8.01.2025. The library. A special place in my heart
8.01.2025 The library. A special place in my heart.
The first libraries in England were established in Norwich in1608 and Ipswich in 1612.
I thought I would research this as I can never remember a time , in my life, without books. My mother, father and grandparents were always reading books, library books. “Libraries must have been around for a long time “ , I thought , but I didn’t realise how long. Wow!
In fact, the world’s oldest known library is believed to be the Library of Ashurbanipal founded in the 7th Century for the Assyrian ruler of the same name.
Enough of that! Now me and my memories.
My earliest memory is of a library van. I grew up in the North East of England , in Northumberland , and my mother, brother and I would set off , by foot, ( no cars in our family at that time) and walk to the van. I can’t say exactly how long it took because it parked in different places every time it came. Sometimes about an hour and sometimes 20 minutes . Very occasionally it parked down the road and our journey was short.
It was worth the walk ,because ,for me, it was a heavenly experience . I was surrounded by books. Books ,everywhere. The librarian would be in the van advising her prospective readers and the driver would, inevitably, be sat in the front, reading.
I remember my mother meeting her neighbours there and being quite reticent when they asked to see her reading matter. I never knew why that was but she obviously wanted to keep her choice of literature , a secret.
Sadly, the mobile Library service was gradually reduced and it arrived so infrequently that we had to get on the bus and go to our nearest town and the big County Library.
How exciting!
I had never seen so many books in one place. From what I remember I was only allowed to take out 2 at a time, although that could have been because my mother worried that I was not old or responsible enough to care for more than 2. I also remember the little cardboard library cards we gave in when choosing a book and they were handed back to us when the books were returned.
The library was very special and precious. It was instilled into us that we had total respect for the books. We returned them on the deadline, or before , and we were silent on the premises at all times.
It seems draconian but I loved that place and looked forward to those visits with excitement and anticipation.
As an A’level student I applied for a Saturday job at our local library and was pleased to be 1 of 3 chosen in County Durham. A Saturday job as a library assistant was perfect for me.
My friends came in and I would take their substantial fines and place them in a pot under the counter. In the 1970’s this system was far removed from the ultra efficient computerisation of today.
100 years of Library service in West Sussex!!!!!
Yes. Of course things have changed especially because of the introduction of computers but have the basic advantages and attractions of the library service changed?
I would say no.
I still love the library. It’s still a special place. We cannot computerise social interaction, asking librarians about certain books, browsing books, still physically enjoying the presence of books. None of this has changed.
They are a huge part of numerous lives. We need our libraries. They are vital to the nation’s mental and literal welfare. Just as they have been for my entire life.
I look forward to the next 100 years.