Stretford Library

The first free public lending library in Stretford was established in 1883 by entrepreneur and philanthropist, John Rylands. The library was housed at Stretford Public Hall with its entrance located in nearby Dorset Street. At first, the library was only open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but within months, it was opening every weekday due to its popularity. The first librarian was named Thomas Curtis, and he later became the first Chief Librarian of Stretford.

The library was maintained by John Rylands until his death in 1888. In the years that followed, John’s widow, Enriqueta, looked after the library, until she placed the building at the disposal of the local authority for a nominal rent in 1893. In 1903, extensive structural alterations of the hall were completed costing £1,335 and paid for by Enriqueta. The free library was updated with three rooms being made into one. 

When Enriqueta died in 1908, the building was bought by Stretford Council for £5,000.  

Stretford Council was keen to provide more services for children and in 1920, became one of only two authorities in Britain to introduce a school library at Gorse Hill School.

Several changes were made to the library on Dorset Street during the 1920s, including an ‘open access’ system and the modernisation of administration, which allowed borrowers more freedom and comfort. Events and activities were organised, including lectures by library staff and visiting speakers, and a number of children’s clubs were introduced, including stamp and Meccano clubs. The children’s librarian Miss Carline, held ‘Story Hour’ every Saturday morning. A magazine produced by children for children, entitled ‘The Young Reader’, was established in 1929.

As the library grew even more popular, conditions became cramped at the Dorset Street premises, so a plan was drawn up for a new library with wireless and lecture rooms to be located in Victoria Park, opposite Bennett Street. However, local residents successfully opposed the plan and eventually the new library was erected on King Street, on the former site of Dalton’s Buildings and Bennett’s Buildings. The library opened on 26 November 1940.

Shortly after it opened, the Children’s Library and caretaker’s quarters were severely damaged by enemy action and the library books were moved up into the Art Gallery for the duration of the Second World War.

A number of years passed before the Children's Library could be rebuilt. The Manchester Evening News, dated 18 November 1950, reported that Stretford planned to ask the Minister of Health for permission to rebuild the blitzed section of the King Street library during the year of the Festival of Britain (1951). In May 1951, the reconstruction plans were approved and funds amounting to £12,248 were granted to be spent on the project. The new Children’s Library and administration department were opened on 28 January 1953 and the King Street Branch Library became the Stretford Central Library.

From the 1950s onwards, Stretford Library became the venue for many exhibitions and group meetings including annual photographic exhibitions, book exhibitions and the Stretford Palette Club exhibition. It was also the meeting place of the Stretford Discussion Group.

On 26 November 1990, a celebration was held to mark the 50^th Anniversary of the opening of Stretford Library and the Mayor, Councillor James Haydock unveiled a commemorative plaque. 

Sources

Stretford Local History Society: Stretford People and Places 1918 – 1945

Borough of Stretford official Guide and Handbook

Samuel Massey: A History of Stretford 

Manchester Evening News dated 18 November 1950