Librarian Records

Libraries have been established in  UK Towns  since the 1600's although few granted public access.

In 1850 the Public Libraries Act allowed towns to increase rates to pay for a public library and over the next 50 years there was a slow growth towards the establishment of free access to libraries for all.

Census returns will show the occupation of Librarian from 1851 onwards.

The main occupational body for librarians is the Library Association

The Library Association published an annual register of its members annually until 2000.

Every head librarian seems to have belonged to the Association which makes the record valuable if your ancestry includes a librarian.

Copies of the register are available from Public Libraries and can be bought at book shops.

Copies of  Library Association Registers for 1895 and 1899 are available to browse at  the Internet Archive