A Llandrindod Wells resident and life-long library member got a surprise visit on her 100th birthday after library staff turned up with her book requests.

Staff at Llandrindod Wells Library all wanted to send their own personalised birthday message to Mrs Maisie Powell, to say thank you to a cherished library member of nearly 95 years.

“We knew she was about to celebrate her birthday as she mentioned it when she made a request for her favourite books,” said senior library assistant Lynda Simmons.

“Everyone wanted to send their best wishes to her. We have known Maisie as one of our most regular library users, and she is an avid reader even at this wonderful age. She was looking forward to settling down with titles by her favourite author, Cynthia Harrod Eagles, having read all of her ‘Moorland Dynasty’ series.”

Born in Llandrindod Wells, where her mother ran the Barcourt Hotel, Maisie was encouraged as a child to read and join the library. She soon became an avid reader who still uses the library regularly.

“The library was then housed on the upper floor of the museum in the centre of town and the head librarian was a Mr James. He was also the superintendent of the Quaker house where I attended Sunday school. I will always recall Mr James’ kindness to me and his encouragement with my reading,” said Maisie.

Maisie lived in Llandrindod Wells, helping her mother to run the hotel, until she married Wing Commander Richard “Dick” Powell in 1950. As an RAF wife, her first home was in Alaska and they would move every three years to various postings throughout the UK with one further posting abroad at RAF Idris near Tripoli in Libya.

On retirement from the RAF they moved back to Llandrindod and both re-joined the library, then on Beaufort Road. Maisie continues to use the library at the Gwalia now, regularly checking out the large print books and audio books.

“It’s a wonderful asset to this town and the library staff are always happy to see me - and when I think about it - I’ve probably been a library member for nearly 95 years - not bad going,” Maisie said.