History of the Library
The Brynmor Jones Library has a rich history, shaped by decades of learning, research, and the vision of those who built and developed it.
1929
We begin our library history in 1929. Only a few months after the University College began operations in October 1928, its Library - the predecessor to the Brynmor Jones Library - opened its doors on 8th March 1929.
Agnes Cuming was the first Librarian, a post she held for 27 years.
When the Library first opened, full time registered students could take out 4 books at a time, and had to renew them after only 4 days. In the year ending July 31st, 1930, the library issued 6,007 books and 400 gramophone records. In the following year, 1931, the library issued 10,186 books and 507 gramophone records.
Library minutes 1928-1936
1939-1940
During World War II, the already small staff decreased to only two and the threat of bombing meant almost 32,000 books - around half of the library's stock - were removed from the library for safekeeping. They were categorised by how essential they were, with the most essential books staying in the Library and the less essential books moved to the Arts College on campus. Books sent to the Arts College were marked with a lowercase 'b' on their front cover (if you find this on any of the older books in the library today, then you know that it was moved to the Arts College in the 1940s). More valuable books were sent further afield to places such as Goodmanham, Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, and even Cambridge.
These books, and the locations they were moved to, were meticulously detailed by the Librarian, Agnes Cuming, and were returned to campus in 1945.
Resource: U LIB/2/77 Dispersal of the Library 1941/2
1951 - 1954
The Library gains its first proper entrance and issue desk.
The University is granted its Royal Charter on 6th September 1954. This made it only the 3rd University in Yorkshire and the 14th in the UK. A Royal Charter is a formal legal document, issued by the monarchy, granting rights to an organisation.
1955
When Agnes Cuming retired, there was still no purpose-built Library. Her sucessor, Philip Larkin, did, however, inherit 11 members of staff and around 125,000 books. Larkin went on to further develop the bookstock, and oversaw the re-design and construction of the library building you see today.
Philip Larkin, world famous for his poetry, such as The Whitsun Weddings and Bridge for the Living, served as the University Librarian for thirty years.
1967
Professor Brynmor Jones becomes chairman of the Library committee. He was also the Vice Chancellor of the University (1956-1972). In March 1967, the Council resolved that the Library should be named after Brynmor Jones in recognition of his University work, and in particular his support for the Library.
1969
Stage 2 of the Library, a nine-storey tower block, is opened in July. It was fully air conditioned, books were organised across six floors by subject and the periodicals floor had space for up to 10,000 current periodical titles.
1974
The University computer is installed in the Library basement. It takes up around one third of the entire space!
2012-2015
After extensive planning, the Brynmor Jones Library started its £28m re-development in the summer of 2012. It included a new Reading Room, which was re-created with the original lights from Larkin's day, an Art Gallery and Exhibition Hall.
This was completed in 2015 with the Library being offically re-opened by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.
