Manningham Library, which has undergone a £1.5 million refurbishment, will be celebrating its centenary this weekend.

Tomorrow and Sunday people will be able to visit the 100-year-old building and discover more about its history, and that of Manningham itself.

The library was opened in 1910 on the site of the oldest Sunday School in Bradford. The original building was built in 1832 and offered to Bradford Corporation 50 years later, on the understanding that it would be used as a library.

A new building replaced the old Sunday School and a foundation stone was laid on December 28, 1908.

The rebuilt library was the first purpose-built library in the city and the first to include a separate children’s room.

In October 2008 the library closed to allow a £1.5m makeover to begin. The Big Lottery funded redevelopment included an extension, meeting room and community garden and was designed to create a family-friendly learning space.

Library users were involved in the re-design plans and it re-opened in July the following year with an official event attended by the then Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor John Godward, and a specially commissioned poem was recited by Bradford’s poet laureate Gerard Benson.

As part of the centenary celebrations a new film about Manningham produced by English Heritage will be shown tomorrow from noon and refreshments will be available. From 1.30pm families can find out about the history of Manningham on a short walk entitled From Village to Velvet.

People can also make their own centenary place mat with the help of library staff.

On Sunday there will be face painting, balloon modelling and a visit from Bookstart Bear. There will be a quiz about Manningham and a chance to sign up for summer activities.

Councillor, the Reverend Paul Flowers, Bradford Council’s executive member for culture, tourism and sport, said: “Manningham Library is and always has been well used by the local community and it is wonderful to celebrate its 100th anniversary in the city. It is a library fit for the 21st century that everyone can be proud of – so come down and enjoy the fun over the weekend.”