Carrick library was the most modern

It was due to open at Joymount in the spring of 1977 at a cost of £500,000.

It was constructed on an excavation site of early monastic grounds.

Chief librarian Jim Francis, from North Eastern Education and Library Board, said that the library was the largest branch in the northern region.

He explained that it had an open plan design with children’s and reference sections.

There was also a listening facility to enable visitors to hear records before borrowing. There was a selection of 800 to choose from.

The library was built on the same site as a home to provide accommodation for 40 elderly people.