Gibson Library Society In addition to our regular programme of lectures and zoom talks, the Society has been involved in several 'outreach' events. Committee member Kelly Cole gave an illustrated talk to Radwinter Women's Institute, and later hosted a visit to the Library by some of their members.
I gave an illustrated talk in the United Reform Church hall to Saffron Walden WI, and Sarah Turpin and I hosted a visit of 3 groups of Geography A level students from the County High School (approx 50 students) for a short talk and display of books and maps on the growth of Saffron Walden. (This is becoming an annual event).
Sarah and I also held an evening event for about 15 invited local Artists, giving them a chance to see some of the inspiring books and other illustrative material in the collection. Originally scheduled for November, this had to be re-organised a short notice because of the Library closure, but was successfully held at the start of the New Year. This was the first of a series of 'subject' evenings we hope to put on, including a second artists' evening for the many local artists who were unable to attend the first session.
Grants receivedA grant was received from Uttlesford District Council for the purchase of up to-date audio-visual equipment to enable easier outreach in the form of talks to other organisations. The equipment includes the purchase of a large portable screen, a projector stand, a new compact digital projector and also a new laptop computer with supporting software. The purchase of the laptop also enabled us to change our email host, with a small annual cost saving.
We are also grateful to the Gibson Walden Fund, who regularly make a donation to the Gibson Library in respect of the rebinding of special items. These are usually books once owned by the Gibson's or other founders of the Library, or about the local and civic history of Saffron Walden, in need of repair or conservation.
Book bindingDuring the last 12 months, our regular bookbinder, Clive Bovill decided rather suddenly to retire, which resulted in a hiatus in our regular programme of rebinding. We have recently, however, visited the Cambridge bindery operated by J S Wilson, and left a consignment with them for pricing, and hope to resume our regular programme in the near future.
VolunteersVolunteer work in the library has been disrupted by the closure, but has continued when time and space have permitted, we have welcomed David Pearl and and Ian Willard to our numbers. Other members who undertake regular volunteer roles within the Library include Margaret Graves, Richard Woods Peter Walker, Charles Reese, Pat Gregory and Gillian Brooker. Lucy Keck, a recent graduate volunteer, who is hoping to make a career in Libraries or Archives, has been working in the Gibson Library on a range of topics, and has also been provided with training opportunities which we hope will help her develop her future career.
Donations (1)During the past year, in addition to a number of small donations, larger donations on a variety of subjects have been received from Nigel Weaver, and Clare Webber, and also from the collections of the late Geoff Ball (mainly on the history of agriculture and landscape via his daughter Colleen Alexander) and the late John Nicholson, (author and pioneer 'small press' publisher who lived in and around Newport for many years, via his niece, Jessica Rush).
Donations (2) Edward Charlesworth CollectionHugh Torrens, a historian of geology and palaeontology, and Emeritus Professor of History of Science and Technology at Keele University, gave a lecture to the Society on the controversial Victorian Geologist Edward Charlesworth, who lived in Saffron Walden. Over the last year of so, his collected papers on Charlesworth have been transferred to the Gibson Library, where they have already attracted attention from researchers. Volunteer Richard Woods has been carefully listing the contents, assisted by Museum volunteer, our member Dominic Davey.
Lost WaldenIn the autumn, Martin Turnbull and John Tennant published a book of Saffron Walden photographs entitled "Lost Walden" featuring photographs selected from the Gibson Library's photographic collections, and photographs from the Museum's collection. Profits from the sale of the book will be split equally between the two institutions.
RAACUndoubtedly one of the biggest problems we have faced during the year has been the closure affecting Saffron Walden Library because of the discovery of potentially dangerous use of RAAC concrete in the converted Corn Exchange. This resulted in two complete closures in November and March/ April and the much longer partial closure of the gallery upstairs in the Corn Exchange. This in turn resulted in the loss of direct access to the Gibson Library via the main staircase and the lift, and also to the Archive Access Point resources and to the many books from the Gibson Library shelved on the gallery. Not only has the number of research enquiries fallen, but also the number of loans made to Essex Libraries readers from the Gibson Library's lending collection been heavily reduced. The closures also necessitated several changes to the Society's programme.
Essex County CouncilPersonnel changes, and a management restructuring programme have made communications difficult during the year, causing a slowdown of some of our activity. On a positive front, the County Council, acting as the Trustee for the Gibson Library has at last submitted the long-overdue accounts to the Charity Commission. The Count Library service has also appointed two new mangers and we look forward to working with Clive Armitage, the Library Service Area manager, and Matthew Hayden, Library Service Team Manager.
At this point I would like to thank Sarah Turpin, the member of staff at Saffron Walden Library who works most closely with the Gibson Library and with the Library Society, her cheerful support over the year has underpinned the work of the Library Society, and helped us overcome some of the difficulties I have mentioned above!
The Gibson Library Society CommitteeDuring the year two new committee members have been co-opted, Barbara Light, who brings experience of local government and working as a Trustee of the Saffron Walden Museum Society, and Martin Turnbull who brings the knowledge and experience of working in printing and publishing. As co-opted members they are not trustees or voting members of the committee.
It also with regret that I have to announce the resignation of Gillian Williamson from the Committee and from her role as a Trustee of the Society. For many years Gillian has proved to be the ideal Society secretary - always prepared, and also not frightened to take on new and difficult tasks, or to give me the regular prompt I need to get something finished! She has helped to organise several exhibitions with Kelly and Ljiljana, most noticeably the successful talk and exhibition about the 17th/18th century Recipe book at the end of last year. All while pursuing an academic career including the publication of two important books. It is with considerable relief that Gillian informs me that she is willing to undertake some future projects for the Society.
Looking forwardRecent events and cultural changes suggest that the Society may have develop new ways of working in order to attract a wider number of users, and I will be bring forward some suggestions for the the committee to consider over the coming months.
Among many of the projects we have been working on for some time, is a book about the Gibson Library and its collection, written by local author and member Clare Mulley. I am pleased to be able to report that this is near completion and that we are tentatively talking about publication and launch date in late June. The book has been beautifully designed by Clare Webber, with many illustrations selected from books in the Library to accompany a lively and informative text.
Lastly I must thank the committee, our volunteers and all our members for the support given to the Gibson Library over the last twelve months.
Martyn Everett,
Chairman, Gibson Library Society, May 2024
Return to the AGM 2024 page.
