Early library provision in Hull: The James Reckitt Library (Pt. 1)

In 2021, Libraries Week takes place between the 4th and 10th October. Its theme celebrates the nation’s much-loved libraries and the central role that libraries play in their community as a driver for inclusion, sustainability, social mobility and community cohesion.

The catalyst for library provision really began in the mid-19th century with the Free Library Act. This allowed municipal corporations to levy half a penny in the pound in order to provide what we would call today a public library service. Despite this, uptake was slow. By 1867 only 27 municipal authorities had adapted free library provision. It appeared there was much work to do, including in Hull. In Hull the Public Libraries Act was met with outright resistance with the town ‘by an overwhelming majority’ rejecting its adoption.

Image of the rateable value for the East of Hull, from the General Minutes of the James Reckitt Library, 1888-1893 [L SP/18]

Despite this there was a growing momentum, particularly among the philanthropist class. In 1888 James Reckitt invited a small number of individuals who were in favour of a free library in the Borough of Hull. Those invited were from local business and local politics. Notable names included that of the Priestman family, Thomas Ferens, Councillors Morrill, Maddison and Garside as well as members of James Reckitt own family.

Thanks to the surviving Minutes of the General Committee of the James Reckitt Public Library in the Local Studies Library collection we take up the first part of the story at 7pm on 21st September 1888… [Ref: L SP/18]

General Minute Book of the James Reckitt Public Library Committee, 1888-1893
[Ref: L SP/18]

The meeting was opened by James Reckitt. He began by discussing a scheme for a library in the east district of Hull – to be known as The East Hull Free Library. James Reckitt expressed his regret (and no doubt disappointment!) of the rejection that the rate payers of Hull had refused to adopt the Public Libraries Act for Hull. Not to be deterred, James Reckitt believed that such provision for a public library could work. It was proposed that a rate of one penny in the pound could be raised against rateable property in the east of the then town. James Reckitt himself would subsidise annually a sum equal to that of a rate of one penny in the pound on all the rateable property, which was estimated to be £500 each year. To further argue his case, James Reckitt would advance £5,000, a sum which he estimated to be sufficient for buildings and books for the people in the district of East Hull. Added to this, James Reckitt stated that should the town at any time decide to adopt the Public Libraries Act, then he would hand over, free of charge, the buildings and its books. James Reckitt then asked those invited for their thoughts and opinions.

A list of those present at the meeting on 21st September 1888

Overall, James Reckitt’s proposal for a free library in the east of Hull was met with great enthusiasm. There were some minor concerns, such as those expressed by Alderman Stuart, who suggested the importance of a reading room which had been overlooked by James Reckitt. He also had concerns in terms of the library’s size, which he expressed might not be large enough unless confined to the residents of East Hull. Councillor Garside also expressed his preference for a reading room, which he felt should be confined to East Hull residents. The motion of a free public library in East Hull was carried unanimously by those in attendance.

The following month the Committee met to discuss the site for the new library. A number of possible locations were identified. These included the Old British Schoolhouse on Dansom Lane, a plot of land named Kerman’s Square and a block of three houses in Somerstown. The Committee felt that a site close to the Holderness Road was to be most suitable, ideally by or close too Williamson Street or Wilton Street.

An initial offer of £1,000 was made against the three properties in Somerstown, close to the junction of Holderness Road, Dansom Lane and Clarence Street today, on Holderness Road's southside. The offer was made against property adjoining Messrs. Cusson’s Stores, which were the property of Mrs Frost and Miss Barnett. The offer was refused. A revised offer of £1200 was made, which if accepted, the property was to be obtained by the Committee within three months. If, however, the purchase of these three properties was to fall through, then the Committee was empowered to purchase the Kerman’s Square site.

1853 OS map showing Somerstown (bottom left) and Kerman's Square (top right)

The purchase of the three properties in Somerstown fell through, and on 28th November the Committee met and agreed with a Mr. G.J. Butterworth to purchase the Kerman’s Square site, subject to the purchase being obtained by 1st March the following year. On 14th February 1889 the Committee confirmed the purchase of Kerman’s Square for £1020-16s. 8d.

The tender for the building of the new library was put out and it was recommended that Mr. F. Blackburn of Peel Street be given the tender for £1,446-9s-6d. The ceremony for the laying of the foundation stone was to take place at Kerman’s Square, Holderness Road, opposite Bright Street on Monday 8th April 1889. The Mayor and Sheriff were invited to the laying of the foundation stone. Sadly James Reckitt was unable to attend in person, though he did pen a letter to the Hull Express on 9th April in which he set out the library's main objectives to satisfy the aid of knowledge but also aid the town’s inhabitants and serve in their education. 

Notice informing of the the laying of the foundation stone for the James Reckitt Public Library

The library opened 10th December 1889. In the first week 508 books were borrowed, equating to 101 for each day. By the end of the month this had jumped threefold to over 1,500 weekly borrows, with a daily average of 305. Its use and subsequent borrowing increased. By the end of September the following year the library borrowed a total of 81,600 books, a daily average of over 300. The number of borrowers totalled 3,857. 

For the residents of East Hull, the library was an invaluable resource. For one resident the library enabled them to pass an examination connected with their employment, ‘which would have been impossible without such a library’.  

The success of the East Hull Free Library had by now raised calls for free library provision in Hull. Joseph Temple offered his library of 7,000 books to the Corporation having realised its value since the foundation of the East Hull Library by James Reckitt. Despite this, the town had continued to rebuff attempts to introduce free libraries, much to the ‘shame and discredit of a town ranked as Britain’s third port in the United Kingdom’.

The final part of the early public library provision in Hull and the James Reckitt Public Library will be available Friday 8th October.

Neil Chadwick, Project Officer - Unlocking the Treasures