A solid, well produced work from three respected and authoritative library historians outlining the “socio‐architectural history of British public library buildings between 1850 and 1939”. The “Palaces of Culture” have never been thoroughly researched and written about until now, and the authors are to be congratulated on their sterling and pioneering efforts to throw light on this seminal period in our professional history. Sadly, “library history” as a subject appears to have vanished from professional LIS curricula and the profession is weakened by its general ignorance of its roots and traditions. So, hopefully, this well written tome will spark some interest and care for our professional past and its glories.
Laudably, the authors have assembled a database of over 1,000 libraries and this will prove invaluable to researchers and other interested parties. They have also used well the Mass Observation Archive at the University of Sussex coupled with a group of “case studies” visits to selected libraries.
We tend to forget the glorious history and significant societal impact of libraries, particularly the everyday and commonplace public library but, as the DCMS Framework for the Future pointed out in 2003 “The public library is a huge asset handed down by social reformers”. (And, as an aside, it is pleasing to note that the great Andrew Carnegie gets proper praise and recognition in this book for his magnificent philanthropy regarding public libraries.)
Certainly, great public libraries stand unsurpassed as “Cathedrals of Culture, Learning and Information” – the true “People's Palaces” – welcoming, accessible, inclusive and a source of civic pride and prestige. One can, for instance, sense the eager anticipation for the oncoming new Birmingham Central Library amongst many ordinary “Brummies” and realise that post‐Carnegie public libraries have become “inspiring public places”.
The book has lots of plans, drawings and black and white photographs spread lavishly throughout and these are helpful to the reader. Intriguing ideas, such as the arrival of “open access” (Shock! Horror!) and the introduction of children's libraries are well covered. Certainly the great Victorian librarians created in Britain some stunning and significant building, such as Stanley Jast's magnificent Manchester Central Library (complete with curious “machine” and “philosophical” underpinnings). The controversies surrounding the superb British Library in St Pancras are well organised and discussed by the authors. Refurbishments and renovations of public libraries are well done and such sensitive and efficient extensions and renovations as Southampton and Croyden Central Libraries are used to good effect as exemplars.
The book possesses a very useful Gazetteer of early public library buildings in Britain, a good clear index and a helpful select bibliography. The authors claim that the work will prove invaluable to LIS practitioners, academics and university level students in both librarianship and architectural studies – and I concur. Also those general readers interested in social and cultural history might find this book useful and informative – a welcome addition to the professional literature.
