{"id":61962,"date":"2026-08-14T13:56:56","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T12:56:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/suffolkcommunitylibraries.co.uk\/?p=61962"},"modified":"2026-08-14T13:56:56","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T12:56:56","slug":"young-volunteer-organises-gainsborough-birthday-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/suffolkcommunitylibraries.co.uk\/pl\/young-volunteer-organises-gainsborough-birthday-event\/","title":{"rendered":"Young volunteer organises Gainsborough Community Library 90th birthday event!"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Jake Turner, young volunteer at Gainsborough Community Library.<\/em><\/p>\n

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By Georgina Quinn | 14 August 2026<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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Gainsborough Community Library on Clapgate Lane, Ipswich, will celebrate 90 years of serving local residents next Saturday with a day of free entertainment, activities and live performances<\/a>, organised by one of the library’s young volunteers.<\/p>\n

Sixteen-year-old Jake Turner had only been volunteering with Voices 4 Gainsborough Community Library, the library’s charity friends’ group, for a few months before putting himself forward to lead in planning the library’s 90th birthday celebration. The free celebration on Saturday 22 August will bring together local musicians, businesses and volunteers to create what he hopes will become one of the library’s biggest community events of the year.<\/p>\n

From winning the library’s IP3’s Got Talent competition in 2023 to visiting Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, Jake has benefitted from many of the opportunities the library provides for local young people.<\/p>\n

Organising the 90th anniversary celebrations was an opportunity to recognise the role the library has played in his life and celebrate its contribution to the community over the past 90 years. As a musician, he was especially keen to create opportunities for local performers to take centre stage.<\/p>\n

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“This was always going to be a special milestone, but I wanted to help make it the highlight of the year for Gainsborough Community Library. As a musician myself, I knew that helping local singers get the attention they needed would be crucial for this event, which is why we’ve got such fabulous acts performing on the day.
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\n“It’s really nice to be part of such a community-led charity and help the local community. The work can be a lot, but I hope the outcome will be remarkable.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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The celebrations will take place on Saturday 22 August and will run from 2pm until 10pm. Activities throughout the day will include a baking competition, open mic performances, face painting, a raffle, children’s activities in the Garden Room and live music.<\/p>\n

Visitors will also be able to enjoy food and refreshments throughout the event, with JJ’s Pizzeria providing freshly made pizza, Whip It Like Webber serving sweet treats, and the Voices 4 Gainsborough Community Library caf\u00e9 open as usual.<\/p>\n

Evening performances will feature Jake Turner, Sophie Rose, Chloe Spinks, Cameron Patchett and Happy September.<\/p>\n

The event is free to attend and open to all. Anyone with questions or who would like to get involved can contact Voices 4 Gainsborough Community Library by emailing voices4gainsboroughcl@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Highlights and achievements<\/strong><\/p>\n