Partington Library

The interior of Partington Library, c.1990s. Trafford Local Studies collection, cat. ref. TRA/5/1/4/10/1

Today, Partington Library sits on land that was formerly Central Farm, which gave its name to Central Road. The 1911 census tells us that the farm was occupied by John and Emily Rogers, and their three children: Cyril, Emma and John.

Ordnance Survey map of Partington, 1907. Trafford Local Studies collection, cat. ref. 96275421

Fifty years later, Cheshire County Council announced their intention to build a £13,000 branch library to serve Partington’s residents. This was part of a ‘vigorous policy’ to bring books to smaller communities.

At present the County Library service serves more than half a million people resident in its area through a headquarters, 107 area and branch libraries, 64 village library centres, a mobile library service to a further 98 villages, 311 school libraries, and 41 special services to hospitals, institutions, prisons etc., a total of 622 service points in all.

- The Cheshire Observer, 12 November 1965

Ordnance Survey map of Partington, 1964. Trafford Local Studies collection

In 1966, an instalment scheme was introduced for the payments of fines on overdue books, as some families owed up to thirty shillings. The librarian, Mrs Nancy Renton, said ‘we would rather have the books back and have the fines paid by instalments than be forced to prosecute’.

In 1974, Partington was incorporated into the newly created Trafford Metropolitan Borough, which meant that the library was transferred over from Cheshire’s library service.

In 1986, Trafford Leisure Services’ advertised a number of events taking place at Partington Library, including a beetle drive, ‘Pat Brennan’s Puppets’, a games hour, and a ‘make a mask’ session.

Jaws at Partington Library

The job board vacancy for a ‘Shark Rider’ had the regulars and staff at Partington Library smirking over what they thought was a joke – ‘a bit fishy’ some said!

Local girl Kristina Politt, however, decided to ‘go for it’ and is now (s)quids in, and lapping up the glorious Florida sunshine, after successfully landing the job.

- Open Book: News from Trafford Libraries, April 1990

Plans for the rebuilding of Partington Library: floor plan and brickwork details, March 1993. Trafford Local Studies collection, cat. ref. TRA/4/4/12

Plans for the rebuilding of Partington Library: sections and elevations, March 1993. Trafford Local Studies collection, cat. ref. TRA/4/4/12

Plans for the rebuilding of Partington Library: elevations and section, March 1993. Trafford Local Studies collection, cat. ref. TRA/4/4/12

In the early 1990s, the library was rebuilt, and was officially opened by Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Ken Rogers on 14 September 1994.

Partington Library, c.1990s (TRA.5.1.4.10.1).jpg

Partington Library, 1990s. Trafford Local Studies collection, cat. ref. TRA/5/1/4/10/1

Partington Junior Libary, 1999 (TRA.5.1.4.10.1).jpg

Partington Junior Library, 1990s. Trafford Local Studies collection, cat. ref. TRA/5/1/4/10/1

Sources

The Cheshire Observer, 12 November 1965

Crewe Chronicle, 6 June 1959

The Guardian, 28 October 1966

Liverpool Echo, 6 July 1960

Liverpool Echo, 14 April 1961