Values of a Community Library

Written by Ann MacGillivray

I grew up mostly in Bitterne Park and first remember the value of Cobbett Road Library to my Mum who was restoring an MG Racing car, there was only ever 21 of this vehicle originally made and only 7 left in the World when she started the project. My Mum was used to the mechanical side of a vehicle having been a driving instructor on lorries whilst in the TA Territorial Army during the WW2. After the War many occupations that were filled by Women were handed back to Men. Women were consigned to housework duties. The value of Cobbett Road Library to my Mum was enormous in enabling her to pursue her interests outside of House Keeping. She finished the restoration of this vehicle a rare object at the time. I believe that it was eventually exported to another Country. Her experience with the Library absolutely Priceless. 

Photos courtesy of Ann MacGillivray