Engraved above the Union Street entrance to Hyde Library are the words "Free Library".
Hyde Library was originally Hyde Technical School and Free Library. It opened in 1897 replacing the former Mechanics Institute.
In recent years the building was shared between the library and Tameside College but after the college moved out the library was extensively refurbished between 2006 and 2010 and a gallery to local artist Harry Rutherford was opened. However in 2012 the gallery was moved to the Central Art Gallery in Ashton under Lyne.
In the first round of "council austerity cuts" the public were presented with three "choices" regarding the future of library services. Smaller local libraries were closed in the light of promised improved facilities at main libraries such as Hyde. Now, in a new round of service cuts, the proposal is to move library services to the Town Hall.
The plan is then to sell the library building.
More photographs of Hyde Library can be viewed on Hyde DP Xtra.
A contribution to signs, signs and The Weekend in Black and White.
That is sad :( Here we are constantly having to fight for the library too. Why don't some see the great value our libraries bring ..... Great pic though and hopefully the building will be saved.
ReplyDeleteLovely details! Sad about the deterioration of the library system though.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised to see that several buildings in Hyde still display commemorative blue plaques. Why haven't these been moved to Ashton under Lyne to be kept alongside the many other things relating to Hyde's historical past?
ReplyDeleteGreat Comment from Dave... I think it is disgraceful, and every councilor for Hyde no matter what party they belong to should be ranting and raving about this. This building should stay in the hands of the council, and it should also carry on as the library.
ReplyDeleteGreat picture Gerald.
The values of Libraries can't be underestimated. I hope they will not make payment compulsory.
ReplyDeleteDid there use to be a hairdressers underneath the library itself?!
ReplyDeleteThere wasn't a hairdressers as such - but when the college still had part of the building I believe hairdressing classes did take place there and I suppose the students did require customers.
DeleteYes, I went there several times including having streaks done.
DeleteI call in the library when I can
Where I live, here in Burbank, All the neighbouring communities jealously guard their libraries. Talks of cuts to libraries and their services would mean political suicide to elected officials.
ReplyDeleteIt's clearly short sighted for Tameside to make cuts to library services. What a great shame.
Close the library? Oh that is so terribly sad. It's a beautiful building.
ReplyDeleteA great B&W photo! Sad to hear about the closing!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful details and a bad idea to close a library.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful facade.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful detailed part of the building! Great shot!
ReplyDelete:)
Libraries sometimes gets short shrift from local governments. This is a beautiful piece of stone work.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ornamentation, excellent in b&w.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo of these beautiful building! It's a pity that the library was closed.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful facade… it is always sad when a library closes.
ReplyDeleteInteresting B&W post!
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