1943: Swindon library service is launched with a lending library based at McIlroys department store in the town centre.

1949: Swindon Central Library opens, with the reference section housed in part of the former Town Hall and the lending library in prefab huts.

Early 1970s: Plans are first discussed for a new central library to be built next to the Wyvern Theatre.

1976: The lending library is expanded with the introduction of the current "temporary" library buildings.

1978: Wiltshire County Council looks at building a new library either at the rear of the town hall or on Islington Street.

1979: Thamesdown Borough Council proposes Sanford Street as the site for a new library and puts the matter out to public consultation.

1981: The Wiltshire County Council establishment sub-committee fails to reach agreement on providing a new central library for Swindon.

1987: Wiltshire County Council property sub-committee commissions JP Sturge to compile a report on building a library at either Sanford Street or Regent Circus. Their report in February 1988 comes up with a library proposal costed at £4.5 million.

1988: Discussions between Wiltshire County Council and Thamesdown Borough Council result in a proposal to build a 35,000 square feet library next to the Wyvern Theatre.

1989: Wiltshire County Council libraries and museums committee says it now favours building a library on Sanford Street.

1991: Thamesdown Borough Council compiles a report called "Thamesdown City of the Future". It contains a survey in which the most frequent comment from residents is the need to upgrade the central library.

1994: Wiltshire County Council first discusses the possibility of housing the new library in a refurbished and expanded Brunel Centre.

1996: Wiltshire County Council's libraries, museums and arts sub committee receives a 358-signature petition calling for a new central library.

2001: Swindon Borough Council unveils its 30-year-vision for the future of the town. Compiled at a cost of £100,000. It includes a new arts complex and library. A bid is lodged with the Government for £100 million of private finance initiative cash to help make the 30-year-vision a reality.

2002: It is back to the drawing board as the private finance initiative scheme is scrapped.

2003: Coun Kevin Small unveils the 2003/2004 budget in February. It calls for a council tax rise of 15 per cent but for the first time allocates funds to pay for a new central library.