Bridgend Library
Wyndham Street, Click here for streetmap showing library location Tel: (01656) 754830 |
Local Links: |
Opening Hours |
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Monday |
09.30 - 18.00 |
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Facilities:
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People's Network facilities:
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Reading Group
The group meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 2pm
November 2nd |
December 7th | |
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Hothouse Flower by Lucinda Riley |
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January 4th |
February 1st | |
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The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett |
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak | |
March 7th |
April 4th | |
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The curious incident of the dog in the night by Mark Haddon |
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May 2nd |
June 6th | |
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Death in Holy Orders by P. D. James |
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July 4th |
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by Rosamund Lipton |
Storytime
Saturdays |
2.15pm - 3.00pm |
Bounce and Rhyme
Baby bounce and rhyme session
First Monday of every month |
11am - 12pm |
100 years of Bridgend Library
On August 28th 1907 Bridgend celebrated the opening of a brand new purpose built public library.
The festivities were lavish and included a choir, speeches by local worthies and the presentation of a commemorative volume to J. M. Randall, the estate manager to Lord Dunraven who had provided the land for the new library. The opening marked a new chapter in the provision of books and reading to the masses. Since the 1820s there had been attempts at providing working people with improving literature and journals through various societies and organisations. However it was not until 1901 with the adoption of the Free Public Libraries Act that a true public library service was begun. |
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The library committee headed by Michael Davies organised the purchase of the Mechanics institute's supply of books and a lending library was opened in a room in the new town hall. |
Although this was an improvement on previous arrangements, it was clear that the limited space and stock of books was far from ideal for the needs of a growing population. So began Michael Davies' campaign for a purpose built library for the town. After approaching Andrew Carnegie and receiving the sum of £2000, the committee secured land from the Earl of Dunraven who defrayed three quarters of the cost, leaving one quarter to be raised by public subscription. After a competition to design the library was won by local architect P. J. Thomas building work began in earnest and was completed two years later. |
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As the Glamorgan Gazette reported at the opening, the new free public library was a fine addition to the town and marked the culmination of the campaign to provide education and learning for the people of Bridgend.
Glamorgan Gazette article 30th August 1907
- Last Updated: 14/10/2011
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