Hyde adopted the Public Libraries Act in 1893, but at first used a room in the Mechanics Institute which was located on the corner of Union Street.
The present building was opened in 1897 and the children's library in 1931.
In 1946 the book fund was improved and the building was completely redecorated, the children's library and reference library were reopened.
In the 1950s the Library was recovering from a period of wartime neglect when it had been used as a first aid post.
In 1947-1947, 178,290 books issues were recorded.
(Thanks to Tameside)
The present building was opened in 1897 and the children's library in 1931.
In 1946 the book fund was improved and the building was completely redecorated, the children's library and reference library were reopened.
In the 1950s the Library was recovering from a period of wartime neglect when it had been used as a first aid post.
In 1947-1947, 178,290 books issues were recorded.
(Thanks to Tameside)
Hyde Library in 2009
The Childrens Library in the 1950's (above) and in 2010 (below)...look how more welcoming it is to children.
Hyde Library is now home to an art gallery dedicated to the life and works of Harry Rutherford,a local artist who is a 20th Century internationally acclaimed artist.
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I am ashamed to see it as been a while sinc I've been here... yet I've always liked the library.. inside and out. I must make the effort to visit soon and also the Harry Rutherford Gallary... Great posting Nancy.. this as given me the kick up my backside I needed to get they... I'm make sure I take my camera.
ReplyDeleteI thought I saw you Tom-Ass sulking in the background.lol.
ReplyDeleteI have been to the gallery quite a few times now. They change the displays every few months. You have to get to see it ,Tom, it's well worth it and shows just what a talent Harry Rutherford was.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the heat did not work well back in the fifties! My recollection of libraries back then was big, wide flat tables.
ReplyDeleteI intend going assoon as... I want to get a few close up shots of the statue and foundations stones from the building... same with the Town Hall Nancy... I am going to take pictures of all the shops on Hyde Lane.. that way we can see whats what... it could make lining pictures up in the future.. As for the Gallary.. it's sad I've not already been... I was drawn of Harry a few times when I worked behind the bar at the Albion.
ReplyDeleteImac...
I remember looking like that when I went to infants school... ha!
Lew...
I remember some public building being quite hot... I know my old school was.. if it was raining or snowing our cloths would be hung over the radiators... the smell of wet woollens was enough to make you sick... ha!
It's really nice since being renovated - well worth a visit, as is the gallery :>)
ReplyDeleteThe library is one of my favorite buildings in Hyde. What a magnificent structure it is. I also have many fond memories of this place as I was an avid reader (still am). Often used to go there and can still remember the reference library where you could pore over books and transport yourself around the world in a dog eared encyclopaedia! I also often used to see my Grandfather there as he too was an avid reader and he would read the paper there. A pleasant way to spend an hour or so. I have a Harry Rutherford print here on my study wall in Kalgoorlie, about 15,000 kms away from Hyde....it's the popular one of Hyde Market with the roundabout in the middle foreground.
ReplyDeleteFond memories of this library, I used it often and also the swimming baths which used to be next door! Magnificent building which impressed me even at the tender age of seven. Pleased to see that it is still standing and being used so well.
ReplyDeleteIn the 50s the children's section of the library was in the basement, accessed by by a sloping pathway to the left of the building. If you arrived before opening time, you had to stand in a queue and behave yourself. Not surprisingly, a few of us went exploring and found what we termed "a secret passage" which led into what I can only imagine was an air raid shelter situated between the library and the baths. I'd love to know if anyone remembers this. I recall the interior of the library being very austere and the staff were probably ex-army. In the children's section on shelving near to the main desk, there were bound volumes of the North Cheshire Herald and, believe me, you had to have a very good reason to want to see them. That said, I owe my lifetime's love of reading and literature to Hyde Library.
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