A NUMBER of events have been organised to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rubery Library.

In January, youngsters from the village are being encouraged to enter a celebration themed competition.

Children aged three to 10-years-old are being challenged to design a celebration themed bookmark, while there is a writing and poetry competition - with the same theme - for youngsters aged 11 to 15-years-old.

A Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health art exhibition is being held at the Library Way-based venue from Saturday, January 11, to Saturday, January 18.

On Saturday, January 11 there will be a 1960s display based on Rubery.

The display, on show from 11am until 3pm on the day, has been organised by Archive and Archaeology, and the Rubery Society.

Also on Saturday, January 11, there will be face painting from 10am until noon.

A talk from local author, Mark Norton, is being held on Monday, January 13.

The event, taking place from 7.15pm, costs £1 per ticket and includes coffee.

Another author's talk is being held on Wednesday, January 15.

Annie Murray, who writes novels set in Birmingham, will be speaking at the library from 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £3, which also includes coffee.

On Thursday, January 16, a coffee morning is being held from 10.30am where celebration cake will be served.

Also being held as part of the celebrations are free taster sessions.

On Thursday, January 16, a session of ancestry online is being held from 1pm until 2pm, while from 2pm until 3pm a guide on online shopping takes place.

On Saturday, January 18, there is a free session of jewellery making from 10am until noon, watercolour painting from noon until 2pm, and creative writing from 2pm until 4pm.

Also on January 18, between 10am and noon, there is a property marking session where Rubery residents are encouraged to bring along their valuable items so they can be security marked.

For more details on any of the events contact library staff on 01905 822722.