The team of volunteers at Kents Bank Station have celebrated a successful two years since the station library opened in January 2024.

The volunteer group held a birthday celebration on Wednesday 3 February for over 40 guests. Having officially opened the library two years ago in his role as chair of Network Rail, Lord Peter Hendy – now the Rail Minister – sent a supporting message to the group in time for the anniversary celebration.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: “I was there for the inauguration, and I’m only sorry that I’m not back with you today. I send my best wishes and congratulations to Paul and all the friends and volunteers for your noble endeavour. I hope Kents Bank goes from strength to strength, and that as you support it, you’ll also watch and support the Railways Bill as it goes through Parliament, so as to create a coherent British railway again.”

The library now has the biggest collection of railway related books in the North of England (apart from the National Railway Museum in York), with a stock of over 10,000 titles for visitors to browse, borrow or buy. All income goes back into supporting the work of the library.

In 2025, the library published two books, Northern Rail Heritage and The Loco Vanishes: Railway Mysteries from the North, and there are plans for more publications in 2026.

The volunteers work closely with the neighbouring Beach Hut Gallery and support the work of the Friends of Kents Bank Station and Foreshore.

Professor Paul Salveson, manager of the library, said: “We’re a bit special in being a not-for-profit community interest company staffed entirely by volunteers. Since we opened two years ago, we’ve developed a range of activities including monthly talks, a pop-up café offering complimentary teas and coffee, and a poetry evening.

“This year we hope to put on more special events and attend more external events with our stall. We also want to increase the number of paying supporters and recruit more volunteers to ensure visitors get a warm welcome.

“We welcome the support of the railway industry, and it was great to see colleagues from TransPennine Express joining us at the event.”

The library and adjoining Beach Hut Gallery are open every Friday to Monday, 11am to 4pm.

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Kents Bank Station Library via their website.