Looking back at libraries in Kirikiriroa/Hamilton - Part 3
Toll-House Union Bridge Public Library
A Church of England Carnival Parade taking place in 1887. On the right is Hamilton's first official public library - a former toll collection building on the eastern side of the Union Bridge. Photo: Courtesy Alexander Turnbull Library HCL_00713.2
2023 marked the 30th year that the Central Library has been operating from our current location in Garden Place. We thought it would be interesting to look back at the history of our town and city libraries.
After the success of Mr. Trewheelar's Shop Library and the Hammond Circulation Library, interest and demand for a more permanent and substantial service was achieved. A library committee was formed in 1884 and on 10th October a reading room and library opened in the former tollhouse of the Traffic Bridge between Hamilton East and West. The books from Mr Trewheelar (Hamilton Literacy Association) were obtained and Hamilton East storekeeper Philip Le Quesne offered the use of his 150 books. The librarian lived on site in one of the small rooms, there were only two newspapers, and the subscriptions were not enough to cover expenditure, overall the library wasn't ideal.
The 1877 Public Libraries Subsidies Act offered an annual grant to libraries provided they offered free entry but charged a subscription of five shillings per annum. Hamilton was polled on adopting the controversial Act and on the 20th June 1888, it was adopted by the Borough Council. Hamilton’s first official public library was funded with a mixture of subscriptions, donations, grants, and the building was given free of charge by the Borough Council, but the library was once again short of funds.
The Comus Dramatic Club gave benefit performances and further donations were sought, but by 1896 the library was deteriorating, and a public protest was held. A new committee was set up to investigate and it was decided that a new building would be required with the continuation of the subscription system to pay for new books and the grants. The Council would look after the maintenance and running of the library.
Thanks to Bruce Ringer for information from his book “Hamilton Public Library a Brief History” Ham 027.49334 RING and the National Library website “Papers Past” https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers