History of the Library
History of Bishopsgate Library
Bishopsgate Library opened as part of the main Institute building in 1895. Originally
it was both a reference library and a lending library, with a reading room upstairs
where the Upper Hall is now.
The reading room had newspaper stands and tables to seat 250 people and was strictly
segregated with separate entrances for men and women. This room was closed during
World War II.
The legacy of Charles Goss
One man was instrumental in shaping the library as we know it today. In September
1897 Charles Goss began working as Librarian at Bishopsgate on a salary of £250.
He stayed in this post for the next 44 years, finally retiring in 1941.
Goss was a keen local historian, and thanks to him the library began its collection
of books and pamphlets relating to London. Goss also acquired the archives and
papers of George Howell and George Jacob Holyoake, two Victorian political activists.
The 'battle of the books'
Whilst working at the library, Goss became involved in a controversy known as
the 'Battle of the Books'. After years of thefts from the library he introduced
an indicator system and set up a closed access system. This meant that members
of the public had to consult a catalogue and ask to have a book fetched by staff
members if they wanted to borrow it. This scheme remained in place until 1946.
Goss's closed access system created a storm within the library world. It resulted
in Goss falling out with the Library Association and establishing his own rival
professional organisation, the Society of Public Librarians. The Society are pictured
on the left.
A dedicated reference library
In 1966 the Corporation of London took over the running of Bishopsgate's lending library. They remained here until 1996 when they moved to nearby Camomile Street. A Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant allowed for the refurbishment of the library at this time. The library has now been returned to its original appearance.
Moving the lending library allowed Bishopsgate Library to focus more on its own unique collections, and a second HLF grant enabled the conservation of some of these.
Since Goss's time Bishopsgate's librarians have continued to develop the collections and acquire archives. We now hold a broad range of books and pamphlets dealing with local and family history, particularly related to London, and 19th and early 20th century labour history.
