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Copied from manuscript notes made in 1994 for an article for her History Group, sadly unfound - perhaps unfinished? Apparently taken from a wartime diary, also as yet unfound, of Olive Butcher nee Markley (my mother). Olive made a career in the library service but did not take her librarian exams until around 1968. She retired in 1978 and died in 1995. Had she been alive now she would have been very keen on this WW2 site.

1939

Period of ‘phoney war’ saw schools closed and children evacuated to the safer countryside. 15,000 children left.

1940 - 1944

Saw air raids and much damage to homes and properties etc. Fathers were away in the forces or on war work. Mothers were out at at work, perhaps for the first time ever. Many children who remained in or returned to London came to their local library after school (if it was open) as their homes would be empty until their mothers returned from work.

They grew to know each other and the staff and developed a ‘family life’ of sorts. They felt safe with us (library staff) and we all went to the cellar during air raids. As well as some lessons, competitions, quizzes, painting sessions and so on were arranged and enjoyed. I remember placing great emphasis on 'clean hands before touching books please!'

‘Pioneering’ work was done to establish children’s libraries at various branches and by 1943 there were 37 Children’s Librarians in England.

In 1941 books were issued for the air raid shelters in the Tube stations.

In 1943 the library started opening on Sunday mornings.

There was a fairly adequate supply of books until 1944.

End of notes made.

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