Research: Barry Swift, Elizabeth & Gordon Shaw
Burngreave Library is one of the oldest branch libraries in Sheffield, first opening its doors over 140 years ago.
Kelly's Directory for 1929 lists the opening of libraries in Sheffield as: City Central 1856; Upperthorpe 1870; Burngreave 1872; Highfield 1876; Attercliffe 1887; Park 1904; Walkley 1905; Hillsborough 1906; Tinsley 1905 but only taken over by the City Council in 1912. Firth Park was being built in 1929.
The Mayor opened the old library on 4th September 1872. At first it was called the Brightside Branch of the Free Library. Free Libraries were set up as a result of the Free Libraries and Museum Act of 1855. Towns were allowed to set up free public libraries funded from the rates. However, only the costs of buying and running the buildings, and paying staff could come from council rates. It was intended that books would be donated by the public.
Pawson & Brailsford’s Illustrated Guide to Sheffield of 1878 says there were then 3 branch libraries, Upperthorpe, Highfield and Burngreave “at Burngreave Road in September 1872”. It states that
“new buildings have been erected for the branch libraries from designs of Mr E M Gibbs, of the firm of Flockton & Gibbs. They are handsome buildings, carefully fitted and adapted for their purposes, and well warmed and ventilated. They include capacious rooms for the lending and reference departments, and a general and ladies’ reading room, well supplied with magazines and periodicals.”