Putney Private Subscription Library

[dhhound]

In the W H Smith website there is a reference to a lending library

 http://www.whsmithplc.co.uk/WHSPLC-OC-History1.htm

"1860 WHSmith starts a lending library venture which lasts until 1961, when changing social habits bring it to an end. The firm acquires its own printing works. "

No list of stores that had them, but it would seem likely Putney was one.

[J from Canada]

Thanks to both of you for this intriguing idea! I know she never mentioned this to me but she could have forgotten it over time. It certainly sounds like a reasonable proposition given its location, the timeframe and information on the WH Smith's website. Sounds like an email to the headquarters of Smith's is in order!

I appreciate all input very much!

Warm regards,

J from Canada

[meles]

And I'll pop down the road and take the photo!

meles

[J from Canada]

Lovely, meles!   Thank you very much indeed!

PS I love your badger avatar!

J from Canada

[chasbaz]

Hope this works out for you, J.  As someone who used to work in Putney but is now an adopted Canuck I know what fun it is trying to do remote research. The great people at Rootschat are very helpful though, as always!

[J from Canada]

Thanks chasbaz! I completely agree! Rootschatters Rule!!

J

[dhhound]

Makes 3 Canucks who have a connection to Putney, I used to work just over the bridge.

[meles]

I popped there this morning. The shop front is different from those either side, and I can imagine those lovely big windows would have created a light room, suitable for a library. The room must have been double height.

I went inside, but the upstairs has the windows covered by shelving, and the room is now artificially lit. It is no longer double height. 

meles

[dhhound]

My contact in Putney sent me a picture of the 'Newnes Public Library' in the High Street next to the present public library. Not sure if it means anything.