderful slice of Keighley, nay worldwide, history is a wonderful target to aim for - not only to restore it to its former glory, but also to make this jewel in the cultural crown fit for the next century.

It is an ideal starting platform for the town and metropolitan councils and other interested parties to work together for the benefit of the community.

It is a golden opportunity not to be missed.