I adore our library of the month section on the blog. We have such beautiful libraries available to us, a living breathing vital part of our communities. I was recently speaking to one of my favourite authors Louise Beech (her most recent and quite beautiful novel is The Lion Tamer Who Lost published by Orenda Books). We were talking libraries and Louise mentioned her love for the Hull Central Library. She said:

“My favourite part of Hull Central Library is the James Reckitt Reading Room (see header image). In direct contrast to the modern main building, this room is part of the original 1901 library, and still home to rows of glass-fronted wooden shelving, large oak tables, and period Captain's chairs. I've been to many a literary event in here, in the place where the clock is eternally stopped, and where the air seems full of long-gone voices reading their poetry.”

I just had to get in touch with the library and I’m thrilled with their response. Do take a look at their fabulous answers and gorgeous photos:

Tell us about your library and the area it sits in.

12 distinctive branches make up our library service, and can be found at all compass points of Hull, currently the UK’s City of Culture. The library’s headquarters are based at Hull Central Library, located in the heart of the city centre.

Hull Central Library operated from a temporary site in a church hall in 1894, and then relocated to its permanent home in 1901. It can be found close by Hull Paragon Station and other tourist attractions, such as: the City Hall, Maritime Museum, Ferens Art Gallery and multiple shopping centres.

Describe your library in three words.

Evolving, fun & inclusive!

Apart from plenty of reading material, what other services does your library offer?

  • Original, annual events, including: ‘The Big Malarkey’ (our children’s literature festival), the ‘Hull fREADom Quest’ (an event to promote children reading during the summer) and the ‘James Reckitt Hull Children’s Book Award’.
  • A large Makerspace- a space which has state-of-the-art digital and electronic equipment, skilled staff providing support, and workshops with the space to make, think, collaborate, explore and exhibit.
  • Business support (we are part of the ‘British Library Business and IP Centre National Network’).
  • Access to a wide range of resources, including: free use of PCs and scanners, WIFI, Microbits and Raspberry Pi (tiny, programmable computers), newspaper microfilms, periodicals, e-books, e-magazines, e-comics, audio books, 800+ orchestral sets & 2000+ vocal sets for national loans, keyboards, music programmes, printed sheet music, CDs and DVDs.
  • Special projects funded by the James Reckitt Library Trust, including: ‘Reading Rooms’ (a shared reading programme that gives participants a voice, reduces isolation and anxiety, and promotes wellbeing), ‘Untold Hull’ (an oral history archive that brings together the stories and experiences of the people of Hull) and the annual ‘James Reckitt Hull Children’s Book Award’ (now in its 11th year). 
  • Regular events, including: reading groups, author talks, book launches, sticker swaps and Arts Award activities.
  • One-off, special events that we run and/or host, including: ‘Harry Potter Night’, ‘Humber Mouth Literature Festival’, ‘Read Regional’, ‘Get It Loud In Libraries’ and ‘BBC’s Contains Strong Language’.
  • Weekly clubs and activities, including: ‘Lego® Club’, ‘Make & Take’ craft club, ‘Baby Bounce’, ‘Toddler Tunes’, ‘Toddler Time’, ‘Story Time’, activities for the over 50s, ‘Scared of Mice’ basic IT classes, ‘Work Club’, ‘Code Club’, ‘Chess Club’ and ‘Conversation Café’ for ESOL speakers.
  • Venue for gigs, plays, panel talks, art exhibitions, weddings etc.
  • Schools Library Service, working with schools to support children develop their love of reading.
  • Home Library Service, for people who have difficulty getting to their local library.
  • Annual competitions, including: ‘JVenn Young Writer’s Competition’ & ‘Hull Young Artist of the Year’.
  • Provide additional support services, such as: blue badges, parking permits, rail cards and bus passes.
  • A very up-to-date Twitter feed; find us at @hull_libraries

What is the strangest book-related question your team has been asked?

Years ago, my manager was asked whether the library had a book of potions, as the customer wanted to make one which would retain her lover’s affection for her. As my manager led the customer to the relevant section in the library, the customer assured her that it was all perfectly acceptable as she was a White Witch, and her lover’s wife was fully aware of the potion plan! My manager had to have a little giggle to herself afterwards!

What’s been the biggest surprise about working in a library?

Our library service completely breaks the stereotype that libraries are only about books, and that everyone has to be silent in them! We are very proud of the range of services we offer, and we plan to continue to transform the library stereotype.

Following 3 questions answered by Matt, one of the librarians (who appears in the silly photo):

If you were to become a character from a book for the day, who would it be and why?

Any one of the hobbits from The Lord of the Rings, as it would mean that I could eat a second breakfast every day!

What are your top three must-reads?

  1. Neuromancer by William Gibson. It’s a classic of the sci-fi genre, and was the first novel to use the term ‘cyberspace’.
  2. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. What more can I say? It’s epic! 
  3. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke. It’s a masterpiece of world-building!

What is your favourite book from your childhood, and why did you love it?

I absolutely loved Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown because he went on all sorts of ridiculous adventures!

Following question answered by Michelle Alford, our Library Services Director.

Why are libraries such a vital link in our communities?

“Public libraries are unique in communities in every locality; no other public, voluntary or private sector venue holds the trust of its communities as libraries do. The level of trust placed in public libraries is built on the knowledge and confidence that anyone can walk through the door (regardless of age, sex, religion, ethnicity, background, education or other characteristic), be met with a warm welcome and be able to spend time using the space and resources to achieve their purpose, without having to purchase anything or justify their reason for being there. 

Our activity isn’t confined to the walls of the library either; our brilliant staff spend time in communities to understand their needs, share information and encourage them to achieve their dreams using the support and resources of the library, as and when they need to. We design services and activities to meet the needs of communities, provide opportunities and to connect people with one another. 

A vital link to validated information resources, high-quality activities and excellent customer care!”

-Michelle Alford, Library Services Director.

Wanting to get in touch with Hull Central Libraries? Email them at Sue.Richmond@hcandl.co.uk and reference.library@hcandl.co.uk. Or, if you're more Interested in their day-to-day activities and upcoming events, follow them on Twitter (@hull_libraries), Facebook (Hull Libraries) and Instagram (@hull.libraries)

If you enjoyed this why not read our other Library of the Month features?