Library Memories

“Between 1974 and 1982 I was the Supplies Officer responsible for purchasing goods and materials for the Avon County Council highways, Transport and Engineering Department. The purchase of the library vehicle had to get approval for capital spending, the detailed requirements of the Libraries Department and a specification drawn up by a qualified engineer. It was then my responsibility to put this out to tender and eventually purchase the vehicle in accordance with Avon County Council and EU Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and EU Legislation.

"Vehicles such as Mobile Libraries, buses, coaches etc. are built in two stages. First the chassis is built together with engine and this is driven to the coach builders works. For many years in Bristol you could see Bristol bus chassis being driven to the coachbuilding works in Bath Road by drivers dressed up to look like pilots because they were just sat on a seat holding the steering wheel with no coach body protection.

"Problems always arose because the customer wanted to change the specification or add in details after everything had been agreed. The problem with the library bus was that they wanted to add more shelving and wanted it in solid wood. They then decided they would like a washbasin added with a small cupboard so that staff could wash their hands. When the body had been completed to the new specification it was found that the total weight was greater than that permitted.

"This happened on a number of occasions and most times we got away with it. On one occasion, the total vehicle weight was so heavy they had to amend the chassis to increase the number of wheels at the rear of the vehicle to four on two axles, which then placed it into a different driver’s licence requirement. This led to the driver being paid at a higher rate.” 

“I didn't read much as a kid, I remember I used to read the Dandy & Beano comics! (Southmead Library wasn't built then) I remember when I was about 9, being disappointed opening a Christmas present to find it was a children’s encyclopaedia!! The only books I can remember reading was Black Beauty, Enid Blyton's Secret Seven and Famous Five.

"It wasn't until I was in my twenties I worked with 7 other people who were nearly all great readers and got into it that way.

"My mum who did read a lot, loved murder books, ala Agatha Christie, so quite often I would go to the library to get her some books, but I kept bringing her back ones she had already read! In the end she started putting her initials on the back cover so I could check! I know how she must have felt, as I quite often bring home books from the library only to find I have read them!

"Favourite book of all time; Lord of the Rings (first read in the 60's, well before the film!)

"Favourite writers; Terry Prachett (got a full set), Bill Bryson, Martina Cole, Ken Follett and Edward Rutherfurd.” 

Remembers doing her homework in Southmead Library.

"I remember going to Southmead Library and having little green tickets with pockets in when you took a book out."

“At the age of 12, and newly back in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, following my parent’s separation, and now at the big boys school, I was required to join the local public library, as were all the other kids in my class. I dutifully, did so, and armed with my newly acquired library ticket, spent many happy hours discovering a whole new world of literature!

"Oh! But the Greek classics were not for me! I discovered the likes of Dennis Wheatley and his Gregory Sallust character (WW2 and beyond… secret agent and spy!)

"Also the author’s Duke de Richleau character - (expert in weeding out black magic plots!). One of his books containing this character, was made into a Hammer Horror film in 1968, called “The Devil Rides Out”.

"Other books I pounced on were adventure novels, science fiction and of course, the “Billy Bunter” and “Just William” books! 

"All good stuff for a young mind with an over active imagination. I have loved reading ever since."

Both worked in Henbury School library.

Ali worked there from Year 8 until she left school. Her favourite job was putting books back on the shelves. Ali remembered that the school librarian was a particularly lovely person.

Remembers using Knowle Library on Redcatch Road in the late 1950s and having to take muddy shoes off before entering the building.

"Mother made draw-string bags to carry library books in so that we didn’t risk getting them dirty or scuffed going to, and from the library. I think that was because she was afraid we would be asked to pay for spoiled books and she wouldn’t be able to afford it."

Remembers going on holiday to Gibraltar in the 1960s and being introduced to the library there. Jacqui was always a keen reader and could read before she went to school. She was very excited about all these books she could choose from.

“When I was at school, I would always hand my homework in at the 11th hour, and it doesn't change, unfortunately.

"With regard to my personal experience of going to the library. Looking back they were very different entities from school life, compared with today, where children are encouraged to integrate the two.

"My local library was near the crossroads on Filton Avenue.

"It was a unique experience in a lot of ways. The buildings themselves were quite old, similar to the one on the Muller Road going down to the big roundabout near the M32. They had their own particular smell (musty, and quite similar to school).

"There was quite a big reception in the Filton Library, where we felt obliged to take off our shoes and wellington boots if they were wet or muddy. Then you went through a kind of mechanical entry gate that turned round. If we had books to take back, we made sure we had them opened on the inside page where they got stamped, as the Librarians tended to be very stern, and we made sure we knew the rules and regulations! Before we even went through the gate the Librarian would usually put her (they were mainly women) fore finger to her lips to indicate that we needed to be quiet.

"As is now, the children's books were separate from the adults’ books, and not particularly tidy on their shelves, with large books next to small ones. There used to be an area that we could sit down cross legged and choose what books we wanted.

"I liked the library tickets as it made me feel important in having one. Rather like having a passport of your own now. They were made from brown cardboard and had a 'pocket' on them for any notes to be put inside. I tried not to take the books back late as there would be a fine, which had to be paid (over a certain age, probably about 12), something like a half penny a day!

"The book I remember most and enjoyed reading was The Red Balloon, by Albert Lamorisse. The story was about a group of children who were following a large red balloon through a Paris suburb. I also liked The Water Babies, by Charles Kingsley. These books left an impression on me when I was probably about 5 or 6."

Remembers enjoying a nap in Central Library when first arriving in Bristol!

Had to get two buses to Merrywood Grammar School and would often stop off at Central Library. She would also use the Cheltenham Road Library

Described his early library experience as reverential and visits to Wolverhampton Library being surrounded by a sense of ritual.

"I have so many lovely memories of going into our local library as a child.

It was a beautiful Victorian brick building with ornate gothic style windows and big heavy wooden doors thick with layers of dark green gloss paint.

Inside was a small children’s section with wooden stools and we would spend a long time there - often reading short books the whole way through because my mum and dad didn’t like borrowing books because they were both so bad at remembering to take them back.

My Grandma was a librarian and was a total bookworm, she always had a plastic covered hardback library book on the go right into her nineties.

Libraries have always provided a unique haven for people of any background to get a moments respite from their busy lives - long may it continue."

Katie grew up in Lewes and her grandmother was a librarian in Newcastle

"Henley-in-Arden village library was very dark, located in the 15th century Guild Hall and I remember always wanting to get out as many books as possible - I think we were allowed up to 10.

"Later, at Trinity School, Leamington Spa, 6th formers had to take on chores and I chose to be library assistant. An unusual choice for one so chatty but I enjoyed the easy access to a decently equipped library."