DARWEN was a real dump 150 years ago. Water was scarce; the only sewer was the River Darwen.

The average age of death was just 19 and infant deaths were one in five.

After an outbreak of typhoid in 1874 the town received national attention and was described in the London Times as "the dirtiest town in the land."

Perhaps next time you moan about the bins or the litter or the leisure centre you might consider the disgusting conditions our forefathers had to endure.

It's a bit better these days. You probably don't have a donkey living in your front room.

Alan Duckworth, librarian and historian, paints a gloomy picture of the town in the late 1800s in his latest book timed for the centenary of the public library which will be marked tomorrow afternoon with a civic ceremony and all week with a variety of sparkling events.

In the late 1800s and into the early part of last century Darwen thrived and the library played a significant part in that resurgence.

Darwen was the third town in the country to give open access to its library, then housed in the old Tech, and the opening of the present building by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie on May 27, 1908 was a big milestone.

New manager Mary Painter has worked for the local libraries for 25 years and she has seen several changes, principally the advent of new technology. Darwen, she feels, maintains a nice balance and books are still very popular.

Mary and her colleagues from Darwen and Blackburn libraries and assorted services have put together an excellent week which offers something for everyone.

Tomorrow morning Down Memory Lane (10am) invites residents to take along historical items to be recorded for posterity. In the afternoon it's the civic opening and on Wednesday there are live performances of Wind in the Willows (11am & 2pm), a valuation of books and printed material by former Darwener Alan Pickering of Holden Wood Antiques (2pm) and in the evening a town centre heritage walk (6.30pm) and then a chance to meet top-selling author and screenwriter Stephen Gallagher (7.30pm).

On Thursday there's an Edwardian book club and coffee morning (11am) and a Mad Hatter's tea party and magic show (2pm).

Friday is very busy with poetry and dance workshops with Norman Warwick and Jayne Vernon and a slide show of old Darwen by Jim Halsall (7pm).

Saturday opens with a Punch and Judy show (10am) and Darwen Ladies Choir (11am), there's a longer heritage walk in the afternoon (1.30pm) and the grand finale is an old time musical hall (7.30pm).

During the week there is also a wonderful display of photographs of Darwen by Matt Donnelly in the library's exhibition room and the chance to win £100 in a family quiz.

Says Mary: "Everyone has worked really hard. The activities are a celebration of the centenary but we are also hoping to increase awareness of what we have to offer.

I hope that anyone who might be interested will call in and find out more."

Information: 01254 706021. Don't miss the fun!