Description:Who were the people using Handsworth Library in the late nineteenth century?
Until 1902 the Annual Report recorded the trades of borrowers. 'Scholars and students' were always the largest group. There were generally more females than males. There was a variety of trades; from chandelier makers to engineers to musicians. Handsworth is close to the Jewellery Quarter in Hockley, so there were always jewellers, goldsmiths and silversmiths. Initially few trades were listed for women, the majority being listed as 'Ladies - no occupation.' New trades appeared; in 1898 there were two (male) electricians, in 1900 there were two female telegraphists, and four typists.
A Handsworth Chronicle reporter describes two of the borrowers in February 1890:
One little fellow, apparently of about 12 summers, is in dire distress. The long sought for treasure is in the hands of another borrower, and he is perforce compelled to make another selection...
Here, standing in the porch, is a young lady wading through the last chapter of an exciting novel, which for the purpose of this article shall remain nameless. Inferentially the time allowed for reading has expired, and she has not reached the climax of all climaxes in the book, where 'they marry and live happily ever afterwards,' beneath which is usually inscribed the comforting announcement 'the end''.
(The reporter then goes into the Reading Room):
'I put the man I see by the cheery fire as an unemployed. He is poorly clad, and his weather-beaten features tell of many a storm bravely battled. To him the shelter afforded by the reading-room is an oasis in his desert life.'