2014

SJ9594 : Hyde Library

taken 10 years ago, near to Hyde, Tameside, England

This is 1 of 5 images, with title Hyde Library in this square
Hyde Library
Hyde Library
Hyde Library was originally Hyde Technical School and Free Library. It opened in 1897 replacing the former Mechanics Institute. LinkExternal link

In recent years the building was shared between the library and Tameside College but the college moved out and the library was extensively refurbished between 2006 and 2010 when a gallery to local artist Harry Rutherford. However in 2012 the gallery was moved to the Central Art Gallery in Ashton under Lyne. LinkExternal link (Archive LinkExternal link )

In the first round of "council austerity cuts" the public were presented with three "choices" regarding the future of library services. Smaller local libraries were closed in the light of promised improved facilities at main libraries such as Hyde. Now, in a new round of service cuts, the proposal is to move library services to the Town Hall. The plan is then to sell the library building.

SJ9594 : Side entrance to Hyde Library.
SJ9594 : Front entrance to Hyde Library.
SJ9594 : Free Library.
Hyde Free Library and Technical School

Hyde Library was originally Hyde Technical School and Free Library. The foundation stone was laid in 1897 and it opened in 1899 replacing the former Mechanics Institute. LinkExternal link

In recent years the building was shared between the library and Tameside College. The library was extensively refurbished in 2006 and a new gallery installed to local artist Harry Rutherford. However in 2012 the gallery was moved to the Central Art Gallery in Ashton under Lyne.

In a first round of "council austerity cuts" the public were presented with three "choices" regarding the future of library services. Smaller local libraries were closed in the light of promised improved facilities at main libraries such as Hyde.

At the beginning of 2015 despite earlier local protests the "library services" were transferred to a few cramped rooms inside the Town Hall.

Despite its historic importance to the town it is not a listed building and as the local council view it as an "un-used asset" its future is insecure and a future sale and demolition remains a possibility. A Facebook Group, Friends of Hyde Library LinkExternal link was set up to try and preserve the building as a facility for the town. In 2022 the building and surrounding land was put up for sale by tender.

See the original Victorian plans for the library on Old Hyde: LinkExternal link


Creative Commons Licence [Some Rights Reserved]   © Copyright Gerald England and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Geographical Context: Public buildings and spaces Former: College Date: 1897 other tags: Library Click a tag, to view other nearby images.
This photo is linked from: Automatic Clusters: · Hyde [362] · Starting [278] Other Photos: · Side entrance to Hyde Library · Front entrance to Hyde Library · Onward at Hyde Library · Minerva atop Hyde Library · A side view of Minerva Title Clusters: · Hyde Library [5] ·
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Grid Square
SJ9594, 1859 images   (more nearby 🔍)
Photographer
Gerald England   (more nearby)
Date Taken
Tuesday, 7 January, 2014   (more nearby)
Submitted
Wednesday, 8 January, 2014
Subject Location
OSGB36: geotagged! SJ 9502 9473 [10m precision]
WGS84: 53:26.9585N 2:4.5871W
Camera Location
OSGB36: geotagged! SJ 9500 9474
View Direction
Southeast (about 135 degrees)
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Image classification(about): Geograph
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