Dr Michelle Johansen
@historitage.bsky.social
Social historian, researching &
writing about British librarians & #PubLibs in the long nineteenth century. Learning & Outreach Manager at the Society of Antiquaries, London.
writing about British librarians & #PubLibs in the long nineteenth century. Learning & Outreach Manager at the Society of Antiquaries, London.
I’m researching those librarians who were employed in public libraries. Yes, they were called up or volunteered. Many librarians survived WW1, returning to their jobs after the conflict. Roles were kept open for them - & their institutions made much of their heroism in fighting for king & country.
December 14, 2025 at 9:27 PM
I’m researching those librarians who were employed in public libraries. Yes, they were called up or volunteered. Many librarians survived WW1, returning to their jobs after the conflict. Roles were kept open for them - & their institutions made much of their heroism in fighting for king & country.
Manchester, Norwich & Winchester were pioneers - but many other regions had to really battle to get the act adopted esp in London. Once the libraries opened though they were universally well received & almost always over-subscribed from the off. Crowd control was often needed!
November 2, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Manchester, Norwich & Winchester were pioneers - but many other regions had to really battle to get the act adopted esp in London. Once the libraries opened though they were universally well received & almost always over-subscribed from the off. Crowd control was often needed!
Matt, you spoke beautifully last night! I’m part way through my copy of Songs of Seven Dials and really gripped by the stories & characters. East End history, West End backdrop.
October 22, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Matt, you spoke beautifully last night! I’m part way through my copy of Songs of Seven Dials and really gripped by the stories & characters. East End history, West End backdrop.
Can’t wait to read this Matt - and I’ll be at the event too. Look forward to seeing you then!
September 22, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Can’t wait to read this Matt - and I’ll be at the event too. Look forward to seeing you then!
Any excuse! It’s so wonderful isn’t it?
September 22, 2025 at 7:26 AM
Any excuse! It’s so wonderful isn’t it?
Yes! Every Friday. Perhaps with those involved reading aloud from the volumes as they promenade through city & town centres…
September 21, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Yes! Every Friday. Perhaps with those involved reading aloud from the volumes as they promenade through city & town centres…
The corrugated plastic, lovingly tacked on with pins…the hand-drawn sign, the colour scheme carried across from the unit to the signage…it’s a real labour of love.
September 7, 2025 at 2:37 PM
The corrugated plastic, lovingly tacked on with pins…the hand-drawn sign, the colour scheme carried across from the unit to the signage…it’s a real labour of love.