The Library in Orchard Road, 1959
By Pauline Maryan
Purpose-built in the 1930s, the single-storey library was demolished in the 1970s to make way for Lytton Way. Owing to the partial glazing of the roof, it could be uncomfortably hot in the summer and cold in the winter. The librarian for many years was Doris Baker.
During the Second World War it was used as an A.R.P. post.
This page was added on 21/02/2011.
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Yes I remember it well, often we were late bringing our books back and used to creep in put the books down on the counter and run before Scotty caught us. We also used to go to the railway bridge and wait for the steam trains to come. I believe it was the flying Scotsman and the golden arrow. We used to get engulfed in steam on the bridge.
Went back to visit on 10th March this year and was amazed at the new roads and underpasses. We stayed at The Abbington hotel and as lovely as it was there, the roads were terrible to cross to get to the underpasses. Love the old town and was born at 44 Basils rd next to Bosleys coal office and yard.
I lived very close to this (no. 15 Orchard Road). It was run by a large elderly dark haired lady, nicknamed ‘Scotty’. I went in there a lot, as a child (1960s). It had to be demolished for Lytton Way, and the library moved to to the High Street. Suspect that has long gone now.
I remember this place as a small child. What I recall was the complete silence observed! One was terrified to make the slightest sound. Libraries were quiet and bicycles stayed off the pavements. A safer and more peaceful time.
This was the Old Town library when I first came to Stevenage. Does anyone remember using this branch when it was in Orchard Road?