Early library provision in Hull: The James Reckitt Library and the Adaptation of Public Library provision in Hull (Pt.2)

In December 1892 polling was carried out to adapt the Public Libraries Act in Hull. It was a close run vote. Those in favour won by 942 votes with 13,139 in favour, while 12,197 were against. True to his promise, James Reckitt handed over the now named James Reckitt Public Library to the newly formed Public Libraries Committee of Hull Corporation on 2nd October 1893. James Reckitt’s vision of free public libraries in Hull had eventually won, overcoming four previous rejections.

On 16th November 1893 the committee of the former East Hull Free Library met for the final time. James Reckitt thanked the Committee members for the last five years. Thanks were echoed by Councillor’s Holden and Morrill for the committee’s services since its foundation five years earlier in September 1888. The meeting was signed off for the final time by James Reckitt.

The final signing of the James Reckitt Public Library General Committee in October 1893
[Ref: L SP/18]

There is little doubt that James Reckitt was a man ahead of his time. He was one of the first in Hull to understand matters that affected the town’s working classes. He had a sense of duty and responsibility not only the welfare of his employees but also its townsfolk. His understanding of social issues led to James Reckitt to also support hospitals and children’s homes in Hull. His lasting legacy, however, is that of library provision in Hull. He realised the importance that libraries had, and the role their played for the community, who without access to such buildings, many had almost no access to books, education and who, if at all, could scarcely read.

Today, libraries are, and continue to be important in Hull. On top of the existing services they continue to evolve, offering new, innovate services, they are open to everyone and make positive contributions to the communities in which they serve.

Image of the James Reckitt Public Library from the General Minutes of the James Public Library Committee [Ref: L SP/18]

Undoubtedly without James Reckitt library provision may have taken a while longer to succeed. Sadly, the James Reckitt Library is now closed. The building still exists but has since been turned into flats, the outside a reminder of its important role of library provision in years gone by. There is little doubt that such a building is as important to Hull’s heritage as Wilberforce House, the Old Grammar School, Ye Olde White Harte and Hull’s oldest domestic buildings dating back to the fifteenth century on Scale Lane. Despite being no longer a library, James Reckitt and the subsequent trust that bears his name, continue to this day to support Hull’s public libraries. The language may have changed but libraries very existence is to provide inclusion for all in the love of reading and learning, to ensure social mobility and community cohesion for those in which they serve. To date the James Reckitt Library Trust has provided almost £4 million towards various projects and activities, not only to improve literacy and encourage the love of reading but also to aid library sustainability for future generations.

Neil Chadwick, Project Officer - Unlocking the Treasures