Newsletter - Issue 6

SALTASH LIBRARIES

"Twenty-five years and more....."

In mid-December 1988, Saltash Library celebrated a 25th Anniversary. Several events were held during the week, including a talk by David Coles, Vice-Chairman of Saltash Heritage on "Saltash in 1963". Although the Library was celebrating its 25th Anniversary, this applied only to its present building. In fact, there was a library of sorts in Saltash as early as the late 19th century.

Different stages have been identified:-

1) Late 19th Century : Mechanics Institute Library in a room in the present Guildhall;

2) 1880's to World War I : St. Nicholas Lending Library in Sunday School room adjacent to the church;

3) Around 1900 : Reading Room in North Road near school. All buildings in this area are now gone;

4) 1902 to World War II : Saltash Co-operative Society Library above one of their shops in Saltash Fore Street;

5) 1926 to 1930 : Branch of Cornwall County Library in Y.M.C.A. in Fore Street;

6) Late 1930's to 1963 : Branch of Cornwall County Library in North Road Infant School. Moved to Church House, Alexandra Square, first upstairs then downstairs with entrance in Fore Street using the former Rates Office in 1954;

7) 1963 onwards : the present building was opened by Alderman K.G Foster (Chairman of Cornwall County Council) on 10 December 1963. The design which has won a number of awards, is based upon the proportions of the human figures according to the modular system developed by le Corbusier.

The above is only a brief summary; any information that can be added to create a fuller picture would be gratefully accepted.

Kath Goldstraw, Librarian.

Saltash Heritage, 17 Lower Fore Street, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6JQ --- Tel: 01752 848466 --- Email: info@saltash-heritage.org.uk --- Registered Charity No. 297525