The Portico Library
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The Portico Library
We were welcomed to the Portico Library in Manchester for an informal evening on the Friday to enjoy a glass of wine, or a soft drink, and nibbles. It was a chance to chat to members of the Portico and to those from other AIL libraries. Displays had been put out of some of the library's 'treasures', though most of us were wary of getting too close with a glass of wine in our hands, which kept being topped by Portico members, whilst they also answered any questions about the library.
Saturday morning saw 23 of us, representing ten of the 28 libraries of the AIL meeting for a day of talks and business. After coffee, Geoffrey Forster of the Leeds Library and Chairman of the Association welcomed us. We were then entertained and informed by Dr. David Thame, of the Portico, who gave us an impression of life in 1806, the year the Portico was founded. Ranging from the recent death of Nelson and the background of a country at war, through to glee clubs and the theatre, he painted a picture of Manchester and the wider world, using music and literature. We were fascinated by the image of ladies with dishevelled hair genteelly losing their minds, when crossed in love. This was followed by one of Muriel's justly famous buffet lunches. Lunchtime was an opportunity to compare notes with people from other libraries and exchange ideas.
In the afternoon the formal part of the day, the AGM, was conducted. Robert Anderson, our President being unavoidably absent, had sent his address to be read by Geoffrey. Thanks were expressed to the Portico for their hospitality, and to Krystyna Smithers and Robert Walker , as retiring Secretary and Treasurer respectively. In their place, Carol Allison from Bromley House Library, Nottingham, as Secretary and John Gale from Tavistock, as Treasurer, were elected. The Devon and Exeter Institute have offered to host the 2007 Annual Meeting, and plans are underway for the 2009 international meeting of Mechanics' Institutes, to be held at Bath.
We then listened to a talk by Bryan Haworth, of the Portico, on the history of the Library. The dual role of the Portico, as both library and club, and the conflicts that sometimes arose, came across clearly. Some of the librarians also came to an unfortunate end.
There was a guided tour of the public sculpture of Manchester by Terry Wyke. Unfortunately this coincided with the end of the football match, making the city centre a rather noisy and crowded place. Nevertheless we got a feel for the way sculpture had contributed to the development of the city centre. The cream tea back at the library, with homemade scones, was very welcome.
Those of us staying over to the Sunday were grateful to Emma for suggesting we avoid the city centre that evening and inviting us to her home for a barbecue, in the cool of her garden.
The Blue-badge tour of Manchester Town hall on Sunday morning gave us an insight into Alfred Waterhouse's architecture - the inside was impressive and elegant in both design and functionality. This was the last of the formal events of an interesting and successful weekend.
Just as important as the talks and visits was the opportunity to mix with staff and members of other libraries, to share ideas, encourage one another and talk about ways to work together. Independent Libraries inhabit a different world to other library sectors, and to move successfully forward in the 21st century without losing our rich heritage it is vital that we work together and support each other. Thank you to the Portico for hosting our Annual Meeting.