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Perambulate library 1857
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Perambulate library 1857
A Gentleman travelling from village to village, wheeling a large box containing a supply of books to rural people. Once they had received their books he would take the next set that they had used to the next village, with a circle of eight villages, and when he finished he would go round again. This comprised of Ireby, Torpenhow, Bothel, Bolton, Low Houses, Sandal, Bolton Gate and Uldale. The plan was to give the rural readers some good literature, they would pay an annual subscription and receive a member-ship card to borrow books. Date: 1857
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Media ID 14271259
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1850s 1857 Borrowing Communication Libraries Literacy Mobile Travelled Travelling Villages Wheeling
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A Glimpse into the Past: Perambulating Library, 1857 This evocative image transports us back to the 1850s, a time when communication and access to knowledge were not as readily available in rural areas as they are today. The photograph depicts a gentleman on a mission to bring literature to the villages of Ireby, Torpenhow, Bothel, Bolton, Low Houses, Sandal, Bolton Gate, and Uldale. He is seen here, in the heart of the countryside, wheeling a large, wooden box filled with books towards the next village. The concept of a 'perambulating library' was a pioneering initiative aimed at providing the rural population with access to good literature. The system worked on a circular route, with the gentleman making his way from village to village, exchanging used books for fresh ones. The villagers paid an annual subscription to become members and were issued membership cards, allowing them to borrow books at their leisure. The man in the photograph is likely to have been a librarian or a literate volunteer, dedicated to spreading the joy of reading in the remote areas. His travels were not only about delivering books but also about fostering a sense of community and encouraging literacy. The perambulating library was a vital link in the chain of communication between the rural population and the wider world. This photograph, taken in 1857, is a testament to the determination and vision of those who sought to bridge the gap between urban and rural literacy. It is a poignant reminder of the power of books and the importance of access to knowledge, even in the most remote corners of the British Isles.
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