Letter: Hillsborough Library

Sheffield Council is planning to extend the historic Hillsborough Library, in Hillsborough Park, and improve the toilets.

Hillsborough Library in Sheffield is housed in the former Hillsborough House built by Thomas Steade, the walled gardens which still exist today formed part of the original house, being built to provide fresh produce for the kitchen.

The former stables round the back of the house have been restored into a fantastic cafe and community space, giving us for the first time in ages some public toilets in the centre of the park and are a fine example of what can be done in terms of restoring existing buildings (big hint to the council here regarding central library).

Dating from the 18th century, the oldest part of the building is now approaching 250 years old. I wondered if this could be the oldest building currently in use as a public library in the country? There is Cheatham's library in Manchester which is over 350-years-old and Leeds Library (a subscription library) pre-dates Hillsborough House by 11 years but neither of these are currently in use as public libraries. Answers on a postcard (or a letter to the editor).

Matthew Smith

Hillsborough, Sheffield, S6