The Public Libraries Act of 1850

It looked as though the public subscription libraries had had their day, but it took many years before free libraries were properly established. In reality it was the first legislative step to providing everyone with free access to information and books. The Bill was introduced five years after the Museums Act 1845, which empowered boroughs with a population of 10,000 or over to raise a halfpenny rate for the establishment of museums.

The Museums Act had been introduced thanks to the work of two members of parliament, William Ewart and Joseph Brotherton, who introduced the Bill for free public libraries. The Public Libraries Act became law in 1850, but like the Museums Act, it only applied to boroughs with a population of 10,000 or over. Borough Councils also had to obtain the consent of two thirds of their ratepayers, who voted in a referendum. Also a rate of no more than a halfpenny in the pound could be raised, and this money could not be used to purchase books. In 1853 the Act was extended to cover Scotland, and in 1855 the rate was increased to one penny, some of which could now be spent on books.

The penny rate was still inadequate to cover all the costs of local libraries, which still relied on some support from wealthy philanthropists. Many people were delighted with the free libraries because they were seen as a way of providing self-improvement through reading, for all classes

Adoption of the Act in Wolverhampton

Initially there was a lot of opposition to the opening of a free library in Wolverhampton and nothing changed for around fourteen years.

In 1860, the Mayor, Mr. B. Hicklin, attempted to have the Free Library Act adopted in Wolverhampton. At a council meeting, Charles Mander brought forward a resolution for its adoption and the resolution was carried by eighteen votes to thirteen. Many ratepayers were against the proposal and a public meeting was called in St. George's Hall.

Many of the large number of ratepayers present at the meeting were determined for the resolution to be dismissed.

When the resolution was proposed, there were loud cries and shouts from all parts of the room: "We don't want it, and we won't have it" and loud shouts of "No! No !" rose from all sides of the hall.

When the vote was taken, on a show of hands, hardly anybody voted for the resolution.

The opposition arose from a fear of increasing the rates to one penny in the pound.


Charles Mander.

Eight Years’ Delay

Eight years passed after the boisterous meeting in St. George’s Hall, before anything was done.

Since the meeting, the Working Men's College had closed, and members of the Mechanics' Institute could not continue any longer. A special meeting was held at the institute on the 28th August, 1868, to give support to the free library movement. The following resolution was proposed: That in the event of the Free Libraries Act being adopted in Wolverhampton, within six months of this date, this meeting empowers the committee to transfer the whole of the property of the members of this institute to the Corporation for the purposes of a Free Library and Reading Room.


Mr. A. C. Pratt.

 During the meeting, Mr. A. C. Pratt, a well-known journalist, made a practical suggestion. He said that the members of the committee must not wait to be led by others, but go to the people themselves. He suggested the formation of a working men's committee to visit workshops and factories, to hold meeting's of working men and explain to them the advantages which would be gained by themselves and their children, by the establishment of a free library in the town, and ask for their help.

The committee members were James Phillips (chairman), Dr. Pickett, R. Emery, W. S. Darkin (factory inspector), F. Yates, W. H. Colebourn, C. Price, C, Walker, James Mansell, Mr. Dawson, Hanson Griffiths, and A. C. Pratt (hon. Secretary)

Some of the workmen were formed into committees. These men were assisted by Messrs. W. M. Fuller, Mr. Philips, R. P. Walker, W. H. Colebourn, Mr. Walker, Mr. Price, and Mr. Picketts.

Mr. Pratt also visited local towns to discover how they had fared after adopting the Act and reported his findings at a committee meeting held at the institute on the 9th January, 1869. At the meeting, the proposal from the 28th August, 1868, for the transfer of the contents of the institute to the Corporation for its inclusion in a free library was unanimously agreed to.
A petition containing a large number of signatures was handed to the Mayor, Alderman Ironmonger, on the 12th January, requesting him to call a public meeting.

The petition had been signed by seven local magistrates, twelve clergymen, twenty nine town councillors, twenty two principal manufacturers and merchants, fifteen professional men, ninety four shopkeepers, and 980 skilled workers.

The Mayor complied with the request and arranged a meeting in St. George's Hall on the 8th February, 1869.


Alderman Ironmonger, JP.
The hall was crowded, and the Mayor and Town Clerk along with Sir John Morris, Rev. T. G. Horton, Rev. G. Everard, and other clergymen, together with several of the influential inhabitants, were present. The resolution that the Free Libraries Act (1855) be adopted by the Borough of Wolverhampton was enthusiastically carried.

The promoters were delighted with their success, and celebrated by holding a tea party in St. George's Hall, on Easter Monday, 1869. It was attended by about 500 working men and their wives.
   
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