City library marks 100 years of serving community

At the corner of Wilford Grove and Wilford Crescent East in Nottingham, "proudly stands" Meadows Library.

The library, first opened on 11 March 1925, has stood the test of time and survived the threat of cuts to public services.

When its foundation stone was laid in 1923 by then Lord Mayor Alderman John Houston, he was quoted in a newspaper saying he had "no doubt" when its centenary was celebrated "everybody would declare what a very real pleasure and profit had been derived from the institution".

On Saturday, as the local community celebrates 100 years since its grand opening, Houston's words stand true.

The library was paid for by The Carnegie Trust, a not-for-profit establishment started by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

As the role of libraries has changed over time, Meadows Library has moulded itself to the needs of local people - a warm space over winter, a social hub and an educational centre for local schoolchildren.

Visitors to the library are welcomed by a glass dome at its entrance.

"It's like a portal into another world," said Des Conway, former librarian and campaigner and member of advocacy group Friends of Meadows Library (FOML).

He called the library's centenary a "fantastic moment for the Meadows community".

Current custodian of the institution Tim Thorp has worked for Nottingham's libraries since 1996.

Although his involvement in Meadows Library has only spanned four years of its 100-year history, the 72-year-old said he was "probably as happy as [he'd] ever been in his professional life".

Mr Thorp worked at the city's former Central Library in Angel Row before it closed during the Covid pandemic.

"After lockdown we were all assigned to different libraries," he said. "I was assigned to Meadows, and I must say, I thought it would be a temporary measure, but I liked it so much I stayed."

Being a community hub was something Meadows "did really well", Mr Thorp said.

"There's a really special feeling about Meadows Library. There's a fantastic community feel," he added.

And despite changes over the years, including - like many modern libraries - a shift from "just books and literature", Mr Thorp said the library had maintained its "slightly old-fashioned, cosy feel about it".

"It isn't a sort of cold, clinical building; it's a warm and welcoming building - it plays a large part of how the library feels really," he said.

Janet Moulding moved to the Meadows from Lancashire to stay with her son and said she was warmly welcomed.

"I know that for some people they just feel it's a bit of a rundown area, but the neighbours are absolutely wonderful, you can walk down the street, and you can say 'hello' to people, they stop to chat," she said.

As for the library, she said it had made a "big difference" to her life.

Ms Moulding's interest in the library was sparked by an advert she spotted in the area, and today, she is a treasurer for FOML and runs a regular craft group.

She added: "There is poverty in The Meadows, and buying a book is a big undertaking for some families, but they bring their children along and their grandchildren along, and they learn how wonderful stories can be.

"There aren't many places in The Meadows where they can go now."

A spokesperson for Nottingham City Council said: "We are thrilled to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Meadows Library.

"For a century, this library has been a beacon of knowledge, learning, and community spirit.

"It has provided excellent resources, support, and a welcoming space for residents of all ages.

"Well done and thank you to the dedicated library staff and FOML, who have made the library the fantastic place it is."

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