But the memories live on thanks to photos in the Shields Gazette archives and here are nine of them for you to enjoy.
We’ve got everything from games workshops to children waiting for the latest Harry Potter book to arrive at the library. But are you in one of the pictures?
Jarrow and Hebburn Local History Society members - Jessie Mogie, Mona Legg and Theresa Tomaney - were pictured during an exhibition which was held at the library in 2010. Photo: SN