A snapshot of another library ….

On Wednesday this week I went to London; among other things I went to the St Bride Library.  I have been wanting to go for a long time but I was ill prepared.  I work in a library reading room I should know it is not the place to go without preparation.  Fortunately, I was able to find my way around the database and look as if I knew what I was doing ; and locate books using a rather ‘different’ classification system.  So although at first  it seemed a pleasant place to rest after a long day in London ; I learned a lot especially that  the reading room is only open to the public on Wednesdays ; other times is by appointment. So it was a happy experience. I am also interested in chap books and there is an extensive collection there so next time there will be no awkward moments for me in the hushed and holy surroundings.

‘The St Bride Library Reading Room is part of the St Bride Foundation.  In the 19th Century, Fleet Street was the natural home for the printing school and the St Bride Foundation Institute was built both as an educational and social centre for the local workforce.  They benefited from the substantial library, training facilities and many additional features including a swimming pool.

Now the newspapers and printers have moved away, the St Bride foundation remains as a proud keeper of a unique collection and items relating to the craft of printing from more the 500 years of publishing and communication.’