Huddersfield Foreign Library Society Archive

The collection records the names and literary interests of immigrants to Huddersfield, mostly from Europe, in the mid nineteenth century and comprises the administrative documents including letters, minutes of meetings, membership records including subscription books, membership cards, receipts, fines, balance sheets, catalogues, letters and advertising documents.

The Foreign Lbrary was formed in Huddersfield in 1851. Subscriptions were paid annually and membership was open to Ladies on the same terms as other subscribers. Letters in the collection indicate the Society was part of the Foreign Library, London where it obtained parcels of books and returned them after use. The Catalogue and Rules of the Huddersfield Foreign Library, May 1855 indicate the Library was open 'for the issue and return of Books daily, during business hour at the premises of Mr. Wheatley, Bookseller, New Street'.

Original available for consultation by appointment

Correspondence in 1870 reveals the proposal to close the society, due to the reduction in the number of subscribers, and to transfer it to the Literary and Scientific Society. The Foreign Library Society was incorporated into Huddersfield Technical School and Mechanics' Institute in 1883/4.