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# Teenage volunteer, 16, organises library's biggest birthday bash
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/teenage-volunteer-16-organises-librarys-biggest-birthday-bash/
- Published: 2026-08-18T07:01:46.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-18T07:01:46.000Z
- Description: Sixteen-year-old Jake Turner had only been volunteering at Gainsborough Community Library for a few months before taking charge of planning its 90th birthday celebration – now set to be one of the year's biggest community events.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Community Impact, Good News, Events & Things To Do, Gainsborough Community Library, Public Libraries & Cultural Services, Suffolk Community Libraries

**Why it matters:** Gainsborough Community Library, on Clapgate Lane, Ipswich, will celebrate 90 years of serving local residents on Saturday, 22 August, with a free day of entertainment organised almost entirely by one of its youngest volunteers.

**The details:** Turner has been volunteering with Voices 4 Gainsborough Community Library, the library's charity friends' group, for a few months. The free celebration will run from 14:00 to 22:00 and bring together local musicians, businesses and volunteers.

Activities throughout the day will include:

- A baking competition
- Open mic performances
- Face painting
- A raffle
- Children's activities in the Garden Room
- Live music

Food and refreshments will be available throughout, with JJ's Pizzeria serving freshly made pizza, Whip It Like Webber providing sweet treats, and the Voices 4 Gainsborough Community Library café open as usual. Evening performances will feature Turner himself alongside Sophie Rose, Chloe Spinks, Cameron Patchett and Happy September.

**What they're saying:** Turner said the milestone was an opportunity to give something back to a library that has given him plenty of opportunities of his own, from winning its IP3's Got Talent competition in 2023 to visiting Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

"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," he said.

"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. 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."

**For context:** The original library was built in the 1930s, with a new building opening on the same site in 2008 as part of the Community Libraries Programme. That building went on to win the RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Award.

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](mailto:voices4gainsboroughcl@gmail.com).

**The bottom line:** Ninety years on, Gainsborough Community Library remains at the heart of its community – and this weekend, it's a 16-year-old volunteer ensuring that legacy is celebrated in style.

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