Kents Bank Station Library is unique. It’s a library about railways – and transport generally – located on a working railway station. We are now part of the Beach Hut Gallery – a co-operative which supports great work by lcoal artists. The gallery has a selection of our books for sale, new and second hand.
We have a small group of patrons who include:
- Lord Hendy of Richmoand Hill, chairman of Network Rail
- Tim Farron MP
- Nina Lockwood, MD Intuitive Solutions
- Tim Owen, chair of Furness Line Community Rail Partnership
There is also the opportunity to show your support for the library by becoming a ‘supporter’ – see below for details.
The stock is based on the collection of Prof. Paul Salveson, founder of the ‘Community Rail’ movement but is gradually expanding thanks to generous donations from well-wishers.
The emphasis of the collection, comprising several thousand titles, is on the social history of railways – including rural and ‘community’ railways. But it covers all aspects of railways and transport, in the UK and abroad. It includes a growing number of children’s railway books.
Over the next few months we will be getting the collection into good order and beginning the lengthy process of cataloguing the collection.
We are open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11.00 to 16.00 (and bank holidays). Browse the collection, borrow up to three books and pick up a book bargain!
We have special open days on the second Saturday of every month, 11.00 to 16.00, with tea, coffee and cake. Sometimes we have a special theme e.g. ‘End of Steam Weekend’ on August 10th and 11th, marking the end of steam on BR on August 11th 1968.
Our ‘Mutual Improvement Class’ is on the second Wednesday of every month at 14.00 – we always have an interetsing speaker, talking on some aspect of rail history. Please pre-book as space is limited.
If you would to show your support for the library by becoming an official ‘supporter’ please see attached form – email or post it back to us.